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From McLaren

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, McLaren will showcase a selection of legendary models from the company's heritage collection at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, including the stunning M8D.

Alongside some of the most famous race- and championship-winning models from the brand's illustrious past will be the latest model from McLaren GT which echoes a name with significant links to McLaren - the 12C GT Can-Am Edition - which will thrill crowds as it takes part in the run up the Goodwood Hill.

Photo: McLaren

The McLaren name is synonymous with Can-Am racing throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with the McLaren Racing team claiming five back-to-back world championships between 1969 and 1974, making it the most successful team in the history of the championship.

Photo: McLaren

The original McLaren Can-Am racers were campaigned by great names from motorsport history including Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, and are the inspiration for the 12C GT Can-Am Edition.

Photo: McLaren

The track-only 12C GT Can-Am Edition will be produced in strictly limited numbers, with no more than 30 being built globally. This exclusivity is fitting for the most powerful 12C produced to-date - a worthy tribute to the first McLaren model to wear the Can-Am name since 1972.

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed Toro Rosso's goal is to beat Williams and Sauber in 2013.

Last year, the second Red Bull team beat only the three newest teams on the grid - Caterham, Marussia and defunct HRT - but already this season Toro Rosso has more points than established duo Sauber and Williams.

"For now, our goal is to match and maybe beat the Williams and Sauber (cars)," Australian Ricciardo is quoted by Italiaracing. "At the moment I think Force India is too far away: it is a very fast car compared to ours."

Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Daniel Ricciardo, 23, has taken a feisty approach so far to his battle this year with teammate Jean-Eric Vergne.

But the Australian said he has the tension under control.

"There is obviously competition between us, but we are working together to develop the car," he insisted.

For the Toro Rosso pair, 2013 could be remembered as a true 'win or lose' contest.

Mark Webber's potential departure could open up a seat at the main Red Bull team, but one of the duo could be shunted aside altogether to make room for the energy drink company's latest young hotshoe, Antonio Felix da Costa.

"It's true," Ricciardo admitted, "there is always great pressure on us, but we're used to it. We are the best, we are in F1, we are part of a group like Red Bull, so we can't afford to make mistakes. If I'm not good enough, it's right that there's trouble for me. It may sound harsh, but it's the law of the sport and we know how it works."

Price Range: $82,300 and up

Description: For driving enthusiasts of the most discerning variety, the BMW 3-Series Cabriolet is a car missing two little touches: a colourful little “M” badge on the trunk, and a high-strung little V8 that shrieks to a staggering 8,500 rpm.

Enter the ">2013 BMW M3 Cabriolet: the ultimate culmination of 3-Series performance and top-down driving thrills.

With the promise of generation's worth of motorsports engineering and research built into this highly exclusive package, the 2013 BMW M3 is a car like few other performance cars on the road. The extra power from its 4.0L engine is backed by aerodynamic and cosmetic upgrades, exclusive interior treatments, numerous track-validated chassis upgrades, and a wide range of support systems to help drivers extract maximum performance with minimal effort in the 2013 BMW M3.


Drivetrain: The latest M3 powerplant is a 4.0L V8 that develops 414 horsepower and nearly 300 lb-ft of torque while en route to a screaming redline approaching 8,500 revs. Variable valve timing, direct injection and spark plug mounted oxygen sensors help constantly fine-tune and analyze the combustion process for maximum performance and fuel efficiency.

Six-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmissions are available, and all 2013 BMW M3 variants are rear-wheel drive.

Consider it if: you're after a four-seat convertible that's nearly unrivalled in its blending of premium comfort, technology, and blazing performance for the money. Additionally, since the BMW M3 can be “fine-tuned” to the driver's exact tastes, it's easy and docile in daily commuting as needed, despite concealing a track-attacking onslaught of engineering efforts.

Skip it if: a radar detector is illegal in your province, or you don't have many demerit points left on your license.

Other Notes: The 2013 BMW M3 will get that for you -- whatever it is. Automatic lights, wipers, climate control, and seat-positioning memory function all self-activate and regulate, leaving drivers to simply sit back with the roof down and take in the sweet sound of combustion in their ears.

Navigation, Bluetooth, and premium leather seating surfaces are all on board for a high-tech, high-class atmosphere, and the iDrive system in the 2013 BMW M3 lets drivers manipulate hundreds of vehicle functions with a few millimeters of fingertip movement.


Don't Miss: the “M” button on the steering wheel. Press it and a fully customized vehicle dynamics program is called into action in mere milliseconds, putting the M3 on notice that the driver is after some thrills.

The driver can pre-program settings assigned to the M button, selecting various modes for steering, gearshift speed and harshness, suspension stiffness, steering calibrations, rear differential lockup factor, and more.

Also, be sure not to miss the active tachometer that changes its yellow and red segments based on oil temperature and suggests earlier upshifts until the engine is hot. An LED shift indicator, built into the top of the trim ring around the tachometer, also gives drivers a visual countdown to their next upshift at full throttle, without having to take their eyes off the road.

Photo: BMW

Succumbing to the need for a minivan doesn't have to mean relinquishing your manhood and everything that makes you an interesting human being. Seriously. “Minivan” is almost as dirty a word as “station wagon,” when it comes to family vehicles, but it doesn't have to be. Just because you need a practical, seven-seater-plus ride with plenty of cargo space and amenities to the nines doesn't necessarily mean you have to skimp on performance, driveability and vehicle appreciation.

Our latest comparison drive proved just that. Minivans can be cool, even fun to drive, and there are a few viable options out there, even for the most discerning minivan shopper. From the go-to, has-everything-for-a-great-price model to one that could carry a prestigious badge, there may not be a plethora of options but there are options.

Why the urge to do a minivan comparison drive? Well, after looking around the office at the half-dozen employees who actually own late-model Dodge Grand Caravans, we got to thinking: What about the others out there? So, we looked to the numbers (as you do); for 2012 minivan sales, the results were staggering. The Dodge Grand Caravan outsold its three competitor's combined sales by nearly 250%.

Add to the fact that two of the comparison drive's three testers have young families and we had the perfect combination for a minivan drive day. Armed with two baby seats (two children under the age of 2), two strollers, two golf bags, and a bike we embarked on the day's drive in the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Plus, the 2013 Honda Odyssey Touring, and the 2013 Toyota Sienna SE.

Noticeably absent from the drive was the Nissan Quest. Why? Unfortunately, the Quest was unavailable on Nissan's press fleet at the time of our drive.

Since the Dodge Grand Caravan has been the bestselling minivan for some time, and is one of the top 10 bestselling nameplates in Canada, we wanted to remind ourselves how good it really was, and given there are so few options out there in the minivan segment, we also wanted to see who came out on top.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

Continue reading 2013 Minivan Comparison Drive

From GMM

Nico Rosberg thinks his voice is now heard more loudly at Mercedes following the departure of seven time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Although German Rosberg generally outperformed Schumacher during their joint tenure between 2010 and last year, the 27-year-old suggested he wielded less political power.

Asked if his role has changed since Lewis Hamilton signed up for 2013, Rosberg told Austria's Krone newspaper: "Yes, a lot. I now have a stronger voice, and for me it's been a great process in which I can help Mercedes to become the best team."

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG W04. (Photo: WRi2)

Nico Rosberg said being friends with former karting teammate Hamilton has also been a help, because finding common ground within the team is "easier".

Having secured pole in Bahrain but fallen through the field with overheating tires, Rosberg said he is looking forward to Barcelona next weekend.

"A lot," he told Osterreich. "I was fastest there in winter testing. I am confident we will sort out our tire problems."

Price Range: $25,950 and up

Description: With an eye for sporty driving, the two-seater MINI Cooper Coupe is the lightest and most agile model in the MINI lineup. Iconic MINI design elements are applied to this striking new model, which features a steeply raked rear windshield, tapered roofline and self-deploying rear spoiler. Projector lights, large alloy wheels and any combination of stripes, colours and chrome the owner likes are all part of the package.

Best of all, with three models to choose from (MINI Cooper Coupe, MINI Cooper S Coupe or MINI John Cooper Works Coupe), there's a model that's just right for virtually any need or budget. Of course, MINI's exhaustive range of accessories and custom touches are available to shoppers after added exclusivity.

Photo: MINI

Drivetrain: All 2013 MINI Cooper Coupe models are powered by a 4-cylinder that drives the front wheels. Standard is a proven 1.6L, 121 horsepower mill that's available paired with manual or automatic transmissions. Step up to the Cooper S Coupe, and MINI tosses a turbocharger into the mix, bumping output to 181 horsepower and enabling 0-100 km/h sprints in as low as 6.9 seconds. The top-performing MINI John Cooper Works Coupe sees output dialed up even further, with output rated at 208 horsepower.

Consider it if: good on gas, fun to drive, instantly recognizable, and extremely sporty are descriptors on the wish list for your next ride. Also, especially in John Cooper Works trim, the MINI Cooper Coupe is ready for motorsports activities.

Skip it if: you need more than two seats, more than 208 horsepower or a highly spacious cabin.

Other Notes: Feature content? Oh, yes. Outside, look for chrome accents, projector headlights, a heated rear window, and fog lamps. On board, leather-wrapped accents, automatic climate control, mood lighting, and a full range of power accessories can be specified. Auxiliary audio inputs, Bluetooth, push-button start, and colour-keyed accents add connectivity, convenience, and style. Performance and visual upgrades from John Cooper Works can be added to any model.

Don't Miss: The twin-scroll turbocharger. This kicks in at a moment's notice with near-nil lag, translating into a seamless and robust power curve.

Torsional reinforcements have been incorporated into the bulkhead behind the front seats, which stiffens up the Cooper Coupe's body structure and increases agility and ride quality. The trunk behind this bulkhead is rated for 280 litres of storage space, and features a pass-through compartment for easy loading of larger or longer items.

A Sport button, available on select models, instantly dials in a more responsive steering calibration, more aggressive throttle-pedal response and a louder exhaust note.

The rear spoiler on the 2013 MINI Cooper Coupe auto-deploys to create additional downforce when drivers exceed 80 km/h.

Available bi-xenon headlamps provide world-class illumination after dark, utilizing xenon technology on both low and high-beams. Xenon produces a crisp, white light that's easier on the driver's eyes, translating into reduced vision fatigue on long trips after dark.

McLaren's Sergio Perez feels he has been freed up by his aggressive drive to sixth place in Bahrain

The Mexican endured a difficult start to his McLaren career, scoring just two points from the first three races of 2013. However, following the Bahrain Grand Prix where he finished sixth and comprehensively beat teammate Jenson Button, Perez commented the performance of the McLaren at Sakhir allowed him to push all weekend.

"It was a great weekend all the way through,” he said. “It was a very nice surprise for us to compete at the front."

He also believes that despite gaining some criticism from Button for his aggressive on-track moves in Bahrain, his performance was a turning point in his McLaren career.

"We've been through some very difficult moments but I think this is the start of our season.”

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

A study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute reveals that voice-to-text applications offer no real safety advantage over manual texting. While they allow hands-free control of smartphone functions and keep the driver's eyes on the road, these apps don't make people any less distracted, apparently.

The 43 research participants first navigated a set course without any use of cell phones. Then, each of them completed three more laps performing a series of texting exercises - once using each of two voice-to-text applications (Siri for the iPhone, and Vlingo for Android), and once texting manually.

As it turned out, driver response times were significantly delayed no matter which texting method was used. In each case, drivers took about twice as long to react as they did when they weren't texting.

For most tasks, manual texting required slightly less time than the voice-to-text method, but driver performance was roughly the same with both.

I personally own a Dodge Grand Caravan with Uconnect. The latter is great when making phone calls, since I don't have to pull over to dial the number. However, when the system fails to understand what I'm saying, even after a few repeats, I start to lose patience and pay less attention to the road, even though I'm staring at it.

As the study rightfully points out, drivers generally feel safer when using a voice-to-text application than when texting manually. Whichever method is used, though, driving performance is likely to suffer.

In the end, one must remember that voice command systems, while legal and helpful to a certain extent, can also be a source of distraction behind the wheel. They sure as hell don't make us perfectly safe, let alone invincible.

And please, take all the time you need to learn how these systems and apps work before you hit the road!

As if adding a Lamborghini Aventador wasn't enough to scare speeding drivers, police in Dubai can now also count on a brand new Ferrari FF to patrol the city's popular tourist areas.

The car, which sports the green and white of Dubai law enforcement, will be driven by female cops only.

Similar to the Lamborghini, however, the Ferrari will essentially do promotional work and won't actually chase down offenders; that job still belongs to a fleet of Camaro SS coupes.

Police in Dubai also have the support of powerful German sedans and Japanese-branded 4x4s -- a sign of the city's luxurious and prosperous living.

Source: libération

Together with Siemens, Volvo has developed a new 22 kW fast charger that allows the C30 EV to fully charge in just 1.5 hour using a three-phase outlet. The car also benefits from a more powerful electric motor and offers a total range of 164 kilometres according to the NEDC certification driving cycle.

Starting this summer, European leasing customers will drive and evaluate an upgraded demo fleet of 100 Volvo C30 EVs.

The new Siemens motor has a peak power output of 89 kW (120 hp) and a torque rating of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), with 0-70 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds.

“Adding the innovative fast-charging solution will radically improve the time and mileage for the daily usage of the car. [...] A quick 10-minute plug-in adds power for another 20 kilometres of driving,” says Lennart Stegland, Vice President, Electric Propulsion Systems, Volvo Car Group.

Photo: Volvo

From GMM

Luiz Razia is hoping to return to formula one by the end of 2013.

The Brazilian came tantalisingly close to making his grand prix debut this year, signing with Marussia but then losing the drive when his sponsors failed to pay.

Now, the 24-year-old has told Jovem Pan radio he is in talks with Force India about becoming a test and Friday practice driver.

"The possibility is there," said Razia. "Force India is very interested in doing this project. But - strangely enough - I need sponsorship. The team doesn't want to do something badly, they want a project for at least two years: this year building up to be race driver in the coming year. I need sponsorship. It's disappointing to have to rely on it so much to do our work professionally, but that's how it is."

Photo: WRi2

Razia denied that the Marussia episode has hurt his credibility and image, "Marussia was very convinced of me and so put me there without much security. But I believe Force India is going to want something more concrete. I don't think it hurt. The difficult part was only the situation. We had the option of going to Caterham, but we chose Marussia for two reasons: they had a better package while Caterham was focusing more on 2014, and because we had several meetings with Pat Symonds and he was very confident."

Razia said he is sure he could have emulated Jules Bianchi's feats, having impressed the F1 world by comprehensively beating teammate Max Chilton so far.

"For sure," he insisted. "It don't think that would have been a difficult goal for the season. I think Chilton has come into formula one too early, with not enough experience."

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Behind the wheel of a 2013 smart fortwo cabrio, you can enjoy the sun, easy driving, a surprisingly roomy passenger cab... all at an affordable price. This is topped, of course, by the car's unique look.

Cons
However, this mini-car is sold at the same price as a compact. The cabrio has a few more let-downs: it has a small trunk, it's a little anaemic power-wise and it's susceptible to crosswinds.

Price
The basic model, starting at $20,500, is generously equipped, including its 15-inch light alloy wheel rims, power windows, diurnal LED lighting, automatic climate control, silver grille and rear window defroster.

The brabus model is available for $23,900 with 15-inch alloy wheels in front and 17-inch in the back as well as a leather upholstered dashboard and heated seats.

Many exterior, interior, audio, safety features as well as operational and electrical equipment are also available.

Photo: smart

Fuel Economy
In the city, the 2013 smart fortwo cabrio has a fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km. This rating goes as low as 4.8 L/100 km on the highway, so overall, it averages around 5.4 L/100 km.

Exterior Styling
The mini-car measures just 2.69 metres in length. Front headlights, along with its two large rear lights, give it a striking demeanor. Fully automatic, the Tritop textile soft top comes in three different colours. With its black side air inlets and distinctive C pillars, the 2013 smart fortwo cabrio can't be missed.

Powertrain
The mini-car's engine is mounted in the back. The 1-litre 3-cylinder engine delivers 70 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission which features a manual mode.

Cargo Capacity
If you're just looking at the trunk, the storage area is only 220 litres. If you pile your groceries up to the roof, you'll get an 120 additional litres, so, 340 litres overall.

Safety
The 2013 smart fortwo cabrio is equipped with four airbags, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with hill start assistance, anti-lock brakes, an emergency brake assist, an automatic door-closing system and a crash sensor which activates the hazard lights..

Comparable Models
Fiat 500c

Photo: smart

*References
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.542
Crépault Michel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.534
www.thesmart.ca

From GMM

Toto Wolff has warned that the staff at Mercedes' Brackley headquarters are under pressure to keep their jobs.

Some of the team's British staff have been on site since Craig Pollock founded BAR in 1998.

The team then became Honda, then Brawn GP, and now Austrians Wolff and Niki Lauda have arrived to shake up the team following its first three years as Mercedes.

Wolff said one of the problems has been the staff's lack of "identity".

"I am trying to have them breathe it again. There are those who will respond, and those who will not," he warned in the Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.

Toto Wolff denied, however, that he is preparing to take a "terminator method" to his shakeup plans.

"I'm no terminator," he smiled, "but I would be wrong if I did not express my opinions and then take a success-oriented approach to my actions."

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

Carlos Huertas took his first career win in Formula Renault 3.5, this weekend at Motorland Aragon, in Spain.

Kevin Magnussen, who set the pole position in the first qualifying session, was dominant in race 1, taking win ahead of Will Stevens and Arthur Pic, while Antonio Felix Da Costa, who was dropped to the back of the field after a penalty in qualifying, failed to score any point.

Ahead of race 2, Norman Nato clinched his first pole position under the heavy rain of Sunday. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, he went wide in the very first corner of the race, therefore allowing Carlos Huertas into the lead.

Huertas eventually took his first Formula Renault 3.5 win ahead of Sergey Sirotkin and Stoffel Vandoorne.

Kevin Magnussen overhauled Stoffel Vandoorne for the points lead.

Race 1:
1 - Kevin Magnussen - Dams - 27 laps in 46'15"323

2 - Will Stevens - P1 by Strakka - 19"933

3 - Arthur Pic - AV Formula - 21"266

4 - Sergey Sirotkin - ISR - 23"601
5 - Norman Nato - Dams - 24"398
Etc.

Race 2:
1 - Carlos Huertas - Carlin - 14 laps in 33'19"005

2 - Sergey Sirotkin - ISR - 11"921

3 - Stoffel Vandoorne - Fortec - 16"429
4 - Will Stevens - P1 by Strakka - 24"691

5 - Nico Muller - Draco - 26"826
Etc.

Championship:
1.Magnussen 63; 2.Vandoorne 59; 3.Pic 35; 4.Da Costa 31; 5.Sirotkin, Stevens 30, etc.

Honda claimed its first WTCC win when Gabriele Tarquini crossed the finish line of race 1 in first place at the Slovakia Ring.

Honda's WTCC squad had a tough beginning of the season in Monza and Marrakech, but was dominant in the third round of the season in Slovakia, claiming 1-2-3 in qualifying with Gabriele Tarquini, Tiago Monteiro and the semi-private Honda Civic driven by Norbert Michelisz.

Gabriele Tarquini, Honda Civic (Photo: WTCC)

The race ended in the same order for the three Honda men.

In race 2, Tom Coronel started from pole position, and drove his BMW 320TC to the win, ahead of Yvan Muller (Chevrolet) and Tarquini. Yvan Muller still leads provisional championship classification, 24 points ahead of Tarquini.

President Barack Obama is expected to nominate Charlotte, North Carolina, Mayor Anthony Foxx, a Democrat, to lead the Transportation Department. Foxx would replace Ray LaHood, who is stepping down.

Nissan is joining General Motors and Tesla Motors, the largest sellers of rechargeable autos in North America, in promoting the money-saving benefits of battery-powered cars over saving the planet.

Volkswagen may cut temporary posts in response to Europe's weak market but won't close factories or reduce its permanent workforce, CEO Martin Winterkorn said.

Audi is eagerly waiting the 2013 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

The Ingolstadt firm won the weekend's second round of the VLN championship, considered by many as a dress rehearsal of the great 24-hour race.

Marcel Fässler and Frank Stippler were the drivers behind the wheel of the winning G-Drive Racing Audi R8 LMS. Fässler and Stippler mastered tricky weather conditions, which at the Nürburgring are no rare sight.

Markus Winkelhock, Audi R8 LMS (Photo: Audi)

Meanwhile, fellow Audi drivers Markus Winkelhock and Johannes Stuck were attending a press conference in Cologne, presenting the fleet of Audi cars entered in the race next month.

The 41st edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is to be held May 19-20.

Kevin Harvick blasted from seventh to first on a two-lap dash to the checkered flag on Saturday night in Richmond.

It was his first points win of the year. He won the non-points Sprint Unlimited at Daytona in February.

"That was a heck of a first lap of the restart," the Richard Childress Racing driver said. "I thought that the outside line might have the advantage because it had a couple of guys with new tires in the second row, and lined up on the outside.

"But the two tires - these cars drive a lot off the left rear - and we only took two tires, and they didn't get that great of restart but my car launched, and I was able to drive it in the first corner and hope for the best down there. I figured four, eight, 12...how many ever tires that were on the outside of me would be better than none. It all worked out, and here we are."

Kevin Harvick, Richmond International Raceway (Photo: Kevin Harvick)

The race all-but-belonged to ex-Formula One driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, who was still looking for his first oval win in NASCAR until Brian Vickers smacked the wall with two laps to go bringing out the final caution which erased his lead.

All the Colombian native could do was laugh it off. "Yeah, we made the right calls when we pitted and when we stayed out and everything, but we got that caution at the end and it was a no-brainer to take tires," said Montoya.

"And I think what hurt us is we restarted on the outside and when you restart on the outside and people got really bad tires, everything packs up. And when you're on the outside, you can't; you know, where are you going to jump?"

Montoya had been holding off Kurt Busch who was having one of the best runs the one-car Furniture Row Racing has had. But Harvick got around Busch before the last caution on fresher tires.

''I was in an awesome run, waiting for the race to come to us. ... That green-white-checkered at the end, it's just chaos," Busch said. Busch bumped Tony Stewart and there was an after the-race exchange of words between the two former NASCAR champions.

Clint Bowyer was strong all night but used up his tires chasing pole sitter Matt Kenseth just before he got passed by Montoya. He finished second in a Toyota followed by the Ford of Joey Logano and Montoya who ended up fourth.

Bowyer was a little surprised at his late race comeback. "I think I was ninth on the final restart," Bowyer said. "There was a ton of chaos behind me, Tony got pissed and I ended up second. I would have liked to win but I'll take that."

Jimmie Johnson, who finished 12th , continues to lead by 43 points over Carl Edwards who finished sixth. Kasey Kahne, who crashed with Mark Martin, was running 21st at the checkers and is third in the standings three points behind Edwards.