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Despite the withdrawal of Arena Motorsport at the end of last season, two Ford Focuses will make their WTCC return later this season with Rotek Racing.

Rotek Racing, a team that usually races in VLN (a German GT/Touring Cars series which features races exclusively on the old Nordschleife circuit at the Nurburgring), purchased the existing cars from Arena Motorsport.

Ford Focus WTCC. (Photo: FIA WTCC)

Rotek Racing's aim is to make its WTCC debut in Portugal at the end of June.

American driver Robb Holland, who has made several appearances in WTCC and British Touring Car Championship last season, will drive the first car,  while his teammate still has to be announced. The objective is to run a 100% American team, and to move it to Sonoma, California.

Moreover, in an interview with German website Motorsport-Total, WTCC promoter, Marcello Lotti confirmed that Citroen, Renault and Subaru are in talks for a possible WTCC entry next year, with a final answer being expected in May.

Washing a car is a bit more complex than you think. It's not just about removing dust and dirt; you have to be thorough. If you skip or overlook certain steps, you increase the risk of damaging the body of your car.

Here are some useful tips when it comes to exterior car care:

Rinsing
First, you need to hose the entire car down before you start washing. Ideally, you should use a pressure washer and aim at every square inch of the car, including the wheels, in order to dislodge sand and small rocks that could later become trapped in your wash mitt.


Wash mitt
The mitt has to be immaculate before you start massaging the body panels, windows, and wheels. Rinse it off regularly throughout your car wash. You'll avoid scratching the paint with the very same rocks you were so focused on rubbing away if you do.

Washing product
The product itself is actually less important than the technique. Pick the washing product that suits you best, preferably with a waxing agent incorporated into the mix. Some people even use dish soap (in liquid form, of course) and get superb results. Whatever you do, never wash a surface that you haven't previously hosed. When you're all done, thoroughly rinse your car.

Drying
This step is just as crucial as washing. Use a super-clean chamois, terrycloth or microfiber towel to dry your car; otherwise, you'll spread any remaining dirt over the body, which will leave stains. Also, it's better to purchase a single premium chamois than a bunch of cheap ones. This piece of cloth should easily absorb water, prevent streaking, and leave no residue.

Additional protection
Your car originally came out of the factory with a clear coat that deteriorates over time. Waxing or polishing the body panels helps restore this protective coat.

Waxing
Car wax can be either liquid or cream. It penetrates every tiny crack and evens the surface. Waxing can be performed on a regular basis -- just follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Polishing
Not unlike sanding, car polishing is about using an abrasive compound to remove a thin layer from the clear coat that protects the paint, resulting in a fresh new surface. A waxing agent is often blended in to get the desired shine. Polishing typically involves older, more deteriorated body paint, and is best left to a professional.

More tips...
Avoid washing your car under the sun -- we can't stress enough how important a cold, wet surface is. The hot sun may dry out your car before you even start washing it, and you're sure to create more harm than good.

Also, remember to wash the interior door panels and the inside of the trunk lid. Use a separate cloth so as not to get grease on your wash mitt, and let these surfaces dry completely to prevent moisture from generating rust -- leave your doors and trunk open to allow for drying.

Finally, keep in mind that dark body paint requires more attention and care than light as it tends to show more imperfections and dirt.

Price Range: $98,800 and up

Description: The BMW 6-Series is now in its second generation, offering more performance, style, and selection than ever before. With both Coupe and Gran Coupe variants of the hardtop model available, as well as a fire-breathing M6 variant of each, the BMW 6-Series is all about giving discerning shoppers access to a one-of-a-kind motoring experience that matches their individual tastes.

Choose the 2013 BMW 6-Series Coupe for the ultimate in sumptuous two-door luxury with accommodation for four adults. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe adds another set of doors (for four in total) to enhance utility while maintaining the discreet and graceful lines that define the 6-Series instantly wherever it goes.


Drivetrain: Standard 2013 BMW 6-Series Coupe and Gran Coupe models come with a 4.4L V8 engine utilizing variable camshaft management, direct injection and twin, inboard-mounted turbochargers to develop 445 horsepower and a massive 600 lb-ft of torque.

Expect 0-100 km/h in the sub 5-second range en route to a top speed of 250 km/h. An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters handles power output along the way, maximizing fuel efficiency in the process.

BMW's xDrive AWD system is also on board, invisibly powering all four wheels for the best combination of traction and handling agility.

Opt for the 2013 BMW M6 Coupe or Gran Coupe, and you get an M-tuned version of the 4.4L engine with an associated bump in power to 560 horses.

Consider it if: you're after top-line performance, luxury and style that's designed to stand out and get noticed. Since BMW 6-Series packs four seats and a generous trunk, it's also ideal as a long-distance traveler. The AWD system adds confidence in bad weather, so you can use your 6-Series year-round.


Skip it if: you're on a budget, as the entry price for the 2013 BMW 6-Series range approaches $100,000. That amount of coinage opens the door to a lot of other sexy and powerful machinery.

Other Notes: A drive-mode selector allows drivers to fine-tune their 2013 BMW 6-Series to their current needs and intentions, altering drivetrain, suspension, and steering characteristics in real-time at the flick of a switch. Plenty of at-hand storage within the cabin makes it easy to stay organized on the go. A partially digital instrument cluster can be customized to show a variety of different readouts, depending on the driver's preference.

Don't Miss: Opt for the M-Sport package in the 2013 BMW 6-Series to dial up looks, handling, and exclusivity with a bevy of uniquely sporty touches. Seats are available with a circulation-boosting massage function, and a night-vision camera system with pedestrian tracking is also available.

The 2013 BMW M6 models sport cross-drilled brakes with massive rotors to ensure consistently powerful high-speed stops. Self-sealing doors and push-button access are also available, depending on the model selected.

Further, an advanced parking system uses body-mounted cameras to simulate a “birds-eye” view from above the 2013 BMW 6-Series while parking, adding confidence in tight quarters.

Photo: BMW

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has rejected Tesla Motors' bid for a dealership licence, following the lead of several other states including New York and Massachusetts.

The DMV fears that issuing such a license would violate Virginia franchise law, which generally prohibits manufacturer-owned stores.

"We welcome Tesla to Virginia, but they too must abide by the laws like all other manufacturers and Virginia new car and truck dealers," said Don Hall, president of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association.

Source: Automotive News

From GMM

Mark Webber has scoffed at the suggestion he might one day beat Rubens Barrichello's all-time race record.

In the last couple of races, Australian Webber and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso surpassed the ultra-rare 200-grand prix barrier, which only a handful of drivers have ever reached in formula one history.

So might Webber, 36, now be eyeing Brazilian Barrichello's all-time record, which stands at 326 grands prix?

"I'll never reach it -- absolutely no chance," he told Austrian television Servus TV. "He drove over three hundred grands prix and was in formula one for 17 years -- a great career."

"But it's a long time. The record will probably last forever. Definitely I can't challenge it -- I'd have to still be here another seven seasons!" he exclaimed.

Indeed, some believe Webber will exit F1's paddock turnstiles at the end of this season, having been linked with Porsche's new Le Mans prototype project.

Mark Webber celebrating his 200th Grand Prix in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

As I put my “Which Car?” blog together recently, I hit a snafu. As much as I love me a new car (like most of you) my heart often belongs to an older, previous generation car or one that has long been extinguished by its maker.

To put it simply: If I were to win a sizeable chunk of change, I'd buy an incalculable amount of cars, old cars, new cars, lots of ‘em.

You'll have read words like these many times, but older automobiles have a different character, a level of innocence and a degree of simplicity that will never again be found in mass-produced cars. Ask anyone who owns one.

My heart currently belongs to my 1992 Volkswagen Jetta GTX and 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Spec R1 wagon. Although neither is excessively old, the most modern of features my cars have are ABS brakes (on the WRX only) and cruise control (yes, even on the Jetta...). The remainder of the man-machine interface resides between the man and the machine -- as it should.

Now about the money; I joke with my wife about having cars and car parts all over the front lawn, but it would happen. We'd have to sell the house in the city, buy a plot of land in the country and build a modest 2,000 sq-ft home and a less-than-modest 12,500+ sq-ft garage. In it would be lifts, tools, parts, and work stations. Why?

Because I love old cars, that's why.

I'm going to try and stick to the category/type descriptions I used for the new cars, but I make no promises:

• 1 car: Impossible. Well, I would settle for a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T...
• Convertible: 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata / 1962 Austin- Healey 3000 MKII
• Performance sedan: 1988 BMW M5 / 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS
• Performance coupe: 1986 BMW M6 / 1974 Volkswagen Scirocco
• Pocket rocket: 1990 BMW M3 / 1965 Barracuda Formula S
• Crossover: None old enough...
• Pickup: 1955 Chevrolet Pickup / 1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
• Performance SUV: 1992 GMC Typhoon / 2002 BMW X5 4.6is
• Luxury sedan: 1990 BMW 750i / 1963 Cadillac DeVille
• Exotic: 1982 Lamborghini Countach LP500 S / 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo
• Hot hatch: 1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI / 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale EVO
• SUV: 1981 Jeep Grand Wagoneer / 1971 International Scout II
• Wagon: So tough... 1977 Ford Country Squire / 1969 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (Any Vista Cruiser) / 1966 Volvo Amazon / 1989 Buick Electra Estate / 1966 Dodge Polara 880 station wagon / 1977 AMC Matador station wagon / 1984 Mercedes Benz 300TD Wagon / 1995 BMW 530i station wagon / and so on and so on...
• Oddity: 1960 Volkswagen Type II Bus / 1965 MGB GT
• Hybrid: Doesn't apply
• Micro car: 1962 BMW Isetta / 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
• EV: No such thing...

This list barely works. As I look it over, I can think of dozens more cars that I could add to it. I bet as you read the list you called out some yays and nays.
I invite you to share with us which cars you would get, and in what category, in the comments section below.

Photo: Ford

From GMM

Amid all the noise and criticism surrounding Pirelli's approach to formula one, the Italian marque has won the backing of Bernie Ecclestone.

Many drivers, experts, pundits and teams - and particularly world champions Red Bull - have been strong in their criticism of the 'show'-oriented formula created by heavily degrading control tires.

"If the tires lasted from January to December," F1 chief executive Ecclestone told Reuters, "there'd be something else to talk about. What is good about this (situation) is that it really comes back a little bit to what it used to be when the guys had to look after their brakes and gearboxes and things like that."

Photo: Pirelli

However, the tires wearing out quickly is arguably not even the major issue.

The biggest problem is that the teams and engineers do not understand how to make the tires work.

Red Bull complained loudly at the opening rounds in 2013, but then Sebastian Vettel utterly dominated in Bahrain.

"We had been really worried, but in the end it was actually quite easy," Dr Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung newspaper.

But on the sister car driven by Mark Webber - who "had to fight in the middle of the pack" - the tires "just fell apart", Marko explained.

It was a similar story for Nico Rosberg, whose Mercedes gripped perfectly to pole in Bahrain before the high temperatures on Sunday left him fumbling backwards through the field.

"We know the much cooler (temperatures in) Europe will be good for us," teammate Lewis Hamilton told German news agency DPA.

Agreed team boss Ross Brawn: "The tires are the same for everyone, but under these (hot) conditions we are just not as good as our competitors."

Photo: Pirelli

But it's not even as simple as getting clear air, or finding temperatures that suit the car-tire combination.

"I think these tires are very complex," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told British Sky. "When you're in the window ... then you can have a dominant display like we had (in Bahrain). But that window is very, very fine and if you're outside of it then you can be four or five-stopping."

Alex Wurz, a former F1 driver, doubts Red Bull really understands why it suddenly leapt into apparent dominance last weekend.

"If they do know, then they will be extremely strong until the end of the season," he is quoted by motorline.cc. "But sometimes it just happens and you don't know why. It's a science no one really understands."

Red Bull's Webber agrees on Servus TV: "The tires dictate everything. If you are not in the right working window, the laptimes fall into the basement. We've seen Lotus able to do two stop strategies, while Jenson Button has had to come in four times, even though he's known as a 'tire whisperer'. We are still in a learning process."

Photo: Pirelli

Adapted from press release

The day after the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Scuderia Ferrari engineers concluded the investigation into the failure of the DRS unit which badly affected Fernando Alonso's race.

"Analysis revealed that the problem was caused by the breakage of a mechanical component within the system. It's the first problem of its kind on this system seen in the three years during which it has been used. The failure is not something that causes concern for the long term, however, paying great attention to reliability must always remain at the highest level. It has often been the case that it takes only a small problem to prevent the car's full potential from being exploited," the press release says.

Fernando Alonso's Ferrari running with the inverted flap. (Photo: WRi2)

Team boss Stefano Domenicali said the problem was a reminder that while Ferrari had started the 2013 Formula 1 season with a quicker car than for several years, it could not afford to drop the ball on reliability.

“It's hard to recall a race where so many things went wrong,” commented Stefano Domenicali on his return to Maranello. “The DRS failure prevented Fernando, who yet again produced a great performance, from fighting Vettel for the win. Then for Felipe, there were the two tyre related problems that pushed him out of the points and prevented from getting the top five finish that was within his grasp. We had the potential to get these results, but we were unable to do so, partly because of external influences.”

“We must work with renewed attention on this front,” continued Domenicali. “We must also continue to develop the car and increase our understanding of the tyres, which is more crucial than ever this year. We believe in our ability to be in the fight for the titles right to the end and this time, we have been in that fight since the start, which has not been the case for a while. At the same time, we must be aware that in order to achieve our objectives, we have to be perfect in every area."

From GMM

Marussia has played down the impact of the withdrawal of a team co-owner.

It emerged this week that Lloyds, the part government-owned British bank, has sold its 25.3pc stake due to huge losses and the team's lack of results.

A spokesman told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt and the Telegraph newspaper that Marussia, the Russian carmaker, bought the Lloyds stake.

Chief executive Andy Webb denied the move is bad news for the Marussia team.

"In terms of stability, the team is now in its strongest position since it was founded in 2009," he is quoted by the Express newspaper.

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

From GMM

This year's young drivers test will take place at Silverstone in July, it has emerged.

Last year, the concept for giving young drivers a break into formula one amid the sport's tight testing regulations became highly farcical, with the running split over three different locations and dates.

But according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, the teams have decided on a common date for 2013.

The test will not, however, take place at the end of the season, and Abu Dhabi will not be the venue.

Rather, the teams will gather at Silverstone in mid July, just before the August or 'summer' break.

The three day test will take place between July 17 and 19, during the three week gap between the races in Germany and Hungary.

Esteban Gutiérrez au volant d'une Sauber à Abu Dhabi en 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Ford was sued by Pennsylvania car owners who said its hybrid models don't deliver on fuel-efficiency claims.

Cadillac coupes have always carried a certain degree of dignity and romance, often underlined with performance and imposing design. Think

The head of the UAW suggested German hourly workers at a General Motors plant should accept a deal they previously rejected in order to keep their jobs.

Workers at Opel's factory in Bochum, Germany, should accept a deal they previously rejected to keep their jobs, Bob King, the head of the U.S.-based United Auto Workers union, said.

Dom, Brian and the crew are back on May 24 for the sixth installment of and#8220;Fast and Furious.and#8221; After the insane Super Bowl commercial and

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has rejected Tesla Motors' bid for a dealership license. In a ruling issued Monday, Virginia DMV Commissioner Richard Holcomb turned down Tesla's request, which dates back to March 16, 2012.

Coming to America: Alfa Romeo 4C

A look at the car that brings back the brand.

TURIN, ITALY -- A well-known ex-chief designer for a major global automaker was on the flight from Paris Charles DeGaulle to Aeroporto Caselle, of the Northwestern Italian industrial town that put the "T" in Fiat. Was he consulting to Alfa Romeo? Would he share the trip to the hotel in a Fiat MPV driven veloce style, like all the automaker's hired drivers, by a man hoping to step in if Ferrari needs a replacement for Felipe Massa?

Photo Gallery: Coming to America: Alfa Romeo 4C - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Coming to America: Alfa Romeo 4C - Automobile Magazine

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Autoweek checks out the garage and workspace of Kyle Evans and Michael Chetcuti.

Mitsubishi Motors plans to unveil a restructuring plan for its flagship Mizushima assembly plant in Japan on Thursday, a spokesman said today.

Henrik Fisker's congressional testimony on Wednesday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will paint the automaker he founded as a victim of "a confluence of events" and as a still-salvageable enterprise.