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The media preview days for the 2014 North American International Auto Show are 13 & 14 January. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our preview list is updated.

The media preview days for the 2014 North American International Auto Show are 13 & 14 January. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our preview list is updated.

The media preview days for the 2014 North American International Auto Show are 13 & 14 January. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our preview list is updated.

The media preview days for the 2014 North American International Auto Show are 13 & 14 January. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our preview list is updated.

The media preview days for the 2014 North American International Auto Show are 13 & 14 January. Vehicle or concept world premieres are listed here.

The media preview days for the 2014 North American International Auto Show are 13 & 14 January. Vehicle or concept world premieres are listed here.

The media preview days for the 2014 North American International Auto Show were 13 & 14 January. Vehicle or concept world premieres are listed here.

Daimler has sold its remaining stake in European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Co. for 2.2 billion euros ($2.9 billion) to focus on its auto business.

European car sales dropped 10 percent in March as declines at PSA, Ford and VW and a plunge in Germany put the industry on pace for the fewest annual deliveries in 20 years.

BMW's Chinese joint venture with Brilliance Automotive will build an electric car to be marketed under the newly created Zinoro brand. The car will go on sale in the first quarter of 2014.

From GMM

Sao Paulo's mayor has dismissed reports Bernie Ecclestone is close to dropping Interlagos from the F1 calendar after 2013.

F1's chief executive was quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper as saying the city will not be on the 2014 calendar because long-promised renovations to the ageing circuit were not done.

But mayor Fernando Haddad, the new mayor of Sao Paulo, told Agencia Estado news agency that the reports were "irresponsible".

"More than a month ago I sent a letter (to the FIA) committing myself to reform the racetrack," he said.

Fernando Haddad said reports Interlagos will not be on the 2014 calendar are therefore not true.

We, at Auto123.com, have just completed a full Mazda press fleet roundup (or nearly) and I've walked away with a grin on my face.

Specifically speaking, given that Miranda travelled to the launch of the 2014 CX-5 and Mazda6, it was up to me to drive them in the course of our usual one-week road tests. I drove them back-to-back, and I must say that they blew me away.

Mazda was once a brand that could do no wrong, as far as I was concerned anyhow. From the 626, Millenia to the MX-6, Miata, Protegé, RX-7, and RX-8; I was in love with them all. My first press car (ever) was a shiny new 1999 Protegé LX in which I was rear-ended not 15 minutes after having picked it up...

Some of my best press car memories were at the wheel of an MX-5 (2001), Protegé5 (2002), and RX-8 (2003).

Something happened and I fell out of love with Mazda when the 2004 Mazda3 (uber popular car so I was clearly out to lunch...) and 2003 Mazda6 arrived. The 2001 Tribute was the first Mazda product to irk me... But now, I've made an about-face.

The lineup is still not 100% as far as I'm concerned, but so impressed am I with the new 2014 Mazda6 and 2014 Mazda CX-5 that I'm back on the Mazda bandwagon. Thankfully, I was never fully off because of the likes of the MX-5 (where I need my yearly dose), the Mazdaspeed3 and the Mazdaspeed6...

Photo: Philippe Champoux

That brings me to the question: When will Mazda release a new Mazdaspeed6? Because Lord knows there are a few hundred Canadians out there who want a car that will tango with an Audi S4 or BMW 335i for $20,000 less.

The new Mazda6 is so good that I swore all week that the chassis had been designed for far more than a regular road car. I'd certainly not made the discovery on my own as Mazda has showcased and raced a number of times in Grand-Am and Endurance races.

The next Mazdaspeed6 is going to be epic. I can feel it. With SKYACTIV technology and forced induction, I'm sensing 300 hp and as many or more torques, AWD and a dual-clutch ‘box. I'm imagining sub-6-second 0-100 km/h sprints and very good times to be had.

As Mazda reclaims their identity, the return of a Mazdaspeed MX-5 also becomes a possibility. The final hurrah of the current 3rd generation MX-5 is upon us and the time is ripe for more power and eye candy.

The bottom line? We can expect many more good things to come from Mazda, and I can't wait to sample them all!

From GMM

British F1 journalists have attacked Jean Todt for not travelling to Bahrain for the sport's highly controversial grand prix this weekend.

In the days before F1 action kicks off in the island Kingdom, it is reported security forces fired tear gas on protesters late on Tuesday.

"While mechanics and motor home staff will have to wait and wonder whether they will be the target of attacks, Todt will not be in the country," Kevin Eason, referring to the FIA's French president, wrote in The Times.

Paul Weaver, the correspondent for The Guardian, agreed: "The FIA ... is impotent in its most urgent hour."

Already in Bahrain, however, is Livio Oricchio, the correspondent for Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo.

He wrote on Tuesday: "I came in a rental car from the airport to the hotel, I crossed the city, and the capital Manama is quiet. There are no political demonstrations."

Adapted from GMM

Media reports suggest Bernie Ecclestone could take over Long Beach's iconic street race in California, after Indycar's contract expires next year.

The magazine Motorsport said the race's founder, Chris Pook, is also interested in the Ecclestone deal, as is Zak Brown, the head of the leading F1 sponsorship agency Just Marketing.

"There's a lot of talk about a third (US) race on the west coast," Zak Brown said. "I'm an advocate of F1 buying the Long Beach GP. I think I can facilitate that and I've been having those conversations."

Live again Niki Lauda's victory with McLaren in 1982, at the Long Beach circuit.

Adapted from press release

Caterham F1 Team has announced that it is restructuring its driver line-up with Heikki Kovalainen rejoining the team as one of the two reserve drivers.

Heikki's first duties will be to take part in FP1 at the forthcoming Grands Prix in Bahrain and Spain. The Finnish driver will take part in the sessions as part of a formal technical development role he is taking up with Caterham F1 Team, helping support the introduction of the first performance updates to the 2013 car, an important milestone in the strategy the team are working to in the current season.

Alexander Rossi remains the second reserve driver. Rossi moves to Caterham Racing to compete in the 2013 GP2 Championship in the car raced by Ma Qing Hua at the season opening GP2 race in Malaysia.

Ma Qing Hua, who recently made history by becoming the first Chinese racing driver to take part in an F1 race weekend in China, remains a core member of Caterham F1 Team's driver roster and an announcement about his revised race plans in 2013 will be made in due course.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal, Caterham F1 Team: "Heikki returns to track work with us and we are delighted to welcome him back into the team. He has six years of F1 experience behind him so he is perfectly placed to provide us objective feedback on the various types of configurations we will run and to give us an objective view of the 2013 tyres against his experience with the 2012 compounds. As F1 is a team sport, he will also provide support to Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde, who are both doing a good job in their first months with the team."

Heikki Kovalainen: "It's obviously great news that I'll be on track in Bahrain and Spain and I'm really looking forward to getting back to work and helping the team as much as I can. I'll be taking part in the two FP1 sessions in Bahrain and Barcelona to give the team my input on the new parts we're bringing to those races. Tony, Cyril and I have been talking about me taking up this role for quite a while, so it's good to finally be able to announce how I'll be helping the team in 2013. I'm physically ready to get back into the car and I know my experience can help give the team new ideas and options for directions to take on setup and strategy. I'm looking forward to getting back to work!"

On a day when many Americans were reacting to the bombing of the Boston Marathon; US President, Barack Obama, took a few minutes out of a serious day to greet 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Brad Keselowski and his team at the White House on Tuesday.

Barack Obama, Brad Keselowski and Roger Penske. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

In talking about NASCAR the President called it “a unique American sport,” that he “is proud to support.”

The President joked about being tired of seeing five-time champion, Jimmie Johnson, all the time in similar circumstances. Then, looking over at Brad's No. 2 Ford Focus, complains “once again the Secret Service won't let me take it for a spin.”

As part of the occasion the President also quoted Keselowski's belief that "life is a team sport, and I have the best team".

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

I have a friend who loves wood. Whenever we'd hit the road, he'd salivate at the sight of cut trunks lying on a trailer in transport, calling out the types of wood. I salivate at the sight of most station wagons and curse the North American market for being narrow minded. It takes all kinds...

The 2013 Volvo XC70 is one such station wagon that makes me throw my thumbs up and for good reason. The XC70 is more than just a wagon. It's a luxurious, capable, all-weather, and comfortable people hauler that can do so much and, it's hot to boot.

Volvo's famous CrossCountry is just as at ease covering ground on a highway as it is navigating roads in one of the busiest cities in the world with terrible streets. Truly, my solo 1,350 round road trip to New York City demonstrated beyond a doubt that this car is impressive on countless levels and deserves far more attention than it gets.


What is a Volvo XC70 T6 AWD?
Volvo qualifies the XC70 as a crossover and that's the fashionable way to brand it. In my books, it's a station wagon, much like the Subaru Outback.

North America was first introduced to the Volvo V70 XC in 1998. The XC trim became so popular that it took on a life of its own a few years later. Shortly thereafter, it spawned a new line of products within the Volvo brand.

The Volvo XC70 is a world car and, up until recently, was the only wagon offered by the Swedish company (viva the V60!), once renowned for these cars.

The Volvo XC70 is a world car and, up until recently, was the only wagon offered by the Swedish company. (Photo: Mathieur St-Pierre)

Technicalities
The 2013 Volvo XC70 offers a Haldex AWD system with Instant Traction as standard equipment. There are two inline 6-cylinder engines with 6-speed automatic transmissions to choose from.

The base $42,400 is motivated by a 3.2L that generates 240 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The $47,000 T6 has a turbocharged 3.0L that's good for 300 hp and 325 torques.

As tested, my T6 AWD Platinum included the climate package with rear heated seats and retailed for $53,350.

The $47,000 T6 has a turbocharged 3.0L that's good 300 hp and 325 torques. (Photo: Mathieur St-Pierre)

Driving the Volvo XC70 T6 AWD
The 2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD offers a drive more akin to that of a plush luxury than a soft-roader crossover.

The XC70 is smooth and immensely comfortable regardless of the road on which it travels. The long road down to NYC is generally well maintained which makes the driving all the more pleasant. Traversing the twistier parts the Adirondacks proved to be just as easy. Body roll is present in sweeping curves however it's very controlled.

In town, the generous travel provided by the fully independent suspension makes small work of potholes, cracks and all other types breaks in the surface.

On full throttle, the 2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD shoots forward with surprising fierceness. Like an old school muscle car, the nose rises to salute NYC's skyline and then takes off. The 1,881 kg (4,138 lb) heavy-set station wagon reaches 100 km/h in a wink over 7 seconds but feels far quicker than that.

Yes, this car with its increased ground clearance, can tackle the best and the worst of our climate.

In town, the generous travel provided by the fully independent suspension makes small work of potholes, cracks and all other types breaks in the surface. (Photo: Mathieur St-Pierre)

Inside and out of the Volvo XC70 T6 AWD
I'm a huge fan of the 2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD's subtle body cladding which matches perfectly well with any of the available colours. The T6's 18” Zephyrus wheels are well suited to the car as are the satin aluminum trim touches.

Also, it's a station wagon and so is by default hot and cool, at the same time.

The cabin is beginning to look a little dated and may be one of the reasons why some people shy away from this car. It somehow made me feel old. My previous 2004 XC70 did not have this effect on me and it was beige... The new for 2013 revised shifter knob and gate do little to help.

The 2013 Volvo XC70's seats, on the other hand, are all about making everyone lucky enough to spend time in them feel very good. Volvo invests mad amounts of money in R&D to make their perches the best in the business and they are. I spent 7 straight hours per trip in them and felt refreshed upon arrival.

Every Volvo is given a fair amount of attention where assembly is concerned, both inside and out. The level of class and luxury is on par with the Germans. The only difference is that a Volvo tends to fly under the radar.

The 2013 Volvo XC70's seats, on the other hand, are all about making everyone lucky enough to spend time in them feel very good. (Photo: Mathieur St-Pierre)

Comparing the Volvo XC70 T6 AWD
The Audi Allroad, BMW X1 and, to a lesser extent, Subaru Outback are the XC70's closest competitors. Out of the lot, I'd have a hard time picking a winner between the Audi and the Volvo.

Purely for comfort reasons, I'd spring for the Volvo. For a slightly more dynamic driving experience, the Audi would do nicely.

Canadian race car driver Mikael Grenier has been invited by Indy Lights Series' Team Moore to take part in this weekend race presented during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Unable to secure enough funding to take part in the first two races of the season, Grenier will have the chance to be part of the action this weekend with a team he knows well, having raced with them in 2012 and having tested with them during the off-season.

The Stoneham, Quebec native will be on the track Friday for the official testing sessions while the qualification will be held Saturday and the race, Sunday.

Mikael Grenier. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

L'entreprise canadienne Linamar, située à Guelph (Ontario) a présenté son tout nouveau système, nommé Agilit-e, qui offre aux constructeurs « un système modulaire pour les applications hybrides à transmission intégrale ». Grâce à Agilit-e, il serait possible de réduire les émissions de CO2 et d'augmenter les économies des carburant jusqu'à 80 % en conduite urbaine.

Le véhicule utilisé comme démonstrateur par Linamar, une Cadillac SRX, a été doté du système hybride Agilit-e jumelé à un moteur double 75 kW indépendant. La batterie lithium-ion, qui complète l'ensemble, fournit suffisamment d'énergie pour permettre au véhicule de rouler jusqu'à 32 km en mode entièrement électrique. Agilit-e peut être intégré à presque toutes les transmissions standards à 2 roues motrices; ce faisant, le système se transforme en système hybride avec transmission intégrale.

« Les consommateurs recherchent de plus en plus la sécurité d'une transmission intégrale, le rendement énergétique d'une motorisation hybride et la puissance d'un moteur à combustion interne », selon Mark Stoddart, directeur technique de Linamar Corporation. « La motorisation hybride Agilit-e répond à tous ces besoins sans compromettre les performances et sans coûts supplémentaires significatifs ».

Le système d'Agilit-e est présentement testé par quelques constructeurs mondiaux.

From Audi press release

German car manufacturer Audi expands from China into other Asian markets with the Audi R8 LMS Cup.

Following the successful premiere season in China in 2012, Audi's first one-make race series worldwide will now visit circuits in South Korea, Malaysia and Macau. The number of Audi R8 LMS GT3 race cars competing thus increases from 16 to more than 20.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

Newcomers to the field include last year's DTM driver Rahel Frey and the internationally experienced Chinese race driver Congfu Cheng. In addition to Marchy Lee, the seasoned campaigner from Hong Kong who was last year's winner, and the strong, budding talent Adderly Fong (second overall in 2012), the ex-Formula 1 driver from Malaysia Alex Yoong also sets his sights on overall victory.

The Audi R8 LMS starts in 2013 with an upgrade kit that includes more engine power and modified aerodynamics. The settings and race data from every car are transparent and visible for every driver.

Alongside the overall classification in the R8 LMS Cup, there are also categories for amateurs and teams. Starting this year within the scope of the close cooperation with Audi's Chinese joint venture, is also a separate class for dealers competing with their own teams.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

China is the largest single market worldwide for the brand with the four rings. Audi delivered more than 400,000 cars to Chinese customers for the first time in 2012.

Audi R8 LMS Cup, 2013 race calendar
May 3-5, Zhuhai International Circuit, China
July 5-7, Ordos International Circuit, China
August 2-4, Inje Auto Theme Park, Korea
August 28-31, Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
October 25-27, Shanghai International Circuit, China
November 9-10, Guia International Circuit, Macau