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In his second exclusive monthly blog columns for McLaren, two-time Formula 1 World Champion, Emerson Fittipaldi, said he lost the 1973 championship because Team Lotus failed to issue team orders.

“As the 1973 season wore on, I began to have a few mechanical issues and reliability problems, which I'd never had to contend with the previous year. Having scored a lot of points in the first six Grand Prix's of the 1973 season, I scored just one point in the next six. It was really frustrating - but, in spite of my recent run of bad results, as we arrived at Monza, I still had a mathematical chance of catching Tyrrell's number-one driver Jackie Stewart for the World Championship. My teammate Ronnie Peterson didn't.

Emerson Fittipaldi (Lotus) leading Jackie Stewart (Tyrrell) in Belgium, 1973. (Photo: WRi2)

“So we made an agreement: if I was leading the race within 15 laps of the finish, and Ronnie was running second, he wouldn't try to overtake me; but if Ronnie was leading the race within 15 laps of the finish, and I was running second, then Colin Chapman, the Lotus boss, would hang out a pit-board to instruct Ronnie to let me pass, so as to keep my World Championship chances alive.

“Ronnie had qualified on the pole, and he took the lead early on. I'd started from fourth place on the grid, but I soon worked my way up to second place behind Ronnie. As we reached the 15-laps-to-go stage, I expected Colin to signal Ronnie to let me pass. But he didn't. So I began to drive as hard as I could, right on the limit, and I caught up with Ronnie, and we began to race flat-out for the win.

“Ronnie was a great guy - I didn't blame him for not letting me pass because Colin never signalled for him to do so - but in the end I finished second, less than a second behind Ronnie, with the result that Jackie, who'd finished fourth, more than 30 seconds behind Ronnie and me, was World Champion. It was ridiculous. I was so angry with Colin, and that afternoon I decided to leave Lotus at the end of the year,” Emerson Fittipaldi recalled in his McLaren blog.

Sir Jackie Stewart and Emerson Fittipaldi in Brazil, in 2010. (Photo: WRi2)

World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) is partnering with the Electric Circuit to promote the development of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) both in and outside of Quebec.

WWF-Canada will encourage fleet managers, as well as public and private partners, to support public charging infrastructure.

“Emissions from transportation are one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Switching from gas-powered to electric vehicles is a critical part of creating a sustainable transportation future,” said Marie-Claude Lemieux, Quebec Director for WWF-Canada. “We're proud to work with the Electric Circuit, an industry leader, to help grow this network.”

WWF-Canada hopes to see 600,000 EVs on Canadian roads and one in every ten cars sold to be electric by 2020. Partnering with the Electric Circuit will help reach that goal.

Source : www.wwf.ca

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Price Range: $109,800 and up

Description: World-class performance, everyday utility and instantly recognizable design have long been hallmarks of the Porsche brand, and 2013 sees them all honed further more in the 911 Cabriolet model range.

The world of drop-top 911 possibilities starts at $109,800 and extends beyond this point with numerous variants designed to meet a wide variety of needs. In fact, with six Porsche 911 Cabriolet variants available -- including the range-topping 911 Turbo S Cabriolet at $196,400 -- there's a model available to suit even the loftiest budgets.

Noted for its highly usable character, the 911 Cabriolet is a world-class sports car that's ready for action, 365 days a year. With rear seats, a generous front-mounted trunk and easy entry and exit, it offers a high-performance punch that's easy to live with.


Drivetrain: The 911 Cabriolet range is powered by a selection of rear-mounted flat-six engines. The standard model gets a 3.4L unit that's good for 350 horsepower. Seven-speed transmissions are available in manual or PDK dual-clutch configuration.

Opt for the sport-enhanced Carrera S Cabriolet, and engine displacement raises to 3.8L, alongside a horsepower increase to an even 400. Either Carrera Cabriolet or Carrera S Cabriolet models can be had with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which adds a “4” designation to the name badge.

Capping the 911 Cabriolet range are the Turbo models -- namely the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. The first of these gets a 500-horsepower version of the 3.8L powerplant, aided by twin VTG sequential turbochargers. The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet dials power up even further, to 530 horses.

Consider it if: you demand selection in your shopping process, and are willing to pay a premium for a sports car with a decades-long history of development and motorsports. The 911 is also noted for its fuel efficiency and unique handling dynamics.

Skip it if: your wallet won't support the six-figure price tag. Also, you can have a far flashier-looking ride for the money.

Other Notes: Models with the PDK transmission and Sport Chrono package you get Launch Control, which can be selected by the driver for blazing off-the-line acceleration. Feature content includes premium stereo options from Bose and Burmester, a driver-selectable suspension, heated and ventilated seats, navigation, Bluetooth, xenon lighting, and more.

Don't Miss: the 911's new interior. Available in most 2013 models, it features more upscale materials, more room, a quieter ride, and a look and feel inspired by the luxurious Porsche Panamera touring car.

An available sports exhaust system increases the level of engine noise heard in the cabin, and near the car, at the touch of a button.

All engines feature fuel-saving and emissions-reducing technologies including direct injection, variable camshaft management, and aluminum construction. Most models also utilize a unique thermal management system that allows the engine to reach operating temperature, and therefore peak fuel economy, faster upon startup.

Photo: Porsche

From GMM

After Red Bull Racing beat McLaren's old pit stop speed record no fewer than five times during the Grand Prix of Malaysia, rivals have been studying the case with great curiosity.

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, the competition has concluded that Red Bull's advantage is not due to having a superior crew, or having simply invested more time practicing but by having stepped up a gear with its pit stop equipment and technology.

Analysis shows that Red Bull has made a half-second per pit stop time improvement in 2013 compared to last season.

"You can make a jump like that with developments in the equipment," McLaren's Sam Michael said.

One theory is that Red Bull is using higher air pressure for the wheel-nut guns.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Indeed, every time a Red Bull crew member uses his gun, he dutifully puts it away in a bag, suggesting they are hiding a secret.

"You can hear that they are using more pressure than the others," Williams team manager Dickie Stanford said.

But Michael disagrees: "I doubt anyone is going over 30 bar. Maybe they've simplified the switching mechanism, and it's now electronic rather than mechanical.

"Things like that could save you time."

Stanford, meanwhile, admitted Williams' investigation shows that the Red Bull crew is so easily able to throw the new wheels onto the car.

"At Red Bull they're throwing it on and apparently not even knowing if it's properly seated. It (the wheel) seems to go on by itself," he is quoted as saying.

That would imply that Red Bull has perfected the design of the hub, wheels and nuts so that the wheel is always perfectly seated when the wheel gun is pressed on.

Price Range: $51,600 and up

Description: Thanks to its striking design, unique stance and undeniable head-turning power, the Audi TT is one of the brand's most easy-to-spot models. Featuring the latest in high-tech communications, safety and performance technologies combined with numerous trim grades and option packages, it seeks to provide selection to the shopper after a premium German performance experience.

For 2013, the TT Roadster Range is offered in both TT Roadster and TTS Roadster models. Whether its high-efficiency topless driving pleasure or track-ready, roof-optional motoring you crave, the TT model range has driving enthusiasts covered.

Photo: Audi

Drivetrain: The TT powertrain lineup starts with the brand's well-known 2.0L turbo engine with TFSI direct-injection technology. Optimized for power, low-end torque and fuel efficiency, it delivers 211 horsepower backed by nearly 260 lb-ft of torque for instant throttle response. All TT Roadster models get a 6-speed S-Tronic transmission with available paddle-shift, as well as Quattro AWD. The low-end torque, lightweight body and millisecond gear-change speeds translate into a 0-100 km/h figure of 5.8 seconds.

Stepping up to the TTS Roadster backs drivers up with a high-output version of the 2.0L turbo engine. With a higher compression ratio and various tweaks to the intake, turbo and exhaust systems, engineers dialed in a potent 265 horsepower. Top speed climbs from 209 to 249 km/h, and 0-100 km/h times are reduced by a half-second over the standard TT Roadster. The 6-speed S-Tronic transmission is standard in the TTS Roadster as well, though it features revised gear ratios to capitalize on the extra power.

Consider it if: you want an all-weather-ready convertible that's big on fuel mileage, driving thrills and everyday usability. TT and TTS Roadsters are exhaustively developed for year-round use, even in harsh climates. A range of accessories and option packages help drivers fine-tune it to their exact tastes.

Skip it if: you want a manual transmission, a rear seat, or an engine with more than four cylinders.


Other Notes: Look for aluminum, perforated leather and accent stitching on board to help create an upscale, sporty atmosphere. Navigation, premium audio, xenon lights, Bluetooth, and a parking assist system are available, and Audi offers a variety of wheel packages to fine-tune the TT or TTS Roadster's looks to the shopper's individual tastes.

Don't Miss: The audio package. Teaming up with Bose, Audi offers a 10-speaker up-level audio system with premium components. An S-Line package is available on the TT Roadster, adding fine Nappa leather sports seats, special exterior upgrades, unique badges, and more.

Audi Magnetic Ride technology, also available, lets drivers set their TT's suspension into one of two modes at the touch of a button. The “Normal” mode prioritizes an all-around balance of handling and comfort for touring and general driving. The “Sport” mode offers higher damping rates to help keep the TT Roadster's body sprung more tightly against its wheels for suppressed body roll and more precise cornering.

The circuit of Shanghai, home of the Grand Prix of China, will feature two DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones.

For the Formula 1 engineers, this circuit is divided into three main sectors.

Length (km): 5.451
Average speed (km/h): 193
Top speed (km/h): 321
% of lap at full throttle: 49
Fuel consumption (litres per lap): 2.45
Fuel consumption (litres per 100km): 64

SECTOR 1
Turns 1 - 4
The slowest complex on the track is the radial turn from T1 through to T4 where the track tightens on itself and the driver progressively loses speed. Engine braking support and driveability needs to be consistent here to give a stable rear end and avoid excessive wheelspin, which costs both lap time and increases tire wear. To reduce locking and improve the wear rate, engineers will map the engine to reduce engine braking when the driver lifts his foot off the pedal. This squares up the rear of the car, stops it from locking and reduces the tire wear as a result. This phenomenon of reducing engine braking when the driver is off the throttle is called ‘overrun'.

Image: FOM

SECTOR 2
Turns 12 and 13
Turns 12 and 13, which form the radial corner that leads onto the long straight, are the mirror image of the first complex. Again, creating car stability will decrease lap time, particularly when the tires are worn or wearing down. Another means of creating stability is to change the pedal maps, ie. the percentage of torque delivered in relation to the percentage of pedal application. While the throttle application needs to correspond roughly to the torque delivered, small variations can make a real difference in the stability of the car. In this complex a soft pedal map - where the engine delivers relatively less torque at a low pedal position - is likely to be used so the driver initially has more modulation to avoid wheelspin, which wears the tires unnecessarily.

SECTOR 3
Straight between T13 and T14
The straight between turns 13 and 14 is a touch over 1,300km and the RS27 will sit at full throttle for between 17 and 18 seconds - longer than it takes for a small airplane to take off! Given this period of time, which equates to about 20% of the lap time, it is essential to calibrate the engine and gear ratios to maximise acceleration without compromising maximum speed. Short ratios favour acceleration, which means getting up to speed in a shorter distance over the first part of the straight, while a longer top gear ratio permits higher maximum speed, which is important on the second part of the straight.

General Motors is resuming advertising on Facebook after parting ways with the social media site 11 months ago. GM and Facebook said today that GM is back in the fold as a Facebook advertiser.

We'll assume that our readers are cultured enough to have seen and appreciated H.B. and#8220;Tobyand#8221; Halicki's 1974 rollicking smash-'em-up "Gone In 60 Seconds."

Jaguar Land Rover North America has hired Duke Hale as vice president of customer service. Hale will head up warranty, parts operations and owner relations in this newly created post.

Chrysler Group is recalling more than 214,000 cars and trucks to fix a range of problems, including an engine cover that overheated and led to a fire under the hood of a prototype Ram 3500, documents released today show.

It has been well documented that texting while driving is a risky practice that results in thousands of motor-vehicle deaths each year.

Also in this episode: Amateur artists force temporary closure of the Nurburgring, and we are giving you a chance to head to the Detroit Grand Prix, on us.

Recently, Formula One driver Fernando Alonso was gently reminded to take two slow laps at the Fiorano Circuit in the still-camouflaged Ferrari LaFerrari test car.

Say hi to this lil' fellow here, which merges the timeless curves and two-tone wattage of the 1957 Corvette with the humble efficiency of another American classic, the Chrysler K-car.

The first vehicle world premieres for the bienniel Tokyo motor show have been listed for just-auto.com subscribers. The media days are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show).

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.