Auto News 5

As Auto123.com correctly predicted October 20 of last year, the organisers of the DTM series, ITR will test two show enhancing innovations during the four-day open tests held at Barcelona next week.

The three car manufacturers involved in the DTM -- Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz -- will contest two joint ITR tests: from March 26 to 29 at Barcelona and from April 9 to 12 at Hockenheim.

Robert Wickens, Mercedes-Benz, Hockenheim II 2012 (Photo: René Fagnan)

The drivers and teams will use these days to extensively work on the cars to find the perfect basic set up for the 2013 season.

In addition to the usual fine-tuning, the teams will test another two features that should have got what it takes to even increase the race excitement.

DTM's exclusive tire partner Hankook will take an option tire to Barcelona that will offer the driver the opportunity to set clearly faster times, for some laps. This soft compound tire will make overtaking easier and represents an additional tactics challenge for the teams.

Teams will also test a so-called DRS system. This system will enable the drivers - just as it is the case in Formula 1 - to temporarily open a flap of the rear wing, resulting in a significantly increased top speed. This system also is supposed to make for more overtaking manoeuvres.

Barcelona drivers' test schedule
March 26 March 27 March 28 March 29
Albuquerque (Audi) Ekström (Audi) Albuquerque (Audi) Ekström (Audi)
Green (Audi) Molina (Audi) Green (Audi) Molina (Audi)
Rockenfeller (Audi) Mortara (Audi) Rockenfeller (Audi) Mortara (Audi)
Tambay (Audi) Scheider (Audi) Tambay (Audi) Scheider (Audi)
Farfus (BMW) Farfus (BMW) Hand (BMW) Hand (BMW)
Glock (BMW) Glock (BMW) Priaulx (BMW) Priaulx (BMW)
Spengler (BMW) Spengler (BMW) Werner (BMW) Werner (BMW)
Tomczyk (BMW) Tomczyk (BMW) Wittmann (BMW) Wittmann (BMW)
Juncadella (MB) Juncadella (MB) Merhi (MB) Merhi (MB)
Paffett (MB) Paffett (MB) Vietoris (MB) Vietoris (MB)
Wickens (MB) Wickens (MB) Wehrlein (MB) Wehrlein (MB)

Nicholas Hamilton, younger brother of Mercedes AMG Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton, has confirmed that he will compete in the European Touring Car Championship this year.

Hamilton 2nd, aged 20 contested the British Renault Clio Cup these past two seasons, claiming 14th place overall in 2011 at his debuts, and 21st last year.

He tested a Seat Leon last fall and started working on a project to contest the European Touring Car Championship.

His efforts paid off as Hamilton will be behind the wheel of a Seat Leon turbo of Spaniard team Baporo Motorsport this weekend in Monza, Italy.

Multiple future variants of the new León range, plus details of base and premium suspension system modules for MQB platform cars have been revealed by SEAT UK at the car's media launch.

Two special-edition 2013 Toyota Corollas will arrive in showrooms in late April.

Also in this episode: The 2014 Chevy Camaro gets teased, and Detroit Electric is returning to the Motor City.

Mecum is adding 13 more auctions to its 2013 schedule. The events are streamed live on Mecumand#8217;s website at www.mecum.com, and portions of the auctions are broadcast live on Discoveryand#8217;s Velocity network.

Federal regulators are offering a free app for iPhones and iPods that provides the latest vehicle safety information to consumers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's SaferCar.gov Web site.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Close to Home

We can't stop touching the touchscreen.

The Dodge Dart didn't venture far from home during its third month in our care, covering just 574 miles since our last update. The few staffers who drove the car were smitten with the optional touchscreen navigation and audio interface.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Four Seasons Update - March 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Four Seasons Update - March 2013 - Automobile Magazine

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First Drive: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

High style receives higher performance.

After three years on the market, the Aston Martin Rapide is being treated to a minor makeover that sees it gain more power and a new S designation, but thankfully does not jeopardize its status as the most stylish four-door on the market.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

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Chrysler brand head Saad Chehab today said the brand will expand its "Imported from Detroit" marketing theme with special-edition vehicles and partnerships that further tie Chrysler to the financially embattled city.

Harman recently announced a project with BMW to pioneer some novel infotainment systems. With 19 different OEM brands and new awards worth some US$13 billion, Matthew Beecham caught up with Harman's senior vice president of global engineering Kelei Shen to discuss the infotainment manufacturer's Next Big Thing.

Mazda, working to surpass 300,000 U.S. sales for the first time since the mid-1990s, plans to have its redesigned Mazda3 compact car in U.S. dealerships this fall, Automotive News has learned.

Scion unveiled a teaser for the 2014 tC coupe, which the company will unveil next week at the New York auto show.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau today issued a warning to auto lenders: Make sure dealer participation in interest rates does not lead to discrimination or face the consequences.

A downpour of tennis ball-sized hail in central Mississippi damaged more than 1,000 new vehicles at local dealerships as well as new Nissan vehicles in transit from its nearby assembly plant.

GM's Opel unit said it would close down its factory in Bochum, Germany, after the plant's employees turned down a deal that would have saved 1,200 jobs.

GM's Opel unit said it would close down its factory in Bochum, Germany, after the plant's employees turned down a deal that would have saved 1,200 jobs.

GM's Opel unit said it would close down its factory in Bochum, Germany, after the plant's employees turned down a deal that would have saved 1,200 jobs.

GM's Opel unit said it would close down its factory in Bochum earlier than planned after the plant's employees turned down a deal that would have saved 1,200 jobs.

Midsize Madness - Day Four

The final round.

Our search for the best midsize sedan in America began with eight remarkable cars: Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat.

Photo Gallery: Midsize Madness - Day Four - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Midsize Madness - Day Four - Automobile Magazine

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