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Jan
28th

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Preview

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Pros: Volkswagen's compact hero, the Jetta, is more American than ever. Larger and roomier, it also offers more comfortable seats and superb ergonomics. Yet driving dynamics have been preserved in the process. There's also a fantastic model and engine lineup -- including the award-winning TDI -- to suit various tastes and budgets.

Cons: Styling is clean, yes, but also rather bland. The recent price cut is the result of an anaemic base engine and sub-par noise insulation. Finally, some reliability issues remain.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Price: The 3 trim levels include Trendline TDI ($22,490), Comfortline TDI ($24,590), and Highline TDI ($27,790).

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Fuel Economy: Look for the Jetta TDI to achieve 4.6L/100km on the highway and 6.7L/100km in the city.

Improvements and Changes: Gone is the torsion beam rear suspension; say hello to a multilink setup. New colours have been added.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Powertrain: The 140-horsepower, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel under the hood of this Jetta produces a solid 236 lb-ft of torque. Available transmissions include a 6-speed manual gearbox and the acclaimed 6-speed DSG.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo Capacity: The Jetta's trunk can hold up to 440 litres of gear. The split-folding rear seats maximize versatility.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. In the event of a collision, the Intelligent Crash Response System and 6 airbags will protect Jetta TDI occupants.

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: The compact car segment is loaded with great models such as the Chevrolet Cruze (also with a clean diesel option), Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda3 (soon with a diesel option), Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Corolla.


Jan
28th

F1: New Red Bull RB10 passed FIA crash tests just days ago

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From GMM

Red Bull Racing's title-defending 2014 car underwent the FIA crash tests only ten days ago, it emerged at Jerez on Tuesday.

Although many teams were faltering on day one of crucial pre-season testing in F1's fraught new V6 era, the absence of the reigning world champions was particularly conspicuous.

Designer Adrian Newey told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport that the RB10 was still undergoing crash tests 10 days ago, while mechanics were still putting the complex RB10 together in the moonlit early hours of Tuesday morning.

Then asked what held up Red Bull's running on day one, Briton Newey talked only of a "silly" installation problem.

F1 Red Bull RB10
Photo: Red Bull Racing

World champion Sebastian Vettel gave away slightly more information, revealing that one of the thousands of components of the car had been mounted incorrectly.

"That we managed to put it together in time is a huge achievement," argued team boss Christian Horner.

Vettel, however, worries that the audience will not appreciate the sheer complexity of the task faced by teams this season, particularly if cars are still failing left, right and centre come Melbourne in March.

"If even the engineers are having difficulty, the audience will obviously understand even less," said the German.

McLaren also struggled to get its new car out of the pits on Tuesday, amid reports the MP4-29 was grappling with Mercedes engine-related hydraulic or electronic issues.



Jan
28th

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Preview

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Pros: Volkswagen's compact hero, the Jetta, is more American than ever. Larger and roomier, it also offers more comfortable seats and superb ergonomics. Yet driving dynamics have been preserved in the process. There's also a fantastic model and engine lineup -- including a very fuel-efficient turbo hybrid system -- to suit various tastes and budgets.

Cons:
Styling is clean, yes, but also rather bland. The recent price cut is the result of an anaemic base engine and sub-par noise insulation. Finally, the turbo hybrid system is all-new and has yet to make a name for itself, especially in the reliability department.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Price: The 3 trim levels include Trendline ($28,490), Comfortline ($31,100), and Highline ($35,300).

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Fuel Economy: Look for the Jetta Turbo Hybrid to achieve 4.2L/100km on the highway and 4.5L/100km in the city.

Improvements and Changes: Gone is the torsion beam rear suspension; say hello to a multilink setup. New colours have been added.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Powertrain: A 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine teams up with an electric motor to generate a combined 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo Capacity: Due to the rear-mounted battery, the Jetta Turbo Hybrid's trunk can hold only 320 litres of gear (440 litres in the regular Jetta).

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. In the event of a collision, the Intelligent Crash Response System and 6 airbags will protect Jetta Turbo Hybrid occupants.

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid:
This is the only compact hybrid on the market. Gas-electric variants of the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Toyota Camry are all larger and slightly more expensive. That said, check out the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius, as well.


Jan
28th

F1: Caterham uncovers 2014 Renault turbo-powered car (+photos)

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Caterham F1 team uncovered its latest Formula 1 challenger just hours before the start of the first winter test session at Circuito Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

The design team, led by British engineer Mark Smith, showed the new CT05 this afternoon. The car will be powered by a Renault “Energy F1” V6 turbo hybrid power unit.

Caterham has two new drivers for 2014. Car No. 10 will be driven by F1 returnee, Japanese Kamui Kobayashi and car No. 9 will be driven by rookie Marcus Ericsson.

F1 Caterham CT05
Photo: Caterham F1 Team

F1 Caterham CT05
Photo: Caterham F1 Team/Twitter

F1 Caterham CT05
The nose of the Caterham CT05. (Photo: WRi2)

Jan
28th

Nissan gets 400 horsepower from 3-cylinder turbo engine

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Nissan has unveiled the all-new 1.5L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that will power its ZEOD RC car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The unit weighs just 40 kilograms, yet produces 400 horsepower, which represents a better power-to-weight ratio than a Formula 1 engine. It's 50 centimetres tall, 40 centimetres long, and 20 centimetres wide.

The Nissan ZEOD RC made its track debut last week using an electric motor along with a combustion engine. The car will go through rigorous testing over the next four months in order to be ready for the June 14-15 competition.

It will become the first entry at Le Mans to complete a lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe under nothing but electric power. A single lap of each stint (a fuel "stint" lasts approximately one hour) will be electric powered. Then, the new 3-cylinder turbo engine will take over.

Nissan ZEOD RC
Photo: Nissan

Nissan gets 400 horsepower from 3-cylinder turbo engine
Photo: Nissan

Jan
28th

F1: Anticipation high at Jerez as opening test begins

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From GMM

Interest in this week's opening test of the groundbreaking 2014 season is near-unprecedented.

The new rules, spearheaded by the new V6 hybrid turbo 'power units', have attracted 25 television networks and 160 accredited journalists to Jerez, where the odd-nosed grid for the new year is taking shape.

F1 Lewis Hamilton mercedes W05
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Unfortunately for some, the weather might not play along, as dark clouds were gathering above southern Spain late on Monday, ahead of the first of four days of testing.

F1's continuing tire supplier Pirelli is well prepared, and may not have to water the circuit as planned on Friday in order to test its wet-weather range.

The Italian marque has also developed a special 'winter' tire for the crucial 2014 pre-season, having learned the lessons of 2013, when Paul Hembery recalls that "We even saw some ice on the track at one point".

For once, however, tires are not expected to be the talking point over the coming weeks.

The keyword will instead be reliability, or failures, as the teams get thousands upon thousands of all-new components all working harmoniously following perhaps the biggest year-on-year regulations change in memory.

"I think it will be a very turbulent time for everybody, especially at the beginning," world champion Sebastian Vettel, at Jerez to drive the so-far unseen RB10, is quoted in the German media.

"Of course we had a very sound basis in terms of our car after the past four years, but now everything is new," he added.

Vettel is quoted by Sport Bild as worrying that the restrictions on fuel usage in 2014 could make the on-track action "somewhat limited".

And that will be after a particularly arduous off-season for the sport's taller drivers, such as Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne, who although standing at less than 180cm, looked visibly slimmer at Jerez on Monday.

The heavier 2014 regulations have pushed the teams to the limit in trying to get their new cars under the mandatory minimum weight, penalising drivers like Adrian Sutil, who is six feet tall.

"I didn't eat too much over Christmas and New Year," admitted Sauber's German driver.

Also well-built is Red Bull's new recruit Daniel Ricciardo, who desipte his Australian nationality admitted to having played "many winter sports" since the last race of 2013.

"This year, every gram counts," he said at Jerez, where he will drive the RB10 on Thursday and Friday.

F1 Ferrari Forza Michael Schumacher
Message from Ferrari to Michael Schumacher. (Photo: WRi2)

More immediately crucial, however, will be clocking up laps, after Jenson Button predicted Jerez could be a "hilarious" test characterised by technical failures left, right and centre.

"Whoever has less failures this year will be world champion," former triple world champion Niki Lauda agrees.

Some believe that, unlike in the past when cars would amass 100 testing laps a day and more, a haul of 40 laps will be considered a success in the 2014 pre-season.

"If someone was to get 100 laps he will not have won the world championship," Ferrari technical director James Allison is quoted by Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport, "but he will be on the right track."

Backmarker Marussia, for instance, is already behind schedule, announcing it will miss at least the opening day at Jerez due to a "small but frustrating technical issue".

"The aim is to solve the issue as quickly as possible and send the car on its way," said the team. "We're all set up here in Jerez ready and waiting for it."

The mood at Jerez, while full of anticipation, is also sombre, with Michael Schumacher's ongoing coma not far from minds.

His last two teams in F1 are paying tribute to the great German; Ferrari with a pitboard on Monday that read 'Forza Michael', and Mercedes with the Twitter hashtag #KeepFightingMichael written on the livery of its unrevealed W05 car.



Jan
28th

Audi A3: Full Super Bowl ad (video)

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Remember the new model Audi was teasing us with last week ahead of Super Bowl XLVIII? As it turns out, the full commercial features the 2015 Audi A3.

Jan
28th

Is Kia K900 ”The One?” Matrix-inspired Super Bowl ad says so (video)

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Kia Motor America called on Laurence Fishburne a.k.a. Morpheus to introduce its all-new K900 luxury sedan as part of the commercials that will air during Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday.

Inspired by the universe of The Matrix, Morpheus shows a couple what luxury really is as he presents them with the keys to a K900. Prepare to have your mind blown, as well.

Jan
28th

Geneva Auto Show to feature wood-based concept

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UPM, a Finnish company specialized in the bio and forest industries, will unveil a unique concept car using various wood-based biomaterials at the Geneva Auto Show in March. The Biofore is 95% recyclable, and runs on UPM BioVerno wood-based renewable diesel.

Since 2011, 50 engineers have teamed up and logged 30,000 hours of work to complete this project, which is street-legal by the way.

UPM wants to showcase the near-infinite possibilities of wood-based biomaterials as a replacement for plastic and other components. The use of wood also makes the Biofore 15% lighter than a conventional automobile of similar size.

Geneva Auto Show to feature wood-based concept
Photo: UPM


Jan
28th

DSE Sportsman drag racing series announces 2014 schedule

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From DSE Sportsman

The 2014 Season will see the DSE Automotive Sportsman Racing Series return to Southern Ontario Dragstrips with a six-weekend, 12-race schedule set to take place.

This will mark the third season for the Sportsman Racer oriented Series, which features six different Bracket classes for competitors to race in that range from Jr. Dragster all the way up to exciting Quick 16 category.

The DSE Series will run events at both Toronto Motorsports Park and St. Thomas Raceway again using the same two-day race format (one complete Race Saturday and another on Sunday) as it has successfully employed the past two years.

In addition, 2014 will see competitors have three opportunities at coveted NHRA Hardware while competing in the DSE Sportsman Racing Series.

The first NHRA event on June 28-29 during the Canada Day Spectacular weekend will be the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA "King of the Track" Program. This race features a "King of the Hill" style run-off of Winners with one lucky Racer leaving with an NHRA Wally and bonus Cash. Corriveau Concrete JR Dragster Competitors will be racing for their own NHRA via the Jr Drag Racing League Challenge on this same weekend.

The next event will be the prestigious NHRA Provincial Championships on July 26-27 weekend. This event will be the only one of its type in Ontario and will reward one racer in each class the honour of becoming the NHRA Ontario Champion. Also joining the DSE Sportsman Series during this event will be Super Gas via a joint effort with the Western New York Super Rod association.

Rounding out the NHRA Hardware Tour in the DSE Sportsman Racing Series schedule will be the 3rd Annual Championship Finals that will also feature the NHRA National Dragster Challenge. This event awards NHRA Wally's to all the Main event Champions on Saturday while also doubling as the Final Points Weekend for DSE Competitors to make their push towards the Championship.

2014 SCHEDULE:
Toronto Motorsports Park - 3rd Annual Season Opener - JUNE 7th-8th
Toronto Motorsports Park - 3rd Annual Canada Day Spectacular - JUNE 28th-29th
Toronto Motorsports Park - 3rd Annual Summer Sizzler - JULY 26th -27th
St Thomas Raceway Park - 2nd Annual Sportsman Nationals - AUGUST 16TH -17TH
Toronto Motorsports Park - 4th Annual Labour Day Championships - AUGUST 30TH-31ST
Toronto Motorsports Park - 3rd Annual DSE Championship Finals - SEPTEMBER 13TH-14TH

Join the DSE Automotive Sportsman Racing Series at the up-coming 8th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo at the International Center in Toronto Ontario Canada to see all the new exciting news for the upcoming season as well as sign up for your 2014 DSE Points Membership. For more information please visit www.sportsmanracingseries.ca

About the DSE Automotive Sportsman Racing Series: The DSE Sportsman Racing series was created at the end of the 2011 racing season as a way to promote grassroots level sportsman drag racing in Southern Ontario. The series will run 12 events with six Championship Sportsman classes ranging from Super/Pro and Modified, to Super/Bike & Sled, Street Eliminator, Jr. Dragster and the newly added Quick 16 Program.

Sponsored by DSE Automotive LTD which is managed by David and Andrew Stirk in Brampton Ontario, DSE Sportsman Racing Series is dedicated to creating a competitive series for sportsman level drag racers to participate in which is fun and cost effective, while still providing an excellent racing program for fans and spectators to enjoy.



Jan
28th

Hyundai and Kia Canada reach new deal with customers over adjusted fuel ratings

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Both Hyundai and Kia Canada will offer new forms of compensation to current and former owners and lessees of vehicles affected by the November 2012 restatement of fuel consumption ratings.

In addition to the current program that provides compensation for added fuel costs -- plus an extra 15% for any inconvenience -- the two companies have announced lump-sum payment options.

The proposed cash lump-sum amount varies by vehicle and ownership type, and accounts for previously received compensation. Consumers can also elect other options such as a dealership credit of 150% of the lump sum cash payment amount, or a credit of 200% of the cash amount towards the purchase of a new vehicle.

The adjusted fuel ratings affected approximately 130,000 Hyundai vehicles and 41,000 Kia vehicles from the 2011-2013 model years. The new agreement, pending court approval, is valued at up to $46.65 million and $23 million, respectively.

Sources : Hyundai et Kia
Jan
28th

F1: Mark Webber predicts early retirement for Vettel

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From GMM

Mark Webber has predicted an early retirement for his former teammate Sebastian Vettel.

Throughout German Vettel's four-year championship-winning reign, Australian Webber was his teammate at Red Bull, where in 2010 they initially tussled for the first title.

"Obviously the scorecards aren't exactly in my favour," Webber, who retired from F1 after 2013 and will now spearhead Porsche's prototype return at Le Mans, told the March edition of Motor Sport magazine.

"Especially since we went to the Pirellis," Australian Webber, 37, told journalist Nigel Roebuck. "He destroyed me on those, but I can live with that."

That's because over a single lap, Webber thinks even his famous Ferrari ally Fernando Alonso struggles to match Vettel.

"I always thought Fernando was the best, and I still do -- on Sundays," he said.

"On one lap, though, I think Seb's got him covered -- and I'm talking in terms of preparation, not just pace.

"Seb's strengths, as we know, are escaping at the start, and running in clean air -- he's like a computer, isn't he? His only weakness was always fast corners."

When it comes to slow corners, however, Webber admits Vettel is untouchably strong.

F1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Monaco Mark Webber
Sebastian Vettel leading Mark Webber in Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

"A couple of weeks ago I watched the Singapore race on television for the first time: he was two and a half seconds quicker than anyone, and he had Nico, Fernando, Lewis and me behind him," he marvelled.

"It wasn't as though he was racing a bunch of muppets! Ok, it wasn't always like that, but at some races he was exceptional."

Also unique, Webber admitted, is Vettel's approach to life so far.

Although Vettel is notoriously private, Webber thinks his former rival has positively sped through his 26 years of life so far.

"Do you know what?" Webber said, "I think Seb will do everything early in life.

"He's got his championship titles and his results early, he's going to have a kid early and I think he'll retire early -- he'll probably take a blast in the red car, then sayonara."


Jan
28th

F1: Mercedes AMG uncovers 2014 Formula 1 turbo hybrid car (+photos)

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Mercedes AMG F1 officials uncovered today the new German turbo hybrid Formula 1 car in Jerez, Spain.

The W05 is the first Mercedes F1 car to have been designed by the team led by British engineer Paddy Lowe. It is also the first Mercedes F1 car of the new era not launched under the guidance of Ross Brawn.

The W05 is powered by the new Mercedes V6 turbo motor.

Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 World Champion, will drive car No. 44 while his teammate Nico Rosberg will be behind the wheel of car No. 6.

F1 Mercedes W05
Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

F1 Mercedes AMG W05
Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

F1 Mercedes AMG W05
Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team



Jan
28th

F1: Red Bull Racing launches 2014 RB10-Renault (+photos)

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The new, 2014 Red Bull Racing Formula 1car was unveiled earlier today at circuit Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

Adrian Newey's latest creation is again powered by a Renault engine, this year the new turbo hybrid “Energy F1” 1.6L V6 engine.

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion will be behind the wheel of car No. 1 and his teammate, newcomer Daniel Ricciardo will drive car No. 3.

F1 Red Bull Racing RB10
Photo: Red Bull Racing/Twitter

F1 Red Bull Racing RB10
Photo: Red Bull Racing

F1 Red Bull RB10
Photo: Red Bull Racing


Jan
28th

2013 BMW 320i xDrive Review

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Long ago, the Europeans realized that you can make as much with less. Wait for it... We “excess is barely enough” North Americans have always associated the biggest and most powerful with the best. The reality is that appearances are all that really matter. The right key fob goes a long way.

As with most luxury brands, moving downstream is the brilliant plan; same logo, lower price point. Sometimes, the plan does not pan out as well as the makers would have hoped. The 1 Series didn't kill it, but expect the next 1 and upcoming 2 Series cars to fix that.

Nothing says, “I'm on my way” like parking a 2013 BMW 3 Series in the driveway. And BMW was thinking of us, the common folk, when they reintroduced the 320i, the most affordable of the series. The best part about the 320i is that it looks the part, drives the part, and is only slightly lacking in the power bulge. This car is marvellous on so many levels.


What is a BMW 320i xDrive?

The BMW 320i is the gateway into the fabled and highly desirable 3 Series line of Bimmers. The F30 3 Series is the latest generation of BMW's bestselling line of cars of all time and, as expected, has been doing very well for the brand.

The multiplication of trims and versions has helped broaden the appeal of the 3 Series and more of the affordable variety will help keep it on the top of entry-level luxury car shopping lists everywhere. The 3 is currently offered as a sedan, wagon, and Gran Turismo. The coupe and convertible have migrated to the 4 Series.

2013 BMW 320i xDrive Price and Specs

The 2013 BMW 3 Series has a starting price of $35,900. Pricing for the 2014 is available and has increased by $90.

The final two numbers in the car's designation indicate yield. 20i identifies this car as sporting the lowest output from the most excellent turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder. As a 20i, it produces 181 horsepower, down 60 from the 28i's specs. The 35i is the real lucky one with a turbocharged, 300-horsepower 3.0L 6-cylinder engine under its bonnet.

My Alpine White 320i xDrive has a base price of $39,900 explained by the standard 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW's AWD system. Premium, Lighting and Navigation packages bring the total to $46,350. Non-xDrive cars are delivered with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2013 BMW 320i xDrive 3/4 view
The BMW 320i is the gateway into the fabled and highly desirable 3 Series line of Bimmers. (Photo: BMW)

Driving the BMW 320i xDrive
To my point in the intro, appearances are all that really matter as I waltz to my BMW 3 Series. No inferiority complex exists, no feelings of having settled... Depressing the start button betrays no lesser engine, and the cabin is perfectly perfect. This is not a compromise 3 Series.

In fact, in our stuffy urban settings, clogged highways and bogus speed limited lives; the 320i is more than powerful enough for accelerating and passing. The money saved here vs. the 328i can go towards any and all options your heart desires. I'm not saying no to the 328i but if image and pampering are high on the list, this is the way to go.

The refinement expressed by the 3 Series' drivetrain is what will get your attention at first. The gears glide from one to another and the 2.0T's torque is gorgeously on tap and linear throughout. This is, after all, a BMW and thus must be driven as such. Glory to heaven will the power be on tap! Now, the 2.0T will not blow you away, but it will give you everything it's got every single time.

2013 BMW 320i xDrive rear 3/4 view
The BMW 320i xDrive is more than powerful enough for accelerating and passing. (Photo: BMW)

In Sport mode, throttle response sharpens, gears are held, revs climb, and the car comes that much more alive. Again, a V6 Nissan Altima or Honda Accord will blow the 320i out of the water in a straight line, but when push come to shove, the BMW will hang on to apexes where the other two will struggle somewhat. That, plus the Bimmer looks better in action.

The 2013 BMW 320i's suspension does not succumb to the pressures of offering comfort and handling, it simply nails both aspects of the drive. To it is attached BMW's xDrive AWD system that adores being pushed on the dry, wet and (my favourite) snowy conditions.

Whether signing up for a 320i or 335i, the driver is endowed with precise, well judged steering, supremely powerful brakes, and a sense of solidity that is equaled by few, surpassed by none.

Inside and Out of the 2013 BMW 320i xDrive

The “making same with less” starts right here. Line up a $40,000 320i xDrive with a $54,000 335i xDrive and only the most car-savvy will be able to tell the difference.

This is the 320i's calling card where it once again looks the part; it is instantly recognizable no matter the power output. In other words, from quad halo-LED driving lights and kidney grille to tailpipe or tailpipes, it's a BMW 3 Series. You win.

The cabin is equally gifted with the fact that the car you are sitting in is a 2013 BMW 3 Series. The dashboard, along with its accompanying fit and finish, are all presented in typical BMW fashion, with plenty of attention to detail. The great seats, decent room all around, and thoughtful driving position make the BMW a great place to spend many an hour driving.

2013 BMW 320i xDrive cabin
The cabin is equally gifted with the fact that the car you are sitting in is a 2013 BMW 3 Series. (Photo: BMW)

Comparing the 2013 BMW 320i xDrive
The BMW 3 Series fights off the likes of the Audi A4, Lexus IS, Mercedes C-Class, and a few others. In the luxury car business, this is the most hard-fought segment and selling lotsa cars here means success.

The BMW 3 Series continues to be a go-to car and being recognized as one of the originators, a trendsetter thus sustaining its desirability factor.

Jan
28th

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Preview

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Summary
It's barely a year since Chevrolet stunned the world with the release of its new Corvette Stingray and while our heads are still spinning, GM goes and drops this bombshell on us! Yes, the all-new 2015 Corvette Z06. The closest link there has ever been between a Corvette race car and a road-going production model. A 625HP road/track master, worthy of comparison to any European supercar. What's not to like about that?


Price
No price yet, but if we consider the performance potential of this new Z06 in comparison with the pricing of other supercars, I'm guessing the Z06 will end up looking like an absolute bargain when numbers are announced.
Fuel economy
Fuel-economy figures were unavailable at the time of its debut in Detroit. However, I can't imagine many Z06 buyers being overly concerned with the cost of gas.

Latest Improvements
The Z06 was engineered to be lightweight with an aluminum space frame, carbon-fiber hood and removable carbon-fiber roof panel. It also features a Driver Mode Selector which allows for customization of vehicle performance dynamics with the simple twist of a dial (Five modes - Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track).

Standard on the Z06 is an eLSD which makes the most of the torque split between the rear wheels. This system becomes even more aggressive in Sport and Track Modes.

Exterior Styling
From the rear, there's little to distinguish the Z06 from the base Stingray. It's a similar story from the side view, albeit with some fancy lower body-cladding and a tastefully placed Z06 badge. However, when viewed from the front, the Z06 is instantly recognizable due to its bulging hood. One glance and you instantly know that sitting before you is something rather special.

Tire & rim sizes jump up from the Stingray, to P285/30ZR19s on the front of the Z06, with P335/25ZR20s on the rear.

Z06 Dimensions: IN/MM
Wheelbase: 106.7 / 2710
Length: 176.9 / 4493
Width: 77.4 / 1965
Height: 48.6 / 1235

Interior Design

The interior of the new 2015 Corvette Z06 is all business-like, as it should be. However, it now boasts an available industry-exclusive Performance Data Recorder which records high-definition video with telemetry overlays on playback, so owners can re-live their drives both on and off the track.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3/4 view
Photo: Kevin Corrigan

Drivetrain
The supercharged 6.2L aluminum V8 engine is said to deliver at least 625 horsepower and 635 lb-ft of torque, and buyers get to choose between a 7-speed manual and an all-new paddle-shift 8-speed automatic. The Z06 rides on composite springs and is equipped with Magnetic Selective Ride Control as standard.

The Z06 features steel rotors as standard with aluminum six-piston Monobloc fixed calipers to the front and aluminum four-piston calipers to the rear. Add in the available Z07 package, and those steel rotors become carbon-ceramic.

Cargo Capacity

Cargo capacity? Let's be fair, so long as there's enough luggage space for a change of undergarments, most Z06 owners will be more than happy!

Comparable Models
Obviously, the SRT Viper from Chrysler instantly springs to mind although, in my experience, brand loyalty is strong on both sides of that fence. However, with so many supercar manufacturers around today, it will be interesting to see how the new Z06 fairs against those perceived to be more exotic nameplates.
Jan
28th

F1: Sahara Force India introduces 2014 VJM07-Mercedes (+photos)

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Dr. Vijay Mallya's Sahara Force India Formula 1 team introduced the new, 2014 VJM07-Mercedes this morning.

The technical team, led by Andy Green, produced this carbon fibre monocoque mated to the new Mercedes-Benz PU106A Hybrid V6 engine.

The Indian team welcomes Nico Hulkenberg from Sauber (who will drive car No. 27) and Mexican Sergio Perez from McLaren who will drive car No. 11.

F1 VJM07
Photo: Sahara Force India/Twitter

F1 Sahara Force India
Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

F1 Sahara Force India VJM07
Sahara Force India VJM07. (Photo: Twitter)

F1 Sahara Force India VJM07
Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

Jan
27th

Buffet’s Berkshire acquires MyAssist in-car concierge service used by Mercedes, Ford

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Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is betting on a service that helps companies including Ford and Mercedes-Benz provide live, in-car support to drivers.
Jan
27th

Hyundai dealers seek incentives to sell off 2013 models

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Hyundai's U.S. dealers are hungry for additional incentive support to clear out leftover 2013 inventory as the brand seeks to recover U.S. market share.
Jan
27th

Ford offers dealers 20 percent discount on aluminum-repair tools: Deal allows body shops to prepare for 2015 F-150

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