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Pros and Cons*
Pros
Eye-catching style, standard all-wheel drive, sporty handling and luxury cabin all get thumbs up for the 2013 Infiniti FX.

Cons
We can reproach the FX for its limited luggage space, poor fuel economy, lack of high-end comfort and for overpriced 21-inch wheels on the more expensive versions.


Price
The 2013 base model FX37 starts at $53,350. With a V6 engine, AWD and automatic transmission, it also includes keyless ignition/entry and superior-quality sound proofing. As an option you can get the Navigation and Deluxe Touring Package for an extra $5,650 while the Technology Package is $3,500 more.

The FX37 Limited Edition automatically comes with both Navigation and Deluxe Touring Package goodies, the 21-inch wheels and roof rails. It's priced at $61,500. Note: additional option packages aren't available for the FX37.

The FX50 is available from $65,100 and distinguishes itself with a V8 engine, advanced climate control and navigation systems, voice recognition and Moving Object Detection (MOD) thanks to front and rear sonar.

Fuel Economy
The V6 rates about 13.4 L/100 km in the city and 9.3 L/100 km on the highway.

With the more powerful V8, you're looking at 14.6 L/100 km in the city and 10.1 L/100 km on the highway.

New in 2013
The V6's previous 3.5-litre engine gets replaced with the bigger 3.7-litre.

Exterior Styling
With its unique lines, the FX crossover doesn't lack character. The rounded hood, the menacing grille, double curve headlights with and sleek rear end make it seems ready to roar at any time...

Drivetrain
The base model 3.7-litre V6 corrals 325 horses powering 267 lb-ft of torque. The FX50 5.0-litre V8 version is also available, providing 390 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, respectively.

The 7-speed automatic transmission delivers AWD on all models.

Cargo Capacity
You can access 702 litres of storage space in the trunk. When seats are lowered this volume increases to 1,756 litres of load capacity.

Safety
Six airbags are installed on the 2013 FX. You can also rely on traction and stability control systems.

Comparable Models
Acura ZDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover LR4, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz Classe M, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90.

Photo: Infiniti

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.312
Quesnel Stéphane, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.307
www.infiniti.ca

Andretti Autosport's EJ Viso was faster than everybody else during the Indy 500's Fast Friday, before qualifying was shortened by the rain at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Viso was the lone driver to clock more than 229 miles per hour. He culminated at 229.537 mph.

His teammates Marco Andretti and Carlos Munoz are second and third at 228.754 mph and 228.520 mph respectively. Andretti Autosport drivers have been on top form all week long.

Will Power (Team Penske) was fourth at 228.401 mph. Panther Racing's JR Hilderbrand completes the top 5.

Heavy thunderstorms forced the officials to stop the session with just over two hours of scheduled running time still on the clock.

Meanwhile, 1996 Indy 500 winner Buddy Lazier completed his refresher course just before the track opened up for official practice.

The veteran went on to complete 18 laps in his family-run car, finishing with the 31st fastest time.

A Massachusetts-based company called Terrafugia has developed the TF-X flying car, a four-passenger plug-in hybrid with retractable wings. In flight mode, it will have a non-stop range of more than 805 kilometres.

According to the video, all you have to do is to enter a destination; the TF-X will automatically take off and fly at up to 322 km/h before landing on its own exactly where you wanted.

“We are passionate about continuing to lead the creation of a flying car industry and are dedicating resources to lay the foundations for our vision of personal transportation.” announced Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich.

Of course, the production and manufacture of flying cars face significant obstacles, but the company says preliminary discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. have been positive. In fact, the FAA is reportedly ready to consider regulatory changes needed to enable buyers to make use of such vehicles.

Bottom line: Flying cars are not that far-fetched. After all, didn't we see Marty McFly pilot Doc Brown's DeLorean in the year 2015?

MTEK BMW's Marco Wittmann has claimed the fastest time in practice for tomorrow's DTM race at Brands Hatch.

The BMW driver saw off stablemate Dirk Werner's quickest time early in the session, and usurped Martin Tomczyk's, who was the fastest BMW driver at around the half way point of the 90 minute session.

As the track temperatures increased, the Audis of Mike Rockenfeller and Timo Scheider set the fastest times, but were once again beaten by Wittmann's time of 41.378 seconds in the session's closing stages.

Mercedes endured a difficult time, with local driver Gary Paffett finishing the best of the Stuttgart cars. Audi's Jamie Green also had a tough session and ended the morning in 12th.

Canadians Bruno Spengler and Robert Wickens finished fourth and 18th.

Give it wings and it will fly
What more can be said about Cadillac and its glorious past that hasn't already been said? Not much in fact, but the new 2013 ATS opens up a completely new chapter in the company founded by Henry Leland back in 1902.

The 2013 ATS will do for Cadillac what the Catera failed to do in the late ‘90s. The follow-up CTS attempted to pick up the pieces left behind by the rebadged Opel Omega, but never fully rekindled the Cadillac flame.

It is true; the Cadillac ATS is a fab car. From the ground up, head to tail, this compact luxury car is crackalakin' and I really like it. The styling is eye catching, the proportions are dynamic and the drive is engaging.

My drive revealed a mature package that can tangle with the best Germany has to offer with one small issue: the engine.


What is a Cadillac ATS?
The 2013 Cadillac ATS is GM's luxury brand entry-level offering. From the onset, the ATS promised a fresh new approach to driving a Cadillac with no shortage of curb appeal. By my account, this is the most electrifying production Caddy ever to be built.

The ATS is the gateway to Cadillac, much like the 3 Series is to BMW (the 1 Series is outsold 10-1 by the 3). Available with a smallish engine and little equipment, joining the Cadillac family has never been more attractive.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS is GM's luxury brand entry-level offering. From the onset, the ATS promised a fresh new approach to driving a Cadillac with no shortage of curb appeal. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Technicalities
The 2013 Cadillac ATS can be had with one of three engines: Starting with a 202 hp 2.5L 4-pot and ending with a 321 hp 3.6L V6. Between the two lies my tester and the one I trust to be a huge part of the take rate: a turbocharged 272 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder.

All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The purchaser of a 2.0T may optionally select a Tremec 6-speed manual ‘box. A mechanical limited-slip differential is available with the FE3 Performance suspension, which includes Magnetic Ride Control -- AWD is also optional.

The 2.5L ATS' pricing starts at $35,195. The highest-priced version is the 3.6L Premium and it retails, with options, for nearly $57,000. As tested, my 2.0T Premium with Driver Assist package and a few other options goes for $54,200.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS can be had with one of three engines: Starting with a 202 hp 2.5L 4-pot and ending with a 321 hp 3.6L V6. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Driving the Cadillac ATS
This is where the 2013 Cadillac ATS shines. I can confirm that there is only a mild exaggeration between the television ads and real life. The ATS feels agile, and goes wherever the driver points the car thanks to its precise electric steering.

The lithe Cadillac rides on a sport-biased independent suspension that sacrifices little where comfort is concerned. Road holding is impressive and the level of grip and control surpass a number of this car's main competitors.

Before I took delivery of the 2013 Cadillac ATS, I had one fear and, unfortunately, it came to pass. I've often been underwhelmed by GM's turbocharged engines and the 2.0T feels congested or chocked. The power band is short and constricted. Its 260 lb-ft are barely noticeable. By comparison, Audi's 211 hp/258 torques 2.0T TFSI gives the impression that it is far more powerful.

As well, I'm no fan of the steering wheel and its paddle shifters. The wheel reminds me of the Camaro; the grip and design are awful.

Road holding is impressive and the level of grip and control surpass a number of this car's main competitors. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Inside and out of the Cadillac ATS
I've said it already and will stand by the fact that the 2013 Cadillac ATS is the sharpest of its clan. From a physical standpoint, and from the number of double-takes experienced all week, I can safely say that GM has winner on its hands.

Although the outer shell is all win, the cabin is hit and miss. I've touched on the wheel, but the other problem lies with Cadillac's CUE. In most respects, it is not intuitive and the controls require too much concentration and by default is a distraction.

The rear quarters are tight, however, I see the 2013 Cadillac ATS as more of an executive personal mode of transportation instead of a family vehicle. Two adults can be seated comfortably in the rear, if only for a quick trip for lunch.

The remainder exudes class, with appreciable levels of good quality materials that are all well put together. The front seats are smartly bolstered and provide support and comfort.

The remainder exudes class, with appreciable levels of good quality materials that are all well put together. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Comparing the Cadillac ATS
The 2013 Cadillac ATS has one other thorn in its side and that is that it is a Cadillac. The current trend dictates that if you carry a German badge (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class) or, perhaps, a Japanese brand logo (Infiniti Q50 or Lexus IS), you'll be considered.

That poses quite the uphill battle especially when there's an all-out pricing and incentive war going on between some of the Deutsch-bred companies.

What the ATS needs is time and a chance to shine. With the right open-minded approach, this car will fly.

Tesla's impressive first-quarter sales topped the news Monday, as the Model S outsold the luxury competition.

A research study commissioned by UAW labor organizers claims that Nissan could receive four times the previously reported level of state and local incentives and tax breaks to operate its assembly plant in Canton, Miss.

This week in 1979, Mario Andretti takes notice of Formula One and#8220;youngsterand#8221; Nelson Piquet Sr., who we now know as a three-time Formula One champion.

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

The Elantra GT hatchback impresses us in every way, except for how it drives.

Someone once very astutely remarked to me that "Hyundai is very good at putting shiny things right in front of the customer in the showroom." The new Elantra GT may embody this more than any Hyundai right now. At $22,000 this Elantra GT came with such high-end goodies as heated leather seats, a panoramic glass moonroof, and sleek European-feeling design inside and out. The interior feels especially premium with its piano black trim, cool blue lighting, and dampened buttons.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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2013 Ram Heavy Duty First Drive

The heaviest of haulers.

If the towing wars between Detroit's heavy-duty pickups are an automotive cold war, the 2013 Ram 3500 is the Tsar Bomba. The Tsar Bomba was the largest nuclear bomb ever detonated. It had a theoretical yield of 100 megatons of power but had to be reduced to 50 megatons for testing purposes. Unleashing the full potential of the Tsar Bomba during a test would have yielded too much fallout, much like trying to tow 30,000 pounds without a commercial driver's license on public roads.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ram Heavy Duty First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ram Heavy Duty First Drive - Automobile Magazine

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Instead of searching through that luggage, Ruudolf and Karri Koira are rolling down the street in the object of his affection: a 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V, somewhere in the Bay Area.

Last year, Mitsubishi added a pair of motors to its

If you're in the market for a BMW 6-series -- including the low-slung Gran Coupe -- but don't have the extra coin to step into an M6 or the

The big news this week out of England was the announcement of and#8220;

When the sixth installment of "Gran Turismo" hits store shelves this holiday season for the PlayStation 3, it will include 1,200 cars, 33 tracks in 71 layouts, a new track editor with 10 square kilometers of scenery, and more ways to connect with...

News 19 May, 2013

One-off Aston Martin CC100 sports car revealed to celebrate Aston Martin's centenary

Tesla Motors increased the size of its equity and debt offerings by 30 percent to as much as $1.08 billion to repay its U.S. loan and build up cash reserves.

Shares in GM topped its $33 initial public offering price for the first time in more than two years as the automaker prepares to introduce redesigned full-sized pickups.

The Nürburgring racetrack in Germany is officially up for sale this week. The sale of the 12.

Last week, the Hell Garage acquired