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Robert Kubica crashed out in the penultimate stage of rallye du Var, while leading the event by almost five minutes aboard his Citroën C4 WRC.

The Pole, who recently won rally Como, faced his toughest challenge since coming back to motor racing this year at the last round of the French rally championship.

Kubica was dictating the pace early on, and even pulled a five-minute lead when his main rival Freddy Loix (Peugeot 207 S2000) crashed out in ES7.

But the former F1 driver, who was on his way to an easy win, eventually crashed out in the penultimate stage of the rally. He and co-driver Emanuele Inglesi escaped unhurt of the accident.

Cedric Robert inherited the lead and took win aboard his Peugeot 207 S2000.

From GMM

Red Bull would set its sights on F1's other two top drivers - Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton - if Sebastian Vettel switched to Ferrari.

That is the claim of the energy drink company's mogul Dietrich Mateschitz, responding to rumours German Vettel could seek a new challenge after achieving so much with Red Bull.

In a rare interview about F1, on the eve of Vettel probably securing his third consecutive drivers' title, Mateschitz told Salzburger Nachrichten that the 25-year-old is "one of the three best drivers" on the grid.

Referring also to Hamilton and Alonso, Mateschitz said Vettel "is the youngest of the three, and definitely there is potential for further development.

"Perhaps he is near his zenith in terms of the speed, but with more experience he can certainly keep getting better and better," he insisted.

Mateschitz moved to play down rumours Vettel is toying with a switch to Ferrari.

"There are not only contracts, but he is bound to us as well through loyalty and friendship," he said.

"But that doesn't exclude that he gets offers from other teams," Mateschitz admitted.

Fascinatingly, he even said he can understand Ferrari's lure.

"If I was a driver, I would probably enjoy the thought of driving for Ferrari one day as well," said Mateschitz. "It's not only natural, but quite legitimate.

"If he should ever leave us, we would wish him well, and then nothing would stop Alonso or Hamilton driving for us."

From GMM

According to authoritative media sources, Valtteri Bottas will definitely replace current Williams race driver Bruno Senna in 2013.

The news was reported from Brazil not only by Finnish broadcaster MTV3's race commentator Oskari Saari, but also the respected Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt, as well as others in the Interlagos paddock.

Schmidt said Brazilian Senna, and also his countryman Luiz Razia, have "run through the paddock with suitcases full of money, finding no takers".

Williams is not confirming the reports about its Finnish 2012 reserve Bottas, 23, but the team's driver coach Alex Wurz said on Saturday: "He is a great talent."

Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper said the official announcement could be made next week.

Williams shareholder Toto Wolff, who is involved with Bottas' management, said: "We do not want to talk about the driver situation this weekend.

"There's nothing to report now," he insisted.

But MTV3's Saari promised to "eat my hat" if Bottas does not make his race debut with Williams in Australia next March.

We reported last month that a new technology developed by scientists at the University of Keio, in Japan, can make the rear seats of a Toyota Prius invisible through an ''optical camouflage'' system. More details have now been provided to explain how it actually works.

Cameras capture what's going on behind the car and the image is projected in real time on a semi-reflective mirror positioned between the front seats, which gives the impression of seeing through the rear seats. It's as simple as that.

Researchers ultimately want to expand the system to cover all 360 degrees and eliminate blind spots for good.

I like to understand what I drive. I like to know how many cylinders it has, what the horsepower is, which wheels are being powered; and with the 2013 Chevrolet Volt there's a lot more than pistons, spark plugs and drivetrains working beneath its futuristic shell.

So, I'll try my best to explain it all, but bear with me.


Is it an EV or a hybrid?
Even I was confused by this when I first learned of the Volt's engineering way back in 2007. They called it an "extended range electric vehicle" -- they still do today.

It's an electric vehicle (or EV), and here's why: The electric motor drives the wheels which is why they can classify it as an EV, despite the gas tank. This combination of battery and gas make up the Voltec Electric Drive Unit which uses two electric motors, three clutches and a planetary gear set.

With a long-life 16 kWh lithium-ion battery, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt can run in pure electric mode for 40-80 km. If and when that charge runs out, the 1.4L ECOTEC gas-powered generator keeps you on the road by backing up the batteries that are powering your wheels -- in essence, acting as an electric power generator.

If you run on the gas motor often, you'll see mileage similar to subcompacts on the road today: 4-5L/100km range. However, for the amount you're likely to use the gas motor, it'll be more like 1-2L/100km (at least, that's what I saw by the end of the week).

Charging times? Well, for a full charge on a standard home outlet (120V) it will take approximately 10 hours. That's shorter than most, but the range limit is also smaller than most. If you spring for the 240V at-home filling station that time is cut in half and will take approximately 4 hours.

The 2013 Chevrolet Volt can run in pure electric mode for 40-80 km. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Does it drive like an EV or a gas-guzzler?
Well, both... Kind of. The driving dynamics of the car are almost as confusing as the technology behind it.

When lined up against "pure" EVs like the Nissan LEAF and Ford Focus Electric (as we did for our EV Comparison Test), the 2013 Chevrolet Volt clearly offered something different. While the Ford's regenerative braking was choppy and rough, and the LEAF's acceleration so smooth it was like greased butter, the Volt fell somewhere in between.

Somehow driving the Volt just feels... different. Acceleration is linear, but stunted, like it's holding itself back. Braking feels soft at first, then stiffens up under harsher use. Again, like it wants to be normal, then remembers it's an EV. When the gas motor turns on, it's not extremely audible, but there is a noticeable vibration in the throttle and the steering wheel.

Speaking of the steering, piloting the 2013 Chevrolet Volt is actually quite enjoyable. Small and compact it's a breeze to park and drive in a crowded downtown core. Be warned: Pedestrians will not hear you coming in full EV mode.

Visibility in the 2013 Chevrolet Volt could be good, if it wasn't for the ridiculously small rear window. Thankfully, my tester was kitted out to the nines (which also meant its price brushed the $50k mark) and had a backup camera.

Small and compact it's a breeze to park and drive in a crowded downtown core. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

iGeneration will dig it
Technology aside, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt is a good looking car. From the outside, it's different enough to grab attention without being so over the top (read: i-MiEV) that people stare. It's sophisticated, in a black tie (or bowtie, as the case may be) kind of way.

It's inside where things get interesting. My particular 2013 Chevrolet Volt was rocking the full tuxedo look inside as well with the optional white-plastic inserts across the doors, dash and centre stack.

However, what I absolutely loathe is the touch-sensitive centre stack. It's not practical nor is it easy to use while driving. Thankfully, steering wheel mounted buttons and a 7" configurable touch-sensitive LCD screen means you can, for the most part, avoid the button-less mess.

Besides that, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt's onboard system tracks fuel mileage, battery use, regenerative braking, and countless other things. And all of this can be conveyed to you via an iPhone App called RemoteLink.

My particular 2013 Chevrolet Volt was rocking the full tuxedo look inside as well with the optional white-plastic inserts across the doors, dash and centre stack. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Saving money at the pumps, but spending it at the dealer
Here's where the 2013 Chevrolet Volt loses some of its appeal, in my opinion. With a base price of over $40k, it's not cheap, even when you consider government incentives or the odd promotion from GM.

And when you start adding all the doodads you'll inevitably want in a car like this you're going to hit that $50,000 mark pretty quickly. And I'm not sure those in the market for an EV will want to spend that much when vehicles like the Toyota Prius essentially offer a similar drive and technology for nearly half the price.

This 2013 Chevrolet Volt review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

2012 Fiat 500C Pop

All Fiat 500s should be cabriolets.

All Fiat 500s should be cabriolets. The 500 is so awkward to drive that you might as well peel the roof back, slow down even more, and let in the scenery. I cannot get past the seat height/clutch pedal relationship in any 500, so I'd like to try an automatic transmission. This car can't get much slower, right? At least the folding cloth top distracted me from the ergonomics for a little while.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500C Pop - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500C Pop - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

2012 Fiat 500C Pop | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

News 24 Nov, 2012

Lewis Hamilton has qualified on pole for the Brazilian Grand Prix, ahead of teammate Jenson Button

Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel has moved a step closer to clinching a third consecutive Formula 1 World Championship by qualifying ahead of his arch rival in the title chase, Fernando Alonso of Ferrari.

The weather was a major talking point during qualifying, with a rain shower just before the start of qualifying and ambient temperatures of 23 degrees centigrade along with 25 degrees of track temperature.

Webber, Hamilton and Button. (Photo: WRI2)

More rain is expected for the race tomorrow, with a 60% chance of precipitation currently forecast, which will put the same accent on tire strategy that played a major part in qualifying today.

Hamilton was quickest in Q1 held on a slightly wet track in Sao Paulo.

No more rain fell during the second session and track temperature climbed to 34 degrees centigrade in bright sunshine, with Alonso going quickest in the early stages. Vettel then set the fastest time of the session using a set of new medium tires.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull (Photo: WRI2)

The final top 10 shoot-out was run just on the medium tires in warm and dry conditions. Hamilton set a 1m12.850 lap on his very first run. He was beaten by Red Bull's Mark Webber on the second run, but then claimed pole back in the final seconds with a time of 1m12.458: his 26th career pole position, ahead of his teammate Jenson Button.

Williams' Pastor Maldonado will be moved 10 places down rid after incurring a reprimand for missing the weighbridge in the second part of qualifying.

Because the reprimand for the incident was Maldonado's third of the year, he was given a grid demotion on this occasion.

Starting grid, Grand Prix of Brazil

Row 1
Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'12"458 - Q3
Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'12"513 - Q3

Row 2
Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'12"581 - Q3
Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'12"760 - Q3

Row 3
Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'12"987 - Q3
Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'13"206 - Q3

Row 4
Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'13"253 - Q3
Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'13"289 - Q3

Row 5
Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'13"489 - Q3
Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'14"121 - Q2

Row 6
Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'14"219 - Q2
Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'14"234 - Q2

Row 7
Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'14"334 - Q2
Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'14"380 - Q2

Row 8
Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'14"574 - Q2
Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'13"174 - Q3 **

Row 9
Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'14"619 - Q2
Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'16"967 - Q1

Row 10
Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'17"073 - Q1
Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'17"086 - Q1

Row 11
Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'17"508 - Q1
Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'18"104 - Q1

Row 12
Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'19"576 - Q1
Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'19"699 - Q1

** 10-place penalty

From GMM

Adrian Sutil is on his way back to formula one and Force India, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

However, the Silverstone based team's sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer denied the deal is done: "We have not signed a contract with any driver," he insisted.

Team owner and boss Vijay Mallya, however, has mentioned German Sutil's name several times in recent weeks, as the team looks to replace the Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg.

"I think in the next two weeks we can announce something," Szafnauer said.

Long-time Force India driver Sutil, 29, was left without a seat for 2012 in the wake of his criminal conviction for assault.

His return to F1 would be bad news for Bruno Senna, Jaime Alguersuari, Sebastien Buemi, Jules Bianchi and several others who were hoping to secure the Force India seat.

But Auto Motor und Sport said there could still be a hiccup with the Sutil deal, if his criminal conviction causes him problems entering China, the US and Canada next year.

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton cried during a television interview whilst talking about his last career grand prix with McLaren.

Asked on Friday by the BBC reporter how he will feel when the chequered flag waves on Sunday, the 2008 world champion said in Brazil: "It's going to be tough.

"It's my family and I'll be going elsewhere.  It's best I don't talk about it too much," he said, before welling with tears.

British newspapers believe Hamilton has fallen out badly with his former mentor Ron Dennis over his Mercedes switch, but he said telling boss Martin Whitmarsh about his move was "the most difficult (phone) call I've ever had to make".

"We'd grown so close and he had been so supportive and I didn't want to let people down," said the British driver.

"But at the end of the day you have to let people down sometimes to make decisions."

Hamilton likens leaving McLaren to finally "leaving home", and so Whitmarsh admitted he hopes the 27-year-old returns.

"We'd have him back, yes," he told British Sky television.  "So let's hope it's just a gap year."

From GMM

Pedro de la Rosa has denied rumours Alex Wurz, his former McLaren test driver teammate, could be involved in the rescue of the dying Spanish team HRT.

Spain's AS newspaper said former F1 driver and Austrian Wurz, currently a 'driver coach' at Williams but also running his own company Firma Test and Technik, has been involved in talks to save HRT, whose lead driver is de la Rosa.

"No, it's not true," de la Rosa said.

"I believe Alex has already denied it, but I am sure he is here (at Interlagos) and you can see what he says."

De la Rosa, 41, acknowledged that Sunday's Brazilian grand prix could be his last grand prix.

And he warned others in pitlane about suffering HRT's fate.

"Apart from McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and maybe Mercedes, the future of all the other teams is not very secure," he is quoted as saying.

From GMM

American multinational Mastercard could be set to return to formula one, according to the latest rumour from Brazil.

Russia's f1news.ru reported that Mastercard - having sponsored Lola's stillborn F1 effort in 1997 and then Jordan between 1998-2001 - has now agreed a trackside sponsorship deal with Bernie Ecclestone's company FOM.

The news follows American giant Coca-Cola's decision to sponsor Lotus from next year with its energy drink Burn, and the return to the calendar of a US grand prix.

Asked how it feels to have secured Coke's backing, Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez told Turun Sanomat newspaper: "As good as Kimi (Raikkonen)'s win in Abu Dhabi."

Team boss Eric Boullier, however, refused to say if Burn will be Lotus' title sponsor next year.

"I'm not going to release any more information," he said in Brazil.

"Whatever it is, it's always welcome."

From GMM

Adrian Newey has denied rumours he only works four days a week for Red Bull.

"I wish!" world champion Red Bull's car designer, and undoubtedly the most highly respected technical figure in formula one, told the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

"That's a rumour I've heard more and more but it's obviously false," said Newey.

"Unfortunately I'm working harder than ever and I think that's just the times we live in.

"We have so much data at our disposal and we spend a lot of time analysing it all.

"I'd love to be in the factory only four days (a week), but I'm not," he insisted.

Earlier this month, General Motors and ABB showcased a modular unit consisting of five used Chevrolet Volt batteries and capable of providing two hours of electricity needed by 3 to 5 average Canadian homes.

The unit was actually designed and built by engineers at GM Canada's Canadian Engineering Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. It was demonstrated during GM's Electrification Experience.

"In many cases, when an EV battery has reached the end of its life in an automotive application, only 30% or less of its life has been used,'' explains Pablo Valencia, GM senior manager of battery lifecycle management. ''This leaves a tremendous amount of life that can be applied to other applications like powering a structure before the battery is recycled.''

The automaker is committed to reducing waste throughout its operations, and secondary use provides the opportunity to fully utilize the battery resource.

Photo: Chevrolet

Johnny Cecotto posted the fastest lap of the second day of collective testing in Jerez, Spain.

The Venezuelan driver, representing Team Arden, dominated both the morning and afternoon sessions on Friday, with a 1'25''694.

Johnny Cecotto (Photo: GP2series.com)

He led Brazilian Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson, who fastest on Thursday.

The next collective test takes place in February.

Jerez - Day 2:
1 - Johnny Cecotto - Arden - 1'25"694
2 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 1'25"719

3 - Marcus Ericsson - Coloni - 1'26"118
4 - Kevin Giovesi - Lazarus - 1'26"149
5 - Stéphane Richelmi - DAMS - 1'26"314
6 - Rio Haryanto - Lotus - 1'26"345

7 - Alexander Sims - Barwa Addax - 1'26"346

8 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 1'26"451

9 - Alexander Rossi - Caterham - 1'26"468
10 - Daniel Juncadella - Rapax - 1'26"543
Etc.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso stands to win a whopping EUR 10 million bonus if on Sunday he can win Ferrari's first drivers' world championship since 2007.

The odds are stacked against the Spaniard, given his inferior Ferrari and Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel's 13-point advantage with just the Brazilian finale to go.

But Alonso is not giving up.

"Obviously it will be good to be on the podium and score a minimum 15 points and then when we cross the line we see where Sebastian is and we try to do some numbers after that," he said at Interlagos.

Italy's La Stampa newspaper said Alonso's likely reward for success would be a EUR 10 million bonus, as per his contract with the famous Maranello based team.

Nick Heidfeld, a former long-time F1 driver, thinks both Vettel and Alonso would deserve their spoils.

"I think both have driven the season of their careers, which is incredible since they are both double world champions," the German told Spox.

"But even though many in Germany don't want to hear it, I have been the most impressed by Fernando.

"I can honestly say that since I've been in F1 or watching F1, I have never seen anyone drive a whole season completely error free and always at the maximum."

Another grand prix veteran, Rubens Barrichello, agrees.

"Car for car, Vettel has the greatest chance," he is quoted by Agencia Estado on a visit to the Interlagos paddock on Friday.

"But if you think about the experience and determination of Alonso ... if Vettel takes a single breath, he will lose the title," said the Brazilian.

Model: 2002 to 2012 Mercedes SL

Vehicle Type: Luxury convertible

History/Description: Few machines exemplify top-level comfort, premium sophistication and advanced performance quite like the Mercedes Benz SL. A two-seat convertible designed for comfortable, high-speed, top-optional travels, it was available in its last full generation from 2002 to 2012.

Feature content for this luxo-rocket included a fully motorized power roof, navigation, heated leather seats with the “airscarf” neck-warmer system, Bluetooth, premium audio by Harman Kardon, driver-selectable suspension, and plenty more.

Engine options were numerous. Standard in the SL 500 was a 5.0L V8 with 302 horsepower in earlier years, though a 5.5L mill packing 382 horsepower became the base engine a few years later. This base engine necessitated a name-change to “SL 550.” An SL 600 model was also available, featuring a turbocharged V8 with a little shy of 500 horses.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

What Owners Like: The head-tuning factor, on-road presence and performance of the SL were its most highly rated assets, according to many owners. Plenty of on-board storage and all-around comfort were also commented upon positively.

What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for better fuel mileage and lower maintenance costs from their SL.

Common Issues: Complaints deal with noises, like squeaks and rattles, as the car ages. System malfunctions, which are typically referenced by a message in the instrument cluster, are also somewhat well documented. Be sure none of these messages are present on the model you're test driving.

Listen for a metallic “clanging” sound from the rear of the vehicle as it comes to rest, or while it's resting shortly after being stopped. Numerous owners have reported issues with baffles breaking off inside the fuel tank and floating noisily around. This is an expensive repair if not covered by warranty, though it's likely to mainly affect earlier models.

Ensure the motorized top works as expected, completing several full open and close cycles and listen for any binding, hesitation or strain. The roof should open smoothly and quietly. Any roof-related repairs could be pricey.
These issues aside, the SL's relatively low sales volumes and typically low-mileage operation mean that reliability issues are somewhat difficult to nail down. Still, this writer can suggest a few important points to remember when considering the purchase of a used SL.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Continue reading 2002-2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Pre-Owned

From GMM

Kamui Kobayashi is hoping a new website will help him raise the money to stay in formula one beyond Sunday's Brazilian grand prix.

Sauber announced on Friday that it will pair Nico Hulkenberg with the Telmex-backed Mexican rookie Esteban Gutierrez in 2013.

"I think if a driver deserves to be in formula one he's definitely one of them and I hope he can get support from Japanese companies and stay in the sport," Monisha Kaltenborn, admitting the decision to oust Kobayashi was "tough", said in Brazil.

Indeed, Kobayashi admitted at Interlagos that the 'kamui-support.com' website is designed to collect money from his fans in order to secure one of the last seats on the 2013 grid.

"It (the website) has been (live for) just two days but it's going to help my career for sure," he is quoted by Reuters.

The website includes the popular 26-year-old's bank account details.

Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half of the sports car maker, sources said.

Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half the sports-car maker, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.