Auto News 5

As some observers of the IndyCar scene had expected, Jeff Belskus will become the new IndyCar CEO, replacing Randy Bernard who had been replaced earlier in October amidst some controversy.

Mark Miles has taken over Belskus former duties as chief executive officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Hulman & Co.

Jeff Belskus. (Photo: IndyCar)

Mark Miles is not a newcomer into a major sport organisation; having spent more than 15 years as the CEO of the ATP, the governing body of men's international professional tennis.

As the most powerful member of the Kia Optima lineup, this sedan doesn't just have the look it has the drive to match. With just enough punch at the touch of the throttle, plenty of interior roominess and a look that sets it apart from the pack: the 2012 Kia Optima Turbo checks all the necessary boxes.

Knowing what you get in the Kia Optima package, the just-above $30,000 price tag for the EX Turbo trim is more than reasonable, and well worth the investment. When compared to the Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion (because they sport turbos too), it's a viable option buyers should most definitely consider.


Optimal response
When I'm handed the keys to an automatic (which is often), I'll admit my heart often sinks just a little. I'm just a hands-on, manual kinda girl - sorry. However, it's safe to say that the 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission in the 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo is nothing short of fabulous. Complete with stylish paddle-shifters on the steering wheel, this Optima is a joy to drive.

Shifts are quick, and not onces did the transmission stumble or search for a gear. In all honesty, I rarely touched the paddle shifters. So good was the 2012 Kia Optima's own system that I felt no need to override it.

Power delivery is smooth, and very little lag is felt from the turbo (which I'll get to in a moment). Merging on the highway, passing moves and generally spirited driving is done with ease.

Optimal power
Really, anything with a turbo gets me a little excited; from the spool to the blow-off to the power it provides, it's all pretty fantastic. So, when I saw the “T” on the badge in the back, that sinking feeling from the automatic almost went away completely.

Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo is good for 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque; both decent numbers for a car in its class. Nothing too scary fast, and nothing too stodgy or slow. It really is a great engine. I tried to find something bad to say about it and the only thing I can come up with is that it's a bit loud on start-up in the cold. You've been warned.

The 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo is good for 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Optimal looks outside, and in
And then we come to the way the 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo looks; and again I have a hard time saying anything very bad about it. On a personal level, I adore the uber-modern, mosaic-style turn signals housed in the headlights, and the chrome-lined honeycomb-style grille. It's all very upper class, all very aristocratic in an urban, cooler-than-you way.

It's just the right amount of flash to grab some attention without being so over the top that you'll get sick of the 2012 Kia Optima a few months after driving it off the dealer lot.

Subtle gills beneath the side mirrors hint at a sportier ride, as does the rear lip spoiler.

Inside the 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo the good looks continue. While I wasn't a huge fan of my tester's light-grey leather seats, the overall design of the interior is quite pleasing. With the middle console angled towards the driver, everything is in arm's reach (even for someone with arms as short as mine).

Deeply recessed gauges housed in chrome-lined casings, again, hint at a sportier nature, and I quite like the orange-hued gauge lights.

My only qualms about the interior of the 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo are the oversized and rather ugly seat-heater buttons (really, they have to be THAT big?), and the A and B pillars are quite large; for someone like me who has to have the driver's seat quite far forward, my visibility was hampered by them at every intersection.

With the middle console angled towards the driver, everything is in arm's reach. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Optimal space
Seating space in the 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo is great no matter where you are. Even with a BRITAX car seat behind the passenger's seat, there was still plenty of legroom left, and the remaining two seats in the rear were useable.

The 2012 Kia Optima EX Turbo's trunk easily swallowed up a large stroller along with groceries and other shopping goods, and the self-opening trunk (controlled by the key fob) is great for full hands as it pops open just enough to make access that much easier.

Optimal
Here is a sedan that's a great family hauler, but still great to drive. Who knew?

From GMM

McLaren's battle for the 2012 drivers' and constructors' crowns is over.

But Jenson Button said the Woking based team, whose 'supremo' Ron Dennis once famously declared that second is just "first of the losers", is nonetheless determined to be runner-up.

Red Bull has now secured the constructors' title for this year, but McLaren is just 14 points behind Ferrari for second place, with just this weekend's Brazilian showdown left to run.

Britain's Sun newspaper said the difference between second and third is almost $10 million in Concorde Agreement prize-money.

McLaren targets the second place in the Constructor Championship. (Photo: McLaren)

"The constructors' title does mean a lot to me because it is a lot of money," driver Jenson Button confirmed.

"I think we can do it, but we will need the perfect weekend. It is also nice to get one over on Ferrari. We want to finish in front of them. We are a competitive team. We cannot beat Red Bull but we can beat Ferrari, which has to be our aim."

From GMM

Hans-Joachim Stuck, a former F1 driver and now president of Germany's motor racing federation DMSB, thinks Michael Schumacher is being pushed back into retirement.

After a less-than-shining three year comeback with Mercedes, seven time world champion Schumacher will retire again after his 308th and final career grand prix this weekend in Brazil.

The famous German also 'retired' in Brazil six years ago.

"It will probably be less emotional for me this time than in 2006, when we (Ferrari) were still fighting for the championship and everything was much more intense," Schumacher said this week.

Michael Schumacher. (Photo: WRi2)

Schumacher and Mercedes have gone to great lengths to counter the perception that the 43-year-old is being callously ousted to make room for 2013 arrival Lewis Hamilton.

But when asked about Schumacher's impending retirement, Stuck is quoted by spox.com: "He had no choice. Mercedes signed Lewis Hamilton and Michael couldn't find another adequate cockpit."

Hans-Joachim Stuck said he regrets that F1's most successful driver of all time will no longer be on the grid from next year.

"I would like to have kept watching him try to match up to the younger drivers," said the 61-year-old.

Also in this episode: The first U.S.-market Ferrari F12 sells for $1.125 million, and the East Coast collector car community

A former GM engineer took confidential hybrid vehicle information that could lessen the automaker's competitive advantages if shared with other companies, a GM manager said today in court testimony.

For the 2013 model year mid-cycle upgrade to its CR-Z hybrid hatchback, Honda has added a more powerful lithium ion battery and on-demand power-boost feature.

Inventor, race-car driver, fighter pilot and friend John Fitch passed away on Oct. 31. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. (Eastern) on Saturday, Dec. 1, at Trinity Churchand#8212;directly across from Lime Rock Parkand#8212;in Lakeville, Conn.

We've pontificated about the Aston Martin Vanquish. We've driven the Aston Martin Vanquish.

Jason Stein, editor of Automotive News, has taken on the additional role of associate publisher.

Buick is touting the Active On-Demand all-wheel drive system in the new Encore SUV.

A Massachusetts judge has denied a request by dealers for a preliminary injunction against Tesla Motors, which will allow the automaker to operate its store in suburban Boston as the dealers' lawsuit against the company proceeds.

News 20 Nov, 2012

New Japanese-spec Leaf hints at 2013 UK model, with 80kg weight loss and new entry-level version

News 21 Nov, 2012

The new-look Peugeot RCZ will arrive in UK showrooms in January, with prices starting from £21,595

Chery Automobile is expected to gain from its joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover but it still wants to develop its own high-end brand though analysts are sceptical.

First Drive: 2013 Ram Express

It's got a Hemi, but not much else.

The Ram 1500 is perhaps the best example of the pickup truck segment moving steadily upmarket. The 2013 model can be optioned with Nappa leather, a navigation system, an air suspension, and even real wood interior trim, the sort of goodies previously reserved for luxury cars. While plenty of buyers lust after all those luxury features, we remain adamant that there is no greater need than a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, and back in 2011, Ram introduced just the truck to prove our point. The Ram Express is an affordable, go-fast hotrod among workhorse trucks.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Ram Express - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Ram Express - Automobile Magazine

First Drive: 2013 Ram Express | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Fans of the Wankel engine who are torn between mourning the late RX-8 and holding out hope for a

Pictures 21 Nov, 2012

Nissan Motor,, hoping to boost disappointing sales for the Leaf electric car, today said it has improved the driving range of its alternative-fuel vehicle by 14 percent and lowered its price tag.

Pictures 20 Nov, 2012