Auto News 5

The compact Impreza sedan and 5-door, totally redesigned for the 2012 model year, gets a few minor equipment adjustments for 2013.

Bluetooth phone connectivity will be standard in all Impreza trims, and that includes Bluetooth streaming audio as well. A media hub is also included in all versions, which includes a USB port for plugging in a thumb drive or connecting an iPod.

The 2013 Impreza with the Limited package gains a navigation system with voice recognition and a backup camera.

As with the 2012 model, the 2013 Subaru Impreza is available in base, Touring, Sport and Limited trim levels, with both 4-door and 5-door body styles. Power comes from a 148-hp, 2.0L flat-four BOXER engine, managed by either a 5-speed manual, a CVT automatic as well as full-time all-wheel drive.

The 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI are also now available, still based on the previous generation car.

Photo: Subaru

Red Bull is rumoured to become the new promoter of the World Rally Championship starting from 2013, writes British motorsport magazine Autosport.

In January, the FIA ended the contract with long-time promoter North One, after the company's owner Vladimir Antonov was arrested in London.

Then, several companies were in talks with the FIA to become the new promoter, including Eurosport. But the European sports TV broadcaster, which is also the promoter of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, failed to find an agreement with the FIA.

Red Bull is already a partner of Citroen Racing. (Photo: WRC)

Today, it seems that Red Bull would be in a good position to become the new promoter of the WRC from 2013. The Austrian giant is already involved in the WRC, being the main sponsor of the Citroen Racing Team. Red Bull also backs the Skoda team in the IRC.

An official statement could be issued during Rally Germany, next round of the World Rally Championship, presented August 24-26.

From GMM

Jenson Button has revealed he would only consider becoming Fernando Alonso's Ferrari teammate "in a parallel universe".

The 2009 world champion's latest interview, with Italy's Autosprint magazine, is a cool rejoinder to speculation Button might consider leaving McLaren as Ferrari seeks a replacement for struggling Felipe Massa.

Asked if he has had contact with Ferrari in 2012, the 32-year-old Briton said: "Well, uh... there has always been contact. I always say 'hello, how are you?' when I see Stefano Domenicali in the paddock. But he knows and I know that I have a contract for next year. I really don't know why it (the Ferrari speculation) is focused so strongly in my direction."

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) and Jenson Button (McLaren) on the German podium. (Photo: WRi2)

Trying another tack, Autosprint asked Button if he is flattered that Ferrari made an effort to sign him for 2013.

"Who says they did?" he reportedly smiled.

"I think if you look at this team - McLaren - you see a team that has achieved so much. And if you look at the red team, you see the same thing. The Italians are passionate about sports, especially motor sport -- but this (McLaren) is the right place for me now. Although, as I've always said, 'never say never'," Button insisted.

He explained that Ferrari is not the right place for him now because of the unique structure Alonso has built up around him at Maranello.

Asked if he thinks the Spaniard would willingly see 'his' team altered to suit the needs of a new teammate, Button answered: "If you asked him, then no, he wouldn't. He is a very intelligent driver and, maybe, in a parallel universe, I'd happily work with him. It would be difficult but it's always interesting to have someone next to you who's so tough, so smart. I admire him as I admired Alain Prost -- he created a great atmosphere around him, with very good people. I'm sorry for Felipe, but I think Fernando has the whole team around him."

Vehicle production in North America is gradually returning to pre-recession levels, but suppliers won't be able to return to business as usual. Automakers are expected to produce 17.4 million vehicles in North America in 2016, up from a likely 14.

Sirius XM Radio reported a 14 percent increase in subscribers in the second quarter, citing higher new-vehicle sales. Sirius XM's net income, boostedby a $3 billion income tax benefit #8212; was $3.

Automakers say they will squeeze much more efficiency from the internal combustion engine. For instance, they will use excess heat to warm engine lubricants more quickly to reduce friction.

This past June, the Audi R8 E-tron took to the Nürburgring and turned a lap time of 8 minutes, 9 seconds.

Also in this episode: Ford says its plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi will hit 85 mph,

About 1 in 4 car buyers is willing to pay extra for a fuel-efficient powertrain if the investment can be recouped in four years or less, a senior Ford executive said today.

Chrysler's Dodge brand is withdrawing from NASCAR stock-car racing at the end of the 2012 season, following a decision earlier this year by partner Penske Racing to switch to Ford from Dodge in 2013.

After announcing record sales for the first half of 2012 a month ago, BMW Group on Tuesday (7 August) said it had achieved a record sales result for July 2012 as sales worldwide rose 5% year on year to 135,537 units.

News 7 Aug, 2012

City cars and SUVs hold on to their value best, according to Glass's Guide

News 7 Aug, 2012

Dogs have a bigger carbon footprint than cars, according to scientists

News 8 Aug, 2012

Insurers aren't recognising drivers with no claims, prompting calls for industry database to verify discounts

New vehicle sales in Indonesia continued to rise in July despite the introduction of tighter lending rules in June intended to anticipate and prevent a consumer spending bubble.

Russian car manufacturer (and Ford joint venture partner) Sollers plans to inject RUB750m (US$23.7m) into the charter capital of its separate joint venture with Mazda Motor Corporation to acquire 50% in the company, according to a decision of Sollers' board of directors seen by local news agency Prime.

Component suppliers are flocking to Vietnam to take advantage of burgeoning car and motorcycle production in the country.

Spyker CEO, Victor Muller, says he has returned to "haunt" General Motors as the former Saab chief outlined further details of the Dutch company's sensational US$3bn lawsuit against the Detroit operation.

For much of this year, gains in United States auto sales have been a bright spot in an economy that remains weighed down by joblessness, a still-sluggish housing market and global uncertainty.