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2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S

The new 911 garners a lot of attention wherever we go.

Like seemingly everyone else in America, I went to see "The Avengers" on its opening weekend. Unlike most everyone else, I drove to the theater in a new Porsche 911 Carrera S. I don't think I could have gotten more attention had I walked into this Ypsilanti, Michigan, theater with the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) on my arm. "Hey man, just so you know, I could totally beat you in my 2006 BMW M3," called a young man who had apparently elected to leave the Bimmer at home in favor of his mid-90s Chevrolet Lumina. Another gentleman jogged into the theater after me to ask if the red Porsche was, in fact, my car. This is all a bit unusual for a 911, which has always been something of a superhero in disguise. I've driven several last-generation 911s, including a pricey GTS model, and received not a lick of attention. This new model has a certain magnetism that I think goes beyond a few new details. It doesn't show in pictures, but the new car has dramatically modified, more muscular proportions. This comes at something of a cost in terms of authenticity. Whereas the previous car felt like an old car that's been modernized -- much like a Jeep Wrangler -- this car feels like a modern design that's been given lots of retro cues -- think the Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Challenger.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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The Canadian Auto Workers union is bracing for a bruising fight in contract talks with the "Big Three" Detroit automakers as the companies say costs must fall, and workers, emboldened by the industry's return to profit, want higher wages and more...

Dan Ammann wants it understood he's not one of the gray-suited "bean counters" who once dominated, and nearly destroyed, GM.

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) pulled a second straight pole position out of his bag on a wet qualifying day ahead of the German Grand Prix.

Rain started coming down between Q1 and Q2 sessions, meaning drivers rushed out on intermediates in the first minutes of the second segment to try and get a lap out before the rain intensified. Many couldn't and were cut out from the top 10 shootout, most notably Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) who was definitely hoping for a different outcome on home turf.

The German ended up 17th, but will drop a further five places on the grid because of an unscheduled gearbox change.

The rain stopped for Q3, but puddles of standing water kept challenges in store for the drivers. As the session went on, the track dried meaning going out late was critical to post a fast lap.

Alonso had the timing right to challenge for pole position and benefited from Sebastien Vettel (Red Bull), his closest rival, being slowed down by his teammate, Mark Webber. The Australian took third behind the pair, but was another victim of the grid penalty drops, he too will loose places because an unscheduled gearbox change, just like Rosberg.

This left local hero Michael Schumacher, who provisionally held pole but ended up posting the fourth best lap, to take his place on the grid. Countryman Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) sneaked his way up to the second row, beside Schumacher.

Pastor Maldonado (Williams-Renault) was another unsung hero of the wet qualifying session, bringing his Williams up to fifth.

Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), Paul di Resta (Force India) and Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) all struggled with the changing conditions.



Qualifying results* - German Grand Prix (Hockenheim)
1. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1min40.621 - Q3

2. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1min41.026 - Q3

3. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1min42.459 - Q3
4. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1min43.501 - Q3
5. Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1min43.950 - Q3

6. Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1min44.113 - Q3

7. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1min44.186 - Q3
8. Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1min41.496 - Q3 **

9. Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1min44.889 - Q3

10. Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 11. 1min45.811 - Q3
11. Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1min39.789 - Q2

12. Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1min39.933 - Q2

13. Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1min40.212 - Q2
14. Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1min40.752 - Q2

15. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1min41.551 - Q2

16. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1min16.741 - Q1
17. Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1min17.620 - Q1
18. Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1min18.531 - Q1

19. Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1min19.220 - Q1
20. Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1min40.574 - Q2 **

21. Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1min19.291 - Q1

22. Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1min19.912 - Q1

23. Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1min39.985 - Q2 ***

24. Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1min20.230 - Q1



* Unofficial timing
** Five-place grid penalty

*** Ten-place grid penalty

Unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year, the new Lamborghini Urus crossover is about to turn even more heads by going from concept to production. Sources told Autocar that it will likely happen in 2016.

The Italian automaker hopes to sell 3,000 units a year, which would instantly triple its presence in the marketplace. The Urus is expected to carry a starting price of €170,000, or about $211,000 at today's exchange rates, making it the cheapest Lamborghini model in the lineup.

This new crossover will share its platform with the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and the upcoming production version of the Bentley EXP 9. The engine will be a 4.2L V8 rated at about 600 horsepower.

Source: carmagazine

Photo: Lamborghini

From GMM

Red Bull could be the next team with a 'double DRS' on board, the Spanish sports newspaper AS reports.

After it emerged the car driven by Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen was fitted with a Mercedes-like top speed boosting system on Friday, the team confirmed that it "worked as expected".

"We've seen encouraging signs from our latest prototype concept and although we won't race it here, it's likely to make another appearance during practice in Budapest," trackside boss Alan Permane said.

AS correspondent Manuel Franco at Hockenheim reported paddock rumours that Red Bull Racing, who share an engine partner with Lotus, could be the next team with a version of the so-called double-DRS.

From GMM

Paul Hembery at Hockenheim hit back at Michael Schumacher's claim the Pirelli tyres supplied to F1 teams in 2013 are not "decent".

The seven time world champion said earlier this week that he would like to see a 'tyre war' break out in formula one again "Because then we would have decent tyres."

Pirelli's F1 boss Hembery hit back: "He says that because the last time there was competition between tyre manufacturers, he (Schumacher) benefitted the most."

The Briton is obviously referring to suggestions a lot of Schumacher's success in his first career was due to Ferrari's famously close relationship with Bridgestone.

Hembery was quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "We adhere only to the rules, which are not made by Mr Schumacher, nor by Pirelli."

The German report said it is obvious Hembery and Schumacher are "not friends".

From GMM

F1 legends Sir Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard have advised Lewis Hamilton to stay with McLaren beyond 2012.

But 1996 world champion Damon Hill thinks it could be time for him to move on.

Celebrating his 100th race at Hockenheim this weekend, 2008 world champion Hamilton is reportedly considering leaving the famous British team that gave him his grand prix debut back in 2007.

"I see no need for him to move away from McLaren," triple world champion Stewart told the Daily Mail. "I think it would be quite daft if he did.

"He knows they have got the resources," added the 73-year-old Scot. "You have to have the basic ingredients and McLaren have all of them and know how to do it and they have got a very experienced group of people."

Stewart also thinks Hamilton, 27, will find it hard to get "the sort of salary he enjoys" elsewhere.

Former McLaren driver Coulthard agrees with Stewart that McLaren is Hamilton's best bet for 2013.

"McLaren are a special team, a massive team and you do not give up a race seat there lightly," he wrote in his latest Telegraph column.

Coulthard said moving to Lotus would be a "huge punt" for Hamilton if he wants to win the world championship again.

"No, I would advise Lewis to stay right where he is, and I am sure he will," added the Scot.

But former Williams title winner Hill said Hamilton might be right to think the grass could be greener elsewhere.

"I'm sure Lewis feels that his trajectory had him down for at least two world championships by now, if not three," he told the Express newspaper.

But Hill conceded: "To try a move might be a risk for Lewis. But the counter argument is whether you can grow successfully within the same organisation.

"When you start off as a very young boy with an organisation, sometimes it's difficult for that organisation to realise that the young boy is no longer a young boy, he's a man, able to make his own decisions and go in his own direction.

"It can be a question of whether he gets that at McLaren."

From GMM

After leaving Faenza, and holidaying in Rimini, Giorgio Ascanelli's next stop could be Maranello.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that the veteran engineer, officially on "holiday" according to his Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost, could be headed to Ferrari.

The report said Ascanelli is currently on holiday on the Adriatic coast.

"Nobody wants to say when he's coming back. Probably never," said journalist Michael Schmidt.

Ascanelli began his career at Ferrari in the mid 80s, and was Gerhard Berger's engineer.

He then moved to Benetton and McLaren, at the latter team working alongside the great Ayrton Senna.

Ascanelli returned to Ferrari in 1995, staying until 2001. It is known he is friends with the team's new technical boss, Briton Pat Fry, dating back to their McLaren days.

Meanwhile, it is suggested Ascanelli's role at Toro Rosso could be filled by James Key, who departed as Sauber's technical director in February.

Sébastien Loeb might retire from World Rally Championship (WRC) competition at the end of this year. The eight-time world champion is expected to decide before the end of the summer.

Loeb has an option for 2013 on his current Citroën contract, but tell-tale signs indicating retirement at the end of 2012 are surfacing.

Since December 2011, Loeb has been involved with his own racing team, which he founded with Dominique Heintz : Sébastien Loeb Racing. SLR currently fields and LMP2 prototype in European Le Mans Series (ELMS), as well as three Porsche 911 GT3 in France's Carrera Cup championship and a Mercedes SLS in GT competitions.

Stéphane Sarrazin at the wheel of Loeb Racing's LMP2 prototype. (Photo: WRi2)

Loeb himself took the wheel of one of his 911 at the Grand Prix de Pau, handing his team its very first victory. The idea of a full-time commitment has probably occurred to the Frenchman. After all, SLR's goal is to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2013. Which would mean a switch to the World Endurance Championship because the ELMS is doing so bad, and a chance for Loeb to fight for yet another world title.

Furthermore, with eight - possibly nine at the end of this season - world titles in his pocket, Loeb doesn't have anything else to prove. Next year, Volkswagen is set to arrive, with the means to succeed and Sébastien Ogier - the same man who once seemed like a worthy successor to Loeb, during their year together at Citroën in 2010 - at the wheel.

2013 could be the year Loeb is overthrown, the year he should have retired.

Sébastien Loeb, Citroën DS3. (Photo: WRC)

Plus, the PSA Peugeot Citroën group is going through a rough patch lately. It has already laid off 8,000 workers, and plans on closing a factory in Aulnay, near Paris. Citroën repeatedly said the WRC program is not in danger, but admitted there would be cutbacks in the team's fundings.

Loeb's departure would save his expensive's salary to the company, and open the door to his replacement Thierry Neuville, groomed by Citroën, who showed promising speed so far in his rookie season. Meanwhile Mikko Hirvonen could assume the leader role, which would support his decision to leave, at the end of 2011, the similarly good seat he had at Ford.

Barwa, the Qatari company financing Citroën's B team which fields Neuville and Nasser Al-Attiyah, could pair with Citroën's factory team; bringing the missing link to the budget and the number of cars down to three, making the team all more efficient and cheaper to run.

Loeb commented the situation in the Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace newspaper: "Last year, I didn't have my race team, so I had nothing after rally. Now, I have too much stuff! But yes, I am asking myself a lot of questions lately[.] I'm not going to stop it all at once. One thing is for sure: I still thoroughly enjoy competing. Whatever happens, I need the thrill of racing.

"I just have to find the right challenge for me," he added. "For example, when I win a Porsche Cup race, like I did in Pau, people are more surprised then when I win a rally. I won in New Zealand? What's new? Driving a WRC car is never boring, the feel at the wheel is the same. But there comes a time where you need to make a decision.

"And that time has come."

From Marussia

17 days after her testing accident at Duxford Airfield, the Marussia F1 Team are pleased to report that Test Driver Maria De Villota has returned to Spain.

Maria left Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge yesterday (20 July) and returned directly to Spain.

Over the course of the past two weeks, Maria has made significant progress. More comfortable and familiar surroundings, plus the support of her wider family and friends, will undoubtedly provide a more conducive environment in which Maria can commence the next phase of her recovery.

The Marussia F1 Team have remained in close contact with the medical team at Addenbrooke's Hospital since Maria's admittance and would like to express their gratitude for the remarkable care and attention that she has received there.

The Marussia F1 Team - the staff, race drivers Timo Glock and Charles Pic, and all those associated with the Team - wish Maria well with the next stage of her recovery. The management team will continue to liaise closely with Maria and her family and provide any assistance possible during the coming months.

History/Description: It's a bittersweet thing that Saturn launched the Aura just a few years ahead of their ultimate demise as a brand, because by many accounts, the Aura was a fantastic midsized sedan. Built on a GM Europe-designed Opel platform, the Aura offered great ride quality and handling reflexes.

2007 Saturn Aura (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Look for the Aura with four- or six-cylinder engines, an available hybrid model, and a bright, fresh look that spoke to the youthful and dynamic feel of the Saturn brand.

Higher-end XR models got a premium audio system, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped surfaces, OnStar, satellite radio, remote start and plenty more. All Aura models got an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

What Owners Like: Many Aura owners report a quiet, solid and smooth ride, premium driving feel, good overall design and good fuel mileage. Owners of V6 powered models say they enjoy plenty of power, and styling is rated highly on all models.

What Owners Dislike: Some Aura owners wish for more comfortable seats, a rear-seat armrest, more at-hand storage and bigger cupholders.

Common Issues: On a test drive, ‘feel' the Aura's brakes for signs of pulsation during moderate brake application, which could indicate warped brake rotors. Check for signs of moisture in the footwell carpeting on sunroof-equipped models, which could indicate a leaky drain tube.

A clunking or grinding sound or rough sensation while steering could indicate a well-known problem with a steering shaft. This issue has popped up in numerous other GM models, and a dealership performing a pre-purchase inspection will be familiar with the problem and how to check for its presence. Listen for any squealing or ‘clicking' sounds during steering at low speeds, which could also reference this issue.

Additionally, squeaking sounds while travelling over bumps could be caused by suspension bushings that are worn out.

Ensure the electronic keyfobs lock and unlock the doors as expected, and note any ‘check engine' or ‘airbag' lights that may be present in the instrument cluster. Also, double-check for proper operation of the stereo, satellite radio, and OnStar systems.

Engine and transmission problems look few and far between, though a scan of the Aura's computer by a trained Saturn mechanic can reveal any potential problems that may be waiting for you within the electronics. Note that excessive gear hunting, rough shifting or slippage from the transmission is likely the result of a bad control module, and can typically be remedied by reprogramming it.

2007 Saturn Aura (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Continue reading 2007-2009 Saturn Aura Pre-Owned

Simon Pagenaud (Schmidt Hamilton) and veteran Helio Castroneves ended up splitting the fastest times in the practice sessions for the upcoming IndyCar Indy of Edmonton at the city airport.

The Frenchman was the fastest in the morning with a lap of 1m16.5391s which is way slower than the pole set by Takuma Sato last year. AJ Foyt Racing's Mike Conway was second while Justin Wilson (Dale Coyne) was third fastest.

Things got to a much faster pace in the afternoon as Castroneves clocked the best time at 1m16.4920s finishing just in front of Scott Dixon (Ganassi) by a mere 0.0027s.

Mike Conway (AJ Foyt Racing) maintained the pace and improved on his final lap to go third fastest, putting him just ahead of local heroes James Hinchcliffe (Andretti Autosport) and Alex Tagliani (Bryan Herta Autosport).



Practice 2 results* - IndyCar (Edmonton)

1 - Helio Castroneves (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 1min16.4920
2 - Scott Dixon (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 1min16.4947

3 - Mike Conway (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Foyt - 1min16.5122
4 - James Hinchcliffe (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 1min16.5740
5 - Alex Tagliani (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Herta - 1min16.6505

6 - Dario Franchitti (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 1min16.6875
7 - Justin Wilson (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 1min16.6985
8 - Ryan Hunter-Reay (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 1min16.7067
9 - Will Power (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 1min16.7168

10 - Rubens Barrichello (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 1min16.8078
11 - Josef Newgarden (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Fisher - 1min16.8225
12 - Simon Pagenaud (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 1min16.8350

13 - Graham Rahal (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 1min16.8482
14 - Marco Andretti (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 1min16.8999
15 - Tony Kanaan (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 1min16.9230

16 - Ryan Briscoe (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 1min16.9331

17 - EJ Viso (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 1min16.9715
18 - Takuma Sato (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 1min16.9741
19 - James Jakes (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 1min17.2266

20 - Charlie Kimball (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 1min17.2478

21 - Sebastien Bourdais (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Dragon - 1min17.2593

22 - JR Hildebrand (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Panther - 1min17.3555

23 - Oriol Servia (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - D&R - 1min17.4791
24 - Simona de Silvestro (Dallara DW12-Lotus) - HVM - 1min17.8749

25 - Ed Carpenter (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Carpenter - 1min17.9263

Practice 1 results* - IndyCar (Edmonton)

1 - Simon Pagenaud (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 1min16.5391

2 - Mike Conway (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Foyt - 1min16.9309
3 - Justin Wilson (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 1min16.9718
4 - Graham Rahal (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 1min17.0914
5 - Josef Newgarden (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Fisher - 1min17.1461
6 - Dario Franchitti (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 1min17.1985
7 - Scott Dixon (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 1min17.2414

8 - James Jakes (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 1min17.3587

9 - Rubens Barrichello (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 1min17.3888

10 - JR Hildebrand (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Panther - 1min17.3949

11 - Alex Tagliani (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Herta - 1min17.4025

12 - Ryan Briscoe (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 1min17.4110

13 - Charlie Kimball (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 1min17.5277
14 - Takuma Sato (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 1min17.6276
15 - Marco Andretti (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 1min17.6346

16 - Helio Castroneves (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 1min17.6804

17 - EJ Viso (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 1min17.7762
18 - James Hinchcliffe (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 1min17.8111
19 - Tony Kanaan (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 1min17.8311
20 - Sebastien Bourdais (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Dragon - 1min17.8715

21 - Will Power (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 1min17.9286

22 - Ryan Hunter-Reay (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 1min18.1163

23 - Simona de Silvestro (Dallara DW12-Lotus) - HVM - 1min18.1858

24 - Oriol Servia (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - D&R - 1min18.4726

25 - Ed Carpenter (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Carpenter - 1min18.8988

*Unofficial timing

From GMM

The clock is ticking if the Nurburgring wants to book a place on the 2013 calendar.

That was the warning issued on Friday by F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, after the German circuit's management last week launched a voluntary insolvency process.

The news has gravely endangered the Nurburgring's formula one race, with the track scheduled to appear on the 2013 calendar as per the alternation arrangement with Ecclestone and Germany's other grand prix venue, Hockenheim.

In an interview due to be published by Rhein-Zeitung newspaper on Saturday, Ecclestone confirmed reports he has offered by waive the Nurburgring's mandatory race sanctioning fee for 2013.

But he warned: "The negotiations have to be finished in the next few weeks, if a race is going to take place in 2013."

BMW Group Financial Services plans to launch a pilot program in the New York area next month offering short-term rentals at BMW dealerships.

Ford said today it expects its first plug-in hybrid to have an electric-only range of roughly 20 miles -- almost twice that of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.

Chrysler, striving to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market, launched a Web site today that streamlines job listings and helps prospective employees survey career opportunities with the company.

Nissan is turning to Korean automaker Samsung to take the heat off its North American production needs as it struggles to stay a step ahead of U.S. sales forecasts.

Dealership management system provider DealerTrack has agreed to acquire 1st Auto Transport Directory of San Diego, a provider of Web-based tools for vehicle shipping and transportation, for about $74 million in cash.

ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: It's always interesting getting into a mass-volume car such as this 2012 Toyota Camry LE.