Remember when all the new cars and trucks were introduced in the fall? That period is long behind us, as new or redesigned models are hitting the market at any given time of the year. As usual, we'll be there to give you all the latest info on them. Next week, we will publish: Our first impressions of the redesigned 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan; Reviews of the 2012 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn and 2012 Nissan Murano; A feature on tire pressure as part of our Intuition women-related content; A review of the Griffin iTrip wireless radio adapter for the iPhone; A story on the General Lee as part of our Famous Cars series; Our review of the Michelin's new winter tire, the X-Ice 3; The usual blogs, rants and news; And much more And don't miss in the coming weeks: Our first drives of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the 2013 Lexus GS and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class; Our coverage of the Toronto Auto Show; Our usual onslaught of new vehicle reviews. Enjoy the weekend and drive safely, everyone. Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com

Fiat presents the first official images of the 500L, the new model which will have its world preview at the International Geneva Motor Show on 6 March this year. 500L - the L stands for 'Large' - is the new addition to the 500 range, which, following the Abarth and Cabrio versions, furthers the brand's strategy, with the aim of extending its offer by introducing models in a position to satisfy different types of customers. With the 'L', the 500 expands and grows together with customers, to accommodate new experiences and needs once more. Photo: Fiat With MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car, the new Fiat model defies the conventional distinctions between the various segments, combining the typical characteristics of different categories in order to create a distinctive alternative to the traditional B and C segments. With the 500L, the Fiat brand demonstrates its creative spirit once more: a marriage of functionality and emotion, it features a 5-seater single-volume structure which is 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high. It is a further development of the concept of 'cab forward' introduced by Fiat with the 600 Multipla, a precursor to the concept of the compact people carrier. Produced at the Fiat factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, 500L is a 'first car' for those who won't settle for anything less than Italian style, the versatility that comes from a functional design and engine technology that sets the bar in terms of efficiency. The Fiat 500L will be introduced to Europe in the last quarter of 2012, with an engine range which will initially comprise two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II) and the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology from Fiat Group Automobiles. As reported by Fiat

The countdown has begun in preparation for the 2012 World Car Awards winners' press conference co-hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, April 5, 2012. The 2012 World Car of the Year and the 2012 World Performance Car will be declared at this time. The top three finalists in all award categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 6th, 2012. Volkswagen Up! (Photo: Volkswagen) Juror List. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors' ballots and announced the top ten finalists in both categories today. The 2012 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following top ten cars listed in alphabetical order: Audi A6 Sedan / Avant Audi Q3 BMW 1 Series BMW 3 Series Chevrolet Volt / Opel/Vauxhall Ampera Citroen DS5 Ford Focus Land Rover Evoque Porsche 911 Volkswagen Up! The 2012 World Performance Car will be chosen from one of these top ten finalists: Audi RS 3 Sportback BMW 1 Series M Coupé BMW M5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Ferrari FF Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 McLaren MP4-12C Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Mercedes-Benz C-63 Coupe AMG Black Series Porsche 911 The jurors' next step is to re-evaluate the top ten cars in both classes, in preparation for a final round of voting in February. They will specifically rate each vehicle in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance. KPMG will again tabulate the vote results. The top three finalists in both categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 6th during a press conference co-hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show. As reported by World Car Awards

This will probably make diesel-engine lovers cringe, but BMW will retire the 335d from its lineup in 2012. Its 425 lb-ft of torque will be missed. On the other hand, the 2012 3 Series Sedan will host much more fuel-efficient engines, negating the true need for a diesel powertrain. 2012 BMW 328i Sedan (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) The 2011 BMW 335d is rated at 9.0/5.4 L/100 km city/highway, which was by far the most efficient model in the 3 Series family. The 2012 BMW 328i, now equipped with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder that develops 240 horsepower, is rated at 8.0/5.3 L/100 km city/highway, bettering the 335d's figures and representing a 22% improvement over the old 6-cylinder 328i . Even the new 335i, still pegged at 300 hp, boasts fuel economy numbers of 9.5/6.1, a 12% improvement over the previous-gen car. In addition, the Canadian market will get an entry-level 320i that uses a detuned version of the 328i's turbo 4, producing 181 hp and 184 lb-ft. BMW expects a combined rating of 5.9 L/100 km. Also due later this year is the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 3. It will host the N55 single turbo inline-6 (also found in the 335i), a 55-hp electric motor and an eight-speed automatic. The car will generate 335 combined horses and 330 combined lb-ft of torque while consuming an estimated 6.4 L/100 km. Not bad. But who's going to buy the hybrid model? BMW's current gas-electric offerings, the ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid X6 (the latter is discontinued, by the way), haven't been selling at all. And if a 3 Series diesel is to make a comeback in the US and Canada, it should be equipped with a 4-cylinder, of which BMW sells plenty in Europe. So long, 335d. We will remember you always. 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com)

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Custom-built versions of the high-performance Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 feature exclusive Rosso Corsa colored exteriors, red leather interiors and additional Ferrari looks pay tribute to the two Ferrari 'ambassadors'. Vehicles are the first two 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models to be delivered in Europe where the introduction of the high-performance model of the Jeep flagship SUV will start in May. Both vehicles were prepared by Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) design and engineering teams. Today, two specially prepared models of the new 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® - the most powerful and best handling Jeep vehicle ever - were delivered to Scuderia Ferrari Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa at the Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy. Photo: Fiat The identically built vehicles were handed over to the two star drivers by Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations - SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. Each Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features an aggressive exterior look with an SRT-exclusive design, which adds classic Ferrari brand styling cues and the unmistakable Rosso Corsa signature color. The iconic, seven-slot Jeep front grille is painted matte black and features custom red inserts. A race-inspired, offset black driver's stripe with a white accent customizes the front and rear bumpers, hood, the entire surface of the roof and the rear spoiler. Additional exclusive details include a matte black painted dual-pane sunroof, Carbon fiber mirror caps and a gloss black rear light bar with red accents on the Jeep logo. To complete the unique exterior trim of the two custom-built SRT8 models, the Italian flag has been painted on the underside of the rear spoiler: a tribute to the Ferrari F150º Formula One car. Ride height has been lowered 1.5 inches and both vehicles ride on unique forged aluminium, 20-inch wheels painted black giving them an even more aggressive stance. In line with the vehicle's custom exterior, the interior cabin is enhanced by exclusive Ferrari Red leather inserts on the seats with sculpted bolsters. Also the door trim panels, the central armrest and the instrument panel boast exclusive red leather. The leather-wrapped SRT8 steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters features red contrasting stitching. The unique instrument cluster features yellow dials which give the cabin the look of the GT cars produced in Maranello. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by the all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver technology that turns off four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required to ensure increased fuel economy. Thanks to the powerful HEMI V-8 powertrain delivering 468 horsepower (344 kW) and 624 N•m of torque, the SRT8 model achieves benchmark performance of 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds, has a top speed of 257 km/h and brakes from 100-0 km/h in 35 m. "We're excited and proud to be able to share 'Ferrari-style' custom-built versions of the most powerful and best handling Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ever with two of the most talented drivers in the world," Paretta said. "We know that both Fernando and Felipe will feel right at home in our ultimate performance SUVs that are identically built with classic Ferrari styling cues and one-of-a-kind Rosso Corsa exteriors. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 brings a combination of Jeep's world-class capability to the road or the race track along with unparalleled luxury and refinement and advanced innovative technologies for all driving enthusiasts." The two, uniquely customized Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models are based on the new high-performance model of the Jeep flagship SUV set to arrive in Europe, where it will be available in Jeep dealerships starting in May. As reported by Fiat

Fisker Automotive has added Canada to the list of countries in which the Fisker Karma, the world's first true Electric Vehicle with extended range (EVer™), is available. As its initial entrée into the Canadian market, Fisker Automotive has partnered with established retailers to bring its uncompromised responsible luxury cars to locations in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Photo: Fisker Automotive In Toronto and Calgary Fisker has partnered with the Dilawri Group, Canada's largest auto dealer group. In addition to Fisker of Calgary, the Dilawri Group will be placing a unique Fisker retail location, Fisker of Toronto, at the Shops at Don Mills, Toronto's first open air mall. Fisker's partner in Vancouver is the Fields Automotive Group, a family owned company established in 1971. Fisker of Vancouver adds to the Group's 29 other North American locations. Individual retailer website, location and contact information can be found by clicking on 'Find a Retailer' at www.fiskerautom otive.com “Both Dilawri and Fields have the premium brand experience we want, and that the customers expect,in launching a new luxury brand specializing in uncompromised responsible luxury,” said Matt Malfitano, Director of North American Market Operations at Fisker. Fisker will expand its presence in Canada as it ramps up Karma production and develops more clean running, fuel efficient premium luxury vehicle models. The Canadian government envisions 500,000 plug-in vehicles on the road by 2018. To help this goal along, the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec all offer purchase incentives that range in value from 5,000 to 8,500 CAD. Additionally, Ontario offers unrestricted high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane access to plug-in cars, and Quebec will reimburse half the cost of charging stations for plug-in vehicle owners. As reported by Fisker Automotive

Everyone knows what the motorcycle racing position looks like, but its advantages aren't often recognized. A good riding position that is properly executed in a corner ensures your safety and instils confidence, whether cruising down the highway or tearing up the track. It's like life insurance, for both you and those you share the road with. True, it seems a little irrational to lay that bike almost flat on a public roadway, skimming the ground with one knee. But there are a few benefits to adopting this position. You'll want to use it wisely on winding country roads, at intersections and on highway entry and exit ramps. Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com It's all about looks and smoothness On a motorcycle, a good cornering position helps you achieve, and stay on, the right trajectory. You'll have a better feel for tire grip, you'll lower the bike's mass and, especially, you'll reduce its angle according to your speed. This position diminishes the risks of slipping and gives you more leeway. To experience the full benefit, simply ride along a highway ramp at a comfortable speed. Never forget that braking hard inside a corner can make you wipe out. To slow down, use the engine brake instead and apply just feather the brakes. Before leaning into the corner, gradually move your inside foot back, pressing down only the ball of your foot to transfer your weight gently onto the foot peg. Then, throw out your knee and hip on the same side. Once engaged in the corner, the bike will be straighter and easier to guide, and you'll have a better feel for the tire grip on the tarmac. You always want to look as far as possible in the direction you're going. After the apex, as soon as you're out of the corner, counter push and transfer your weight on the opposite foot peg (the outside one), then accelerate gradually to straighten the bike. Don't go back into the normal riding position until the bike is completely straight, and be very careful not to destabilize it when you do. Not just a question of performance On the track, the rider's job is obviously to try to go faster with each lap to make up for the precious seconds lost while cornering, thus turning in ever better lap times. However, at a given speed, this advanced riding technique will also increase your safety, boost your self-confidence and, consequently, double your fun. Whether you're looking to improve your performance on the track or tame your machine on the road, don't forget that practice is the key. There are other ways to increase your control in corners as well, such as shifting your torso, putting your elbow out and pointing your head in the direction of the turn, but I'll save that for another day. Now go out there and have some fun, you crazy kids. 2011 Kawasaki Zx 10R (Photo: Filip Bertrand)

Suddenly we have another crossover catfight. The 2012 Detroit auto show is where Buick unveiled its new contender in a burgeoning segment: the compact, premium crossover. The 2013 Buick Encore will face off against recently revealed competitors, such as BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The German competitors will arrive here sometime this calendar year; we won't see the Encore until January 2013. The 2013 Buick Encore will face off against recently revealed competitors, such as BMW X1 and Audi Q3. (Photo: General Motors) In the meantime, we can mull over the show car, which is smaller than it looks. At 4,278 mm in length, it's just a touch shorter than Toyota Matrix (4,365 mm), but a touch longer than Nissan Juke (4,125 mm). With the rear seats folded down, Encore is said to offer 1,365 litres, which betters the seats-down cargo capacities of both German rivals. Encore is also said to seat five, but it's a tight three in the back. The little Buick is based on a version of GM's Global Small Vehicle (GSV) architecture, also known as Gamma II. This architecture underpins a lot of compact cars all over the world, but most notably Chevrolet Sonic in North America. Lately all the development work for Gamma II vehicles gets done in Korea. Korea is also where North American-market Encores will be built. As such, you will recognize the Sonic-like powertrain — the Ecotec 1.4L turbo I4 and six-speed automatic transmission. But it certainly looks like a Buick, both inside and out. The exterior echoes big brother Enclave's sculpted sheet metal, and features requisite Buick cues, like waterfall grille, chrome accents, and portholes. Inside you'll find an IP that flows to the door panels, and a prominent centre stack that houses that a 7-inch LED screen. Among the premium pieces you can order are heated seats and steering wheel, leather, remote start, dual-zone HVAC, Bose sound system, six-way driver seat with lumbar, and voice-activated IntelliLink, which uses Bluetooth or a USB to connect the driver's Smartphone to the display. Inside you'll find an IP that flows to the door panels, and a prominent centre stack that houses that a 7-inch LED screen. (Photo: General Motors) Continue reading 2013 Buick Encore Preview

Yesterday at its engineering lab in Center Line, Mich., Mopar revealed four custom vehicles, including the Mopar '12 300, Fiat 500 “Stinger,” Mopar Jeep Compass “True North” and Dodge Dart “GTS 210 Tribute.” Mopar '12 will be available this summer straight from the factory, while components of the Fiat 500, Jeep Compass and Dodge Dart custom configurations will be available in the fall as stage kits or à la carte from the Mopar catalog. Photo: Chrysler “Customization is king,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. “These head-turning ‘Moparized' vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles.” Earlier this month, at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the brand kicked off its year-long 75th anniversary celebration with the introduction of the Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar and the Dodge Charger Redline. Mopar, a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts, was trademarked in 1937. The following “Moparized” vehicles were revealed today and will be on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show from Feb. 10-19. Mopar '12 300 2013 Dodge Dart ‘GTS 210 Tribute' 2012 Fiat 500 ‘Stinger' 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass ‘True North' As reported by Chrysler

This year, Volkswagen Group will be introducing the Modular Transverse Matrix - the German acronym is MQB - for the Volkswagen, Audi, ŠKODA and SEAT brands. The MQB strategy represents a turning point in the design and production of future automobiles with transverse-mounted engines. The Modular Transverse Matrix standardises many vehicle component parameters - across brands and vehicle classes. At the same time, it offers access to new technologies. The MQB extends from the A0 to the B segment. At the Volkswagen brand, for example, it covers the following models: Polo, Beetle, Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan, Passat and Volkswagen CC. In the future, all of these models could theoretically be produced on the same assembly line - despite their different wheelbases and track widths. It will be possible to produce MQB models of different brands together. The first new vehicles to be produced based on the MQB will be the successor to the Audi A3 and the next generation Golf. Photo: Volkswagen One of the prominent characteristics of the Modular Transverse Matrix is the uniform mounting position of all engines. Two systems integrated in the MQB strategy which play a key role here are the modular petrol engine system (MOB) with the new EA211 engine series (40 kW / 60 PS to 110 kW / 150 PS) - this range includes the world's first four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation (ACT) - and the modular diesel engine system (MDB) with the also new EA288 engine series (66 kW / 90 PS to 140 kW / 190 PS). In one fell swoop, the new engine series will reduce the Group's engine and gearbox variants in the MQB system by approximately 90 per cent. Without any negative effects. On the contrary, in addition to standardising conventional internal combustion engines, the MQB also enables an identical mounting position for all current alternative drive concepts without limitations - from natural gas and hybrid versions to the pure electric drive. Volkswagen has already announced the launch of the latter within the MQB in 2013 in the new Golf Blue-e-Motion. The MQB opens up new opportunities at Volkswagen Group, allowing it to produce high-volume and niche models at the highest quality and extremely competitive costs over the long term and worldwide - vehicles that are individually tailored to the requirements of very diverse markets such as Europe, China and America, as well as emerging markets such as India. In parallel, Volkswagen Group will significantly reduce vehicle weights with the launch of the first MQB model series and will introduce 20 innovations in the areas of safety and infotainment, which until now were reserved for higher vehicle segments. They include the new multicollision brake; after an initial collision, it helps to reduce the intensity of secondary collisions by automatically initiated braking. Very recently, ADAC awarded this system the ‘Yellow Angel' award for innovations. The multicollision brake will be standard equipment in the next generations of the Audi A3 and the Golf. Within the Group, the MQB developed under the auspices of the Volkswagen brand is supplemented by the Modular Longitudinal System (MLB) from Audi, the Modular Standard System (MSB) with Porsche as the competence centre and finally the ‘New Small Family' - the most compact vehicle model series with the Volkswagen up!, SEAT Mii and ŠKODA Citigo. One indicator of the pioneering significance of the modular systems strategy and the innovative potential realised by these new vehicle and production architectures is that Volkswagen was selected as one of five finalists for the ‘Innovation Award of the German Economy - The World's First Innovation Award®' for its Modular Transverse Matrix. This prestigious award for outstanding technical, scientific and intellectual achievements has been awarded annually since 1980 by the Economics Club of Rhein-Main and since 2011 in conjunction with the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. On 11 February, the prize winners will be announced at the Palais 'Thurn und Taxis' in Frankfurt, Germany, by Günther Oettinger, EU Commissar for Energy. The anticipation grows! As reported by Volkswagen

Are you aware that Volkswagen is planning to bring its mighty Golf R to Canada? This unit towers above the Golf GTI in terms of raw performance, and features VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive capability to ensure its 256 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque aren't wasted on madly spinning front wheels. 2013 Volkswagen Golf R (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) The Golf R is equipped with special performance brakes and re-engineered suspension to ensure that it turns and stops as well as it goes. The Canadian arrivals, of which there will be only 500, will all be equipped with six-speed manual gearboxes. I had the opportunity recently in France to take the Golf R for a spin along the Mediterranean Coast and simply didn't want to give it back. The flaming red four-door version I drove was equipped with a six-speed DSG gearbox, which elicited beautiful popping sounds from the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-banger while activating a new gear in a fraction of a second. The twin exhaust emits a refined but performance-oriented growl that's as sweet as any high-priced after-market exhaust kit, and the chrome twin tips protruding side-by-side amidships impart a race-ready appearance that instantly distinguishes the Golf R from the GTI. The fortunate 500 who seize ownership of a Golf R will undoubtedly enjoy its sublime, razor-sharp steering but they'll have to wait until April or so before it's on our turf. Pricing has been pegged at $39,675, or roughly $4,000 above a fully equipped GTI. I can't wait to get my hands on a Golf R this side of the Atlantic for some serious road testing. Actually, any side of the Atlantic is fine with me! 2013 Volkswagen Golf R (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)

DETROIT, Michigan — The re-birth of Cadillac has been a great success, but it has always had one gaping hole in its line-up. Where was the small and sporty entry-level Cadillac, which lined up against North America's best-selling premium vehicle, the BMW 3 Series? The 2013 Cadillac ATS goes on sale during the second half of 2012. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) Well, it's now sitting pretty at Cadillac's display area at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit , and they're calling it the 2013 Cadillac ATS . Many an armchair quarterback wondered why GM didn't make a 3 Series-fighter sooner. The explanation from GM president Mark Reuss was that such a vehicle called for its own unique, lightweight rear-drive platform, and some production facilities to make it all happen — no small undertaking. The mantra for this new Cadillac was no excess mass, and no excess visual mass. It had to be light and agile, and look like it was light and agile. Well, the resultant vehicle is one the lightest in its class (3,400 lb/1,542 kg), via extensive use of precious metals: magnesium for engine mount brackets, Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) for cross-vehicle beams and around the safety cage, and aluminum for the hood and suspension components. The cradle for the new, five-link rear suspension, however, is made of heavier steel, to reduce noise and provide a counterweight to the powertrain, to help ATS achieve its near 50/50 weight distribution. Base engine is a 200-hp 2.5L four. Optional engines include the 318-hp 3.6L V6, and an over-achieving 2.0L turbo four good for 270 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque (the only engine that can be mated to a manual transmission). The 2.0L turbo engine four good for 270 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque is available in otpion. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) Continue reading 2013 Cadillac ATS ready to poke BMW 3 Series

Groupe Park Avenue becomes the first Audi retailer in Canada to open a new Audi Terminal. This new state of the art facility incorporates all of the individual factors that contribute to the Audi terminal architecture. The basis of the Audi Design Architecture is centered on the brand essence of Audis "Vorpsrung durch Technik" which means advancement through technology. Combined with the brand values of sporty, progressive and sophisticated the design principle is translated into a visual language. Photo: Groupe CNW/Audi Canada The following are a few of the key characteristics that distinguish the Audi design principle; the colour Aluminum, asymmetrical design and transparency. The colour Aluminum is used as a symbol of our technical competence and is found throughout the architecture. The aesthetic presentation of technology is core to the brand and is therefore a basic requirement of every design application. Asymmetrical design is always used to convey the values of sporty and progressive. This principle can be seen in all aspects of the dealership but is particularly highlighted by the "curve". The "curve" is an essential design element that visualizes dynamism through movement. Transparency and lightness are further design features that make up the Audi profile. Expansive areas of glass in Audi architecture and the high proportion of white space are examples of these elements. Park Avenue Audi (located at 9800, Boulevard Taschereau, Brossard) is the first new Audi Terminal to open in Canada and showcase these design elements which makes it globally recognizable as an Audi dealership. As reported by Audi Canada

Are you one of those racing fans who fiercely oppose change? I'm asking you this because we've received a number of comments on our website as well as on our Facebook page and Twitter account - comments from people who clearly have a tough time swallowing the new and proposed changes to the sport. The biggest controversy, of course, is the return of turbocharged engines combined with a hybrid system in Formula 1 cars for the 2013 season. And per the FIA's new set of rules, cars driving down pit lane will be required to be in electric mode only! For many, this is completely absurd. Part of the excitement of watching a race comes from the engine noise, and they fear that eerily quiet pit stops will put a serious damper on the entertainment value. The fact of the matter is that the world keeps evolving and so does auto racing. Whether you like it or not, changes happen. Fortunately, we as a group seem to (quickly) get used to the new reality. Here are a few examples: In the late 1950s, people were outraged when they saw the first F1 Coopers equipped with a mid-mounted engine instead of a front-mounted one. About a decade later, Colin Chapman added wings to his Lotus cars, which made some critics complain endlessly. ''Wings are for planes, not F1 cars,'' they said. Then there was Renault, which came up with a tiny 1.5L turbo engine during the 1977 season. A couple of years later, turbos were being used by every single team. More recently, in 1999, the FIA shocked and infuriated lots of folks by eliminating wide car tracks and slick tires. Yet, we forgot all about them just a few months later. Human nature is quite fascinating, but so is the technological revolution about to take place in F1. Just take a look at the hybrid systems manufacturers are working on, such as Toyota with the TS030 . Let's face it: the future of the sport inevitably goes through these changes and innovations.

Mazda Canada today announced that the 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV will have a starting manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,995. The 2013 Mazda CX-5 will go on sale in Canada in February 2012. The all-new Mazda CX-5 will be available in three trim levels: a well-equipped entry-level GX, the mid-grade GS with many additional standard features, and the top-of-the-line GT. Photo: Mazda Starting at $22,995, the entry-level CX-5 GX trim comes with an extensive list of standard safety features including an Anti-Lock Brake System with EBFD and Brake Assist, hill hold assist, advanced dual front air bags, front seat side air bags and side air curtains, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. AWD is available as an option on GX and GS trim levels, and comes standard on the GT trim. A Convenience Package is offered for the GX, which adds features such as 17" alloy wheels, privacy glass, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with Audio Profile, HD radio, and a 5.8" colour display screen. Starting at $27,895, standard equipment on the GS includes everything from the GX with Convenience Package and automatic transmission and adds even more features such as a power moonroof, foglights, Blind Spot Monitoring System, and rearview camera. For the GT, which starts at $32,495, additional features become standard equipment, such as 19" alloy wheels, intelligent key system, and a BOSE audio system with 9 speakers. An available Technology Package further enhances the already-luxurious standard features of the GT, adding Bi-Xenon headlights, Adaptive Front Lighting System, auto headlamp levelling, TomTom®-based navigation system, and SIRIUS® Satellite radio. All 2013 CX-5 compact SUVs are equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre gasoline engine, which features the world's highest compression ratio for a mass-produced vehicle at 13:1. This means SKYACTIV Technology is able to squeeze more energy out of every litre of gasoline than conventional internal combustion engines. CX-5 also is the lightest compact SUV in its class, weighing in at a total curb weight of 1,459 kg for entry models and up to 1,555 kg for premium trim levels. With its all-new 4-2-1 exhaust system, CX-5 delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; redline is reached at 6,500 rpm. With a choice of transmissions in either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic, a 900 kg (2,000 lb) towing capacity, and an optional all-new all-wheel drive system, the 2013 CX-5 truly offers a little of everything for everyone. Official fuel consumption for the 2013 CX-5 is also being announced today by Mazda Canada, as rated by Transport Canada. The CX-5 offers the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in Canada at 5.7 litres per 100 km, outperforming many hybrids. Front-wheel-drive models equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission are rated with a fuel economy of 7.8 L/100km in the city and 5.7 L/100km on the highway. When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive models receive a fuel consumption rating of 7.7/6.1 L/100km. SKYACTIV-Drive is standard on all-wheel-drive models, which return an estimated fuel economy rating of 8.0/6.4 L/100km. As reported by Mazda Canada

With their badass fighter plane looks, state-of-the-art components, high-tech electronic driving/riding aids and gobs of power, the Aventador (for drivers) and the ZX-10R (for riders) are some of today's most ridiculously impressive machines. These marvels of engineering are designed to ignite passion, deliver mind-boggling thrills and satisfy our deepest, wildest urges. Sure, one costs $412,000 more than the other (an undeniable advantage for the two-wheeler), but it isn't completely illogical to try to compare them in terms of technology and overall performance ... is it? Aventador: tech on four wheels With its oversized body, oversized wheels and extremely low driving position, the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador feels a little awkward on the road. And when you throw in a 6.5L V12 that deploys 700 furious ponies, it becomes immediately obvious that this fire-breather needs to be tamed on the track first. Nimbler than its predecessor, the Aventador is also lighter thanks to a carbon fibre coque. Lamborghini's engineers made every effort to ensure their latest masterpiece was less bestial than the Murciélago. With its oversized body, oversized wheels and extremely low driving position, the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador feels a little awkward on the road. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) Much less complicated and physically demanding to drive, the Aventador benefits from the latest technological doodads when it comes to electronic driving aids: traction and stability control, ABS brakes, 7-speed robotized gearbox, adjustable exhaust valve and launch control. This comprehensive arsenal allows you to tear up the track without the risk of having to take out a second mortgage on the house. ZX-10R: tech on two wheels With a confining riding position, an ultra stiff suspension and 197 hp punched out at 13,000 rpm, the ZX-10R doesn't inspire confidence on the road either, and indeed it's mainly designed for the track. Like its impromptu rival, the ZX-10R benefits from all the know-how its engineers could muster in terms of electronics, suspension management and horsepower. Sophisticated frame, phenomenal power, a very nearly sentient Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), S-KRTC traction control and menacing looks: the ZX-10R is a worthy representative of the two-wheel genre. Like the Aventador, the ZX-10R is much easier to live with than its predecessor, which was known for its sometimes overly aggressive personality. The new-generation 4-cylinder that motivates the Kawasaki is characterized by greater availability and a more linear delivery of power. The same goes for the frame. The ZX-10R emphasizes efficiency and accessibility. And like its Italian opponent, but for a different reason, the electronic riding aids allow the average Joe to have a little fun at the track without worrying about going home in a full body cast. Continue reading 2012 Lamborghini Aventador vs 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R (video)

Responsive performance, precision dynamics and distinctive sport styling. The Lexus IS series delivers all this and more in a true luxury package. With two engine sizes and a choice of rear wheel drive or all wheel drive power trains, the 2012 Lexus IS 250 and Lexus IS 350 feature advanced engineering that delivers a fun, exhilarating ride and starts at an MSRP of $32, 900. Photo: Toyota Highlights for 2012 A new Touring Edition 1 package available for the IS 250 AWD adds heated front seats, leather seat surfaces, a power moon roof and High Intensity Discharge headlamps with LED daytime running lights. “Designed and engineered for outstanding style and performance, and with a choice of four models plus several available options packages, the Lexus IS features fluid lines, a beautifully refined interior, advanced performance, and thoughtful amenities that make driving a pleasure,” said Larry Hutchinson, Senior Executive Director, Lexus in Canada. “With the addition of a new Touring Edition and many customization parts and accessories - including F-Sport high performance components - the IS 250 and IS 350 are dynamic luxury sedans ready to help Canadians in their own pursuit of exhilarating moments.”