DRAWING BOARD

2013 Toyota RAV4: Arriving in early 2013 is the latest version of Toyota's compact tall wagon that helped launch a new vehicle class more than 15 years ago.

This time, the RAV4 drops its V6 and third-row seating options that were never really popular to begin with. The standard 176-horsepower 2.5litre four-cylinder basically carries over, but is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission (replacing the outgoing four-speed unit) with a sport mode that delivers quicker shifts.

AUTO TRIVIA

. The famed East Africa Safari Rally was originally named the East African Coronation Safari in 1953, in honour of the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II to the British throne that year.

. In 1914, a typical automobile's gasoline engine produced about 10 horsepower per litre of engine displacement.

Today, that number is 70 to 80 horsepower per litre and 120 or more for turbocharged engines. (Photo: Ecoboost.eps)

WHO AM I?

To guess his secret identity, read the following clues:

1. His name was never found on any of his cars.

2. Before building cars, he was a partner in a motorcycle sidecar business.

3. The "cat" hood ornament on his automobiles was designed to exude a feeling of grace and elegance.

4. It paid off as Jaguar established itself as a high-end automaker for the well-heeled.

Still stumped?

Jaguar founder William Lyons died in 1985, the Jaguar name and reputation still in tact, even after more than 50 years.

WHAT'S UP, AUTO DOC?

All tires are different, but at least they're rated on a somewhat common scale so you can do a little comparison shopping.

Inspecting the sidewalls will reveal a dizzying and confusing collection of numbers and letters, many of which contain coding for the tire's performance, from traction to durability.

Aside from size, one of the most essential is the speed rating, contained in the basic description code of the tire. Take, for example, P275/45R18 95V. The last letter is the speed rating, "V," which means the tire is good for up to 149 mph (240 km/h). You'll also notice a treadwear rating, say, for example, 450, which would represent a long-life all-season tire.

At the low end, about 170, is a sticky summer performance tire that might only last a year depending on how hard it's driven.

Someone asked if the V8 engine was on its way out. Well, if V8 engines ran on no fuel and created no emissions, they (and V10 and V12 engines, for that matter) would be favourites for everyone. But as automakers look at meeting ever-increasing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, the biggest users of fuel and the biggest polluters are not necessarily targeted for obsolescence, but simply fall by the wayside. In fact, even six-cylinder engines are not making the cut, replaced by four-cylinder engines.

It seems to be dovetailing with increasing use of electric power, which clearly shows the desire to move away from fossil fuels altogether.