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The Woodward Dream Cruise is a few weeks away on August 18, but you can already hear the big blocks rumbling in anticipation.

News 25 Jul, 2012

Official pictures of the production-ready Mazda 6 have been released, ahead of its Moscow Motor Show debut

Pictures 25 Jul, 2012

Pictures 29 Aug, 2012

Daimler reported a 13 percent decline in second-quarter profit as spending to expand the lineup of Mercedes-Benz compact cars offset higher deliveries. Earnings before interest and taxes fell to 2.24 billion euros ($2.7 billion) from 2.

Bulging front fenders, a sharply creased hood and wide-mouth grille give the next Mazda6 a more dynamic look than the current generation's hum drum styling.

Any hope that this year's robust first-quarter recovery in shareholder value for Europe's automakers and parts suppliers would be extended evaporated in the second quarter.

The British government is aiming to speed up the commercialization of low-CO2 vehicle technologies with public and private sector investment totaling 56 million pounds (72 million euros), the UK's innovation agency said.

BMW is investing in Coulomb Technologies, a California-based provider of electric-vehicle charging stations and software.

Despite the fact that Peugeot Sport has withdrawn for endurance racing and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, life goes on in Velizy near Paris.

The turbo diesel and hybrid 908s have been parked in the museum, unfortunately, weeks prior to the start of the 2012 World Endurance Championship.

But several other motorsport project keep most Peugeot Sport employees busy. They are especially geared towards customer cars for rallying and road racing.

Peugeot has appointed Bruno Famin to oversee all these projects.

An engineer, Famin, 50, was the technical director since 2005. He replaces Olivier Quesnel who has left the company yo join OAK Racing, another endurance team based in France.

From Williams

Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) announces that it has signed an agreement with British racing driver Dean Stoneman to work together to fine-tune the advanced simulator technology being developed at the Williams Technology Centre in Qatar (WTCQ).

WAE and Stoneman are currently perfecting the simulator at WTCQ in time for the launch of the WAE High Performance Driver Training Programme at the end of this year.

This comprehensive five day winter training programme is open to a wide range of racing drivers and gives participants the unique opportunity to experience the training methods and technologies developed in Formula One. It combines simulator work with the kind of expert physical and nutritional training needed to reach the top.

Dean Stoneman, the day he tested the Williams F1 car. (Photo: Williams F1)

Dean Stoneman won the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2010 and was due to compete in the Formula Renault 3.5 series in 2011 before being diagnosed with cancer. Dean is now fully fit and is using his association with WAE to become race-fit ahead of next season and share his experience in Formula 2 to make the WAE simulator the leading option for drivers.

In 2003, Smart and BRABUS launched one of the most successful joint ventures in automobile history. And, with over 50,000 smart-BRABUS vehicles sold throughout the world (10,000 units in 2011 alone) the two companies can finally shout it out, loud and clear: mission accomplished.

Smart's Annette Winkler and Bodo Bushmann of BRABUS have confirmed that their collaboration will continue for years to come. To celebrate this ongoing partnership, customers will get the chance to nab one of the 100 smart-BRABUS 10th anniversary units.

With a top speed of 155 km/h, the teeny-weeny urban runabout can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. Both wheel rims and the interior feature the titanium-tinted ‘Liquid Silver' finish. The interior also features black leather trim and hand-stitching in red. This limited edition comes branded with its own uniquely numbered plaque, naturally.

Pricing on the special edition smart-BRABUS has not yet been released

Photo: smart

The R8 lineup was treated to some slight restyling for 2013 - new contours to the front bumper and grille as well as redesigned LED headlights and taillights (standard), amongst others.

Buyers can opt for the 4.2-litre V8 FSI, the 5.2-litre V10 or the brand-new 5.2-litre, 550-hp V10, powering the vehicle to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, and reaching a maximum speed of 319 km/h. What's more, Audi is also offering a new 7-speed, dual clutch transmission, though the 6-speed remains available as well.

If you're looking to drive your own R8, expect to shell out 113,500 Euros ($140,100) for the 4.2-litre V8 up to 173,500 Euros ($214, 207) for the V10 Plus.

Photo: Audi

From GMM

German journalist Michael Schmidt has expressed concern about the half-empty grandstands at Hockenheim last weekend.

In Auto Motor und Sport, he said he was "surprised" by the "lack of interest" in the German grand prix amid the fascinating 2012 season.

Indeed, Germans have seldom had more to cheer about in F1, with the grid boasting legend Michael Schumacher, the reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel, three other race drivers and the Stuttgart marque Mercedes.

But only 38,000 spectators attended on Friday, 50,000 for qualifying and 62,000 for Sunday's race.

In 2005 there were 110,000 spectators on the Sunday, declining to 78,000 in 2008 and 65,000 two years ago.

"Certainly, the ticket prices are extremely high and the financial crisis has an effect, but isn't this also true in England and Spain?" wrote Schmidt.

Indeed, in crisis-gripped Spain, 82,000 spectators turned out to watch Fernando Alonso in May.

Hockenheim boss Georg Seiler said the attendance figures for this year's race has allowed the circuit to break even.

From GMM

Red Bull will be reverting to a standard engine mapping setting in the days ahead of the Hungarian grand prix.

Italy's Tuttosport is reporting that formula one's governing body will shortly formalise their advice to teams that what was uncovered at Hockenheim last weekend will no longer be tolerated.

The FIA's Jo Bauer had flagged up Red Bull's engine settings at Hockenheim, admitting he thought the 'maps' on Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber's cars were not legal.

The stewards, however, found that while the settings were suspect - reportedly amounting to a form of legal traction control and increased engine exhaust blowing - the letter of the existing rules prevented them from taking action.

Photo: WRi2

So Tuttosport said a clarification of the rule will now "be formalised in the next 48 hours".

Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper is reporting the same.

Correspondent Livio Oricchio said the FIA told teams on Tuesday that the text of the relevant regulation will be tweaked to "avoid the interpretation" that was cited by Red Bull in the stewards' room at Hockenheim.

"We rely on the regulator, the FIA, to make sure the fight is fair," Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali said.

NASCAR officials have suspended AJ Allmendinger “indefinitely” for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy.

According to a statement released by NASCAR on Tuesday evening:

“On July 24, Allmendinger was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (NASCAR's substance abuse policy) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book.

As outlined in the rule book, NASCAR next will provide Allmendinger a letter outlining a process for reinstatement. By agreeing to the letter, he will be allowed to participate in the Road to Recovery Program.”

While NASCAR has not released the name of the objectionable substance Allmendinger's representatives, previously, said NASCAR found “a stimulant,” but denied that the driver intentionally consumed any improper substance.

AJ Allmendinger has not driven since NASCAR announced the violation just prior to the start of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona.

On Tuesday morning a “B” sample was tested at the Aegis Laboratories pursuant to a request by the driver or his representatives and that test had the same results as the “A” sample.

Under NASCAR rules the specimen obtained was divided into a part “A” and a part “B.”

Photo: NASCAR

Penske Racing issued the following reaction.

“In accordance with NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy, Penske Racing was notified today of AJ Allmendinger's positive B sample test. We respect NASCAR's policy and the process they have taken with this matter.

Penske Racing is very disappointed with the result of the B sample test and will evaluate its course of action as it pertains to AJ over the coming week. Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the No. 22 Dodge Charger this weekend at Indianapolis and next weekend at Pocono.”

Hornish had filled in for Allmendinger at Cup races at Daytona and New Hampshire.

Then Shell Oil the sponsor of the No. 22 Dodge issued a reaction:

“Shell and Pennzoil believe that the process and procedures that NASCAR has in place as part of their substance abuse policy are appropriate and serve to ensure that the sport and its participants are held to the highest standards.

We share Penske Racing's disappointment with the result of AJ's (Allmendinger) B sample test and will work closely with them to determine plans moving forward. We hope for the best for AJ during this difficult time.”

AJ Allmendinger, through Tara Ragan, President, Walldinger Racing Inc.”

“This was not the news we wanted to hear and we will work to get to the source of what may have caused this. To that end, we have secured the services of an independent lab to conduct thorough testing on every product within AJ's home and motor coach to find what might collaborate with his test, which created results that were within nanograms of accepted standards.

We are working closely with NASCAR and Penske Racing to identify the next action steps in this process.  We continue to be extremely grateful by the breadth and scope of support for AJ from his fans and partners. We would like to again thank NASCAR, Penske Racing and all our sponsor partners for the open communication, and for helping us at every step in this process. We expect to have further updates in the upcoming days.”


The last NASCAR Sprint Cup-level driver to receive a similar punishment was Jeremy Mayfield in 2009. Mayfield brought a suit against the sanctioning body, but, was unsuccessful in changing the ruling.

From GMM

Romain Grosjean has admitted he hopes to keep his Lotus seat in 2013.

Despite a few too many incidents, the Swiss-born rookie Frenchman has been a revelation of this season, especially in light of his mediocre and abortive 2009 debut.

Lotus boss Eric Boullier and owner Gerard Lopez have indicated they are happy with both Grosjean, 26, and the team's other new driver Kimi Raikkonen.

Romain Grosjean (Lotus) impressive at Valencia. (Photo: WRi2)

Still, Romain Grosjean is hoping he definitely stays in 2013.

"Hopefully, if all goes well, I will be with the team next season," he is quoted as saying by the French language website f1i.com.

"This will allow me to build up this year and compete in 2013 on a better footing," added Grosjean, who has been on the podium twice this year but failed to finish five of the 10 races so far.

He said: "We already know what has worked and what has not, so this will give us more time to do things perfectly.

"I hope I will be retained. If I continue in this way, I think I have a good chance."

The website said Grosjean sponsor Total's contract with the Enstone based team expires at the end of the season.

In recent weeks, the Russian Mazda branch has released a few video teasers along with a full front-view photo, but the Mazda6 will officially see the light of the day in its world debut at the Moscow Motor Show, from August 29 to September 9.

Although there aren't a lot of specs available at the moment, we do know that it's the second model of the new Mazda generation to incorporate SkyActiv technology. With its latest design theme dubbed ‘Kodo - Soul of Motion,' the 2014 Mazda6 is also the first car to feature the i-ELOOP, a new brake energy regeneration system. It will also be equipped with a 2.0-litre, 160-hp engine coupled with a 6-speed transmission.

The model, totally redesigned for the first time since 2007, will be one of the most anticipated vehicles to be unveiled at the Show.

Photo: Mazda

In order to rise funds to perpetuate the memory of the late Gilles Villeneuve, the Gilles Villeneuve museum located in Berthierville is now offering for sale a very special item.

The museum has produced a 100-piece, certified and numbered edition of the first Formula 1 contract Gilles Villeneuve signed with team McLaren in 1977.


Each copy is numbered and has been stamped by the museum. The original contract was signed by Villeneuve and Teddy Mayer, the general manager of McLaren in 1977.

Each copy is sold $100 plus taxes, and includes a membership card of the museum and the special commemorative DVD that carries three exclusive interviews as well as rarely seen footage of Gilles Villeneuve at home and competing in F1.

To get your copy, drop by the museum in Berthierville, or call 1 800 639-0103 or send an email at museegillesvilleneuve@bellnet.ca.

Though circumstances sometimes necessitate making practical choices, the Mazda6 is proof we don't have to sacrifice all the fun to be sensible.


The Mazda6 doesn't seem to resonate with a lot of buyers in their quest for a reasonably priced midsize car. Which is funny, given that there's much to like about this oft-overlooked sedan.

In a segment dominated by the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata, the Mazda6 offers something a little different: a touch of driver engagement. The well-known purveyors of "Zoom-Zoom" haven't neglected to imbue their sensible four-door with some of the lively character that makes Mazda's sports cars such a joy to drive. Though circumstances sometimes necessitate making practical choices, the Mazda6 is proof we don't have to sacrifice all the fun to be sensible.

Redesigned in 2009, the Mazda6 is a larger, more sculpted car than its previous incarnation, yet it still manages to look lean and a touch racier than most in this segment. There's a hint of RX-8 in the muscular wheel arches and grinning front fascia flanked by swooping foglights. The sloping roofline tapering off to a pert rump lends it a sporting air and it's finished off nicely with a sharp set of taillights.

While far more stylish and youthfully aggressive than the Camry or four-door Accord, the Mazda6 still faces some serious design challenges from the Korean entries. Hyundai's Sonata with its Fluidic Sculpture is a carved head-turner, as is the sharply modern Kia Optima, penned by ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer.

Redesigned in 2009, the Mazda6 is a larger, more sculpted car than its previous incarnation, yet it still manages to look lean and a touch racier than most in this segment. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

The cabin too, is sportier than most of its competitors, which tend towards the conservative. Those who've driven Mazdas will recognize the curved gauge binnacle hood, round air vents - and of course the familiar red display.

Compared with some of the ultra-modern interiors offered by Korean, and even domestic, competitors these days, the design is a bit long in the tooth perhaps, but it's fairly user-friendly and by no means unattractive. Silver finish on the gauge rings and dark faux-wood trim on dash and centre console are nice touches, but there are some hard plastics that detract from the overall sense of quality.

This week's tester, a GT-I4 (denoting inline 4-cylinder) offersleather seating surfaces, heated up front, that remain comfortable on long road trips, while providing support for more spirited driving. There's plenty of head and legroom up front, and the sunroof adds to the overall sense of airiness. Passengers in back have generous legroom, although the sloping roofline does cut slightly into their headroom.

The trunk offers 470 litres of cargo space - among the largest in the segment - and that's expandable by dropping the 60/40-split rear seatbacks.

Compared with some of the ultra-modern interiors offered by Korean competitors these days, the design is a bit long in the tooth perhaps, but it's fairly user-friendly and by no means unattractive. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

As well as the leather upholstery, standard equipment on the GT-I4 includes traction control, Dynamic Stability Control, keyless entry, HID headlamps and heated mirrors. Our GT-I4 tester wasn't equipped with navigation or backup camera, but they are available as options.

The leather-wrapped wheel feels good in the hands, features tilt/telescope and, like most Mazdas, is connected to sharp and accurate steering. It's a little on the light side though, and minus the chatty feedback so loved by owners of the MX-5 or RX-8.

Underhood, the 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine puts out 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. While those are hardly extraordinary numbers, it's well matched to a quick-shifting five-speed automatic (a $1,200 option) and the Mazda6 moves briskly enough in town and on the highway. The 4-cylinder does tend to get buzzy when pressed, however.

The Mazda6's taut suspension provides surprisingly good handling for this segment. Well-balanced and composed, there's very little body roll in the curves. The ride might be a bit firm for some, but just right for those who value the fun-to-drive factor. We're not saying that it's a serious sports sedan, but the Mazda6 does a really nice job of blending comfort and athletic handling.

Underhood, the 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine puts out 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

As far as fuel economy goes, the Mazda6 rates 9.4L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, which puts it about mid-pack. The GT-I4 averaged about 9.7L/100km overall during the test week, which isn't stellar but a lot depends on how you much you can resist dipping into the throttle. The consolation is that it takes regular fuel.

The Mazda6 is a dark horse in the tough mid-size segment, but for those who want a mainstream car with a bit of pizazz, it's well worth a second look.