General Motors CEO Dan Akerson's conflicts with marketing boss Joel Ewanick started weeks before he was ousted for not properly disclosing as much as a third of the cost of a $559 million soccer deal with the UK's Manchester United team, people...
Despite the economic woes affecting Europe as a whole, automakers still see higher potential for sales growth in the east compared with the region's more mature western markets.
BMW is the official automotive sponsor of the Olympic Games in London, but Jaguar is stealing some of its thunder in an exhibitition of postwar British design at the city's Victoria and Albert Museum that is timed to coincide with the Games.
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."
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.
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.
Yesterday, SRT Motorsports President and CEO Ralph Gilles announced that the 2012 NASCAR season will be the last for the Dodge brand.
The decision involves both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and will end a nine-year collaboration with Penske Racing.
“We've spent an intense five months working to identify and evaluate all options for our future involvement in NASCAR,” said Gilles. “While we were pleased and enthused with the amount of interest from teams and sponsors over that time, in the end, we simply couldn't develop the right structure.”
Since 2001, Dodge-branded cars have recorded 55 wins in the Sprint Cup Series, and in 2010, Brad Keselowski clinched the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship title behind the wheel of the Penske Racing Dodge.
The future of the London Black Cab, according to Nissan, is the NV200 London Taxi. A proposed replacement for those classic LTI cabs, the NV200 is said to be more comfortable, spacious and convenient, in addition to delivering better fuel economy.
Although the Fairway and the TX1 taxis are powered by Nissan-sourced 2.7L diesel engines, the NV200 London Taxi will use a 110-hp, 1.5L diesel and a 6-speed manual transmission. According to Nissan, it should offer a combined city cycle of 53.3 imperial mpg, up from the current TX4 cab's 35.3 mpg. That's 5.3 L/100km for you and me.
The NV200 taxi can host five adults; three on the rear bench, and two on the rear-facing fold-down seats. The front passenger will be removed to make room for luggage. Other thoughtful touches include sliding side doors for easier access and exit.
In 2013, Nissan will also be testing an all-electric e-NV200 London Taxi.
Canadian Ron Fellows will drive the No. 5 Canadian Tire Chevrolet for JR Motorsports at the NAPA Auto Parts 200 in Montreal August 17-18.
Fellows is a vastly experienced road racer, having competed for years in the Trans-Am series and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fellows also won the rain shortened Montreal Nationwide race in 2008.
The Windsor native contested the Road America round of the Nationwide series earlier this summer.
“We had a strong car at Road America. It's the same chassis we used last year, as well. We played catch-up that day following a flat tire, then we had an issue in the pits just trying to fix some radios,” Fellow said about the race.
He will compete in the Zippo 200 race this weekend at Watkins Glen. “We've had great success at the Glen. It's a track that suits my driving style. Yeah, it's like a second home. I rally enjoy racing there,” Fellows declared.
Ron Fellows. (Photo: Getty Images/NASCAR)
Then, the Nationwide series' competitors will tackle the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.
“The two tracks are so different. It's kind of like comparing a mile-and-a-half speedway to Martinsville,” Fellows explained.
“Watkins Glen is long, fast corners. I think the minimum corner speed in Turn 1 is probably 90 miles an hour, is upwards of one of the fastest corners in Montreal. The Gilles Villeneuve track is heavy, heavy braking from high speed for 45 mile-an-hour chicanes, and a 35 mile-an-hour hairpin.
“It also is a very different set-up. You need to have, for Watkins Glen, a very stable platform. Aero is critical. Montreal, low speed to aero is not much of a factor, it's more about mechanical grip, and that means getting as much load into the tire. That generally requires a much softer spring package, softer roll bars, getting a lot more compliance from the shocks,” the Canadian added.
In Montreal, Fellows will face stiff competition from the local road racers, including the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve.
“Yeah, I think typically in Montreal you got the strong French-Canadian contingent, the successful open-wheel guys, as well as Andrew Ranger, Jacques (Villeneuve), Alex Tagliani, (Patrick) Carpentier. I'm sort of the lone wolf from Ontario. I'll do my best to I guess maybe interrupt the celebrations there a little bit!” Fellows concluded.
During this year's Pebble Beach Concours, which will be held from August 16 to 19, Infiniti's EMERG-E Concept and LE Concept will be in display, along with a Red Bull F1 Racing show car and a line-up of their current production models that showgoers can test drive.
The EMERG-E Concept made its world debut at the Geneva Auto Show, represents Infiniti's vision of a sports car of the future. Its mid-ship layout boasts two electric motors that produce a combined 402 hp, good for a 0-96 km/h burst of four seconds. Once the 50-km EV range is depleted, a 3-cylinder gas engine fires up, acting as a generator to replenish the lithium-ion battery pack.
The LE Concept, which was introduced at the New York International Auto Show, showcases the brand's vision of the luxury sedan of tomorrow. The slippery LE Concept features an electric motor that produces 240 lb-ft of torque as well as a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and according to Infiniti, a production version of this EV concept will be on sale in two years.
A Nurburgring official has admitted the German circuit cannot afford to host formula one next year.
As per the existing German GP alternating scheme with Hockenheim, the Nurburgring was due to return to the sport's calendar in 2013.
But the venue has succumbed to its financial problems, recently commencing an insolvency process.
The future looked brighter last week, when the governing Rhineland-Palatinate state agreed to guarantee a loan so that the Nurburgring can service its debts.
Nurburgring Automotive GmbH (NAG) chief Jorg Lindner said: "I am very optimistic that formula one will be going to the Nurburgring next year."
He said talks with Bernie Ecclestone would take place over the summer.
"We don't want to lose any of the racetracks, and we need to keep the race in Germany," said F1's chief executive, Ecclestone. "We will do our best."
But the Nurburgring's development chief, Thomas Schmidt, has dealt the situation a renewed blow by revealing that Ecclestone would have to dramatically reduce or even forgo F1's race sanctioning fee.
Schmidt told DPA news agency that, in the "current situation", the Nurburgring cannot afford to pay that sort of money.
"If Ecclestone accepts an offer without this typical fee, we can certainly keep formula one," he said.
Otherwise, "We simply don't have the money", Schmidt admitted.
He said he is "confident" a solution will ultimately be found, but warned that an F1 race is "not absolutely necessary" for the Nurburgring's survival.
Auto123.com recently pitted a number of compact sports cars against each other on the track at Autodrome St. Eustache, Quebec. I saw it as a great opportunity to test Contour's latest action camera, the ContourROAM, as drivers completed a series of hot laps.
Design
The ContourROAM was primarily designed to be compact, lightweight and user-friendly - and it's a success. In fact, I've never come across a camera that was easier to use than this one. A slight pressure on the record button with the index finger is enough to turn it on. No visual check is necessary since the camera beeps to let you know that it's filming.
Photo: Olivier Delorme
The 145-gram, aluminum-built ContourROAM can withstand serious abuse and is 100% waterproof to one metre for about 30 minutes - or so says the company. I did a couple of tests in the pool and was pretty disappointed. When I took the camera out of the water after a 5-minute stay at just 30 centimetres deep, it didn't respond at all. Dammit!
I let it dry for a short while and plugged it into my laptop. Still no signs of life. I had to wait more than two hours for the camera to work again. I finally had access to my video files and could resume shooting. What a relief!*
One important note: You need the free Storyteller app to configure the ContourROAM and import videos to your computer. Available from Contour's website, this app is extremely simple and easy to use. You'll be totally familiar with it after just a few clicks.
Photo: Olivier Delorme
Filming
Like I said earlier, I've never come across a camera that was easier to use. There are only two buttons to play with, so you can't really go wrong. Just slide the record switch and you'll be filming a mere three seconds later.
Unlike some competitors, the ContourROAM has no internal memory, meaning that you must insert a MicroSD card to start shooting videos. Therefore, remember to bring one (or two) along or you might miss a chance to capture spectacular footage.
As for picture quality, here's a video that will show you how the ContourROAM compares to an iPhone 4S equipped with an Olloclip lens. There is no editing whatsoever, so what you'll see is actually what you'll get.
On the track
Now that you know what to expect, let's focus on the ContourROAM's performance on the track. By the way, if you plan to use the camera in your car, you should note that the suction cup mount is sold separately. It will help you attach the ContourROAM to any windshield or body panel.
The system worked great and held on at speeds of more than 120 km/h. In addition, the ability to turn the lens up to 270 degrees means that you can almost always choose the right angle.
Unfortunately, the camera doesn't allow you to shoot at 60 frames per second, even with a video resolution of 720p. I definitely could have used this option for a number of sequences.
Verdict
Overall, I was fairly impressed with the friendly new ContourROAM, especially at $249. Of course, I would have liked a sharper image, but those looking for a cheap HD action camera will love it. For more professional-looking results, get the Contour+.
The battery is very long-lasting. According to the manufacturer, you can shoot for three hours before it runs empty. I personally captured about 90 minutes of footage and still had more than 50% of the battery's capacity to spare.
Bottom line: the ContourROAM is a quick-shooting, high-value camera for amateur videographers.
*For the record, I did several other underwater tests after that and the ContourROAM remained operational at all times. I guess it was simply a case of bad luck. Just thought you should know.
Honda, which will make its World Touring Car Championship debut later this season, has high expectations for next year.
The Japanese car manufacturer is currently developing a Civic powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and will run cars for the 2010 WTCC champion Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro.
The Portuguese will drive the new Civic in the three last rounds of the 2012 championship, in Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau.
Honda Civic 2013 WTCC. (Photo: Honda)
Honda's official entry will be backed by team JAS. Team director Alessandro Mariani didn't hide his expectations for the future.
"We have two great drivers, I know we have built a very advanced car and Honda's reputation in engine expertise is second to none. We have all the right ingredients, we just need to be patient and take the time to mix them in the best way. We decided to take part in Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau to develop the car on the track. Although Honda is not putting any pressure, we would like to achieve some good results, but our true goal is winning the first race in 2013," Marinai said.
Following Chevrolet's retirement at the end of this season, Honda will be the only programme supported by a car manufacturer in WTCC in 2013.
Montreal, Quebec - As Subaru makes its way through their lineup redesigns, we went along for the ride and were given the opportunity to check out the 2013 Subaru Legacy.
While Subaru claims the 2013 is close to a complete redesign, the changes are more subtle and low-key than in-your-face. From a slight facelift to tweaks here and there in the suspension, chassis, and the CVT gearbox, the 2013 Subaru Legacy might be hard to pinpoint on the road when compared to the previous generation, however, the changes made were done with purpose.
A gentleman's Subaru
Whereas some Subaru models might be a bit rougher round the edges (read: STI and even the new BRZ), the Legacy is all about class and sophistication. A gentle, refined ride that will get you to your destination no matter what the climate and/or driving conditions thanks to Subaru's stellar AWD system.
The Legacy has always been Subaru's pseudo-luxury model, and the 2013 model maintains that image quite well.
Just like the 2013 Subaru Outback, the new Legacy feature subtle exterior changes, such as a bolder, more aggressive front grille coupled with hawk-eye headlights. Exaggerated fenders sit atop new wheel designs.
On the inside, much remains the same save for the addition of available wood inserts instead of chrome accents and an available Harman/Kardon sound system. The Subaru Legacy boasts a massive interior in both the front and back with 96 mm of legroom for rear passengers and 415 litres of trunk space. There's no denying, the Legacy is a comfortable ride no matter what seat you're in.
The new Legacy feature subtle exterior changes, such as a bolder, more aggressive front grille coupled with hawk-eye headlights. (Photo: Subaru)
It's all about the BOXER
Just as the 2013 Subaru Outback features an all new 2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC engine, the 2013 Subaru Legacy gets the same treatment. Horsepower is up a few at 173 as is the torque at 174 lb-ft. As for the top-of-the-range 3.6R Limited engine, it remains the same 3.6L H6 pushing out 256 hp.
As with the Outback, the 2013 Legacy has a new and improved CVT. As I've mentioned before, CVTs are not my cup of tea, however, this one is tolerable and actually performs quite well. Response is good and Subaru have managed to make it quieter, as well as making sure it “shifts” to stop the driver from wanting to drive into the lake due to droning revs.
The new 2.5L engine helps the 2013 Subaru Legacy (in 2.5i Convenience trim) be one of the most fuel efficient midsize sedans with AWD. With NRCan figures approximately 0.5L/100km better than the previous generation's, Subaru has done its very best to keep the greenies happy and the green in your wallet, not at the pumps.
Of course, the most exciting bit of new kit available on the 2013 Subaru Legacy is their EyeSight driver assistance system. For the moment it will only be featured on the 3.6R Limited model, however it will trickle down to other trims in the near future.
Subaru has accepted the challenge and released a brand new safety system they call EyeSight. (Photo: Subaru)
With four trim levels available (starting at approx. $24k and reaching up to the $37k mark), the 2013 Legacy is a great family sedan that will see you through winters as well as it does summers.
Tire manufacturer Goodyear conducted its first tire test with NASCAR's 2013 Sprint Cup car on Tuesday at Martinsville Speedway, and NASCAR used the test to continue developing an aerodynamic package for next season.
Four drivers - Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr. and Carl Edwards - drove the cars, which are designed to give each manufacturer more brand identity.
Carl Edwards takes the 2013 NASCAR Ford Fusion for a spin. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway)
The test provided Goodyear with information on which to base their compounds for next season. Key in that effort is the removal of 100 pounds of weight from the next-generation vehicles, including 60 from a right side that in the current models is infamous for stressing tires on that part of the car.
Jimmie Johnson test drives his 2013 NASCAR Chevy SS. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway)
Although the impact of that weight removal isn't felt as much on a short track, the hope is it pays greater dividends on a high-speed track like Michigan, where a resurfacing led to blistering that prompted Goodyear to make a tire change on the night before the race in June.
Richard Childress Racing participated in the 2013 Goodyear tire test at Martinsville Speedway. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway)
Less weight on the right side may also allow teams to employ softer tires, which drivers hope will translate into better racing.
Martin Truex Jr. takes his 2013 NASCAR Toyota Camry around Martinsville Speedway. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway)
Insurance companies, regardless of what they insure, are always trying to portray themselves as giving loyal customers and new customers the best deal possible for their dollars invested. If you believe the pitch they make, let me assure you I have a carburetor that the oil companies bought to keep it off the market because it gives every gas engine a fuel consumption rating of 1L/100 km.
In the real world, insurance companies are out to do one thing: make money. Companies are responsible to their stakeholders (or in the case of crown corporations, your government) and have to give a decent return on the dollars invested.
That means when your broker says you are covered for something, the real answer is maybe you are and maybe you aren't. The only way to know for sure is to actually have an accident and find out. The other way is to go to a lawyer and ask for an interpretation of the fine print. In most cases, what you think the contract says and what it says legally are two different things.
A good example is what is called non-owned vehicle coverage. Most of the polices will use terms such as “like and kind” which your broker may tell you that you can be covered for anything with wheels on it that you are licensed to drive. That is true to a point; you may legally be able to drive a 3-ton truck, but it is not like your car, nor is it the kind of vehicle you normally drive. Depending on your company, you may be denied coverage if you are in an accident with the truck. The same goes for motorcycles. You may be licensed, but they are not like your car or the same kind of vehicle as your car. In short, no coverage.
When you buy insurance on your car, you are rated on what type of car you have, what group you fall into and then how well you do within that group. A good example is a driver under the age of 25 driving a new sports performance car. It doesn't matter what type of good driving discount the 25-year-old gets, his premium will be higher than a 45-year-old woman in her Lexus with the same driving record.
That's not fair, you say? Insurance companies will then trot out actuarial studies (actuaries are the pinnacle of mathematical manipulators and reduce every bit of data to a statistical probability) that show the loss ratio for every type of vehicle on the road and for each age group of drivers.
Since the theory of insurance is to spread the cost over a large group so that what you pay is minimized, this theory sounds pretty good, but breaks down when bad driving habits are encouraged or someone scams the insurance company.
If you want to do something about your insurance, start by reading the fine print to make sure you have the coverage that you think you are paying for. When you find a broker or agent that you can work with, stick with them. Shop around every few years to see if you really are getting a deal and don't be afraid to bundle your business. Putting everything together can really save some cash. Pay promptly, even before the due date if possible so there is no lapse in coverage.
Heikki Kovalainen believes he is ready to return to a top team like McLaren.
After a difficult debut season at Renault in 2007 in the wake of Fernando Alonso's departure, the now 30-year-old Finn endured an even tougher two-year tenure at McLaren -- again in Spaniard Alonso's wake.
He was forced to rebuild his reputation and polish his skills right at the back of the grid, but after three seasons with a 2010 startup team, Kovalainen is reportedly now open to leaving Caterham and returning to the points-paying positions in 2013.
"My focus is on maximising my performance here at Caterham and giving my best to the team," Kovalainen told the German website motorsport-total.com.
"That puts me in the best possible position in the market if I want to move teams. But I don't even know what Caterham's plans are -- maybe they don't want me anymore," he said.
Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham) holding off Jenson Button (McLaren) in the streets of Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)
He insists he is not in a rush to find out, but the paddock speculation is not waiting for him. The most often-rumoured name connected with Kovalainen for 2013 is Sauber.
"It's rumours and that's all I can say," Kovalainen said. "They (Sauber) seem to be very strong this year but that's all I can say."
What about McLaren? His former team has a theoretical vacancy for 2013 at present, with Lewis Hamilton's new contract still not signed and sealed.
Or Ferrari, who are weighing up the candidates to replace struggling Felipe Massa?
"For me, being at McLaren was a dream come true," he answered. "They are a great team, but of course so is Ferrari. Fernando is doing a great job and Massa is getting better. A top team, no question."
When pressed on the topic of McLaren, Kovalainen admitted: "I can only say good things about them, although I experienced some good times and some bad times. But I know exactly what happened at that time, and what would happen if I got the chance in the future. I would have no problem (going back). They are a great team and I am still in touch with lots of McLaren guys -- I have a very good relationship with Martin Whitmarsh, for example."
"At the time, everything just did not fit together, but there were reasons. Since then, a lot has changed," he insisted.
Bruno Senna has conceded he needs to up his game in qualifying in order to secure his future at Williams.
After incomplete seasons with HRT (2010) and Renault (2011), this year is regarded by some as the 28-year-old Brazilian's first real chance in formula one.
He has often struggled against his Barcelona-winning teammate Pastor Maldonado, Senna managing to outqualify the sister Williams on only a few occasions so far in 2012.
But he had a good weekend last time out in Hungary, qualifying in the 'Q3' segment for the first time and then racing to seventh at the finish.
Bruno Senna, Williams FW31. (Photo: WRi2)
The driver, whose uncle was the great Ayrton Senna, insists he is making progress, amid intense speculation Williams will replace him with the team's well-connected and highly rated Friday driver Valtteri Bottas in 2013.
"Everybody needs opportunities to grow up and this is mine," Senna told AFP news agency.
"In the races, I think I'm doing pretty well this season. As I said before, nailing qualifying will be the key to make sure I stay for next year and hopefully the next few years," he added.
Bruno Senna said the points he scored in Hungary have allowed him to enter the August break in a positive frame of mind.
"Definitely if I had come out of the weekend with a bad result or with poor pace, you come into the break with something in the back of your mind," he said. "I have nothing to worry about now."
Former Formula 1 World Champion and U.S. CART Series' champion Nigel Mansell is celebarting today his 59th birthday anniversary.
“Il Leone” remains to this day one of the most spectacular and determined driver to have competed in the World Championship.
Nigel Mansell in his maiden Grand Prix with Lotus at Zeltweg in 1980. (Photo: WRi2)
Hugely determined, immensely aggressive and spectacularly daring, Mansell was one of the most exciting drivers ever. With his win or bust approach - 31 wins and 32 crashes - Nigel became the most successful British driver and ranks third in the world in fastest laps, fourth in wins and fifth in poles.
Mansell won the 1992 F1 World Championship, driving a Williams-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)
Mansell was undoutedly both quick and controversial. His awkward personality made him some enemies, his heroic performances made him millions of fans. Nigel Mansell was a driven man and it showed.
Happy birthday Nigel!
Mansell also drove for Ferrari alongside Alain Prost. (Photo: WRi2)
NIGEL MANSELL Born on 8 August, 1953
1977 British Formula Ford Champion
Broke his neck in a testing accident and was told he had come perilously close to quadriplegia
Competed in Formula 3 and Formula 2
Tested for Lotus F1 team
First Grand Prix: 1980 Austrian Grand Prix
1992 Formula 1 World Champion with Williams-Renault
1993 CART Series' Champion with Newman-Haas
Contested his last F1 races in 1994
Contested 187 Grands Prix, scored 31 wins, 32 pole positions, and 30 fastest race laps, driving for Lotus, Williams, Ferrari and McLaren.
Nigel Mansell and Adrian Newey before the start of the 2011 British GP. (Photo: WRi2)
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