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From GMM

Organisers of the 2012 US grand prix have begun to lay the crucial racing surface at the brand new Circuit of the Americas.

Watching the progress at the bespoke venue in Austin, Texas, was Alexander Rossi, Caterham's 20-year-old Californian test driver.

"I was blown away," he told local broadcaster YNN, "I was almost speechless with how impressive it is because seeing it on paper is one thing, but to be able to actually drive around it, and feel the flow of it and the rhythm of it, and to see the spectacle that is turn one."

Circuit spokeswoman Julie Loignon said work at the venue is "on schedule" for the inaugural race in mid November, "We're beginning the process known as echelon paving."

She explained that, to ensure a uniform racing surface, three separate paver machines are making three separate laps around the 5.5 kilometre layout.

"The end result is going to be a grade one race track for formula one racing," Loignon added.

From GMM

Magny Cours, France's last grand prix host, is still in the running to secure the country's return to the F1 calendar.

Le Figaro daily is reporting that the circuit in central France, having hosted the French grand prix between 1991 and 2008, is set to formally present its case to become the country's new grand prix venue from 2013.

Prior to France's general election this year, Paul Ricard looked set to host the grand prix in 2013.

But the new government is not ruling out Magny Cours, having mandated the French motor racing body FFSA to look into the options for 2013.

Citing officials, Le Figaro reports that Magny Cours' "official presentation" of its bid will take place at the circuit, located some 250 kilometres from Paris, on September 4.

Photo: Magny-Cours

The NAPA Auto Parts 200, round 22nd of 33 of the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide series will be staged this weekend at the Gilles Villeneuve road circuit of Ile Notre-Dame in Montreal.

Here is a short teaser of this highly exciting stock car race produced by Auto123.com's multimedia department.

When I pulled up at home with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, my husband practically threw the baby at me in his rush to get out the door and see the beast up close. Each time a GC SRT8 growls past us on the street, it's all he can do to pick his jaw up off the ground and stick his tongue back in his mouth. He has a full-on man-crush on the in-your-face SRT8 -- and he's not the only one.

In all honesty, I didn't think I'd be as impressed with the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 as I was. Seeing the previous generation on the road always made me smirk at its pompous demeanour and look-at-me road presence. But, once behind the wheel, my smirk quickly turned into an ear-to-ear grin.


Powerful peacocking
While some vehicles out there are all bark and no bite, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a whole lot of bark with a death-grip bite to match.

If nothing else, the GC SRT8 gets some serious looks on the road. There's no denying that the new 2012 look is a winning one. Jeep has taken the Grand Cherokee to a new level of sophistication with classier lines, smoother edges and an overall cleaner look.

Then the SRT8 cures are added and the Grand Cherokee takes on a whole new persona. From the front, the SRT8 is aggressive through and through: with a fat bottom lip beneath the signature Jeep seven-grille grin and enormous hood nostrils above, it's clear this Grand Cherokee means business.

Angular wheel arches house 20" SRT8 wheels with Brembo brakes (which are needed to bring this monster to a stop when things really get going). A muscular shoulderline draws your attention to the back where Jeep chose to move the previous-gen dual tailpipes to the outer corners and house them in a fancy, black SRT8-labelled bumper lip.

Angular wheel arches house 20" SRT8 wheels with Brembo brakes. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Some might see the upgrade as less brute-ish and common compared to the middle-mounted look. However, by moving the exhaust to the outer corners, Jeep has given GC SRT8 owners the ability to tow (up to 5,000 lb), something that was previously impossible.

Inside, the GC SRT8 is just as impressive. Brushed chrome accents abound, and the sport-shaped steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters and handsfree control buttons is oh-so inviting. Simple is perhaps the best way, and Chrysler keeps the middle console just that with a familiar onboard computer system and easy-use-entertainment system. And, of course, looking at a speedometer that hits 300 km/h in an SUV is always pleasing.

In Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl, my GC SRT8 tester could not go quietly into any night, or day for that matter. Coupled with the barking (read: roaring) exhaust note when pushed, the SRT8 is a beacon for attraction.

Brushed chrome accents abound, and the sport-shaped steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters and handsfree control buttons is oh-so inviting. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

I wanted the apocalypse
But I didn't get it. Sure, the Jeep SRT8 has a fantastic exhaust note... but only once you've hit the open road (in a straight line). It has a nice, deep rumble when turned on, but it's not enough. I wanted children to run scared, housewives to close their curtains frantically and men to go weak in the knees with envy as I rolled by. But, unless I was pushing the GC SRT8 past the 4,500 rpm mark, such reactions were not to be seen.

There's no denying that the 6.4L V8 HEMI engine is brutish and powerful, pumping out 470 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, but I wanted to hear it more. That might seem petty, but I think it's something one expects from the GC SRT8 experience. Sure, it's felt throughout the vehicle (front seats or back), but aurally, it's just not as apparent.

Speaking of brute strength, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a monster in a straight line. Leave the cornering for those lower to the ground, but have all the fun you want on straight stretches (and make sure you keep both hands on the wheel).

I managed 0-100 km/h sprints in the 5-second range which, for a vehicle weighing in at the 5,000-lb mark, is more than damn impressive (to think, it could rival the 2013 Nissan GT-R I'd had the same week). And when you get it up to speed, you'll be happy the SRT8 is equipped with Brembo brakes that are more than adequate to bring the beast to a stop.

The 6.4L V8 HEMI engine is brutish and powerful, pumping out 470 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Driving devil
Piloting the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is exciting, no matter what the environment. On the open highway, the GC is an expert cruiser. With more than enough room throughout the cockpit and rear seats, all passengers and driver will revel in the Jeep's comfort on long journeys.

On busy city streets, the GC SRT8 is just as at home, with its sleek design and lower-to-the-ground stance that make for easy entry and exit. The steering-wheel mounted shifters make for spirited driving and shifts are responsive, save for a lack of rev matching when downshifting which makes for a jerky drive every now and then.

On those back-country roads, the Jeep GC SRT8 is just as capable thanks to the Selec-Trac 4x4 system.

However, thanks to a sportier suspension set-up, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 can be quite rough, especially on uneven terrain. One might expect such a feel from the GC's nature-loving brother, the Jeep Wrangler.

One annoyance that plagued me all week was a massive blind spot thanks to the A pillars. They are so wide all the way up that it's almost impossible to see oncoming traffic at an intersection without moving your body to see around them. I thought perhaps it was just my small stature that caused the inconvenience, but my 6'0" husband had the same issue when seated in the driver's seat.

On those back-country roads, the Jeep GC SRT8 is just as capable thanks to the Selec-Trac 4x4 system. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Luxury at a "bargain" price
If you're still not sold on the idea of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, consider this: for just over $50,000 you'll get yourself an SUV that's not only capable of towing the family boat up to the cottage on weekends, but one that's also sporty enough to take a few laps around the local track with a bunch of coupe cars -- and possibly win.

This 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

Take some oil and a lot of last lap aggression that added up to Marcos Ambrose in Victory Lane at the Finger Lakes 355 at Watkins Glen.

"It was absolutely chaos at the end," remarked the genial Australian after battling Kyle Busch, then beating, banging and passing Brad Keselowski - on the last lap - for his second-straight victory at the legendary former Formula One circuit's “short course.”

Busch set up the exiting finish by taking the lead by going three-wide into turn one on the final restart. That left Ambrose and Keselowski to skirmish with each other.

Kyle Busch loosing his lead against Brad Keselowski and Marcos Ambrose. (Photo: NASCAR)

As the final lap approached the Bobby Labonte's car apparently blew its' engine and left a coat of oil on the undulating track. As the first car to race in the oil Busch slowed and Keselowski caught him first.

On the final lap Keselowski tapped Busch sending him spinning (he would finish seventh). Then it was all Ambrose Keselowski's battle to end.

“The track was complete oil,” Keselowski said. “Neither of us was going to make it out of to corner. That was unfortunate.

I think he knows I had to make that move. No different than the move he had to make on the restart with his position. He made a very, very aggressive move on the restart that was going to wreck both of us if I didn't let him in. I could have held the position and wrecked us all, but I didn't.”

Ambrose agreed. “I was the first one to slip in the oil,” said the winner. “And it was just getting worse and worse.  You could tell the car was staying out there because the oil was moving around the race track and you just take your chances.  You've got to commit at that point in the race and it was great racing with Kyle and Brad. ” Ambrose said of the last lap battle for the win.

Brad Keselowski leading Marcos Ambrose during the final lap. (Photo: NASCAR)

Jimmie Johnson finished third and took the points lead from Dale Earnhardt Jr. who spun before the oil issue. “Those last two laps were just out of control with the oil down. You are studying the road trying to see if you can see an oil trail and there really wasn't a large visible one to dodge. But you could feel the oil on your tires and slipping and sliding and then guys are spinning all over.”

Clint Bowyer, winner at Sonoma finished fourth “That was some slick racing the last few laps. You watch these road racers race in the rain and find traction. It kind of reminded me of the old motocross days. It was real slick in that oil and you had to find grooves around it.”

Juan Pablo Montoya, who took his second pole in two weeks, had a mechanical problem.

“I think it was the lower control arm,” the Columbian ex-Formula One driver said. Everybody on this Target Chevy has been doing an amazing job. We got the last two poles and I did think we had a car to win today. I rode behind Kyle (Busch) we kind of bogged down at the start and Kyle got us. The car started getting really tight and all of a sudden I hit a curb and the car went completely left on me.”

Afterwards Ambrose added the win was better the second time around. “Last year was relief. This year it was pure joy. “

Transport Canada published a safety recall on certain GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vehicles equipped with a cargo door on the left side and originally sold or currently operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months.

The fuel filler pipe could corrode and become perforated, allowing fuel to leak onto the ground while refuelling the vehicle. In the presence of an ignition source, this could result in a fire.

A total of 926 units from the 2003 and 2004 model years are being recalled.

GM dealers will simply replace the fuel filler pipe.

Source: Transports Canada

2003 GMC Savana (Photo: General Motors)

2004 Chevrolet Express (Photo: General Motors)

Press release from TMG

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) will return to rallying with the entry-level TMG Yaris R1A car, which will be showcased in public for the first time at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland held August 24-26.

TMG has developed the TMG Yaris R1A specifically to provide an affordable entry into rallying for competitors young and old. TMG is taking orders immediately, with donor car and upgrade kit (excluding tax and installation) priced at approximately 22,500 euros.

Toyota Yaris TMG R1A. (Photo: TMG)

The FIA's R1A regulations permit only limited performance modifications to the standard 1.33-litre petrol-engined, three-door Yaris. TMG's upgrade kit includes racing exhaust and catalytic converter system, shorter final drive gear, motorsport suspension with adapted springs and adjustable ride height.

In addition, comprehensive safety equipment features bolt-in roll cage, guards for sump, fuel tank and fuel lines, fire extinguishers, rally seats and safety harness plus power cut-off switch.

Toyota Yaris TMG R1A. (Photo: TMG)

Before the end of the year, the TMG Yaris R1A is expected to become the first car in the world to be awarded FIA R1A (up to 1400cc) homologation. This qualifies the car to compete on regional, national and international competitions all the way up to World Rally Championship events.

The TMG Yaris R1A represents the first stage in a wider plan from TMG to supply cost-effective and fun motorsport cars to private entrants.

2013 Chevrolet Spark First Impressions

2013 Subaru Outback First Impressions

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class First Impressions

Other very interesting topics:

• Subaru's new EyeSight driver assistance system
• Blog: Your insurance
• 2013 Subaru Legacy First Impressions
• 2013 Honda Accord: first images revealed
• Blog: A dinner with racing legends

With the cool new X-Ray app unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, iPad and iPhone users can view the inner components and features of a Volvo model.

They can also learn about them by scanning a number of markers around the vehicle (through what is called ''augmented reality'').

Given the extremely positive response, Volvo is considering the X-Ray app for other auto shows as well as its own dealerships.

Source: lacomunidad.com

At this year's Pebble Beach weekend, Mercedes-Benz will pay homage to their legendary SL Roadster by displaying a trio of vintage cars. Next to a brand-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG, visitors will be able to gaze at three 1952 W194 300SL cars: chassis no. 2, no. 7 and no. 11.

Also on display at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge will be the Concept Style Coupé, the brand's future vision of a four-door coupe. It's reportedly powered by a turbo four-cylinder gas engine, which sends its 211 hp through all four wheels via its 4MATIC drivetrain.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase as few vintage cars, as the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center will be offering a 1936 540K Cabriolet B, two 1955 300SL Coupes, a 1963 190SL, a 1968 280SL and a 1969 280SL.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

From GMM

Vitaly Petrov says it is too soon to determine what he will be doing in 2013.

The Russian made his debut for Renault (now Lotus) in 2010, moving across to the back-of-the-grid Caterham team at the beginning of this season.

And his manager Oksana Kosachenko said recently she is in talks with three teams about 2013.

"Before autumn we have to be ready to take some decisions. I don't want to be in the situation which we faced last year," she said.

Oksana Kosachenko said the priority is to keep Petrov, 27, at Caterham.

Vitaly Petrov, Caterham CT01. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

So when will they be in a position to know more?

"I think after August," Petrov is quoted by the Russian website f1news.ru.

"Right now, all the talk about (drivers) moving around is just starting. The main thing is that the (Caterham) team is happy with me, they've said it in the press and to me personally," he revealed.

Petrov said he is not feeling "nervous" about the future.

"Maybe in another situation I would be, but because I have good results and we work well together as a team, I see no reason for that."

Last week, Transport Canada published a safety recall on certain Dodge Durango vehicles with seven passenger seating.

An incorrect Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module may have been installed during the assembly. As a result, third-row seat occupants may not benefit from the added protection provided by the side airbags during a crash, which could increase the risk of personal injury.

The recall targets 130 units from the 2013 model year. Chrysler dealers will replace the ORC module.

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Emotion, quality, aerodynamics. Those are the main attributes of Suzuki's new crossover, which will make its first appearance next month.

A direct threat to the Nissan Juke, the Suzuki S-Cross will reportedly replace the SX4 by 2014.

Few details are available right now, save for a sketch and a picture of the car's aggressive front end that features some cool-looking LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Technical specs will be revealed at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, where Suzuki is also expected to unveil its new Grand Vitara, Swift and Swift Sport, among others.

Photo: Suzuki

Photo: Suzuki

From TMG

Cologne's TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) set a new electric record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, United States.

Using the TMG EV P002 race car, powered by a high-performance TMG electric powertrain, Japanese driver Fumio Nutahara set a time of 10m15.380 to set a new record for electric vehicles on the 19.99km newly asphalted road.

TMG EV P002. (Photo: TMG)

Nutahara's time not only broke the previous electric record (12mins 20.084secs) by more than two minutes, it gave him sixth place overall to cap an impressive debut at Pikes Peak.

TMG EV P002. (Photo: TMG)

Based on a Radical chassis, the TMG EV P002 has a top speed of 240km/h in Pikes Peak configuration, with combined maximum power of 350kW from its two axial flux motors.

TMG EV P002. (Photo: TMG)

The TMG crew on-site spent three practice days finetuning the TMG EV P002 and its electric powertrain set-up for the difficult climb from 2,800m to the 4,300m summit.

TMG EV P002. (Photo: TMG)

Montreal, Quebec -- As I sit looking at the 2013 Dodge Dart sitting in the middle of a cavernous art gallery surrounded by modern sculptures, I feel intrigued if a little confused.

For starters, the 2013 Dodge Dart is actually quite good looking. Kudos to the exterior and interior design team for launching a vehicle that's eye-catching for all the right reasons (not because it looks like a box, bulldog or some other strange creature). The Dart's front facade is just the right blend of aggressive and pretty, with a hint of modern thrown in there for good measure. Add to that the Challenger-bred taillights and you've got an entry-level vehicle that looks like it's actually a class above that.

Where my confusion stems is in the presentation of the vehicle. From what I can gather, over the years Dodge, Chrysler and the rest of the American brands (save for Ford, perhaps), have taken a “We are American, and we are damn proud of it” stance -- and why shouldn't they? They went through an extremely rough patch during the recent recession, and they deserve to be proud of their climb back up since then. Take for example the launch of the new Chrysler line and their tagline “Imported from Detroit.”

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Barn Dart
Over the years, we've seen the likes of the Neon and Caliber take to the streets. Both, in my oh-so-honest opinion, unfortunate happenings. While they met the needs of many buyers, they weren't quite what we auto journalists would call good vehicles.

Now enter attempt No. 3 on Dodge's part, and I think they've hit their barn dart on this one.

Well priced (starting at $15,995 MSRP) and well-equipped, the 2013 Dodge Dart is a welcome option to the norm (Civic, Cruze, Corolla... you get to move up a letter in the alphabet, finally!). Thanks to that, there's no worry of Dodge landing a woody on this one. The Dodge Dart will do well (my crystal ball tells me so) and here's why:

Dodge did their homework on this one. Everything from the interior design (where you can customize your gauge cluster as you would your computer desktop) to the exterior look (bred from the same stable as the new 2013 Viper) to their TV commercial (that's engaging, real and funny) was crafted to appeal to the Millenial group -- a group I just recently learned I am a part of. Even their design team was full of Millenial babies (those born to the Boomers in the '80s and early '90s).

The 2013 Dodge Dart isn't the best car in the world to drive: I found the travel long on the clutch and the distance between gears eons apart; and I hated how I felt like the seats were trying to throw me out because they were so poof-y. The 1.4L MultiAir turbo is good fun (and makes a great “I just started working out” muscle car gurgle out the rear), while the 2.0L Tigershark engine feels a bit dead in the water, for me.

And yet, it will do well; there'll be no point mongering, it'll all be legit.

Pastor Maldonado's demonstration of a Formula 1 car turned short on Sunday when he crashed the damaged the year-old Williams FW33.

The Venezuelan Grand Prix winner was due to complete a 12-lap run on the Fuerte Tiunas military parade ground in front of 20,000 fans and numerous political and military VIPs, with team owner Sir Frank Williams and shareholder Christian "Toto" Wolff also present.

However, on his second "lap" on this extremely bumpy and slippery surface downtown Caracas, Maldonado spun the F1 car under braking and damaged its suspension on the roadside kerbing.

In the early '90s, I was an aspiring preteen car fanatic. I was nine years into a Hot Wheels collection, could talk at length about turbocharging to anyone who'd listen, and read Motor Trend on a near-daily basis.

I also had a poster of the 1993 Mazda RX-7 pinned to the wall in my bedroom -- just behind where I often sat and listened to “Whoop There It Is” on my Sony Walkman while playing Mortal Kombat on my Sega Genesis.

Elsewhere, the RX-7 was being sold as Mazda's $45,000-plus flagship sports car. Largely regarded as the highest-performing street legal Mazda ever made, it's the source of that “Zoom-Zoom” DNA present in Mazda's products to this day.

In the early '90s, the RX-7 was being sold as Mazda's $45,000-plus flagship sports car. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

This was a special car for the Japanese automaker, and largely the reason that Mazda stashed one brand new, bright yellow, unmodified unit away at their head office for two decades.

For a time, it was even parked in the front lobby -- the same front lobby I walked into to pick up my first ever test car (a Mazda MX-5) seven years ago. So, effectively, this particular yellow RX-7 watched from a few feet away as I started my career reviewing cars.

Recently, I had the rare chance to realize a childhood dream and spend a week driving that exact RX-7.

Sentimental value? Very much. Picking up the “brand new,” 20-year-old RX-7 brought more of a nervous, excited pang to my stomach than any car in recent memory. But, that's what happens when a great big kid gets to play with one of the coolest toys he could never have as a child.

A supercomputer-designed suspension, lightweight hollow sway bars and four-wheel ABS brakes were advanced for their time. Ditto for the sophisticated, sequential twin-turbo setup -- which helped the Mazda RX-7's 1.3L rotary engine generate 255 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque.

Two turbochargers meant two boosts of power smoothly merging with one another -- perceived by the driver as virtually lag-free torque from just beyond idle to just shy of the 7,500 rpm redline. This is the sort of technical, mechanical wizardry that makes excited, aspiring car fanatics salivate.

Rear-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual were standard in the 1993 Mazda RX-7. All said, it was fast by the standards of its day, and is still quick and potent 20 years later. At full rip, torsos are pressed into seatbacks as the persistent whistling of the turbochargers enters the cabin -- which is sweet.

The Mazda RX-7's 1.3L rotary engine generated 255 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Continue reading 1993 Mazda RX-7

From GMM

F1's three engine manufacturers for 2014 are hard at work on their new turbo V6 designs, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported.

The publication said Craig Pollock's new venture Pure is no longer operating, while it is now common knowledge in the F1 paddock that HRT and Marussia supplier Cosworth is unlikely to still be on the grid for the radical new rules.

That leaves just Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, with Auto Motor und Sport saying the manufacturers are now "in phase two" of the development process for 2014.

It means they are no longer working only with mere prototypes.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

"We have now run a V6 and the programme is more or less in line with our planning," Renault Sport's Rob White said recently. "Our intent is to be 'race intent' in the course of 2013."

Toto Wolff, a Williams shareholder and the Grove team's new executive director, told motorline.cc the British squad will "definitely" still be powered by Renault's existing V8 engine next year.

And then into the V6 rules and beyond?

"That is what we would wish," he said. "Renault has decided to remain in formula one for the long term and talks (between Williams and Renault) are in progress," he added.

From press release

Canadian Tire fires up their engine as the Title Sponsor of ASN Canada FIA Canadian Karting Championship in Mont-Tremblant and Rotax Team Canada.

The event will be staged August 24-26 at the karting circuit of Mont-Tremblant, Quebec.

Canadian Tire will also be a a sponsor of Team Canada for the 2012 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, held from November 28th to December 1st, 2012 at the Kartodromo Internacional Algarve, located close to the city of Portimao in Portugal.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Canadian Tire's sponsorship of the ASN Canada FIA Canadian Karting Championship includes:
• Title sponsor of the ASN Canada FIA Canadian Karting Championship;
• Support for the Canadian champions comprising “Team Canada”, participating in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, held in Portugal, in November against drivers from 60 countries.

“Because I started my career as a karting driver, I value the importance of supporting events such as these,” said Ron Fellows, Canadian Tire's racing ambassador and NASCAR driver.

“I'm pleased that Canadian Tire is sponsoring the ASN Canada FIA Canadian Karting Championships once more which offers young drivers the opportunity to develop their skills and showcase them internationally as well!” Fellows added.

A highway safety group's new crash test that emulates offset head-on collisions could prompt automakers to make front-end modifications that add to vehicle weight and cost.