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Belgian-born Zora Arkus-Duntov was the first chief engineer for the Chevrolet Corvette. But he is a new discovery to Russians, even though he lived in St. Petersburg through his teenage years.

Ford will start shipping its first electric passenger car to dealers this weekend, people familiar with the matter said. About 350 Focus Electric cars will be sent to 67 dealers in California, New Jersey and New York over the next couple weeks.

Not long after announcing that it will stop advertising on Facebook, General Motors said Friday it would not be a sponsor in the Super Bowl in 2013 either. What's going on here?

Car sales that are running at the fastest pace in four years are poised to reverberate through the world's largest economy as a spillover into production, profits and jobs for Americans may be starting.

Although not generally regarded as part of Europe, Russia and Turkey are crucial "European" markets for many automakers because they include sales from the two markets in their overall results for the region.

History/Description: The CR-V was Honda's top-selling entry into the compact crossover segment occupied by Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Ford and others. With four-cylinder power on all models, a reputation for reliable and fuel-efficient performance and plenty of flexible utility, it was a machine that connected well with Canadian families. Completely updated for 2012, the last-generation CR-V has now transitioned fully into used car territory.

Look for the five-seat crossover with features like heated leather, a sunroof, navigation, Bluetooth, automatic climate control and available Real-Time all-wheel drive. A five-speed automatic was included on all models. Shopping used? Note that CR-V's naming convention saw lower-end models wearing the LX badge, while EX, EX-L and EX-L Navi models filled the range.

2008 Honda CR-V (Photo: Luc Gagné)

Power in any case came from a 2.4L four-cylinder making 166 hp during years 2007 to 2009. That figure was bumped to 180 hp in the 2010 and 2011 CR-Vs.

What Owners Like: Owners tended to rave about the CR-V's driving position, surprisingly spacious interior, abundant storage facility, flexible cabin, ride quality and maneuverability. Additionally, owners of models with the Real Time all-wheel-drive system speak highly about the fully automatic, all-weather traction. Mileage and performance ratings made by owners are a mixed bag — but the majority say both are adequate if not incredibly impressive.

What Owners Dislike: Numerous owners wish for more comfortable seats, a ‘richer' and higher-quality cabin feel, and less wind and road noise at speed.

Common Issues: Many owners taking to online forums have complained about the durability of the CR-V's factory tires. Make sure the tires on the model you're considering aren't about to require an expensive replacement. Have the alignment checked out as well — as a bad alignment can lead to premature tire wear.

Have a mechanic inspect the CR-V's brakes as well, ensuring they have plenty of life left. While the vehicle is in the air, said mechanic can also check the underside for signs of damage or fluid leakage.

Some owners have also complained of oil consumption; some amount is considered normal on virtually every vehicle, though test drivers are advised to check the CR-V's oil level and condition, and ensure the seller was fond of frequent, high-quality oil changes.

2009 Honda CR-V (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Continue reading 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Pre-Owned

Last week Tom Tom launched the 1605 GPS, which, at 6 inches, has presently the biggest screen on the market. Now comes the Via 135 TM.

For the time being, it will only be available in Europe, but it "understands" over 1,000 vocal commands - and synonyms -, tanks to its Speak & Go feature.

Just say "Take me home" and the Via 135 TM will take you there. With even as little as an address or a place's name, it can understand where you want to go. No need to enter any commands at all.

So far, only the upper scale models had that option.

The first two Tom Tom to receive the Speak & Go feature will be the 5-inch screen Via 135 and the 4.3-inch screen Via 130. Both also feature lane change assistance, integrated phone if you have Bluetooth and IQ Routes, which calculates the best itinerary for you according to actual road speeds.

The 135 TM will be available in Europe start mid-May. No news yet on when it will come to North America.

Team Schubert's BMW Z4 driven by Müller-Alzen-Aldorf-Müller set the pole position for the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

After both qualifying sessions, the 40 quickest cars were on track for an extra session, to contest the pole position. Uwe Alzen went fastest, driving a BMW Z4, clocking a 8min18.382s lap. The german driver managed to put his car ahead of team Mamerow Racing's Audi R8 LMS (Mamerow-Abt-Ammermüller-Hahne).

Mercedes locked the second row with Black Falcon and Hankook Team Heico's SLS AMG GT3. Team Porsche Manthey Racing, who's won the race five times since 2005, will see its best car starting from sixth position, behind the second Team Schubert's BMW Z4.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is presented on the old 22-kilometre long  Nordschleife circuit, with about 200 cars on track, divided in numerous categories.

Several announcements were made in the Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC), as the series kicks off its 2012 season this weekend at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, formerly known as Mosport.

For one, yet another manufacturer announced a contingency program. Honda and Mazda had already confirmed their contribution to the series during the winter, but recently, MINI broke out with a program of its own.

"MINI's motorsport heritage is impressive and has been part of the brand's DNA since the 60's[.] We want to recognize and foster the passion and success for MINI motorsport in Canada and continue building that legacy," said Adam Shaver, Director of MINI Canada.

"To show our support, we have launched a significant contingency program in Canada for 2012."

The said program also extends to MINI competitors in the 2012 Targa Newfoundland rally.

Mazda too, came up with some news. In 2012, on top of their contingency program, it will field a car - a B-Spec Mazda2 - for guest media drivers. The first journalist to get a crack at it is The Globe and Mail's Mark Hacking, whose race experience ranges from karting to rally.

"I've been hoping to race in the CTCC for years now and I'm thrilled to finally get my chance with the Mazda2 B-Spec Media Race Car," Hacking said.

"This is an exciting opportunity for [us]," CTCC President John Bondar added. "I can't wait to see how the different personalities will do behind the wheel of the Mazda2 B-Spec Media Race Car."

Other announcements included the addition of two drivers to Alain Lauzière's Team Octane line-up. The CTCC squad will race a total of 6 MINI - 4 in the Touring class and 2 in the B-Spec category - in 2012.

Michel Sallenbach and Paul Gravel had already been confirmed in the Touring class, as well as P.J. Groenke in the B-Spec.

Now we know that two veterans and former rivals of Lauzière are joining the ranks of Team Octane this weekend, both in order to compete in Touring. They are Karl Thompson - Grand Am's C360R team principal - and Ian Madden - the CASC-OR regular.

Racing starts this afternoon, with the presentation of the first race of the weekend - round 1 of the series.

Source: Touringcar.ca

The HRT Formula 1 Team has finally moved into its new Madrid headquarters, the Caja Mágica.

For the occasion, Madrid Mayoress Ana Botella and Spanish Motorsport Federation President Carlos Gracia got a guided tour of the new facilities.

Both were impressed with what they saw, and stressed the significance of having a Spanish team in Formula One.

The new Madrid headquarters of Hispania Racing (Photo: HRTF1Team.com)

"I would like to thank HRT for choosing Madrid to set up its headquarters. I congratulate them for being the first Spanish team to obtain a Formula 1 license, there are only 12 teams and just being there is very important for Spain," the mayoress said in a team's press release.

"A few weeks ago I accompanied Jean Todt when he visited the facilities and he was impressed with what he saw," Gracia added.

"I've seen teams with more tradition who have been in Formula 1 for longer but I've never come across such a hungry and united team."

Gary Paffett (Mercedes) was quickest in qualifying on his home soil at Brands Hatch, for the third round of the DTM championship.

The Brit - who leads provisional championship classification thanks to his win in the opening round in Hockenheim, then classified second at Lausitz -, led his teammate Christian Vietoris, who reaches the front row of the grid for the first time in his DTM career. That was also the first pole position for Mercedes this season.

Behind both Mercedes driver, Bruno Spengler set the third best performance aboard his BMW M3 DTM. The Canadian, who clinched victory for his team at the Lausitzring two weeks ago, was again in good form at Brands Hatch.

Spengler set the best performance in Q1, then classified third in Q2 and in Q3. In Q4, he missed the pole by a hair, may be because he went a bit wide at the exit of turn one. Mike Rockenfeller put his Audi A5 in fourth position, which was a little consolation for Audi.

Meanwhile, Robert Wickens, the other canadian driver in DTM, could only manage 17th place on the grid aboard his C Class Mercedes.

"I can live with third place," Spengler said. "It was very close here again. My lap in the fourth qualifying session was okay. My tyres already had one more lap under their belt, which made it a bit difficult. Qualifying was tough, but great fun."

"I think third place is a nice present for Charly and Dieter Lamm, whose birthday is today. I am looking forward to the race now. I had Gary Paffett breathing down my neck the whole time at the Lausitzring. Hopefully I can annoy him a bit tomorrow and put him under pressure."



Qualifying results - DTM (Brands Hatch)

1. Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 41.266s - Q4

2. Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 41.410s - Q4

3. Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 41.462s - Q4

4. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A5) - Phoenix - 41.484s - Q4

5. Martin Tomczyk (BMW M3) - RMG - 41.101s - Q3
6. Filipe Albuquerque (Audi A5) - Rosberg - 41.142s - Q3
7. Adrien Tambay (Audi A5) - Abt - 41.156s - Q3

8. Mattias Ekstrom (Audi A5) - Abt - 41.163s - Q3

9. Augusto Farfus (BMW M3) - RBM - 41.172s - Q3

10. Jamie Green (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 41.284s - Q3

(...)
17. Robert Wickens (Mercedes C-Coupe) - Mucke - 41.584s - Q1
Etc.

Rob Huff led an all-Chevrolet top three in qualifying of the Austrian World Touring Car Championship round, held at the Salzburgring.

FIAWTCC.com

Thanks to a last minute effort, the Brit signed his first pole of the 2012 season, with a time of 1min26.791s. His teammates Yvan Muller and Alain Menu followed him in second and third places respectively.

FIAWTCC.com

Gabriele Tarquini (SEAT) was the best of the rest, in fourth.

FIAWTCC.com

Come race time tomorrow, Ford driver Tom Chilton will drop five positions on the grid because of the incident he caused by loosing his Focus at the entrance of the Nockstein hairpin.

FIAWTCC.com

And by virtu of the reversed grid, Aleksei Dudukalo will start on pole for race two.

FIAWTCC.com

Starting grid - Sunday Race One (WTCC, Salzburgring)
From ItaliaRacing.net

First row

Robert Huff - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 1min26.791s
Yvan Muller - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 1min26.933s


Second row

Alain Menu - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 1min26.961s

Gabriele Tarquini - Seat Leon WTCC - Sunred - 1min27.490s


Third row
Alex Macdowall - Chevrolet Cruze - Bamboo - 1min27.573s
Tiago Monteiro - Seat Leon 1.6 T - Tuenti - 1min27.808s


Fourth row

Stefano D'Aste - BMW 320 TC - Wiechers - 1min27.927s
Pepe Oriola - Seat Leon WTCC - Tuenti - 1min28.122s


Fifth row
Tom Coronel - BMW 320 TC - Roal - 1min28.124s
Aleksei Dudukalo - Seat Leon WTCC - Tuenti - 1min28.317s


Sixth row

Darryl O'Young - Seat Leon WTCC - STR - 1min28.342s
Mehdi Bennani - BMW 320 TC - Proteam - 1min28.373s


Seventh row
James Nash - Ford Focus S2000 - Arena - 1min28.421s
Alberto Cerqui - BMW 320 TC - Roal - 1min28.424s


Eighth row

Norbert Michelisz - BMW 320 TC - Zengo - 1min28.582s
Pasquale di Sabatino - Chevrolet Cruze - Bamboo - 1min28.852


Ninth row
Franz Engstler - BMW 320 TC - Engstler - 1min28.913s

Charles Ng - BMW 320 TC - Engstler - 1min29.137s


10th row

Tom Boardman - Seat Leon TDI - STR - 1min30.057s

Gabor Weber - BMW 320 TC - Zengo - 1min30.116s


11th row
Tom Chilton - Ford Focus S2000 - Arena - 1min29.271s *

*Five-place grid penalty

From GMM

Felipe Massa has played down reports he is at risk of losing his Ferrari seat soon, insisting he feels fully supported by Ferrari.

The Brazilian has struggled at the wheel of Ferrari's difficult 2012 car so far, scoring just 2 points compared to his teammate and joint championship leader Fernando Alonso's 61.

It has triggered speculation the Maranello based team might replace him, also because Ferrari said after Barcelona it is "expecting" Massa to improve "right away".

Whilst working at Maranello in the driver simulator on Friday, however, Massa insisted he has not been far away from Alonso at recent races.

"I think we must also take into account that, at the moment, Fernando's driving is amazing: he is on super form, maybe even perfect," he is quoted as saying in a Ferrari statement.

Asked if he feels the famous Italian team's support, he added: "Absolutely, yes, I feel the whole team stands by me.

"Obviously, they are not happy with the results and neither am I: we all want to get out of this (situation) and return to normal.

"It's possible and for sure it's what I want and I know that with the team's help we will manage it," said Massa.

On the final day of testing for the Indy 500, Fast Friday, Marco Andretti claimed the top spot before the beginning of qualifying set for Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Andretti Autosport driver was able to reach a speed of over 227.540 mph in part because teams were allowed to run the additional 10 kPa of boost (equivalent to 40-50 bhp) that will also be used during qualifying and Bump Day.

Penske's Ryan Briscoe was best of the rest at 226.835mph, putting him just ahead of teammate Helio Castroneves (226.716 mph) and Andretti's Ryan Hunter-Reay (226.400 mph).

If you're craving a dose of subcompact Italian performance but the upcoming

Walking into the main auction arena at Mecum's Indianapolis Auction, the first thing you'll see is the 1968 Lotus Type 56.

Vorsteiner debuted its GTX-V 1M Program for the BMW 1M coupe. It features a front spoiler, rear diffuser, trunklid, exhaust and forged wheels.

The week started off well for BMW fans with the release of the redesigned 3-series wagon. The fifth-generation wagon is expected to reach the States in 2013.

General Motors will not advertise in the upcoming Super Bowl, the company announced today in another sign that it's shaking up its marketing strategy just days after it said it would no longer pay for advertising on Facebook.

Government and industry leaders today gathered in Washington, D.C. for a technical workshop hosted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to discuss a wide breadth of safety and regulatory issues pertaining to electrical vehicles.