Auto News 5

The 2012 Honda Insight gets a new look, some new features and (believe it or not!) even better fuel economy.


An increasingly crowded hybrid field now includes the Ford Fusion, the Kia Optima and, of course, the venerable Toyota Prius. All are pricier, except the new 2012 Toyota Prius c, which offers a nearly price-level competitor for the Insight. Honda's looking to at last gain some ground on the Prius in 2012 with numerous updates, most subtle on their own, but together adding up to a pretty comprehensive update.

Outside, a thin, blue accent bar has been introduced on the grille to denote its high-tech hybrid identity, while restyled bumpers contribute to a 2% increase in aerodynamics. New headlight and brake light internal reflectors, slightly wider tires and new 15-inch wheel covers round out exterior tweaks.

Inside, a reconfigured rear seat offers improved legroom and head room, and the gauge cluster gets a more technically sophisticated look. Cupholders are bigger, seat fabric is posher, and the cabin is quieter. A rearview camera is now available, packaged with an upgraded optional navigation system.



Honda's Integrated Motor Assist featuring a 1.3L i-VTEC 4-cylinder gas engine and 10-kW electric motor develops 98 combined hp at 5,800 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 1,000-1,700 rpm; new friction-reducing measures and a CVT automatic transmission mean fuel economy improvements this year. Its Eco Assist System further enhances the efficiency of throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise operation, and provides feedback on driving style via a 3D-ish background in the speedo: green for really efficient, blue for not-so-much.

Fuel economy is now rated at 4.7L/100km around town and 4.4L/100km on the highway.

One trim, the LX, is available starting at $21,990.

From Ford

Ford Motor Company's all-new Focus Electric will become the first all-electric pace car to ever lead the field for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Richmond 400.

The all-new Focus Electric will perform all pace care duties at Richmond International Raceway on April 28.

Photo: Ford

Approximately 35 percent of new car intenders are motorsports fans and 78 percent of them support NASCAR, according to Ford research. Additionally, Ford race fans are 67 percent more likely to consider Ford products than general market consumers.

In January, Ford became the first manufacturer to show off its 2013 NASCAR race car when it unveiled the new 2013 Fusion racer to media in Charlotte, N.C.

The Focus Electric pace car will be unveiled for the public at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on April 25. Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling will deliver the Focus Electric to Richmond International Raceway, where it will serve as pace car for that weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

At the age of 26 and after 110 Grands Prix contested in career, German driver Nico Rosberg won his first Formula 1 race on Sunday at the Grand of China in Shanghai.

Rosberg, driving a Mercedes AMG W03, captured his maiden win at his 111th Grand Prix. Nico Rosberg is the son of 1982 F1 World Champion Keke Rosberg who contested 49 races before he won his first GP.

Let's review the Top 10 drivers with most races contested before first win.

10. 81nd race United Kingdom Eddie Irvine 1999 Australian Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)


9. 91st race France Jean Alesi 1995 Canadian Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)

8. 95th race Belgium Thierry Boutsen 1989 Canadian Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)

7. 96th race Finland Mika Häkkinen 1997 European Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)

6. 110th race Italy Giancarlo Fisichella 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)

5. 111th race Germany Nico Rosberg 2012 Chinese Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)

4. 113th race United Kingdom Jenson Button 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix (Photo: Honda)

3. 117th race Italy Jarno Trulli 2004 Monaco Grand Prix (Photo: Renault)

2. 124rd race Brazil Rubens Barrichello 2000 German Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)

1. 130th race Australia Mark Webber 2009 German Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)

From CIK FIA

Further to hearing and following the recommendations and desiderata of most of the major Manufacturers performing on the international Karting scene, the CIK-FIA had introduced a new World Championship format dedicated to the KF1 category for the year 2012. Five Organisers have trustfully invested in the organisation of events which were supposed to constitute the highlight of their season and possibly that of the history of their circuit or club.

Charles Leclerc, Winner, 2011 CIK-FIA World Cup for KF3, Sarno, Italy. (Photo CIK/KSP)

On the back of receiving 16 entries and of the World Council's green light to confirm the World Championship despite this small number of participants, the FIA and CIK, only a few days before the date scheduled for the publication of the entry list, had to deplore the announcement by the three main Manufacturers concerned (who represent 12 Drivers) that they would not participate in the competition if a minimum of 25 starters could not be reached.

Without yet cancelling the 2012 CIK-FIA World KF1 Championship, the CIK-FIA is therefore compelled to delete its three European events scheduled for Varennes (France), PF International (Great Britain) and Sarno (Italy).

As the sporting regulations of the Championship stipulate that the Asian events of Suzuka and Macau can be reinforced by local participation, these two rounds could be maintained thanks to a large enough field. The CIK and FIA will shortly take a decision regarding the events scheduled for Japan and Macau.

According to reports, former Champ Car and IndyCar driver Michel Jourdain Jr could find himself in a Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL) car for the upcoming Indianapolis 500 if everything goes according to plan.

The Mexican was present in RLL garage last weekend during the Long Beach Grand Prix and when asked about his visit, both Bobby Rahal and Jourdain Jr. confirmed that the chances are more than good for the Mexican to contest the Indy 500.

Jourdain Jr. won races in Milwaukee and in Montreal ChampCar races during his stay with Rahal's squad in 2003.

Earlier this season, the RLL had announced that former GP2 stand-out Luca Filippi would drive the team's second car beginning with the 500, but Rahal said the sponsorship money has not come through yet. If it does, the team could run three cars at the Indy 500.

Last weekend, CTV's W5 aired the now famous (or is that infamous) used car investigation results.

This year, well, nothing much has changed... Old habits die hard for used car lots as they still regularly use false advertising to get people into their showrooms.

George Iny, President of the Automobile Protection Association, puts it best: “The low-ball, the bait and switch and the extra unadvertised fees.”

The other undying trend are “curbsiders”. In the video, we meet a few crafty fellows that have great stories that, unfortunately, must work once in a while as they are professional “fakes”.

In both situations, the cars are in terrible condition, a few are not even road worthy.

As ever, the saying “buyer beware” holds true.

Mr Iny notes that the Province of Quebec is not especially stringent when it comes to tracking and reporting accidented vehicles. Could this be one of the hidden unspoken reasons why Bill 48 was introduced? A way way the SAAQ to clean up their act?

Photo: CTV.ca

Audi's got the solution for wary pedestrians concerned about stealthy electric vehicles sneaking up on them -- it's called e-sound.




_{Source: ITworld}

Pictures from race day in Shanghai for the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg wins the Chinese Grand Prix, ahead of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton

The risks posed by distracted driving -- a major regulatory debate in the United States right now -- don't deter many European drivers, according to a survey commissioned by Ford.

A new 4-cylinder engine has booted BMW's naturally aspirated straight-six from the powertrain roster -- and it's caused a bit of an uproar in the community.


For years, BMW used a straight-6 engine to power most of its models. BMW is known for straight-6s that sounded fantastic, loved to rev and were celebrated the world over by fans and authorities alike. It's a fantastic engine.

But thanks to constant cries for more power and better fuel mileage, the naturally aspirated variant of that old 3.0L inline-6 has been evicted from engine compartments in virtually all BMW models. It's a big deal. Imagine Dodge getting rid of the HEMI. Same idea.

The N20
Now, BMW's new "N20" engine has almost totally replaced the straight-6. A turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder, the N20 cranks out 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's more output, created using less fuel. Win-win, if you will.

The N20 has even found its way into the 528i for 2012. Admittedly, it looks a touch lonely all by itself under the hood, but it's what's on the inside that counts.

Now, BMW's new "N20" engine has almost totally replaced the straight-6. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

Efficient Dynamics
The N20 is packed with an array of advanced features that aim to deliver on BMW's Efficient Dynamics mantra.

Examples?
On-demand, electrically driven oil and water pumps. By powering these components with voltage rather than engine power, more output makes its way to the road, and less fuel is burned.

And since the water pump only starts circulating coolant once the engine gets warm, the 528i heats up more quickly when it's cold outside. That's easy to appreciate, if you like being warm.

The alternator is also on-demand. Using a clutch to control engagement, it only spins when drivers coast or brake--not while they accelerate. Less fuel is burned needlessly spinning the device, and more horsepower is available during acceleration, too.

This 'brake-energy regeneration' ideology effectively uses momentum to recharge the battery that would otherwise be wasted.

Variable valve timing and direct injection further optimize on-demand performance and fuel mileage. In effect, the N20 intends to give drivers plenty of power when needed while slashing fuel use when it's not.

There's even an auto-stop function that shuts the engine off at traffic lights, like a hybrid, though the system's action is suspended when it's cold outside.

N20 in Action
The driving experience is still pure BMW -- mostly. As turbo engines tend to be, this one sounds a little dull and boring. It can't hold a candle to the high-RPM wail of the old straight-6.

But performance is all there. The N20 hustled the xDrive equipped tester along in something of a hurry, and it's smooth and potent from just off of idle to redline. Torsos press, with some level of authority, into seatbacks when drivers jam on it.

ECO PRO
Best of all, the N20 generates enough low-end torque to ease the 528i along at very low revs during casual driving. That's key to maximizing the functionality of the 528i's ECO PRO drive mode, which encourages exploration of the model's economical side.

ECO PRO offers tips to help maximize your mileage and even shows how much range you've 'added' to your current tank of fuel by following its instructions. And you don't have to drive like a total cardigan-enthusiast to use ECO PRO, either.

ECO PRO offers tips to help maximize your mileage and even shows how much range you've 'added' to your current tank of fuel by following its instructions. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

A Gentle Cruiser
Using ECO PRO mode, one mustn't fantasize about full-throttle acceleration, burnouts, and ripping through gears like Christmas morning wrapping paper. Sitting back and enjoying the drive is, conversely, key.

The 528i makes said relaxation easy, though. Noise levels, comfort and ride quality are all world-class here -- and the tester cruised and cornered with that trademark locked-down, heavy and solid 5-Series feel. This is a machine that offers up a beautiful driving experience in any situation and on any road, driven hard or not.

Traction on icy surfaces was excellent, and even on Sudbury Ontario's poorly maintained, pothole-ridden roads, the ride stayed composed.

Further enjoyment on my test-drive came from a positively magnificent stereo system, sumptuously trimmed cabin, fantastic xenon lighting system and conversation-starting styling, inside and out.

This is a machine that offers up a beautiful driving experience in any situation and on any road, driven hard or not. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

Gripes?
Several passengers and I did notice that for the size of the 528i, it feels a little tight inside. And the iDrive controller still has a learning curve to it.

Additionally, since the tester had only done a handful of kilometers before winding up in my grubby mitts, the engine hadn't completed break-in and started achieving fantastic mileage just yet.

My test average landed at 11L/100km, with highway consumption at a good clip over hilly terrain dropping to about 9. The latter figure bordered on impressive by my standards, but owners can expect that number to improve as the engine breaks in.

End of the day, shoppers after a world-class sedan packed with world-class styling and technology employed for maximum efficiency will likely be impressed. The nicely loaded tester came in around 70 grand.

Lexus GS 350

Infiniti M37x AWD

Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC

Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2011
37 units

On certain vehicles equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the internal transmission drive belt could fail. This would result in a loss of vehicle propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road condition, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.

Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the CVT gearbox assembly.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com)

Jeep Compass 2012
Jeep Patriot 2012
248 units

On certain vehicles, the fuel tank roll-over valve may have been damaged during vehicle assembly. This could allow fuel leakage in a roll-over crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury.

Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.

Chrysler Town & Country 2012
Dodge Grand Caravan 2012
26 units

Certain vehicles may have been equipped with an incorrectly manufactured right rear hub and bearing assembly. Hub failure could result in wheel separation. A wheel separating from the vehicle could cause a loss of control and a crash. In addition, the errant wheel assembly could strike a vehicle, stationary object, or bystander. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury.

Correction: Dealers will replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly.

Ford Focus 2012
19,062 units

On certain vehicles, a seal plug may have been dislodged from the wiring harness connector to the passenger side wiper motor during vehicle assembly. This could allow water or other contaminants to enter and accumulate in the connector, resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper motor.

An inoperative passenger side wiper may result in reduced driver visibility in certain driving manoeuvres, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Note: The driver side wiper uses a separate motor that does not use a seal plug within the connector and is not susceptible to this condition.

Correction: Dealers will inspect, clean and properly seal the passenger side wiper motor connector. Inoperative wiper motors will be replaced.

Nissan Armada 2012
Nissan Titan 2012
2,301 units

Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 - Tire Selection and Rims. Specifically, the compliance label does not indicate the wheel rim size, as required by the Standard.

Correction: To be announced.

Volkswagen Passat 2012
14 units

On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TDI engine, the diesel fuel filter element may not seal properly and could leak. Diesel fuel leakage may ignite on a hot surface and cause a fire which could result in property damage and/or personal injury.

Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel filter element.

BMW X6 2012
107 units

On certain BMW X6 M vehicles, the Tire and Loading Information label incorrectly indicates a vehicle seating capacity of four occupants. The actual seating capacity is five.

Correction: To be announced.

Buick Enclave 2011-2012
Chevrolet Traverse 2011-2012
GMC Acadia 2011-2012
5,810 units

On certain vehicles, if a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield or on the wipers restricts the movement of the wiper arm, the wiper arm nut may loosen and cause that wiper to become inoperative. Loss of windshield wiping capability, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, may compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.

Correction: Dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts.

BMW X3 2004-2013
BMW X5 2000-2013
BMW X6 2008-2012
67,771 units

Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Specifically, the compliance label does not indicate the wheel rim size, as required by the Standard.

Correction: To be announced.

In order to reduce the number of accidents involving younger drivers, the zero alcohol rule is now in effect for drivers of age 21 and younger.

Young drivers that get pulled over with a blood-alcohol level equal to or under 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08) will get their license revoked for 90 days. If they are convicted, four demerit points will be added to their driving record, and they will be required to pay a fine of $300 to $600 (plus administration fees).

If a driver of age 21 or less gets pulled over with a blood-alcohol level of over 0.08, they could be prosecuted under the Criminal Code. Those who get convicted will be subject to other measures and penalties.

Vowing to eradicate any lingering anxieties of electric vehicles, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada (MMSCAN) is launching its tongue-in-cheek Electriphobia Research Institute at the 2012 Green Living Show.

The fictitious “Institute” pokes fun at common misperceptions about electric cars and aims to rid Canadians of “the shocking new fear sweeping the nation.” A unique approach to electric vehicle (EV) awareness, “Electriphobia” is a web-based campaign that will debut on April 16 - highlights were showcased for media today at North America's largest green consumer show.

Electriphobia Institute "scientists" Don Ulmer and Keri Zierler. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.)

Developed by Mitsubishi's agency-of-record, john st. advertising, the Electriphobia campaign tackles some common misperceptions surrounding electric vehicles - from the fear of electrocution to tailpipe anxiety to coming to grips with no engine noise. It features a reluctant test subject and the Institute's lab-coated “scientist” who prescribes various cures.

“The objective is to raise awareness about electric vehicles and share truths about the gamechanging technology in our all-new i-MiEV pure electric vehicle. Through the ‘Institute' we want to prepare EV consumers for the experience of never again visiting a gas station, having a tailpipe, or changing the oil,” said Peter Renz, director of marketing at MMSCAN.

“For Mitsubishi the campaign is timely, coinciding with the recent launch of our all-new 2012 i-MiEV hatchback. i-MiEV is one of only two pure electric vehicles available in Canada and that makes it a real technological innovation, requiring an innovative marketing approach,” he added.

Stephen Jurisic, co-creative director at john st. noted: “EVs are still largely misunderstood. We wanted Canadians to really learn about the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and, to do that, we had to get them to spend some time on the Electriphobia.com website. So making it entertaining and fun as well as informative was crucial.”

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is gaining traction among Canadian consumers and fleet operators. Fourteen deliveries in March brought total i-MiEV sales to 69 units since mid-December. British Columbia's Saanich Police Department, the city of Calgary, Saskatchewan's SaskPower and Hydro-Québec are among the early adopters to have purchased the i-MiEV.

Far from a fleet vehicle, most i-MiEV sales have been to consumers. To date, MMSCAN has named 30 certified i-MiEV dealerships and expects that number to grow in 2012.

The Chevrolet cars showed just as much pace in Marrakech's third round of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) season as they did in round one and two.

Photo: WTCC.com

Alain Menu took the win in the weekend's first race, followed by his teammates Rob Huff and Yvan Muller.

Photo: WTCC.com

Spaniard Pepe Oriola bested Tom Coronel in the best of the rest, while Tom Chilton - in seventh - scored Ford's first WTCC points.

Photo: WTCC.com

The Chevrolet 1-2-3 scenario was the same in race two, except the order was change. Muller won from Huff and Menu, the trio having started seventh, nine and tenth.

Photo: WTCC.com

Tom Coronel took fourth behind the "Muller-Huff-Menu express", while James Nash scored some more points for Ford - even leading the race at one point.

Photo: WTCC.com

Race 1 results - Marrakech (WTCC)

1 - Alain Menu - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 12 tours en 22min28.931s
2 - Robert Huff - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 1.074s
3 - Yvan Muller - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 1.554s

4 - Pepe Oriola - Seat Leon WTCC - Tuenti - 2.268s
5 - Stefano D'Aste - BMW 320TC - Wiechers - 5.713s

6 - Franz Engstler - BMW 320 TC - Engstler - 8.075s

7 - Tom Chilton - Ford Focus S2000 - Arena - 9.290s

8 - Tom Coronel - BMW 320TC - Roal - 16.069s
9 - Norbert Michelisz - BMW 320 TC - Zengo - 17.696s

10 - Darryl O'Young - Seat Leon WTCC - STR - 19.284s

11 - Gabriele Tarquini - Seat Leon WTCC - Sunred - 26.413s

12 - Alex Macdowall - Chevrolet Cruze - Bamboo - 38.647s

13 - Andrea Barlesi - Seat Leon 1.6 T - Sunred - 44.139s

14 - Tom Boardman - Seat Leon TDI - STR - 48.598s

15 - Alberto Cerqui - BMW 320 TC - Roal - 50.097s
16 - Aleksei Dudukalo - Seat Leon WTCC - Sunred - 50.377s



Fastest lap by Pepe Oriola 1min44.617s



Retirements

Nash (lap 1)
Bennani (lap 2)
Tutumlu (lap 3)

Ng (lap 6)

Monteiro (lap 7)
Di Sabatino (lap 8)

Photo: WTCC.com

Race 2 results - Marrakech (WTCC)

1 - Yvan Muller - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 11 laps in 19min36.636s

2 - Robert Huff - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 0.381s
3 - Alain Menu - Chevrolet Cruze - RML - 0.970s

4 - Tom Coronel - BMW 320 TC - Roal - 2.153s

5 - Stefano D'Aste - BMW 320 TC - Wiechers - 2.641s
6 - James Nash - Ford Focus S2000 - Arena - 5.052s

7 - Pepe Oriola - Seat Leon WTCC - Tuenti - 5.589s

8 - Franz Engstler - BMW 320 TC - Engstler - 5.610s
9 - Tiago Monteiro - Seat Leon 1.6T - Tuenti - 7.374s
10 - Darryl O'Young - Seat Leon WTCC - STR - 12.861s

11 - Aleksei Dudukalo - Seat Leon WTCC - Sunred - 13.587s

12 - Pasquale Di Sabatino - Chevrolet Cruze - Bamboo - 14.273s

13 - Mehdi Bennani - BMW 320 TC - Proteam - 14.273s

14 - Charles Ng - BMW 320 TC - Engstler - 29.173s

15 - Andrea Barlesi - Seat Leon 1.6 T - Sunred - 31.619s



Fastest lap by Alain Menu 1min45.161s



Retirements
Gabriele Tarquini (lap 1)
Alex Macdowall (lap 1)

Alberto Cerqui (lap 2)

Norbert Michelisz (lap 6)

Tom Chilton (lap 9)



Drivers' standings
1.Yvan Muller 130; 2.Menu 107; 3.Huff 97; 4.Coronel 77; 5.D'Aste 45; 6.Tarquini 44; 7.Oriola 43; 8.Engstler 34; 9.Michelisz 26; 10.Rydell 14.

Source: ItaliaRacing.net

Photo: WTCC.com

GP3R organizers nailed a deal down with the Série Sportsman Québec, allowing the stock-car championship to race at the Trois-Rivières venue.

The icing on the cake: the winner of the Sportsman Québec race will be rewarded with a drive in the following NASCAR Canadian Tire race (NCTS).

"Sportsman Québec drivers are tomorrow's generation of professionals racers, they're youngsters and veterans who never got their big break. We're giving them that chance, but for that they have to prove their worth first," GP3R general manager Dominic Fugère said.

As soon as the news broke, karting world champion Pier-Luc Ouellette showed his interest.

Pier-Luc Ouellette was thrilled to hear the news(Photo: Patrick Moreau/SRA)

"It's a dream for every Québec driver to race in the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières," Ouellette said. "

Stock-car is the route I want to go after karting, so when you put GP3R and stock-car Sportsman Québec together, I say present. The fact that I can win a NCTS drive on top of that meant I just had to go."

Lucas Luhr and Klaus Graf bested everyone at the Long Beach Grand Prix, shuffled by Friday's rain-cancelled qualifying session. The Muscle Milk Pickett Racing team maximized a pit-stop mistake of their own to take the win.

Photo: ALMS.com

As the HPD ARX-03a came in for its first pitstop, the same fuel rig that costed the team victory at Sebring started acting out again. Unsure whether it had filled the car up, they later came back in for a splash - which ultimately allowed them to race to finish without pitting.

Photo: ALMS.com

"It was not the plan for the extra fuel," Graf said. "We did a good driver change and usually by that time we are ready to go, but I'm not sure why it took so long. We weren't sure if we got a full fill, and with one yellow we knew it would be very tight. We just had to be sure we were safe on fuel until the end."

In the GT class, Corvette's Tommy Milner and Oliver Gavin fought with BMW Team RLL's Joey Hand and Dirk Müller for the victory - and won. Christophe Bouchut and Scott Tucker overcame a spin to win in the P2 class.

Photo: ALMS.com

"I learned a lot from Tommy [Milner]," Oliver Gavin admitted. "He was a bit of a Guinea pig for me today. Seeing the tires lasted, seeing it through the longer run. It was harder to get ahead of (Müller); I finally managed to squeeze through."

Photo: ALMS.com

CORE Autosport took a second consecutive LMPC win in the streets of Long Beach, thanks to Ryan Dalziel and Memo Gidley, while Damien Faulkner and Peter LeSaffre (Green Hornet Racing) edged out Leh Keen and Cooper MacNeil (Alex Job Racing) in GTC.

Photo: ALMS.com

Canadians Michael Valiante and Chris Cumming (JDX Racing) took a remarkable third in the same class.

Source: ALMS.com



Race results - ALMS Long Beach Grand Prix (Cal.)

1 - Luhr/Graf (HPD ARX-03a) - Pickett - 86 laps
2 - Dyson/Smith (Lola B12/60-Mazda) - Dyson - 86
3 - Popow/Dalziel (Oreca FLM09) - CORE - 85
4 - Guasch/Gidley (Oreca FLM09) - Pickett - 84
5 - Bennett/Braun (Oreca FLM09) - CORE - 84
6 - Gavin/Milner (Corvette ZR1) - Corvette - 84
7 - Hand/Mueller (BMW M3) - Rahal - 84
8 - Sharp/Van Overbeek (Ferrari 458) - Extreme Speed - 84
9 - Magnussen/Garcia (Corvette ZR1) - Corvette - 84
10 - Tucker/Bouchut (HPD ARX-03b) - Level 5 - 83
11 - Fernandez/Turner (Aston Martin Vantage) - Aston Martin - 83
12 - Henzler/Sellers (Porsche 997) - Falken - 83
13 - Bergmeister/Long (Porsche 997) - Flying Lizard - 83
14 - Miller/Maassen (Porsche 997 Cup) - Miller - 83
15 - Marsal/Lux (Lola B11/66-Mazda) - Dyson - 83
16 - Marcelli/Downs (Oreca FLM09) - Merchant - 83
17 - Plowman/Hansson (Morgan-Judd) - Conquest - 83
18 - Richard/Ende (Oreca FLM09) - Dempsey - 82
19 - Tucker/Diaz (HPD ARX-03b) - Level 5 - 81
20 - Neiman/Holzer (Porsche 997) - Flying Lizard - 81
21 - Brown/Cosmo (Ferrari 458) - Extreme Speed - 80
22 - Leitzinger/Junco (Oreca FLM09) - PR1 - 80
23 - LeSaffre/Faulkner (Porsche 997 Cup) - Green Hornet - 79
24 - MacNeil/Keen (Porsche 997 Cup) - Alex Job - 79
25 - Cumming/Valiante (Porsche 997 Cup) - JDX - 79
26 - Sofronas/Welch (Porsche 997 Cup) - GMG - 79
27 - Pumpelly/DiGuida (Porsche 997 Cup) - TRG - 77
28 - Faieta/Avenatti (Porsche 997 Cup) - Competition - 74
29 - Mueller/Auberlen (BMW M3) - Rahal - 71
30 - Junqueira/Drissi (Oreca FLM09) - RSR - 69
31 - Sweedler/Bell (Lotus Evora) - Alex Job - 57
32 - Kovacic/Burgess (Oreca FLM09) - Merchant - 51
33 - Pappas/Bleekemolen (Lola B11/80-Honda) - Black Swan - 45

Nico Rosberg claims his first pole position in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix

The risks posed by distracted driving don't deter many drivers, according to a European survey commissioned by Ford. Half of the drivers who took part in the study admitted to taking their eyes off the road to read text messages.

Holding down costs at a refurbished California plant is crucial to the success of electric-car maker Tesla, which has yet to record its first profit.