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PSA/Peugeot-Citroen said first-quarter revenue fell 6.5 percent as its vehicle sales abroad failed to offset a recession in Europe.

Daimler cut its 2013 profit forecast after its quarterly earnings fell 56 percent, burdened by Europe's slump and weaker Mercedes-Benz sales in China.

Daimler cut its 2013 profit forecast after its quarterly earnings fell 56 percent, burdened by Europe's slump and weaker Mercedes-Benz sales in China.

Gentex, a U.S. supplier of automotive rearview mirrors and related parts, reported a 2 percent decline in net profits for the first quarter, citing a decrease in vehicle production in Japan, Korea and Europe.

The Shanghai auto show proved once again that China is the promised land for automakers, particularly Europeans bracing for a sixth straight year of declining car sales in their home region.

Henrik Fisker's testimony before the U.S. Congress today will paint the automaker he founded as a victim of "a confluence of events" and as an enterprise that is capable of being saved.

From GMM

Mark Webber has scoffed at the suggestion he might one day beat Rubens Barrichello's all-time race record.

In the last couple of races, Australian Webber and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso surpassed the ultra-rare 200-grand prix barrier, which only a handful of drivers have ever reached in formula one history.

So might Webber, 36, now be eyeing Brazilian Barrichello's all-time record, which stands at 326 grands prix?

"I'll never reach it -- absolutely no chance," he told Austrian television Servus TV. "He drove over three hundred grands prix and was in formula one for 17 years -- a great career."

"But it's a long time. The record will probably last forever. Definitely I can't challenge it -- I'd have to still be here another seven seasons!" he exclaimed.

Indeed, some believe Webber will exit F1's paddock turnstiles at the end of this season, having been linked with Porsche's new Le Mans prototype project.

Mark Webber celebrating his 200th Grand Prix in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

Despite the withdrawal of Arena Motorsport at the end of last season, two Ford Focuses will make their WTCC return later this season with Rotek Racing.

Rotek Racing, a team that usually races in VLN (a German GT/Touring Cars series which features races exclusively on the old Nordschleife circuit at the Nurburgring), purchased the existing cars from Arena Motorsport.

Ford Focus WTCC. (Photo: FIA WTCC)

Rotek Racing's aim is to make its WTCC debut in Portugal at the end of June.

American driver Robb Holland, who has made several appearances in WTCC and British Touring Car Championship last season, will drive the first car,  while his teammate still has to be announced. The objective is to run a 100% American team, and to move it to Sonoma, California.

Moreover, in an interview with German website Motorsport-Total, WTCC promoter, Marcello Lotti confirmed that Citroen, Renault and Subaru are in talks for a possible WTCC entry next year, with a final answer being expected in May.

Price Range: $98,800 and up

Description: The BMW 6-Series is now in its second generation, offering more performance, style, and selection than ever before. With both Coupe and Gran Coupe variants of the hardtop model available, as well as a fire-breathing M6 variant of each, the BMW 6-Series is all about giving discerning shoppers access to a one-of-a-kind motoring experience that matches their individual tastes.

Choose the 2013 BMW 6-Series Coupe for the ultimate in sumptuous two-door luxury with accommodation for four adults. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe adds another set of doors (for four in total) to enhance utility while maintaining the discreet and graceful lines that define the 6-Series instantly wherever it goes.


Drivetrain: Standard 2013 BMW 6-Series Coupe and Gran Coupe models come with a 4.4L V8 engine utilizing variable camshaft management, direct injection and twin, inboard-mounted turbochargers to develop 445 horsepower and a massive 600 lb-ft of torque.

Expect 0-100 km/h in the sub 5-second range en route to a top speed of 250 km/h. An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters handles power output along the way, maximizing fuel efficiency in the process.

BMW's xDrive AWD system is also on board, invisibly powering all four wheels for the best combination of traction and handling agility.

Opt for the 2013 BMW M6 Coupe or Gran Coupe, and you get an M-tuned version of the 4.4L engine with an associated bump in power to 560 horses.

Consider it if: you're after top-line performance, luxury and style that's designed to stand out and get noticed. Since BMW 6-Series packs four seats and a generous trunk, it's also ideal as a long-distance traveler. The AWD system adds confidence in bad weather, so you can use your 6-Series year-round.


Skip it if: you're on a budget, as the entry price for the 2013 BMW 6-Series range approaches $100,000. That amount of coinage opens the door to a lot of other sexy and powerful machinery.

Other Notes: A drive-mode selector allows drivers to fine-tune their 2013 BMW 6-Series to their current needs and intentions, altering drivetrain, suspension, and steering characteristics in real-time at the flick of a switch. Plenty of at-hand storage within the cabin makes it easy to stay organized on the go. A partially digital instrument cluster can be customized to show a variety of different readouts, depending on the driver's preference.

Don't Miss: Opt for the M-Sport package in the 2013 BMW 6-Series to dial up looks, handling, and exclusivity with a bevy of uniquely sporty touches. Seats are available with a circulation-boosting massage function, and a night-vision camera system with pedestrian tracking is also available.

The 2013 BMW M6 models sport cross-drilled brakes with massive rotors to ensure consistently powerful high-speed stops. Self-sealing doors and push-button access are also available, depending on the model selected.

Further, an advanced parking system uses body-mounted cameras to simulate a “birds-eye” view from above the 2013 BMW 6-Series while parking, adding confidence in tight quarters.

Photo: BMW

From GMM

Marussia has played down the impact of the withdrawal of a team co-owner.

It emerged this week that Lloyds, the part government-owned British bank, has sold its 25.3pc stake due to huge losses and the team's lack of results.

A spokesman told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt and the Telegraph newspaper that Marussia, the Russian carmaker, bought the Lloyds stake.

Chief executive Andy Webb denied the move is bad news for the Marussia team.

"In terms of stability, the team is now in its strongest position since it was founded in 2009," he is quoted by the Express newspaper.

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

Nissan unveiled the Friend-ME Concept at Auto Shanghai 2013. This youthful, four-passenger sedan aims to meet the needs of Chinese men in their mid-20s.

The Friend-ME Concept boasts a low and wide stance with short overhangs. Inside, all four occupants are equal and share the same information as the driver (speed, navigation, fuel level, etc.). A unique centre console stretches from the dash to between the rear seats. Screens visible from each seat blend seamlessly with the surface.

Based on an existing Nissan sedan architecture, the Friend-ME Concept requires a minimum of unique components. The fuel-efficient PureDrive hybrid powertrain envisioned for the car would deliver more than enough zip for city driving, Nissan says.

Photo: Nissan

From GMM

According to Dr Helmut Marko, Lotus is a bigger challenger to Red Bull's championship hopes in 2013 than Ferrari.

Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel are leading Lotus and Kimi Raikkonen in both the constructors' and drivers' world championships after the first four 'flyaway' races.

But it might be argued that the bulk of Ferrari's deficit is because of Fernando Alonso's crash in Malaysia and malfunctioning DRS rear wing flap in Bahrain.

Asked, however, if Red Bull expected Lotus' Raikkonen to be challenging so hard in 2013, Marko told Kleine Zeitung newspaper: "We've known for a long time that they will be maybe the toughest opponents.

"At the moment we fear Lotus more than we do Ferrari," he insisted.

Two Lotus behind Sebastian Vettel in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked if he really thinks Lotus will be a tougher challenger than Ferrari all season, Marko answered: "At the moment it looks like it. But there's only been four races, and we know that things can change. Actually, what is making the Lotus so quick in the races is a mystery to us."

Helmut Marko would not comment on the speculation the Enstone based team has perfected an hydraulically-controlled form of legal 'active suspension'.

But Red Bull is keeping an eye on Lotus for another reason.

Finn Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion and former McLaren and Ferrari driver, has been strongly linked with the race seat currently occupied by Mark Webber for 2014.

Asked if there is anything new to say on that topic, Marko insisted: "No. I've said it several times. We make our driver decisions before August, and that will be the case this year too."

Paris Photo, the world's most celebrated art fair for works created in the photographic medium, will take place for the first time inside the Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles. To mark the occasion, BMW will display the 1979 M1 BMW Art Car by Andy Warhol.

The German automaker will also showcase a mini series of Burlesque-style photos featuring the 6 Series Gran Coupe by internationally renowned photographer Uwe Düttmann. The pictures will be presented within an environment paying tribute to their origins.

“BMW is pleased to be involved in the inaugural Paris Photo L.A.,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “We are particularly looking forward to bringing out Andy Warhol art car and debuting our new photos.”

As it has in Paris, BMW will provide VIP shuttle service during Paris Photo L.A.

Photo: BMW

Adapted from press release

The day after the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Scuderia Ferrari engineers concluded the investigation into the failure of the DRS unit which badly affected Fernando Alonso's race.

"Analysis revealed that the problem was caused by the breakage of a mechanical component within the system. It's the first problem of its kind on this system seen in the three years during which it has been used. The failure is not something that causes concern for the long term, however, paying great attention to reliability must always remain at the highest level. It has often been the case that it takes only a small problem to prevent the car's full potential from being exploited," the press release says.

Fernando Alonso's Ferrari running with the inverted flap. (Photo: WRi2)

Team boss Stefano Domenicali said the problem was a reminder that while Ferrari had started the 2013 Formula 1 season with a quicker car than for several years, it could not afford to drop the ball on reliability.

“It's hard to recall a race where so many things went wrong,” commented Stefano Domenicali on his return to Maranello. “The DRS failure prevented Fernando, who yet again produced a great performance, from fighting Vettel for the win. Then for Felipe, there were the two tyre related problems that pushed him out of the points and prevented from getting the top five finish that was within his grasp. We had the potential to get these results, but we were unable to do so, partly because of external influences.”

“We must work with renewed attention on this front,” continued Domenicali. “We must also continue to develop the car and increase our understanding of the tyres, which is more crucial than ever this year. We believe in our ability to be in the fight for the titles right to the end and this time, we have been in that fight since the start, which has not been the case for a while. At the same time, we must be aware that in order to achieve our objectives, we have to be perfect in every area."

From GMM

Amid all the noise and criticism surrounding Pirelli's approach to formula one, the Italian marque has won the backing of Bernie Ecclestone.

Many drivers, experts, pundits and teams - and particularly world champions Red Bull - have been strong in their criticism of the 'show'-oriented formula created by heavily degrading control tires.

"If the tires lasted from January to December," F1 chief executive Ecclestone told Reuters, "there'd be something else to talk about. What is good about this (situation) is that it really comes back a little bit to what it used to be when the guys had to look after their brakes and gearboxes and things like that."

Photo: Pirelli

However, the tires wearing out quickly is arguably not even the major issue.

The biggest problem is that the teams and engineers do not understand how to make the tires work.

Red Bull complained loudly at the opening rounds in 2013, but then Sebastian Vettel utterly dominated in Bahrain.

"We had been really worried, but in the end it was actually quite easy," Dr Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung newspaper.

But on the sister car driven by Mark Webber - who "had to fight in the middle of the pack" - the tires "just fell apart", Marko explained.

It was a similar story for Nico Rosberg, whose Mercedes gripped perfectly to pole in Bahrain before the high temperatures on Sunday left him fumbling backwards through the field.

"We know the much cooler (temperatures in) Europe will be good for us," teammate Lewis Hamilton told German news agency DPA.

Agreed team boss Ross Brawn: "The tires are the same for everyone, but under these (hot) conditions we are just not as good as our competitors."

Photo: Pirelli

But it's not even as simple as getting clear air, or finding temperatures that suit the car-tire combination.

"I think these tires are very complex," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told British Sky. "When you're in the window ... then you can have a dominant display like we had (in Bahrain). But that window is very, very fine and if you're outside of it then you can be four or five-stopping."

Alex Wurz, a former F1 driver, doubts Red Bull really understands why it suddenly leapt into apparent dominance last weekend.

"If they do know, then they will be extremely strong until the end of the season," he is quoted by motorline.cc. "But sometimes it just happens and you don't know why. It's a science no one really understands."

Red Bull's Webber agrees on Servus TV: "The tires dictate everything. If you are not in the right working window, the laptimes fall into the basement. We've seen Lotus able to do two stop strategies, while Jenson Button has had to come in four times, even though he's known as a 'tire whisperer'. We are still in a learning process."

Photo: Pirelli

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has rejected Tesla Motors' bid for a dealership licence, following the lead of several other states including New York and Massachusetts.

The DMV fears that issuing such a license would violate Virginia franchise law, which generally prohibits manufacturer-owned stores.

"We welcome Tesla to Virginia, but they too must abide by the laws like all other manufacturers and Virginia new car and truck dealers," said Don Hall, president of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association.

Source: Automotive News

From GMM

This year's young drivers test will take place at Silverstone in July, it has emerged.

Last year, the concept for giving young drivers a break into formula one amid the sport's tight testing regulations became highly farcical, with the running split over three different locations and dates.

But according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, the teams have decided on a common date for 2013.

The test will not, however, take place at the end of the season, and Abu Dhabi will not be the venue.

Rather, the teams will gather at Silverstone in mid July, just before the August or 'summer' break.

The three day test will take place between July 17 and 19, during the three week gap between the races in Germany and Hungary.

Esteban Gutiérrez au volant d'une Sauber à Abu Dhabi en 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Washing a car is a bit more complex than you think. It's not just about removing dust and dirt; you have to be thorough. If you skip or overlook certain steps, you increase the risk of damaging the body of your car.

Here are some useful tips when it comes to exterior car care:

Rinsing
First, you need to hose the entire car down before you start washing. Ideally, you should use a pressure washer and aim at every square inch of the car, including the wheels, in order to dislodge sand and small rocks that could later become trapped in your wash mitt.


Wash mitt
The mitt has to be immaculate before you start massaging the body panels, windows, and wheels. Rinse it off regularly throughout your car wash. You'll avoid scratching the paint with the very same rocks you were so focused on rubbing away if you do.

Washing product
The product itself is actually less important than the technique. Pick the washing product that suits you best, preferably with a waxing agent incorporated into the mix. Some people even use dish soap (in liquid form, of course) and get superb results. Whatever you do, never wash a surface that you haven't previously hosed. When you're all done, thoroughly rinse your car.

Drying
This step is just as crucial as washing. Use a super-clean chamois, terrycloth or microfiber towel to dry your car; otherwise, you'll spread any remaining dirt over the body, which will leave stains. Also, it's better to purchase a single premium chamois than a bunch of cheap ones. This piece of cloth should easily absorb water, prevent streaking, and leave no residue.

Additional protection
Your car originally came out of the factory with a clear coat that deteriorates over time. Waxing or polishing the body panels helps restore this protective coat.

Waxing
Car wax can be either liquid or cream. It penetrates every tiny crack and evens the surface. Waxing can be performed on a regular basis -- just follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Polishing
Not unlike sanding, car polishing is about using an abrasive compound to remove a thin layer from the clear coat that protects the paint, resulting in a fresh new surface. A waxing agent is often blended in to get the desired shine. Polishing typically involves older, more deteriorated body paint, and is best left to a professional.

More tips...
Avoid washing your car under the sun -- we can't stress enough how important a cold, wet surface is. The hot sun may dry out your car before you even start washing it, and you're sure to create more harm than good.

Also, remember to wash the interior door panels and the inside of the trunk lid. Use a separate cloth so as not to get grease on your wash mitt, and let these surfaces dry completely to prevent moisture from generating rust -- leave your doors and trunk open to allow for drying.

Finally, keep in mind that dark body paint requires more attention and care than light as it tends to show more imperfections and dirt.

Kurt Busch and James Courtney, champions in their respective NASCAR and Australian V8 Supercar series, got a taste of each other's race cars on Tuesday at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin Texas.

The Australian V8 Supercar is 400lbs lighter than a Sprint Cup car, but only has 650 horsepower compared to 950 in NASCAR. The NASCAR was faster accelerating in a straight line but the V8 Supercar far quicker through corners, making it a relatively equal contest between the two.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

Furniture Row-Racing's Busch had to adapt to sitting on the wrong side of the car, a sequential shift gearbox and a dramatically smaller steering wheel. For Courtney, he also found himself on the other side of the car from what he is used to and having to revert to using an H-pattern gearbox that hasn't been used in V8 Supercars in 2007.

"It's amazing, there are similarities and differences between the two cars," Busch said. "Sitting on the right side, shifting a bunch of gears with my left arm, you're not in your comfort zone and it's hard to understand what task of the car is next until you start checking things off your list that you learn the racetrack as well."

"So there were quite a few things going on. Information overload, to say the least. But it definitely makes it interesting to drive both cars on the track at the same time. The quickest way I can compare an Australian V8 Supercar to what people are familiar to in the States is it's a muscle car but it's a sports car at the same time."

"Much more power than what you see in the GT classes in the Grand Am series. And the ability, though, for what I see on TV, for these guys to run side-by-side, nose to tail, is the control of the cars, the balance they have makes it a treat to drive," said Busch.

Kurt Busch in the V8 Supercar. (Photo: Circuit of the Americas)

“It was pretty wild sitting on the other side of the car and shifting an H-pattern gearbox,” Courtney said.

“The car was bigger and heavier. It has so much power. It's really quite an experience. It was also quite cool to see blow past the V8 car on the straight. It was really good. I'm forever grateful that the team gave me this opportunity.

“The steering wheel, it feels like it's massive. But to run side-by-side I was pretty nervous because it's moving around a bit more than what I'm used to.

“But the car was excellent. Changing with an H-patter gearbox is different; it's done almost automatically in the car at home so you never think about it. But another thing that is quite different is the braking performance.

“It's built for Speedways, not really road courses. It's a very different machine.”

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

Honda, Acura and affiliated brands have confirmed the participation of ten Honda cars in the 91st Pikes Peak hill climb, spanning across nine categories.

The list of Honda entries boasts cars, motorcycle and ATV, and at least one big name: Simon Pagenaud, the French IndyCar driver. His ride has not been revealed yet, however.

Acura NSX: one of the ten Honda products on the start line of the 2013 Pikes Peak (Photo: Honda)

Honda's expertise at the Pikes Peak dates back to a few years, but the involvement was never so big. The brand has been most successful in the EV (Electric Vehicles) class, setting records in 1994 and 1999 with the Honda EV Plus.

The Japanese carmaker returned to the EV class in 2011, with a Honda Fit, a car that has been entered this year.

Honda is also sponsoring the event, which this year is scheduled for June 30th.