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From GMM

Niki Lauda says Mercedes accepts Pirelli's decision to delay changes to the 2013 tires until after they are tested in Canada next Friday.

Teams like Mercedes and Red Bull had pushed hard for the changes, but some teams - notably Lotus, Ferrari and Force India - insisted the tire supplier follow the rules about needing unanimous agreement.

Pirelli says it hopes all teams agree to the new tires once they have tried them in Montreal next Friday.

"It's a decision we accept, of course," Mercedes chairman Lauda told Osterreich newspaper. "It's so everyone gets the opportunity to test the new tires in practice, and then it is decided if they are used at the next race at Silverstone or not."

Photo: Pirelli

While Red Bull and Mercedes wanted Pirelli to make fundamental changes to the new Canada tire, it is believed the final product is simply a tweaked rear tire that features a kevlar internal belt rather than a steel one.

"We are confident the problems of delamination will be completely solved," a Pirelli source is quoted by Spain's Marca newspaper.

Motor sport director Paul Hembery admitted the change has been a difficult balance.

"You can imagine that some teams are complaining for us to change, and some complaining about the change," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace. "We have to try to change as little as possible, because everyone had the same information before we started the season and so it would be unfair to penalise those teams who have understood how to use the tires."

Meanwhile, a source close to Pirelli has dismissed reports that the secret of using this year's tires is to swap the tires from the intended left side of the car to the right.

"Since 2010, everybody has known that the Pirellis are interchangeable. The construction allows it, contrary to the Bridgestones," the source told the Spanish sports daily Marca.

The source said that if there is a benefit, it is for "a couple of laps" at the most.

Autism Speaks teams with NASCAR, FedEx, Denny Hamlin and 64 additional drivers, this weekend at Dover International Speedway, to raise awareness for the brain development condition which is a growing concern.

Hamlin will be driving with a blue and white puzzle piece paint scheme on his No. 11 Toyota while the other drivers' racers will sport a puzzle piece decal at the track known as the Monster Mile. All three of the NASCAR top-tier series will be involved including Sunday's “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks.”

Earlier this year the Autism awareness campaign kicked off with a gala dinner at New York's Metropolitan Museum where the charity raised almost $1.2 million dollars.

Brian Z. France, NASCAR's CEO, and his wife were among community leaders supporting the program.

It meant a lot to Liz Feld, president of the non-profit organization, “to have their participation and support. When people of influence stand up and acknowledge that Autism is a problem -- a challenge that needs national attention.”

Image: NASCAR

The connection of Dover and Autism Speaks began with Artie Kempner, a director for Fox Sports.

Ms. Feld said it was Mr. Kempner who “really made the connection for us. We are now in the seventh year of being a partner of NASCAR's. He introduced the Autism Speaks group to NASCAR. It's been a strong and deep relationship going back seven years.”

Probably the most famous person in the NASCAR garage with an Autism connection is Daytona 500 winner, Jamie McMurray, who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing. McMurray has a niece with the condition. His experience is like many had from years ago.

“When my sister called me and told me my niece was affected by Autism 12 or 13 years ago no one really knew what Autism was. Everyone assumed “Rain Man” was your kid.

Part of what my foundation has done and the golf tournament has done is create awareness to different levels creating awareness is important as anything and different ways of treating.

One in 88 children is now born with some form of the Autism spectrum disorder (AUD). This means from high functioning children to severely impacted ones.

At present there is no cure for the condition. Early diagnosis and special care is needed to make sure each child can reach his or her potential.

The condition is a heavy burden on parents especially if one of them is a regular on the NASCAR circuit.

Trent Owens, a veteran crew chief, who works with young phenom Kyle Larson, has a five-year old son, Gray Owens, with the condition and an 11-year old daughter who does not.

Since Owens is not in the Sprint Cup Series his duties are a little less intense which gives him the opportunity to help his wife with the child care.

“When I'm home, when work is over at 4:30, I go straight home and help,” Owens said. That gives his wife a bit of break. “When she's home alone it's more of a challenge,” he added.

The family is still discovering things about their son as Owens explains his knowledge of the condition.

“The autism spectrum is so broad, there are so many unknowns,” said Owens. “My son, in particular, is not verbal, but, his communication skills from perceptive language are good. We can ask him to do things.”

Since the Owens family found out that Gray had the condition when he was around 18-months old they were able to do research to find appropriate schools and therapies. Only some states offer more care than others. Unsupported special education can be a big financial drag on many families.

Auto racing can be antithetical to those with the condition because of the heightened sensitivity to noise. Gray Owens hadn't been to a race track yet because of that. “I don't know how he'd react,” Trent said.

“On Saturday he'll watch our (Nationwide Series) race. He loves watching; he's a car guy. It's the only thing he wants to play with me. He'd ride to California from North Carolina and he'd smile the whole way.”

Gray may have a way to get closer to the action. For the second year-in-a-row there will be a special sound-proof room for the AUD children and their parents. Because of this Trent may take his son to his first, in-person, NASCAR race.

Sometimes it's best to address than hope for the best. This is exactly what General Motors and their Chevrolet division has done for their popular Malibu midsize sedan.

Completely revamped for the 2013 model year, it was quickly evident that the then new Malibu was not going to be good enough. Nearly every important aspect was enhanced, starting with the car's styling, now more in line with the anticipated 2014 Impala.

Among the other changes, Chevy has added fuel-saving start-stop technology to its base Ecotec 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. The optional 2.0L turbo engine gains 14% more torque, now up to 295 lb-ft.

The other important change is an increase of 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) in knee room for rear passengers. And finally, chassis and suspension tuning was done to improve on the driving experience.

Photo: Chevrolet

The Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and the automotive industry have a love story that has lasted over 60 years, well before the Beetle Fender appeared on our streets!

While many people may know and recognize the Fender brand and their guitars, very few realize their connection to certain cars over the years. For example, the use of exactly the same shades seen on the Cadillac, Buick, and Oldsmobile on Fender's guitars.

Here are some examples of these "cosmic twin" car-guitar combos!

Olympic White

Fender Stratocaster 1968 Jimi Hendrix Tribute, olympic white colour (Photo: Maxime Allaire/Auto123.com)

1961 Buick Invicta Convertible Coupe, Olympic white colour (Photo RM Auctions)

Continue reading Top 10 Auto-Inspired Fender Guitars

Despite the unfortunate turmoil surrounding this fabled super track, the Korean giant Hyundai has decided to build a €5.5 million test facility at the “The Green Hell”.

As one of the best known test beds for evaluating product quality and driving dynamics, the Nürburgring is a perfect venue for Hyundai to continue pushing the limits of its R&D work.

The new center will be in move-in condition by August 2013. This test center is a 4-storey structure that features 3,622 square meters (11,883 sq. feet) of floor space which includes workshops, offices and a VIP hospitality area.

As one would expect from a manufacturer that has built its recent image on forward thinking design, the new facility's exterior look will feature a tasteful mix of glass and metallic finishes matching the building's modern styling.

Photo: Hyundai

Warning: it boogies!
The X1 struck fear in many BMW enthusiast's hearts when it was introduced in 2011 as a 2012: many assumed that it signaled the end of the 3 Series wagon, but it was not. Then came the 3 Series GT and more fear, but still no end to the delightful wagon.

Highly popular, the BMW X1 quickly became an alternative to the perennial 3 Series. The fact is there is no less expensive way to get behind the wheel of an AWD BMW with more powerful engines than in a 2013 X1.

The X1 xDrive35i may be one of the fastest, certainly most unassuming, luxury German vehicle for $40,000. My issues with the 2013 X1 are essentially limited to its shape as the drive is beyond impressive as is fit and finish, and luxury levels.


What is a BMW X1?
The 2013 BMW X1 is the lowest echelon in BMW's collection of crossover vehicles. This once niche category continues to expand and shows great potential for the near future as a conquest segment.

The X1's lineup gains one new trim; more precisely, a new engine that transforms the BMW crossover from friendly to monstrous with the simple addition of a new powertrain.

The 2013 BMW X1 is the lowest echelon in BMW's collection of crossover vehicles. (Photo: BMW)

Technicalities
The 2013 BMW X1 features a gem of a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Its 241 hp are strong and healthy. The tested xDrive35i gains one of my favourite 6-cylinder mills: BMW's superb turbocharged 3.0L that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The 4-pot's transmission gets an 8-speed, while the 6 gets the same number of gears. All BMW X1s include BMW's xDrive intelligent AWD system. Steering is managed by good, old hydraulics.

A base 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i sports a $36,900 sticker price while stepping up to the xDrive35i requires $39,900. As tested, my 35i with options (Executive and xLine packages) retailed for $52,100.

The tested xDrive35i gains one of my favourite 6-cylinder mills: BMW's superb turbocharged 3.0L that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: BMW)

Driving the BMW X1
I keep blabbing about how BMWs no longer drive like BMWs. I touch on it in a number of my reviews, including the one on the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive, but as I state: the car is still fantastic.

Not quite as dedicated to clawing at the tarmac as a 3 Series, the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i can still make way at a stunning pace. The 3.0T has gobs of power -- it's almost mind-blowing. As of 1,300 rpm, all torque comes out to play and eventually meets up with the horses at 5,800 rpm. The rush surprised me constantly.

With a gentle stab at the brake pedal, the X1's forward momentum is cancelled. As with all BMW products, the X1's road manners are just about flawless. It'll hug, it'll glide, and everything in between without ever struggling.

The “good, old” hydraulic steering is surprisingly heavy at first, especially at low speeds, but the weight evens out beautifully at speed. I would suggest BMW increase power assistance at low speeds if only to improve maneuverability in tight spaces.

By week's end, the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i fuel consumption averaged at 11.5L/100 km.

As of 1,300 rpm, all torque comes out to play and eventually meets up with the horses at 5,800 rpm. The rush surprised me constantly. (Photo: BMW)

Inside and out of the BMW X1
The 2013 BMW X1's shell is where my love for it turns to like. The profile or side view disturbs the eye to a point that even the hottest 19” M wheels do little to improve its looks. Despite this, the simple fact that it wears the right crest makes it all OK.

The X1's innards are typical BMW fare with business as usual. The steering wheel is meaty and the dashboard is finely sculpted and austere as it should be in a German product. Fit and finish are also to BMW standards.

Some of the controls in the lower portion of the center stack are smallish; however, the 2013 BMW X1's HMI controller holds not only a level of simplicity but the majority of the required commands for comfort and entertainment.

The xLine package brings with it specific terrific touches such as Oyster Nevada leather with orange and black piping. The seats are firm and comfortable, but short on lateral support. The rear bench serves a pair of anything, and the X1's overall dimensions limit the trunk.

The X1's innards are typical BMW fare with business as usual. The steering wheel is meaty and the dashboard is finely sculpted and austere as it should be in a German product. (Photo: BMW)

Comparing the BMW X1
The 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i is hugely compelling, especially because of its performance and drive. It will reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds! A more powerful-on-paper Infiniti EX37 takes 0.3 seconds more. Seriously, with a little weight reduction and some slicks, the X1 xDrive35i could be a drag-strip monster.

In the real world, the X1 must tackle the likes of the upcoming Audi Q3, the Land Rover LR2 and to a lesser extent, the Volkswagen Tiguan. In this lineup, the Bimmer needs little encouragement as it holds its own very well.

From GMM

Felipe Massa has reassured his fans that he will be back in action next weekend in Canada.

Before going to hospital for checks, the Brazilian sat trackside with a neck-collar in the wake of his two high-speed crashes at Monaco's first corner last weekend.

Photo: WRi2

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali said earlier this week: "Felipe is fine. All he has to show for (the crashes) is a bit of muscle pain."

Indeed, on Thursday Massa tweeted a photo of himself training at home with the caption: "Working hard, 100pc confident for the race".

Williams' Pastor Maldonado also crashed heavily during the Monaco grand prix, his clash with Max Chilton bringing out the red flags when it dislodged the soft barriers.

"My body still hurts," he told The Racer's Edge, "but it's not a problem. As soon as I knew I was ok I was thinking already of Montreal."

Photo: WRi2

From GMM

The FIA has asked Pirelli to compile a thorough "dossier" ahead of an international tribunal hearing regarding the secret Mercedes test, according to Kleine Zeitung newspaper.

Team boss Ross Brawn is quoted as saying Mercedes could not have benefited from the three-day test in Barcelona just after the Spanish grand prix, because Pirelli only supplied engineers with "codes" of the tires being run.

"So we couldn't get any usable information," he said.

Kleine Zeitung said Ferrari, who along with Red Bull officially filed the FIA protest, used a similar argument when Ferrari recently conducted a Pirelli tire test "with an old car".

Photo: WRi2

Nonetheless, new information about the secret nature of Mercedes' test continue to emerge, such as La Stampa newspaper's claim that Lewis Hamilton tweeted a photo apparently from Florida, when actually he was testing in Spain.

Mercedes' Niki Lauda, however, said Red Bull is simply angry that it didn't snap up the opportunity of a three-day test before Mercedes.

Asked by Osterreich newspaper if he understands Dr Helmut Marko's anger, Lauda answered: "Of course. We took the opportunity to test, and I believe Red Bull was quite simply too slow to react. So I would also be annoyed."

"After the protest, the tribunal will decide whether the sporting regulations or the rules that Pirelli has negotiated with the FIA should stand over this. We have acted properly, and now an independent tribunal will decide," added Lauda.

From M1 Composites

With offices and workshops located in Laval, Quebec, M1 Composites Technology Inc. (M1 Composites) will offer specialized technical assistance to Formula One teams during the Grand Prix of Canada held June 7-8-9 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

M1 Composites is a Transport Canada aerospace-certified organization specializing in advanced composite materials and structures. Their areas of expertise are engineering, repair and manufacturing of advanced composite components, and assemblies.

M1 Composites' certified clean room for manufacturing carbon fibre components. (Photo: M1 Composites)

“I've worked for a Formula One team in the past and saw how F1 and the aerospace industry share common technologies, especially in regards to composite materials and carbon fibre,” said Lorenzo Marandola, President of M1 Composites.

“M1 has state-of-the-art high-end equipment to deliver composite repairs and part manufacturing to the teams during their stay in Montreal,” Marandola added.

Almost every part of an F1 car is made of composite material with the obvious exception of the engine and the internal components of the gearbox.

“We can easily and quickly repair any damaged part such as the wing, the nose cone, the floor, the diffusor, the winglets, the engine cover or even the chassis itself,” explained Marandola.

M1 Composites has already been approached by a leading F1 team to perform complex composite repairs during the course of the Grand Prix of Canada.

From GMM

FIA president Jean Todt has backed Bernie Ecclestone, as German prosecutors prepare to charge the F1 chief executive for corruption.

It has been suggested Ecclestone will be stepped down by the sport's owners CVC if he is charged or convicted.

But FIA president Todt is quoted by DPA news agency: "He has every right to his job and he does it very well.

"He is also employed by CVC, so it is their decision," the Frenchman added.

Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone.

Jean Todt might be standing firm with Ecclestone due to the turmoil the 82-year-old's departure would create.

Paul Stoddart, the former Minardi owner, told Bloomberg it could take years for Ecclestone's successor to "get up to speed".

"CVC is between a rock and a hard place," he said. "If Bernie Ecclestone was forced to stand down, the Concorde Agreement would be throw into complete turmoil."

For the moment, Ecclestone's legal troubles in Germany are believed to be holding up CVC's plans to float F1 on the stock market.

"Although the IPO market is better than it was a year ago, the company still has a few issues to sort out," CVC's Donald Mackenzie admitted to PA Sport news agency. "So it may happen this year, it may be next year, but we're not in a big rush."

The cost of living is constantly increasing. Of all the “things” we care for, purchase or maintain in our daily lives, cars are just about the most costly.

In 2012, vehicle operating costs rose 2.2% from 2011. All things considered, this increase was “mild” when considering that for 2011, over 2010, the jump in operating costs was of 10.6%. In 2010, the growth numbered at 6.0%.

The main element in the massive hike in 2011 was the 20.0% increase in fuel costs.

In 2012, the largest contributing factors to the 2.2% rise were parking fees followed by parts, accessories and supplies. Insurance premiums and vehicle registration fees were relatively unchanged from 2011.

Round one of the 2013 Drift Mania Canadian Championship (DMCC) will take place this weekend, and we can almost smell burnt rubber already. The series is now owned and operated by G1 Tour, resulting in a number of changes for the upcoming season.

In an effort to develop future stars across the country, the DMCC will again present two separate championships, including a TOP 16 Pro for experienced drivers and a TOP 16 Pro Am for amateurs. During the final round, a TOP 32 will feature all the pro drivers as well as the top contenders from the Pro Am class.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Prizes
The elimination of registration fees will likely encourage more foreign drivers to take part in the championship, especially with much bigger prizes at stake -- an unprecedented $187,000!

In the Pro class, the winner of each round will earn $10,000, while the second- and third-place finishers will take home $4,000 and $2,000, respectively. Fourth place carries a prize of $500, while fifth through eighth come with a $250 reward.

In the Pro Am class, the three drivers who wind up on the podium will receive $3,000, $1,500 and $750 in that order.

When it's all said and done, the overall champion will win an all-expenses paid trip for two to California to attend the finals of the U.S. Formula Drift Championship.

And more...
Beyond the track, there will be plenty of action for enthusiasts, such as a music show in Ste-Croix, and parades in the streets of Victoriaville and Montmagny featuring some of the drivers and their cars.

Follow us on Mondays throughout the season to get the results and a detailed account of each round, with exclusive interviews and lots of pictures.

2013 calendar:
Round 1 - Autodrome Montmagny - June 1-2 (PRO+PRO AM)
Round 2 - Autodrome St-Eustache - June 29 (PRO+PRO AM)
Round 3 - Riverside Speedway - July 6-7 (PRO+PRO AM)
Round 4 - Victoriaville - July 20-21 / Rain date July 27-28 (PRO+PRO AM)
Round 5 - Riverside Speedway - August 10 (PRO only)
Round 6 - Autodrome Montmagny - August 17 (PRO+PRO AM)
Round 7 - Autodrome St-Eustache - September 1-2 (PRO+PRO AM)
Round 8 - Sanair - September 14, TOP 32 (PRO+PRO AM combined)

Website:
www.dmccdrift.com

Track websites:
Autodrome Montmagny
Autodrome St-Eustache
Ste-Croix Riverside Speedway
Sanair

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Pirelli has issued a statement and held a press conference Friday, claiming that the 1000km tire test carried out at Barcelona by Mercedes prior to the Monaco Grand Prix was to test 2014 tires, and not intended to benefit the team in any way.

Despite in-test season being allowed to assist Pirelli with development, using a current spec car is banned by the FIA, so the company uses an adapted 2010 Renault for tire tests and previously ran a 2009 Toyota.

“In this regard, Pirelli has since 2010 made it clear that it is neither possible nor useful to carry out this type of test with all the teams simultaneously,” read the statement.

“In fact, this type of testing aimed at technological development and researching new solutions, involves many tires of different types which must be tested with a single car at a time.”

Photo: Pirelli

However, Pirelli believes that it has not contravened the rules as it claims that the 12 tires tested were for next season, and the structural change of the tire was also to test anti-delamination measures.

"The tires used were not from the current championship but belonged to a range of products still being developed in view of an eventual renewal of the supply contract.

“None of the tests were carried for the purpose of enhancing specific cars, but only to test tire solutions for future championships.

“Computer simulations have their limitations. We need to put the tires to the test on the track to get the valuable data," said Hembery during the press conference.

"Some teams are telling us that the drivers will be spinning the rear tire in fourth or fifth gear.

"We need to develop the correct tire structure and compound to withstand the increased torque of the engine."

No suitable test car
“Already in March 2012, Pirelli sent an email to all the teams, FIA and FOM, inviting the teams to indicate their availability for testing for the development of tires for 2013," says the press release.

“Further, the company explained that it was necessary to conduct the tests with the teams' cars because it did not have a suitable one of its own.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

The company also argued that its actions did not favour Mercedes, which appears to have higher tire wear than any other front running team this season.

On the back of being questioned whether the test benefited Mercedes due to Nico Rosberg's win in Monaco, Hembery asked the journalists: “Who claimed pole position last year in Monaco? -Mercedes.

"Who finished second in Monaco last year? -Rosberg.

“The Mercedes is well suited for Monaco. It has nothing to do with the tire test.”

The FIA's international tribunal, which was set up in 2010, is reported to be considering protests against both Pirelli and the Mercedes team.

There never was any real doubt that this gorgeous piece of British engineering was going to be exactly that.

Perhaps the less obvious outcome following the introduction of the sleek F-Type convertible, the brand's first two-seat sports car in nearly 40 years was that half of this first year's production of the F-Type is already sold.

As it stands, the F-Type is expected to account for 15 to 20% of Jaguar's total annual output of roughly 60,000 units.

Because of the accessible nature of the car, Jaguar estimates that 90% of the buyers of the car will be new to the brand.

At the moment, these fashion and performance minded Jag enthusiasts will have to be patient if they want to buy one as they'll be very lucky if they get before the year is out.

Source: www.autonews.com

Photo: Jaguar

Racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss and Mercedes AMG driver, Lewis Hamilton will attend the Grand Prix of Great Britain at the end of June.

(Photo Mercedes-Benz)

For the announcement, the two last winners of the British Grand Prix were accompanied by a Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 car and a stunning Mercedes-Benz W196.

It is the very car that won the Grands Prix in Germany and Switzerland at the hands of five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954, and the same model raced by Sir Stirling Moss at the British Grand Prix in 1955 - his first ever F1 World Championship victory.

(Photo Mercedes-Benz)

Stirling Moss was born September 17, 1929 and is now 83.

Lewis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix in 2008, driving a Mercedes-powered McLaren.

(Photo Mercedes-Benz)

Toyota expects to post an increase in U.S. vehicle deliveries in May from a year earlier, aided by an improvement in sales of the Prius hybrid line.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel First Drive

The mileage champ.

"I heard someone got 47 mpg on the drive down," someone murmured at the dinner table after I arrived in Indianapolis for the 97th Indy 500 race. I had driven from Detroit in the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, the highest-mileage variant of Chevy's successful compact sedan.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel First Drive - Automobile Magazine

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel First Drive | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Tesla Motors is pushing ahead with plans for a small crossover vehicle that will share its basic underpinnings with a new compact sedan that is expected to reach dealers "in the next three to four years," CEO Elon Musk said today.

Automakers and dealers have the best chance of selling new vehicles by marketing to consumers ages 55 to 64, according to a University of Michigan study released today.

The two-door BMW Gran Lusso took center stage at the 2013