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Infiniti Canada announced pricing for the all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 sport sedan, which goes on sale this summer across the country.

Powered by a 3.7L V6 engine, the Q50 will come in 7 trim levels ranging from $37,500 to $51,750. Meanwhile, the Q50 equipped with the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system will start at $47,000.

All models use a 7-speed automatic transmission with available solid magnesium paddle shifters. Buyers will also have a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

2014 Infiniti Q50 pricing:

• Q50 RWD: $37,500
• Q50 Sport RWD: $47,950
• Q50 Premium AWD: $43,400
• Q50 Premium AWD Navi: $44,800
• Q50 Premium AWD Navi + Deluxe Touring and Tech: $49,100
• Q50 Sport AWD: $47,450
• Q50 Sport Deluxe Touring and Tech: $51,750
• Q50 Hybrid Premium RWD: $47,000
• Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD: $49,500
• Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD: $56,450

Photo: Infiniti

From Honda Indy Toronto

For the fourth straight year, admission to the Honda Indy Toronto will be free for fans to enjoy on Friday, July 12, 2013.

Fan Friday is made possible through the generous support of the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) and Toronto race fans. In exchange for a donation to Make-A-Wish® Canada, Fan Friday promises a full day of family-oriented activities, stunt shows, autograph sessions and gourmet food trucks, as well as the IZOD IndyCar Series qualifying for Saturday's race.

"Our ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish for Fan Friday is a big part of the Honda Indy Toronto," said Kevin Pearson, president of the OHDA. "This is all about putting fans in the middle of the action in support of a great cause. We hope fans give generously to help make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions across the country."

Ryan Hunter-Reay, winner in Toronto in 2012. (Photo: IndyCar)

Rather than pay admission to Fan Friday and to take part in various onsite games and activities, attendees are encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish. All contributions will once again be matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda Canada.

Continued for 2013 is the option to text the word 'DREAM' to 41010 from any mobile phone to make a $5 donation. The support from organizations like Honda Canada, the OHDA and the general public gives Make-A-Wish the ability to grant 500 wishes every year from coast to coast.

In September, staff members of Canada's automobile web site, Auto123.com, will participate for a third time in the 48-hour bike marathon fund raising event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation Quebec.

Mitsubishi Canada is recalling 1,409 RVR crossovers from the 2011 model year due to a safety issue with the panoramic glass roof.

On certain vehicles, primer may not have been applied during the installation. Reduced adhesion could allow the glass roof to completely detach from the vehicle, possibly striking another vehicle, a stationary object, or a bystander.

Consequently, Mitsubishi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, remove and correctly reinstall the panoramic glass roof.

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Charles Renny

From GMM

McLaren must not 'lose' another whole season by bungling the development of its next car, new team driver Sergio Perez has warned.

The young Mexican joined the Woking based team this year, just as it launched the uncompetitive MP4-28.

Despite calls that it would be the most sensible solution, McLaren has so far refused to write off the current car in order to focus on the all-new rules of 2014.

Asked how far McLaren is from winning a race in 2013, Perez answered: "I think far away.

"We need to make major improvements; breakthroughs. We are currently one second per lap slower. You don't win races when you're a second slower than everyone else," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

Sergio Perez, McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

Sergio Perez suggested the time might be coming when McLaren must draw a line under the MP4-28 and begin to ensure that 2014 is not similarly poor.

"We have to give our best for the next couple of months, but at some point we'll have to focus on the 2014 car," he said. "We can't risk losing another year."

In terms of his development as an F1 driver, however, Perez admitted that 2013 has not been a totally 'lost' year.

"I think I'm happy," he said, "because I've learned a lot, and grown a lot as a driver. Even though I have half the points that I had last year, I'm in a better position as a driver.

"When I came here with such a different car I realised that, compared to Jenson Button, I was not good enough," he is quoted by EFE news agency.

"So I had to learn about that and work at it. Now I'm driving very differently to how I was at Sauber."

San Diego, Ca. - Nissan is working hard to totally refresh its lineup, and it is the entry-level Nissan Versa hatchback's turn. The Versa is getting more than a new design, it's getting a new name, sort of. The rest of the world knows the Versa as the Note. In North America, the new official title is the Nissan Versa Note, for now at least.


What Is a Nissan Versa Note?
For 2104, the first model of the second generation Nissan Versa Note is the five-door entry level, compact hatchback that has more features, more space and more standard equipment than the first generation introduced in 2007. In effect, Nissan intends to hit a high note in sales with this vehicle.

Technicalities
The Nissan Versa Note is available in Canada in three trim levels. The pricing, which will be music to your ears, goes like this; the S starts at $13,348, the SV at $14,998 and the SL is in tune with a base price of $16,998. Within these three trim levels, consumers can choose between a 5-speed manual or an extra-cost CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Stand-alone options such as stereo upgrades, the around-view monitor or GPS are few and far between. Just about everything is packed into either a trim level or an optional package.

The Nissan Versa Note is available in Canada in three trim levels. (Photo: Nissan)

Driving the Nissan Versa Note
The 2014 Nissan Versa Note utilizes a 1.6L DOHC inline-four that puts out 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. Driveability is enhanced by both the amount of torque the engine produces and the broad torque curve that makes a significant amount of power available from idle to highway speeds.

After the first five minutes of driving, you can't help but notice that the CVT transmission not only works better than the previous version, but the constant drone of the engine under acceleration is less noticeable/objectionable than in the past.

Fuel economy with the CVT is another of the “high notes” on the Nissan Versa Note's music sheet. City fuel economy ratings stand at 6.1L/100km, while the highway rating comes in at 4.8L/100km. The combined rating stands at 5.5L/100km.

Improvements were also made to suspension components. The 2014 Nissan Versa Note handles grooved pavement, road undulations, and freeway on and off ramps with aplomb. It seems as if nothing upsets the balance of this car. There is body lean when the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is pushed hard, and the nose will slip out a bit if you are sloppy in cornering, but overall this hatchback gets over the road well enough to put a grin on your face while making sure that you can get the groceries home without breaking an egg.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note utilizes a 1.6L DOHC inline-four that puts out 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Nissan)

Inside and Out of the Nissan Versa Note
Exterior sculpting in the side panels and changes to the front and rear facia make the 2014 Nissan Versa Note look capable -- not aggressive or cute, just capable. Not so obvious changes to the roofline and reductions in overall length provide more interior space in a vehicle that is easier to zip through town in, take downtown and park, as well as be a weekend warrior.

Inside the 2014 Nissan Versa Note, the seats seem a touch more comfortable up front while the revised instrument cluster provides a well-lit and well-organized information centre. The big news is the continued improvement in rear-seat space: Leg room, head room, ease of entry and exit all make this a car that really can hold three adults in comfort in the back.

Cargo space is limited with the rear seats up, but is more than adequate for a trip to the grocery store. With the seats folded, owners can use the new “drive-n-hide” floor system to provide a flat floor for improved cargo space usage or use the same system to add to shelf space in the cargo area when the seats are upright.

The seats seem a touch more comfortable up front while the revised instrument cluster provides a well-lit and well-organized information centre. (Photo: Nissan)

Comparing the Nissan Versa Note
On a stand-alone basis, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is one of those cars that you will get into and enjoy driving no matter what type of driving you do. When you compare it with competitors such as the Spark and Sonic from Chevrolet, as well as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, the “high note” is the 2014 Versa Note. If you bracket the base price with the Ford Fiesta on the bottom side and the Ford Focus on the higher side, the choice becomes a bit harder. Overall the 2014 Nissan Versa Note offers great value for the money.

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko has said he was only joking when he suggested Red Bull might boycott the young drivers test and use its race drivers at a private test.

On Monday, following a report in The Times newspaper, the Austrian was moved to deny Red Bull was so furious at Mercedes' light penalty in the 'tire-gate' hearing that it was considering also breaking the rules to its advantage.

"Of course we wouldn't break the rules," Marko told Sport Bild.

He told Germany's Welt newspaper that he had only made the suggestion of mirroring Mercedes' illegal test because the benefits might outweigh the light penalty.

"It was purely sarcastic," he insisted.

"I wanted to demonstrate that, with such a judgement (of the international tribunal), it might be worth the risk. We are frustrated that someone is found guilty on all counts and then sentenced to a punishment that they themselves proposed," added Marko.

Indeed, Welt correspondent Simon Pausch suggested that the only truly punished party in the entire affair is Mercedes test driver Sam Bird, who must now sit out next month's Silverstone session.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

From GMM

Michelin has not denied rumours it might be shaping up to succeed F1's increasingly frustrated and out-of-favour official tire supplier Pirelli.

Indeed, some reports have even hinted that the French company's candidature is being championed by FIA president Jean Todt.

But Pascal Couasnon, Michelin's competition boss, said the marque would not consider returning to F1 simply to rescue the sport amid its Pirelli crisis.

Asked, however, if he can categorically rule out coming back to the pinnacle of motor sport, he told Speed Week: "No.

"We all live in the same world, and it is clear what formula one is in terms of visibility -- in this area formula one is a long way ahead. Also when it comes to technology, this (F1) could be extremely interesting," added Couasnon.

Photo: WRi2

However, he insisted that Michelin would not simply decide 'yes' and push ahead with an F1 foray.

"We would be willing to sit down and make some suggestions," said Couasnon, indicating that Michelin would like to change some of the rules.

Asked what he meant, he explained: "In terms of the type of tires in terms of visibility, and what is the right mix for the spectacle and the challenge for tire manufacturers.

"We might suggest, for example, to change the tire dimension for formula one. Today in F1 there are 13 inch wheels, but that doesn't interest us. 18 inches is a whole other thing," he said.

Couasnon also indicated that the current rules do not fit with F1's moves to become more 'green'.

"A tire that lasts only seven laps is difficult to relate to the idea of 'green'," he said.

"We would only be interested (in F1) if we are able to have smart regulations in terms of the tires. It is not enough to return as the 'saviour' of formula one. If there is another way, then we could say 'why not?'" added Couasnon.

From GMM

Marussia is not racing on a "level playing field", team chief executive Graeme Lowdon has told the Guardian newspaper.

It emerged earlier this year that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone decided to limit the official prize money to only the top ten teams, explaining why Marussia was not offered a new commercial deal for 2013.

Additionally, an extra $10 million per year paid until now to the new teams Caterham, Marussia and the now-defunct HRT was cancelled.

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

Graeme Lowdon complained: "All we ask for is a level playing field. We are not asking for much."

He said the lack of income is compounded by F1 teams' current business model, with exorbitant spending translating into laptime.

"You can buy success, to some extent," said Lowdon. "Most teams, if they have money, will spend it and, if you spend everything you have and then find out you are not getting it, you have a problem.

"All teams should be treated equally. For whatever reason, that does not seem to be the case."

Toyota made its name on the value and efficiency of its cars. Its chief executive, Akio Toyoda, now is earning a similar reputation for his compensation.

Mark Dowd, a lawyer who worked for the Obama administration team that oversaw the 2009 restructurings of General Motors and Chrysler Group, has been hired as assistant general counsel at the Association of Global Automakers.

The number of light vehicles on U.S. roads peaked at 236.

When we think of

Automakers are increasingly requiring contributions from suppliers for potential product liability, warranty and recall claims, and the emphasis on shared responsibility has worked its way from the automakers down to all three tiers of the supply...

Rolls-Royce introduced the Flying Spur in 1994 as the fastest vehicle the brand had ever made.

Nissan is stepping up safety procedures at U.S. manufacturing facilities after three accidental deaths in 18 months at its Tennessee vehicle-assembly complex.

Three -- count 'em, three -- Honda S600 Roadsters are crossing the virtual auction block through

When it comes to buying an old vehicle, the lack of a clean, up-to-date title is usually a huge red flag -- a sign that, in a best-case scenario, you'll have to run the vehicular registration gauntlet to get a road-legal car.

2013 Toyota Yaris

The 2013 Toyota Yaris is a worthy contender in a segment that’s become much tougher. Its new sheetmetal has evolved from a too-cute jellybean into a more-upscale hatchback.

New For 2013

The Yaris is pretty much unchanged after a full 2012 redesign.

2013 Toyota Yaris | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Ford is launching a two-year pilot program with the UAW and a UAW-affiliated retiree healthcare trust aimed at lowering medical costs for the automaker's active and retired hourly workers.

Tesla Motors, a long-speculated takeover target, just removed a barrier to a deal by paying off a federal government loan. The problem: For would-be suitors, it has also become the world's most expensive carmaker.