Auto News 5

The weight of the world
Newberg, Oregon - Few manufacturers currently depend on an SUV or CUV to make “ends meet.” However, Acura's star happens to be the biggest, and nearly most expensive, product in their current lineup.

The 2014 Acura MDX has much riding on its shoulders. Most Acura products have garnered little or (let's be honest) no success over the last few years. Their latest RDX is doing well, but the MDX will make or break the brand.

The new 2014 Acura MDX is conservatively styled and only mildly discernible alongside the RDX, but Acura put in tremendous efforts to refine and improve what was a good driving vehicle. In short, few three-row CUV drives or feels as composed as the new MDX.


What is an Acura MDX?
The 2014 Acura MDX is a large midsize luxury crossover that lucratively marries sporty driving dynamics and high-end amenities in a sophisticated package. A critical volume leader, the MDX is responsible for 1/3 of all Acura sales.

The new MDX will be available in four trims: MDX, Navi, Tech, and Elite -- a decision made in the hopes that the MDX's reach and appeal will increase.

The 2014 Acura MDX is a large midsize luxury crossover that lucratively marries sporty driving dynamics and high-end amenities in a sophisticated package. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Technicalities
The 2014 Acura MDX features a new 3.5L V6 with i-VTEC and direct injection; two of the components of Earth Dreams technology that help it produce 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and enhance fuel economy significantly.

The figures are 11.2L/7.7L city/highway per 100 km which represent an improvement of nearly 20% over the 2013 MDX. Its all-new platform, 131 fewer kgs, and aerodynamics all play a role in this result.

All 2014 MDXs use a 6-speed automatic transmission, and are equipped with Acura's famous SH-AWD.

2014 MDX prices range from $49,990 to $65,990. A heated steering wheel and wiper area, and rear-view camera are all standard.

The 2014 Acura MDX features a new 3.5L V6 with i-VTEC and direct injection. It produce 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and enhance fuel economy significantly. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Acura MDX
To drive the new 2014 Acura MDX is to understand that leaps and bounds separate the new from the old. Acura wisely (or not?) had 2013 MDXs for comparison drives. The stark contrast from something that was “good” to the 2014 couldn't be more obvious.

The most immediate difference comes as a result of intensive work done to attenuate and control NVH. The new MDX has active engine mounts, thicker glass, and quieter tires. In the process, the new rear and revised front suspension were heavily improved and steering was beefed up all in the name of civility.

The 2014 Acura MDX's handling, ride harshness, and road noise are all spot-on. The big MDX drives smaller than it actually is. I was fortunate enough to take an RDX out for a quick spin and only substance, not girth or driving-pleasure-sapping weight, divide the two. In fact, the MDX feels better.

The 2014 Acura MDX's electric power steering features three modes of assistance that are only novel for a few minutes. Weight and feedback are very good. One of the tricks to the 2014 MDX's drive is the combination of SH-AWD and AHA (agile handling assist); SH-AWD works on throttle while AHA works from turn-in through the ESP. The result is impressive.

Altogether, I was never concerned about tossing the MDX on twisty mountain passes; it took it all in stride.

My sole gripe with the 2014 Acura MDX comes from brake feel. The pedal is soft and response is poor. I drove three different MDXs and noted some were better than others, but none matched that of the RDX.

The 2014 Acura MDX's handling, ride harshness, and road noise are all spot-on. The big MDX drives smaller than it actually is. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and out of the Acura MDX
The 2014 Acura MDX's shell is slightly longer, but narrower than before making it easier to squeeze into parking spaces.

On the aesthetic front, the MDX is nothing special. Other than the standard LED head and taillights, it has no distinct crowd-wowing elements. The previous MDX was handsome whereas this one is barely an evolutionary sidestep.

The cabin is top-notch. The dash sports a more intuitive multi-info display and far fewer buttons (from 41 to 9). Although sparse and clean, I have an issue with two screens, as with the 2013 Honda Accord. Thankfully, the jog dial for menu navigation remains, and the lower display screen is touch-sensitive.

Interior elegance is matched with utility: there's now more interior storage, particularly in the centre console. As well, access to the third row is easier with one-touch second-row seats that fold completely flat thanks to the new chassis.

Oddly, working the third row remains a chore. There is no power operation available and two hands (along with serious reach and effort) are required to raise or lower it.

The cabin is top-notch. The dash sports a more intuitive multi-info display and far fewer buttons (from 41 to 9). (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Acura MDX
The 2014 Acura MDX comes to market as a reigning champion in its field. As it stands, I know that this new third generation will continue to dominate its segment that includes the Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, and Infiniti JX35.

The 2014 Acura MDX arrives in July 2013, is built in Alabama and projected sales are of 6,000 units in its first full year.

From GMM

Mercedes is not ruling out quitting formula one over the Bernie Ecclestone corruption scandal.

DPA news agency reports that, when negotiating its new Concorde Agreement terms with Ecclestone, Mercedes parent Daimler inserted an exit clause relating to corruption.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone is expected to face bribery charges by Munich prosecutors over his $44 million payment to jailed former banker Gerhard Gribkowsky.

Christine Hohmann-Dennhardt, a member of Daimler's board of management for integrity and legal affairs, confirmed the existence of the F1 contract clause.

"We would utilise the contract terms when it is necessary," she is quoted as saying.

Bernie Ecclestone. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Susie Wolff has cited Sebastian Vettel as an example of how women could compete head-to-head in formula one against men.

Wolff, Williams' test driver who has applied for the mandatory super licence enabling her to contest grands prix, is pushing hard to become the first woman in two decades to attempt to race in F1.

Critics, however, often cite women's inferior physical strength as an obstacle, even though Wolff has conducted F1 aerodynamic tests, and raced in the DTM touring car series and junior single seater categories.

And Wolff, 30, told the Observer newspaper: "Look at the size of Sebastian Vettel. Do you see a big, muscular guy?

"I know women have 30pc less muscle than men. And in DTM I had to train harder. But I was karting from such a young age that, year on year, my body was getting stronger in the right places."

Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)

Simon Pagenaud (Schmidt Peterson) won his first ever Indycar event when he was able to make the best out of a chaotic second race of this weekend's double-header in Detroit.

But that victory did not come easily as the Frenchman had to fight his way to the front; any strategy adopted had to be changed constantly by a procession of caution periods during the first half of the race.

Pagenaud took the lead from James Jakes (Rahal Letterman) and he was able to hold onto his lead while Jakes found himself under pressure from Saturday race winner Mike Conway (Dale Coyne Racing).

Jakes was able to make good use of his four hits of push to pass still available but, still, the gap between them at the finish was just over 0.4 seconds.

Photo: IndyCar

Scott Dixon finished fourth after making a late pass on his Ganassi team-mate Franchitti who finished 5th.

There were a total of six cautions during the race following a sequence of accidents that decimated the field to the point that by the halfway mark only 13 cars were still on the lead lap.

There was a multi-car accident triggered when Sebastien Bourdais tipped Will Power into a spin. No less than 10 cars were involved, although most were patched back together and sent back out to salvage some points.

Other drivers had the distinction of having an accident on their own such as Ryan Hunter-Reay and Simona de Silvestro.

Indycar 2nd race Detroit Results - 70 laps:

Pos  Driver  Team/Engine
1. Simon Pagenaud   Schmidt/Honda
2. James Jakes  Rahal/Honda
3. Mike Conway  Coyne/Honda
4. Scott Dixon  Ganassi/Honda
5. Dario Franchitti   Ganassi/Honda
6. Marco Andretti  Andretti/Chevy
7. Charlie Kimball   Ganassi/Honda
8. Helio Castroneves  Penske/Chevy
9. Graham Rahal   Rahal/Honda
10. Sebastien Saavedra   Dragon/Chevy
11. Sebastien Bourdais  Dragon/Chevy
12. Tony Kanaan   KV/Chevy
13. Ryan Briscoe  Panther/Chevy
14. Tristan Vautier   Schmidt/Honda
15. Ed Carpenter   Carpenter/Chevy
16. Josef Newgarden   Fisher/Honda
17. EJ Viso   Andretti/Chevy
18. Ryan Hunter-Reay  Andretti/Chevy
19. James Hinchcliffe  Andretti/Chevy
20. Will Power  Penske/Chevy

Retirements:
Alex Tagliani   Herta/Honda
Justin Wilson   Coyne/Honda
Takuma Sato   Foyt/Honda
Simona de Silvestro  KV/Chevy
AJ Allmendinger   Penske/Chevy

Today's blog is a sore point for me; an area of driving I try not to think about too often, but one that I've been forced to think about more than I'd like in the past few months: Avoiding animals that wander onto the road.

I'm proud to say I've only ever hit one creature in my long driving career, and it was a squirrel. I tried my darndest to avoid him; was full on the brakes, swerved, I even laid on the horn beforehand in an attempt to scare him back into the bushes -- to no avail. Poor little guy never stood a chance. It was heart wrenching.

It wasn't until it was all over and done with that I realized how silly I'd been in my dealing with the squirrel, swerving fully into the oncoming traffic lane just before the crest of a hill on a country road. Not smart at all.

And here's the part I don't like thinking about: when it comes to avoiding an animal on the road it often comes down to a simple decision, either you or them. Usually we win. That makes me sad, but happy that I'm not the one on the side of the highway at the end of it all.

Recently, I came close to hitting a small dog that had somehow found its way onto a highway onramp. Lost and bewildered it was stumbling around. At the speed I was going he surely would have perished had I hit him. I hit the brakes in time and swerved to avoid him, narrowly avoiding hitting the barrier at the same time.

We were both lucky in that case.

Maybe next time I won't be so lucky.

More humans are injured in animal collisions than animals because of reactions like mine. In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 173 fatal crashes due to animal avoidance.

The “want” to save the animal you suddenly spot is so great that we inadvertently put ourselves in danger, swerving into oncoming traffic, slamming on our brakes suddenly causing fender-benders and even crashing into stationary objects by accident to avoid running over a creature.

I get it trust me. It pains me to say it, but sometimes you just gotta drive straight. Try to assess the animal's size. If the creature is lower than your bumper, drive on through. If you have time to check oncoming traffic and your blind spot, you can swerve to avoid the little guys, otherwise don't.

If the animal stands above your bumper (read: deer, cow, horse), consider evasive manoeuvres because they could come through the windshield if you're going quickly enough.

Every time I see a wild creature wondering close to the edge of the road I want to scream and yell and wave my arms and ask them, “What are you doing here?!” Then I remember: they're just trying to walk and live in areas that we've invaded and made dangerous for them.

Technology like BMW's Night Vision and add-ons like bumper-mounted deer whistles are designed to help reduce the number of animal collisions on the road. However, respecting posted speed limits in rural areas and on country roads, as well as using your high beams in low-light areas are also good ways to keep our furry friends safe and your driving record murder-free.

From GMM

Ferrari has hit back at claims it is also being investigated by the FIA for illegally testing with Pirelli.

While earlier it was believed only Mercedes was under the spotlight for its Barcelona running with its 2013 car and race drivers, the FIA is also looking into Ferrari's recent Barcelona test.

But Ferrari spokesman Renato Bisignani told Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo: "There is nothing wrong with using a two year old car -- the rules allow it."

Photo: Pirelli

Indeed, it is believed that the 2011 Ferrari used for the Pirelli test was actually owned by a private owner, and operated by the Corse Clienti department, not the race or test team.

However, test driver Pedro de la Rosa was at the wheel.

"We have never tested with this year's car," a Ferrari spokesman is separately quoted by Italy's Autosprint.

Mercedes' Toto Wolff said he will not comment further on the test controversy for now.

"We have until this week to answer a series of questions," he is quoted by Speed Week, referring to the FIA's investigation.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada confirmed that the highly popular "Open House Day" will take place this Thursday, June 6, at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal.

Starting at 9 a.m., racing fans will be welcomed on site free of charge via the Cosmos Bridge, close to the Parc Jean-Drapeau metro station. Using a shuttle bus, visitors with their camera in hand will be able to explore the pit lane until noon while witnessing Formula 1 staff at work.

(Photo: Muriel Brousseau/Octane Racing Group)

As the tradition dictates, it will be possible to catch a glimpse of each F1 team while they are busy preparing the cars. As usual, mechanics will generously answer to questions from the fans.

Near the garages, visitors will be able to see the cars of the four supporting series; the Ferrari Challenge, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, the CTCC and Formula Tour 1600.

The "Open House Day" is also the opportunity for visitors to have an up-close look at the BRP trophies that will be awarded to the drivers and teams who will climb on the podium at the conclusion of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada.

It is important to remind everyone that no vehicles will be allowed on site and that it will be required to use the STM metro service to attend the "Open House Day".

Tickets!
Fans who would like to attend the Grand Prix should communicate without further delay with the ticket service of the Grand Prix du Canada at 514 350-0000 or 1-855-790-1245, every day of the week; between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets can also be ordered on secured websites www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca or www.admission.com. A circuit map illustrating the exact location of the grandstands where seats are still available is presented on the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada website.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR ANGIE FISHER: Just as I was complaining about how I really dislike being hoisted behind the wheel of a full-size-ish SUV, I find myself pleased with how this

Ford has developed a smaller, Fiesta-based crossover called the EcoSport in Brazil for global markets. Now executives are hinting that it may bring the EcoSport to the United States.

Reports indicate South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook is no longer considering a foray into F1.

Uncertainty surrounding Pirelli's future in the sport fuelled recent rumours. Rumours heightened by the complaints of some teams about the Italian rubber, and an alleged "secret test" Pirelli conducted with Mercedes.

Michael Eckert, Hankook's DTM competition engineer, put an end to the rumour though.

2013 marks Hankook's third season with the DTM (Photo: DTM.com)

"For 2014, it's completely impossible," he is quoted saying by British magazine Autosport.

"Even if Hankook wants to take three, four, five years to jump into Formula 1 as a supplier, the lack of testing opportunities would make it impossible."

Hankook's current involvement in motorsports consists mainly in the German DTM series.

Jari-Matti Latvala (Volkswagen) holds a huge lead after day 2 in Acropolis Rally in Greece after his teammate Sébastien Ogier, and rivals Mikko Hirvonen (Citroën) and Mads Ostberg (Ford) ran into some trouble in the very first special stage.

Championship leader Sébastien Ogier lost several minutes when he suffered a puncture, but also a fuel pressure issue aboard his Volkswagen Polo. Before, Mikko Hirvonen also lost time with a steering problem on his DS3. In the meantime, Mads Ostberg lost his hopes of a good result after he damaged a wheel on his Ford Fiesta.

At the end of this chaotic special stage, it was Evgeny Novikov who moved up to the lead driving his Ford Fiesta ahead of Dani Sordo's Citroën and Jari-Matti-Latvala's Volkswagen. But the Russian driver also hit trouble in day 2 as he suffered a puncture, which put Latvala in the lead ahead of Sordo.

On Saturday evening, the Finn led the Spaniard, who was told by his team to maintain his position, by over a minute. Thierry Neuville (Ford) completed the top 3 before Sunday's stages.

Robert Kubica (Citroën DS3) was holding the WRC2 category lead before the last day of Acropolis Rally.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC (Phoo: VW Motorsport)

Acropolis Rally - Day 2 classification:
1. Latvala-Anttila (VW Polo Wrc) in 2h32'42”8
2. Sordo-Del Barrio (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 1'04”1

3. Neuville-Gilsoul (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 1'43”1
4. Al Attiyah-Bernacchini (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 3'46”1
5. Mikkelsen-Markkula (VW Polo Wrc) + 4'11”8

6. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 5'26”3

7. Prokop-Ernst (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 5'50”3

8. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 7'52”2
Etc.

Bruno Spengler raced to his first win of the season in Spielberg, Austria, with BMW teammates Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock, completing the podium. The Canadian now leads the championship.

Bruno Spengler celebrates in traditional fashion (Photo: DTM.com)

Spengler, who started from pole position, was dominant from start to finish at the third round of the DTM championship.

Behind him, Wittmann and Glock claimed their respective first podium finish in DTM, in their first season. Wittmann, who started alongside Spengler, won a tough battle with Edoardo Mortara's Audi. From 12th on the grid, Timo Glock too had a good race.

Timo Glock, BMW M3 DTM (Photo: DTM.com)

The best-placed Audi driver was Mike Rockenfeller, 4th at the end of the race. Mercedes had to make due with 7th, courtesy of Christian Vietoris.

Bruno Spengler moves into the championship lead, 12 points ahead of Mike Rockenfeller.

(Photo: DTM.com)

Race classification
1. Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 47 laps in 1h08h35'249
2. Marco Wittmann (BMW M3) - MTEK + 1''550
3. Timo Glock (BMW M3) - MTEK + 6''504
4. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix + 9''183
5. Mattias Ekström (Audi RS5) - Abt + 10''260
6. Augusto Farfus (BMW M3) - RBM + 14''299
7. Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C-Coupé) + 14''884
8. Dirk Werner (BMW M3) - Schnitzer + 15''548
9. Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupé) - Mercedes + 16''207
10. Pascal Wherlein (Mercedes C-Coupé) - Mercedes + 17''462
Etc.

Championship
1. Spengler 53 points, 2. Rockenfeller 41, 3. Farfus 33, 4. Wittmann 32, 5. Vietoris 25, etc.

Dale Coyne Racing's Mike Conway surely made his employer happy by winning, in his first outing with the squad, the opening race of this weekend's IndyCar double-header in Detroit.

To say that Conway dominated the race is an understatement since the Briton crossed the line more than 12 seconds ahead of current IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay (Andretti Autosport).

Conway and Hunter-Reay had battled since the beginning of the race but Hunter-Reay lost his momentum and any chance of overtaking Conway when he switched to the red tires for the middle stint and immediately began to struggle.

It was a great afternoon for Dale Coyne since the team's other driver Justin Wilson finished third barely edging Ganassi's Scott Dixon.

Team Penske's Helio Castroneves completed the top 5.

Mike Conway (Photo: 2mb Sports Management)

Race results - Detroit (IndyCar)
1 - Mike Conway (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 70 laps
2 - Ryan Hunter-Reay (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 70
3 - Justin Wilson (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 70
4 - Scott Dixon (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 70
5 - Helio Castroneves (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 70
6 - Dario Franchitti (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 70
7 - Josef Newgarden (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Fisher - 70
8 - Will Power (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 70
9 - Graham Rahal (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 70
10 - James Jakes (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 70
11 - Tristan Vautier (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 70
12 - Simon Pagenaud (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 70
13 - Tony Kanaan (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 70
14 - Charlie Kimball (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 70
15 - James Hinchcliffe (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 70
16 - Simona de Silvestro (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 70
17 - Ernesto Viso (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 70
18 - Ed Carpenter (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Carpenter - 69
19 - Takuma Sato (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Foyt - 68
20 - Marco Andretti (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 67

Retirements
Lap 67 - Ryan Briscoe
Lap 33 - Sebastian Saavedra
Lap 29 - Alex Tagliani
Lap 20 - Sebastien Bourdais
Lap 1 - AJ Allmendinger

A win in this weekend's contest in the streets of Detroit has moved Max Angelelli and Jordan Taylor into the lead of the Daytona Prototype category standings.

The Velocity Motorsports duo beat Joao Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi to the finish line, in a Corvette 1-2.

Former championship leaders Memo Rojas and Scott Pruett dropped to fourth in the standings when the Rojas crashed out of the race.

John Edwards and Robin Liddell gave Chevrolet its second home win of the weekend by winning the GT category aboard their No. 57 Camaro.

Scuderia Corsa Ferrari duo Jeff Westphal and Alessandro Balzan finished second ahead of Max Papis and Jeff Segal in the Aim Autosport Ferrari.

Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez are the GX class winners.

Photo: Grand-Am.com

Race results - Detroit (Grand-Am)
1 - Angelelli-Taylor (Corvette DP/Dallara) - Taylor - 61 laps
2 - Barbosa-Fittipaldi (Corvette DP/Coyote) - ActionEx -0"486
3 - Dalziel-Popow (Riley-Ford) - Starworks -0"825
4 - Cameron-Nonnamaker (Riley-BMW) - Sahlen - 1"469
5 - Taylor-Westbrook (Corvette DP/Coyote) - SpiritOfDaytona - 8"811
6 - Fogarty-Gurney (Corvette DP/Riley) - Stallings - 8"997
7 - Pizzonia-Yacaman (Riley-Ford) - Shank - 17"707
8 - Hartley-Mayer (Porsche 997) - Starworks - 1 lap
9 - Nonnamaker-Nonnamaker-Sahlen (Riley-BMW) - Sahlen - 1 lap
10 - Edwards-Liddell (Chevy Camaro) - Stevenson - 1 lap
11 - Balzan-Westphal (Ferrari 458) - Corsa - 1 lap
12 - Papis-Segal (Ferrari 458) - AIM - 1 lap
13 - Lally-Potter (Porsche 997) - Magnus - 1 lap
14 - Curran-Said (Corvette Z06) - Marsh - 1 lap
15 - Lindsey-Long (Porsche 997) - Park Place - 1 lap
16 - Assentato-Lazzaro (Ferrari 458) - AIM - 1 lap
17 - Johnson-Marsal-Schaldach (BMW M3) - Turner - 2 laps
18 - Drissi-Von Moltke (Porsche 997) - Muehlner - 3 laps
19 - Miller-Nunez (Mazda 6) - Speedsource - 5 laps
20 - Norman-Pumpelly (Porsche Cayman) - BGB - 5 laps

Retirements
Lap 48 - Long-Tremblay
Lap 47 - Lamy-Sarrazin
Lap 44 - Frisselle-Frisselle
Lap 33 - Johnson-Auberlen
Lap 1 - Pruett-Rojas
Lap 1 - Pew-Valiante

Robert Kubica caught a break this weekend on the World Rally stage.

The Pole, who led his class in all the events he entered despite crashes and mechanical problems, finally won, at the Acropolis Rally, aboard his Citroën DS3 RRC.

His co-driver Maciej Baran and him finished the rally over a minute before second-place team of Yurii Protasov and Kuldar Sikk. WRC-2 championship leaders Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari and Killian Duffy completed the podium.

Robert Kubica, Citroën DS3 RRC (Photo: Robert Kubica)

"This is a great day after a disappointing time with my mistakes and car failures when we didn't manage to bring anything home," Kubica said after the finish line.

"Now it is time to move on the the next challenge. I know I have to learn a lot and for sure over the next rallies I will improve even more.

"There is still a long way to go to reach the level I would like to be."

Finn Jari-Matti Latvala won outright aboard his VW Polo R WRC.

Jari-Matti Latvala took his first win of the season, and his first success with Volkswagen, with a huge lead over of Dani Sordo (Citroën) and Thierry Neuville (Ford), at the Acropolis Rally.

Latvala moved up to the leader board when his teammate and championship leader Sébastien Ogier, but also Mikko Hirvonen (Citroën) and Mads Ostberg (Ford) ran into some trouble in the first special stage on Friday.

Evgeny Novikov was the new leader driving his Ford Fiesta, but the Russian driver suffered a puncture on Saturday, and dropped down in classification, which put Latvala in the lead.

On Sunday, the Finn increased the gap, and concluded the event 1min50a ahead of Sordo, as Thierry Neuville completed the podium aboard his Ford Fiesta, 2min14a behind Latvala.

After their troubles in day one, Mads Ostberg concluded the event in 6th position ahead of Mikko Hirvonen as Sébastien Ogier took 10th position. The Frenchman, who took three extra points by winning the Power Stage in Greece on Saturday, remains first in provisional classification by a healthy margin.

Robert Kubica won in the WRC2 class, driving his Citroën DS3 RRC. Greece marks the Pole's first win in world rallying.

Miikka Anttila and Jari-Matti Latvala on the podium (Photo: VW Motorsport)

Final classification :
1. Latvala-Anttila (VW Polo Wrc) in 3.31'01”2

2. Sordo-Del Barrio (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 1'50”0

3. Neuville-Gilsoul (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 2'14”1
4. Mikkelsen-Markkula (VW Polo Wrc) + 3'55”1

5. Al Attiyah-Bernacchini (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 4'12”6
6. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 5'48”7

7. Prokop-Ernst (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 7'22”4

8. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 7'56”2

9. Novikov-Minor (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 8'11”8

10. Ogier-Ingrassia (VW Polo Wrc) + 10'10”3
11. Kubica-Baran (Citroën DS3 RRC) + 15'19''1
Etc.

Championship :
1. Ogier 126 points, 2. Latvala 74, 3. Loeb 68, 4. Hirvonen 63, 5. Neuville 50, etc.

Bruno Spengler (BMW) will start from pole position in Spielberg, Austria, for the third round of the DTM championship.

Spengler, who sits second in provisional championship classification, thanks to a 5th place in Hockenheim, and a 2nd position in Brands Hatch, was fastest in Q4 with a lap in 1'24''836. He will start alongside another BMW driver, rookie driver Marco Wittmann, who could have scored his first career pole.

Edoardo Mortara was third quickest, being the first Audi driver at the end of the session, ahead of Augusto Farfus' BMW, who won the opening round in Hockenheim, and retired in Brands Hatch.

The fastest Mercedes was only 7th, as Robert Wickens put his C-Coupé in the inside of row 4. Mercedes n°1 driver Gary Paffett will only start from 10th position after he could not set a lap time in Q3 following an engine issue. Championship leader Mike Rockenfeller will start from 8th position, driving his Audi RS 5.

Bruno Spengler (Photo: DTM.com)

Spielberg - Qualifying:

1. Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 1'24"836 - Q4

2. Marco Wittmann (BMW M3) - MTEK - 1'24"947 - Q4

3. Edoardo Mortara (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 1'25"036 - Q4

4. Augusto Farfus (BMW M3) - RBM - 1'25"183 - Q4

5. Timo Scheider (Audi RS5) - Abt - 1'24"887 - Q3
6. Filipe Albuquerque (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 1'24"922 - Q3

7. Robert Wickens (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 1'24"973 - Q3
8. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 1'24''986 - Q3
9. Martin Tomczyk (BMW M3) - RMG - 1'25"245 - Q3

10 . Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - no time - Q3
etc.

Model: 2009 to 2013 Mazda6

Vehicle Type: Sedan

The Verdict: The last-generation MAZDA6 was loved for its style, design, and performance -- and it looks like a solid used-car buy, too.

Price: Second generation MAZDA6 prices span widely, though shoppers after a more basic, 4-cylinder model with some miles can expect pricing to start around $9,500 and climb as high as $30,000 for a 2013 “demo” model with minimal miles on a fully loaded unit. The market offers plenty of selection from about $11,500 to $17,000, depending on the model and options required.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

What Owners Like: Styling, both inside and out, were big draws to the second-generation MAZDA6 -- as was its refinement and availability with a manual transmission. Visibility, feature content, overall roominess and even instrument cluster lighting were all highly rated, too. Performance from the V6 engine is rated highly, while manual-equipped 4-cylinder models are said to be peppy and fun to drive.

What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for better fuel economy, richer interior material selection and the availability of a manual transmission with the up-level V6 engine.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

History/Description: This second-generation of Mazda's zoom-zoom sedan was much like the first in that it offered five-passenger seating, 4- or 6-cylinder power, automatic or manual transmissions, and came only in front-wheel drive. Softer, bigger, and heavier than the original MAZDA6, this second-generation car was bigger on comfort and refinement, though somewhat at the expense of all-out performance.

Look for feature content including push-button start, navigation, premium audio, automatic lights wipers, and climate controls, heated leather seats, and a full range of safety gear.

Look for a 2.5L 4-cylinder with manual or automatic gearboxes, and an available 3.7L V6 that came exclusively with an automatic transmission.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Common Issues: Numerous owners reported premature wear from the factory brakes and tires. Though this will largely be a function of driving habits and locale, be sure to inspect the condition and remaining life of both components ahead of your purchase.

Check the rear taillamps for signs of internal melting, possibly caused by assembly materials that can't withstand the heat of the bulbs. Though the exterior lenses aren't known to melt, the interior components might, which could be a visibility-impeding safety issue.

Check for proper operation of the air conditioner, and be sure both xenon lights, if equipped, are working properly -- as they can be pricey to replace when burned out.

First-year models from this generation may be affected by erratic engine behavior in the form of stumbling and hesitation, possibly alongside other electrical issues that may be caused by a faulty wiring harness. These issues seemed to affect first-year (2009) models only.

Systematic or serious issues relating to the second-generation MAZDA6 are virtually nil in all checks of online owner forums. Keep in mind that proper maintenance is key to any vehicle's long-term durability and reliability and that a fresh tune-up and full fluid change in your new-to-you MAZDA6 can go a long way to adding confidence to the purchase.

A chase crew from the Weather Channel drove its GM SUVs directly into the path of an oncoming violent tornado Friday, resulting in this dramatic video from inside what appears to be a

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: This is what I'd call a baller's car. In Europe they use that term for soccer players, but it works for our NBA players, too.