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Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile raised its sales target for the year after achieving better-than-expected volume in the first half.

News 31 Jul, 2013

Nissan GT-R Nismo is set to be fastest-accelerating car ever, covering 0-60mph in 2 seconds

GM plans to launch the new Chevrolet Spark in 2015, but will delay the launch of its revamped Aveo, a Korean labor union spokesman said. The Spark/Matiz, is Chevrolet's best-selling model in Europe while the Aveo is No. 3 after the Cruze compact.

While redesigned pickups from Ram and GM have new underpinnings and running gear -- as will next summer's Ford F-150 replacement -- Toyota has kept the Tundra's powertrain and platform largely intact for 2014.

Hyundai wants to help you fight the zombie apocalypse, or at least build the right vehicle for it.

From GMM

India, set to lose its place on the 2014 calendar, could return the year after.

That is the claim of Vicky Chandhok, the president of the Indian motor sport federation, who works closely with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone admitted on Monday that the sport will "probably not" travel to India next year, amid reports he needs to trim the schedule to a maximum of 20 grands prix.

According to reports, the main issue with the privately-organised Indian grand prix is the government insists on taxing the teams and drivers at a full rate.

But Chandhok insisted the problem is merely organisational, not "political" as claimed by Ecclestone.

"Bernie told me he was alluding to the pressures arising out of expanding the calendar. He was not talking about politics in India," he said.

"In 2015," Chandhok explained to the Hindustan Times newspaper, "F1 is looking to start earlier than the usual March. This means that the 2014 calendar will have to be wrapped up earlier than November. As such, some races like India may be dropped."

Photo: Buddh International Circuit

Race organiser Jaypee has a contract to host two more races on top of this year's event in October.

"If the 2014 race is dropped," said Chandhok, "the Indian GP will be held in 2015 and 2016." He added that India's 2015 race would be early in the season.

A spokesperson for Jaypee told the Press Trust of India an official statement will be issued "soon".

Jaypee vice president Askari Zaidi admitted there is a problem with the tax arrangements.

"The FOM is extremely unhappy with the way they are being taxed by the government," he told India's Telegraph newspaper. "They (F1) get tax benefits at all other venues across the world."

Ron Howard's new movie "Rush" is just around the corner, and a new generation of Formula 1 fans will discover James Hunt, one of the most iconic names in motorsport who became World Champion in a McLaren M23 in 1976 after a monumental battle with Niki Lauda and the Scuderia Ferrari.

In his latest film, Howard depicts the story of how Hunt and Lauda's friendship and rivalry grew from the days of competing as young men in Formula 3 to that famous day in 1976 when Hunt clinched the World Championship from Lauda by a single point in Japan, after one of the most exciting and dramatic seasons in F1 history.

Developed by the Hunt family, in collaboration with Nicolas Hunziker and brought to you by McLaren as it commemorates the 50th anniversary this year, celebrate James Hunt's achievements and distinctive style with the exciting range of retro-style clothing.

The collection includes caps, t-shirts and polo shirts.


Available at McLaren Store now.

http://www.mclarenstore.com/shop/icat/jameshuntracing

The First Years recently launched the True Fit IAlert car seat that communicates with your smartphone to let you know about your child and the seat's status.

After downloading the IAlert app, you'll always know if the seat is facing forward or rearward, and how angled it sits, thus ensuring proper seat installation as your child grows up.

The app will even monitor the car's ambient temperature to prevent your child from being too hot, and send alerts whenever the harness isn't buckled or your little one is out of the seat when driving.

Probably the most useful feature is an alert that warns you if your child is left unattended in the vehicle.

Right now, the True Fit IAlert car seat is available for purchase exclusively at www.Amazon.com

Source : thefirstyears.com

Vodafone McLaren Team has released this funny video to promote their latest contest organized by Mobil 1.

In this video, several actual members of the McLaren team play their own roles, such as Sam Michael, Martin Whitmarsh, Jonathan Neale and pit stop crew members.



The "Mobil 1 get personal competition with Vodafone McLaren" offers the ultimate prize - a money-can't-buy opportunity to spend the day up close and personal with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin.

Sergio Perez, McLaren garage (Photo: McLaren)

As a special guest of the team, the winner will get to spend the day trackside, right at the heart of the action.

The rules of the contest state that if you're not lucky enough to win the top prize, you can still get close to motorsports by winning a selection of merchandise that you'd never normally get your hands on - from gear cogs off the race cars themselves through to replica helmets and scale models of the cars.

To enter the competition and win a money-can't-buy experience at the Austin Grand Prix go to http://www.mobil1.co.uk/getpersonal.

From GMM

The Korean grand prix looks set to join India in F1 exile, as Bernie Ecclestone trims the 2014 calendar to a maximum of 20 races.

It has been reported that Austria, Russia and New Jersey are to be added to the current 19-race schedule.

But the latter of those events, slated to be the second American race on the 2014 calendar amid the Manhattan skyline, now appears unlikely.

Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda said a few days ago that New Jersey "didn't happen this year because of a lack of money".

"As far as I know," the F1 legend told Austrian broadcaster ORF, "it's already gone from the calendar".

And amid reports Ecclestone will drop the Indian grand prix over a tax issue, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport claims the other race unlikely to survive beyond 2013 is Korea.

"Apparently," said correspondent Tobias Gruner, "the organisers have run out of money. Ecclestone is well known for having little patience if his fees are not paid."

The AFP news agency also reports that Korea is in doubt, saying the organiser "has lost money since it first hosted formula one in 2010, and local authorities are unwilling to cover losses".

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Launched in the U.K. last September and in Germany earlier this spring, Google's car insurance tool is now available to French customers, who can compare quotes from various insurers in just a few clicks.

All users have to do is to enter their vehicle information as well as some personal data, including name, address, driver's licence, number of past claims, etc.

Look for Google to expand this service to other markets in the near future.

Audi has released a few partial images and a short clip that hints at the redesigned 2015 Audi A8 sedan, which will appear at the Frankfurt Auto Show (September 10-22, 2013).

The car is kept under wraps, but we can see one of its massive 5-spoke alloy wheels and the brake calipers behind them.

Officially, the 2015 Audi A8 will make its global debut on the web on August 21st.

The latest hot item from Korea pleasantly surprised me. While my personal lifestyle doesn't warrant driving such a vehicle, I really liked its road manners and versatility.

If you need space, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL is definitely worth a look. However, with 6 other people on board, you should know that cargo capacity is quite small.


What's a Hyundai Santa Fe XL?
As the name implies, this beautiful crossover rides on an extended version of the Santa Fe Sport's platform. You can easily distinguish the two by looking at the stretched rear side windows. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL is also larger inside, with 240 litres of additional room, and even more versatile, courtesy of a 40/20/40-split sliding 2nd row bench seat and a 50/50-split 3rd row bench seat.

I tested a Santa Fe XL Premium, which is the least expensive AWD model you can find in the lineup. Equipment is obviously not on par with the more upscale Luxury and Limited models, but still offers plenty of value.

Price and specifications of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL uses a 3.3L V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. While fuel consumption is announced at 10L/100km (city-highway combined), I recorded an average of 11L/100km during my test week.

Total cargo volume amounts to 2,265 litres behind the 1st row. When all seats are occupied, however, you wind up with just 383 litres (not counting the 51 litres of storage under the cargo floor), which is about 100 litres fewer than the Mazda CX-9.

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL starts at $29,999 in base FWD trim. Next up is the AWD-equipped Premium model at $34,999. For the ultimate in luxury, you must turn to the Limited with Saddle Leather, priced at $43,199.

Total cargo volume amounts to 2,265 litres behind the 1st row. When all seats are occupied, however, you wind up with just 383 litres (not counting the 51 litres of storage under the cargo floor). (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
We live in such a technology-driven world that I was almost expecting the sophisticated 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL to include many advanced gadgets like a backup camera, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. As it turned out, there wasn't any of that stuff. Will buyers really miss them? I don't think so.

On the other hand, most will enjoy the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL's backup sensors, satellite radio, heated steering wheel (surprising for the price), and heated 1st and 2nd row seats as much as I did. The driver-selectable steering offers 3 operating modes (Comfort, Normal, and Sport), but you could definitely live without them -- and the extra control on the steering wheel.

Bluetooth is a must, though. Unfortunately, in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL, synchronizing my phone and using the system proved quite laborious. My thousand or so contacts inexplicably appeared in random order on the screen, and the voice recognition unit seemed to have a hearing problem, no matter how flawless my pronunciation was. Even worse: When I did manage to call somebody, I was constantly asked to repeat or speak louder -- saying that the microphone could be improved is an understatement. As you can imagine, these distractions significantly affected my focus and enjoyment behind the wheel.

Having said that, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL's driving dynamics were surprisingly sporty for such a large crossover. The steering was sharp, and the suspension struck a good balance between ride and handling.

Come to think of it, I have one more gripe to tell you about. While rearward visibility isn't so bad (the backup sensors also do a nice job in most circumstances), the side mirrors are just too huge! I don't recall ever having to work with such massive and ill-positioned mirrors in my life. They had a frustrating habit of blocking my lateral view.

The driver-selectable steering offers 3 operating modes (Comfort, Normal, and Sport), but you could definitely live without them -- and the extra control on the steering wheel. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
Despite its substantial girth, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL displays all the right curves in all the right places. Distinctive styling cues include aggressive-looking headlights and fog lights, LED daytime running lights, and a 4-blade chrome grille. All combine to give the vehicle a decidedly modern appeal. Furthermore, I loved the power liftgate.

It's the same theme inside, where you'll find some pretty refined materials for the price. I particularly liked the simple, friendly layout. There are many clever storage solutions throughout. The manual sunshades integrated to the rear side windows and the easy-to-use rear bench seats were awesome.

Despite its substantial girth, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL displays all the right curves in all the right places. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
If you insist on staying away from minivans, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL represents an enticing alternative, with sporty driving dynamics that will win you over. Just don't expect the same cargo capacity or the level of convenience that sliding doors provide.

In addition to the aforementioned CX-9, competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander -- all of which can haul up to 7 people. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL stands out with superior value and a 5-year/100,000km comprehensive warranty.

The new 2014 Honda Odyssey arrived at Canadian Honda dealerships last week with a base MSRP of $29,990. Featuring a host of upgrades, it's the most fuel-efficient V6-powered minivan on the market with ratings of 10.9/7.1/9.2L/100km (city/highway/combined), the company announced.

A new 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard on all 2014 Honda Odyssey models, as well as a 19% wider Expanded View Driver's Mirror, an SMS text messaging function, and a 4-way power adjustable passenger's seat. Touring models add HondaVAC(tm), the world's first in-vehicle vacuum cleaner.

A DVD-based Rear Entertainment System (RES) is available on EX models.

Here are full pricing details for the 2014 Honda Odyssey:

• Odyssey LX: $29,990
• Odyssey SE: $31,990
• Odyssey EX: $34,990
• Odyssey EX w/ RES: $36,490
• Odyssey EX-L w/ RES: $41,990
• Odyssey EX-L w/ NAVI: $41,990
• Odyssey EX-L Touring: $47,99

From GMM

Amid rumours Fernando Alonso is flirting with a shock move to Red Bull, Ferrari has issued an ultra-rare public rebuke of its number 1 driver.

The reprimand follows reports Alonso's manager met with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner in Hungary, and the Spanish driver's uncharacteristically critical comments after qualifying and finishing fifth at the weekend.

After the race, when asked by reporters at the Hungaroring what he wants for his 32nd birthday on Monday, he answered: "Someone else's car."

And asked what he will be doing over the August break, Alonso added: "I will pray."

Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo also quotes Alonso as issuing a thinly-veiled criticism of Ferrari's designers, saying the "people at the track, the mechanics and the drivers are doing a good job".

Fernando Alonso detailing the Red Bull after the Hungarian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari chose the date of Alonso's thirty-second birthday to hit back.

"There is a need to close ranks, without giving in to rash outbursts that, while understandable in the immediate aftermath of a bad result, are no use to anyone," the team said in an online statement on Monday.

Ferrari admitted the reference to 'outbursts' followed Alonso's comments to the media, "which did not go down well with (president Luca di) Montezemolo, nor with anyone in the team".

"So," the statement added, "when Montezemolo called the Spaniard this morning to wish him a happy birthday, he also tweaked his ear, reminding him that all the great champions who have driven for Ferrari have always been asked to put the interests of the team above their own.

"This is the moment to stay calm, avoid polemics and show humility and determination in making one's own contribution, standing alongside the team and its people both at the track and outside it," Ferrari said.

The famous Maranello based team also revealed that Montezemolo gave Ferrari engineers 'a knife' at the technical briefing on Monday, "to put between their teeth when thinking how to tackle the second half of the season".

Ferrari on Monday also announced the addition to its ranks of former Lotus technical director James Allison, who will arrive in September.

But Germany's Bild newspaper wonders if it will be too late, noting that although Alonso has a contract until 2016, "there are exit clauses".

Even the Italian press agrees.

"If Maranello keeps this up, they risk losing the star driver, who four years ago was taken under contract to start a new golden era for Ferrari," said Tuttosport newspaper.

The Scion FR-S and its twin, the Subaru BRZ, were likely some of the most talked about sporty production cars of last year.

I was called upon to judge production versions of the FR-S and BRZ separately and together, and every time I got behind the wheel of either car, I could easily see myself being a happy owner and modding the crap out of it.

However, I haven't done so for a number of reasons, but what I got to do was just as good.

As part of the Scion Tuner Challenge FR-S edition, members of the media (such as moi) were given the opportunity to drive and evaluate each Tuner Challenge FR-S and score them.

Scores were based on a series of principles, such as drivability, engine performance, handling, and braking. A few other criteria including fit and finish, comfort, and technology required scores, but in this game it's all about covering ground through apexes, going sideways, and flying in a straight line -- and, looking good while you're at it.

What is the Tuner Challenge?
The Tuner Challenge consists of a competition that pits three teams that were given a new Scion FR-S and the mandate to modify each and put them through a series of 11 events. The winning team of the Challenge gets to keep their car.

Some of the events include: Time Attack, Drag Racing, an Endurance test, and the all-important Show and Shine. I was called upon for the Media Challenge.

The Tuner Challenge consists of a competition that pits three teams that were given a new Scion FR-S and the mandate to modify each and put them through a series of 11 events. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Continue reading Scion Tuner Challenge FR-S edition