Auto News 5

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

Renault COO Carlos Tavares proposed that he take on a wider role at the carmaker but CEO Carlos. Ghosn turned down the request, prompting Tavares to leave and seek a top post elsewhere.

Renault COO Carlos Tavares proposed that he take on a wider role at the carmaker but CEO Carlos Ghosn turned down the request, prompting Tavares to leave and seek a top post elsewhere, sources said.

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

Green luxury will dominate at this year's Frankfurt auto show as German premium brands showcase models that combine high performance with electric or hybrid powertrains.

The latest issue of the Automotive News Europe monthly e-magazine goes live on Monday, Sept. 2.

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

Green luxury will dominate at this year's Frankfurt auto show as German premium brands showcase models that combine high performance with electric or hybrid powertrains.

Green luxury will dominate at this year's Frankfurt auto show as German premium brands showcase models that combine high performance with electric or hybrid powertrains.

A casual conversation on the rooftop of a Monte Carlo hotel led to an experience of a lifetime: the chance to drive a Ferrari.

It's a bird; it's a plane; it's a five-door coupe called the Audi S7, and it's ready for take-off.

Unveiled to the world at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2011, the German automaker brought forth a new addition to the “S” lineup with room for four and a distinctive look.


What is the Audi S7?
As one of the newer members to join the Audi fold, this passenger vehicle turns heads. If it's not for its looks, perhaps the note produced from its quad exhaust might do the trick.

Looking at it -- gawking in some cases -- the Audi S7's size definitely isn't miniscule. Then again, the German automaker trims the fat in other areas. Comprised of a hybrid aluminum lightweight body structure, it weighs roughly 15% less than a comparable all-steel vehicle physique.

As one of the newer members to join the Audi fold, this passenger vehicle turns heads. If it's not for its looks, perhaps the note produced from its quad exhaust might do the trick. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2013 Audi S7 Price and Specs
If you'd like to set yourself apart from the norm, it'll cost you a base MSRP of $89,300. With the options the 2013 Audi S7 prices out at $106,295 (yes, that's $14,900 of extras plus the $1,995 destination charge and $100 air-conditioning tax).

Getting the Audi S7 up to speed is done via a 4.0L TFSI twin-turbo V8. When you count them all, there are 420 horses under the hood, which are then matched with 406 lb-ft of torque. You can get this four-seater going mighty fast in minimal time. After all, it has a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds.

With a top speed of 250 km/h (not that this spec really matters on this side of the Atlantic), performance has its name etched in its Phantom Black Pearl Effect paint. You just have to look ever so closely. If you don't see it, you'll feel it when you push your foot on the throttle in the 2013 Audi S7.

With a top speed of 250km/h, performance has its name etched in its Phantom Black Pearl Effect paint. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Driving the 2013 Audi S7
Now, here's the sentence you can impress your friends with, especially if you say it seven times fast: Linked with its twin-turbo V8 is a 7-speed, S-tronic transmission with the Audi Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system coupled with a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring. If that's not a good use of alliteration, I don't know what is. My high school English teacher would be proud.

Not only do you have massive power, but the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art transmission.

Now, if 420 mares and stallions aren't enough, hold your horses for the upcoming RS7. It has a whopping 560... That's the sound of my jaw dropping.

Not only do you have massive power, but the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art transmission. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Audi S7
Slip inside the cabin of the S7 and you're welcomed by cushy black leather seating surfaces with diamonds quilted in them. Then the MMI greets you as you depress the start-stop button characterized with a red ring around it. Whether entering a destination on the GPS or picking your favourite radio station/playlist, the system is quite user-friendly and takes only a matter of moments to pair your phone via Bluetooth.

Playing your selected tunes on the Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system ($6,500) will give you cavities, because this ear candy is darn sweet.

Aside from the not-so-awesome visibility created from a sloping roofline and the C pillars, being inside the 2013 Audi S7 wasn't a bad place to spend my drive time.

Then again, Audi equipped this particular test model with an extra set of eyes, known as the corner view camera system ($400). Then there's the Vision Package ($4,000), which adds a heads-up display and night vision.

From the outside, its long engine hood, the long wheelbase, and the short overhangs give it the sporty/comfort look that doesn't seem to be going out of style anytime soon. The tapered roofline around back gives it the coupe-like silhouette, but if you're sitting in the back, watch your cranium upon entry. Don't expect too much headroom, either.

Up front, the optional LED headlights ($1,700) on the 2013 Audi S7 add to its dynamic front fascia.

When it comes to storage areas, around back, the trunk houses a total of 535 liters (18.89 cu ft), which then increases to 1,390 litres (49.09 cu ft) when you fold the rear seat down. It's not a heap of space, but the wide opening allows you to place larger ticket items inside with minimal qualms.

Slip inside the cabin of the S7 and you're welcomed by cushy black leather seating surfaces with diamonds quilted in them. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2013 Audi S7
The pool of competitors for the Audi S7 include the Porsche Panamera 4, BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS 550. Needless to say, they all have their own flavour, which sets them apart from the norm.

This 2013 Audi S7 4.0 TFSI Quattro review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From Merrittville Speedway

In 62 years of racing at Merrittville Speedway there have been many close point races that weren't decided until the final points' event.

When Brian's Tire Repair hosts the 2013 Championship Chase finale Saturday August 31st, championships in three divisions could go right down to the final lap.

This Saturday, one of the battles to watch is between best of friends Evan Curtis and Kyle Pelrine in the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division where the two are tied.

Evan Curtis and Kyle Pelrine are good friends during the week, but at the racetrack they are in a fight that will produce only one winner.

After 17 weeks of battling back and forth, the mini stock drivers are tied in points with 700 and have just one race left to decide the Merrittville Speedway track championship.

For full fendered fans, the battle for top spot in the Hoosier Stock Division will go right down to the end as well with Kevin Knapp leading multi-time Champion Rob Murray by eight points.

The same margin seperates defending Rick's Delivery Sportsman Champion Cody McPherson and challenger Gary Lindberg.

While the two are almost 70 points ahead of Brad Rouse and can't be caught - the race to close out the top five will be one to watch as well with recently crowned David Chevrolet King of the Crates Champion Greg Panunte just two points behind Rouse. BJ Willard is just 2 points behind Panunte.

Multi-time Champion Josh Sliter clinched the Points Title last week but the Port Colborne driver and the rest of the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites will use the final point night to get ready for next weekend's two day International Championship Weekend when the best Modified Lite Drivers from across North America pay their annual visit.

Brian's Tire Repair Night annually features the 50 lap John Spencer Memorial for the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds and with Pete Bicknell already clinching his 23rd Points Title - it should be quite a race in the final points' event of 2013.

Although defending Race Winner Mike Bowman goes into the night 80 points out of first - he is in quite a points' race with Scott Wood just eight points behind and Mat Williamson trailing by 15.

When the gates open Saturday August 31st - the grandstand front gate area should have quite a display of race cars as Team Brian's Tire is well represented throughout all divisions Saturday Nights and in Kart Racing Tuesday Nights as well. Showtime is 7pm.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway's 62nd Consecutive Season in 2013 - visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

From VARAC

The Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada (VARAC) is gearing up for what promises to be the biggest, most exciting and best-attended event in its history.

The Canadian Historic Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious events on the Vintage and Historic Racing Calendar in North America and it is the largest and most popular event of its kind in Canada and counted as a "Major Spectator Event" at Mosport since 1999.

The annual pilgrimage of racers, race fans and car enthusiasts from across Canada and the United States will once again descend on Canadian Tire Motorsport Park just north of Bowmanville, Ontario with their Jaguars, Porsches, Alfa Romeos, Corvettes, Mustangs, Cobras, Lotus, Minis and more to challenge the world famous Mosport Grand Prix Circuit.

The 2014 CHGP will Feature the TRIUMPH vs MG Canadian-American SHOWDOWN. Triumph and MG cars of all descriptions will face off in what will be the largest ever battle of its kind in Canada and possibly the world.

The TRIUMPH vs MG Canadian-American SHOWDOWN will highlight the ongoing rivalry that has raged on ever since Sam Bird won the first ever race at Mosport in 1961 driving a Triumph TR3. That battle, now in its sixth decade will be once again fought out on Mosport's winding tarmac.

In full support of the upcoming event are the "Friends of Triumph" (FOT racers group) and the "MG Vintage Racers". A huge field of the combined marques is guaranteed and racing fans will once again be thrilled to witness a full grid of swarming, fast Triumphs and MGs challenge the Mosport tarmac and each other once again in some of the best door handle to door handle racing ever witnessed.

The 2014 CHGP will deliver three full days of exciting racing involving full grids for all Vintage and Historic racing machines from Minis to Mustangs and Canada Class open wheelers to Can-Am cars.

There will be racing for six groups of cars including Monoposto (single seat open-wheel vintage & historic race cars), Small Bore Vintage & Historic Cars (under 1800cc), Big Bore Vintage & Historic Cars (over 1800cc), Wings & Slicks (very fast purpose-built racing cars running on slick tires), G70+ Cars (cars dating from 1973 to 1989 including all kinds of Alfas, Corvettes, Porsches, Mustangs and a host of others) and the Featured Triumphs & MGs.

Spectators and car enthusiasts of all stripes will enjoy the scope and scale of experiences open to participation on the weekend such as:

* The "Checkered Flag Cruise" on Friday evening. The Cruise is open to all classic cars and admission to the park for the Checkered Flag Cruise is free. Nostalgia will hang thick in the air as with old time rock and roll blends with the "American Graffiti" atmosphere of classic cars and the vintage race theme. This event begs participation by spectators, classic car owners and car club members. Every kind of classic from VW Beetles to Rat Rods is welcome.

* Track Touring - On-track sessions will be are offered. Whether you are contemplating a future in racing, or itching to actually drive the track, to see and stretch your car's legs, to experience what it really is like out there at brisk but controlled speeds, this is your chance.

* Road Rally/Tour - a 100 mile rally/tour throughout the hills and dales and quaint villages of the local area, including a lunch stop on Saturday.

* Special Guest Speakers and Car Club Exhibits and Vendors.

* "Legends of Mosport Racer's Reunion" - Canadian Champion, Gary Magwood hosts this "meet the fans & Press" session Sunday morning. Open to all at no cost. Mix with old friends, racers and champions.

* "Legends of the Autobahn" Concours d'Elegance conducted by the Mercedes Benz Club of America on Sunday

* "Mini Meet North" all weekend - Canada's largest Mini gathering,

* "Field of Dreams" Car Show - welcoming hundreds of sports cars, classics and hot-rods, owners and car clubs from far and wide featuring Canada's largest on-track parade open to car show participants and featuring discounted park admission for entrants. Sunday morning. Join in! Great value, great fun!

* Free weekend camping courtesy Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

I hope you are sitting down, because I'm about to make a shocking revelation: There is more to motorsport than just Formula One -- and that's a good thing!

I can see -- judging by the stats from our Facebook fan page -- that a fair share of our followers are big on F1. That saddens me, I'm afraid. F1 is quite cool, yes, but when it's all said and done, it's a cold and far away land.

Even for us journalist, it's hard to get in; it's hard to talk to the drivers; it's hard to visit the garages; it's hard to access the hospitality zones... Don't go thinking we're all sipping drinks around a table with Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen on race weekends.

There are other racing series in the world that are much more spectator-friendly. I'm talking about the World Series by Renault in Europe, where the admittance is free, the paddock open, and the general atmosphere cool. You actually get close to the stars of tomorrow, guys like Stoffel Vandoorne, Carlos Sainz Jr., and Kevin Magnussen.

I would say that rally is actually even better when it comes to getting up close with the actors. Spectators stand on the side of the roads on which the special stages are run one minute, and the next watch the crews live while they're servicing the cars in the assistance area.

Think about it: Rally cars are actually street-legal machines!

They don't have monstrous wings slapped on them or weirdly shaped bodies. Rally cars are your car or my car pushed to the absolute limit by immensely talented drivers. It takes big balls to come up at the speeds they do and shave tree lines, always in control, always inches from disaster.

All around the world, September is a good month for rallying, with many events staged all around the globe. I strongly urge you to check out your national level calendar and go see the guys (and girls) who are crazy enough to get out there for rallying.

You'll find yourself surrounded by great drivers and co-drivers, and knowledgeable, friendly, and interested spectators who simply love their sport.

Sure, you won't run into Alonso or Vettel, but who knows, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a certain Robert Kubica...

Photo: René Fagnan

It's a bird; it's a plane; it's a five-door coupe called the Audi S7, and it's ready for take-off.

Unveiled to the world at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2011, the German automaker brought forth a new addition to the “S” lineup with room for four and a distinctive look.


What is the Audi S7?
As one of the newer members to join the Audi fold, this passenger vehicle turns heads. If it's not for its looks, perhaps the note produced from its quad exhaust might do the trick.

Looking at it -- gawking in some cases -- the Audi S7's size definitely isn't miniscule. Then again, the German automaker trims the fat in other areas. Comprised of a hybrid aluminum lightweight body structure, it weighs roughly 15% less than a comparable all-steel vehicle physique.

As one of the newer members to join the Audi fold, this passenger vehicle turns heads. If it's not for its looks, perhaps the note produced from its quad exhaust might do the trick. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2013 Audi S7 Price and Specs
If you'd like to set yourself apart from the norm, it'll cost you a base MSRP of $89,300. With the options the 2013 Audi S7 prices out at $106,295 (yes, that's $14,900 of extras plus the $1,995 destination charge and $100 air-conditioning tax).

Getting the Audi S7 up to speed is done via a 4.0L TFSI twin-turbo V8. When you count them all, there are 420 horses under the hood, which are then matched with 406 lb-ft of torque. You can get this four-seater going mighty fast in minimal time. After all, it has a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds.

With a top speed of 250 km/h (not that this spec really matters on this side of the Atlantic), performance has its name etched in its Phantom Black Pearl Effect paint. You just have to look ever so closely. If you don't see it, you'll feel it when you push your foot on the throttle in the 2013 Audi S7.

With a top speed of 250km/h, performance has its name etched in its Phantom Black Pearl Effect paint. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Driving the 2013 Audi S7
Now, here's the sentence you can impress your friends with, especially if you say it seven times fast: Linked with its twin-turbo V8 is a 7-speed, S-tronic transmission with the Audi Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system coupled with a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring. If that's not a good use of alliteration, I don't know what is. My high school English teacher would be proud.

Not only do you have massive power, but the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art transmission.

Now, if 420 mares and stallions aren't enough, hold your horses for the upcoming RS7. It has a whopping 560... That's the sound of my jaw dropping.

Not only do you have massive power, but the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art transmission. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Audi S7
Slip inside the cabin of the S7 and you're welcomed by cushy black leather seating surfaces with diamonds quilted in them. Then the MMI greets you as you depress the start-stop button characterized with a red ring around it. Whether entering a destination on the GPS or picking your favourite radio station/playlist, the system is quite user-friendly and takes only a matter of moments to pair your phone via Bluetooth.

Playing your selected tunes on the Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system ($6,500) will give you cavities, because this ear candy is darn sweet.

Aside from the not-so-awesome visibility created from a sloping roofline and the C pillars, being inside the 2013 Audi S7 wasn't a bad place to spend my drive time.

Then again, Audi equipped this particular test model with an extra set of eyes, known as the corner view camera system ($400). Then there's the Vision Package ($4,000), which adds a heads-up display and night vision.

From the outside, its long engine hood, the long wheelbase, and the short overhangs give it the sporty/comfort look that doesn't seem to be going out of style anytime soon. The tapered roofline around back gives it the coupe-like silhouette, but if you're sitting in the back, watch your cranium upon entry. Don't expect too much headroom, either.

Up front, the optional LED headlights ($1,700) on the 2013 Audi S7 add to its dynamic front fascia.

When it comes to storage areas, around back, the trunk houses a total of 535 liters (18.89 cu ft), which then increases to 1,390 litres (49.09 cu ft) when you fold the rear seat down. It's not a heap of space, but the wide opening allows you to place larger ticket items inside with minimal qualms.

Slip inside the cabin of the S7 and you're welcomed by cushy black leather seating surfaces with diamonds quilted in them. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2013 Audi S7
The pool of competitors for the Audi S7 include the Porsche Panamera 4, BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS 550. Needless to say, they all have their own flavour, which sets them apart from the norm.

This 2013 Audi S7 4.0 TFSI Quattro review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

The bacon craze has managed to make its way into the automotive industry! In order to celebrate International Bacon Day on August 31'st, Ford unveiled its ‘'bacon-inspired' graphics for the Fiesta!

These new designs were approved by none other than the King of Bacon himself, Benton's Country Hams President, Allan Benton. A number of bacon-inspired decal options are available including (installation extra):

• Full Bacon Wrap: 10 gigantic bacon strips that literally wrap-up the Ford Fiesta : $3,347 US;
• Bacon Racing Stripes: racing-inspired hood decal: $191.25 US;
• Side of Bacon: 2 individual strips that wrap around rear wheels: $318.75$ US;
• Bacon Mini Strips: popular with weight-conscious drivers. Small strips that adorn front and rear fenders: $78.75 US.

Ford has not yet confirmed a Canadian-Bacon version.

Photo: Ford

From Merrittville Speedway

In 62 years of racing at Merrittville Speedway there have been many close point races that weren't decided until the final points' event.

When Brian's Tire Repair hosts the 2013 Championship Chase finale Saturday August 31st, championships in three divisions could go right down to the final lap.

This Saturday, one of the battles to watch is between best of friends Evan Curtis and Kyle Pelrine in the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division where the two are tied.

Evan Curtis and Kyle Pelrine are good friends during the week, but at the racetrack they are in a fight that will produce only one winner.

After 17 weeks of battling back and forth, the mini stock drivers are tied in points with 700 and have just one race left to decide the Merrittville Speedway track championship.

For full fendered fans, the battle for top spot in the Hoosier Stock Division will go right down to the end as well with Kevin Knapp leading multi-time Champion Rob Murray by eight points.

The same margin seperates defending Rick's Delivery Sportsman Champion Cody McPherson and challenger Gary Lindberg.

While the two are almost 70 points ahead of Brad Rouse and can't be caught - the race to close out the top five will be one to watch as well with recently crowned David Chevrolet King of the Crates Champion Greg Panunte just two points behind Rouse. BJ Willard is just 2 points behind Panunte.

Multi-time Champion Josh Sliter clinched the Points Title last week but the Port Colborne driver and the rest of the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites will use the final point night to get ready for next weekend's two day International Championship Weekend when the best Modified Lite Drivers from across North America pay their annual visit.

Brian's Tire Repair Night annually features the 50 lap John Spencer Memorial for the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds and with Pete Bicknell already clinching his 23rd Points Title - it should be quite a race in the final points' event of 2013.

Although defending Race Winner Mike Bowman goes into the night 80 points out of first - he is in quite a points' race with Scott Wood just eight points behind and Mat Williamson trailing by 15.

When the gates open Saturday August 31st - the grandstand front gate area should have quite a display of race cars as Team Brian's Tire is well represented throughout all divisions Saturday Nights and in Kart Racing Tuesday Nights as well. Showtime is 7pm.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway's 62nd Consecutive Season in 2013 - visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

I hope you are sitting down, because I'm about to make a shocking revelation: There is more to motorsport than just Formula One -- and that's a good thing!

I can see -- judging by the stats from our Facebook fan page -- that a fair share of our followers are big on F1. That saddens me, I'm afraid. F1 is quite cool, yes, but when it's all said and done, it's a cold and far away land.

Even for us journalist, it's hard to get in; it's hard to talk to the drivers; it's hard to visit the garages; it's hard to access the hospitality zones... Don't go thinking we're all sipping drinks around a table with Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen on race weekends.

There are other racing series in the world that are much more spectator-friendly. I'm talking about the World Series by Renault in Europe, where the admittance is free, the paddock open, and the general atmosphere cool. You actually get close to the stars of tomorrow, guys like Stoffel Vandoorne, Carlos Sainz Jr., and Kevin Magnussen.

I would say that rally is actually even better when it comes to getting up close with the actors. Spectators stand on the side of the roads on which the special stages are run one minute, and the next watch the crews live while they're servicing the cars in the assistance area.

Think about it: Rally cars are actually street-legal machines!

They don't have monstrous wings slapped on them or weirdly shaped bodies. Rally cars are your car or my car pushed to the absolute limit by immensely talented drivers. It takes big balls to come up at the speeds they do and shave tree lines, always in control, always inches from disaster.

All around the world, September is a good month for rallying, with many events staged all around the globe. I strongly urge you to check out your national level calendar and go see the guys (and girls) who are crazy enough to get out there for rallying.

You'll find yourself surrounded by great drivers and co-drivers, and knowledgeable, friendly, and interested spectators who simply love their sport.

Sure, you won't run into Alonso or Vettel, but who knows, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a certain Robert Kubica...

Photo: René Fagnan