Auto News 5

From Kawartha Speedway

Andrew Gresel (No.81 Sauble Falls/CUSW/London Recreational) started inside the front row for the Midas of Orangeville 50-lap A-Main and never looked back on Sunday night at Kawartha Speedway.

Gresel led every lap of the main event to earn his second career OSCAAR win in his rookie season.

Gresel fought off challenges from Brandon Watson (No.9 Shear Metal Products) on a number of different occasions and from Rob Clarke (No.49 Cars by Clarke/London Mechanical) in the closing laps as well.

Gresel's second win of the season comes one week following his runner-up finish at Peterborough Speedway on August 3.

Rob Clarke would finish second while 2013 Don Biederman Memorial champion Dwayne Baker (No.48 Baker Performance Parts/St. Onge Recreation) would battle his way to the third spot at the end of 50 laps.

Glenn Watson was fourth, Kennedy came home fifth, while Shane Maginnis (No. 03 Budds' GMC) was sixth and Tyler Hawn (No.42 Stewart Carriers Ltd./Belford Haulage) was the final car on the lead lap in the seventh spot.

Darren Kearnan Steals OSCAAR Modified win at Kawartha
Darren Kearnan (No.46 TTR Transport) wasted little time proving he had the car to beat on Sunday night Kawartha Speedway, cruising to his first career OSCAAR Modified tour win.

Kearnan, a part-time driver with the tour, made the pass for the lead around the outside of polesitter and championship points leader Gary McLean (No.8 McLean Industrial Design) on lap eight and was never challenged for the remaining 17 circuits in the 25-lap main event.

From GMM

After all the 'Russian rescue deal' talk, the news about Sauber is now back into a backwards slide.

A week ago, amid reports Russian entities have saved the Swiss team with promised millions, boss Monisha Kaltenborn admitted there was a delay.

That holdup could now run Sauber off the road, with Die Welt newspaper saying Ferrari has threatened to cut off the supply of customer engines unless part of an unpaid bill is paid imminently.

And the latest news is that F1 tire supplier Pirelli was also not paid in 2013.

The newspaper claimed on Sunday that the entire Russian deal could now collapse, due to the uncertain job prospects of Oleg Sirotkin.

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber C32 (Photo: Sauber)

Sirotkin, who heads up Russia's National Institute of Aviation Technologies (NIAT), is vital to the deal, with his 17-year-old son Sergey also scheduled to make his Sauber debut in 2014.

Bild newspaper reported on Monday that Sauber's worsening situation has taken yet another "dramatic" turn, with potential "insolvency" now looming.

"The Russian sponsor rescue could fail," the latest media report read.

"According to our information, the NIAT board has voted by large majority against the EUR 400 million investment," added Bild.

Here is a short video showing the Hyundai i20 WRC being tested on tarmac.

Hyundai Motorsport is currently testing various versions of its i20 as the team ramps up its test schedule ahead of an entry in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2014.

All three of the team development drivers, Juho Hanninen, Bryan Bouffier and Chris Atkinson, go behind the wheel of the i20 WRC as the team evaluated a range of new components.

Stewart-Haas Racing announced on Monday afternoon that Austin Dillon would drive the No. 14 Chevrolet while Tony Stewart continues to recover from his injuries in a sprint car race in Iowa last week.

“I've watched Austin for many years and at each stage of his racing career he's been successful,” Stewart said.

“He's proven to be a very fast learner, and he's able to adapt quickly. Being the youngest champion in the history of the Truck Series is proof of that. His background in dirt racing is an asset, and off the track we share many of the same interests, specifically, hunting and fishing. I know he'll perform well at Michigan and I'm just as confident in his ability to properly represent Mobil 1 and Bass Pro Shops throughout the race weekend.”

SHR has not determined who the interim driver of the No. 14 Chevrolet will be for the Sprint Cup Series' following race Aug. 24 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Max Papis drove for the team this past weekend at Watkins Glen.

While no timetable has been established for Stewart's return to the No. 14 Chevrolet, the three-time Sprint Cup champion was discharged from the hospital late Sunday afternoon. 

Part of the decision to put the 23-year old in Stewart's seat has to do with his sponsor is also the sponsor of the car at Michigan and Dillon's (who is a full-time Nationwide Series driver) experience there. Dillon qualified seventh and finished 11th at the two-mile MIS track in June. This will be his tenth Sprint Cup start and eighth this year.

Austin Dillon (Photo: Justin Edmonds/NASCAR via Getty Images)

As Dillon is the points leader in the Nationwide Series, which will run at Mid-Ohio on Saturday, arrangements have to be made for him to alternate between both tracks.   

“Yeah, we're working all of that out right now,” said Dillon “We're going to be running both of them, and the scheduling is pretty tough this weekend, so we'll be on doing our best to give equal amount of practice time.  The good thing about Mid‑Ohio, we have a full test day there Thursday, so we'll have plenty of time on the track.  We have lots of sets of tires, and we'll be using them up on Thursday.

“Qualifying seems to be the issue for the Nationwide race.  That is the only part that will be tough.  We might have to start in the rear.  But I think we've done a good job of trying to work out where each party gets a good amount of practice on both cars.”

Between preparing cars and keeping Tony Stewart in good spirits, Zipadelli has been kept busy by unemployed drivers who would like a shot at the well prepared race car.

“I would say it was more in the 50 range,” said Zipadelli.  There's been people that I didn't even know raced called.  And we appreciate everybody reaching out and willing to help.  But it's been interesting, let's leave it at that.

Barracuda Racing unveiled Tuesday its driver line-up for the remainder of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar season.

The team headed by Bryan Herta announced that JR Hildebrand and Luca Filippi will fill the seat of the No. 98 Honda-powered Dallara.

Twenty-five-year-old California native JR Hildebrand will make his return to the IZOD IndyCar Series, piloting the Barracuda Racing entry for the upcoming GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma.

JR Hildebrand (Photo: LAT)

One week later, Luca Filippi will return to the Barracuda Networks sponsored No. 98 car at the Grand Prix of Baltimore. The Italian driver will also compete for Barracuda Racing in the Shell and Penzoil Grand Prix of Houston double-header weekend.

Finally, Hildebrand will finish out the season, competing in the MAVTV 500 at Auto Club Speedway, where he led 56 laps in last year's IndyCar season finale.

August 21, Barracuda Racing and JR Hildebrand will participate in the IZOD IndyCar Series open test at Sonoma Raceway. The team will then head into the race weekend, featuring three practice sessions and Firestone Fast Six qualifications before the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma on Sunday, August 25.

Luca Filippi (Photo: LucaFilippi.com)

The Riverside Speedway in Ste-Croix, Quebec, hosted the fifth round of the 2013 Drift Mania Canadian Championship (DMCC) over the weekend. And it started off with a TOP 32 including all the Pro drivers and a few others from the Pro Am Class.

The practice and qualifying sessions as well as the competition itself all took place on Saturday.

Jeff Laflamme, who's had his fair share of troubles this season, became the highest-scoring qualifier, followed by Kevin Morin and Alex Michaud. Dave Briggs and Jonathan Guitard both trailed the trio by a single point; the former earned the fourth spot thanks to a higher entry speed.

Overall, 28 drivers managed to get a score.

Photo: Antoine de Cardaillac

Heated battles... and some damage
During the Top 32, many drivers suffered from mechanical failures. Martin Langlois, Alexandre Blanchette, and Alex Gosselin all had to quit. Two One More Times were necessary for François Pérusse to beat Eric Warnet and advance to the Top 16.

Jeff Laflamme's promising day ended at this very stage when Tanner Munson got the better of him. Pat Cyr also failed to advance as Eric Paradis moved into the Top 8.

Photo: Antoine de Cardaillac

Youri Lévesque stands out
Two talented Pro Am drivers duked it out in the Top 16. Following a loss of control by Jonathan Guitard, Youri Lévesque became the only member of the Pro Am Class to reach the Top 8. Unfortunately, he was outraced by the highly experienced Dave Briggs.

Meanwhile, Francis Tassé drifted his way to the final stage by besting Claude Poirier in the Top 16, Patrick Gauthier in the Top 8, and Vincent Théberge in the Top 4.

Briggs defeated Munson to take on Tassé for the title. Munson went on to surpass Théberge to secure third place, while Briggs needed four laps to eclipse Tassé and be crowned the winner in Ste-Croix.
On a side note, crowd favourite Marc Landreville failed to take part in the competition due to lingering engine problems. Hopefully he'll bounce back in the next round, which is set for August 17th at Autodrome de Montmagny.

For more information, visit www.dmccdrift.com.

I've said it a number of times over the years: Product is key. In fact, I recall calling out GM and strongly suggesting that they take the Cruze, break down what they did to come up with this car, study it, and repeat.

Although the jury's out on whether or not they're doing so, they are clearly looking to push the appeal of the Cruze and see where they can take it. The arrival of the diesel version of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze is as controversial as it is brilliant. Our VW TDI vs. Chevy Diesel comparo test generated many comments from a number of points of view.

Regardless of whose side you may be on, the bottom line here is that the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is a very impressive offering from a manufacturer that nearly single-handedly annihilated diesel technology in North America in the 1980s. Powerful and frugal, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is a compelling car that requires consideration. In that consideration, be mindful that refinement was not the priority.


What is a Chevrolet Cruze?
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze is GM's compact car, one of their first successful world cars to come to our shores. Introduced in 2010, it has received a large number of awards.

A far more successful and popular product than the slightly less pricey Chevrolet Spark and Sonic, the Cruze is the real gateway car to the famous brand. In 2012, it was the 5th bestselling small car in Canada.

The Cruze is offered as a five-door hatchback and station wagon in other markets. Neither is expected to come to our shores.

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze is GM's compact car, one of their first successful world cars to come to our shores. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel Price and Specs
The German-built turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine puts out 151 horsepower and a staggering 264 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is a 6-speed automatic.

As with the vast majority of modern diesel engines, the Cruze's powerplant generates 90% fewer nitrogen oxides (NOx) than previous-generation technology thanks to particulate filters, exhaust gas recirculation, selective catalyst reduction, and other technologies. It does not require urea like a number of diesel engines from other manufacturers. The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel meets Tier 2 Bin 5 emission standards.

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel starts at $24,945. With the Enhanced Safety package, power sunroof and MyLink with navigation, my tester retailed for $28,310.

The German-built turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine puts out 151 horsepower and a staggering 264 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Chevrolet)

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
The most notable shortcoming with the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the noise and general lack of refinement from the powertrain.

One of the common complaints pertaining to diesel is the noise generated by the engine. Unfortunately, it proved to be even a bit much for me, a huge fan of the technology. Cold start-ups and mild bouts of acceleration generated an awful din that should no longer emanate from a car.

Thankfully, the burst of torque created by the overboost (280 lb-ft for up to 10 seconds) quickly excuses the engine's lack of sophistication. The transmission does a fine job of coping with the energy. Shifts are generally clean, but lack the smoothness and overall efficiency of VW's 6-speed DSG ‘box.

Be that as it may, there's no denying that the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is powerful and especially thrifty. My weeklong test drive average rolled in at a hair under 6.0L/100km despite me being fully addicted to the torque.

Ride quality and handling are very good. The suspension does not propose the finesse afforded by Volkswagens, but most would be hard-pressed to find a tangible disadvantage here.

The transmission does a fine job of coping with the energy. Shifts are generally clean. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
I'm still a huge fan of the Chevrolet Cruze as I find it blends American boldness with strong European subtlety. For the 2014 Clean Turbo Diesel version, this statement could not be truer. With only distinct wheels, a few minor enhancements up front, an integrated rear spoiler, and the small, green badge with the inscription “2.0 TD” beside the Cruze name on the trunk lid, there are very few differences between the gas- and diesel-powered models.

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel's cabin is unchanged from the regular car save for a tachometer that displays a redline at 5,000 rpm.

The seats are reasonably comfortable as I felt throughout the week that I was sitting on the seat as opposed to in it. The base of the centre console is wide and impedes somewhat on legroom. Otherwise, four adults will be at ease in the 2014 Chevy Cruze. Ergonomics are good, and fit and finish are the same. The MyLink system continues to be quite appreciated for its ease of use.

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel's cabin is unchanged from the regular car save for a tachometer that displays a redline at 5,000 rpm. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel finds itself squarely in the middle of Volkswagen's sacred ground on this side of the pond.

Until now, only the compact Jetta TDI and Golf TDI played the diesel card. The coming of the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is a ballsy move on behalf of GM. I reckon it will be difficult to convince diesel fans (i.e., VW enthusiasts) to shop in a Chevy store for their next car. However, currently, the Cruze is the better “diesel” in terms of power and efficiency.

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk unveiled plans for a futuristic "Hyperloop" transportation system to whisk passengers between San Francisco and Los Angeles in under half an hour.

Elon Musk has been teasing us with something called the

Race cars are dangerous and safety is a priority for drivers, teams and courses. Over the past century automobile safety has been slowly evolving (or rapidly evolving, if Ralph Nader has had anything to say about it).

Life on the road as a touring musician is hard. It's much harder when some jerk makes off with your van and all your gear. Today, we're asking all who read this to keep an eye out for the white Ford Econoline pictured above.

It's 1959, and Renault is plotting a new French Revolution. Its tenets are utilité, frugalité and qualité. Ideally it will result in economical and carefree motoring rather than another bloody Reign of Terror. The Renault

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation.

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation. That is, not just for puttering around town but for long trips.

Photo Gallery: Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard. - Automobile Magazine

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation.

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation. That is, not just for puttering around town but for long trips.

Photo Gallery: Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard. - Automobile Magazine

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation.

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation. That is, not just for puttering around town but for long trips.

Photo Gallery: Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard. - Automobile Magazine

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation.

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation. That is, not just for puttering around town but for long trips.

Photo Gallery: Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard. - Automobile Magazine

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation.

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation. That is, not just for puttering around town but for long trips.

Photo Gallery: Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard. - Automobile Magazine

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation.

While many old-car buffs limit use of their elder rides to car shows, weddings, and high holy days, I have long been an advocate of using venerable machinery for actual transportation. That is, not just for puttering around town but for long trips.

Photo Gallery: Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard. - Automobile Magazine

Noise, Vibration & Harshness: By The Time I Get To Oxnard | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

On the heels of the recently announced price cut for the 2014 Volt, General Motors chief executive Dan Akerson is suggesting that we may see a

2014 BMW i8 First Drive

BMW reinvents itself again.

Few automakers have proven as open to change as BMW. From the "NeueKlasse" sedans of the 1960s to large luxury cars in the 80s, and then sporty crossovers in the 2000s, the brand has repeatedly reinvented itself.

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW i8 First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW i8 First Drive - Automobile Magazine

2014 BMW i8 First Drive | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us