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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.

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.

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.

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).

According to Automotive News, GM is planning to equip the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon with a 4-cylinder diesel engine. These engines, the Duramax 2.5 and turbodiesel 2.8, will probably be offered approximately one year after the launch of the redesigned models, which is scheduled for autumn, 2014. Saving fuel is the main factor behind this decision, as diesel engines perform well in this field.

Jeff Luke, Executive Chief Engineer, full & mid-size trucks at GM, stated unofficially that diesel engines ‘'are an option we are considering''. He adds that similar engines were introduced in the GMC Colorado in Thailand as of 2011, and are now being offered in the entire Southeast Asian market as well as Australia.

Source: Automotive News

Photo: Chevrolet

From press release

Morand Racing has to change driver two races prior to the end of the season as Franck Mailleux did not manage to secure a relevant budget for the last two events in Hungary and France, meaning the team had to find a new teammate for Swiss driver Natacha Gachnang.

The French driver will be replaced by Austrian Christian Klien behind the wheel of the No. 42 Morgan powered by Judd.

The team of Benoit Morand and Joe Genoud have been able to test their new recruit on the British track of Snetterton during tests organized by Dunlop and together with the help of Olivier Pla, Onroak Automotive developing driver, and Natacha Gachnang.

Christian Klien and Natasha Gachnang. (Photo: Morand Racing)

The three drivers have been able to do 150 laps and to test new Dunlop tires during the two days long tests in both rainy and dry track conditions.

The 30-year-old driver will first race with Natacha Gachnang in Hungary on the Hungaroring track in early September. Christian Klien was a Formula 1 driver for Jaguar Racing and for Red Bull Racing between 2004 and 2006. Then the Austrian driver resumed his career in Formula 1 in 2010 with Hispania Racing.

As to endurance, the Hohemens (West of Austria) born pilot raced for Peugeot Sport at Le Mans 24 Hours in 2008 finishing 3rd overall, before finishing second at Petit le Mans. He also won Spa 1000 kms the following year with French drivers Simon Pagenaud and Nicolas Minassian.

A few weeks later he finished 6th overall in Le Mans with Pedro Lamy and Nicolas Minassian. Christian Klien raced in Spa, Le Mans and Silverstone as one of the Aston Martin factory drivers during the 2011 season and took part in the V8 Australian championship in 2012 for Walkinshaw Racing.

From GMM

Former F1 driver Mika Salo has admitted he doesn't believe a simple tear-off visor strip caused Kimi Raikkonen's brake failure at Spa.

Raikkonen's first retirement since his return to formula one might be seen as a knockout blow to his championship hopes, as he drops behind Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen in the chase to beat Sebastian Vettel to the title.

As the F1 paddock was disassembled at Spa late on Sunday, Lotus still had not definitively identified the cause of the brake failure.

But then it was announced that a plastic helmet visor tear-off strip had entered and blocked the brake air duct.

Retirement for Kimi Raikkonen at Spa-Francorchamps. (Photo: WRi2)

Lotus reacted with its usual humour, posting a survey on its website asking if the team should react by adding more 'iceman coolant' in future.

And on Twitter, the team jokingly pointed the finger at Vettel, posting a photo of the world champion with a visor strip and captioning 'We think we know where the infamous brake-breaking tear-off came from".

Finn Salo, however, is not convinced.

"I just cannot believe the reason the team gave for the failure," he told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3. "Even the braking duct becomes so hot that, if it had gone in there, it would have melted. Lotus also had a brake problem already on Friday, but now all of a sudden it is the (visor) film?"

The former Sauber and Toyota driver said he suspects Lotus simply got its numbers wrong with a latest technical development.

"If the air is being channelled in a different way, it also might not go to cooling the brakes in the same way," said Mika Salo.

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 GMM

Michael Schumacher thinks it is possible his record haul of seven world titles can be matched by fellow German Sebastian Vettel.

Earlier this week, the Spanish sports daily Marca quoted Vettel as saying comparisons between himself and his former mentor Schumacher are "ridiculous".

"I have three titles, which is nothing compared to seven," he said.

"Beating his record is not something that can happen in the next couple of years, so I don't even think about it. I have had some very good years but it could change suddenly," the Red Bull driver added.

44-year-old Schumacher, however, has a slightly different view.

The great German said Vettel, 26, is already on course for his fourth title -- a feat not achieved by Schumacher until 2001, at the age of 32.

"He has the best package, and championships are usually won by the best," Schumacher told Belgian television Vier.

"Records are there to be beaten," he smiled. "They motivated me when I was racing, and in the end I achieved it.

"Believe me, if Sebastian was able to surpass what I did, I would be happy for him. In a short time he has won three titles, so why couldn't he win seven?" added Schumacher.

Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher in Brazil, in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

German racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck, however, doubts Vettel will overtake Schumacher as the most successful driver of all time.

"The times and the circumstances are too different," he told Sport1, comparing the respective Schumacher and Vettel eras. "If one night Schumacher dreamed of having a new front wing, he could have it the next day and test it as well. This is not possible under the current regulations."

Stuck also said Vettel's success is highly dependent on the skills of another man -- Adrian Newey.

"If, for whatever reason, Newey was not there anymore, I think the team could be in a very different situation," he said.

Bobby Labonte, the 2000 Sprint Cup champion, will miss this weekend's race in Atlanta due to suffering three broken ribs in a bicycle accident on Wednesday morning.

He was taken to a hospital, near his home in Trinity, N.C., and held overnight for observation. Although he was released from the hospital on Thursday; Phoenix Racing, owner of the No. 51 Chevrolet has put veteran Mike Bliss in the car for the race.

The 49-year old driver had started the year with JTG-Daugherty Racing but had been replaced, on a variable schedule, with AJ Allmendinger.

Photo: Phoenix Racing

As we are only weeks before the first public screening of "Rush" movie, we propose this short, 3-minute video of the famous 1976 Japan Grand Prix, the title-decider between James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

The race was held at Fuji Speedway in torrential rain. Just two laps into the race, Austrian Niki Lauda decided to park his Ferrari 312 T2 in the pits and retired, judging the conditions too dangerous to keep racing.

Meanwhile, his arch rival James Hunt, driving a McLaren M23, led the race, was forced to pit for new tires and eventually crossed the line in third, scoring enough points to win the world title.

IndyCar series' officials introduced in Baltimore reference lines to aid in monitoring pit conduct, and avoid incidents like the one that happened last weekend, involving Scott Dixon.

IndyCar officials have added point-of-reference “courtesy zones” to the outside edges of each pit box to aid in monitoring pit stop conduct and etiquette in the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT. The courtesy zones are defined by painted 45-degree dotted lines.

New 'courtesy zones' in the pit boxes. (Photo: IndyCar)

IndyCar added rule 7.9.17 to the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook to reinforce its pit stop code of conduct:

Any participant who, in the opinion of the officials, positions a car, equipment, and/or personnel so as to create a hazard or disruption of the event or to interfere with the activities of another competitor may be penalized.

The lines will remain part of pit boxes defined by paint for the three races left in the IZOD IndyCar Series season. IndyCar officials paint defined pit boxes at 10 of the 16 venues it visits, with the option at Iowa Speedway and Pocono Raceway. The boxes are 38 feet long at Baltimore and vary at other venues.

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

Toyota Motor Corporation Managing Officer Satoshi Ogiso recently announced that the next-generation Prius will benefit from major design and technical modifications. Furthermore, Toyota plans to bring a total of 15 hybrid vehicles, whether new or totally re-designed, to market in the near future.

Photo: Toyota

The next-generation Prius will undergo a series of changes that includes:

• New hybrid groups, lighter and more affordable, improved fuel efficiency;
• Upgraded battery technology with denser storage capacity, increased use of magnesium and other chemical components in order to replace lithium;
• Smaller engines;
• Introduction of Toyota's new global architecture (TNGA) which offers a lower center of gravity;
• Improved aerodynamic efficiency;
• Larger passenger compartments with enhanced design and ergonomy for improved ease of use.

Furthermore, Toyota is planning the November Tokyo launch of its hydrogen fuel-cell powered intermediate sedan concept, which is an important element in Toyota's future plans. The North-American launch of this sedan is planned for the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, which is held in January.

Photo: Toyota

From GMM

Former F1 driver Mika Salo has admitted he doesn't believe a simple tear-off visor strip caused Kimi Raikkonen's brake failure at Spa.

Raikkonen's first retirement since his return to formula one might be seen as a knockout blow to his championship hopes, as he drops behind Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen in the chase to beat Sebastian Vettel to the title.

As the F1 paddock was disassembled at Spa late on Sunday, Lotus still had not definitively identified the cause of the brake failure.

But then it was announced that a plastic helmet visor tear-off strip had entered and blocked the brake air duct.

Retirement for Kimi Raikkonen at Spa-Francorchamps. (Photo: WRi2)

Lotus reacted with its usual humour, posting a survey on its website asking if the team should react by adding more 'iceman coolant' in future.

And on Twitter, the team jokingly pointed the finger at Vettel, posting a photo of the world champion with a visor strip and captioning 'We think we know where the infamous brake-breaking tear-off came from".

Finn Salo, however, is not convinced.

"I just cannot believe the reason the team gave for the failure," he told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3. "Even the braking duct becomes so hot that, if it had gone in there, it would have melted. Lotus also had a brake problem already on Friday, but now all of a sudden it is the (visor) film?"

The former Sauber and Toyota driver said he suspects Lotus simply got its numbers wrong with a latest technical development.

"If the air is being channelled in a different way, it also might not go to cooling the brakes in the same way," said Mika Salo.

From press release

Morand Racing has to change driver two races prior to the end of the season as Franck Mailleux did not manage to secure a relevant budget for the last two events in Hungary and France, meaning the team had to find a new teammate for Swiss driver Natacha Gachnang.

The French driver will be replaced by Austrian Christian Klien behind the wheel of the No. 42 Morgan powered by Judd.

The team of Benoit Morand and Joe Genoud have been able to test their new recruit on the British track of Snetterton during tests organized by Dunlop and together with the help of Olivier Pla, Onroak Automotive developing driver, and Natacha Gachnang.

Christian Klien and Natasha Gachnang. (Photo: Morand Racing)

The three drivers have been able to do 150 laps and to test new Dunlop tires during the two days long tests in both rainy and dry track conditions.

The 30-year-old driver will first race with Natacha Gachnang in Hungary on the Hungaroring track in early September. Christian Klien was a Formula 1 driver for Jaguar Racing and for Red Bull Racing between 2004 and 2006. Then the Austrian driver resumed his career in Formula 1 in 2010 with Hispania Racing.

As to endurance, the Hohemens (West of Austria) born pilot raced for Peugeot Sport at Le Mans 24 Hours in 2008 finishing 3rd overall, before finishing second at Petit le Mans. He also won Spa 1000 kms the following year with French drivers Simon Pagenaud and Nicolas Minassian.

A few weeks later he finished 6th overall in Le Mans with Pedro Lamy and Nicolas Minassian. Christian Klien raced in Spa, Le Mans and Silverstone as one of the Aston Martin factory drivers during the 2011 season and took part in the V8 Australian championship in 2012 for Walkinshaw Racing.

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).

According to Automotive News, GM is planning to equip the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon with a 4-cylinder diesel engine. These engines, the Duramax 2.5 and turbodiesel 2.8, will probably be offered approximately one year after the launch of the redesigned models, which is scheduled for autumn, 2014. Saving fuel is the main factor behind this decision, as diesel engines perform well in this field.

Jeff Luke, Executive Chief Engineer, full & mid-size trucks at GM, stated unofficially that diesel engines ‘'are an option we are considering''. He adds that similar engines were introduced in the GMC Colorado in Thailand as of 2011, and are now being offered in the entire Southeast Asian market as well as Australia.

Source: Automotive News

Photo: Chevrolet