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Ford expects to sell its Edge mid-sized crossover in global markets -- including China -- when the car is redesigned in early 2015, two sources familiar with the automaker's plans said.

Maserati is confident that its new entry-level Ghibli can compete with rivals in the highly competitive executive sedan market and play a key role in boosting the automaker's global deliveries.

Johnson Controls will receive state aid from the Slovak government in exchange for creating jobs through a venture to manufacture headrests in the country.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey received the top rating on a stringent new crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, giving the updated minivan critical bragging rights with safety-oriented shoppers.

Ford has made changes to its Mondeo mid-sized sedan in an effort to woo consumers in China and double its market share there to 6 percent by 2015.

Carlos Tavares and Renault had no choice but to part ways. Tavares is 55 and wants to be the CEO at a global automaker sooner rather than later.

About 72,000 car dealership and gas station employees in South Africa plan to join striking auto workers next week after a breakdown in wage discussions between employers and the country's labor unions.

The next Toyota Prius will get "significantly better fuel economy in a more compact package that is lighter weight and lower cost," the Prius program's chief engineer said.

Ron Fellows, one of Canada's most storied race car drivers, is trading his helmet for a promoter's hat this weekend when NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series makes its' debut at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Sunday.

And, according to the Ontario native it might be a more difficult task.

“It was a lot easier just being a driver,” Fellows said with a laugh.” No, it's been a great opportunity.  The Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is probably the most important international raceway.  It's a track I grew up not only learning how to race on, but a big part of my life was spent there as a kid watching races, and to be part of the ownership with Carlo Fidani has been a privilege, and it's been a great learning experience, as well. We've made a lot of progress in a short amount of time, and yeah, hopefully the weather stays great.  On the promotion side of it now, I find myself looking at the weather way more, especially this week.”

Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR

Still once a racer, always a racer and Fellows is not on the entry list.

“Yeah, I thought about entering -- there were a few opportunities to race, but I just didn't feel like it's the right thing to do.  I've got more races behind me than in front of me, and it seemed like that inside the weekend I'd probably be thinking more about things relative to the promoter side of it rather than the racer side of it, so that was a relatively easy decision to make.”

Looking ahead to Sunday's inaugural NASCAR race at the track, outside of Toronto, which used to alternate as the home of the Canadian Grand Prix Fellows explained what to expect.

“Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, like most Grand Prix courses, long, fast corners, more elevation than Watkins Glen, probably just a little bit faster at cornering, but very, very similar.  Two tracks that were built in a similar era, and that's probably the closest comparison for sure would be Watkins Glen.

I think that it'll make for a great race.  There are opportunities to pass because with these long, sweeping corners, you can capitalize on small mistakes, and that's what you want to have.  I think the long Andretti straight up the hill into Turn 8 will be a great place to watch in terms of passing opportunities.  Turn 3 -- I can't think of a bad one.”

Much work has gone on in the venerable facility once known as Mosport, but, Fellows says there's more to do.

“We've made a lot of improvements, but I think we'll all rest a lot easier when we get to Sunday night and hopefully it's a great weekend, we get great attendance, and I think that's when we'll relax.  Yes, we've come a long way when you look at the facility, but we want to continue to grow and move forward.”

From press release

Construction of the first Nissan ZEOD RC chassis is nearing completion, and the car is set to hit the track for the first time in the UK in early September.

After the recent completion of the car's carbon fiber tub, a team of Nissan engineers has worked around the clock in the UK to finish the inaugural car build and fit the twin electric engines that will initially power the car.

Spaniard Lucas Ordóñez was announced last week as the official test and development driver for the program. The 28-year-old Spaniard was the inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT Academy winner and this year recently scored a third place class finish at the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour.

Ordóñez will climb aboard the Nissan ZEOD RC for the first time next week when his custom-molded seat will be manufactured. When the car hits the track for the first time, the ZEOD RC will run in pure electric mode with zero emissions.

Photo: Nissan Motorsport

"We're at a very exciting time in the development of the car and ready to kick off what will be an extensive test program between now and when we roll out the pit lane for the first time at Le Mans next year," said Nissan's Global Motorsport Director, Darren Cox.

Nissan's invitation from the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to compete in the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours was announced by Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn in Japan in February this year. The car will compete under the ACO's 'Garage 56' entry - an additional spot on the grid for vehicles that showcase new and innovative technology.

Nissan has partnered with French tire manufacturer Michelin to produce tires for the new prototype. Nissan previously joined forces with Michelin on the Nissan DeltaWing program.

Kia has just released both pictures and the name of the of their new concept vehicle, which plans to launch September 10th at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Niro, an urban SUV "has a number of intriguing features that we don't usually associate with smaller vehicles" along with atypical use of materials such as a stainless-steel roof.

Technical info has not been released at this point.

Photo: Kia

From GMM

Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda has tipped Sebastian Vettel to wrap up his fourth consecutive drivers' world championship with two races still to run this season.

Although some think Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is perhaps Red Bull leader Vettel's main challenger with eight races to go in 2013, triple world champion Lauda thinks the title race is effectively now decided.

"I would go so far as to say Vettel will be the world champion in Abu Dhabi, which is the third to last race," the great Austrian told Bild newspaper.

"His points lead was already big when he dominated at Spa, even though the Red Bull is not really suited to this track. Ok, maybe for Monza he is not the favourite, but on every other circuit he has the best car. It is more than enough for him," added Lauda.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB9, at Spa-Francorchamps. (Photo: WRi2)

The comments indicate Mercedes, already strongly focused on the huge rules challenge of 2014, has now given up on pushing for this year's title.

"We will not give up," Lauda insisted to Osterreich newspaper.

"But I am also realistic. Vettel dominated at Spa, and I think he could have been three, four tenths per lap even faster. We have improved so much, but Red Bull is still better," he admitted.

From FIA

This weekend the FIA European Rallycross Championship heads to Loheac, a small French village with a long rallycross tradition.

While the seventh round of the 2013 Rallycross Championship season will take place at a different site within Loheac, it marks a spiritual return to the sport's French birthplace. It is a return that is long overdue - despite continuing to host rounds of the French national championship, Loheac has not played host to a round of the European championship since 2001.

Of additional interest will be the presence of rally superstar Sebastien Loeb, one of the wildcard entrants at Loheac this weekend.

Loeb will be taking part behind the wheel of a 600-bhp Citroën DS3 run by Hervé “Knapick” Lemonnier.

Another famous face lining up to take part in the Loheac round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship is Kris Meeke, driving a Peugeot 208 for Albatec Racing Ltd. It will be the Briton's first time behind the wheel of a rallycross SuperCar

Defending champion Timur Timerzyanov arrives in Loheac as leader of the European Rallycross Championship; with 120 points accrued so far, the Russian racer has a four-point lead over second-placed Timmy Hansen of Sweden. Third in the standings is Frenchman Davy Jeanney, on 99 points.

Further down the order, Tanner Foust lies in eighth place on 50 points, while Petter Solberg is in tenth with 43 points.

Happy is part of the package
Each time I bring a car home, I try to imagine myself living with said vehicle. I use it for everyday tasks: take my son to day care, pick up groceries, go out with friends, and drive to work. I load it up with the usual; water bottle, baby wipes, notepad and pen (because I'm a writer), and really “live” with it. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it really doesn't.

Sometimes, it's pure perfection.

Such was the case with the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. Baby seat securely fastened in the back, roof down, and sun shining I was ready to motor. Not once did the smile leave my face the entire week I was behind the wheel.


What is a MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
Besides a grin-producer, the MINI JCW is a pocket-rocket built for speedy, go-kart road experiences. Based on the Cooper platform, the John Cooper Works is a tricked out MINI that boosts horsepower by 27 ponies over the Cooper S, decks out the body in skirts and JCW decals.

Who is John Cooper? Only the Founding Father of racing Minis. Their success continued over decades, and in 2000, Michael Cooper (son of John Cooper) founded the performance division of MINI, John Cooper Works, to boost power in the new generation MINIs.

While MINI has tried their hand at decking out other MINI models in John Cooper Works regalia, there really is no comparison for the hatch (as Matt recently experienced with the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works).

Besides a grin-producer, the MINI JCW is a pocket-rocket built for speedy, go-kart road experiences. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible Price and Specs
MINI managed to squeeze as much power and handling prowess out of this little hatch as possible, with a jacked up 1.6L turbocharged engine that pumps out 208 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque (with overboost the number rises to 207 lb-ft). With a top speed of 236 km/hr and a 0-100 km/hr time of 6.9 seconds: this little number is ready to go...

Although an automatic is available, I implore you to go with the 6-speed manual transmission.

All that pleasure can be had starting at $42,900. There's a bit of a premium for less car as the non-convertible MINI John Cooper Works starts at $36,900. My as-tested MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Convertible (with an $1,850 Wired Package for navi and voice recognition, etc.) plus a few cosmetic extras came in at just under $50k.

A lot for not-a-lot-of car? Some would say so. I don't.

Although an automatic is available, I implore you to go with the 6-speed manual transmission. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
Uplifting. Rejuvenating. Serendipitous. Fortuitous. Fun. I could fill this section with adjective upon adjective to describe what it's like to drive the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, but I think you get the idea.

Truthfully, this little car doesn't have a crazy amount of power. 208 horses is rather “small” in terms of horsepower numbers these days, but it's how that power is harnessed and sent to the front wheels then handled by the four corners that make it so phenomenal to drive.

I feel at one with the MINI, like we were meant to be together forever and always. Feels a bit like home.

Steering is precise and spot on, the car is going where I want it to almost before I turn the wheel. Throttle response is also quite sensitive. Very little input is needed to make the MINI John Cooper Works rocket forward, and gear selection is smooth, rev-matching a joy, burbles and growls from the centre-mounted dual exhaust intoxicating, and cornering a dream.

My only complaint? The shifter is quite large and distance between gears is rather long. I'd shorten that up if I owned one.

The missing roof does nothing to take away from the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible's rigidity and cornering abilities.

Truthfully, this little car doesn't have a crazy amount of power but it's how that power is harnessed and sent to the front wheels then handled by the four corners that make it so phenomenal to drive.(Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
While the external differences on the JCW aren't immediately recognizable, it is eye-catching nonetheless. A more aggressive front fascia with black headlights and 17” black alloy wheels added a certain “mean” spirit to my tester.

Inside, standard MINI looks are found: round gauges, centre-mounted speedo. I also appreciated the Championship Read Leather Lounge ($1,900), though I'm not sure I'd dish out the extra dollars for them.

My son's Britax baby seat was a bit of a tight squeeze, but it did fit with the roof up or down. While the trunk is quite small, I was able to squeeze a small umbrella stroller in there along with a few grocery bags.

Inside, standard MINI looks are found: round gauges, centre-mounted speedo. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
MINI has competition within its own walls in the BMW 1 Series convertible, and with another German brand in the VW Eos (though that comparison is a bit of a stretch). The most logical comparison is the Fiat 500 Abarth cabrio, which is also a quirky, different, fun-to-drive drop-top.

From FIA

This weekend the FIA European Rallycross Championship heads to Loheac, a small French village with a long rallycross tradition.

While the seventh round of the 2013 Rallycross Championship season will take place at a different site within Loheac, it marks a spiritual return to the sport's French birthplace. It is a return that is long overdue - despite continuing to host rounds of the French national championship, Loheac has not played host to a round of the European championship since 2001.

Of additional interest will be the presence of rally superstar Sebastien Loeb, one of the wildcard entrants at Loheac this weekend.

Loeb will be taking part behind the wheel of a 600-bhp Citroën DS3 run by Hervé “Knapick” Lemonnier.

Another famous face lining up to take part in the Loheac round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship is Kris Meeke, driving a Peugeot 208 for Albatec Racing Ltd. It will be the Briton's first time behind the wheel of a rallycross SuperCar

Defending champion Timur Timerzyanov arrives in Loheac as leader of the European Rallycross Championship; with 120 points accrued so far, the Russian racer has a four-point lead over second-placed Timmy Hansen of Sweden. Third in the standings is Frenchman Davy Jeanney, on 99 points.

Further down the order, Tanner Foust lies in eighth place on 50 points, while Petter Solberg is in tenth with 43 points.

Gottlieb Daimler deposited a patent for the world's first motorcycle on August 29th, 1885. Built from wood, it was powered by a 4-cycle 1-cylinder engine that produced 0.5 hp. This invention represents an historical turning-point, as engines had only been used up to that point on stationary machines.

The original motorcycle is located in Germany, at the NSU Museum in Neckarsulm.

Goodyear, which was founded by Frank Sieberling, has been around since August 29th, 1898. Started with just 13 employees, the company's activities focused maiinly on the manufacturing of bicycle and buggy tires, as well as rubber horseshoes.

As of 1901, Goodyear is a supplier of racing tires for Henry Ford, who's ground-breaking 1908 Model T will be shod with Goodyear tires. The company becomes the world's biggest tire manufacturer in 1926. Goodyear remains a successful company to this day, with worldwide tire sales that surpass the 20 billion dollar mark.

Evolution of the Goodyear logo

Photo: Goodyear

From GMM

Jean Todt is facing a challenger ahead of the next FIA presidential elections.

The first reports emerged in July, when David Ward - who worked closely with Frenchman Todt's predecessor Max Mosley - revealed he was "thinking about" running against Todt.

Until now, Ward has been the director-general of the FIA foundation.

But F1's official website on Thursday said Ward has resigned his post in order to contest this year's presidential election in December.

"After much careful thought I have decided to stand," Briton Ward, 56, confirmed in a statement.

F1.com said Todt has not yet confirmed his intention to run for a second term.

And "No other potential candidates have yet put their names forward," said Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary.

Gottlieb Daimler deposited a patent for the world's first motorcycle on August 29th, 1885. Built from wood, it was powered by a 4-cycle 1-cylinder engine that produced 0.5 hp. This invention represents an historical turning-point, as engines had only been used up to that point on stationary machines.

The original motorcycle is located in Germany, at the NSU Museum in Neckarsulm.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IZOD IndyCar Series have announced that Graham Rahal will be allowed with his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing DW12 car to turn laps on the infield road course on Wednesday, September 4.

This trial run has been authorised as to gather information about the current course layout as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway considers changes and upgrades to the track.

Speedway officials plan to invest nearly $100 million in the facility that could include modifications to the road course to allow IndyCar testing or racing in the future.

IndyCar Series President of Competition Derrick Walker said he expects to have Rahal test several configurations of the road course.

Auto123.com had already reported that the IMS, along with the IndyCar brass, are evaluating the feasibility of holding an IndyCar event on the IMS road course at the beginning of May to launch the Indianapolis 500 activities.

Although the idea could generate some interest in the racing world, some prominent drivers like Helio castroneves and Dario Franchitti have already stated their skepticism toward such an event.

The IMS road course has hosted several racing series including Formula One race from 2000-2007, the annual MotoGP event that debuted in 2008, and the Grand-Am Rolex Series that first competed at IMS in 2012.