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Pictures 4 Sep, 2013

GAZ Group says it will deliver 330 PAZ-32053 chassis to Cuba by the end of 2013, with Havana planning to start their own production of buses on the base.

GAZ Group says it will deliver 330 PAZ-32053 chassis to Cuba by the end of 2013, with Havana planning to start their own production of buses on the base.

GAZ Group says it will deliver 330 PAZ-32053 chassis to Cuba by the end of 2013, with Havana planning to start their own production of buses on the base.

News 4 Sep, 2013

Vauxhall Adam supermini fails to score full five stars in latest round of crash testing

News 4 Sep, 2013

Vauxhall Adam supermini fails to score full five stars in latest round of crash testing

UK car sales have risen for seventeen consecutive months and local automaker bosses believe the volume gains will continue as competitive finance deals and low interest rates drive sales.

The idea that General Motors would be interested in buying more PSA shares, as rumored earlier this summer, defies common sense. Even more ridiculous is the rumor of the Peugeot family selling off to the Chinese.

Renault's Dacia brand has given its best-selling model, the Duster SUV, a face-lift to make the model more rugged looking to increase its appeal.

Ford of Europe will launch a badge called Vignale for upscale cars at the Frankfurt auto show with a concept based on the new Mondeo.

The executives chosen as 2013 Automotive News Europe Eurostars achieved success by exceeding expectations. Gestamp Chairman Francisco Riberas is this year's Eurostar winner for Supplier CEO.

The idea that GM would be interested in buying more Peugeot shares, as rumored earlier this summer, defies common sense. Even more ridiculous is the rumor that the Peugeot family will sell off to the Chinese.

Ford of Europe will launch a badge called Vignale for upscale cars at the Frankfurt auto show with a concept based on the new Mondeo.

From GMM

Mario Andretti, F1's world champion of 1978, has backed Red Bull's decision to sign Daniel Ricciardo.

Some, including the German newspapers Welt and Bild, have criticised the signing of young "nobody" Australian Ricciardo over a champion candidate like Kimi Raikkonen.

But Andretti insisted: "I can understand the decision absolutely. They have this training team, Toro Rosso, that has already created Sebastian Vettel.

"So why would they have a training team if not for situations like this?" said the 73-year-old, referring to Mark Webber's departure for Le Mans.

"This is a great signal to all young racing drivers that there is a way without having a big name," Andretti told Welt.

Daniel Ricciardo. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

And, anyway, some take serious issue with the description of 24-year-old Ricciardo as a "nobody".

"He is one of the most talented drivers," said Colin Kolles, who was Ricciardo's first F1 team boss at HRT.

"His driving style is similar to the young Fernando Alonso and Ayrton Senna," he added.

However, even if Ricciardo does live up to that promise, it is unlikely he will be fully up to speed by the very first race of 2014 in Australia.

Dr Helmut Marko has said the Australian will be given a grace period of "three to five races", by which time he will be expected to get "at least enough points for the constructors' championship".

Indeed, while Marko has revealed Ricciardo's contract is for "at least three years", Italy's Autosprint said the deal would include an initial assessment at the mid-point of next season.

One thing Ricciardo can bank on, however, is a pay rise.

Andrew Heathcote, rich list editor at the Australian business magazine BRW, said the driver's current $600,000 salary will rise to "about $2 million" now that he is at Red Bull.

That is an awful lot cheaper than Raikkonen, but another factor may also have played against the laconic Finn.

"A very important consideration is the new set of rules next year," Marko told Austria's Servus TV.

"This requires a lot of work with the technology and in the simulator, for both drivers. This made a difference for Daniel," he said, perhaps hinting that blase Raikkonen's work ethic would not have been as good.

Finally, Red Bull designer Adrian Newey played down the saga about Ricciardo's wide hips, insisting the 24-year-old will fit in the 2014 car.

"Actually it's slightly easier now," said the Briton, "as he is not as tall as Mark."

From GMM

Michelin may have been preparing for its possible return to formula one next year for some time.

Rumours the French marque is in the running to either compete against the sport's sole supplier Pirelli next year, or replace the Italian brand altogether, gained in strength recently at Spa-Francorchamps.

But according to the publication Racecar Engineering, Michelin's preparations date back at least to June.

"At the Le Mans test day, Audi ran a fourth car on narrow (Michelin) tires", reported journalist Andrew Cotton.

"Michelin therefore already has live track data for a hybrid car and should be able to build tires to the demands of formula one, even allowing for the extra downforce and cornering speeds of a formula one car over an LMP," he added.

Audi R18 Hybrid e-tron quattro. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

From GMM

At least for now, team owner Gerard Lopez insists he is committed to formula one.

In the past weeks, he has consistently played down the importance of the confirmed news that Lotus, the Enstone based team formerly known as Renault and Benetton, has debts of EUR 120 million.

He told Russia's f1news.ru that the actual number is not significant to Genii, the investment firm he leads.

So, asked if he is sticking with F1 and with the name Lotus, Gerard Lopez answered: "I think so. I have already said that we will stay in formula one as long as we are interested. That was the case two years ago, also last year, and nothing has changed. However, not everything depends on us. I cannot say what formula one will be like in three to five years.

"Our interest depends a lot on whether we are among the best teams in the championship. To win, to fight the best -- this is our main motivation to stay," he insisted.

Lotus E21. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Indeed, he said Lotus cannot be compared to Mercedes or Ferrari, given that Genii "do not sell cars".

F1, for an investment firm, "is a platform, not an advertising space", said Lopez.

"Generally, having a formula one team in itself is definitely not a project that can bring profits. For us it is enough that the team is just not unprofitable," he added.

For that reason, Gerard Lopez said, Lotus is not for sale.

"We do not hide that we are looking for partners, we talk about it openly, but we are not talking about a sale of the team. It's not the same thing," he insisted.

From GMM

A management reshuffle at Renault could impact the French carmaker's formula one programme, according to media reports.

Renault, whose racing arm Renault Sport supplies engines to multiple F1 teams including world champions Red Bull, has announced that chief operating officer Carlos Tavares is stepping down to pursue "personal projects".

"In order to reinforce Renault's industrial and commercial performances, an adaptation of the management's organisation will soon be decided and announced," Renault added.

A report in the Business Standard reports that motor racing enthusiast Tavares' exit coincides with "tough times" for Renault's road car operations "in the European market".

Another report at Racecar Engineering added: "It is almost certain that this change of leadership will have some impact on Renault's motor sport activity."

The Renault V8 engine sitting in the Red Bull RB9. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Sauber will have a fourth driver on hand this weekend at Monza.

Always present for the Swiss team at races are Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez, and also the 'third' or reserve driver Robin Frijns.

But Speed Week reports that, making his paddock debut in Sauber colours in Italy this weekend will be Sergey Sirotkin.

The teenage Russian, although currently without a F1 super license, has signed a contract to race for the Hinwil based team in 2014, as part of Sauber's Russian rescue deal.

Sirotkin, who turned 18 late in August, will have "only three things to do at Monza," according to Speed Week correspondent Mathias Brunner.

"Learn, learn and learn."

Team Sauber around Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: WRi2)

Some things in life are meant to be extravagant; weddings, first loves, Hollywood, Miley Cyrus performances at the MVAs... and Bentleys. The latest from the bespoke British Motor Works company, the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, is no exception and is as opulent and extravagant as you'd expect to come from Crewe, UK.

With a more modern mug, a cabin full of amenities you might not expect to find in a vehicle, and a drive that's as sublime as the price tag, the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur is nothing less than spectacular; which is just right for the marque.


What is the Bentley Continental Flying Spur?
Essentially, the Flying Spur is the longer wheelbase, four-door version of the Continental GT. The first Flying Spur to appear from Bentley was in 1957. All Flying Spurs have been made, and are still made, in Crewe, UK.

The Flying Spur is rather like a hotel on wheels, with amenities you may think to only find in a suite (mini fridge, footrests, personal entertainment systems, privacy curtains). There are two different versions of the Flying Spur available: W12 and W12 Mulliner. The latter is a “special edition” in line with the company's history of Mulliner as their coachbuilder in the 1950s.

2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Mulliner Price and Specs
Starting north of $200,000, this isn't your average vehicular purchase. This is as bespoke a vehicle as any, and since each one is handcrafted in jolly ol' England, you can bet your bottom dollar you'll get precisely what you ask for when you place an order with Bentley.

Beneath the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur's gloriously proud hood is a 6.0L W12 engine, this that will have you hitting 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds thanks to its 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The New Flying Spur also comes with all-wheel drive (in a 40:60 front to rear split) so you can rest assured this beauty can handle it all. The seamless 8-speed automatic transmission always keeps things silky smooth.

Beneath the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur's gloriously proud hood is a 6.0L W12 engine, this that will have you hitting 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds thanks to its 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Mulliner
Oh, to drive a car like this on a daily basis. I always breathe a sigh of contentment whenever I get the chance to drive a Bentley. From the feel of the steering wheel in my hand (heavy, stitched leather) to the weight of the throttle beneath my eager foot (take-offs are always gentle in a Bentley, even with all that torque), I adore every moment.

Sure, the 2014 Flying Spur is a large vehicle (5,451 lbs with a 208.5” length), but it feels gloriously light thanks to the twin-turbo W12. Rarely do I feel power delivered so smoothly, so exactly. Press your foot to the floor and the car goes like butter on hot corn. There's no lag, no hesitation; the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur simply tips its hat, says “Right away ma'am” and does as it's told.

While I'm not a big fan of the paddle shifter location (rather high up on the steering wheel and awkwardly large) I rarely felt the need to use them since the 8-speed is so well-sorted. And while there was also an “S” option on the gear lever, I chose to keep the vehicle in drive, as well. Power and dynamics are aplenty as-is.

Cornering in the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is, as you'd imagine, not the same as doing it in a MINI Cooper S. This is a long, heavy car, however, don't be fooled it can still handle the twists.

While I'm not a big fan of the paddle shifter location, I rarely felt the need to use them since the 8-speed is so well-sorted. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Mulliner
I know there are those of you out there who don't see the point in a Bentley or the attraction. To you I say, “Look again!” This New Flying Spur is a gorgeous iteration of an already quite attractive vehicle. Some may say it looks more modern, but I think it looks perfectly traditional in the way Bentleys are meant to be. From the quad LED headlights up front to the long, sweeping rear, the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is sophistication incarnate.

Sitting atop 21” five-spoke wheels (specific to the W12 Mulliner trim), the New Flying Spur can look intimidating, and it should. That intimidation (and opulence) continues inside with diamond-quilted, handcrafted leather seats and drilled alloy sports pedals. I could go on for pages about everything this vehicle comes with, but let's just say that no one is left high and dry. From the driver to the passengers, you'll be living in the lap of luxury no matter which seat you choose.

The 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur also boasts technological gadgetry alongside traditional design with amenities like an optional Wi-Fi hub integrated into the entertainment system, rear LCD screens, Naim for Bentley Premium Audio System, as well as auxiliary ports to connect tablets, music devices and the like.

From the quad LED headlights up front to the long, sweeping rear, the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is sophistication incarnate. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Mulliner
Compare the Bentley? Why would you?

Thank you to Bentley Montreal (www.decarie.com) for making this test drive possible.

From GMM

Mario Andretti, F1's world champion of 1978, has backed Red Bull's decision to sign Daniel Ricciardo.

Some, including the German newspapers Welt and Bild, have criticised the signing of young "nobody" Australian Ricciardo over a champion candidate like Kimi Raikkonen.

But Andretti insisted: "I can understand the decision absolutely. They have this training team, Toro Rosso, that has already created Sebastian Vettel.

"So why would they have a training team if not for situations like this?" said the 73-year-old, referring to Mark Webber's departure for Le Mans.

"This is a great signal to all young racing drivers that there is a way without having a big name," Andretti told Welt.

Daniel Ricciardo. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

And, anyway, some take serious issue with the description of 24-year-old Ricciardo as a "nobody".

"He is one of the most talented drivers," said Colin Kolles, who was Ricciardo's first F1 team boss at HRT.

"His driving style is similar to the young Fernando Alonso and Ayrton Senna," he added.

However, even if Ricciardo does live up to that promise, it is unlikely he will be fully up to speed by the very first race of 2014 in Australia.

Dr Helmut Marko has said the Australian will be given a grace period of "three to five races", by which time he will be expected to get "at least enough points for the constructors' championship".

Indeed, while Marko has revealed Ricciardo's contract is for "at least three years", Italy's Autosprint said the deal would include an initial assessment at the mid-point of next season.

One thing Ricciardo can bank on, however, is a pay rise.

Andrew Heathcote, rich list editor at the Australian business magazine BRW, said the driver's current $600,000 salary will rise to "about $2 million" now that he is at Red Bull.

That is an awful lot cheaper than Raikkonen, but another factor may also have played against the laconic Finn.

"A very important consideration is the new set of rules next year," Marko told Austria's Servus TV.

"This requires a lot of work with the technology and in the simulator, for both drivers. This made a difference for Daniel," he said, perhaps hinting that blase Raikkonen's work ethic would not have been as good.

Finally, Red Bull designer Adrian Newey played down the saga about Ricciardo's wide hips, insisting the 24-year-old will fit in the 2014 car.

"Actually it's slightly easier now," said the Briton, "as he is not as tall as Mark."