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McLaren Young Driver and Formula Renault 3.5 championship contender, Stoffel Vandoorne spent the weekend of the Belgian Grand Prix as part of the McLaren team.

The Belgian, who won the F4 Eurocup 1.6 in 2010 and the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup in 2012 had a chance to be part of the McLaren family at Spa-Francorchamps.

Vandoorne was introduced to McLaren Matt Bishop by former F1 driver Alex Wurz two years ago. Then, Bishop had talks with team engineers Sam Michael and Phil Prew about this upcoming racer.

Stoffel Vandoorne. (Photo: McLaren)

“Early 2012, Matt invited me to the McLaren Technology Centre and introduced me in person to Sam and Phil - just a general chat. Then, at the end of 2012, when I won the Formula Renault 2.0 championship, Sam called me and asked me if I wanted to join the McLaren Young Driver Programme. I said yes, of course!” Vandoorne said in a McLaren feature.

“Over the six months I've been with McLaren I've made big progress in the fitness side, and I'm confident that I can improve even further from now on too. Also, on the technical side, it's really good to be having discussions with the McLaren engineers - to really learn about race engineering - as well as to just chat about racing with them in general,” the Belgian added.

He also confirmed that his career is now managed by Richard Goddard, Jenson Button's manager.

“Like almost every single-seater racing driver, they want to be an F1 world champion,” Vandoorne continued.

“At the moment that's still quite far away for me, I know that, but I'm trying to work my way up there. I'm currently driving in World Series by Renault 3.5, which is a very good formula. And this season is going quite well for me so far. So, hopefully, one day I'll be able to take the step up to F1 and then be able to fight for an F1 world championship. But I'm certainly not under-estimating what a big task that will be,” he said.

Sam Michael and Stoffel Vandoorne. (Photo: McLaren)

In his first season in the Formula Renault 3.5 series, Vandoorne is competing against another member of the McLaren programme, Kevin Magnussen.

“Kevin and I have had some really good battles on track this season, and we're each other's main rivals at the moment, and I have a lot of respect for him. He's a very good driver. And, yes, probably it's going to be a McLaren Young Driver who's going to be the winner of the Formula Renault 3.5 championship this year, which is great for McLaren. Hopefully that'll be me, of course!”

“I'm only in my first year in the Formula Renault 3.5 championship, my goal is absolutely to win races and to try and win the championship first time out. At the moment I'm lying second in the championship table, but there's still a lot to play for,” Vandoorne concluded.

On September 4th, 1997, the final 10th generation Thunderbird was to roll off the assembly line at the Ford plant in Lorain, Ohio. The Thunderbird has enjoyed a rich history, from its 1955 model onwards.

Launched as a two-seater, it was rivalled only by the Chevy Corvette, released two years earlier. The Thunderbird's classic features included a 292 cu. in. V8 engine cranking out 202 hp. This Ford could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds, with a maximum speed of 180 km/h.

Ford had already pre-sold 4,000 models before its plant pumped out the first Thunderbirds on October 22, 1954. The basic model was sold for $2,750, but you could add on a canvas top for the tidy sum of $70.

The ‘T-Bird' was wildly popular for decades. However, the oil crisis was the downfall of this classic car and others like it, which came to be viewed by consumers as over indulgent and costly oil guzzlers.

Ford decided to end production on September 4th, 1997. However, from 2002 to 2005, Ford re-launched the T-Bird, though only 1,500 models were produced, for its 50th anniversary.

1995 Ford Thunderbird and 1955 Thunderbird (Photo: Ford)

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)

The Frankfurt Auto Show will be the scene, next September 10th, of the world-premiere launch of the Porsche 918 Spyder. The plug-in supercar, which develops 887 hp, and can reach 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds (for a top speed of 340 km/h) has astounding fuel economy ratings of 3.0 and 3.3 L/100 km.

Porsche will also be presenting the new-generation gasoline-powered, hybrid, and diesel Panamera. The Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition will also be among the featured vehicles.

Photo: Porsche

The British track PFI did not disappoint lovers of beautiful races. The insolent domination of the Dutch driver Max Verstappen in the first round of the KF World Championship did not give any hope to his opponents, and removed the suspense of the final, but the Dane Nicklas Nielsen, however, had a day that made him one of the protagonists of the competition.

Départ de la finale. (Photo: CIK/KSP)

The British circuit, situated near the town of Brandon in Lincolnshire, hosted the first of two rounds in the CIK-FIA World Championship, reserved for the KF category.

Max Verstappen won the final in front of Nicklas Nielsen and Ben Hanley. Canadian Lance Stroll, driving a Zanardi-TM-Vega finished 5th, 5.032 seconds behind the winner.

For 14-year-old Lance Stroll, the youngest driver in the Ferrari Driver Academy, it was a very positive experience.

The second round of the world championship is scheduled for November 23 in Bahrain.

The Frankfurt Auto Show will serve as the backdrop to the world premiere launch of the all-new Lexus LF-NX crossover.

The LF-NX is powered by a modified version of the Lexus hybrid system. Its bold, muscular styling and marks the next evolution of the manufacturer's design philosophy. The trademark hourglass front grille and independent headlights remain immediately recognizable.

The black wheel-well protectors and brushed-metal silver paint finish add to the overall ‘'robustness'' of the LF-NX. The interior is definitely driver-focused, thanks to the Lexus L-finesse ‘'Human Oriented'' design concept. The Lexus LF-NX is equipped with the latest touch-sensitive electrostatic switches.

Make sure to catch the latest updated information regarding the LF-NX on September 10th.

Photo: Lexus

The E-Mazing Race was launched on September 3rd, 2013. The event, a collaboration between Éco-Route Québec and Sun Country Highway, is designed to promote the vast network of Level 2 charging stations that, for the first time in history, was created to meet future demand without waiting on the automotive industry.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The charging station network, which spreads from coast to coast on either side of the border, will provide participants with the unique opportunity to travel from Seattle (Washington State) to Summerside (Prince Edward Island) via an electric vehicle.

The Quebec portion was launched today at the Café Morgane Jean-XXIII, in Trois-Rivières. The trek, which ends September 20th in Summerside, will feature numerous closing activities.

_{Source: e-mazingrace.com}

Toyota released new images of the Yaris Hybrid-R, which is slated for an upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show launch. Inspired by the 3-door Yaris, the all-wheel drive Hybrid-R is powered by a 1.6 liter GRE (Global Racing Engine) engine, developed by Toyota Motorsport, mated to two electric motors.

Photo: Toyota

From Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

Racers are always looking for an advantage; that certain edge that will lead them to victory lane. Heading into the Super Bowl of Stockcar Racing - the 21st Annual Autumn Colours Classic, presented by Lucas Oil Products - at Peterborough Speedway, drivers who battle Canada's toughest 1/3-Mile Oval will search for anything that will help them claim the year's biggest prize.

Now that the track's regular season of action has wrapped-up for 2013, drivers and race teams can focus their attention on finding the perfect set-up that will make them an Autumn Colours champion.

Even though the green flag is more than a month away, the home track stars hope they'll benefit from a season of turning laps around the tight bull ring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City. Among the choice runners, fans will be keeping a close eye on the No. 22 Limited Late Model Ride of Chris Mitchell.

In contention for this year's track championship until the season's final checkered flag, the pilot of the Dent Dynamics/Rockstar Energy Drink/Race Toyota/Earl Ireland Auto Sales - hegottrucks.ca /ISL Insurance/Kawartha Metals/Klotz Race Fuels Toyota Camry by Dan McHattie Racecars will spend some extra hours in the shop, doing homework that will hopefully lead to another trip to victory lane in Central Ontario's marquee motorsports spectacular.

"We won here back in 2011 and just missed capturing the track championship this year, so our team obviously knows how to get the job done," said the speedster who hails from Peterborough.

"Winning Autumn Colours isn't as much about the paycheque as it is the trophy. We have other hardware on the shelf in the race shop, but there will always be room for another title from this event. I know the competition will be tough, but I'm hoping racing luck will be on our side."

Some of the Peterborough Speedway regulars expected to give Mitchell a run for the Limited Late Model title at the prestigious short track event include Kelly Balson, Cory and Jack Horner and 2012 track champion Bryan Sudsbury. While the locals will do their best to defend the home track honours, a list of invaders including Andy Kamrath, Thayne Hallyburton, Stompin' Tom Walters and last year's Limited Late Model winner Dwayne Baker will do what they can to take away the big prize.

Teams will get a chance to practice their race day set-ups during an open test Saturday, September 14th. The run-through - beginning at 9 a.m. - will precede a 250 lap endurance race, taking the green flag at 7 p.m. Autumn Colours events get underway with the first round of qualifying Friday, October 11th and continue throughout the Thanksgiving Weekend.

Maserati plans to unveil a limited-edition concept of its Quattroporte at the Frankfurt Auto Show. On sale as of early 2014, the Ermenegildo Zegna is named in honor of the famous luxury line of men's clothing. The two companies collaborated closely on the project.

The Zegna influence is most evident in the passenger compartment, where leather abounds in classical warm hues like moka and beige. A special effect paint finish that simulates the fluidity and purity of metal, by using ultra-fine aluminium pigments, is used for the exterior.

Maserati has not revealed planned production figures for the Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna.

Photo: Maserati

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.

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

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)

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

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

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

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."

Democratic proposals to widen the scope of the Department of Energy's loan program for advanced cars could falter in the face of Republican opposition in Congress.

Audi is set to take next week's Frankfurt auto show by storm. It is unveiling the new 700-hp

Audi is set to take next week's Frankfurt auto show by storm. It is unveiling the new 700-hp