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Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne's decision to push ahead with a Chrysler IPO that he does not want has raised the stakes in a buyout dispute with the U.S. automaker's minority shareholder -- as well as for his own legacy.

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne's decision to push ahead with a Chrysler IPO that he does not want has raised the stakes in a buyout dispute with the U.S. automaker's minority shareholder -- as well as for his own legacy.

My daily commute puts me on some heavily trafficked roads. I'm often in bumper-to-bumper line-ups and I've accepted my fate. After all, driving is what I do for a living; I can hardly complain about it. What I can complain about, however, is people's etiquette on the road around me -- or rather, a complete lack thereof.

When it comes to tailgating and riding bumpers, I'd say my city's drivers are some of the worst offenders. I admit to playing the game myself when I let my road rage get the better of me, but I'm quick to back off because, really, the end result isn't worth it.

I've actually seen someone rear-end the car in front because they were tailgating and the person in front got so annoyed they hit the brakes -- hard. Mr. Tailgater wasn't quick enough on his own brakes and “Smash!” Traffic just got a lot worse.

Why bring this up? No, I wasn't in a nasty accident myself, but I got to thinking about laser-guided cruise control systems and how they keep you perfectly placed (with ample distance) behind the car in front. They prevent you from rear-ending other vehicles, as if the latter erected USS Enterprise-like deflector shields (yup, I went there #geekalert).

As we approach an age of autonomous driving, I wonder if some of that technology will begin to trickle down into everyday vehicles (that we actually need to drive). Anti-fender-bender systems that make it 100% impossible to hit the car in front via sensors on both cars, keeping you at a safe distance no matter how hard you try to get closer, are an absolute possibility.

Of course, technologies like Subaru's EYESIGHT, Volvo's CitySafety, and Mazda's CitySafe prove we aren't very far off, but they still require some human intervention. Warnings will ignite, brakes will be lightly applied, and lights will go off, but drivers still have to stop the car and ensure they keep a safe enough distance to begin with.

I'm talking full control over maintaining distance between vehicles because it's overtly clear that we, as humans, just can't do it on our own and the results are messy accidents the globe over. I, for one, am a tailgate instigator. If I can't see your headlights when you're behind me, you can be sure I'll slow down, do full, overly long stops, and perhaps even tap my brakes every now and then to keep you on your toes.

Tailgating is just one of the main symptoms of road rage (a subject for another blog). As we integrate more and more tech bits into vehicles to help us Tweet, talk on the phone, check weather, listen to internet radio stations, and the like, I think automakers should also address the issue of pent-up anger among drivers. Their cars could potentially help calm furious daily commuters by making something as “simple” as a fender-bender entirely impossible.

Just food for thought. Oh, and keep your distance, k?

Quebec City, Quebec - What's this new little car that comes in a variety of odd colours, you say? Well, I forgive you for asking. During its North American debut at the Montreal Auto Show earlier this year, the company simply referred to it as “the new 2014 Mitsubishi small car” or “Canada's newest subcompact.” The name “Mirage” was only confirmed in April at the Edmonton Auto Show.

You're probably aware that Mitsubishi once sold a Mirage in the U.S. (rebadged as a Dodge Colt in Canada). So why bring it back now? Simple: The reputation is there, and Mitsubishi doesn't have to pay a huge sum to trademark a brand new name.


What is the Mitsubishi Mirage?
The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage is a five-door subcompact car from Japan that is actually built in Laem Chebang, Thailand, and already sold in many countries around the world under the “Mirage” name. In Europe, however, they call it “Space Star.”

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage essentially targets first-time buyers, and promises easy, fuel-efficient driving.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage is a five-door subcompact car from Japan that is actually built in Laem Chebang, Thailand, and already sold in many countries around the world under the “Mirage” name. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Prices and Specs
Three trim levels are available with the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage. The base ES, which starts at just $12,498, comes standard with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, USB/iPod connectivity, an engine immobilizer, and a manual transmission. You can select a CVT for an extra $1,200.

The mid-level SE adds air conditioning, fog lights, alloy wheels, and heated front seats. Expect to pay $15,398 for a manual version, and $16,598 with the CVT.

Finally, the SE Convenience is priced from $15,898 (manual), and includes more upscale amenities such as cruise control, Bluetooth, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage gets going via a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that produces a mere 74 horsepower and as many torques. While these numbers may seem laughable on paper, you must know that the Mirage's power-to-weight ratio is slightly better than the Chevrolet Spark's. Obviously, accelerating to highway speeds takes time, but don't worry, you'll get there.

Official fuel consumption ratings are as low as 5.3L/100km in the city and 4.4L/100km on the highway -- on par with modern hybrids and diesel-powered compact cars.

Mitsubishi's commitment to safety resulted in the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage offering seven airbags, stability control, ABS, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as standard equipment across the line. Moreover, the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body simultaneously drops the car's weight and increases crash protection.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage gets going via a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that produces a mere 74 horsepower and as many torques. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

Driving the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
On a beautiful late-summer day, we sampled the new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage around Quebec City and nearby Orleans Island. Both manual- and CVT-equipped models were at our disposal.

Subcompact cars usually provide little excitement behind the wheel, and this one is no exception. The new CVT 7, which uses a technology equivalent to 14 gears, is totally focused on saving fuel. The ultra-low revs certainly demand some getting used to: When decelerating, they drop so low that you begin to wonder if the engine will turn off all together.

With the 5-speed manual gearbox, the little mill revs at a much higher pace, which is why it doesn't achieve the same outstanding fuel-economy numbers. The clutch suffers from a very long pedal stroke, and its action could be smoother.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage feels harsh at full throttle. On the flip side, the interior is pretty quiet when cruising at moderate speeds, especially with the CVT.

The electric power steering offers variable assist, while the front disc brakes and rear drum brakes do a nice job, overall. Similar to other city cars, the suspension fails to deliver a sophisticated ride.

Finally, given my 5'1” stature, I liked the high driving position in the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage, but for headroom's sake, I was glad not to be 6'0” or taller. The steering wheel tilts but does not telescope.

Subcompact cars usually provide little excitement behind the wheel, and this one is no exception. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
In keeping with Mitsubishi's goal of offering customers an easy ownership experience, the audio system in the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage is quite basic and straightforward. Technophiles will much prefer the touchscreen interfaces in the Chevrolet Spark and Nissan Versa.

Elsewhere, I was impressed with cargo room. The trunk can swallow more items than the car's design will lead you to believe. With the rear seats folded, total capacity amounts to 487 litres.

The seats provide decent comfort, although the upright rear seats may generate a few complaints after a while.

The trunk can swallow more items than the car's design will lead you to believe. With the rear seats folded, total capacity amounts to 487 litres. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Comparing the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
The more tech-savvy Chevrolet Spark, well-established Toyota Yaris, and dynamic Mazda2 will be the main rivals to the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage, which has affordable pricing, generous room, superb fuel economy, and a 10-year/160,000-km warranty going for it.

With two races in the books, and being 62-points behind leader, Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he and his team haven't given up on his Sprint Cup title quest.

“Well, just going to have to work hard,” said Earnhardt who finished sixth in New Hampshire on Sunday. “Our chances aren't looking that great because the guys ahead of us are winning races.  They've had a pretty strong couple weeks to chase off.

“But don't give up, keep working.  If we can win a couple races, no matter what happens in the championship, that will improve the results of our season and give us a lot to be happy about.

“So it would be great to go ahead and go to Dover and get that done.  But we're trying every week.  I thought we were pretty aggressive this weekend trying to get ourselves in position to win.

“Ended up with a pretty good result.  Couple things go a little bit different, and I think we get a shot at Matt and give ourselves a better opportunity to get the win.”

Earnhardt had been put in a hole by an engine issue at the opening race at Chicagoland.

Then in New Hampshire after falling back to 36th, at NHMS due to problems in pit stops, he rebounded to a satisfactory finish all things considered.

“It's good to be able to look back on Sunday and feel like we had potential,” said NASCAR's most popular driver.

“If we can be as aggressive as we were this past Sunday on pit strategy and many different things, just going after the set‑up of the car and working real hard on Saturday trying to prepare the car for the race, I think we can put ourselves in position more often with just a few races left.”

The only problem is that, despite that comeback he has to hope that Kenseth, Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson, each have a couple of bad races in order to get within striking distance.

Even wins won't change the standings very much if those three don't have bad races.

He analyzed the situation “... in the Chase, you know, obviously you want to win all the races like Matt's doing. But if you just run smart and run as hard as you can, obviously, and try to finish as good as you can, like Kyle (Busch), for example. He's hanging around, and that's going to pay off.

“If Matt makes a mistake or has trouble similar to the way me and the 22 (Joey Logano) had in Chicago, Kyle's consistency and Jimmie's as well will bode well for them and that will put them in position to take advantage of Matt's bad luck.”

And if he can't capitalize on that, Earnhardt will just drive hard and take what he can.

“So you want to be consistent if you can, but if you start off like we did, you just kind of throw it all out the window and try to get a trophy or two before the season's out.”

From GMM

A name has now emerged, amid rumours a third candidate for December's FIA presidential elections is looming.

Briton David Ward has already entered the race to de-throne Jean Todt, but F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone this week hinted that a third contender might be waiting in the wings.

"Maybe it (Ward's candidature) has opened the door for other potential candidates," he told Auto Motor und Sport.

"They'll say 'If he can, I can too'. So we don't know how many (candidates) there will be in the end. There's still time to submit a nomination," Ecclestone added.

A name, mentioned not only by Auto Motor und Sport but also separately by Speed Week, has now emerged -- Mohammad Bin Sulayem.

He is known as the highest ranking motor racing official in the United Arab Emirates, and formerly a strong supporter of Max Mosley.

The 51-year-old, a former Middle East rally champion, also made headlines a few years ago when he crashed a modern Renault formula one car at an event in Dubai.

Mohammad Bin Sulayem, the day he tested the Renault Formula 1 in 2009. (Photo: WRi2)

The 51-year-old, a former Middle East rally champion, also made headlines a few years ago when he crashed a modern Renault formula one car at an event in Dubai.

Speed Week quoted an insider as saying: "He would be a dangerous rival for Todt and Ward, because there are many out there who would support him more than the Frenchman and his (British) challenger."

From GMM

Ferrari's 2014 pairing is not quite a match for Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

That is the claim of Mercedes' Toto Wolff, who told Sport Bild that he is hopeful the Brackley based team will be charging for the title very soon.

Asked what he hopes for within the next three-year period, he told the German magazine: "That we would have justified the advanced praise and are a serious candidate for the world championship.

"No, actually in three years I want to already have the title in the bag," added Wolff.

It has been said that the task for F1's top outfits, including the dominant Red Bull, has been made more difficult by the new 'dream team' driver lineup fielded by Ferrari in 2014.

"I still think we have the strongest driver pairing," said Wolff, when asked to compare Hamilton-Rosberg with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen for 2014.

"It's because our drivers have known each other for so long that they are able to compete fairly despite their many differences," he added.

"I do not see that Ferrari's (lineup) could be as harmonious as ours," said Wolff.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

Former two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen, who spent most of his McLaren career alongside David Coulthard, agrees with those who think Alonso-Raikkonen could spell trouble.

"The presence of two champions could create a strange pressure in a team of 1000 people," the Finn told Speed Week.

"There are a lot of positives, but it's also unpredictable," Hakkinen added.

2013 Acura ILX - Fresh Perspectives

It's actually a pretty cool compact sedan.

All kinds of Mercedes-Benzes, BMWs, and Audis cycle through our parking lot, and it seems that they're all optioned with headlights that can see into the future and seats that can give you a Shiatsu massage. It's hard to forget these high-end features when we plop into our eleven-month-old Acura ILX, a semi-luxury car that has an inferior rearview camera and an optimistically named premium audio system.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Acura ILX - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Acura ILX - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

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A federal grand jury in Detroit indicted another Japanese automotive executive today for involvement in an international pricing-fixing conspiracy.

Earlier today in our and#8220;One lapand#8221; coverage, we brought you some spy photos of Lamborghini's Gallardo successor, the

Earlier today in our and#8220;One lapand#8221; coverage, we brought you some spy photos of Lamborghini's Gallardo successor, the

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne's decision to push ahead with a Chrysler IPO he does not want has raised the stakes in a buyout dispute with the U.S. automaker's minority shareholder -- as well as for his own legacy.

IGS Energy opened its first compressed natural gas fueling station in West Virginia as part of a plan to offer the alternative fuel along the I-79 corridor between west central West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - Back up to Snuff

Just in time for another road trip.

When we last left off with our Four Seasons Mercedes-Benz GL450, the big beast was hurting. The radio had quit working, the motors for the power-folding third-row seats had stripped gears, and the windshield was cracked. Putting the GL back together again was a top priority, as we were in peak vacation season.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

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Mecum has the privilege of hosting the factory-customized Sting Ray gifted to the father of the Corvette himself, Harley J.

Mecum has the privilege of hosting the factory-customized Sting Ray gifted to the father of the Corvette himself, Harley J.

Jaguar Land Rover says its new UK randd center will play a key role in helping it compete with premium rival brands such as BMW and Mercedes.

Jaguar Land Rover plans to open a $160 million research and development center in the United Kingdom in 2016 to create the next generation of vehicle technologies.