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From GMM

A huge sign that Pirelli is staying put as F1's official tire supplier emerged on Wednesday.

Earlier, it was thought possible the Jean Todt-favoured Michelin could return to the sport next year, just as the contract of F1's controversial current supplier - Pirelli - expires.

But the Italian marque has already done deals with the eleven teams and Bernie Ecclestone's FOM organisation for 2014 and beyond, and FIA president Todt hinted at Monza that a new contract with the governing body is now likely.

And this week, the signs have grown even stronger.

Photo: Pirelli

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Pirelli is "about to sign" a new five-year deal with the FIA, which will cement its place in formula one beyond 2013.

Correspondent Michael Schmidt said sources at both Pirelli and the FIA are confirming that news.

Schmidt said Todt seemed to walk away from what would have been F1's shock and highly controversial switch to Michelin just as David Ward announced he is taking on the Frenchman for the FIA presidency.

So now, on Wednesday, it emerged that Pirelli has extended its contract to supply tires to the F1 feeder categories, GP2 and GP3.

Series CEO Bruno Michel said: "It has always been our philosophy to use the same tire supplier as F1's."

Not only that, the next GP2 champion will win a day of Pirelli tire testing in a formula one car, Michel revealed.

After months of struggles and uncertainty, Fisker may have found its saviour. A group of German investors has made a formal $25 million offer to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE). Only problem: The electric car maker still owes $171 million from its 2009 loan.

Fritz Nol AG submitted a "detailed offer including a signed [letter of intent] and a short presentation of our restructuring plan."

According to Autobild, the group reportedly plans to relocate production of the Fisker Karma from independent Finnish manufacturer Valmet to the U.S., likely in Wilmington, Delaware. Fisker previously bought this site to manufacture its second model, the Atlantic.

The DoE is still waiting for other offers including one by company founder Henrik Fisker (backed by Hong Kong Asian investors), who left in March after a disagreement with the board of management over strategic direction.

Source : autonews.com

Photo: Fisker

Portland, OR - Is there anything better than wind-in-your-hair motoring on a hot summer evening? Yes, convertibles may hold a special place in the car enthusiast's heart, yet most of us shy away from such impulsive purchases simply due to practicalities. For a start, it's difficult to source a sporty drop-top boasting anything but two usable seats (unless you count those just-for-show rear pygmy-pockets certain manufacturers fit), and that simply doesn't cut it for most of us.

Then of course, there's the image. A two-seater sports model may well appease one's midlife crisis (and possibly assist a little with your love life), but it's hardly the vehicle to be seen in arriving at your elderly aunt's funeral.

Whichever way you look at it, it's tough to balance style, prestige and dignified open-air pleasure, or is it?


What is a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
In my opinion, the E-Class has always been the smart person's choice within the Mercedes-Benz lineup as it simply ticks all the right boxes. Prestigious enough to impress, it's perfectly sized for today's cramped highways and its purchase price won't break your bank manager's heart.

However, the E-Class Cabriolet adds to this with an abundance of open-air fun, which is enjoyable for four reasonably sized adults. In fact, if you're looking for an impressive (yet sensible) convertible, the new 2014 E-Class Cabriolet could be in a “class of its own.”

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Price and Specs
Two engines are on offer for 2014: the 302 hp V6 E 350, and the 402 hp V8 E 550, and both feature the superb MB 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

Mercedes also thoughtfully included some rather stylish colour schemes for 2014 (see photos) and all Canadian models receive AMG body styling as standard.

Pricewise, the E 350 starts at a quite reasonable $69,800 (a great deal for what you're getting), and there's very little in the way of additional packages to add to this figure as the vehicle comes well-equipped already. The more powerful E 550 will set you back substantially more (a tad over $80k), but performance-driven buyers (and possibly those seeking long-term ownership) may prefer it. Fuel-economy differences between the two aren't overly outrageous.

Two engines are on offer for 2014: the 302 hp V6 E 350, and the 402 hp V8 E 550, and both feature the superb MB 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Driving the 2014 E-Class Cabriolet
I drove both the 2014 E 350 and 2014 E 550, and I enjoyed them each immensely. However, if it were my money being spent, I would probably choose the E 350. In my opinion, it's the best all-rounder. Its V6 propels the vehicle at a sprightly pace without any fuss or drama (particularly in Sport mode), and is surprisingly good at balancing performance with fuel economy (9.0L/100km combined).

The E 550, on the other hand, is perhaps more the choice of the automobile connoisseur as it truly is a refined driving experience (10.2L/100km combined). Its uber-power comes on silky smooth, and it boasts a wonderful exhaust roar at full bore!

If it were my money being spent, I would probably choose the E 350. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Like the Mercedes E-Class sedan and wagon, the coupe and cabriolet versions were refreshed for 2014.

The new styling, both front and rear, is now complemented by a host of modern technology that includes something Mercedes refers to as, "Intelligent drive." This innovative system not only constantly scans for wayward pedestrians (it detects pedestrians and initiates autonomous braking at speeds up to 50 km/hr), and is also capable of keeping the vehicle centered in the lane should the driver start to wander (it can even follow the vehicle in front in slow-moving traffic automatically). This remarkable achievement is obtained via extensive use of radar, and with cleverly positioned cameras that effectively operate as all-seeing eyeballs. It's impressive to say the least, and is truly a major leap forward in vehicular safety.

If the stunning curbside appeal doesn't immediately melt your heart, then sliding behind the wheel of the new 2014 E-Class Cabriolet will certainly take care of that problem. Superb fit & finish is typically a foregone conclusion with Mercedes-Benz products, yet the new 2014 Cabriolet somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. Its well-planned cockpit ensures comfort for all shapes and sizes. Pleasant touches, such as contrasting stitching to the leather seating, make you feel special and then some.

Superb fit & finish is typically a foregone conclusion with Mercedes-Benz products, yet the new 2014 Cabriolet somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Comparing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Yes, there are other manufacturers offering luxury convertibles, but very few boast products to match the E-Class Cabriolet. Typically, convertible ownership is a compromise between performance, style, and capacity. You either go for all-out performance and suffer the discomfort while cruising or you plumb for a more sedate ride and perhaps greater seating capacity (think Chrysler Sebring). It's rare to find a vehicle that adequately combines sporty performance, style & comfort.

If you're considering the purchase of a convertible sometime in the near future, you owe it to yourself to check out the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. It truly is an exceptional vehicle.

From GMM

As the class of 2014 shapes up towards the end of a frantic 'silly season', McLaren is still yet to announce its driver lineup for next year.

Boss Martin Whitmarsh has indicated Jenson Button and Sergio Perez will be staying put, but at the same time rumours have linked drivers including Ferrari refugee Felipe Massa with the Woking based team.

A McLaren spokesman told us this week: "We don't comment on media speculation with regard to rumoured driver movements."

Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: WRi2)

Lead driver and 2009 world champion Button has not played a leading role in the 2014 silly-season, but rumours tentatively connected him with both Red Bull and Ferrari prior to those teams announcing their actual lineups for next year.

And until very recently, it was reported McLaren was yet to take up the 'option' on the 33-year-old's contract.

Asked about his contractual situation on Wednesday, Button told the British broadcaster Sky: "It's not an issue for either party.

"So just concentrating on racing and we'll be racing together in 2014."

Siegfried Marcus was born on September 18th, 1831, in Malchin, Mecklenburg, Germany. This man built four of the world's earliest gasoline-powered vehicles, including the first combustion-engined automobile in 1864.

Because the machine had no clutch, the rear wheels had to be lifted off the ground before the engine could be started. Dissatisfied with its performance after one test drive, Marcus dismantled the vehicle and took on other projects.

Ten years later, his next vehicle featured a remarkably advanced electrical system. It is currently preserved in the Technical Museum for Industry and Trade in Vienna as probably the oldest gasoline-powered automobile extant.

First gasoline-powered vehicule by Marcus, 1870 (Photo: Wikipedia)

Why isn't he more famous?
Because Marcus was a Jew, museum authorities had to hide the vehicle to prevent its destruction during the Nazi occupation. However, the Nazis managed to destroy all original documents, photos, and patent filings in both Berlin and Vienna.

Marcus was removed from German encyclopedias as the inventor of the modern car, under a directive from the German Ministry for Propaganda during World War II. He was replaced with the names of Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, who were then credited with inventing the world's first combustion-engined automobile in 1885.

Following repeated requests by inventor Mario Petrucci, the memorial in front of the Vienna museum was rebuilt in 1949. A year later, Marcus' hidden automobile resurfaced and enjoyed major restoration.

Following the failure of Fisker Automotive to repay federal loans, the Department of Energy will try to unload its loan in the plug-in electric car maker through an auction, the agency said Tuesday.

Following the failure of Fisker Automotive to repay federal loans, the Department of Energy will try to unload its loan in the plug-in electric car maker through an auction, the agency said Tuesday.

Buick customers in the United States and China could see more European design and engineering in an expanded range of new models by 2020, as GM more closely integrates global product development between Buick and its German brand Opel.

Buick customers in the United States and China could see more European design and engineering in an expanded range of new models by 2020, as GM more closely integrates global product development between Buick and its German brand Opel.

Infiniti Asia and Oceania Operations managing director Allen Lu has reportedly let slip the name and build location of a previously unknown future model.

Infiniti Asia and Oceania Operations managing director Allen Lu has reportedly let slip the name and build location of a previously unknown future model.

Infiniti Asia and Oceania Operations managing director Allen Lu has reportedly let slip the name and build location of a previously unknown future model.

Further details surrounding earlier reports Audi would invest in Brazil have emerged with the German automaker saying it will produce the new Q3 and A3 models at the Sao Jose dos Pinhais site from 2015, in an investment worth EUR150m (US$200m).

Further details surrounding earlier reports Audi would invest in Brazil have emerged with the German automaker saying it will produce the new Q3 and A3 models at the Sao Jose dos Pinhais site from 2015, in an investment worth EUR150m (US$200m).

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven

The fastest, wildest Rolls-Royce yet.

At the rate it's going, Rolls-Royce will completely ruin its reputation. Fastest Rolls-Royce yet? Trumpeting its 0-to-60-mph time (4.4 seconds)? Boldly proclaiming horsepower and torque when the answer used to be, "It is adequate"? Once the Ghost was launched in 2010, the image of Rolls-Royce as a chauffeur-driven dilettante's car was blown to smithereens. At the time, R-R public affairs boss Richard Carter told us (with tongue firmly in cheek), "Naught to sixty in 4.8 seconds is disturbing. We don't want to be known as sporty. But . . . there you have it."

Photo Gallery: 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven - Automobile Magazine

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven

The fastest, wildest Rolls-Royce yet.

At the rate it's going, Rolls-Royce will completely ruin its reputation. Fastest Rolls-Royce yet? Trumpeting its 0-to-60-mph time (4.4 seconds)? Boldly proclaiming horsepower and torque when the answer used to be, "It is adequate"? Once the Ghost was launched in 2010, the image of Rolls-Royce as a chauffeur-driven dilettante's car was blown to smithereens. At the time, R-R public affairs boss Richard Carter told us (with tongue firmly in cheek), "Naught to sixty in 4.8 seconds is disturbing. We don't want to be known as sporty. But . . . there you have it."

Photo Gallery: 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven - Automobile Magazine

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven

The fastest, wildest Rolls-Royce yet.

At the rate it's going, Rolls-Royce will completely ruin its reputation. Fastest Rolls-Royce yet? Trumpeting its 0-to-60-mph time (4.4 seconds)? Boldly proclaiming horsepower and torque when the answer used to be, "It is adequate"? Once the Ghost was launched in 2010, the image of Rolls-Royce as a chauffeur-driven dilettante's car was blown to smithereens. At the time, R-R public affairs boss Richard Carter told us (with tongue firmly in cheek), "Naught to sixty in 4.8 seconds is disturbing. We don't want to be known as sporty. But . . . there you have it."

Photo Gallery: 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven - Automobile Magazine

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith Driven | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen is considering selling a stake to Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor to raise cash for an expansion outside its home continent, sources said.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen is considering selling a stake to Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor to raise cash for an expansion outside its home continent, sources said.

Volkswagen AG plans to debut a subcompact SUV in the U.S. as soon as 2016 and may build it at its Tennessee factory.