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From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen's race engineer Mark Slade will not follow him from Lotus to Ferrari, it has emerged.

The Finn worked with Slade initially at McLaren, and the pair reunited when Raikkonen returned to F1 with Lotus last year.

But a report in Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday said Ferrari has "no intention" of hiring Slade.

Kimi Raikkonen and Mark Slade, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

With Felipe Massa's engineer Rob Smedley believed to be heading to Williams, the report said Ferrari will promote from within as it prepares to welcome Raikkonen.

Raikkonen's former Ferrari engineer, Andrea Stella, now works with Fernando Alonso.

Spaniard Alonso said on Thursday he does not expect Raikkonen to be quicker than the departing Massa in 2014.

"If we have a competitive car we will enjoy the season and we will do very good things. If we don't have a competitive car it will be very similar to this season I think," said Fernando Alonso.

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg on Thursday denied setting Lotus a rigid deadline as he lines up his plans for 2014.

The German is currently the hottest property on the driver market, with McLaren, Sahara Force India and Sauber all also reportedly in the mix.

A specialist publication this week reported that Hulkenberg has set Lotus an end-of-October deadline for the Enstone based team's definitive answer.

"I've not set a deadline, that was a misunderstanding and someone didn't lay it out correctly," Hulkenberg told reporters at Suzuka. "But what I have said is that I would like clarification or certainty by the end of October."

Nico Hulkenberg also denied any teams have said his height or weight are playing a part in their deliberations about 2014.

Lotus E21. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Veteran Alex Tagliani has been called by the Target Chip Ganassi team to take over driving duties for injured Dario Franchitti for the IndyCar grand finale at Fontana.

Following his huge accident and his subsequent injuries, Franchitti will be unable to come back this season, so his team has decided to ask the Canadian to substitute.

Caption: IZOD IndyCar

Tagliani has been available since standing down from his ride with Bryan Herta Autosport prior to Mid-Ohio.

"As a driver you never want an opportunity like this to come under these circumstances, but I'm up for the challenge and looking forward to working with my friend Scott [Dixon] and the whole Target team," said Tagliani.

Dixon goes into Fontana with a 25-point lead over championship rival Helio Castroneves.

Team boss Chip Ganassi said that Tagliani's experience made the Canadian a logical choice to support Dixon's title bid.

On October 10th, 1971, the famous London Bridge re-opened in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. It had been taken apart and sold three years earlier to a Missouri entrepreneur named Robert P. McCulloch, who had all the pieces shipped to the U.S.

The London Bridge was originally built in the year 50 AD. The wooden construction was replaced with rocks in the 12th century, and then in granite in 1831.

The bridge was deemed too small in 1967, so London authorities decided to build a new, more modern London Bridge.

Each piece of the bridge was meticulously numbered, dismantled, and carried by boat across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal, and all the way to California. From there, they made it to Arizona by truck.

Sources: Wikipedia and Lake Havasu City

Most people wouldn't call me crazy for saying that the majority of North Americans are joined at the hip to their technological gadgetry. Whether that's a smart phone, iPad, MP3 player, computer or what have you, we like to be connected. When we have to be unplugged, some of us feel a sense of anxiety. Then again, some of us are relieved!

So, what happens when we get behind the wheel of a car? Most don't disconnect. That's why there are handsfree laws. However, we know that doesn't necessarily stop people from texting, tweeting or even Facebooking while behind the wheel.

Car manufacturers have come to realize that the demand to stay connected at all times is a must. Each have their own solution so time spent not looking at the road is mitigated.

The HMI (Human Machine Interface)
For the first time, Mazda implements their latest technology in their all-new Mazda3 hatchback. It's called the HMI (Human Machine Interface) and offers drivers the ability to stay connected -- within reason -- while going about their daily duties in a car. However, it's more than just Bluetooth, the display of text messages or navigation commands.

The system's intuitive nature let's you take on various functions without having to take your eyes off the road for an unnecessarily long period of time.

They've done this by simplifying the number of buttons and gauges it takes to navigate around the system and by positioning the various displays at a convenient height so you're not looking down when you should be looking up. Here's how it works:

Lucky Number 7
Mazda did the research and found that good things come in sevens. So, they implemented that into their HMI development and execution.

According to Psychologist George Miller, the average size of a person's working memory is seven. That study was published in 1956, and if you want to know the ins and outs of it, Google will assist! However, the run down is if items or information are grouped in sevens, the brain is better equipped to work with it.

Example: Instead of loading as many names from your phonebook on the 7” display as possible, Mazda uses a larger text size and only seven names appear, therefore reducing the amount of time your eyes leave the road. You can either select the name you want to call via the touchscreen or the HMI Commander (more on the Commander in just a moment).

Photo: Alexandra Straub

Continue reading 2014 Mazda3 Talks Tech

Colin Braun driving Riley Technologies Daytona Prototype race car, powered by the new 3.5-liter, V-6 Ford EcoBoost race engine, to a new Daytona single lap speed record of 222.971 mph during a special record run attempt today, topping the 26-year-old speed record of 210.364 mph set by Bill Elliott in a Ford Thunderbird during qualifying for the 1987 Daytona 500.

Although it's a track record it's not a closed course record. That belongs to Super Tex, A.J. Foyt, who drove a purpose-built car to an FIA-recognized 257.123 mph at Ft. Stockton, Texas Test Center on Aug 28, 1987. The car consisted of a March Indycar single seat chassis enclosed in an extremely efficient aerodynamic body shell. It was powered by a highly turbo-charged version of the 2-litre Oldsmobile Quad 4 engine. Foyt exceed the previous record set by the Mercedes-Benz C111 effort of 251.020 mph, driven by Hans Liebold, at Nardo, Italy, in May 5, 1979. 

Photo: Ford

Brazil's Gil de Ferran set a closed course record in an Indy car in an official race weekend with a lap of 241.428 mph at California Speedway (now called Auto Club Speedway) in 2000. Lyn St. James drove a NASCAR style stock car Ford Thunderbird 212.577 mph on Oct. 11, 1988 at the 2.66 mile Talladega Superspeedway.

Braun and the Michael Shank Racing team also set new world speed records for 10 miles from a standing start (210.018 mph average), and 10 kilometers from a standing start (202.438 mph average). All times from today's session are subject to Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) homologation.

Braun, at 25 years of age, wasn't even born when Elliott set the previous speed record. But he knows the significance of what was accomplished during today's speed trials.

“It was a challenging day,” said Braun afterward. “There was a lot of work put in by a lot of people to accomplish these records. The power in the new EcoBoost engine was incredible, and it was amazing how fast it came up to speed on the runs.

“Our first run this morning was 209 mph, and it was an edgy drive at that speed. I can only imagine how edgy it was for Bill Elliott doing those speeds in his Thunderbird stock car. But our crew kept working and adjusting on it, and it was a great feeling coming down pit road after the record runs and seeing how happy everyone was.”

The new Ford EcoBoost engine was prepared for the record run by Ford Racing engine partner Roush Yates Engines, and Continental Tires did a special tire for the run that was lighter and had less rolling resistance than the standard race tire, along with a harder compound than the tire used for a typical road course race.

Both the new car and new twin-turbo engine will compete in the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship that kicks off with the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.

Growing ever larger in both size and popularity, the Civic has sold millions of models since its debut in 1973, yet began fielding criticism for becoming dynamically stagnant. In the wake of the recent economic meltdown, the 9th gen model released in 2012 was an exercise in economy -- a cost-saving endeavour for buyers in a depressed market. A good belt-tightening strategy, if not for the onslaught of excellent new offerings from Honda's competitors.

What is the Honda Civic Coupe?
The 2012 Civic was lambasted by the automotive press for its cheap, plastic-y interior and surprising lack of innovation for a vehicle previously known for its appeal to the younger generation. Yet buyers embraced it, and the Civic was once more the bestselling car in Canada last year. Nonetheless, Honda responded to the stinging criticism with an overhaul that addressed those complaints.


2013 Honda Civic Coupe price and specs
Prices start at $18,645 for a base LX with the familiar 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission. My loaded Civic EX-L Navi with 140 horsepower had a base price of $25,295 with an "as tested" price of $26,890.

Official fuel ratings are 7.1L/100km city and 5.0L/100km highway, while I averaged 8.0L during a week of mixed driving.

Official fuel ratings are 7.1L/100km city and 5.0L/100km highway, while I averaged 8.0L during a week of mixed driving. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Driving the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe EX-L
Changes to the Civic's body structure reduced noise, vibration, and harshness levels considerably. A stiffer front sub-frame and extra sound-deadening insulation result in a quieter, more premium ride. Wind noise -- a common complaint with the previous model -- was improved via a thicker windshield and door glass.

On the highway, the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe EX-L feels lively enough and quite settled through the turns thanks to thicker front and rear sway bars, and stiffer spring rates. While its engine output is fairly modest, the Civic is still an engaging if not exactly racy performer. Recalibrated electric-assist steering has quicker ratios -- the 2013 Honda Civic EX-L is pretty easy to manoeuvre around a parking lot. The front brake rotors were increased by 20mm to improve stopping distances.

"Econ" mode in the 2013 Honda Civic EX-L saves up to 5% in fuel consumption by remapping both throttle and transmission response, although performance is noticeably more "relaxed." Frugal driving is additionally encouraged by gauges that change from blue to green as fuel consumption goes down.

Changes to the Civic's body structure reduced noise, vibration, and harshness levels considerably. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe
EX-LWhile the new Civic sedan received an extensive design overhaul, the coupe remains virtually unchanged with only a few subtle revisions to the front and rear fasciae. Resplendent in rich peacock blue, my top-spec EX-L Navi tester is a good-looking, sporty two-door on 17" alloys with an eye-catching multi-spoke design.

Open the door, and it's apparent how much effort has gone into improving the 2013 Honda Civic's interior. Close the door and you're impressed with the solidity of its construction -- a first hint of insulation and sound-deadening improvements.
No longer a dismal display of cheap, hollow plastics, the 2013 Honda Civic's cabin now features a higher-quality construction using premium materials.

My EX-L tester boasts leather seats with contrasting stitching that carries over to the console lid, steering wheel, and dash. Panel gaps were reduced. The switchgear has a more solid and refined feel -- but there is an awful lot of it.

The two-tier dash returns in the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe EX-L, but it's more refined and less gimmicky. The curvature of the dash and console create a truly driver-centric environment with everything designed to make access and visibility easier. Infotainment controls repeat on the steering wheel.

Front seats are comfortable, offer heating across the lineup, and provide plenty of head and legroom. The rear seats offer reasonable seating for a coupe, but taller passengers may find their heads making unwelcome contact with the rear glass.

Technophiles will embrace the 2013 Honda Civic's increased level of connectivity functions, from hands-free text message response to audio streaming, USB and Bluetooth capability. Upper-level trims come equipped with a multiview backup camera, a practical feature when you consider the compromised visibility rendered by the Coupe's diminishing roofline.

There's a host of safety features, too, including new SmartVent front-side seat airbags, tire-pressure monitoring, and stability control.

Open the door, and it's apparent how much effort has gone into improving the 2013 Honda Civic's interior. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Comparing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe EX-L
The compact coupe segment is a highly competitive one, with plenty of choice. It includes the Hyundai Elantra Coupe, Kia Forte Koup, Chevy Cruze, and the Toyota Corolla. Both Hyundai and Kia boast impressive warranties and a high level of features -- and the Cruze is doing well with buyers.

The Civic Coupe, arguably the sportiest of the bunch, has an excellent resale value and a long-held reputation for reliability.

From GMM

Marussia owner Nikolai Fomenko wants his F1 team to be powered by its own engines.

As current engine supplier Cosworth departs, the team announced in July it has agreed a 'long-term' deal to be powered by Ferrari's new turbo V6 from 2014.

But, citing the Russian edition of Autosport, the Russian news agency Ria Novosti quotes Fomenko as saying: "If we survive to the 2016 season, then I hope Marussia will have its own engines.

"We're moving towards that. It's our main aim," he added.

Marussia, a Russian supercar maker led by Fomenko, bought the F1 team from Virgin ahead of last season.

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

I have to be honest here; it's taken me a while to turn on to the Range Rover Sport. You see, being somewhat a traditionalist (until the Evoque), I viewed the Sport as nothing more than the youngest sibling in the Range Rover family -- you know, the one that struggles to live up to his big brother's reputation. I simply couldn't see the Rangie Sport idea ever working.

Well, obviously, I know diddlysquat about product planning and vehicle marketing as the model has proved to be a huge success.

After all these years I have now seen the light, because after experiencing the new 2014 Range Rover Sport I've finally figured out what this vehicle is all about.


What is a Land Rover Range Rover Sport?
The Sport shook the SUV world when it was launched in 2006, what with its boxy sports-SUV stance. A loath-it-or-love-it creation, the latter won the day and the Sport quickly became the brand's bestseller (so shoot me, I was wrong!). It was, of course, marketed to a different crowd to that of the full-size Rangie. Yes, the Sport was aimed firmly at the upwardly mobile, younger buyer. A risky move some thought (including myself), to place the famous nameplate on a smaller and lower-priced product, but we were to be proven wrong.

The Sport was an instant success and within weeks of its launch, just about every rock/rap star and sports personality on the planet was piloting one. Yes, although the full-size Range Rover retained its reputation as the luxury transportation for the well-heeled horse-y crowd, the Sport became the model the about-town celebrity wished to be photographed stepping out of.

The Sport shook the SUV world when it was launched in 2006, what with its boxy sports-SUV stance. A loath-it-or-love-it creation, the latter won the day and the Sport quickly became the brand's bestseller. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Prices & specs
The Sport starts at $73,990 and you'll end up a tad over $100k if you go for the top-of-the-line Autobiography (the model I tested). Now that's well into full-size Range Rover territory, but they are both individual beasts well-suited to their given purpose, and not to be confused.

Available with a choice of two powerplants (both supercharged) the 3.0L 24-valve V6 (340 hp/332 lb-ft) does a fine job of propelling the new lighter-weight Sport (0-100km/hr in 7.2 seconds). However, once you've tasted the 5.0L 32-valve V8 (510 hp/461 lb-ft), there's simply no going back. With a 0-100km/hr time of just 5.3 seconds, the power from the supercharged 5.0L V8 is simply addictive.

Both powerplants come mated to a superb ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, and of course it goes without saying that all feature the very best in off-road technology. It is, after all, a Land Rover product.

Once you've tasted the 5.0L 32-valve V8 (510 hp/461 lb-ft), there's simply no going back. With a 0-100km/hr time of just 5.3 seconds, the power from the supercharged 5.0L V8 is simply addictive. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Driving the 2104 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
For 2014, the Range Rover Sport now features an aluminum unibody, similar to the type used on the new Range Rover, and is said to have lost 800 lbs because of this. In truth, it feels like what it is: a large block of lightweight aluminum instead of a large block of heavy steel. In other words, it feels much lighter, way more agile, and simply marvellous! The interior noise level in the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has also been dramatically reduced. In fact, I've never experienced an SUV cabin as quiet as this. Unless of course you stomp the happy pedal, which creates the most splendid roar from its rear tailpipes (it's this that validates the purchase of the V8).

This truly is a performance SUV in every sense, and why shouldn't it be coming from a company that not only owns Land Rover, but also Jaguar. Plant it from a standing start and the Range Rover Sport leaps forward like a scalded cat, yet the Land Rover-bred traction transfers this to the road in a way that has to be experienced to be believed.

This truly is a performance SUV in every sense, and why shouldn't it be coming from a company that not only owns Land Rover, but also Jaguar. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, absolutely nailed the new Range Rover Sport when he said, “There are some cars that make you turn your head, and there'll be other cars which make you walk into a lamppost.” I'm with him 100% because the exterior of the new RR Sport is simply stunning, so watch out for those posts!

The interior also takes on a fresh look and feel for 2014. The smaller, thicker steering wheel improves the sports-like feel of the vehicle, as do the larger/firmer side bolsters on the front seats.

The 2014 Range Rover Sport boasts too many features to properly list here, but together with items such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Land Rover has thoughtfully included something it calls Queue Assist. How very British of them!

The interior also takes on a fresh look and feel for 2014. The smaller, thicker steering wheel improves the sports-like feel of the vehicle. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Comparing the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
It's somewhat difficult to compare the Range Rover Sport with any other. Obviously, there are a few German-made products that could saddle up alongside the Sport, but in truth they are quite different beasts. You see, German vehicles are built to function with utmost reliability and precision, whereas with British-built vehicles it's all about how the product makes the owner feel. Over the years this has become less obvious with cars, yet it's still quite noticeable in the SUV market.

Well I'll tell you this: I felt proud and privileged to have been allowed to drive the new 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and that probably tells you all you need to know about this vehicle.

From GMM

Mark Webber will be using a new Red Bull chassis in Japan this weekend, after his crash and subsequent fire days ago in Korea.

Ahead of his fifth-to-last grand prix before switching to Le Mans for 2014, Australian Webber said the fire in Korea did not faze him.

"We're used to bushfires in Australia. No problem," he smiled to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Mark Webber's Red Bull after the fire in Korea. (Photo: WRi2)

Some had even suggested Webber seemed particularly uninterested in getting the marshals to quickly put the flames out.

"I pressed for the extinguisher in the car, but it didn't work," he said.

"The marshals could speak no English, so what could I do? I couldn't blow it out," added Webber.

Auto Motor und Sport said Webber will have a replacement chassis for Suzuka.

"The chassis was more damaged by the impact with Sutil than the fire itself," he said, revealing that the engine and gearbox survived the incident.

British OEM supplier TRW Automotive has come up with an external airbag system that deploys from the sill beneath doors in 30 milliseconds. It could be introduced on production vehicles by the end of the decade.

The project started three years ago in Spain with funding from the European Union.

Photo: TRW

The airbags being tested are 200 x 70 x 15-20 centimetres, with a capacity of 200 litres. Designers at TRW Automotive are now working on radar and camera systems to detect the precise moment the airbags need to be triggered.

Last year, Volvo announced a similar airbag system designed to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision with the car's windshield.

Source: Daily Mail

Travis Kvapil was arrested by local police and charged with assault on his wife.

According to the Mooresville (a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina) Police Department “Travis Wade Kvapil, 37, was arrested “on the charges of assault on a female and false imprisonment. 


On October 8, 2013, Mooresville Police responded to the Kvapil residence following a 911 phone call regarding an assault. 


Mooresville Police Department conducted an investigation and arrested Kvapil following a domestic dispute between the defendant and the defendant's wife. 


Kvapil was taken to Iredell County Jail and held under a domestic hold awaiting an appearance in District Court today.”

On Wednesday morning he was released on bail (bond).

The Wisconsin native was the NASCAR Truck Series champion in 2003 and currently drives for BK Racing and is 31rst in the Sprint Cup Series standings.

The team told local television station, WCNC, it has "no comment at this time" on Kvapil's arrest.

The Sprint Cup driver has been racing full-time in NASCAR's premier series since 2005 when he first drove for Penske Racing.

Travis Kvapil. (Photo: Toyota Racing)

From GMM

Some winter testing in Bahrain ahead of the 2014 season could take place at night, Italy's Autosprint reports.

It was already known that the Sakhir circuit will host back-to-back tests between mid February and March ahead of next year's all-new V6-powered championship.

Martin Whitmarsh, boss of the partly Bahrain-owned McLaren team, revealed recently that organisers of the race have installed floodlights at the track, so that the 10th anniversary of the grand prix can be held at night.

"The difference in air density between day and night would give the teams verification of the aerodynamic data (during winter testing)," correspondent Cesare Maria Mannucci said on Thursday.

It has also emerged that Mark Webber's first taste of his new life away from formula one will be in Bahrain.

Spain's Diario Sport newspaper said the Australian will test Porsche's new Le Mans prototype at Sakhir in January, after his Red Bull contract expires.

Photo: WRi2

Fiat has denied a report that its CEO Sergio Marchionne discouraged investors at a conference last week from participating in Chrysler Group's initial public offering.

Fiat denied a report by broker Sanford C. Bernstein that CEO Sergio Marchionne had made comments discouraging investors from taking part in Chrysler Group's initial public offering.

CEO Sergio Marchionne discouraged investors at a conference last week from participating in Chrysler Group's initial public offering -- a process that was forced by the automaker's second-largest shareholder last month.

CEO Sergio Marchionne discouraged investors at a conference last week from participating in Chrysler Group's initial public offering -- a process that was forced by the automaker's second-largest shareholder last month.

A Los Angeles judge said a juror's complaint that a fellow panelist in Toyota's trial over a fatality linked to unintended acceleration wasn't participating in deliberations was unsubstantiated.

A Los Angeles judge said she will investigate a juror's complaint that a fellow panelist in Toyota's trial over a fatality linked to unintended acceleration has come to court "high" and isn't participating in deliberations.

A mere century ago, on Oct.