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Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, a French engineer who invented the world's first self-propelled vehicle, died in Paris on October 2nd, 1804. His 2-cylinder fardier à vapeur ("steam dray") was built from 1769-1771. It's now preserved at the Musée des arts et métiers in Paris.

Cugnot got the idea while serving in the army and watching horses pulling heavy pieces of artillery. He wanted an alternative solution to animal traction.

With an overall length of 7.25 metres and a dry weight of 2.8 tonnes (up to 8 tonnes when full), the vehicle used a 1.5-metre wide water tank. Nicknamed the chariot à feu (fire cart), it is known by many as the first-ever passenger car.

A copy of Cugnot's invention built by students at Ecole des Arts et Métiers ParisTech and shown at the 2010 Paris Auto Show revealed that his calculations were all accurate.

Photo: Wikipedia

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has hit back at suggestions he could up his game in the discipline of qualifying.

When it was announced that Kimi Raikkonen is heading back to Ferrari in 2014, Alonso's friend Mark Webber said that is good news for the Spaniard.

"Fernando needs to be pushed more on Saturday afternoons," said the Australian.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, in Alonso's four seasons wearing red, he has been on pole only four times, compared to 36 in the same period for Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.

Alonso told Brazil's Totalrace: "It's on Sunday that the points are given.

"But even if Saturday is not the priority, I have been the best in terms of qualifying that Felipe has had as a teammate. My advantage compared to him is 82 per cent," he insisted.

"So even if Saturday is not my strongest point, in eight out of ten weekends, I'm in front of him. So I don't think this is a problem for me," Alonso added.

From GMM

Davide Valsecchi insists he is "ready" to make his formula one debut this weekend.

Lotus regular Kimi Raikkonen struggled through the recent Singapore grand prix with a back injury.

So ahead of the Korean grand prix this weekend, the Finn said: "We will have to see how it is when I get out on track on Friday."

Meanwhile, Raikkonen suggested in Singapore that because he has not yet been paid by Lotus, he is technically entitled to sit out races.

Asked if he might sue the Enstone based team, he admitted: "I don't know. Obviously there is a reason why we make up contracts."

Davide Valsecchi testing the Lotus E21 this season. (Photo: WRi2)

With that uncertainty lingering, it is no surprise Valsecchi - Lotus' reserve driver - is being asked if he is preparing to make his debut in Korea.

"My role requires me to be ready," the reigning GP2 champion told Italy's Autosprint.

"The rest are situations and decisions that are taken by the team alone," added Valsecchi, 26.

From press release

Volkswagen team principal Jost Capito has given Sebastien Ogier permission for a flat-out fight for victory when he goes head-to-head with Sebastien Loeb on next month's Rallye de France-Alsace.

Capito said he was happy to give Ogier free rein because Volkswagen now has a healthy lead over Citroen in the FIA WRC manufacturers' championship. 

It is also some payback for Ogier, who missed out on securing the drivers' crown by a single point in Australia despite winning the rally and taking a maximum three bonus points on the Power Stage. 

Sebastien Ogier, Polo R WRC. (Photo: Volkswagen Motorsport)

“The result was good for the manufacturers' championship and now he's got the opportunity to seize the title once and for all at his home rally,” said Capito. 

“To get the manufacturers' lead by more than 40 points, this allows Seb to really fight in France. The whole team will support him unconditionally. If the gap was smaller, we might have had some tough words [with Ogier], but now he can really go for it. I'm sure he's happy for this.” 

Ogier will head to France 83 points ahead of his closest rival, Thierry Neuville, and will seal the title if he finishes tenth or better on the all-asphalt rally.

“Of course I am happy to be told I can fight,” said Ogier. “The competition will be interesting with Dani [Sordo] and Thierry - they are both quick, and, of course, Seb [Loeb] will be coming back and we know he will be on the pace.” 

“I'm looking forward to my home rally and the fans in France. I want to clinch the title there by winning and take my team a big step closer to winning the Manufacturers' Championship.”

Experience and history breeds confidence. We trust those who “know,” those who have been around the block a few times. We're content in knowing they know their way around and believe their expertise. So, what happens when a newbie shows up claiming to know it all and proves to actually be quite good? Do you let them play with the old experienced farts? Apparently we do.

Analogies aside, I'm talking about the Audi R8.

I had the esteemed pleasure of driving one recently, and not just any R8 but the V10 Plus version. It wasn't until I stepped back from the beast of a car that I realized, quite suddenly, that in the near-7 years since its launch it has barely changed an ounce. Park a 2014 Audi R8 V10 next to a 2008 Audi R8 V10 and you'd not spot a difference, besides the headlights ... which you'd really have to scrutinize to spot.

What am I getting at here? That the Audi R8 is an ugly car in desperate need of a redesign? Hardly. While I do think it's going to have to step it up and offer up a new look sooner rather than later, what I'm getting at is the fact that it arrived to the game late and still garnered quite a following, despite a hefty price tag and barely any “supercar” history to speak of.

I know, I know; Audi and Le Mans. However, their Audi R8 race car wasn't introduced until 2000. That wasn't terribly long ago.

On the flip side: Porsche has been building the 911 for 50 years. Fifty. Years. The Porsche 911 isn't just a historical masterpiece it's a lesson in supercar evolution and development. For those 50 years Porsche has perfected the art of a balanced, fun-to-drive, rear-wheel drive apex-killer.

So, if Porsche want to ask me to pay $206,600 for their Turbo S variant, I'll happily write the cheque (in my wildest, richest dreams, of course). However, when Audi comes along and asks the same price for a vehicle that's been on the road less than a decade, I can't help but feel a little hesitation.

It's not that the Audi R8 is a bad car, and I can't stress that enough. What makes it able to “play ball” with the big boys (i.e., Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar); the stalwarts who've been in the business for decades and truly know the fine art of a sports car?

There's the whole subject of quality, of course; Audi charges what it does because of the quality of materials used, craftsmanship, technology, etc. Is that really a good enough justification, though? A bare-bones Porsche Cayman (a quarter of the cost of the R8) might actually offer more thrills on and off the track and is just as well-built. And why? Because that's what Porsche does; builds track-ready street-cars.

Audi is in the business of all-wheel drive luxury vehicles. Not supercars. Again, the R8 is a fabulous car to drive, and I enjoyed every moment behind the wheel, but as ballsy as it is to throw a V10 in the back of a 1,635kg vehicle it's just as brash to ask the public to pay over $200k for it.

Like the nouveau riche, the Audi R8 is trying to fit into the social club and often ends up sticking out like a sore thumb for a vulgar word or two or an inappropriately used utensil and elbows on table during high tea.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

From GMM

Red Bull has slammed reports it is flouting the rules as Sebastian Vettel stamps his dominance on the 2013 season.

After Singapore, former F1 team owner Giancarlo Minardi raised doubts about the German's RB9, saying its handling and engine tone reminded him of traction control.

"Utter nonsense!" Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko told the German newspaper Bild.

Reports have suggested Red Bull might actually be mimicking the banned 'blown exhaust' era with a clever engine mapping solution.

Bild said F1's governing FIA would not comment.

Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Daniil Kvyat has admitted the vacancy at Toro Rosso for 2014 may have come too soon for him.

It is believed the Red Bull-owned team is on the cusp of confirming Portuguese Antonio Felix da Costa as Daniel Ricciardo's successor for next year.

But Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost said last month: "We (Red Bull) have some young drivers with extraordinary talent. One of them is Carlos Sainz jr but we also have (Daniil) Kvyat. And Felix da Costa."

But Franz Tost admitted that the young age of Russian 19-year-old Kvyat is a factor playing against him.

Asked what he sees as his next step beyond 2013, Kvyat told the Italian magazine Italiaracing: "Definitely I will not stay in GP3, so we are in the period where we are deciding what will be my future.

"The logical passage for the Red Bull (development) drivers would seem to be to the Formula Renault 3.5 series. To go to formula one, the others (sponsored by Red Bull) have passed through there. But it's not for me to decide, so I am waiting for Red Bull and will be ready to do anything they decide," he added.

Daniil Kvyat aboard the Toro Rosso, last Summer. (Photo: WRi2)

Daniil Kvyat drove the Toro Rosso at the young driver test at Silverstone earlier this year; an experience he admits was "unforgettable".

"But right now I am concentrated on the (junior) championships so that I can arrive in formula one as soon as possible," he insisted.

It's a tough job, but someone at Infiniti had to do it: we're glad it's this new all-new Q50. This luxury sports sedan makes a unique luxury sports sedan statement by combining two intriguing personalities; smooth and graceful operator, and technological geek.


What is the Infiniti Q50 AWD?
The Q50 replaces the G37 Sedan in Infiniti's lineup and essentially utilizes the same powertrain as the “G”: 328-hp 3.7L V6, and the 7-speed automatic transmission. While the new sedan is available in RWD and AWD, unlike the G37, the Q50 is not available with a 6-speed manual transmission but is available in a hybrid version (the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD).

2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Price and Specs
Our tester was an AWD Premium model with the Navigation Package, Deluxe Touring and Technology Package. With freight and PDI, you end up with a $50,000-plus vehicle.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is slightly lighter than the G37 in spite of all the new tech and safety content, and slightly more fuel-efficient as well (6.7L/100km highway; 10.6L city; 8.8L combined).

The Q50 replaces the G37 Sedan in Infiniti's lineup and essentially utilizes the same powertrain as the “G”: 328-hp 3.7L V6. (Photo: Michael Goetz)

Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD
The 2014 Q50 is the world's first production vehicle with “drive by wire” steering. Infiniti calls it Direct Adaptive Steering, and it's the centrepiece of the Deluxe Touring and Technology Package.

You might imagine it to feel like you're steering a video-game controller, but it actually feels like a conventional system where the steering wheel is mechanically linked to the steering rack.

Our first blush with this system was entirely entertaining. Maybe it's the novelty, but we found ourselves experimenting and having a blast switching between various paired settings for steering effort and steering ratio: Sport, Standard, Touring.

Direct Adaptive Steering is not new, but the 2014 Q50 advances the concept to another level.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is an excellent ride, with power to spare. Even with its handling and performance prowess, the quietness of the cabin and lack of any exciting powertrain music skews the vibe toward the luxury side rather than the sporty side.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is an excellent ride, with power to spare. (Photo: Michael Goetz)

Inside and Out the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD
Gaze over the Q50's new curvaceous and extremely aerodynamic sheetmetal stretched taught over a new and stronger platform. The Q50 is a little shorter than the G37, but wider and lower.

A new twin-screen nerve centre dominates the new interior. Infiniti moved to this idea after hearing from drivers, who disliked having to exit the navigation maps display when they needed to use the touchscreen for other stuff. The top 8” screen is primarily for driving-related information, operated by touch and steering-wheel switches or the big Infiniti Controller. The lower 7” touchscreen is primarily for the infotainment system.

Infiniti has always been generous with the conventional hard switches, so finding your way never gets frustrating.

The front seating area is open and elegant in the 2014 Infiniti Q50. Materials and craftsmanship measure up to its class standing.

Headroom is a bit tight in the back, but otherwise the rear area is inviting with lots of room for feet. Seats can fold down to open up the cargo area.

A few electronic aid highlights in the 2014 Infiniti Q50 include:

Predictive Forward Collision Warning (touted as a world first) warns drivers of risks, which lay beyond their field of view, such as a dramatically slowing car two cars ahead. Radar goes underneath the first car to make the determination and warns drivers with a gauge display, a sound warning, and the tightening of the seat belt.

There are lots of apps coming to give drivers real-time connectivity to their digital life.

A new twin-screen nerve centre dominates the new interior. (Photo: Michael Goetz)

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is a great and intriguing contender. It won't upset the current pecking order in the compact-ish, luxury sports sedan class, which is chalk full of worthy and famous nameplates - all with loyal followings - such as the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Lexus IS350, and a few others.

However, it has an open and individual style, and a suite of technologies, that set it apart from the rest. The 2014 Q50 will surely resonate with similar open and individual buyers.

The newly unveiled Bentley Home collection is inspired by the renowned craftsmanship and exquisite materials that characterize the interiors of all Bentley automobiles.

The elegant and sophisticated Richmond line of seating includes sofas, long chairs, and armchairs. The Madeley & Kendal line consists of a large oval or round meeting table with leather chairs (the Bentley logo can be embroidered on the back, on request). The Sherbourne & Kingsbridge line includes tall and short leather-coated cabinets, while a Harlow coffee table and Canterbury bed complete the collection.

These furniture items are all meticulously handcrafted, and although prices have yet to be announced, prepare to have a long, hard talk with your resident finance minister.

Photo: Bentley

From GMM

Caterham's current race drivers have admitted they are not sure if they will stay with the team beyond 2013.

Team figures have hinted throughout Caterham's difficult season so far that signing two sponsored drivers might have been a mistake, even though supremo Tony Fernandes insists both Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic have improved.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

The Malaysian entrepreneur has also admitted, however, that bringing the highly-rated Heikki Kovalainen back into the lineup for 2014 is a possibility.

It was believed Frenchman Pic's form and contract made him the more likely to stay next year, but he has now told Italiaracing magazine: "Honestly, I still don't know what I will do (in 2014).

"I think it is logical to suppose that I will have a second year at Caterham, but in F1 situations can change so quickly that it's difficult to say right now where I will be," added Pic.

Dutchman van der Garde, meanwhile, is quoted by the Dutch website autosport.nu: "My management is in talks with several teams, including Caterham."

The upcoming new road race that will be presented at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be named The "Grand Prix of Indianapolis" and it will be run May 8-10, 2014.

ABC will televise the Grand Prix of Indianapolis live, building toward its 50th consecutive telecast of the Indianapolis 500. The race will feature a standing start and will run clockwise, the opposite of the Indianapolis 500, creating even more diverse competition during the month.

Photo: IMS

The month will begin with IndyCar Series practice for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis Thursday, May 8 on the new-look, 14-turn, and 2.434-mile IMS road course. Practice and qualifying are scheduled for Friday, May 9, with the race Saturday, May 10.

All series in the Mazda Road to Indy will compete during the event, placing a singular spotlight on all levels of North American open-wheel racing. The first day of practice for the 98th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 11 on the 2.5-mile IMS oval.

A $5-million reconfiguration project is underway on the existing IMS road course that will transform the layout with more speed and more hard braking zones to create more passing and competitive racing.

Kia will introduce an EV version of its 2014 boxy Soul subcompact next year. The Soul EV will be Kia's first U.S. vehicle to be powered solely by an electric powertrain.

Chrysler Group is recalling about 10,800 Ram pickups and 132,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees to repair software that controls warning lights and instrument cluster illumination.

Fall is upon us, and as we all know, autumn marks the beginning of new-car season.

General Motors is rolling out fresh incentives on its redesigned 2014 pickups, after demand for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra declined in September amid heavy discounts by rivals Ford and Ram.

Mercedes-Benz sold more than 2,300 of its $29,900 CLA coupe in its first week of availability, helping the brand post a 6.7 percent September gain and widen its luxury-vehicle lead in the United States.

Cadillac released an interior photo of the 2015 Escalade. The SUV will offer the latest features in luxury, connectivity and safety, the automaker said today.

Ford Canada said today its sales rose 10 percent 25,596 vehicles in September -- the unit's second-best September ever.

Dealers would be wise to reach into their customer satisfaction surveys for consumer comments to post as reviews on their Web sites, says an analyst for Maritz Research.

Ford Motor Executive Chairman Bill Ford emphasized the abilities of the company's next generation of executives while reiterating the automaker's plan for Alan Mulally to remain CEO.