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From press release

Japanese fans will have the first opportunity to see the revolutionary Nissan ZEOD RC in action when the car makes its public on-track debut at this year's Fuji Speedway round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Running in pure electric mode, the Nissan ZEOD RC will undertake demonstration runs on October 18, 19 and 20 - all three days of the Japanese round of the WEC. The ZEOD RC (Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car) will make its race debut at next year's Le Mans 24 Hour. The global leader in electric vehicles for the road, Nissan will trial variants of new electric drive train technologies as part of its intended future return to LM P1 competition to challenge for overall victory at the world's most prestigious endurance race.

Nissan's two-time Japanese SUPER GT champion Michael Krumm will drive the car at Fuji. Krumm was part of the driver line-up for the Nissan DeltaWing program in 2012 and also finished third in the LM P2 class this year at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Photo: Fuji Speedway

The Nissan ZEOD RC will kick off its testing and development program in the UK soon with inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT Academy winner Lucas Ordóñez behind the wheel. 
Ordóñez and Krumm were teammates at Le Mans this year where they scored third place in the LM P2 class with 2011 GT Academy winner, Jann Mardenborough.

After the Fuji events, the Nissan ZEOD RC will continue its development program in Europe with Lucas Ordóñez returning to the driver seat. The car is scheduled to make its race debut at next year's Le Mans 24 Hour where it will occupy Garage 56 - an additional entry reserved by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest for cars using new and innovative technology not previously seen in the French endurance classic.

Much nicer to look at than to drive
When I saw the latest Rondo at the Toronto Autoshow this past February, I understood right away that Kia was a hot topic. The company's desire to revamp their image is obvious.

I believe the company has succeeded in developing a more youthful edge with the family-oriented Rondo. Its look won me over right away. All that was left to do was to give it a spin. Recently, I got the chance to do just that. Unfortunately, what I experienced behind the wheel of the 2014 Kia Rondo did not live up to the promise of its new design.


What is a Kia Rondo?
Admittedly, choosing a desired vehicle type is not always clear cut. I have a feeling that the Rondo is aimed at people who can't decide between a hatchback, minivan or a compact SUV. So, to increase the vehicle's versatility, the Kia Rondo draws on a few specific elements from each.

It's plain to see that Kia ventured to build a roomy car that isn't cumbersome. Plus, the basic model is offered at a pretty attractive price.

Admittedly, choosing a desired vehicle type is not always clear cut. I have a feeling that the Rondo is aimed at people who can't decide between a hatchback, minivan or a compact SUV. (Photo: Kia)

2014 Kia Rondo Price and Specs
This latest Kia Rondo model is equipped with the latest, direct-injection engine: a 2.0L, 4-cylinder that delivers an impressive 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. You can couple that with either a manual 6-speed or automatic Steptronic transmission with the same number of gears (optional).

Suspension-wise, the 2014 Kia Rondo has support legs in the front and a beam axle in the back. All four wheels have disc brakes, and the front wheels are vented.

Estimated fuel ratings for the automatic (my test vehicle) are 6.3L/100km on the highway and 9.2L/100km in the city. I managed 10.5L/100km during a mixed urban/rural drive.

The cost? $23,360 for the LX and $33,860 for the EX Luxury. The intermediate model, the EX, is available for $28,660.

This latest Kia Rondo model is equipped with the latest, direct-injection engine: a 2.0L, 4-cylinder that delivers an impressive 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the 2014 Kia Rondo
Driving the Rondo is not unpleasant, but it's not that impressive, either. Don't expect sporty handling. The semi-independent suspension does nothing for the rolling action. However, the engine runs pretty well. 

What disappointed me the most about the 2014 Kia Rondo was how badly its technology worked. The vocal commands are practically impossible to use, not to mention extremely irritating. The ridiculously complicated GPS won't adjust to traffic. Finally, the noise signals from the parking assist sensors are sure to make drivers more nervous, especially when parallel parking on city roads. I had to deactivate them over and over again. My preferences weren't saved, as I've seen before on other models from Hyundai and Subaru. So, I had to press the deactivation button each time I put the 2014 Kia Rondo into reverse.

I loved the front and rear visibility, thanks to small windows located in front of the A and C pillars. The back-up camera looks after the rest.

Strictly speaking, I enjoyed the drive itself, overall. Words like “calm” and “silent” come to mind. There's one hitch, though: To stay competitive, Kia should improve the technological devices it already has before offering a greater array of them.

Driving the Rondo is not unpleasant, but it's not that impressive, either. Don't expect sporty handling. (Photo: Kia)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Rondo
The latest Rondo is simply breathtaking. It has been completely redesigned and is far more modern than its predecessor. It's more elegant, too, with LED brake lights and brand new front grille.

The Rondo's roominess can be fully felt in the front seats. The sharply sloping windshield, as is the current trend, provides a much appreciated, clear view. The modern dashboard in the 2014 Kia Rondo is filled with all kinds of controls. I would have liked a more minimalist approach to the dash and the wheel, which is also pretty much packed.

The 2014 Kia Rondo EX Luxury's panoramic roof is wonderful. It lets the light in and brings occupents closer to the outdoors. However, is it worth spending $34,000 for? I'm not so sure...

Although both 5- and 7-passenger models are available, I was assigned a 2014 Kia Rondo with two bench seats in the back. We can't expect miracles, here. Because of its relatively compact size, only children can access the third row. However, the first bench slides -- an effective solution to larger occupents accessing the seats.

Honestly, there's not much cargo space to speak of: even with only five passengers, the trunk ceases to exist once the second bench is up.

However, small details like a flashlight integrated into the trunk, make the vehicle very practical for day-to-day use.

The Rondo's roominess can be fully felt in the front seats. The sharply sloping windshield, as is the current trend, provides a much appreciated, clear view. (Photo: Kia)

Comparing the 2014 Kia Rondo
Its biggest rival, the Mazda5, has sliding doors. If you prefer standard doors, consider the Dodge Journey or the Chevrolet Orlando. Roughly the same size, Ford's C-MAX hybrid would also be a good alternative.

One thing is for certain, the 2014 Kia Rondo is the most charming of the lot. If you'll allow me to give you a tip: Get the basic version without an arsenal of overly complicated technology -- the price is definitely more appealing.

From GMM

Sergey Sirotkin will begin his F1 testing programme in a 2011 car just after the current season is over.

The Russian teen, who is at Monza this weekend, and his Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn said on Thursday the track programme in a two-year-old car will begin at the end of October.

Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper said the programme will involve 10 to 15 days at the wheel of a 2011 car, even though it is unknown if the old chassis will be a Sauber or Ferrari.

Sauber C30 from 2011. (Photo: WRi2)

Sergey Sirotkin, 18, said the plan is to get a F1 super license.

"I don't have much information about what I have to do, but I know I have to perform well," he is quoted by Russia's f1news.ru. "I believe I will succeed."

Monisha Kaltenborn is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "We have to prepare him physically, so we want to give him test kilometres in a 2011 car. The dates and the tracks are not yet finalised, but the tests should take place shortly after the end of the season.

"We are also planning some work in a simulator, but we still need to clarify when and where," added Kaltenborn.

Sergey Sirotkin also said at Monza he does not know who his 2014 teammate will be.

"I don't think it's time to address this issue," he said. "As for me, in Moscow I signed a contract for 2014, so everything is going according to plan."

Tens of thousands of spectators turned up last weekend at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, formerly known as Mosport, in Ontario.

They travelled to the small town of Bowmanville to greet the arrival of NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series as part of the Chevrolet Silverado 250 race.

Interest from the spectators was big, since there was no NAPA 200 Nationwide race in Montreal this year. Furthermore, the Silverado 250 marked the first road course race for the truck series since Watkins Glen, in 2000.

The race went down to the wire, which happens to be in Turn 10 at CTMP, a quick right-hander that leads the field back onto the pit straight. As is often the case in high-stakes NASCAR competition, the fight for first place got rough and dirty.

It's obvious to whoever watches the replay that Chase Elliott, in second place before Turn 10, had no intention whatsoever of taking that last turn in the last lap. Then, leader Ty Dillon is under braking and even starting to turn when he's rammed on the right rear corner. Elliott is nowhere near Dillon until the two trucks collide.



I won't make any friends with what I'm about to say, but I need to get it out anyway: NASCAR is not a racing series anymore. It's a demolition derby for crying out loud because officials keep closing their eyes to the stunts drivers pull ever more often.

It's almost as bad as WWE fighting on TV.

You get that sense the show was scripted to grab the attention of the general audience. At the end of the race, journalists and cameramen even got a shot of driver Max Papis' girlfriend slapping him in the face.

I'm sorry, but in my book, that's not racing, that's Roman gladiator fighting from another age. I think it's appalling that NASCAR refused to take any action against Elliott. What are they bloody waiting for? Even on superspeedways, where Cup cars reach speeds upwards of 350 km/hr, drivers are no strangers to using their bumpers to get what they want.

Is NASCAR waiting for someone to die before doing anything?

As far as Dillon is concerned, he said on the record he'd get his revenge at the next race.

Sounds like NASCAR is becoming more and more like NHL ice hockey, where fights and dirty hits are common sights. When you think about it, why ban such violence? Fans love it! Sad for me then, because I don't see the point. I want real racing back.

Am I the only one?

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From GMM

Jean-Eric Vergne insists he will become Toro Rosso's 'number 1' driver next year as current teammate Daniel Ricciardo departs for Red Bull.

Frenchman Vergne admits he is disappointed to have missed out on the high-profile move to replace Mark Webber, but confirmation he is staying put at Toro Rosso is also "a very good thing for me," he told L'Equipe.

"The choice is quite logical, because Daniel is a Red Bull (backed) driver and because he has a bit more experience than me," he told the French daily.

"He was better than me in certain aspects that are important to them, such as qualifying, but the race is something else -- we are extremely close," said Vergne, 23.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: WRi2)

Even Ricciardo's new teammate, the reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel, agrees with Vergne's assessment.

"I do not see a big difference between them," the German is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"They have had similar results this season, even though we do have a better view from inside the team.

"Daniel was a little more consistent, but both have the same speed," said Vettel.

Vergne thinks success for Ricciardo will therefore reflect well on himself, and sees staying at Toro Rosso as an advantage.

"I'm going to learn a lot as the number 1 Toro Rosso driver," he said, "and will try to pull the team up.

"There are many more things in the positive column for next year. We'll probably have a better car, we have our new technical director James Key, and the Renault engine will bring us a lot.

"I think if I had the choice to go somewhere else, I would stay at Toro Rosso."

As for Vettel, the German insists his task in 2014 will be no different even though he will have a different teammate for the first time in five years.

"I'm sure he (Ricciardo) will try his best to beat me, but nothing changes," said Vettel.

"It will be an Australian trying to make my life difficult," he smiled.

Arthur William Sidney Herrington, the man behind the Jeep, died on this day in 1970, at age 79. Born in Coddenham, England, he migrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 5.

First employed at Harley-Davidson, Herrington was a participant in WWI. When he came back as a civilian, he was hired as a consultant. Afterwards, he constructed a series of 4 and 6-wheel-drive vehicles, with the help of the Marmon Motor Car Company of Indianapolis. These vehicles helped troops during WWII, but the most popular among them was the small quarter-ton, designated GP (General Purpose), which then became the Jeep.

Herington served as a technical consultant for the American mission in India during WWII, as well as heading the American Medical Center in Burma.

Source : britannica.com

2013 Jeep (Photo: Jeep)

1941 Willys (Photo: Jeep)

Just how far would you go for a pair of shoes? Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team and sponsor GEOX wanted to know for sure.

The two teamed up to give ten competition winners a chance to win the new GEOX collection, but only if they could endure a lap in an Infiniti SUV with three-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and former Toro Rosso F1 driver, Sebastien Buemi without screaming.

The rule was simple and clear: for each scream - they lose a pair.

Gary Sowerby and his wife, Lisa Calvi, drove across Canada in a Chevrolet Cruise Diesel which consumed an average 4.3L/100 km, thus establishing a new Canadian record. The previous mark, 5.59L/100 km, was set in July 2012 by a 2012 Volkswagen Passat.

The couple drove 5,955.8 kilometres at an average speed of 80.3 km/h. Their trip lasted 189 hours, 3 hours under the 192-hour goal they had set.

‘'We had a fantastic trip across Canada, proving to Canadians, and ourselves, that a long car trip can be entertaining, affordable and not cost a fortune in fuel expenses,'' explained Lisa Calvi. ‘' Our greatest feat was squeezing over 1,400 kilometres on a single tank of gas. The total fuel consumption of our diesel Cruze amounted to 250.9 litres for the entire trip, costing us a bit over $300.''

Photo: Chevrolet

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton and former mentor Ron Dennis have moved to patch up their broken relationship.

After McLaren and team 'supremo' Dennis built Hamilton's formula one career from boyhood, it emerged that relationship crumbled spectacularly last year as the 2008 world champion decided to switch to Mercedes.

Dennis, however, said early this week that the British driver will always be "part of the McLaren family".

"Last year I didn't seriously seek to prevent his efforts to explore new pastures with Mercedes -- perhaps it was a necessary part of his maturation," said the McLaren chairman. "But I'll always remember his time with us very fondly, just as I'm very proud of having been McLaren's CEO and team principal when he became world champion with us in 2008."

Lewis Hamilton and Ron Dennis, McLaren's days. (Photo: WRi2)

When asked about Dennis at Monza on Thursday, Hamilton revealed that he recently had a "nice chat" on the phone with his former boss.

"We spoke for about an hour. It was a really good conversation. I don't think there are any issues there personally," he is quoted by the Daily Mail. "He has had such a big role in my life so I felt it was important to connect."

Lewis Hamilton also insisted he will not be bothered if, on Sunday, he is booed by the Italian 'tifosi', just as he was when he won for McLaren a year ago.

"If I'm up there and I'm being booed that means I've won, so I definitely want that," he said.

Less keen on being booed is Sebastian Vettel, who admitted the reaction of the British crowd earlier this year left him cold.

"I didn't understand it," Vettel told the Daily Mail. "I had not done anything to make them do it. I went up on to the stage later for the post-race concert and got booed again. Obviously in the British grand prix if I am leading and they want a British driver to win they might not like it, which is fair, but booing, I don't think that is fair."

Lexus has issued a recall of 3922 vehicles including the GS 350 (2007 to 2011), IS 350 (2006 to 2011) and IS 350 C (2010-2011). On certain vehicles, the bolts used to secure the housing and sprocket of the intake-side Variable-Valve Timing (VVT) gear assembly could loosen and fall.

Engine stalling, thus propulsion may occur, which could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the VVT unit with an improved version.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Charles Renny

Photo: Charles Renny

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

The ‘'Walke-Talkie'', is a new London skyscraper that required numerous revisions to the original building plans for a multitude of reasons. Additional modifications will be needed, as the building is being ‘'accused'' of partially melting the rear-view mirror of a Jaguar parked a few blocks away!

The mirrored outer surface of the building reflected the sun, which then caused damages to a business executive's vehicle. The building developers paid for the necessary repairs.

The Jaguar was not the only object to be melted by the sun's rays: the carpet of a neighboring business suffered burn marks, window-display items began to melt, and the paint on the outer wall started bubbling from the intense heat.

Source: Mashable

Photo: Wikipedia

From GMM

Adrian Sutil has admitted he is not overly excited about F1's move to turbo V6 power next year.

Before the sport begins its seven-race overseas trek to finish the 2013 season, Sunday's Italian grand prix will be the last race in Europe with V8 power.

"Then you will say to yourself 'Ok, that was the V8, unfortunately, now comes the V6'," the Force India driver is quoted by Speed Week.

"I would like to say I'm looking forward to the V12, but unfortunately that's not really the case. The turbos are definitely interesting, but I have always said that the V12 is my favourite engine," added Sutil.

V6 engine. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Chinese manufacturer Geely, which owns the Volvo brand, is planning to expand by exporting its vehicles to the U.S. market in 2016. A past attempt failed, as consumer confidence in the brand failed to materialize. Geely is now counting on the Volvo brand to break into this market.

‘'Our Volvo acquisition improved our image, as overseas buyers now view us as an international company,'' explained Geely CEO Gui Shengyue, to Bloomberg News. ‘'Our European and American deliveries will rely on the models put in place by the Geely and Volvo teams.''

Geely hopes that by 2018, 60% of its sales will come from overseas markets.

Source: Bloomberg

Photo: Geely

Regan Smith will be driving Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 today in Richmond International Raceway as the Johnson's celebrate the birth of a second daughter.

No word from the team if Johnson will be driving in Saturday night's race the last race before NASCAR's playoffs, The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup starts.

Although Johnson leads the current points if he does not win on Saturday he will be seeded second behind 2003 Champion, Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch because they each have five wins and he has four wins.

Jimmie Johnson's Chevrolet SS. (Photo: NASCAR)

Ford CEO Alan Mulally, credited with driving a culture change that helped save the automaker, may step down sooner than planned, people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

AM General reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to acquire Michigan-based Vehicle Production Group, the troubled developer and manufacturer of the MV-1, a vehicle designed for passengers in wheelchairs.

Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day

Seven cars and 60 years of America's sports car.

It was a Corvette moment. Here we were on Carmel Valley Road, just over the hill from the Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Pebble Beach concours, and Chevrolet had not only put all seven generations of the Corvette in front of us but also invited us to drive each one.

Photo Gallery: Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day - Automobile Magazine

Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day

Seven cars and 60 years of America's sports car.

It was a Corvette moment. Here we were on Carmel Valley Road, just over the hill from the Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Pebble Beach concours, and Chevrolet had not only put all seven generations of the Corvette in front of us but also invited us to drive each one.

Photo Gallery: Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day - Automobile Magazine

Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

The Tennessee Supreme Court has reinstated a $43.8 million verdict in which Ford was held partly at fault in a case involving a Memphis child who was paralyzed in an auto accident.

Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day

Seven cars and 60 years of America's sports car.

It was a Corvette moment. Here we were on Carmel Valley Road, just over the hill from the Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Pebble Beach concours, and Chevrolet had not only put all seven generations of the Corvette in front of us but also invited us to drive each one.

Photo Gallery: Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day - Automobile Magazine

Driving Seven Generations of Corvette in One Day | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us