Auto News 5

Carlos Tavares and Renault had no choice but to part ways. Tavares is 55 and wants to be the CEO at a global automaker sooner rather than later.

The next Toyota Prius will get "significantly better fuel economy in a more compact package that is lighter weight and lower cost," the Prius program's chief engineer said.

Maserati is confident that its new entry-level Ghibli can compete with rivals in the highly competitive executive sedan market and play a key role in boosting the automaker's global deliveries.

Johnson Controls will receive state aid from the Slovak government in exchange for creating jobs through a venture to manufacture headrests in the country.

About 72,000 car dealership and gas station employees in South Africa plan to join striking auto workers next week after a breakdown in wage discussions between employers and the country's labor unions.

Ford has made changes to its Mondeo mid-sized sedan in an effort to woo consumers in China and double its market share there to 6 percent by 2015.

Ford expects to sell its Edge mid-sized crossover in global markets -- including China -- when the car is redesigned in early 2015, two sources familiar with the automaker's plans said.

From GMM

Former F1 driver Alex Wurz has revealed he is still working for the Williams team.

The Austrian's last grand prix was with the Grove based team in 2007, but more recently he continued to work for Williams as a driver mentor.

But the Austrian sports magazine Sportwoche reports that 39-year-old Wurz is still working for Williams, albeit in a completely different role.

Wurz, also with a reputation as one of F1's best-ever test drivers, is reportedly working with Williams to help to restructure and recruit staff.

"My task at Williams is to analyse the structure of the team and offer ideas that will help us to make progress," he confirmed.

"Pat Symonds has come to us, but he is just one of several new people that Williams plans to hire," added Wurz.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

Alex Wurz played down speculation Williams might be grooming him to one day take over as team boss from 71-year-old founder Sir Frank Williams.

"When I finish my racing career," said Wurz, "and I want to go grey and have sleepless nights, maybe then I will try to be the head of a formula one team! Seriously, you never know what awaits in the future."

Alex Wurz still races a Le Mans prototype sports car, currently for Toyota, in the FIA's world endurance championship.

Here is the official entry list for the first ever Chevrolet Silverado 250, the only Canadian round of the NASCAR Camping World truck series and the first to be held on a road course for a long time.

A handful of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers will be double-dipping this weekend, all in an effort to gain more track time ahead of the inaugural race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

Championship contenders Jeb Burton, Ty Dillon and defending series champ James Buescher are also entered in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event, to be run Sunday morning.

Chad Hackenbracht, making his third career truck start for Kyle Busch Motorsports, is also in the Canadian Tire Series field.

On the flip side, two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers will attempt to make their truck series debut at the Bowmanville, Ontario track.

Martin Roy, who failed to qualify for the NASCAR Nationwide Series' race at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend, will compete in a James Carter-owned Chevrolet.

Alex Guenette, a 17-year-old Quebec native and the series' top rookie, will drive the No. 39 Chevy for team owner Susan Bates.

Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR

Entry list NASCAR Camping World truck series at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario

No.  Driver  Home town  Truck and sponsor
0 Chris Lafferty  Concord, North Carolina Ford KOMA Unwind
3 Ty Dillon   Welcome, North Carolina Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops - Tracker Boats
4 Jeb Burton   Halifax, Virginia Chevrolet Arrowhead
6 Mike Skeen  Portsmouth, Virginia Chevrolet Hawk Performance
7 John Wes  Townley Watkinsville, Georgia Toyota Zaxby's
07 Carl Long  Roxboro, North Carolina Toyota TBA
8 Max Gresham   Milner, Georgia Chevrolet Amwins
9 Ron Hornaday Jr  Palmdale, California Chevrolet NTS Motorsports
10 Jennifer Jo Cobb  Kansas City, Kansas RAM Kona Unwind
14 Max Papis  Como, Italy Chevrolet Sport Clips Joe Denette
17 Timothy Peters   Providence, North Carolina Toyota Parts Plus
18 Joey Coulter   Miami Springs, Florida Toyota Monster Energy
19 Ross Chastain  Alva, Florida Ford ReeseTowpower/PartsSource
24 Brennan Newberry  Bakersfield, California Chevrolet Qore-24
29 Ryan Blaney  High Point, North Carolina Ford Cooper Standard
31 James Buescher  Plano, Texas Chevrolet Motomaster Eliminator
32 Miguel Paludo   Nova Prata, Brazil Chevrolet Duroline Brakes
39 Alex Guenette  Montreal, Canada Chevrolet MI IUIMITEES Motorsports
51 Chad Hackenbracht  New Philadelphia, Ohio Toyota Tastee Apple / Ingersoll Rand
54 Darrell Wallace Jr  Mobile, Alabama Toyota Camping World / Good Sam
57 Norm Benning   Level Green, Pennsylvania Chevrolet Norm Benning Racing
60 Dakoda Armstrong  New Castle, Indiana Chevrolet Winfield
62 Brendan Gaughan  Las Vegas, Nevada Chevrolet South Point Hotel & Casino
72 Martin Roy   Napierville, Canada Chevrolet TBA
77 German Quiroga Jr  Mexico City, Mexico Toyota Otter Box
81 Derek White  Kahnawake, Canada Toyota VIP Poker
88 Matt Crafton   Tulare, California Toyota Ideal Door-Menards
94 Chase Elliott  Dawsonville, Georgia Chevrolet Aaron's Dream Machine / Hendrickcars.com
98 Johnny Sauter   Necedah, Wisconsin Toyota Carolina Nut Co. / Curb Records
99 Bryan Silas   Stuart, Florida Ford Bell Trucks America, Inc.

Adapted from GMM

He is no longer seen in the F1 paddocks, but Michael Schumacher has just secured a lucrative sponsorship deal that will be the envy of most of today's grand prix stars.

Bild newspaper reports that the seven time world champion, 44, has extended his contract with German investment company Deutsche Vermogensberatung.

Since 1996, the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver, now retired, has worn the long-winded word - or the shorter acronym DVAG - on the front of his cap.

Thursday's media report said Schumacher's new seven-year deal is estimated to be worth about 21 million euros, or 3 million per year.

Niki Lauda started the cap sponsorship in 1976 with Römerquelle, and then Parmalat, Oelikon and now Aabar. 

Photo: WRi2

From CTCC

Going into the last stretch of the season, Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) competitors are always looking forward to going back to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Historic, difficult, challenging and fast, Canada's home of motorsport is hosting the CTCC presented by Continental Tire once again.

With only one event to go after the Chevrolet Silverado 250, Velocity Motorsport Club/Honda Civic Si driver Scott Nicol (Barrie, ON) leads the way with a strong advantage in Super Class with 982 points.

Almost nose-to-nose in second place are teammates G1 Racing/Hyundai Genesis Coupe teammates Bob Attrell (Brampton, ON) with 798 points and Jonathan Rashleigh (Caledon, ON) with 795 points.

A tad behind, but close enough to be challenging, QuickSeries/Lachute Performance/ Subaru WRX Roger Ledoux (Rigaud, QC) is ready to jump up to the next position if one of the drivers in front of him makes the slightest mistake.

Photo: Paolo Pedicelli

Last year Touring Class Champion, Blanchet Motorsports/Honda Civic Si Damon Sharpe (Tottenham, ON) is ferociously defending his first CTCC championship this year, but he has to constantly fight with his rival Team Octane/MINI Cooper S JCW Michel Sallenbach (Roxton Pond, QC). Sallenbach leads Touring Class with 1107 points, but is staying vigilant, since Sharpe is very close behind with 1078 points.

So far, both drivers have presented great battles and strong competition. Team Octane drivers also hold third and fourth positions in the Championship as teammates Eric Lacouture (Lorraine, QC) and Carlos Tesler-Mabe (Vancouver, BC) respectively have 1003 and 963 points.

In B-Spec Class, the Chevrolet Silverado 250 will be the fourth and last event of the season. The leader with 708 points is Ste-Rose Honda Racing/Honda Fit Karl Wittmer (Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC), followed by veteran Lucky7/Mazda2 Normand Boyer (Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, QC) with 660. In third place is Team Octane/MINI Cooper S JCW Alain Lauzière (Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC).

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, August 31th, CTCC competitors will have a qualifying session at 8:45 a.m., followed by Round Eleven at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, drivers will be back on the track for a qualifying session at 9:45 a.m. and will be competing for Round Twelve at 4:45.

CTCC drivers will be available for fans during an autograph session on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

In addition to the live-timing (www.livetiming.net/ctcc), fans can also follow the race with the new CTCC App that can be downloaded for free on your smartphone.

For more details about CTCC, visit www.touringcar.ca or follow CTCC on Facebook and Twitter.

From GMM

Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda has tipped Sebastian Vettel to wrap up his fourth consecutive drivers' world championship with two races still to run this season.

Although some think Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is perhaps Red Bull leader Vettel's main challenger with eight races to go in 2013, triple world champion Lauda thinks the title race is effectively now decided.

"I would go so far as to say Vettel will be the world champion in Abu Dhabi, which is the third to last race," the great Austrian told Bild newspaper.

"His points lead was already big when he dominated at Spa, even though the Red Bull is not really suited to this track. Ok, maybe for Monza he is not the favourite, but on every other circuit he has the best car. It is more than enough for him," added Lauda.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB9, at Spa-Francorchamps. (Photo: WRi2)

The comments indicate Mercedes, already strongly focused on the huge rules challenge of 2014, has now given up on pushing for this year's title.

"We will not give up," Lauda insisted to Osterreich newspaper.

"But I am also realistic. Vettel dominated at Spa, and I think he could have been three, four tenths per lap even faster. We have improved so much, but Red Bull is still better," he admitted.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IZOD IndyCar Series have announced that Graham Rahal will be allowed with his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing DW12 car to turn laps on the infield road course on Wednesday, September 4.

This trial run has been authorised as to gather information about the current course layout as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway considers changes and upgrades to the track.

Speedway officials plan to invest nearly $100 million in the facility that could include modifications to the road course to allow IndyCar testing or racing in the future.

IndyCar Series President of Competition Derrick Walker said he expects to have Rahal test several configurations of the road course.

Auto123.com had already reported that the IMS, along with the IndyCar brass, are evaluating the feasibility of holding an IndyCar event on the IMS road course at the beginning of May to launch the Indianapolis 500 activities.

Although the idea could generate some interest in the racing world, some prominent drivers like Helio castroneves and Dario Franchitti have already stated their skepticism toward such an event.

The IMS road course has hosted several racing series including Formula One race from 2000-2007, the annual MotoGP event that debuted in 2008, and the Grand-Am Rolex Series that first competed at IMS in 2012.

Kia has just released both pictures and the name of the of their new concept vehicle, which plans to launch September 10th at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Niro, an urban SUV "has a number of intriguing features that we don't usually associate with smaller vehicles" along with atypical use of materials such as a stainless-steel roof.

Technical info has not been released at this point.

Photo: Kia

From GMM

Even before his 2014 seat has been announced, Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull career has hit a snag.

The German-language Speed Week, and Italy's authoritative Autosprint, report that the Australian has been at Milton-Keynes for a seat-fitting in the 2014-spec RB10.

Designer Adrian Newey is known for his tight-fitting cockpits, and the packaging is reportedly even more problematic for 2014 given the new turbo V6 and 'ERS' regulations.

And while Ricciardo is slightly shorter than his Australian compatriot Mark Webber, the European media reports reveal that his hips are slightly wider than Webber and world champion Sebastian Vettel's.

Photo: WRi2

F1 legend Niki Lauda sees another problem with Red Bull's apparent decision to sign Ricciardo.

"Out of the new generation, Ricciardo is the driver with the most potential," the Mercedes chairman said in an interview with Bild newspaper.

"But at the moment no one knows if that potential is really enough. So it's a risk," said Lauda.

Another F1 grandee considering taking a risk for 2014 is Ferrari. According to recent reports, talks with Nico Hulkenberg about replacing Felipe Massa are underway.

"Hulkenberg is not bad," said Lauda, "but I think he needs another year. And Ferrari doesn't have time to waste."

The great Austrian said that if he was in charge at Ferrari, he would sign Kimi Raikkonen.

"He would give the team a boost, just as Lewis Hamilton has done at Mercedes," said Lauda.

"At Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo decides alone. Alonso would certainly not like it (Raikkonen as his teammate), but Ferrari does have a problem: if the car is not good, Alonso complains all day. If I was Montezemolo, I would pick Kimi," he added.

Finally, Lauda said the fact Nico Rosberg has been able to keep up with Mercedes' new recruit Hamilton in 2013 was a surprise.

Asked if Hamilton's 2013 title bid has been a surprise, Lauda answered: "No, as I knew that he would give the team a boost.

"What has surprised me is that Nico has been at eye-level. Nico has had more bad luck, but as far as the speed, they're both the same," he added.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IZOD IndyCar Series have announced that Graham Rahal will be allowed with his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing DW12 car to turn laps on the infield road course on Wednesday, September 4.

This trial run has been authorised as to gather information about the current course layout as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway considers changes and upgrades to the track.

Speedway officials plan to invest nearly $100 million in the facility that could include modifications to the road course to allow IndyCar testing or racing in the future.

IndyCar Series President of Competition Derrick Walker said he expects to have Rahal test several configurations of the road course.

Auto123.com had already reported that the IMS, along with the IndyCar brass, are evaluating the feasibility of holding an IndyCar event on the IMS road course at the beginning of May to launch the Indianapolis 500 activities.

Although the idea could generate some interest in the racing world, some prominent drivers like Helio castroneves and Dario Franchitti have already stated their skepticism toward such an event.

The IMS road course has hosted several racing series including Formula One race from 2000-2007, the annual MotoGP event that debuted in 2008, and the Grand-Am Rolex Series that first competed at IMS in 2012.

Happy is part of the package
Each time I bring a car home, I try to imagine myself living with said vehicle. I use it for everyday tasks: take my son to day care, pick up groceries, go out with friends, and drive to work. I load it up with the usual; water bottle, baby wipes, notepad and pen (because I'm a writer), and really “live” with it. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it really doesn't.

Sometimes, it's pure perfection.

Such was the case with the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. Baby seat securely fastened in the back, roof down, and sun shining I was ready to motor. Not once did the smile leave my face the entire week I was behind the wheel.


What is a MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
Besides a grin-producer, the MINI JCW is a pocket-rocket built for speedy, go-kart road experiences. Based on the Cooper platform, the John Cooper Works is a tricked out MINI that boosts horsepower by 27 ponies over the Cooper S, decks out the body in skirts and JCW decals.

Who is John Cooper? Only the Founding Father of racing Minis. Their success continued over decades, and in 2000, Michael Cooper (son of John Cooper) founded the performance division of MINI, John Cooper Works, to boost power in the new generation MINIs.

While MINI has tried their hand at decking out other MINI models in John Cooper Works regalia, there really is no comparison for the hatch (as Matt recently experienced with the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works).

Besides a grin-producer, the MINI JCW is a pocket-rocket built for speedy, go-kart road experiences. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible Price and Specs
MINI managed to squeeze as much power and handling prowess out of this little hatch as possible, with a jacked up 1.6L turbocharged engine that pumps out 208 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque (with overboost the number rises to 207 lb-ft). With a top speed of 236 km/hr and a 0-100 km/hr time of 6.9 seconds: this little number is ready to go...

Although an automatic is available, I implore you to go with the 6-speed manual transmission.

All that pleasure can be had starting at $42,900. There's a bit of a premium for less car as the non-convertible MINI John Cooper Works starts at $36,900. My as-tested MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Convertible (with an $1,850 Wired Package for navi and voice recognition, etc.) plus a few cosmetic extras came in at just under $50k.

A lot for not-a-lot-of car? Some would say so. I don't.

Although an automatic is available, I implore you to go with the 6-speed manual transmission. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
Uplifting. Rejuvenating. Serendipitous. Fortuitous. Fun. I could fill this section with adjective upon adjective to describe what it's like to drive the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, but I think you get the idea.

Truthfully, this little car doesn't have a crazy amount of power. 208 horses is rather “small” in terms of horsepower numbers these days, but it's how that power is harnessed and sent to the front wheels then handled by the four corners that make it so phenomenal to drive.

I feel at one with the MINI, like we were meant to be together forever and always. Feels a bit like home.

Steering is precise and spot on, the car is going where I want it to almost before I turn the wheel. Throttle response is also quite sensitive. Very little input is needed to make the MINI John Cooper Works rocket forward, and gear selection is smooth, rev-matching a joy, burbles and growls from the centre-mounted dual exhaust intoxicating, and cornering a dream.

My only complaint? The shifter is quite large and distance between gears is rather long. I'd shorten that up if I owned one.

The missing roof does nothing to take away from the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible's rigidity and cornering abilities.

Truthfully, this little car doesn't have a crazy amount of power but it's how that power is harnessed and sent to the front wheels then handled by the four corners that make it so phenomenal to drive.(Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
While the external differences on the JCW aren't immediately recognizable, it is eye-catching nonetheless. A more aggressive front fascia with black headlights and 17” black alloy wheels added a certain “mean” spirit to my tester.

Inside, standard MINI looks are found: round gauges, centre-mounted speedo. I also appreciated the Championship Read Leather Lounge ($1,900), though I'm not sure I'd dish out the extra dollars for them.

My son's Britax baby seat was a bit of a tight squeeze, but it did fit with the roof up or down. While the trunk is quite small, I was able to squeeze a small umbrella stroller in there along with a few grocery bags.

Inside, standard MINI looks are found: round gauges, centre-mounted speedo. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
MINI has competition within its own walls in the BMW 1 Series convertible, and with another German brand in the VW Eos (though that comparison is a bit of a stretch). The most logical comparison is the Fiat 500 Abarth cabrio, which is also a quirky, different, fun-to-drive drop-top.

Gottlieb Daimler deposited a patent for the world's first motorcycle on August 29th, 1885. Built from wood, it was powered by a 4-cycle 1-cylinder engine that produced 0.5 hp. This invention represents an historical turning-point, as engines had only been used up to that point on stationary machines.

The original motorcycle is located in Germany, at the NSU Museum in Neckarsulm.

Goodyear, which was founded by Frank Sieberling, has been around since August 29th, 1898. Started with just 13 employees, the company's activities focused maiinly on the manufacturing of bicycle and buggy tires, as well as rubber horseshoes.

As of 1901, Goodyear is a supplier of racing tires for Henry Ford, who's ground-breaking 1908 Model T will be shod with Goodyear tires. The company becomes the world's biggest tire manufacturer in 1926. Goodyear remains a successful company to this day, with worldwide tire sales that surpass the 20 billion dollar mark.

Evolution of the Goodyear logo

Photo: Goodyear

Kia has just released both pictures and the name of the of their new concept vehicle, which plans to launch September 10th at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Niro, an urban SUV "has a number of intriguing features that we don't usually associate with smaller vehicles" along with atypical use of materials such as a stainless-steel roof.

Technical info has not been released at this point.

Photo: Kia