Auto News 5

Or, for the manufacturer's good conscience?

Let us consider the current state of the auto world at the moment and in no time flat, a keen observer will notice two things:

1. High- to ultra-high performance cars are more common today than ever before -- as are big trucks. In 2013 alone, Auto123 will have driven the likes of the Audi RS 7, Audi R8, Mercedes E 63 AMG and S-Class, Corvette Stingray, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, and a few others;
2. New EVs, hybrids, and small cars are coming out of the woodwork seemingly every day: the Mazda3, the [link artid=157098""]Nissan Versa Note[/link], Lincoln MKZ hybrid, the BMW i3, Audi A3 e-tron, Toyota Corolla, Ford Fiesta, and more.

Two groups of more diametrically opposed car, I cannot think of. So what am I trying to say?

Car manufacturers want to continue to make these high-powered, expensive cars because that's where the big $$$ are. In most cases, small cars only generate small revenues and expensive-to-build EVs are usually losing propositions. But both are necessary in order to create a healthy business case.

The bread-and-butter cars are fine and dandy and generate strong revenue, but competition is fierce. Having a good Camry, economical Impala or all-new A3 is no longer enough. Brand association is a crucial element in what drives people to dealerships. Consumers dream of an R8, but purchase an A3. Likewise, they'd love to own a Corvette, but will likely leave the showroom with a Cruze.

The other consideration is emissions. By 2015, the fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 130 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km). A short 5 years later, that average will drop to 95 g/km.

Consider then that a BMW M5 produces 232 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This is where the i3 comes in... An Audi R8 V10 is responsible for 314 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Enter the A3 e-tron.

So here's the lesson we all need to heed: We must buy small cars, EVs, hybrids, and all these cars we don't really want if we are to continue to drool and lust after supercars. Thankfully, carmarkers are hard at work making twin-turbo V8s that consume 10-20% less fuel than normally aspirated V10s and V12s.

I know what you're thinking! I can't afford my dreamy Mercedes E 63 S-AMG 4MATIC Estate either, but think of your kids and the posters that will adorn the walls of their bedrooms. No one wants to grow up with a poster of a beige Corolla above his or her bed.

Photo: BMW

From Flamboro Speedway

On Monday, August 19, Flamboro Speedway will play host to the Gold Rush 100 with NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace.

Last year's race was an exciting event as Jason Shaw chose to start at the rear after qualifying second fastest and made his way through the field and managed to make his way to second place.

Paul Howse was the driver to strike gold taking the 100 lap race and taking home the $5,000 first place prize. Kenny Wallace drove a great race and came home in third.

This year Kenny says. "I'm coming to collect the Reward." The reward is an extra $5,000 to whoever qualifies fastest and chooses to go to the rear of the field and make their way to the front and take the checkered flag. Make plans to join us as the best Late Model drivers in the province will be on hand, all with one thing on their mind... taking home $10,000!

Pit gates open at 2pm for tech inspection, Grandstands at 5pm, Kenny Wallace Autograph Session 5:30pm - 6:30pm (Grandstand Area).

Time trials begin at 7pm and on-track, out of car, driver introductions at 8pm. Admission prices for the grandstands are as follows. Adult $35, Senior & Student $30, Children (12 and under) $5. Pit admission $40. HST EXTRA.

From Jim Clarke - Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

The clock is ticking and drivers in every division at Canada's Toughest 1/3rd- Mile Oval are looking to gain every advantage they can as they search for the 2013 track championship.

Saturday, August 17th the cars and stars at Peterborough Speedway thrilled a capacity crowd as the track hosted the year's third and final Fan Appreciation/Toonie Admission Night, presented by Pepsi.

The Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stocks rolled out for their 10 lap qualifying events with Ryan Oosterholt, Ryan Babin, Danny Benedict and Miles Tyson heading for the winner's circle.

Nearly a dozen Techtonix Open Wheel Modified machines signed-in for the show that would determine their 2013 point championship. Nick Lees, Darren Kearnan, Rob Warnes and current point leader Dwight Brown shared the trips to victory lane. The entry level Four Fun division - presented by Battlefield Equipment Rentals - saw Ray Schroer, Ryan Oosterholt with a pair and Griffen Powell win the heat races.

Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car preliminary rounds went to Tom Cormier, Steve Mayhew, Donny Beatty and Dan Price. Jarrit Stewart and Nicholas Ledson won the Ontario Legends heat races, with Cory Horner, Chris Mitchell with a pair and Dan McHattie grabbing the Vanguard Self Storage Late Model qualifiers.

As the crowd thinned from the autograph session, the Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stockers prepared for their 20 lap feature tilt, with Ember Junkin and Miles Tyson on the front row.

As the lap counter showed seven complete, the leaders caught the tail-end of the field and started working lapped traffic. Tyson surrendered the lead coming off the second turn, with Ryan Babin taking over the point and bringing Chris Mulders along for the ride. Babin put some distance on second place and held on for the win. Tyson was third, with Brandt Graham and Brandon Hannah completing the top five.

Twenty laps were on the agenda as the Techtonix Open Wheel Modifieds took the green flag for a feature race that would finalize their season standings. Randy Hollingsworth and Bill Pickford paced the field, but the yellow was quickly displayed without a lap complete for a flat tire on Chad Strawn's machine.

As the top three broke away from the pack, Dwight Brown saw the opportunity to pounce and took his No. 2 rocket three wide heading into the third turn. Within a couple of laps, the soft spoken speedster from Beeton, Ontario had worked his way to the lead and charged to Dart Heating and Air Conditioning Victory Lane.

Rick Warnes, Rob Warnes, Nick Lees and Darren Kearnan chased Brown across the stripe.

The Battlefield Equipment Rental Four Fun drivers were next to take to Canada's Toughest 1/3rd-Mile Oval, with the field lining-up behind Rob Gosse and Willow Barberstock.

Ryan Oosterholt and Andrew Massey wasted no time getting to the front, taking last week's feature winner James Townsend with them. The leaders successfully navigated through the back markers, until a yellow with 13 complete bunched the field. Townsend was able to slip into second on the restart, but couldn't do anything with Oosterholt. Massey was third, with Griffen Powell and Ray Schroer fourth and fifth.

Tom Cormier and 2013 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway track champion Howie Crowe brought the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Cars to the stripe for a 20 lap headline dance.

At the drop of the green, Crowe took the point with crowd favourite Dan Price in tow. After following Price for a handful of laps, Donny Beatty slipped into second. The race's first yellow slowed the pace with 15 complete when Matt Spence drifted high and off the track in the first turn. Spence and Cormier came together a lap later and contact during the yellow flag saw the No. 2 parked for the night. Crowe held-off Beatty for the win, with Price, Jeff Bell and Jamie Wager filling-out the top five.

Dave Riopelle and Nicholas Ledson paced the Ontario Legends field for their 20 lap feature.

Just by taking the green in the main event, Ledson clinched the 2013 series crown. 12 laps were in the record books when Cole Ledson slowed to a stop in the infield. As the field came to the yellow flag, Nicholas Ledson drifted high and made contact with the third turn wall.

The Paul Davis Systems clean-up crew took care of some fluid on the track and the field was stopped on the front stretch.

With Ledson unable to answer the call for the restart, Riopelle assumed the top spot and held it to the checkers. Bill Mason, Andy Warbutton, Jarrit Stevens and Duane Cinnamon followed the winner home.

The night's final feature event saw Craig Graham and Dan McHattie take the Vanguard Self Storage Late Models to the line. McHattie would use the outside front row starting spot to take an early lead, but contact between Mike Wallace and Scott Harrison would bring out a yellow with only two laps complete.

On the restart, Cory Horner moved into second and after some strong runs in his qualifying events, Chris took third. When Bryan Sudsbury spun in the third turn with eight complete, Graham had dropped to seventh.

Before a lap was finished under green, Horner and Mitchell went around in the first turn. The caution also collected Craig Graham. Adam Cuthbertson sent Dan McHattie for a wide ride through the front stretch grass with 14 circuits complete.

Through the closing stages, McHattie was in his own area code as the Cavan, Ontario veteran held on for the win. Darren Kearnan, Mike Wallace, Steve Foster and Graham finished the top five.

From GMM

Caterham Formula 1 Team has promised to make an early call over its 2014 driver lineup.

Regarding the current lineup, the team announced at last season's Brazil finale that Charles Pic would be driving a green car in 2013.

And Giedo van der Garde was only unveiled as Frenchman Pic's teammate in February this year -- mere weeks before the championship began.

When asked about the 2014 lineup, boss Cyril Abiteboul told Brazil's Totalrace: "We would like to decide earlier than we did this year.

"In a way, that it took so long (for 2013) did hurt us.  And next year the understanding between team and driver will be so important with the new power unit.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

"So we want to make sure we make the decision as early as possible so that we can learn everything that can be learned before the first test.

"We would like it to be set in September or October," Abiteboul added.

Rookie Dutchman van der Garde's place at Caterham is considered in doubt due to his performance in 2013 so far.

He told Telegraaf newspaper: "Important progression for any rookie is difficult at first, and now I've experienced it first-hand this season.

"But I'm sure that the trend for the last races will be upwards.

"It is still too early to talk about next year and all the rumours," van der Garde insisted.

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen's manager on Monday confirmed reports the 2007 world champion is no longer in the race to move to Red Bull in 2014.

Earlier, amid reports Daniel Ricciardo has been signed to replace the Le Mans-bound Mark Webber, Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko insisted he is "not nervous" Ferrari seems to have won the race for Raikkonen's services next year.

"I'm not nervous," the Austrian told Bild newspaper.  "Don't forget that we still have Vettel."

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2)

Speaking to Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat on Monday, Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson admitted the current Lotus driver is not moving to Red Bull.

"The negotiations with Red Bull were not successful and ended some time ago," he is quoted as saying.

Robertson did not mention whether Raikkonen would stay at Lotus in 2014 or return to Ferrari, but he admitted it is 99.9 per cent sure the 33-year-old will still be on the grid next year.

Joey Logano broke the ice for Roger Penske and Penske Racing with a dominating weekend winning from the pole at the Pure Michigan 400.

It's the first win for Penske in the Sprint Cup series since it left Dodge for Ford. And, it was Logano's first win of the year, third of his career.

For Penske it was a special day “as I go back 30 years or so at this track this is one of the biggest wins. With Joey coming on board and his first win in the Shell Pennzoil car and our relationship now with Ford. It is my home state, home track and Detroit is my city. You couldn't put it all together like we did today,” he said.

Win the victory Logano went 16th to 13th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings, 17 points out of 10th place. The youngest winner in MIS history also is in play for a Wild Card, with two spots available to the drivers in positions 11-20 in the standings with the most victories.


Joey Logano (Photo: Penske Racing)

The race boiled down to a driver who took a fuel risk versus a more conservative pit stop strategy.


Mark Martin took off after a restart on Lap 178, as Kurt Busch, Logano and Harvick battled for the second spot behind him. But Martin was short on fuel, and after the running order shuffled out with Logano in second and Harvick in third, the pursuers began to close in on the leader.


When Martin slowed in Turn 3 on Lap 197, Logano shot past him into the lead with Harvick in hot pursuit. In the end Logano took the checkered flag by 1.018 seconds over the No. 29 Chevrolet.

"I knew (Martin) was two laps short," Logano said from victory lane. "I wanted to get by him though, in case they were fooling with me. Just getting in that clean air means so much."

Harvick said, on being second, “just miss‑timed that last restart there. I had a great run on the 55(Martin).  Was going to beat him to the line by too much, wound up having to drag the brakes.  From there, it was going to be sketchy if we were going to keep the 22 (Logano) back there.

“We stuck with our game plan,” said third place Kurt Bush. “At one point we were buried deep, 14th on one of the restarts.  I was a little frustrated at that point, knowing we had a much better car.  But our weaknesses were restarts today, trying to maneuver in traffic.

“But lo and behold, got fired up, sometimes I get lucky, and opening opened up on the outside.  I think I came on that restart from 14th to sixth.  It was a game‑changer.  That one moment was our race.

Points leader, Jimmie Johnson, blew an engine early in the race, but still became the first driver locked into the 12-driver Chase.

In a related development AJ Allmendinger, driving a Mustang for Penske, took the inaugural Nationwide Series race at the Mid-Ohio road course on Saturday.

From Inside Track Motorsport News

The 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo, Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News will take place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto's Pearson International Airport.

Billed as 'Canada's Ultimate Racing Show', the CME takes place just two weeks before the Daytona 500, at a time when Canadian racers and fans are making their plans and purchasing decisions for the upcoming racing season.

For the first time ever, the Canadian Motorsports Expo (CME) will take place in Hall 5 at the International Centre. The giant 100,000 square foot space has no pillars, obstructions or internal walls, thereby providing an ideal venue in which to showcase the hundreds of exhibitors, tracks, series, vendors and racing vehicles that will fill the hall.

Offering interesting and informative racing forums, celebrity racer autograph sessions, NASCAR Sprint Cup stock cars, Canadian racing vehicles from across the motorsports spectrum, reunion events, popular awards presentations and aisle after aisle of equipment suppliers and collectibles vendors, the CME has something for every racer and fan.

Photo: Inside Track Motorsports News

It's also become the venue where Canadian racers, tracks and series make news. The show offers fantastic value and exposure for motorsports-related businesses looking to launch their sales, marketing and promotional campaigns in front of thousands of their most motivated and likely customers.

Throughout its existence, the Canadian Motorsports Expo has become famous for its presentation of celebrity racers from Canada and around the world. Stars like Kyle Busch, Michael Waltrip, Ron Fellows, Jacques Villeneuve, Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Brad Keselowski, Dario Franchitti, James Hinchcliffe, Max Papis, Derek Daly, Miguel & Yvon Duhamel and many, many more have graced the CME stage for fan Q&A and autograph sessions.

The CME has also featured world-famous racing machines, including the NASCAR Cup cars of Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon, as well as F1 and IndyCar vehicles. Watch for updates through the coming months as to which big name racers and machines will be on display at the 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo, Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News.

For CME info, visit www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

From OSCAAR

Justin Demelo (No.82 EMCO Waterworks) did everything right at Delaware Speedway on Saturday afternoon, including leading all 50 laps, to finally earn a win with the OSCAAR Modified tour at his home track.

The London, Ont. driver set a blistering pace in time trials on Friday night where he erased Barry Newman's (No. 1 Vipond Fire Protection) track record set in 2007 with a lap of 18.513 seconds, nearly a full four-tenths of a second quicker than the previous mark.

Demelo's lap was just four-thousandths of a second off the all-time late model track record held by D.J. Kennington.

Klotz Canada qualifying heat races were lined up on Friday night based on time trials, with odd number qualifiers in heat one and even number qualifiers in the second heat. Both Demelo and Gary McLean (No. 8 McLean Industrial Design) won from the pole to earn starting positions on the front row.

Come feature time on Saturday afternoon, Demelo wasted little time jumping out to an early lead and held down the initial spot as he forced McLean to stick to the high lane.

The first caution of the race came at lap two when Mike Westwood (No.91 Stryker Chassis) spun in turn two. The caution would also end Dean Scott's (No. 19 Little Track's Petting Zoo) night as he pulled to the main pit area with what appeared to be radiator problems as the car leaked water.

The field was back up to speed for a long 20-lap green flag run where Demelo continued to pace the field. A great battle developed for the second position between McLean and Demelo on the run, but McLean was able to thwart the efforts of his challenger.

Davey Terry (No.14 Wasteco) and Shane Stickel (No. 39 MSD Machine Tool) were hard at work in a battle for the sixth spot. The two Troyer race cars battled until a caution at lap 22 for a Branden Bullen (No.67 Alliston Transmission) spin in turn two.

The field raced three more laps until a competition caution on lap 25 to allow drivers to refuel and change one tire. The five minute break in the action allowed drivers to make any changes they would be allowed to make on a regular pit stop. Drivers returned to the speedway in the same running order.

Matt Barton (No.2 MDB Racecars/The Merit Group) ended his race at the competition yellow, despite running fifth. Barton explained the grilled opening had shrunk after some early race contact, which began to overheat the motor.

The ensuing restart saw Demelo jump out to a lead once again, while Newman got the better of McLean and ducked beneath the veteran for the second spot.

Demelo opened his lead considerably as the final 25-lap went caution free, and McLean and Newman battled one another for second.

The most interesting battle in the closing laps was for the sixth spot between Stickel, Ryan Dick (No.88 Johnston Bros. Sand and Gravel) and John Harper (No.79 Grisdale Racing Products). Stickel held off a hard charging Harper for over 20 laps, while Dick made an impressive last lap pass around Harper to steal the seventh spot on the final corner.

Demelo, however, was in a league of his own on this day to win his first OSCAAR Modified race at Delaware in four starts.

In the closing laps with Gary McLean glued to the back bumped of Newman, the two came upon the lapped car of Westwood. McLean made an impressive move to the outside of Newman, which pinned 'the Bear' beneath Westwood. McLean was able to make the pass and hold the second spot until the checkered flag.

The OSCAAR Modified tour takes a two week break before returning to action on September 7 at Flamboro Speedway in a rescheduled event following a power outage on July 20. They will be joined by the OSCAAR Super Late Models and Flamboro's weekly divisions.

Photo courtesy of OSCAAR

From GMM

Nico Rosberg is very happy to be tested alongside the undoubted talents of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, team boss Ross Brawn insists.

Paired with the great seven time world champion Michael Schumacher between 2010 and 2012, German Rosberg emerged as the most consistently strong.

But team boss Brawn admitted that Rosberg is arguably happier now, alongside Hamilton -- widely regarded as among the very best on the grid.

"Lewis is a great reference for the team," Brawn is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"I think sometimes he (Rosberg) was a little unhappy with Michael, because it wasn't the same reference.  Michael often had difficult moments with Nico.

Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg (Photo: WRi2)

"Was it because Michael was not as good as he once was?  Or was Nico better than some people gave him credit?

"I think everyone recognises now that Nico was better than everyone thought," he added.

Brawn said the results of the 2013 season, with Rosberg winning twice and Hamilton opening his victory account recently in Hungary, has proved the current driver pairing is right.

"I feel vindicated now that Lewis is on the team, because people are saying how good Nico is, and I've always said so," he insisted.

We have learned that Michael Andretti, owner of the IndyCar team Andretti Autosport, is actively trying to find sponsorship in order to bring Juan Pablo Montoya back to open wheel racing next year.

Juan Pablo Montoya (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

Michael Andretti has already had preliminary discussions with the Colombian and the team owner has also confirmed that Montoya is very interested on working out a deal.

Last week, Montoya learned that Chip Ganassi's NASCAR team would not renew his NASCAR contract for 2014.

Meanwhile, Andretti is still trying to finalize deals for some of his current drivers, including James Hinchcliffe, but the organization is still in need of a sponsorship commitment from GoDaddy.com which is the main sponsor.

Andretti also confirmed Hinchcliffe has reached a point in his contract where he's free to negotiate with other teams.

By now, you've heard of hybrids: they use electricity and motors and batteries to help drive the vehicle to which all that is bolted -- all with the intent of lightening the load on that vehicle's gas engine. Lightening the load on said gas engine means hybrids will use less fuel, often be able to drive in certain situations on electricity alone, and spew less nastiness into the atmosphere.

Now that many hybrid models have enjoyed many years of sale in Canada, they're popping up on the used market more often than ever -- and you might be considering one.

You might, also, have questions. After all, hybrid cars are relatively un-proven, and more complicated and sophisticated than conventionally powered models.

Here's a look at some of the things existing owners like about their hybrid vehicles, and the issues they say you should be aware of when shopping for a used model. This information intends to be a highlight only, and note that purchasing a hybrid without a full inspection from the vehicle's dealer is not advised.

Continue reading Part 1: Used Hybrids at a Glance

Cadillac unveiled its Elmiraj Concept Vehicle last week in Pebble Beach. This new vehicle closely resembles the Ciel concept launched two years ago, which displays Cadillac's new design and luxury philosophy.

The expansive four-door coupe measures 5207 mm in length and is powered by a 4.5 litre V8 twin-turbo that produces an estimated 500 hp. The engine is based on the 420 hp V6 found in the 2014 CTS Vsport which is scheduled to be launched this fall.

While Cadillac has no plans to mass-produce the Elmiraj, it is built on a chassis that contains certain elements that will be used in upcoming Cadillac projects, as the manufacturer plans to expand into the luxury market.

Photo: Cadillac

Hyundai has issued a recall of 52,317 Azeras (2006 to 2009) and Sonatas (2006 to 2010) due to a problem in the rear crossmember assembly.

On certain vehicles, road salt can cause corrosion, which can lead to separation of the control arm at the mounting point. This could result in a loss of vehicle control, thus increasing the risk of a crash and personal injury.

Dealers will repair or replace the rear crossmember assembly as required.

Source: Transport Canada

2008 Hyundai Azera (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

2009 Hyundai Sonata GL (Photo: Matthieu Lambert)

Subaru Canada recently released the Canadian pricing and model info for the 2014 WRX STI, as well as announcing the arrival of a new ‘'Tsurugi'' version.

The complete 2014 WRX STI lineup is powered by the potent turbocharged 2.5L Subaru BOXER engine that delivers 305 hp and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h is reached in under 4.9 seconds, for a top speed of 250 to 255 km/h.

The Tsurugi version has additional leather seating, 5-spoke 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels with distinctive inserts, and much more.
MSRP of the different versions start at:

• 2014 WRX STI (4-door): $38,195
• 2014 WRX STI (5-door): $39,095
• WRX STI Tsurugi Edition (4-door): $41,495
• WRX STI Sport-tech Package (5-door): $42,595

Photo: Subaru

Or, for the manufacturer's good conscience?

Let us consider the current state of the auto world at the moment and in no time flat, a keen observer will notice two things:

1. High- to ultra-high performance cars are more common today than ever before -- as are big trucks. In 2013 alone, Auto123 will have driven the likes of the Audi RS 7, Audi R8, Mercedes E 63 AMG and S-Class, Corvette Stingray, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, and a few others;
2. New EVs, hybrids, and small cars are coming out of the woodwork seemingly every day: the Mazda3, the [link artid=157098""]Nissan Versa Note[/link], Lincoln MKZ hybrid, the BMW i3, Audi A3 e-tron, Toyota Corolla, Ford Fiesta, and more.

Two groups of more diametrically opposed car, I cannot think of. So what am I trying to say?

Car manufacturers want to continue to make these high-powered, expensive cars because that's where the big $$$ are. In most cases, small cars only generate small revenues and expensive-to-build EVs are usually losing propositions. But both are necessary in order to create a healthy business case.

The bread-and-butter cars are fine and dandy and generate strong revenue, but competition is fierce. Having a good Camry, economical Impala or all-new A3 is no longer enough. Brand association is a crucial element in what drives people to dealerships. Consumers dream of an R8, but purchase an A3. Likewise, they'd love to own a Corvette, but will likely leave the showroom with a Cruze.

The other consideration is emissions. By 2015, the fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 130 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km). A short 5 years later, that average will drop to 95 g/km.

Consider then that a BMW M5 produces 232 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This is where the i3 comes in... An Audi R8 V10 is responsible for 314 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Enter the A3 e-tron.

So here's the lesson we all need to heed: We must buy small cars, EVs, hybrids, and all these cars we don't really want if we are to continue to drool and lust after supercars. Thankfully, carmarkers are hard at work making twin-turbo V8s that consume 10-20% less fuel than normally aspirated V10s and V12s.

I know what you're thinking! I can't afford my dreamy Mercedes E 63 S-AMG 4MATIC Estate either, but think of your kids and the posters that will adorn the walls of their bedrooms. No one wants to grow up with a poster of a beige Corolla above his or her bed.

Photo: BMW

Monterey, CA - Every now and then a company does something incredible; they take a moment in their storied history and they relive it in a gloriously modern way. Incredibly, they return to their roots, but in such a futuristic package that those new to the product may miss the historical lesson altogether.

The brand new, seventh-generation Corvette Stingray is a technological feat for Chevy, loaded to the rear flank cold-air intakes with gadgets and amenities previously unheard of in the Corvette. Modern to the max, but with a firm and solid old-school muscle car mentality, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a marvelous machine.


What is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray?
The Corvette is one of those vehicles that enter boyhood dreams and reveries. First introduced in the ‘50s, the C1 was a 150-horsepower inline-six, drop-top sports car with racy looks. Since then, the Chevrolet Corvette has stood as a symbol of American muscle on the road, and a statement for homegrown, American craftsmanship.

Not since the ‘60s has the Chevrolet Corvette worn the Stingray name. Why? Because the folks at Chevrolet didn't think their cars were quite worthy of what that particular name meant. However, the C7 has proven highly capable of sporting the Stingray badge.

The Chevrolet Corvette has stood as a symbol of American muscle on the road, and a statement for homegrown, American craftsmanship. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Price and Specs
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is its price. With a base MSRP in the $50k range ($58K for the convertible), the 455-horsepower (460 with the performance exhaust package) V8-powered Corvette Stingray gives the illusion that it's just a high-performing economy car amongst overpriced luxury track demons that mainly hail from Germany. However, get behind the wheel before you make an actual judgement call. Even fully decked out, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray still sits way below the “norm” around the $70k mark.

Chevy's 6.2L LT1 V8 engine coupled to a 7-speed manual transmission is gold. With 460 lb-ft of torque (465 with that performance exhaust kit), a brand new electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), algorithms that monitor tire temperature for optimum grip, five different selectable driver modes, Active Rev Match (which can be deactivated), 50/50 weight balance, lightweight materials throughout (carbon fibre hood and removable T-top), as well as available Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is as loaded as any of its “higher-end” counterparts, yet available for a helluva lot less coin.

Chevy's 6.2L LT1 V8 engine coupled to a 7-speed manual transmission is gold. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Winding my way through gloriously curvy, blind-cornered, elevation-changing Californian roads behind the wheel of the Stingray was perhaps one of the most incredible drives I've ever done in my career.

There was something surreal about it all; cruising the West Coast, T-top removed, hot Californian sun beating down as my hair whipped around my flushed cheeks. As I turned up the radio to better hear Led Zeppelin's “Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You” over the rush of seaside air, I let the Stingray stay in 3rd gear as I approached a particularly sharp corner. Hands lightly gripping the wheel, I turned the ‘Vette's sharply angled nose into the bend and trailbraked my way through, listening to the V8 burble and howl along with Page's guitar riff.

Somehow they've managed to create a vehicle that's as in tune with its heritage as it is futuristic. It's no secret that the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is full of electronic gadgetry (the eLSD being the most talked about), but they've engineered it in such a way that it still feels like a raw, American muscle car to drive.

Steering is heavy and almost feels like a go-kart when in Track mode. Precise and connected to the wheels, turn-ins are sharp. Throttle response only really changes when the Eco or Weather mode is selected, and will feel dull and tame.

The available Active Rev Match feature may seem kitschy, but it's fun to use at times. The 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray makes no allowances for those unsure of what they want to do behind the wheel; you need to be confident in your abilities, and smooth downshifts are no exception.

Will you ever really use that 7th gear? Well, for highway cruising and fuel economy (which the company puts at around 29 mpg) you will. However, the Stingray seems happiest in the 3rd-5th gear range -- just listen to that exhaust note beyond the 3,000 rpm mark!

Winding my way through gloriously curvy, blind-cornered, elevation-changing Californian roads behind the wheel of the Stingray was perhaps one of the most incredible drives I've ever done in my career. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
This iteration may be one of the best-looking Corvettes I've ever seen on the road. I'll always be a fan of the C3, and in my opinion the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray comes the closest.

Aggressive and angular, it presses all the right buttons from the outside. Functional hood vents and rear flank vents improve downforce and aerodynamics, while adding an air of “race car” to the whole package. Meanwhile, the massive, centre-mounted quad exhaust pipes are so menacing you'll remain intimidated by the ‘Vette even after it's passed you in a flurry of V8 growl.

Inside, Chevy went to great lengths to create a driver-centric cabin. The new digital gauge flanked by analog dials is great, and the head-up display is a nice touch and not overly distracting. Onboard entertainment and navigation proves easy to use, but you won't bother with any of it once you engage the Sport mode and hit the open road.

Materials include leather and touches of real carbon fibre and aluminum trim. The carbon fibre T-top is a breeze to detach and store in the trunk.

Inside, Chevy went to great lengths to create a driver-centric cabin. The new digital gauge flanked by analog dials is great. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
In terms of horsepower, the new Vette goes up against the likes of the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Jaguar XK and Mercedes-Benz SL550, all ridiculously more expensive. If quality was a dividing factor in previous-generation Corvettes, the C7 stands to change all that and create some serious, much-needed competition to the European performance car clique.

From Jim Clarke - Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

The clock is ticking and drivers in every division at Canada's Toughest 1/3rd- Mile Oval are looking to gain every advantage they can as they search for the 2013 track championship.

Saturday, August 17th the cars and stars at Peterborough Speedway thrilled a capacity crowd as the track hosted the year's third and final Fan Appreciation/Toonie Admission Night, presented by Pepsi.

The Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stocks rolled out for their 10 lap qualifying events with Ryan Oosterholt, Ryan Babin, Danny Benedict and Miles Tyson heading for the winner's circle.

Nearly a dozen Techtonix Open Wheel Modified machines signed-in for the show that would determine their 2013 point championship. Nick Lees, Darren Kearnan, Rob Warnes and current point leader Dwight Brown shared the trips to victory lane. The entry level Four Fun division - presented by Battlefield Equipment Rentals - saw Ray Schroer, Ryan Oosterholt with a pair and Griffen Powell win the heat races.

Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car preliminary rounds went to Tom Cormier, Steve Mayhew, Donny Beatty and Dan Price. Jarrit Stewart and Nicholas Ledson won the Ontario Legends heat races, with Cory Horner, Chris Mitchell with a pair and Dan McHattie grabbing the Vanguard Self Storage Late Model qualifiers.

As the crowd thinned from the autograph session, the Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stockers prepared for their 20 lap feature tilt, with Ember Junkin and Miles Tyson on the front row.

As the lap counter showed seven complete, the leaders caught the tail-end of the field and started working lapped traffic. Tyson surrendered the lead coming off the second turn, with Ryan Babin taking over the point and bringing Chris Mulders along for the ride. Babin put some distance on second place and held on for the win. Tyson was third, with Brandt Graham and Brandon Hannah completing the top five.

Twenty laps were on the agenda as the Techtonix Open Wheel Modifieds took the green flag for a feature race that would finalize their season standings. Randy Hollingsworth and Bill Pickford paced the field, but the yellow was quickly displayed without a lap complete for a flat tire on Chad Strawn's machine.

As the top three broke away from the pack, Dwight Brown saw the opportunity to pounce and took his No. 2 rocket three wide heading into the third turn. Within a couple of laps, the soft spoken speedster from Beeton, Ontario had worked his way to the lead and charged to Dart Heating and Air Conditioning Victory Lane.

Rick Warnes, Rob Warnes, Nick Lees and Darren Kearnan chased Brown across the stripe.

The Battlefield Equipment Rental Four Fun drivers were next to take to Canada's Toughest 1/3rd-Mile Oval, with the field lining-up behind Rob Gosse and Willow Barberstock.

Ryan Oosterholt and Andrew Massey wasted no time getting to the front, taking last week's feature winner James Townsend with them. The leaders successfully navigated through the back markers, until a yellow with 13 complete bunched the field. Townsend was able to slip into second on the restart, but couldn't do anything with Oosterholt. Massey was third, with Griffen Powell and Ray Schroer fourth and fifth.

Tom Cormier and 2013 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway track champion Howie Crowe brought the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Cars to the stripe for a 20 lap headline dance.

At the drop of the green, Crowe took the point with crowd favourite Dan Price in tow. After following Price for a handful of laps, Donny Beatty slipped into second. The race's first yellow slowed the pace with 15 complete when Matt Spence drifted high and off the track in the first turn. Spence and Cormier came together a lap later and contact during the yellow flag saw the No. 2 parked for the night. Crowe held-off Beatty for the win, with Price, Jeff Bell and Jamie Wager filling-out the top five.

Dave Riopelle and Nicholas Ledson paced the Ontario Legends field for their 20 lap feature.

Just by taking the green in the main event, Ledson clinched the 2013 series crown. 12 laps were in the record books when Cole Ledson slowed to a stop in the infield. As the field came to the yellow flag, Nicholas Ledson drifted high and made contact with the third turn wall.

The Paul Davis Systems clean-up crew took care of some fluid on the track and the field was stopped on the front stretch.

With Ledson unable to answer the call for the restart, Riopelle assumed the top spot and held it to the checkers. Bill Mason, Andy Warbutton, Jarrit Stevens and Duane Cinnamon followed the winner home.

The night's final feature event saw Craig Graham and Dan McHattie take the Vanguard Self Storage Late Models to the line. McHattie would use the outside front row starting spot to take an early lead, but contact between Mike Wallace and Scott Harrison would bring out a yellow with only two laps complete.

On the restart, Cory Horner moved into second and after some strong runs in his qualifying events, Chris took third. When Bryan Sudsbury spun in the third turn with eight complete, Graham had dropped to seventh.

Before a lap was finished under green, Horner and Mitchell went around in the first turn. The caution also collected Craig Graham. Adam Cuthbertson sent Dan McHattie for a wide ride through the front stretch grass with 14 circuits complete.

Through the closing stages, McHattie was in his own area code as the Cavan, Ontario veteran held on for the win. Darren Kearnan, Mike Wallace, Steve Foster and Graham finished the top five.

Subaru Canada recently released the Canadian pricing and model info for the 2014 WRX STI, as well as announcing the arrival of a new ‘'Tsurugi'' version.

The complete 2014 WRX STI lineup is powered by the potent turbocharged 2.5L Subaru BOXER engine that delivers 305 hp and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h is reached in under 4.9 seconds, for a top speed of 250 to 255 km/h.

The Tsurugi version has additional leather seating, 5-spoke 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels with distinctive inserts, and much more.
MSRP of the different versions start at:

• 2014 WRX STI (4-door): $38,195
• 2014 WRX STI (5-door): $39,095
• WRX STI Tsurugi Edition (4-door): $41,495
• WRX STI Sport-tech Package (5-door): $42,595

Photo: Subaru

Hyundai has issued a recall of 52,317 Azeras (2006 to 2009) and Sonatas (2006 to 2010) due to a problem in the rear crossmember assembly.

On certain vehicles, road salt can cause corrosion, which can lead to separation of the control arm at the mounting point. This could result in a loss of vehicle control, thus increasing the risk of a crash and personal injury.

Dealers will repair or replace the rear crossmember assembly as required.

Source: Transport Canada

2008 Hyundai Azera (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

2009 Hyundai Sonata GL (Photo: Matthieu Lambert)

Cadillac unveiled its Elmiraj Concept Vehicle last week in Pebble Beach. This new vehicle closely resembles the Ciel concept launched two years ago, which displays Cadillac's new design and luxury philosophy.

The expansive four-door coupe measures 5207 mm in length and is powered by a 4.5 litre V8 twin-turbo that produces an estimated 500 hp. The engine is based on the 420 hp V6 found in the 2014 CTS Vsport which is scheduled to be launched this fall.

While Cadillac has no plans to mass-produce the Elmiraj, it is built on a chassis that contains certain elements that will be used in upcoming Cadillac projects, as the manufacturer plans to expand into the luxury market.

Photo: Cadillac