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News 14 Aug, 2013

The BMW Z2 will be similar in size to the Z3 and will get petrol or diesel power

News 14 Aug, 2013

The BMW Z2 will be similar in size to the Z3 and will get petrol or diesel power

News 14 Aug, 2013

The BMW Z2 will be similar in size to the Z3 and will get petrol or diesel power

News 14 Aug, 2013

The BMW Z2 will be similar in size to the Z3 and will get petrol or diesel power

The GLA compact crossover, designed to lure younger buyers to Mercedes-Benz, will go on sale in the United States with all-wheel drive in fall 2014, followed by a front-wheel-drive variant in early 2015, the company said today.

VW Group is hoping its new TGI engine will match the success of its TDI powerplants. The automaker will use TGI on its new bi-fuel models that can run on both compressed natural gas and gasoline, starting with a variant of the VW Golf.

VW Group is hoping its new TGI engine will match the success of its TDI powerplants. The automaker will use TGI on its new bi-fuel models that can run on both compressed natural gas and gasoline, starting with a variant of the VW Golf.

Mercedes released details of its new GLA crossover, the latest model aimed at attracting younger customers to the brand.

VW Group is hoping its new TGI engine will match the success of its TDI powerplants. The automaker will use TGI on its new bi-fuel models that can run on both compressed natural gas and gasoline, starting with a variant of the VW Golf.

VW Group is hoping its new TGI engine will match the success of its TDI powerplants. The automaker will use TGI on its new bi-fuel models that can run on both compressed natural gas and gasoline, starting with a variant of the VW Golf.

VW Group is hoping its new TGI engine will match the success of its TDI powerplants. The automaker will use TGI on its new bi-fuel models that can run on both compressed natural gas and gasoline, starting with a variant of the VW Golf.

We're now halfway through the 2013 season of the Drift Mania Canadian Championship (DMCC), and it's safe to say fans in attendance have gotten their money's worth. Hopefully, the drivers will put on an even greater show in the second half.

In the meantime, here are the top 10 photos from the 2013 DMCC so far:

Francis Tassé drifts like a master at Autodrome de Montmagny.

Photo: Joël Couture / Eric Taillefer

Continue reading Top 10 photos from the 2013 DMCC

Porsche Motorsport North America lifted the veil on what has become the first ever race car built specifically for the new United SportsCar Racing (USCR) series, the Porsche 911 GT America.

The 911 GT America, which is based on the 991 generation GT3 Cup car, will hit the sales in October of this year, and will be eligible next year in the GT Daytona category, which encompasses the GT cars coming from the Grand-Am championship.

Photo: Porsche

Its features include a 470-horsepower flat-six 4.0 litre engine, six-speed sequential gearbox, pneumatic paddle shifters and an electronic throttle.

Price starts at $269,000.

Photo: Porsche

Porsche 911 GT America Specification Highlights

Powertrain:

• 4.0-liter aluminum six-cylinder rear-mounted boxer engine (470 hp);
• Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox;
• pneumatic paddle shift system.

Aerodynamics:

• new front spoiler/defuser;
• new design rear cover;
• carbon-fiber undertray.

Endurance package:

• includes quick-release couplings for all brake calipers;
• fast-fill refueling system for oil;
• oil level display.

Photo: Porsche

Brian Vickers' comeback is nearly complete with the announcement that he'll be driving the No. 55 Toyota for Michael Waltrip full-time next year.

Vickers had to step out of his Red Bull Racing ride, missing 25 races when he discovered blood clots which required surgery.  After he returned in 2011, the energy-drink sponsored team shut its' doors at the end of the year.

Since then he's raced around the world in sports cars. And this year he returned to full-time NASCAR racing took a big step forward with a season-long deal with the in the Nationwide Series with Joe Gibbs Racing where he's fifth in the standing.

Vickers also has driven the No. 55, in the Sprint Cup Series, on a part-time basis the last two seasons for MWR posting several impressive performances including his third career victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 14. Plus he drove three races substituting for the injured Denny Hamlin.

Photo: Michael Waltrip Racing

“I can't put into words how this makes me feel,” said 29-year-old Vickers.  “I've really found my home at MWR over the past few years, and I've enjoyed getting to know the Aaron's associates and customers. I am honored that Aaron's (the sponsor of the No. 55) is welcoming me into their family full-time.

“Knowing that I have a top-notch team and a dedicated sponsor for a full season is a really great feeling every driver dreams about, and like everyone else, I want to win races and win a championship. Michael and co-owner Rob Kauffman are really building something special at MWR and are giving me the tools to accomplish those goals.”

“The relationship with Aaron's is very personal to me because they helped place Michael Waltrip Racing on the map in 2000 when I was running a half dozen Nationwide Series races from a small garage in my backyard. Now they are enabling MWR to continue its growth as we will have three drivers racing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in 2014 and beyond.

“So much of this confidence comes from the NASCAR fans who continue to support the sponsors of our teams. I want to sincerely thank the NASCAR fans who are Aaron's customers because you make this all happen,” said Waltrip.

From GMM

Sauber Formula 1 Team has hit back at reports its Russian rescue deal has collapsed.

German-language reports had said the release of millions in crucial backing for the almost insolvent Swiss team had been voted down this week by Russia's National Institute of Aviation Technologies (NIAT).

And the DPA news agency even quoted NIAT chief Oleg Sirotkin, whose son Sergey is scheduled to race for Sauber in 2014, as saying the entity cannot afford to fund a formula one team.

Sergey Sirtotkin (Photo: Renault)

But in a statement to German-language media outlets, Sauber hit back by insisting that NIAT's "contribution" to the Russian rescue deal was "never intended" to be "financial".

Sauber explained that NIAT's contribution is, instead, "a technical cooperation".

"We are surprised how readily some media put rumours and false reports into the world," the Swiss team added.

Sauber said a contract with 17-year-old Sergey Sirotkin for 2014 remains on track, and that a media statement outlining his preparation for the seat will be released as soon as the August shutdown period is over.

As for suggestions not a single Russian ruble has flowed to the team amid the increasing impatience of unpaid suppliers like Ferrari and Pirelli, Sauber insisted: "The first contractually-guaranteed payments have already been made".

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

From GMM

Daniel Juncadella has confirmed he is in the running for a future with the Williams team.

The Spaniard was signed up by the Grove team's 2014 engine supplier, Mercedes, to race in the German touring car series DTM this year.

Daniel Juncadella racing Mercedes' C-Coupé (Photo: DTM)

Another link that could pay off for Juncadella is his sponsor deal with the Kazakhstan investment company TAK Group, to promote the capital Astana.

TAK's Artur Ardavichus said in June: "Astana wants Dani to progress and gain experience with Williams, to prepare him to be a formula one driver with Mercedes."

Juncadella initially played down those comments, but reports now suggest the Spaniard could be groomed for a race seat by Williams in the same way that Valtteri Bottas was.

The 22-year-old drove Williams' 2013 car at the recent Silverstone test, and has now told Russia's Championat: "We'll see what happens in the future.

"Next year, Williams and Mercedes will have the same engine, and so Mercedes can send its young and inexperienced drivers to a team it is connected with, where the driver has the opportunity to show his potential.

"There is a good chance that in a few years I can become the main driver for Williams.  We'll see.  First I need to show strong results."

Juncadella also revealed he could contest the pre-season winter tests ahead of the 2014 season, and then make appearances on Friday mornings at grands prix.

Asked if he was talking about driving a Williams or a Mercedes, he answered: "I cannot say.  But I think in 2014 there may be some surprises."

I recently watched an episode of one of my favourite motoring television shows, Top Gear. On this particular episode, they talked about the brand new Porsche 911. James May was behind the wheel and spewing out technological stats left, right and centre. Most notably, he brought up the fact that the new Porsche 911 has electromechanical power steering, which 911 enthusiasts the world over are lamenting.

Why?

Because, according to James May (and I'd bet a fair number of diehard Porsche fans), this new bit of kit is taking away from what driving a 911 “feels” like. Sure, it makes things easier and safer, but it detracts from the experience -- an experience you paid a pretty penny for.

So, May came up with a solution: Don't buy a new 911; get an old one instead. Specifically, a Singer Porsche 911.

What is a Singer Porsche? Well, for starters, it's a work of art. Stunning to behold, the Singer 911 is a fully restored early '90s Porsche 911 coupe that's been modified to each customer's specifications. Maintaining the car's original body style, shape and design, Singer inserts carbon fibre in various areas and adds a speed-sensitive rear spoiler in the classic '73 “ducktail” design that lifts when driving at 60 mph or faster.

You can choose from two engines in your Singer Porsche 911: a 3.6L or a 3.8L. Each is hand-built using new components. You can also choose between 5-speed and close-ratio 6-speed transmissions, which are rebuilt with new components as well.

So, what about that steering? Well, I figured Singer said it best: “The steering on the 964 model 911s has long been heralded as one of the finest in existence, and we retain this hydraulically power assisted rack-and-pinion system.”

Of course, customization inside is endless, from the leather you prefer to the types of knobs you want on the dash. This truly becomes your 911. And while it might look to be a few decades old, it will be absolutely brand new. The Singer Porsche 911 is as bespoke as they come.

In my opinion, your Singer 911 will have so much more personality and charisma than a 2013 Porsche 911 parked in your driveway. What Singer has done is take the spirit of the 911 and everything the car stands for, and raise it to a level akin to a classic work of art.

Singer's entire strategy is based on embracing and showcasing everything that Porsche built its reputation on, from the classic silhouette right down to the 17” ‘60s-era Fusch wheels (which can even be ordered with either closed lug nuts or extended wheel studs and open brass-plated aluminum lug nuts and without centre caps for a more track-inspired look).

The intense detail that goes into a Singer Porsche 911 is extraordinary and makes you sit back and realize how cookie-cutter even the most “original” new cars are nowadays. You think you're stepping out from the crowd by purchasing your new 911 with colour-matched seatbelts and customized interior detailing, but you're not: It's just another car in the lineup of today's vehicles.

If you're in the market for a new Porsche 911 because of the history of the brand and what it means to drive a Porsche, consider a Singer 911. Sure, it costs nearly twice as much as a brand new Porsche 911 Turbo S, but I think it's well worth it.

Now the question becomes: How do I get behind the wheel of one?

Photo: Singer Vehicle Design

Audi will launch the Q7 e-tron before the next-generation Q7 makes its debut in late 2015, the company's Australian managing director announced.

“We have a plan going forward for e-tron. It will be rolled out across all the models now,” Andrew Doyle said while staying mum about the powertrain specifications of the Q7 e-tron.

He also confirmed that the future Q7 will again share its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, both of which will be redesigned a year earlier than the Audi. Doyle didn't say why, however. .

Source : caradvice.com

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Everyone's got a story
And the Volkswagen Beetle's story is a long and interesting one. I was lucky enough to partake in the launch of the new Beetle in Berlin, and I was mildly impressed with the new design and the drive of the more masculine Bug. However, this boosted version takes the Beetle to a new level, a “super” level if you will, that lets it wear its name with pride.

Turbocharged, accessorized and sporting one of the best car stereo systems I've ever heard, the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle is well worth consideration if you're in the market for a funky, fun-to-drive vehicle that's also rather practical.

It's time the modern generation started making their own Beetle stories.


What is the Volkswagen Super Beetle?
The Super Beetle first appeared in the 1971 alongside the standard Beetle. It was available with a MacPherson strut front suspension, an elongated front end, tighter turning radius and eventually a larger rear window, and more over the original Beetle. Super indeed.

As possibly the second coolest Beetle of the modern era behind the New Beetle RSi, the VW Super Beetle now features a jump in horsepower, racier exterior visuals and wheels, as well as other interior goodies.

The Super Beetle first appeared in the 1971 alongside the standard Beetle. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Volkswagen Super Beetle Price and Specs
When it comes to the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle, the Ford Model T standard applies: there are very few options to choose from including only three colours (white, red, black). Really, the only choice to make is in the transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic DSG with Tiptronic. The DSG option puts an extra $1,400 on the already steep $32,850 price tag, but is a worthy option if you're really not into the manual vibe.

Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged TSI 4-cylinder engine, the Super Beetle pushes out 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. This is the same TSI engine that will be featured in the MKVII GTI.

The VW Super Beetle comes fully equipped with two-tone leather interior, Fender audio and 19” alloy wheels.

Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged TSI 4-cylinder engine, the Super Beetle pushes out 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Driving the Volkswagen Super Beetle
In all honesty, I didn't think I'd enjoy driving the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle as much as I did. From the moment I got behind the wheel, pressed the start/stop button and the little 2.0L rumbled to life with some attitude, I was sold.

While I understand the sporty attraction of making an automatic preform like a manual, I did find it a bit obnoxious that the Beetle would shudder upon throttle application as if I'd not given it enough gas while releasing the clutch as I pulled away from a full stop. This only happened in “D,” not in Sport.

As for my son, he may have enjoyed the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle more than I -- windows down, music up, my son had a blast. And here's why: the Super Beetle is all about youth and fun!

With the faintest amounts of turbo spool audible, a grumbly exhaust note and quick-to-respond transmission and handling, the 2013 VW Super Beetle is a joy to drive. When pushed, the Beetle happily complies, feeling nimble and agile all the while being grounded and stable.

From the moment I got behind the wheel, pressed the start/stop button and the little 2.0L rumbled to life with some attitude, I was sold. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Inside and Out of the Volkswagen Super Beetle
Thanks to the rather large ‘80s-esque TURBO decal on the side skirts, 19” rims and rather large wing off the rear, the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle is instantly recognizable. I think the half-moon LED daytime running lights are also a great touch, giving the Super Beetle even more character.

Inside, the only-option two-tone red and black leather seats are both comfortable and stylish. Sadly, the Beetle's touchscreen is not responsive, and something I've complained about in other Volkswagen products. In addition, the Super Beetle is only a 2+2. Room in the back seat is limited, and while my Britax baby seat fit with ease; my son had very little legroom.

Perhaps the best part about the interior of the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle is the Fender audio system. Audiophiles take note: This is one you have to hear. Never have I heard such a rich, full sound in a vehicle. Thanks to the Beetle's unique shape, the partnership with Fender is truly a match made in heaven.

Inside, the only-option two-tone red and black leather seats are both comfortable and stylish. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Comparing the Volkswagen Super Beetle
There are some decent options in the same vein as the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle in the Ford Fiesta ST, MINI Cooper S and even the Fiat 500 Abarth. While those three may all seem smaller, the Super Beetle's small back seat brings it down to their size.

In the end, there are two things that will hurt the Super Beetle: its final price (close to the $40k mark) and its association with being a girlie car. Why, oh why, did you ever put flowers on the dash, Volkswagen?!

We're now halfway through the 2013 season of the Drift Mania Canadian Championship (DMCC), and it's safe to say fans in attendance have gotten their money's worth. Hopefully, the drivers will put on an even greater show in the second half.

In the meantime, here are the top 10 photos from the 2013 DMCC so far:

Francis Tassé drifts like a master at Autodrome de Montmagny.

Photo: Joël Couture / Eric Taillefer

Continue reading Top 10 photos from the 2013 DMCC