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Aug
3rd

F1: Red Bull confirms Hungaroring meeting was about Alonso

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From GMM

Red Bull has confirmed a meeting about Fernando Alonso took place with the Ferrari driver's manager at the Hungaroring last weekend.

Initially, the sensational story of a potential move to Red Bull for the two-time world champion was dismissed by some, as Alonso's manager Luis Garcia Abad also handles the career of rising Red Bull-backed youngster Carlos Sainz jr.

But when told his meeting with Garcia was obviously simply about the 18-year-old Sainz, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told Sport Bild: "Nonsense.

"Why would I talk to him about Sainz jr, who has long been in the Red Bull junior team?"

Sainz jr drives for the GP3 team MW Arden, a collaboration between Mark Webber and Horner.

Clearly, Garcia and Horner might have something to talk about other than Alonso, but Red Bull is not hiding the fact the Hungaroring meeting was about Ferrari's number 1.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138 (Photo: WRi2)

"I can't remember if we talked about Red Bull or Spanish red wine," a mischievous Dr Helmut Marko, the head of Red Bull's driver programme, told German television Sky.

With Australian Webber heading to Le Mans, Red Bull is weighing up a new teammate for Sebastian Vettel next year.

Earlier, although Kimi Raikkonen is also still in the running, it was believed Daniel Ricciardo had sped into pole position for the seat.

But Horner insists: "We have never been under pressure to take one of the junior drivers.

"We have won the world championships for the past three years, and we want to ensure we can carry on doing so in the future."

Nothing has been heard from Alonso's manager Garcia since the Hungaroring meeting, but still involved in the 32-year-old's driver career is the former Renault boss Flavio Briatore.

He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "He has a contract and contracts must be respected.

"Alonso has never said he wants to leave."

Aug
3rd

ALMS/Grand-Am: Eight drivers to multitask at Road America next weekend

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Eight drivers will race in two, and some in three, categories, when the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and Grand-Am championships visit Road America next weekend, in the first shared weekend for the two series that are merging next year.

Bill Auberlen, John Edwards and Spencer Pumpelly will race in the ALMS, Grand-Am and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, where as Leh Keen, Patrick Long, Maxime Martin and Tristan Nunez will "only" race in two series.

"The most important rule is to pay attention," warned Pumpelly, who will drive three different Porsche cars (a Cayman, a 911 Carrera and a GT3 Cup car) over the weekend. "You have to remember which pit pox you need to pull in to, and some of the particular rules of the series."

The one driver that will have to be especially careful is Tristan Nunez. The 17-year-old Floridian will have to switch between an FLM09 prototype in ALMS, and a diesel-powered Mazda 6 in Grand-Am.

In order for the eight men to be able to switch back and forth between race teams, officials have split the weekend in half days, each featuring a specific championship.

Tristan Nunez, ORECA FLM09 (Photo: Darren Pierson/DPerceptions)

Aug
3rd

DTM: Mike Rockenfeller paces shortened qualifying session in Moscow

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Audi's Mike Rockenfeller ended up first of the qualifying session that preceded the first ever DTM race in Russia. Amazingly, the session was cut short by the Russian president himself.

It was cut short after three of four segments because a ban in the airspace over the track grounded the rescue helicopter. The unscheduled ban was allegedly to allow Russian president Vladimir Putin's plane through.

The ground rescue helicopter (Photo: DTM.com)

The starting order was therefore set by the results of Q3, which had championship leader Rockenfeller in first, his teammate Mattias Ekström in second and BMW's Augusto Farfus in third.

Reigning champion Bruno Spengler (BMW) ended up fourth.

Bruno Spengler, BMW M3 (Photo: DTM.com)

Former F1 driver Timo Glock (BMW) will start only 17th, one place ahead of Canadian Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz), who finished a career-best second at the Norisring last month.

The start of the much anticipated first ever DTM race in Russia, which will cover 74 laps of the Hermann Tilke-designed Moscow Raceway, is scheduled for Sunday.

Mike Rockenfeller, Audi RS 5 (Photo: DTM.com)

Qualiyfing results - Moscow Raceway (Russia)
1.Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 58"423 - Q3
2.Mattias Ekstrom (Audi RS5) - Abt - 58"604 - Q3
3.Augusto Farfus (BMW M3) - RBM - 58"677 - Q3
4.Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 58"694 - Q3
5.Jamie Green (Audi RS5) - Abt - 58"749 - Q3
6.Dirk Werner (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 58"779 - Q3
7.Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 58"831 - Q3
8.Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes C-Coupé) - Mucke - 58"843 - Q3
9.Daniel Juncadella (Mercedes C-Coupé) - Mucke - 58"985 - Q3
10.Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 59"038 - Q3
11.Miguel Molina (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 58"907 - Q2
12.Adrien Tambay (Audi RS5) - Abt - 58"910 - Q2
13.Filipe Albuquerque (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 58"914 - Q2
14.Timo Scheider (Audi RS5) - Abt - 58"954 - Q2
15.Joey Hand (BMW M3) - RBM - 59"013 - Q2
16.Edoardo Mortara (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 59"133 - Q2
17.Timo Glock (BMW M3) - MTEK - 59"177 - Q1
18.Robert Wickens (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 59"285
19.Martin Tomczyk (BMW M3) - RMG - 59"286
20.Marco Wittmann (BMW M3) - MTEK - 59"400
21.Andy Priaulx (BMW M3) - RMG - 59"442
22.Roberto Merhi (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 59"467

Aug
3rd

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-08-03 00:00:00

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Frenchman Sébastien Ogier (Volkswagen) extended his lead in the World Rally Championship (WRC) by winning his fifth event of the season, in the forests of Finland.

Ogier seemed less than his usual dominant at the start of the rally, sharing the lead with as many as three other drivers on the first day of action. But as rivals Mads Ostberg (Ford), Thierry Neuville (Ford) and Mikko Hirvonen (Citroën) ran into problems of their own, the championship leader disappeared in the distance.

Sébatien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC (Photo: VW Motorsport)

Aboard his Polo R WRC, he crossed the finnish line in Jybaskyla some 36 seconds ahead of Neuville, who climbed on the second step of the podium for a second consecutive rally.

Ostberg, who went off the road near the end of the event, had to settle for third because of his mistake, but nevertheless beat Hirvonen, the fourth and last driver of the leading quartet to reach the end.

Kris Meeke was quick aboard Sébastien Loeb's Citroën DS3, until eventually flipping the nine-time champion's mount. Fifth place therefore went to Dani Sordo, in the third Citroën.

Final results* - Rally Finland (WRC)
1. Ogier-Ingrassia (VW Polo Wrc) in 2.43'10”4
2. Neuville-Gilsoul (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 36"6
3. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 57”6
4. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 1'21”6
5. Sordo-Del Barrio (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 6'08"5
6. Novikov-Minor (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 8'39”7
7. Ketomaa-Lindstrom (Ford Fiesta R5) + 11'19”2
8. Andersson-Axelsson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 11'41"5
9. Kubica-Baran (Citroen DS3 S2000) + 12'48”1
10. Mikkelsen-Markkula (VW Polo Wrc) + 13'42”0

*Unofficial

Aug
3rd

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-08-03 00:00:00

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Daytona International Speedway officials say that the project estimated to cost between $375 and $400 million called DAYTONA Rising, to makeover the frontstretch of the iconic race track in northern Florida is off to a quick beginning.

After a ceremonial groundbreaking in July here are the construction activities currently underway:

  • Demolition of all underground utilities and overhead power lines along the entire front stretch
  • Relocations of fire pump, emergency generators and electrical panels
  • Installation of water and storm sanitary lines on the west side
  • Installation of electrical ductbank and manholes on the west side
  • Demolition of Americrown buildings at Hospitality Village
  • Demolition of Commissary Building at the base of the Sprint Tower
  • Initial installation of anchors and footings for temporary ticketing gates

NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway
Photo: Daytona International Speedway Communications

Barton Malow is serving as the general contractor for the project. In addition to DAYTONA Rising, Barton Malow has renovated the University of Michigan “Big House” and the Rose Bowl.

ROSSETTI, an award-winning architectural design and planning firm for the past 40 years, which headed the design for Ford Field NFL Stadium, University of Notre Dame Compton Family Ice Arena and five Major League Soccer Stadiums, is leading the master planning of the DAYTONA Rising site.

Aug
3rd

NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson rips off a record setting Pocono Pole

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Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports Chevy team shrugged off the Brickyard 400 disappointment as if it didn't happen.

The five-time Sprint Cup Champion ripped off a record-setting pole of 180.654 mph, or 49.819 seconds, at the 2.5 mile Pocono International Raceway after a number of return trips through the NASCAR pre-qualifying inspections.

“The wild thing though is I practiced at like a 51.15 and then to go out there and run a 49.80 the speed difference and the senses you have inside the car,” said Johnson. “I knew it was fast I just didn't know how fast.  Each corner I made I tried a little bit harder and was more aggressive with my entry speed, my throttle application and just kind of challenging the car and it stuck.

“In some ways I think I could have gone a little quicker if I knew what that felt like and I'm sure a lot of guys are saying that in the garage area right now to be honest.  It was an interesting lap because I threw everything I thought I could at it in turn one and it stuck.  So then turn two try again, turn three try again and it made it all the way around that was pretty awesome.”

Jimmie Johnson, Pocono International Raceway (Photo: HendrickMotorsports,com)

It was Johnson's fourth pole at the three-turn track, also known as the Tricky Triangle, and 31rst in his Sprint Cup career.

With a commanding 75-point lead, over Clint Bowyer, in the standings, the only thing which matters to Johnson is wins.  When the points are reset, after Richmond, drivers get three points for wins in the first 26 races. Currently both Johnson and Matt Kenseth have four wins.

Kyle Busch was second, in a Toyota, at 180.639 mph and will start alongside Johnson on the front row.

Carl Edwards, in a Ford, qualified third, Ryan Newman, last week's pole winner and Brickyard 400 winner, was fourth. Kurt Busch was fifth.

Last week Johnson had dominated the Brickyard 400. But a lengthy final pit stop opened the door for Newman to take the win.

As only a five-time champ can do; Johnson told his crew, before qualifying, to forget about last weekend's misstep.

“I asked them also to be fearless when they hopped off the wall this weekend and just do their jobs,” Johnson said. “The worst thing any of us can do that have to go out and perform is to carry something in the back of your mind.”

Among other notable drivers, reigning Cup champion Brad Keselowski qualified 11th, Tony Stewart was 20th, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was 25th and Danica Patrick qualified 34th in the 43-car field at 175.860 mph.


Aug
2nd

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550

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2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Glides effortlessly, accelerates like a muscle car, grips like a sports sedan.

The CL reminds me of a killer whale, and not just because its air suspension sometimes emits a certain "pfft" that sounds like a blowhole. Rather, it's the way the CL glides effortlessly glide down the road, feeling every bit like the 4600-pound luxo-barge that it is, only to then accelerate like a muscle car or grip through a corner like a sport sedan. And this is the base model.


Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine


Aug
2nd

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Glides effortlessly, accelerates like a muscle car, grips like a sports sedan.

The CL reminds me of a killer whale, and not just because its air suspension sometimes emits a certain "pfft" that sounds like a blowhole. Rather, it's the way the CL glides effortlessly glide down the road, feeling every bit like the 4600-pound luxo-barge that it is, only to then accelerate like a muscle car or grip through a corner like a sport sedan. And this is the base model.


Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine


Aug
2nd

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Glides effortlessly, accelerates like a muscle car, grips like a sports sedan.

The CL reminds me of a killer whale, and not just because its air suspension sometimes emits a certain "pfft" that sounds like a blowhole. Rather, it's the way the CL glides effortlessly glide down the road, feeling every bit like the 4600-pound luxo-barge that it is, only to then accelerate like a muscle car or grip through a corner like a sport sedan. And this is the base model.


Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine


Aug
2nd

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Glides effortlessly, accelerates like a muscle car, grips like a sports sedan.

The CL reminds me of a killer whale, and not just because its air suspension sometimes emits a certain "pfft" that sounds like a blowhole. Rather, it's the way the CL glides effortlessly glide down the road, feeling every bit like the 4600-pound luxo-barge that it is, only to then accelerate like a muscle car or grip through a corner like a sport sedan. And this is the base model.


Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine


Aug
2nd

EV venture founded by Va. candidate McAuliffe probed over investor visas

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The electric-vehicle startup GreenTech Automotive is under investigation by federal authorities over its use of a government program that allows foreign investors to get special visas to the United States, according to a news report.
Aug
2nd

Richard E. Dauch — former GM, VW, Chrysler, American Axle exec — dies at 71

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Richard E. Dauch -- the Volkswagen and Chrysler manufacturing chief who went on to co-found American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. -- died Friday at age 71. He died of an undisclosed illness at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Aug
2nd

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550
2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Glides effortlessly, accelerates like a muscle car, grips like a sports sedan.

The CL reminds me of a killer whale, and not just because its air suspension sometimes emits a certain "pfft" that sounds like a blowhole. Rather, it's the way the CL glides effortlessly glide down the road, feeling every bit like the 4600-pound luxo-barge that it is, only to then accelerate like a muscle car or grip through a corner like a sport sedan. And this is the base model.


Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine


Aug
2nd

Revision raises July sales rate to 15.8 million

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The July auto sales rate was slightly stronger than initially thought, new government data released today show.
Aug
2nd

AutoWeek – Latest Car News Feed 2013-08-02 16:30:00

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This week in 1977 finds Gilles Villeneuve winning the Labatt Challenge at Edmonton International Speedway for the
Aug
2nd

AutoWeek – Latest Car News Feed 2013-08-02 16:19:20

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We're not sure what was happening in the Pontiac division circa 1963.
Aug
2nd

Toyota launches production of 2014 Corolla, Tundra

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Toyota launched production on Thursday of its redesigned 2014 Corolla and re-engineered 2014 Tundra, which will both be at dealerships in the United States starting in September.
Aug
2nd

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-08-02 14:33:49

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Lead-generation Web site Autobytel boosted second-quarter net income and reported its highest second-quarter revenue in five years, with total revenue up 13 percent. Net income rose 67 percent to $386,000, from $231,000 last year.
Aug
2nd

American Axle posts $26M in Q2 net income, stock rises

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American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings today said net income increased to $25.8 million in the second quarter, up from $4.7 million in the year-earlier period.
Aug
2nd

Configure your dream tuk-tuk: Tuk Tuk Factory fills an important niche

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For at least a decade, potential tuk-tuk buyers have demanded an online tool for configuring electric tuk-tuks. Recently, a Dutch firm, the
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