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Honda's quarterly net income fell 7 percent as the company lagged behind rivals in U.S. sales of SUVs and pickups, and as the company's Japan sales fell following the end of subsidies.

Honda reported a decline in first-quarter profit as deliveries in its home market fell and spending on overseas plants rose.

Honda Motor reported a decline in first-quarter profit as deliveries in its home market fell and spending on overseas plants rose.

PSA widened its first-half loss compared with a year earlier but said it may be on the road to recovery as spending cuts and an alliance with General Motors begin to pay off.

Ford will offer the 2014 F-150 with an equipment package that allows the popular pickup to run on compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas. The option will be available on F-150s powered by Ford's 3.7-liter V-6 engine.

Fiat failed to persuade a judge to set the value of some Chrysler shares now owned by a union healthcare fund, probably delaying a push to complete the combination of the two companies.

Ford will offer the 2014 F-150 with an equipment package that allows the popular pickup to run on compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas. The option will be available on F-150s powered by Ford's 3.7-liter V-6 engine.

Big everything
The glory days of the large SUV seem to be passing us by. As the crossover craze takes over and family sedans start offering up just as much room and comfort (and a boat-load better fuel economy), the SUV seems to be going the way of flip-phone; replace by smaller, sleeker, more efficient models.

However, all is not lost. The likes of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport is proof that the SUV breed is still alive and kicking. Since its '11 redesign, the Ford Explorer has forged an SUV-sized path in the marketplace, and with good reason. And if anyone is going to forge ahead in the big-vehicle market it's going to be Ford, a leader in the segment for decades now.


What is the Ford Explorer?
First introduced in 1990, the Ford Explorer paved the way for the popularity of the SUV. For the first 20 years, Ford's Explorer sported a traditional body-on-frame structure. It wasn't until the fifth generation (2011 model year) that the crossover unibody construction emerged.

First introduced in 1990, the Ford Explorer paved the way for the popularity of the SUV. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 Ford Explorer Sport Price and Specs
Four models are available across the Ford Explorer lineup. In base trim, the starting price sits at $29,999. At the top of the spectrum sits my tester, the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport for $48,499.

There are also three engines available across the lineup: a 3.5L V6, a 2.0L inline-4 EcoBoost and a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost. We'll focus on the last since that was the one nestled in my Sport tester.

This fabulous engine features twin turbochargers and direct injection good for 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque that is coupled to Ford's 6-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.

The Ford Explorer can also tow up to 2,268 kg, which means this can also be an ideal weekend country or camping warrior.

I was more than impressed with the amount of powered offered up from the EcoBoost V6 powerplant. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport
If nothing else, the new Ford Explorer is big, and it drives just as large. However, despite that, I was more than impressed with the amount of powered offered up from the EcoBoost V6 powerplant. Truly, this thing's got some kick. Fast off the line, the transmission is happy to play and quick to shift, the Sport is just that: sporty.

I have to mention the interior space in the drive section for a moment because it was just that cavernous. After finding my ideal driving position, I found I actually had to lean to one side or the other to place my elbow on either rest, so large was the space. Comfortable to say the least, it was almost too big.

The V6 sounds great, and the ride is comfortable. This is a great road-trip vehicle, or short-trip-to-the-store ride.

Comfortable to say the least, it was almost too big. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport
As I said above, this thing is huge. Outside and in, it's big-boned. From the massive, blacked-out front grille to the 20” machined aluminum wheels to the overall beefy look of the vehicle; the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport means business and has some serious presence on the road.

Here's a vehicle that's damn proud of being an SUV, and it's showing it off. With three rows of seating, the Ford Explorer Sport is an ideal vehicle for multiple-child families. Space in the third row is limited, but not horrible. And the cargo space in the back (with the third row up) is a satisfactory 594 litres. Without the third row that number jumps to 1,240 litres.

Of note; it seems the second-row folding seats have caused some issues in the Ford Explorer. After trying to fold them forward myself to get into the third row without success (instead opting to crawl over the half-folded seat), I went online to search. There are forums where owners have complained about a stuck latch and/or inability to fold the seats forward at all. We suggest you visit your local Ford dealer to sort out the issue should you come across this problem.

Amenities abound in the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, as does MyFord Touch and SYNC. While I'm still not a huge fan of the system (too many commands and way too many touch-sensitive buttons), the steering-wheel controls help sort out most of the issues and let you control a great deal.

The cargo space in the back (with the third row up) is a satisfactory 594 litres. Without the third row that number jumps to 1,240 litres. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport
As the Sport version of the 2013 Ford Explorer is at the top of the price bracket in the lineup, its competition lies in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 and even the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. Some may find the Sport pricey (the near $55k final price on my tester had some raising their eyebrows), but if you consider what you're getting (which is quite a lot), I think it's well worth the dollars.

Big everything
The glory days of the large SUV seem to be passing us by. As the crossover craze takes over and family sedans start offering up just as much room and comfort (and a boat-load better fuel economy), the SUV seems to be going the way of flip-phone; replace by smaller, sleeker, more efficient models.

However, all is not lost. The likes of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport is proof that the SUV breed is still alive and kicking. Since its '11 redesign, the Ford Explorer has forged an SUV-sized path in the marketplace, and with good reason. And if anyone is going to forge ahead in the big-vehicle market it's going to be Ford, a leader in the segment for decades now.


What is the Ford Explorer?
First introduced in 1990, the Ford Explorer paved the way for the popularity of the SUV. For the first 20 years, Ford's Explorer sported a traditional body-on-frame structure. It wasn't until the fifth generation (2011 model year) that the crossover unibody construction emerged.

First introduced in 1990, the Ford Explorer paved the way for the popularity of the SUV. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 Ford Explorer Sport Price and Specs
Four models are available across the Ford Explorer lineup. In base trim, the starting price sits at $29,999. At the top of the spectrum sits my tester, the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport for $48,499.

There are also three engines available across the lineup: a 3.5L V6, a 2.0L inline-4 EcoBoost and a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost. We'll focus on the last since that was the one nestled in my Sport tester.

This fabulous engine features twin turbochargers and direct injection good for 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque that is coupled to Ford's 6-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.

The Ford Explorer can also tow up to 2,268 kg, which means this can also be an ideal weekend country or camping warrior.

I was more than impressed with the amount of powered offered up from the EcoBoost V6 powerplant. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport
If nothing else, the new Ford Explorer is big, and it drives just as large. However, despite that, I was more than impressed with the amount of powered offered up from the EcoBoost V6 powerplant. Truly, this thing's got some kick. Fast off the line, the transmission is happy to play and quick to shift, the Sport is just that: sporty.

I have to mention the interior space in the drive section for a moment because it was just that cavernous. After finding my ideal driving position, I found I actually had to lean to one side or the other to place my elbow on either rest, so large was the space. Comfortable to say the least, it was almost too big.

The V6 sounds great, and the ride is comfortable. This is a great road-trip vehicle, or short-trip-to-the-store ride.

Comfortable to say the least, it was almost too big. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport
As I said above, this thing is huge. Outside and in, it's big-boned. From the massive, blacked-out front grille to the 20” machined aluminum wheels to the overall beefy look of the vehicle; the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport means business and has some serious presence on the road.

Here's a vehicle that's damn proud of being an SUV, and it's showing it off. With three rows of seating, the Ford Explorer Sport is an ideal vehicle for multiple-child families. Space in the third row is limited, but not horrible. And the cargo space in the back (with the third row up) is a satisfactory 594 litres. Without the third row that number jumps to 1,240 litres.

Of note; it seems the second-row folding seats have caused some issues in the Ford Explorer. After trying to fold them forward myself to get into the third row without success (instead opting to crawl over the half-folded seat), I went online to search. There are forums where owners have complained about a stuck latch and/or inability to fold the seats forward at all. We suggest you visit your local Ford dealer to sort out the issue should you come across this problem.

Amenities abound in the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, as does MyFord Touch and SYNC. While I'm still not a huge fan of the system (too many commands and way too many touch-sensitive buttons), the steering-wheel controls help sort out most of the issues and let you control a great deal.

The cargo space in the back (with the third row up) is a satisfactory 594 litres. Without the third row that number jumps to 1,240 litres. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport
As the Sport version of the 2013 Ford Explorer is at the top of the price bracket in the lineup, its competition lies in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 and even the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. Some may find the Sport pricey (the near $55k final price on my tester had some raising their eyebrows), but if you consider what you're getting (which is quite a lot), I think it's well worth the dollars.

From Pro Modified Racing Association

The annual and popular Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts returns to the Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand bend, Ontario August 9-11.

Once again, the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series will take part in this event.

Racing gets underway Friday August 9 with round one of qualifying for the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, and the PBSS presented by Wiseco Performance Products, but the weekend starts Thursday, August 8 with a Fan Fest Party hosted by Boston Pizza in Stratford.

After the Friday qualifying session scheduled for 7 p.m., live entertainment will be presented by Ideal Supply in the NAPA tent.

The regular weekend program continues with more qualifying Saturday August 10 at 4 and 7 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to take place Sunday August 11 starting at 11:15 a.m.

As a bonus this year, the quickest eight Top Dragster and Top Sportsman teams from the first two rounds of Quick 32 Sportsman Series qualifying (Friday night and Saturday afternoon) will compete in a Quick 8 Shootout run-off HEADS UP event Saturday night under the lights.

Along with these three drag racing series, the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts will feature a nitromethane-burning Top Fuel Dragster, Nitro Nostalgia Funny Cars and the NDRA Alcohol Funny Car Series.

Complimentary spectator event tickets will be available at Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts locations across Ontario, at businesses in Stratford and the surrounding areas, or by contacting the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series or the Pro Bike & Sled Series.

General parking is $25 per car load and weekend camping is available.

Tickets can be downloaded at http://www.pmra.ca/uploaded-content/2013/06/2013-Hot-August-Nationals-Ticket.pdf

For information about the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts at the Grand Bend Motorplex, call (519) 238-7223, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com or www.stratfordspectacular.com

Many of you certainly recall National Lampoon's Vacation, the classic comedy from 1983 starring Chevy Chase, and the Griswold family's green Ford LTD Country Squire wagon with wood panels, 8 square headlamps, and a hood-mounted fuel door.

Well, it's back!

And ironically, the so-called “Wagon Queen Family Truckster” was recreated by none other than a Griswold family from Georgia. Only instead of visiting the fictional Walley World, they headed to Walt Disney World for their first trip.

Source : www.visualnews.com

From Indy Lights series

Andersen Promotions, which will oversee the licensing and operation of Firestone Indy Lights in 2014, announced that a new car for the series will be introduced for the 2015 season.

The current Dallara chassis will see several updates to enhance its performance for 2014. The majority of the updates will be applicable on the new race car to assist with budgets.

The selection of a chassis designer/manufacturer for the new car will be announced within 90 days from proposals submitted by four major manufacturers.

The process is being overseen by Tony Cotman, president and founder of NZR Consulting and the former IndyCar vice president of competition.

The new car will debut for testing in the second half of the 2014 season.

Photo: IndyCar

Four leading Japanese automakers -- Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi -- have entered a partnership to develop a flexible charging infrastructure for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles in Japan.

There are currently about 1,700 quick chargers and just over 3,000 normal chargers in Japan, which is generally recognized to be insufficient. The quartet therefore wants to increase the number of normal chargers by 8,000 and quick chargers by 4,000, with the former being installed in commercial facilities (e.g. large shopping malls, do-it-yourself stores, and family restaurants), while the latter could be installed at en-route charging spots for shorter stops (e.g. highway parking areas, convenience stores, and gas stations).

The Japanese government announced subsidies for installation of charging stations totalling 100.5 billion yen (a little over $1 million) to quickly develop the charging infrastructure and expand the use of electrically powered vehicles across the country.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

From IMSA

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and Continental Tire have reached a multi-year partnership agreement that will make Continental Tire the exclusive tire supplier in three classes during next year's inaugural United SportsCar Racing season.

Starting with next January's Rolex 24 At Daytona - the season-opening United SportsCar Racing event - Continental's exclusivity will extend to the new series' Prototype (P), Prototype Challenge (PC) and GT Daytona (GTD) classes.

The GT Le Mans (GTLM) category will be open to multiple tire manufacturers.

Continental Tire also will return as title sponsor and exclusive tire supplier of the IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC), a developmental series currently sanctioned by Grand-Am Road Racing.

Photo: United SportsCar

Ever since Kurt Busch successfully tested an Andretti Autosport Dallara Chevrolet at Indianapolis this May he's been intrigued in attempting “The Double;” the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, on the same day.

The Indy 500 is run in the afternoon and Charlotte is a night race.

Now Busch, 34, says it's a “good possibility” that he be entered in the IndyCar finale at Auto Club Speedway in October.

The 2004 Sprint Cup champion added “we're working on it. We just have to keep our fingers crossed." He didn't name any possible teams, but, it would likely be a Chevrolet powered team because of his Furniture Row Chevy SS affiliation in NASCAR.

That would represent a double of sorts because IndyCar races on Saturday night, October 19th and the Sprint Cup Series runs at Talladega Superspeedway back east on Sunday afternoon. "Now that it has settled in, and I was able to find some speed and feel comfortable, I'd like to do another oval before I race Indy next year," Busch told reporters at the Watkins Glen test.


He was referring to the fact that he passed the IndyCar rookie test and turned his fastest lap of 218.210 at the 2.5 mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway.


Kurt Busch. (Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

Busch, a versatile driver had tested Michel Jourdain's Rahal Lola-Ford at Sebring in 2003, but that was a different type of Indy car on a road course.

Auto Club Speedway is the only 500 mile IndyCar race between now and the 2014 Indy 500. As a full time stock car driver Busch feels it's necessary to get an entire oval IndyCar race under his belt before making any attempt at Indy.

If sufficient funding isn't found for Busch to run at Auto Club Speedway this season, he says he would feel "blind" at Indianapolis next May "and that's just going to be too much to make up."


Another issue for October for Busch would be to consider his NASCAR standing. At the present time he's 14th, and would need to advance to the top ten to make the stock car series playoffs call the Chase. With the one-car Furniture Row team it's a bit of long shot, but, still a possibility and a one-off IndyCar race would be in conflict with a shot at a second NASCAR title.

If the stars and the moon align and he does attempt the Double he'd be the fourth driver to do so after Robby Gordon (2004) who was the last driver to make the attempt, John Andretti, and Tony Stewart (who finished sixth at Indianapolis and third in Charlotte in 2001).

The Audi tron family of technologies brings together innovative ideas and processes for the future of mobility. The A3 e-tron promises performance and efficiency, while the R8 e-tron makes us dream of serious zero-emission exotic performance.

This time, we move on to g-tron.

Many of us are familiar with compressed natural gas (CNG) if only because we've seen notices on city buses disclosing the fact that it's a “green” bus.

Photo: Audi

Old news: Natural Gas
I've known about CNG for a long while as my uncle, who was a taxi/limo driver from the ‘60s to the ‘90s owned and operated a number of cars powered by this natural occurring source of energy later in his career. The main reasons for its use back then were that it was cheap and relatively clean. These points are still true today.

Audi has put forth an incredible effort to take the idea of CNG to a whole other level.

Making gas
In a nutshell, Audi produces its own Natural Gas by using waste gas (CO2 in this case) from a nearby biomethane plant, that reacts with hydrogen to make the gas. The hydrogen is created through electrolysis supported by renewable sources of electricity in an entirely new e-gas plant that Audi built in Werlte (Emsland), in North Western Germany.

The gas that Audi produces at this plant is in fact synthetic methane or as they call it: e-gas. Chemically speaking, it is almost identical to natural-natural gas and therefore can be stored, transported, and distributed through the normal natural gas grid, this case, in Germany.

Of note, the hydrogen produced that is converted into e-gas, can be stored separately and eventually be used to power future fuel-cell vehicles.

Environmental impact ZERO
When considering how the gas is produced, the plant and its product are actually climate-neutral. This means that whatever it takes in (CO2) is completely offset by what it puts out. In fact, it's better than that.

The Werlte plant will produce enough e-gas to power 1,500 new Audi A3 Sportback g-tron vehicles for an average distance cover per car of 15,000 km per year. The banked or absorbed CO2 by the plant is actually sufficient to negate whatever the cars produce over that period of time. In other words, they are not producing more CO2 than was already spewed into the atmosphere.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

The Audi A3 Sportback g-tron
The A3 Sportback g-tron is Audi's latest and likely most attainable demonstration of what sustainable mobility can and will look like in the very near future. It is powered by a 1.4L TFSI engine that has been specially modified to run on Audi's aforementioned e-gas.

The TFSI produces a respectable 110 hp and 147.51 lb-ft of torque. This power is sufficient to bring the A3 g-tron to 100 km/h in less than 11 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 km/h. Although the stats seem low by 2013 standards, the A3's low 1,265 kg (2,788.85 lb) weight plays a huge role in these results.

From the outside, the A3 g-tron looks like a commonplace A3 and that's part of the car's appeal. The same applies to the cabin where only a second “gas” gauge hints that this is not a regular A3.

In the past, storage tanks were an issue with CNG powered cars. Audi resolved this problem with ultra-lightweight composite tanks. Each weighs in at 27 kg (59.52 lb) or 70% less than regular steel bottles. They are made from gas-impermeable polyamide matrix, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). They are located under the trunk, where the indent for the spare tire would normally be located and hold seven kg (15.43 lb) of gas.

With full tanks of both gas and gasoline, the Audi A3 g-tron has a range of 1,300 km! On CNG alone, the car can cover up to 400 km. Actual CO2 emissions are 95 g/km.

Driving the A3 Sportback g-tron
I was given the opportunity to drive the A3 g-tron, and happily there isn't much to report on. Our brief drive led us to the Tiergarten in the center of Berlin.

If a little sluggish at first based solely on what Audi has habituated us from its offered powertrains in North America, the g-tron still felt very much at home and capable of tackling downtown Berlin traffic. Power delivery is flat but comes into play somewhere around the 2,500 rpm mark.

Once underway, the A3 g-tron switches seamlessly from one source of energy to another, which is key in the acceptance of alternative sources of motivation. Alternatively, the switch can be done manually.

The initial drive was done in a 6-speed manual gearbox A3, which is brilliant. The optional ‘box is an S Tronic automatic.

Although the g-tron tips the scale at roughly 60 kg (132 lb) more than a conventional 1.4L TFSI A3, the ride quality was identical to our regular North American 2.0L TFSI.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

The implementation
Audi will be rolling out the A3 g-tron in Germany at the end of 2013. The Werlte plant will also become fully functional around the same time.

Audi has thought of everything in this scenario. Customers who want to buy Audi e-gas sign up for a particular contingent of e-gas for the A3 g-tron at the Audi dealer. This decision allows them to participate in an accounting process that keeps track of the amount of Audi e-gas they put in their vehicle at natural gas filling stations. The system works like a pre-paid credit card and helps them realize how much of the sustainable and neutral mobility service they are actually receiving.

For the foreseeable future, the A3 g-tron will only be offered in Germany as they have a well established and organized natural gas distribution network. No word yet if the program will grow into other European countries but the likelihood that it will come to North America is very slim.

One of the main reason for this program is to reduce energy costs to customers. In fact, CNG works out to be cheaper to purchase than diesel fuel. The “trouble” with our markets is that we still have relatively cheap energy costs.

Veteran racer Oriol Servia will return to the No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing car for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio this weekend.

For the Spaniard, it will be a third start for Panther Racing and his ninth at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Servia last drove the Chevrolet-powered Dallara at Iowa Speedway on June 25 where he finished seventh. Servia will start his work week by participating to the Open Test on July 31.

Photo: Panther Racing

Ryan Briscoe drove the car in the first race of the Honda Indy Toronto doubleheader but suffered a fractured wrist that continues to heal following surgery July 15. Firestone Indy Lights championship points' leader, Carlos Munoz drove in the second Toronto race.

From GMM

Franz Tost has admitted he would be happy if Daniel Ricciardo spends another year at Toro Rosso.

Australian Ricciardo has earned a place in contention for the departing Mark Webber's 2014 seat at Red Bull.

But also in the running is Kimi Raikkonen, amid F1's hottest rumour that Fernando Alonso also might want to be Sebastian Vettel's teammate next year.

But Toro Rosso team boss Tost told Speed Week he sees "no reason" why Red Bull shouldn't choose 23-year-old Ricciardo over his title-winning rivals.

"Personally," Tost admitted, "I would rather see him get another year in the maturing process at Toro Rosso. I mean, we are talking here about Red Bull Racing, the champion team of the last three years."

Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: WRi2)

"Daniel has never been on a formula one podium, he has not won a race -- because our car was not good enough. That's the only negative I see for him. Otherwise, I think he will have great successes in formula one," said Toro Rosso's boss.

On the other hand, Tost insisted a young Sebastian Vettel was not so different to Ricciardo when the now reigning triple world champion stepped up from Toro Rosso.

"The biggest difference between Vettel and Ricciardo was that Vettel went to Red Bull when it was not a winning team. They grew up together. But Ricciardo must immediately be on the podium and fighting for wins. Perhaps the chance has come a year too early," added Franz Tost.

From GMM

Once feared it could swell to an unprecedented 22 grands prix, the size of next year's F1 calendar now appears unclear.

New Jersey is officially set to host its first race next year, but Niki Lauda thinks Bernie Ecclestone has already written off his dream of a race amid the Manhattan skyline.

India has also fallen by the wayside for 2014, and reports indicate Korea could go too, as Austria and Russia prepare to come in.

Actually, there have long been questions about the inaugural Russian grand prix, taking place on a circuit comprising the same infrastructure for Sochi's winter olympics next year.

Rumours of conflict within the organising bodies have been swirling for weeks and months, and it seems finally to have thrown a spanner in the works.

The official application to host next year's race must be lodged with the FIA by the corresponding motor racing federation -- in this case the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF).

But the conflict with the Russian race organiser Omega means the RAF is refusing to lodge the application to the FIA, despite a July 31 deadline.

A spokeswoman for the FIA would not comment specifically on the reported Russian problem, telling Ria Novosti news agency: "The calendar is approved at the end of September."

There are no such problems in Hungary, whose contract to host an annual race at the Hungaroring has been extended through 2021.