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For a brand that excels and prides itself on its performance cars, it was interesting to hear Audi open up its press conference on the highly anticipated RS 7 with a question regarding the pertinence of high-performance cars.

The answer was obvious: They still hold a very real and tangible place in the brand's lineup. Meanwhile, Audi is launching compelling “green” cars such as the A3 e-tron and g-tron, essentially products at the other end of the spectrum.

As with every effort put forth by Audi in recent years, the 2014 RS 7 is a giant among large, high-performance cars. It's an exceptional piece of kit that brings together all of the most important aspects such a car needs: speed, styling, technology -- all of it surrounded by a stunning shell that will leave everyone in its wake wanting, dreaming...


What is an Audi RS 7?
The 2014 Audi RS 7 is the ultimate version of Audi's large 4-door “coupe,” the A7. As a hatchback, it can serve as a family car thanks to a decent cabin and spacious trunk.

The RS 7 also brings to the table supercar-matching performance and exclusivity. With roughly 100 units expected to arrive in Canada in late October, early November, the owner of an RS 7 will always stand out and be the envy of neighbours.

The 2014 Audi RS 7 is the ultimate version of Audi's large 4-door “coupe,” the A7. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

2014 Audi RS 7 Price and Specs
Powering the 2014 Audi RS 7 is a 4.0L twin-turbocharged TFSI V8 developing 560 nearly lag-free horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine is endowed with Cylinder on Demand, which can shut off half the cylinders under normal load, reducing fuel consumption to a combined rating of 9.8L/100km.

An 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission distributes torque 40/60 between the front and rear axles of the quattro AWD system in normal driving conditions. Torque vectoring, or dynamic real-time torque distribution to the wheels that have grip, is standard.

The 2014 Audi RS 7 uses electromechanical power steering that varies assist and feedback. As a unique feature, the RS 7 receives wave-design disc brakes that save 3kg. Optional ceramic brakes save an extra 10 kg.

Weight saving is an important aspect of the new 2014 Audi RS 7. Its body is made of 20% aluminum, and the exhaust system, centre differential, and air conditioning components have all gone on a serious diet.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect it to start in the $120,000 range.

Powering the 2014 Audi RS 7 is a 4.0L twin-turbocharged TFSI V8 developing 560 nearly lag-free horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Audi RS 7
The 2014 Audi RS 7 is fast; it knocks the wind out of you every time the throttle is feathered. A more voracious appetite for tarmac I've not seen since the 662 hp Ford Mustang GT500. The 550 hp Audi R8 5.2 Plus I drove the day prior was not as maniacally motivated to pound pavement.

My guilty pleasure was part-throttle acceleration only to then mash the gas and feel the rush go from monstrous to epic, Godzilla-thrashing-Tokyo-like. The exhaust note was truly intoxicating as well.

To get to this point, I set Audi's Drive Select in Dynamic mode for all settings except suspension, which was left in Comfort. Furthermore, I put the transmission in manual mode and used the paddle shifters. The short and tight first few gears come up fast and furious; shifting early is not an option if the limiter is to be avoided.

Once mastered, the 2014 Audi RS 7 will launch to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and hit a potential top speed of 305 km/h. My driving partner and I hit 260 km/h on a stretch of the Autobahn, and there was much pedal travel left...

The superb brakes are stupendously powerful and never faded or complained through a number of switchbacks. Steering is rightfully heavy and dynamically precise -- a comforting feeling especially at very high speeds.

Although lithe on its toes for the size, the 2014 Audi RS 7 is no featherweight. In said switchbacks, weight transfers were brilliantly controlled. In fact, the amount of lateral grip, ameliorated by torque vectoring, impressed my partner and I and encouraged us to push harder.

The first car tested was equipped with the standard RS adaptive air suspension. Although it made for a cushier ride all around, the RS Sport Suspension with Dynamic Ride Control on the second car truly amazed us with its mastery of pitch and roll. I believe that this setup will prove too harsh on Canadian roads, though.

My driving partner and I hit 260 km/h on a stretch of the Autobahn, and there was much pedal travel left... (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the Audi RS 7
The A7 is a spectacular piece of design and so, if you add fabulous 20” or 21” wheels, and massively deep and forceful bumpers to the mix, what do you get? A sick-ass, insanely good-looking car with a silhouette to die for. With colours like Sepang Blue, Suzuka Grey, and Daytona Grey, negative comments need not apply.

About the 2014 Audi RS 7's cabin, there is little to say other than it hits every marker from a design standpoint. Depending on options, sensual “Hugo Boss” class wood or meshing can be selected to go along with the incredibly stitched and supportive seats.

About the 2014 Audi RS 7's cabin, there is little to say other than it hits every marker from a design standpoint. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Audi RS 7
The 2014 Audi RS 7 faces very interesting competition from the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, Porsche Panamera Turbo S, and BMW M6 Gran Coupé.

I could not pick one, as they are all incredible cars for all the right reasons.

As a young boy, like many young boys before me and today's, I had my bedroom walls covered in car posters of various shapes and sizes.

A fair number of these posters were of supercars, and a few of my personal favourites were the Ferrari 512 BB and 288 GTO, the Porsche 959, and the Lamborghini Countach. One day, in 1989, I added a poster of a Japanese car that broke the mould: the 1990 Acura NSX.

Although it looked the part, the car was different. To the untrained eye, the NSX resembled the others, but it did not have a V12 or a turbocharged flat-6; all it offered up was a V6 with less than 300 hp. As well, it did without the exotic car sticker of well over $100,000.

The Acura NSX rapidly became a legend and brought some serious street cred to the brand. Sadly, most of it is now gone despite the car's intended return -- but that's another story that's already been told.

Fast-forward 20 years, and another carmaker created something super nearly out of the blue. Audi's R8 landed on the supercar scene, and just like the NSX before it, threw nearly every established supercar a serious curveball.

In no time flat, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, and Porsche (to a slightly lesser extent) no longer held the most compelling way to burn through some cash in order to look dapper at the wheel of a car. And not only that: A supercar could once more be purchased for a decent price, or less than half the entry fee of an average new Ferrari.

Back to Porsche for a moment: Despite being one of my favourite brands, its success has made it seem more attainable, and therefore less exotic. This is the only reason for my comment. More likely than not, I would plunk down a large chunk of change on a 991 911 Carrera given the opportunity.

The Audi R8 is exclusive. It has only been on the market for a few years, and it's far from commonplace. The glamorous, even outlandish design, rear mid-engine under glass configuration, and outright performance make it a thinking man or woman's supercar.

Clearly, I'm not saying that the R8 can replace a Ferrari F12 or Lamborghini Aventador; I'm simply stating that with the money saved by purchasing an R8, one could also grab a 911 and a Mercedes-Benz E 63 S-AMG Wagon -- with some change left to put gas in all the cars.

The new mould involves getting more car -- and cars -- for the money. I'm all for it.

Photo: Acura

A study by J.D. Power and Associates in 6 Canadian provinces (Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia) shows that 9 drivers out of 10 are satisfied with the settlement of their car insurance claim.

Although the first notice of loss (the first phone call a customer makes to their insurance provider after they have been in a vehicle accident or experienced damage to their car) sets the tone for the rest of the claims process, settlement remains the most important factor.

Conversely, satisfaction with the appraisal process (when the vehicle's damages are assessed by a representative of the insurer) is lower than for any other factor in the study.

“Insurance is a product people buy because they have to, but hope they never need to use, said Jeremy Bowler, senior director of the insurance practice at J.D. Power. “They really see the value of their investment if they need to file a claim. If the appraisal of damages comes in lower than what they expect, they are naturally going to be disappointed.”

On a scale of 1,000 points, here are the satisfaction rates by province:

• Quebec: 840
• Ontario: 800
• Alberta: 770
• British Columbia: 767
• Saskatchewan: 760
• Manitoba: 753

Source : J.D. Power

Ford said it was recalling 33,021 C-Max hybrid cars because a roof component did not meet requirements for protecting against head injuries.

Toyota is facing a Japan problem. The company was outsold by GM for the first time in six quarters, as sales in Japan extended their decline after government incentives for fuel-efficient models expired last year. Japan's largest automaker sold 8.

Costly gamble or in tune with the public mood? BMW is set to launch its first all-electric car, hoping to stir demand for a pricey luxury model just as some other producers hit hurdles in selling electric propulsion.

Jolyon Palmer and Nathanaël Berthon won both rounds presented at the Hungaroring in Budapest.

It was the Russian Time team that set an impressive performance in qualifying, with both drivers locking the front row of the grid with Tom Dillmann taking his maiden GP2 pole position ahead of team mate Sam Bird.

But clutch issues slowed Dillman down at the start in race 1, so it was Felipe Nasr who assumed the lead in the first lap. But it was Jolyon Palmer's turn to take benefit of a great tire strategy, starting in medium compound while his rivals made the choice to start with soft tires.

That allowed the Brit to have a longer first stint and, when back on track after his own pit stop, to make a move for the lead on Marcus Ericsson thanks to his fresh set of tires. Palmer maintained his lead despite Ericsson's pressure, and took win ahead of the Swede and Felipe Nasr.

Jolyon Palmer (Photo: GP2series.com)

Nathanael Berthon, who took 8th position in race 1, inherited the pole position thanks to the top 8 reverse grid regulation. The Frenchman was able to maintain his position at the start, and cruised to his maiden GP2 win ahead of Mitch Evans and Fabio Leimer.

Meanwhile, the weekend was tough for championship leader Stefano Coletti. The driver from Monaco was only 16th in race 1, before being forced to retirement on Sunday. He maintained his championship lead but Felipe Nasr closed the gap to only six points over his rival.

Adapted from GMM

A shock new contender could have leapt into contention to become F1's newest Red Bull driver in 2014.

Germany's Sport Bild claims team boss Christian Horner met with Luis Garcia Abad in the Red Bull motor home in Hungary.

He is Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso's manager.

Sport Bild correspondents Bianca Garloff and Ralf Bach report that Red Bull confirmed the meeting took place, at the behest of Alonso's management.

Photos of the meeting were even published.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138 (Photo: WRi2)

Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda, however, suspects the story has been planted to destabilize Ferrari.

"It's the biggest nonsense I've ever heard, a stupid rumour," he said.

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali smiled: "The psychological games are just a part of this sport."

Curiously, when given the chance on Sunday, Red Bull's Horner did not deny the Alonso link, telling German broadcaster RTL that "there will always be speculation when we have a seat available".

Garcia also happens to be the manager of Formula 3 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, as Auto Motor und Sport pointed out. Sainz recently tested both the Toro Rosso and the Red Bull at Silverstone, and afterwards insisted he "would not say no" if an opportunity to move into F1 arose for 2014.

Fellow Spaniard Alonso is under firm contract to Ferrari for 2014, meaning that the two-time world champion or Red Bull would have to buy out the deal if he really jumps ship to become Sebastian Vettel's new teammate.

One of the oldest Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts in the world, a 1908 Silver Dawn, has just returned from continental Europe after completing 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometres) on the 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial. It's currently on display in the foyer of the company's Head Office at Goodwood, West Sussex, in England.

Proudly wearing the “Number 1” rally plaque, this Silver Dawn features original parts including chassis, engine, gearbox, as well as front and rear axles. All major components are stamped 1908, and the engine even retains its original cast iron pistons.

The car was restored by Rolls-Royce's authorized dealer, P&A Wood.

Photo: Rolls-Royce

From GMM

Ruled out of contention for the big move to Red Bull, Jean-Eric Vergne's seat at Toro Rosso for 2014 at least seems secure.

"I'm convinced that Jean-Eric Vergne will race next year for Toro Rosso," team boss Franz Tost said in Hungary.

Austrian Tost admitted Vergne's teammate Daniel Ricciardo has sped into contention to replace Mark Webber "simply because he is more experienced" than the similarly-aged Frenchman.

"As far as I'm thinking," Tost added, "next year he (Vergne) is with Toro Rosso."

Vergne, 23, agreed, telling RMC Sport: "Whether Daniel goes to Red Bull or not, my future will be at Toro Rosso and Red Bull.

"From that side I have no problem."

Jean-Éric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR8 (Photo: WRi2)

He also told Austria's Laola1: "It looks as if Red Bull believes he (Ricciardo) is the better driver.

"I can understand that if you're only looking at the results.  But I'm not going to go to Christian Horner and explain the reasons."

Vergne said he even thinks he might still have a chance of becoming Sebastian Vettel's next teammate.

"All I can do is show my true performance, and then we'll see if it's too late.  And I think it's never too late.

"In my opinion we're on a par."

Asked if he was disappointed when Red Bull called Ricciardo up to test at Silverstone and not him, Vergne insisted: "Not at all.

"It was logical, because Red Bull thought he is more consistent than I am.

"As I said, he is a year ahead of me, and the team knows him so very well.  Together with everything, it tipped the balance for him."

Model: 2007 to 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan

The Verdict: Transmission and timing-gear issues seem to have affected earlier Mercedes-Benz S-Class models in this generation, reinforcing the importance of opting for extended powertrain warranty coverage, if possible. For maximum confidence, seek out a used S-Class from a Mercedes Benz pre-owned program. Buying an S-Class privately is strictly advised against unless the model in question has full service records and is given a full mechanical and electronic inspection by a certified Mercedes-Benz technician.

Photo: Luc Gagné

Price: S-Class pricing in the used market varies largely depending on the model selected, the engine, options packages, and mileage. Pricing for a 2007 model with some mileage starts in the mid-twenties, and climbs well into six-figure territory for a newer model with low miles. Selection is abundant in the $50,000 to $80,000 range.

What Owners Like: No surprises here: Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class owners rate the style, comfort, presence, and exclusivity of their rides very highly. World-class comfort and a very quiet ride are also reported. The AWD system, wide range of safety features and a locked-on driving feel all add confidence.

What Owners Dislike: Owners of cars in this price range are typically reluctant to list any complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is no exception. Other than issues with parking (because of its size), and a few gripes about windshield-wiper performance, complaints are hard to track down.

Photo: Luc Gagné

Continue reading 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pre-Owned

Ryan Newman isn't dwelling on his lame duck status at Stewart Haas Racing. If fact he provided some extra drama knocking five time Sprint Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson off the provisional pole for Sunday's 20th running of the Brickyard 400.    

“No hard feelings,” Newman said of Kevin Harvick taking his ride. “They made a move, and that move makes me move, and there's no hard feelings.  I don't know what I'm going to do.  Obviously this is a good step in publicity for me on the positive side, so we'll see what we can do tomorrow.

"Today is over, and we've got to focus on getting our Chevrolet fast for tomorrow and still making the Chase.

Ryan Newman (Photo: ryannewman.org)

Newman won the pole, his 50th in Sprint Cup, at 187.531 mph as the last of 45 cars to make a qualifying run. He broke the previous record of 186.293 mph set by Casey Mears in 2004. Sprint Cup Series points leader, Johnson, was second fastest after being overtaken by Newman. Carl Edwards was third, Denny Hamlin fourth and Tony Stewart fifth.

"I guess I did my homework but the guys on this team did their homework, too. It's a good day for Stewart-Haas Racing," said Newman, who had not won a pole since September, 2011. "It was special because it was the Brickyard and I've won a lot of poles but never won one, here."

Johnson had a feeling that his lap would not hold up as the eventual polesitter. “For today's qualifying session, knowing Ryan was going last, and Ryan is so good at qualifying, that I knew he was going to be a bullet, a tough bullet to dodge.  And when the 14 (Tony Stewart) posted his lap time, I'm like, okay, this is going to be a tough final car to deal with.”

Edwards, looking for his first Cup Championship admitted “this track has been very difficult for us as a group.  I don't know that we've ever had a real dominant car here at a Roush-Fenway.  I think Greg has run well here once or twice.  I've led a couple of laps, but it seems that there maybe were one or two little things that were missing.

"We've brought the best that we can bring, and hopefully this will be our year to win it.”

Bryan Herta Autosport has announced that veteran Alex Tagliani will step down as regular driver for the team and could potentially be replaced by long-time GP2 frontrunner Luca Filippi.

According to a team statement issued Friday, Filippi will test an IndyCar for the squad at Mid-Ohio on Wednesday with a view to potentially replacing Alex Tagliani at the track's forthcoming race next week-end.

Tagliani has agreed to step out of the race seat following but, according to the same statement, will remain under contract to the team through to the end of the season.

As we had reported last year, the 27-year-old Italian was on the verge to make his debut in IndyCar with Rahal Letterman Lanigan last season but a sponsorship deal fell thru at the last moment.  

Luca Filippi in GP2 (Photo: lucafilippi.com)

The team has struggled this year as Tagliani currently lies 21st in the drivers' championship while the team is stranded in 23rd in the entrants' points.

The team has had its share of problems last year when it raced with Lotus engines. But, when it struck a deal with Honda, Tagliani and the team began to be at the forefront and had quite a few good results which left everyone optimistic about the 2013 season.  

Unfortunately, the Canadian best results so far is a pair of 10th places in St Petersburg and the second Toronto race.

Former Panther Racing driver JR Hildebrand is another mooted contender for a BHA appearance before the season is out.

Subaru set a new Guinness World Record on July 13th by gathering 371 Subaru cars in Itasca, Illinois, beating the previous mark of 339 that dated back to 2009. Subaru owners from 9 U.S. states took part in the historic event.

In addition to breaking the record, Subaru and parade participants supported 2 charities including PAWS Chicago and Salute, Inc. Both organizations received a donation of $5,000.

“This year we had 371 Subaru vehicles and even more attendees join us on this special day. Attendees expressed that participating in a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record was one of the items on their 'life list' and they were thrilled to be able to check this item off of their lists,” said Tom Gehrke, regional manager for Subaru of America. “The best part of the event was being able to support the efforts of Salute, Inc. and PAWS Chicago.”

Photo: Subaru

Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino (Ford Fiesta) narrowly won the New England Forest Rally, round five of the Rally America series, over Dave Higgins in Craig Drew (Subaru Impreza), despite mechanical problems on stage 11.

The pair actually had to be towed back to the service park by rivals Rifat Sungkar and Steve Lancaster in order to carry on with the rally, when their alternator let them down.

Sungar and Lancaster went on to finish third the event in third place.

Having completed the rally only 6.5 seconds behind Block, Higgins still leads in the championship standings. But Block's second consecutive win, narrowed the gap down to 27 points, which means mathematically the title fight is still alive.

Having been let down by their Hyundai Tiburon, Canadians Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard never saw the finish line. They were running third when their retirement put an end to a streak of three consecutive wins at NEFR.

Ken Block, Alex Gelsomino (Photo: Neil McDaid)

From GMM

Michelin has scheduled an announcement for the middle of next week, according to a report on Sunday by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

The report suggested the French supplier, last on the grid in 2006 as its tire war with Bridgestone ended, could announce its interest in bidding for an F1 tender.

The news might explain the long delay over news of Pirelli's continued participation as the sport's controversial official tire supplier, even though Paul Hembery insists plans for the 2014 season are well advanced.

Indeed, talks between the teams and Pirelli over 2014 have been speeding ahead this weekend in Hungary.

Pirelli have said they need to make the rear tires wider to cope with the higher torque of the turbo V6s, and Mercedes strongly agrees, but teams like Ferrari and Red Bull are fighting hard for the dimensions to remain essentially the same in 2014.

"We will decide alone," Hembery insisted, "no matter what the teams want.  They just need to give us their data."

A big spanner in the works, however, could be the new Michelin factor.

But correspondent Michael Schmidt wondered: "Can they (Michelin) be ready for 2014?  Surely not -- it would be a very late call."

That is because the teams are scheduled to know the precise specification of the 2014 tires by 1 September this year.

Much more likely is that Michelin might announce F1 intentions for 2015.

Hembery is quoted as saying: "We want clarity this year.

"Our contracts with the rights holder and some of the teams are for the next five years.

"If we are confronted next year with a tender for 2015, we'll be gone."

British driver Lewis Hamilton finally won a grand prix for his new team, Mercedes, having started the Hungarian Grand Prix from a fourth pole position this season.

Free of the typical high tire wear Mercedes usually as to put up with, Hamilton piped championship leader Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) to victory on Sunday. At the finish line, the mighty German actually had to settle for third, as he also lost a position to former world champion Kimi Räikkönen (Lotus) during the race.

Vettel's less than perfect race was also highlighted by a contact with Jenson Button (McLaren), which damaged his front wing.

Another driver who had a run-in with Button was Romain Grosjean (Lotus), who clipped the Brit while chasing down Vettel. On top of that, the stewards penalized the Frenchman with a drive-through penalty for gaining an advantage for using a run-off area while passing Felipe Massa (Ferrari).

Despite the clash with Grosjean, Button went on to finish a decent seventh, two places ahead of his teammate Sergio Pérez, also in the points in ninth.

From 10th on the grid because of KERS problems, Mark Webber climbed back up to fourth, in the coveted second Red Bull seat, ahead of Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), and Grosjean.

Williams' Pastor Maldonado picked up the last point available by rounding out the top 10.

Jean-Éric Vergne (Toro Rosso) managed to beat his higher-rated teammate Daniel Ricciardo, as the pair took 12th and 13th place finishes respectively.

Retirements included both Force India's and Nico Rosberg's, whose Mercedes broke down on lap 65. The German's engine failure put an end to a difficult race that started on the wrong foot with a collision with Massa.

Race results* - Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest)
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 70 laps in 1.42'29"445
2 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 10"938
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 12"459
4 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 18"044
5 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 31”411
6 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 32"295
7 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 53"819
8 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 56”447
9 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1 lap
10 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
11 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
12 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
13 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
14 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 2 laps
15 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 2 laps
16 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 3 laps
17 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 3 laps
18 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 4 laps
19 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 6 laps

Fastest lap of the race by Mark Webber (1'24”069)

Retirements
Lap 42 - Valtteri Bottas
Lap 28 - Esteban Gutierrez
Lap 19 - Adrian Sutil

Drivers' standings
1. Vettel 172; 2. Raikkonen 136; 3. Alonso 133; 4.Hamilton 122; 5. Webber 105; 6. Rosberg 84; 7. Massa 61; 8. Grosjean 49; 9. Button 39; 10. Di Resta 36; 11. Sutil 23; 12. Perez 18; 13. Vergne 13; 14. Ricciardo 11; 15. Hulkenberg 7; 16. Maldonado 1.

Constructors' standings
1. Red Bull 277; 2. Mercedes 206; 3. Ferrari 194; 4. Lotus 185; 5. Force India 59; 6. McLaren 57; 7. Toro Rosso 24; 8. Sauber 7; 9. Williams 1.

*Unofficial

While drawing car buyers and praise from the likes of Consumer Reports, GM and Ford are getting a grip on pensions that will free up cash to develop future models.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was the only man to turn a quicker lap than championship leader Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull), as the Formula 1 field qualified ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, at the blistering Hungaroring.

Hamilton, who will start first for the fourth time this season, also beat Lotus' Romain Grosjean, his own teammate Nico Rosberg and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who all fell short of his 1min19.388s benchmark. Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa duly followed in sixth and seventh aboard the other Lotus and Ferrari.

Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) and Sergio Pérez (McLaren) also made it through to the top 10. So did Mark Webber, but the Red Bull driver opted not to set a time, which means he still gets to pick which tire he will start the race on.

All the other drivers in Q3, except Pérez who set his time with the medium compound, will have to start on softs.

Paul di Resta (Force India), who struggled with car set-up, and Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber), with engine trouvles, were the two high profile victims of Q1.

Earlier in the day, Grosjean led the last free practice session, ahead of Alonso and Pérez, as Vettel, only fourth, focused on longer runs. Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber), 18th on the grid, missed the whole session while his mechanics changed his engine.


Qualiyfing results* - Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring)
1.Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'19"338 - Q3
2.Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'19"426 - Q3
3.Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'19"595 - Q3
4.Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'19"720 - Q3
5.Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'19"791 - Q3
6.Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'19"851 - Q3
7.Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'19"929 - Q3
8.Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'20"641 - Q3
9.Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'22"938 - Q3
10.Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - no time - Q3
11.Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'20"569 - Q2
12.Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'20"580 - Q2
13.Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'20"777 - Q2
14.Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'21"029 - Q2
15.Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'21"133 - QQ2
16.Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'21"219 - Q2
17.Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'21"724 - Q1
18.Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'22"043 - Q1
19.Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'23"007 - Q1
20.Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'23"333 - Q1
21.Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'23"787 - Q1
22.Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'23"997 - Q1

*Unofficial

From GMM

Paul Hembery has denied the missed Silverstone test will continue to affect Mercedes.

As a result of the 'test-gate' scandal, Mercedes was ordered to sit out the young drivers test, at which every other team got an early taste of Pirelli's new Hungary-spec tire.

But Pirelli's Hembery told Auto Motor und Sport: "From now, I do not expect Mercedes will be disadvantaged.

"These tires are well known from last year, and Mercedes got all the (test) data.

"But unlike the other teams, they were unable to test any upgrades on their car.

"That was their disadvantage of not running at the young drivers test," he insisted.

Hembery also denied that some teams have been unfairly advantaged, while others disadvantaged, as a result of the latest change in Pirelli's 2013 tire specification.

"As far as we are concerned, it looks as though nothing has changed," the Briton said.

"The order is the same as before."