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From GMM

Monisha Kaltenborn could be the big loser of Sauber's Russian rescue deal.

Sonntagszeitung newspaper reports that the ailing Swiss team's new partners, all linked to the Russian Federation, are planning to inject a staggering $500 million into Hinwil.

According to Schweiz am Sonntag newspaper, that will pay off the team's crippling $110 million debts and lay the foundation for a sound future, with Russian teen Sergey Sirotkin scheduled to be at the wheel in 2014.

But Blick newspaper reports that Sauber's new Russian money will not start flowing until at least the end of August.

And the Swiss report said Sauber's current ownership structure will not be changed in the short term, and nor will the Hinwil headquarters or the famous name.

But a group of Russian engineers are set to start work, and the new major investors may also wield their power in another way.

"Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn's time seems over," read the report in Blick newspaper.  "When and by whom she will be replaced remains open."

Sonntagszeitung newspaper said founder and majority team owner Peter Sauber is pushing for a Swiss solution, such as Franke CEO Michael Pieper, Phonak's Andy Rihs, or Denner's Philippe Gaydoul.

From press release

Marco Sorensen claimed his first pole position in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, before driving to an impressive victory on Saturday at the Red Bull Ring.

The Dane finished ahead of Nigel Melker (Tech 1 Racing) and Kevin Magnussen (DAMS), with the latter regaining the championship lead following the retirement of Stoffel Vandoorne (Fortec Motorsports).

Marco Sorensen (Lotus) took his maiden FR 3.5 Series pole on Saturday morning, qualifying ahead of fellow Dane Kevin Magnussen (DAMS) and Nigel Melker (Tech 1 Racing). The trio lined up on the grid ahead of Will Stevens (P1 by Strakka Racing) and Arthur Pic (AV Formula).

Photo: Marco Sorensen/Facebook

In an eventful start to the race, Nigel Melker slipped through into second to wedge himself between race leader Marco Sorensen and third-placed Kevin Magnussen. A chaotic first lap saw Stoffel Vandoorne fall back to 12th, while Pietro Fantin (Arden Caterham), Mikhail Aleshin (Tech 1 Racing) and Nikolay Martsenko (Pons Racing) all had to retire.

The safety car was introduced on lap 10 to allow Riccardo Agostini's car to be removed. The Zeta Corse man had spun and stopped on track during an attempt to overtake Matias Laine (P1 by Strakka Racing).

The safety car was called into action again a short time later after contact between Norman Nato (DAMS) and Sergey Sirotkin (ISR). Stoffel Vandoone, meanwhile, returned to the pits and subsequently retired from the race.

Unruffled by events around him, Marco Sorensen eventually took victory ahead of Nigel Melker and Kevin Magnussen. Will Stevens finished fourth, followed by Arthur Pic and best-placed rookie William Buller (Zeta Corse). Buller finished sixth after overtaking Antonio Félix da Costa (Arden Caterham), seventh, in the closing laps.

Marlon Stockinger (Lotus) and André Negrão (International Draco Racing) followed, with Jazeman Jaafar (Carlin) also finishing in the points after fighting his way from the very back of the grid.

From Press release

Mathias Beche and Pierre Thiriet at the wheel of Thiriet by TDS Racing ORECA03 finished the third round of 2013 ELMS season on the first step of the general podium at Red Bull Ring in Austria, ahead of n°36 Signatech Alpine of Pierre Ragues and Nelson Panciatici.

Natacha Gachnang and Franck Mailleux driving n°43 Morgan Judd of Morand Racing climbed onto the third step of the podium.  The overall podium was a carbon copy of the top three finish at round 2 held at Imola in May.

Photo: TDS Racing

In the LMPC Category Gary Hirsch and Paul Loup Chatin win for the second time of the season at the wheel of Team Endurance Challenge FLM09 n°49, ahead of teammates Alex Loan and Nico Verdonck in the n°47 FLM09.Algarve Pro Racing FLM09 n°46 claimed third place in the class on the series debut.

In the LMGTE category, Ram Racing sandwiched the n°66 JMW Motorsport Ferrari F458 Italia of Andrea Bertolini and Joel Camathias, with Johnny Mowlem and Matt Griffin in n°52 on the first place, and n°53 Ferrari of Gunnar Jeannette and Frank Montecalvo, third.

SMP Racing Ferrari F458 GT3 claims victory for the second consecutive time after Imola, with Imola race victors Fabio Babini, Viktor Shaitar and Kirill Ladygin winning in the n°69 car. N°62 AF Corse Ferrari driven by Andrea Rizzoli, Stefano Gai and Lorenzo Casé finished second, while the only BMW Z4 of Ecurie Ecosse (Ollie Millroy, Andrew Smith and Alasdair McCaigh) finishes third of the class.

The “Green Car Previews” section of the Auto123.com Green Car Guide contains a list of previews and reviews of most hybrid, all-electric, diesel, and highly efficient gasoline models available in Canada.

Compact/Sub-compact

	2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi In the lead up to the 2012 show in Detroit, Ford released a few more specifications for the upcoming Ford C-MAX Hybrid and its plug-in variant, the Ford C-MAX Energi... Read more
	2013 Honda CR-Z The CR-Z is virtually in a class of its own at the moment. Certain non-hybrid models can be considered as potential rivals such as... Read more
	2013 Honda Insight The 2013 Honda Insight is equipped with 6 airbags, traction control, vehicle stability assist, and immobilizer theft-deterrent... Read more
	2013 Lexus CT 200h There are no major changes to report for 2013. However, the CT 200h now offers a 4-way power adjustable passenger seat, along with a centre armrest... Read more
	2013 Toyota Prius c Pleasant driving dynamics, a wind-slicing silhouette, and great fuel economy are some of the key attributes of the 2013 Toyota Prius c, the most... Read more
	2013 Toyota Prius v The 2013 Toyota Prius v is one of the most economical family vehicles in the industry. Its spacious interior offers 50% more overall room than the original Prius 5... Read more

Mid-size

	2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Fast, efficient and probably rare, the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 promises reduced fuel consumption around town. At more than $58K, however, that comes at a price... Read more
	2013 Buick LaCrosse eAssist According to various experts, the Buick LaCrosse sets itself apart by its excellent build quality, fit and finish, quality materials and spacious interior... Read more
	2013 Buick Regal eAssist The eAssist version of the Buick Regal has a direct injection 2.4 litre 182 hp ECOTEC engine, an electric generator/motor, stop/start technology, and a 115 volt lithium-ion battery... Read more
	2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid The 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which is more powerful and economical than its predecessor, can now be driven in 100% all-electric mode longer and more often than... Read more
	2013 Kia Optima Hybrid The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid is equipped with a multitude of safety features including 6 airbags, ABS brakes, rear vision camera, automatic brake system... Read more
	2013 Lincoln MKZ hybrid The 2013 Lincoln MKZ hybrid is a luxury 4-door sedan that comfortably seats five. The stunning MKZ exterior and interior design is based on Lincoln's... Read more
	2013 Toyota Camry hybrid The ride and handling of the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid are identical to its gasoline-powered sibling. It offers a spacious interior, creamy-smooth ride and superb fuel economy... Read more

SUV

	2013 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid The Cadillac Escalade is the only hybrid-powered full-size luxury SUV in the market. Its combined fuel-economy rating of 9.5 L/100 km may raise some eyebrows, but... Read more
	2013 GMC Yukon / Chevy Tahoe Hybrid The 2013 GMC Yukon hybrid (along with its Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid twin) can tow between 2,586 and 2,812 kg depending on choice of models. This amounts to... Read more
	2013 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid The Porsche lineup has included an SUV for over 10 years now. The environmentally-friendly Porsche Cayenne S hybrid was introduced in 2011. A 333 hp VW-Audi engine and... Read more

Luxury/Full-size

	2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is an intermediate luxury sedan that was launched as a production model back in 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show. This elegant, dynamic sedan sells... Read more
	2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 uses the same inline 6-cylinder motor as the 740Li xDrive, but now features a synchronous electric motor which, when combined with... Read more
	2013 Lexus LS 600h L There seems to be a consensus among journalists that the Lexus LS 600 hybrid is a veritable mobile 'cocooning' unit on wheels. The obsessive soundproofing and exceptionally... Read more

Diesel

	2013 Audi A3 TDI Although the Audi A3 TDI shares its platform with the Volkswagen Golf, and although the TDI engine under the hood can also be found in the Golfs, Jettas, and Passats... Read more
	2013 Audi Q7 TDI The 2013 Audi Q7 TDI is almost an exact copy of the 2012 model, displaying elegant and sober lines. It comes with standard LED headlights and tail lights... Read more
	2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 BlueTEC This year, 2013, marks the introduction of the 250 BlueTEC version of the famous GLK mid-size luxury SUV. This version is powered by a 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine... Read more
	2013 Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTEC The Mercedes-Benz R350, which falls somewhere between an SUV and a minivan, has yet to find its way into the hearts and minds of consumers, with just 515 units... Read more
	2013 Volkswagen Touareg TDI In spite of its imposing stature, the Touareg TDI, with its sober lines and familiar front grille, still manages to resemble the Passat. It comes equipped with standard... Read more

Electric

	2013 Fisker Karma This car was certainly the talk of the town in 2013. It was a fixture in even the smallest and remotest auto shows across North America. Initially launched as a concept... Read more
	2013 Mitsubishi i-MiEV The i-MiEV battery recharges in approximately 22 hours when plugged into a standard 120 V outlet, or 7 hours from a 240 V outlet. The optional CHAdeMO ultrafast... Read more
	2013 Nissan LEAF The all-electric Nissan LEAF was launched in the Canadian market back in 2011. It has a best in class 120 to 160 km autonomy. The LEAF is well equipped to face our... Read more

Grey area

2013 Mazda3 SKYACTIV As a sedan or as a hatchback, the Mazda3 has been a very popular choice for several years now. For the 2013 model year, this little Japanese winner has come up with... Read more

Detroit's bankruptcy will be overseen by a 28-year veteran of the bench who approved the liquidation of auto parts maker Collins and Aikman in 2007 and served as chief judge of the bankruptcy court in Detroit when it changed its rules at the end of...

As GM CEO Dan Akerson sees it, Tesla Motors has the potential to be a disruptive force in the automotive industry and he doesn't want to be caught off guard.

Team Canada has narrowed down to just four names its list of drivers still in the running for their scholarship: Olivier Bedard, Thomas McGregor, Zacharie Robichon and Craig Willis.

The eventual two winners will get to race at the prestigious Formula Ford Festival, in Brands Hatch, UK, an annual Ford Ford competition which has brought up many professional drivers, such as Mark Webber and Jenson Button.

"This is a very strong group of drivers as usual out of F1600," believes Brian Graham, founder of Team Canada, a non-profit program funded 100% by donations and sponsorship, which goal is to help foster Canadian talent in motor racing.

"Like the two previous years, we believe any one of them would represent us well this coming October at Brands Hatch. It is always a difficult decision to make, and we look forward to seeing how the season progress's for all of them."

Garett Grist (2012) and Xavier Coupal (2011) are the past winners of the three-year-old Team Canada scholarship program.

Brian Vickers road to a comeback after his blood clot treatment and closure of Red Bull Racing took a big step forward with his win, last week, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

It was his third Sprint Cup win and first in almost four years. His last win came in August at Michigan International Speedway.

Here's some Q & A before he races in the Nationwide Series event at Chicagoland.

Brian Vickers (Photo: NASCAR)

How Busy has your week been after winning New Hampshire's NSCS race?

"This past week was more than a good week for a lot of reasons.  Obviously the win last week was very special for so many reasons for me personally and the whole team and everyone at MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) -- they deserved it. 

"I also spent the week down with a friend down in the islands who is getting married, one of my best friends.  I've known him for a very long time (and) I never ever thought (he) would get married.  I couldn't be happier for him.

"He picked -- I say she picked a good one and he got lucky.  She's a great girl, so we had a fun few days down there and unfortunately I had to leave a day or two early to come here, but I'm excited about being here. 

"Chicago is a great race track and obviously the opportunity to race for an extra $100,000 with the Nationwide Series 'Dash for Cash' is pretty cool.  I look forward to doing that, hopefully we can accomplish that goal and capture a victory."

Was last week's win vindication for you?

"Yeah, I suppose you can use that word.  I think for me, it was just a very special moment and I don't know if that's a word I've ever thought of.  I suppose you can apply that.

"I think more than anything, for me it was just enjoying the moment and a very special occasion and very thankful and blessed to have the opportunity to get back into a race car and to be able to race again period, much less to have the opportunity with a team and a crew and a sponsor like Aaron's that gave me the opportunity to be able to win again."

From GMM

F1's 'tire-exploding' troubles appear definitely over.

Pirelli immediately tweaked its formerly steel-belted tires after the Silverstone race chaos, while the FIA banned team tinkering that may have worsened the problem.

But it was thought the sport's return to the British circuit, for a three-day test this past week, would give the definitive answer about whether the all-new Hungary-spec tires - combining the 2013 compounds and 2012 structure - have solved the problem completely.

The answer, it appears, is yes.

"Nothing has happened here," said Ferrari's Felipe Massa, after the FIA allowed race drivers to run at the 'young driver test' in order to try the new tires.

"There were no blow-outs or punctures like we saw in this race.  That is the most important thing," he is quoted by AFP news agency.

Williams' Pastor Maldonado agrees: "They have solved the problem -- they knew where the problem was and here we haven't had anything."

Chip Ganassi Racing has entered a second BMW-Riley in the Daytona Prototype class for Tony Kanaan and Joey Hand, ahead of the upcoming Brickyard Grand Prix, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The three-hour race is the eighth round of the Grand-Am season, as well as being the third and final round of the North American Endurance Championship (NAEC).

Hand, a long-time BMW driver who splits his time between the American ALMS and German DTM championships in 2013, has 61 starts, including six wins, to his name in Grand-Am.

Kanaan raced only twice in Grand-Am before, but his career in IndyCar and CART adds up to 209 consecutive starts, of which 16 wins, including one at the Brickyard this year.

The pair will race alongside Ganassi's leading duo of Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas, who share the No. 1 BMW-Riley.

Ex-touring car driver David Bensadoun has kicked off his preparation for the 2014 Dakar rally, setting the 41st fastest lap overall in the qualifying stage of the Baja Aragon desert race, in Spain.

Bensadoun, a senior manager of the popular shoe company ALDO when he is not racing, was happy at the end of the 6.75-kilometre prelude, despite some handling and mechanical problems with his BMW Desert Warrior.

"When I applied the brakes coming into a corner, the rear end wanted to come around. That is great for hairpin corners, but a bit of a handful on high speed sweepers," he admitted, also noting a power-steering leak.

Bensadoun and co-driver Patrick Beaulé are now facing 1,000 kilometres over the two days of the Teruel event.

The Baja Aragon desert race is considered by many as a rehearsal for the 14-day Dakar, which Bensadoun has already entered twice in his career.

David Bensadoun (Photo: Aldo Racing/Service Presse)

From GMM

Max Chilton has hit back at Marussia's departed technical boss Pat Symonds.

Just before announcing his defection to Williams, Symonds compared Marussia's current drivers with champions like Fernando Alonso, surmising that the Spaniard is at least half a second quicker.

"Our hands are tied," he had said, "(as) we need to have drivers who also bring money."

The comment was interpreted as a specific rebuke at Briton Chilton, whose wealthy father has bankrolled his F1 debut.

Chilton has also been shaded this year by his impressive Ferrari-linked teammate Jules Bianchi.

Chilton, however, suggested Symonds' assessment is unfair.

Max Chilton, Marussia MR02 (Photo: WRi2)

"An F1 team isn't going to accept two drivers who aren't capable of getting the most out of the car," he is quoted by the Russian news agency Ria Novosti.

He also disagreed with Symonds' estimation that the time-gap to a driver like Alonso is half a second.

"I wouldn't say that there's that much left in the car," said Chilton.

"I don't believe there's half a second, but I agree that the more experience you've got - people like Alonso, like Jenson, like Lewis that have been in here so long - they can get a little bit more out of it."

F1 insiders were also assessing another driver 'gap' on Friday, as Williams tester Susie Wolff made her proper circuit debut at the Silverstone test.

The 'gap' to world champion Sebastian Vettel was 2.2 seconds, leaving her ninth of the 16 drivers in action.

"I think she was pretty good, she was pretty quick and that's really fantastic to see a lady driving formula one," said Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

The Hyundai Hockey Helpers program is back for a second straight year to help underprivileged, yet deserving families pay for registration fees and equipment.

For 2013, Hyundai Hockey Helpers is again teaming up with one of Canada's most accomplished hockey families, the Subbans, led by father Karl, Montreal Canadien and Norris Trophy-winning defenceman P.K. Subban, and his brothers Malcolm, a Boston Bruins draft pick, and Jordan, a Vancouver Canucks draft pick.

Last year, thanks to contributions by all of the 210 Hyundai dealers across Canada, as well as Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., not to mention public donations, the program provided grants to 1,879 kids so they could play organized hockey.

A few facts:

• 65 % of Canadian parents with children who play hockey pay $1,000 or more each year for each child, with league fees accounting for 39% of all expenses;
• 95% agree that enrolling their kids in the sport requires a significant financial contribution.
• 79% say that the family has to make sacrifices, like fewer vacations (53%) or giving up participation in other activities such as different sports or music lessons (42%)

Photo: Hyundai

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Performance that is beyond reproach.

Few cars make as a statement quite like a bright yellow Porsche 911, especially when you push the button marked with an exhaust-tip graphic. This switch makes the car even louder, and once you also engage the high-performance Sport Chrono mode, an already fast car turns into a real monster. The combination of furious sound and the incessant tug of gravity during full-bore acceleration is absolutely addicting, as is the ease with which big speed can be achieved. In fact, I wonder if the Porsche 911 is too fast for public roads. Several times I glanced at the speedometer only to realize – good grief! – I’d better stand on the carbon-ceramic brakes and seek a more prudent velocity.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

And Alfa Romeo's saga of restructuring, postponing and rejiggering continues, swathed in announcements, reports, rumor and innuendo.

Ford is planning a right-hand-drive variant of the Ford Mustang when the sports car is redesigned for its 50th anniversary next year, according to an Australian newspaper report this week.

Detroit's bankruptcy filing won't affect the planning or staging of the 2014 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in January, show organizers said today.

Ari Vatanen powered to a new Pikes Peak record in 1988, doing so in 10 minutes and 47.22 seconds behind the wheel of the legendary Peugeot

With the prevalence of MG cabriolets here in the states in the summertime, it's easy to forget that the company also built sedans.

A Renault