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General Motors has announced the appointment of Alicia Boler-Davis to senior vice president, Global Quality and Global Customer Experience, expanding her customer experience role from a US position to oversee the rest of the world where GM does business.

Market analysts are predicting that June will be another strong month for the recovering US light vehicle market, driven by retail sales.

Renault Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn has taken on the chairmanship of the new AvtoVAZ board of directors which has been increased from 12 to 15 members, including eight people from the Alliance.

Reports that the Peugeot family is willing to hand over its automotive business to General Motors or China's Dongfeng Motor may have an ulterior motive.

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has repeated his depiction of Sebastian Vettel as a "fantastic driver" at the wheel of an "awesome car".

Earlier this week, triple world champion and 2013 points leader Vettel insisted he is not fazed by the likes of Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, who constantly herald one another's talents but hail only Vettel's Red Bull car.

When asked about that sort of criticism, 2008 world champion Hamilton accused the media of being "unfair".

"It's unfair to say we criticise him and say he (Vettel) doesn't belong with Fernando and I. He does belong in that group, definitely," the Briton is quoted by the Mirror.

Hamilton said Vettel is "an absolutely fantastic driver", but "he really does have an awesome car".

"I think he would have a much tougher time if he was positioned with some different drivers," he added. "My comments are from what I see when I get to race wheel to wheel with him -- well, the few seconds that I do before he flies off into the distance. I am sure in the back of every driver's mind is 'What would it be like if I was in that car?'"

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes AMG) leading Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) in Canada. (Photo: WRi2)

However, two pundits believe Lewis Hamilton should be looking at himself rather than others as he assesses why he only has a single title to his name.

"I think something happened a few years ago when he was looking for something in life outside of formula one," Gary Anderson, a leading F1 engineer turned broadcaster, told Speed Week.

"In my opinion he lost some focus. He needs to understand that what you do on Sunday is not enough -- you have to think about nothing else than success, seven days a week. I no longer see that in him."

1996 world champion Damon Hill has a similar view.

"I don't want to say Lewis is naive, but he has a lot to learn," he told the London Evening Standard.

"He genuinely wants to pursue his career in his own way. But the sport that he's in is a very Machiavellian place. To succeed in formula one you have to be a bit ruthless, have a focus, and almost a business mindset," added Hill.

On the other hand, although Hamilton eventually railed against the level of control exerted upon him, Anderson thinks Hamilton was the right man for McLaren.

Considering the great British team's seemingly endless 2013 crisis, he wonders: "Is Jenson Button just too nice for the situation they're in? I'm sure Lewis would make more fuss about it."

 

A new study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute shows that diesel vehicles saved owners between $2,000 to $6,000 in total ownership costs during a 3- to 5-year period when compared to similar gasoline vehicles.

“Overall, the results of our analyses show that diesel vehicles provide owners with a TCO (total cost of ownership) that is less than that of the gas versions of the same vehicles,” according to the study. “The estimates of savings for 3 and 5 years of ownership vary from a low of $67 in 3 years to a high of $15,619 in 5 years, but most of the savings are in the $2,000 to $6,000 range, which also include the extra cost that is usually added to the diesel version of a vehicle.”

Diesel vehicles are up to 40% more fuel-efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts, making them more and more attractive to North American drivers. In fact, industry experts predict that diesel sales will increase significantly in the coming years, including in the U.S.

From press release

In compliance with the decision of the Stewards of the Meeting car no. 26 has been excluded from the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours as the capacity of its fuel tank has been found to be illegal. The no. 42 Zytek-Nissan is promoted to third place in LM P2.

Driven by Roman Rusinov, John Martin and Mike Conway the Oreca-Nissan entered by the G-Drive Racing by Delta ADR team finished ninth overall in the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours and third in the LM P2 category.

Photo: G-Drive Racing

As a result of this decision all the cars classified behind no. 26 move up a place in the overall classification in this category. Thus, the no. 42 Zytek Z11SN Nissan driven by Jann Mardenborough, Lucas Ordonez and Michael Krumm (Greaves Motorsport) is promoted to third place in LM P2 behind the two Morgan-Nissans, nos 35 and 24.

This exclusion also modifies the classifications of the FIA World Endurance Championship of which the Le Mans 24 Hours was the third round and for which double points were awarded.

The G-Drive Racing by Delta ADR team has stated its intention to lodge an appeal against this decision.

Hyundai Canada today announced that the updated Equus luxury sedan will be priced from $64,799 in Signature trim and $72,999 in Ultimate trim when it arrives in dealerships later this summer.

The company's flagship sedan has received a series of significant enhancements in the areas of interior design, materials selection, vehicle dynamics, technology, and safety.

Both versions of the 2014 Hyundai Equus ride on 19” wheels and use a 5.0L V8 engine that produces 429 horsepower through an 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission. Standard features include genuine wood trim, a leather-wrapped dashboard, a 608-watt, 17-speaker Lexicon surround sound system, a 9.2” touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking assistance with rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot detection, and more.

Meanwhile, the Equus Ultimate adds a 12.3” fully digital gauge cluster, head-up display, power-closing doors and trunk lid, and dual 9.2” rear-seat entertainment monitors, among other luxurious amenities.

Photo: Hyundai

The first-ever Corvette went into production in Flint, Michigan on June 30th, 1953 -- exactly 60 years ago. As a way to pay tribute to the iconic sports car, Chevrolet has revealed a number of interesting facts including a few lesser known tidbits:

- Corvette is the world's longest-running, continuously produced passenger car. The longest-running vehicle of any type is the Chevrolet Suburban.

- Corvette made its debut as a concept vehicle at the General Motors Autorama in New York City on January 17th, 1953. It was such a success that a limited run of 300 production Corvettes began on June 30th of that year.

- All 1953 models were Polo White with a red interior and they were priced at $3,498. In 2006, the third 1953 Corvette produced sold for a record $1.06 million at auction.

- Up to 1955, Corvette was exclusively available with an inline 6-cylinder engine. That year, the optional V8 engine was ordered by 90% of buyers, so the 6-cylinder was dropped.

- No 1983 Corvettes were sold to the public. The model year was skipped in preparation for the all-new 1984 Corvette, which launched the C4 generation. However, 44 Corvette prototypes were built as 1983 models. Only one remains, and it's on display at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Photo: Chevrolet

RM Auctions will sell a very unique piece of automotive engineering -- and a movie icon -- at its London auction on September 8-9, 2013: the Lotus Esprit Series 1 ‘Submarine' Car that starred in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).

Specifically designed and built for the famous underwater sequence, it was developed from one of six Esprit body shells used in the making of the film -- and is the only car to be built into a fully operational, self-propelled ‘submarine'. Known as ‘Wet Nellie' on the set, it was later shipped to Long Island, NY, where it was kept in an unassuming storage unit on a ten-year rental, paid in advance.

Here's the twist: In 1989, the rent delinquent unit was put up ‘blind' for public auction. A modest winning bid from an area couple brought surprise and wonder when the blankets were removed to reveal the iconic 007 ‘Submarine' Car.

The Lotus made a few appearances afterwards -- including a stint at the Petersen Automotive Museum -- but for the most part remained closely under wraps, until now.

No estimation has been provided for this car, but you should know that RM Auctions sold “the most famous car in the world”, the Aston Martin DB5 used by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball, for £2.9 million (approx. $4.6 million CAD) in 2010.

Photo: RM Auctions

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has admitted he has had "small talks" with Red Bull about replacing Mark Webber next year.

Earlier reluctant to discuss his future beyond saying his Lotus contract is expiring, the 2007 world champion is now admitting that moving to the reigning world champion team is a real option.

Sebastian Vettel has made clear he would like to share the 2014 garage with his Finnish friend.

Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel on the Bahrain podium. (Photo: WRi2)

Raikkonen admitted: "It would be interesting to drive against him in the same car. It would be a big challenge, but that is why we are here. If you have a chance to be there you should take it.

"I would say Lotus or them (Red Bull) is the only options," the 33-year-old told British broadcaster Sky.

A key to a Raikkonen-Red Bull marriage would be to emulate his situation at Lotus, where the introverted Finn does minimal sponsor appearances.

"They might sound like stupid, small things but I've been long enough in the business to know what I want," he admitted.

It is thought that, Raikkonen aside, the only other candidates Red Bull would seriously consider are Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne, who currently drive for the energy drink company's junior team, Toro Rosso.

But Australian Ricciardo admitted his cause has not been helped by a competitive dip in recent races.

"I haven't really come off a strong few (races) to give me bragging rights to say 'That's mine, everyone'," he smiled, according to Reuters.

Daniel Ricciardo said Red Bull continues to back young drivers with the ultimate aim that they emulate Vettel's feat and graduate to the top team.

But Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost said the prerequisite is title-winning potential.

"Both drivers would have to show an extraordinarily good second half of the season," he told Speed Week, "because, and we must never forget, we are talking about the champion team."

Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Sebastian Vettel is making no secret that he is pushing hard in Raikkonen's favour, but on the other hand he is also not rubbishing Ricciardo or Vergne's chances.

"I don't think it's fair to compare Kimi with Daniel or Jean-Eric. Their careers are totally different," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

Ultimately, however, the triple world champion will have a say.

"It's not my decision, but if I am asked, I will speak my mind," said the German.

Dr Helmut Marko told Bild newspaper: "This is a team, and so we need to ensure the greatest possible harmony. The best decision is one that is made in agreement on all sides. This includes Sebastian."

Dorel Juvenile Group is recalling 26,558 Eddie Bauer and Safety 1st child seats that were manufactured in 2012.

During testing, the plastic seat shell cracked, allowing the seatback to recline excessively and increase the risk of injury from impact forces being transferred to the child during a crash. For the Enspira 65 model specifically, this crack also exposed sharp edges which could increase the risk of injury to a child occupant, or a parent/caregiver manipulating the seat.

All registered owners will receive a replacement seat shell kit and installation instructions. Non-registered owners and those who have moved should contact Dorel Juvenile Group at 1-866-446-2628. In any case, no child seat should be returned to the retailer.

Affected models include:

• 2012 Eddie Bauer Enspira 65
• 2012 Eddie Bauer XRS 65
• 2012 Safety 1st Cruise Air 65
• 2012 Safety 1st Cruise Air LX 65
• 2012 Safety 1st Enspira 65
• 2012 Safety 1st Guide 65

Source: Transports Canada

From GMM

Felipe Massa has admitted he has "a good chance" of staying at Ferrari in 2014.

Team boss Stefano Domenicali said in Canada that the Brazilian is "absolutely" likely to remain Fernando Alonso's teammate next year, despite a recent run of crashes.

"I think I have a good chance to stay here," Massa told Brazil's Agencia Estado at Silverstone. "I have to keep working and getting good results because, after all, it's the results that count. But I'm confident of doing well until the end of the season."

Asked how long it might be before Ferrari present him with a 2014 contract to sign, the 32-year-old answered: "I don't think a long time."

Felipe Massa, Ferrrari, in Silverstone. (Photo: WRi2)

He denied that his recent run of crashes in Monaco and Montreal had hurt his confidence.

"I have never been a driver with problems of accidents, as happened in the last two races. So I don't think you can put pressure (on yourself) because of that," said Massa.

Just two weeks after a track worker was tragically killed at the end of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, the world of motorsport was shocked by the death of a driver at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Very early into the race, Allan Simonsen, one of the three drivers of the No. 95 Aston Martin, lost control of his car at the Tertre-Rouge corner.

The Aston Martin crashed hard into the guardrail at a high speed. The 34-year-old Dane did not survive his injuries, proving that the impact must have been incredibly violent.

This tragic accident reminds us -- yet again -- that motorsport is still a very dangerous activity. The problem is that some people tend to believe that modern race cars are simply safe and nothing can happen.

During the 2011 running of the Le Mans classic race, Audi came extremely close to losing two of its drivers.

Allan McNish's No. 3 Audi was completely destroyed when it slammed into the guardrail. A few hours later, the No. 1 Audi, driven by Mike Rockenfeller, also crashed extremely hard at high speed during the night.

Photo: WRI2

McNish and Rockenfeller could have been very seriously injured -- if not killed -- in theses crashes, but luckily (and miraculously) they escaped without harm.

My concern here is to hear some people say: “See? Race cars are now very secure. Motor racing has become extremely safe”... And life goes on...

For me that's the wrong statement. I'd say we need to increase safety even more. Yes, two drivers escaped serious injury at Le Mans two years ago, but it was writing on the wall that one day, one driver would not be as lucky as they were.

McNish and Rockenfeller's crashes should have been taken as serious wake-up calls.

I see a similar attitude on our roads. Despite new road cars being fitted with all the latest technology and safety devices, the ultimate link between the vehicle and the road remains the driver. No safety feature will ever be absolutely perfect.

From GMM

F1's 'blown exhaust' and 'Coanda' era will be definitely over in 2014.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported on Friday that the FIA has dictated that the turbo V6s only have one exhaust outlet, and that it must exit beyond the diffuser.

That will mean that, unlike in previous years, the phenomenon of engine exhaust gases having an aerodynamic effect will be almost completely removed.

Even the "area behind the exhaust pipe is a forbidden zone", Auto Motor und Sport added.

Red Bull RB8. (Photo: WRi2)

In 2014 Formula 1 will enter a new era. The most significant technical change to hit the sport in more than two decades is introduced with the switch from V8 to V6 turbo engines.

The revolution is such that experts no longer talk about an engine but rather a power unit.

Engine regulations form the major part of the coming revolution, with the introduction of a new generation of Power Units that combine a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine with energy recovery systems that will dramatically increase efficiency by harvesting energy dissipated as heat in the exhaust or brakes.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

The maximum power of the new Power Unit will exceed the output of current V8 F1 engines however fuel efficiency will be radically improved. With only 100kg permitted for the race, the new units will use 35% less fuel than their predecessors.

The rules for 2014
• 1.6L direct injection turbo V6
• Unique pressure charging architecture: single turbine and compressor (plus E-motor allowed)
• 5 Power Units per driver per season in 2014, reducing to 4 in subsequent years

Strong focus on improved vehicle fuel efficiency / reduced fuel consumption:
• Fuel quantity for the race limited to 100 kg initially (-35% from now - currently unlimited)
• Fuel mass flow rate limited to 100 kg/hr max - currently unlimited
• Potent Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) are allowed

The chart below illustrates the basic technical differences between the current V8 engines and next year's V6 power units.

Chart: Renault Sport F1

Marc Landreville, the defending champion of the Drift Mania Canadian Championship (DMCC), started the 2013 season in Montmagny on a weird note. With his Nissan 240SX S14 suffering from serious engine problems during the practice sessions, he had to find another car to qualify for the competition. Luckily, Landreville's good friend and Pro Am driver, Jonathan Guitard, agreed to share his own Lexus SC400.

Talk about a contrast: one has right-hand drive, and the other has left-hand drive! Needless to say Landreville had to make a few adjustments. Then again, “it's still a car,” he pointed out.

At the end of the day, the Montreal-based drift expert missed the top of the podium by a step. However, that was good enough to earn him precious points entering the second round of the 2013 DMCC next weekend in St. Eustache.

I had a chat with Marc Landreville after the event, and he kindly answered all my questions.

Marie-Laurence Paquin (MLP): So Marc, how did you wind up here?

Marc Landreville (ML): For as long as I can remember, I've always been a huge fan of rear-wheel drive cars like Nissans and Mazdas. I used to revere guys like Marco Santos and Haig Kanadjian, so I decided to buy my own Nissan.

I took part in my first amateur comp in 2008 with a Nissan Skyline GTR that was riding on 15” winter tires -- and I finished in second place! A while later, I entered a Pro Am event, and ended up third. The judges immediately elevated me to the Pro Class, and the very next day I was drifting my way to second place. I've been doing it ever since.

MLP: As the defending champ, do you feel some extra pressure this year?

ML: I'm not stressed, if it's what you're asking. I'd like to repeat, obviously. I also have other projects for this season, like participating in a few rounds of the U.S. Formula Drift Championship. Now, the rules are not quite the same, and neither is the budget. I was thinking about four rounds, but my car wasn't ready on time, so I will enter only two: one in Wall, New Jersey, and another late in the season in Irwindale, California.

MLP: What's driving you to take part in the Formula Drift Championship?

ML: I want to see how I stack up against other drivers and perform on other tracks. Of course, because of my sponsors and all, I will take part in every round of the DMCC this year.

MLP: Who will be your toughest opponents in 2013?

ML: Good question. A number of drivers are benefiting from new cars. Guys like Pat Cyr, Dave Briggs, Francis Tassé, Mike Pollard, and Jeff Laflamme will certainly put on a great show!

MLP: Were any modifications made to your car over the winter?

ML: Not really. Except for regular maintenance work and some little upgrades here and there, there's nothing major to report. My team and I will instead get busy on a Mazda RX-7 for next summer, so my Nissan will go up for sale at the end of this year.

Marc Landreville would like to thank some of his sponsors including: Lacroix Tuning, Bar le Garage, Standard suspension, Budweiser, Vipec Powersports, Le roi du camion, Affichage.ca, Canada Tire, PB Kréations, Mishimoto, Gulf, and Elf.

Photo: Joel Couture

From GMM

As Kimi Raikkonen moves closer to filling Mark Webber's spot at Red Bull next year, Pastor Maldonado has denied talking to Lotus to replace the Finn.

It has been suggested Venezuelan Maldonado, with his 2012 Barcelona-winning speed and his millions in PDVSA backing, might be a good choice as Lotus faces the possibility of replacing Raikkonen.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

But "Regarding the rumours, I am 100 per cent focused on Williams," the 28-year-old told Spanish newspaper Marca at Silverstone.

"To this day I have not spoken to any team, this is true and I hope to be here next season. I say that because it depends not only on me but on other factors. Let's see what the future brings," Maldonado added.

"I see the rumours every day but it's hard to imagine something happening. Clearly I'm not happy with the performance this season, I will not hide that and we need to solve our problems.

"But I believe that we have a great potential in the team and we cannot stay where we are.

"We have all the tools to fight for the championship, so we're not going to give up," he added.

Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest time in a rain soaked first practice session for the British Grand Prix while Nico Rosberg emerged fastest on a dry track in the afternoon.

Ricciardo, who is one of the candidates for the Porsche bound Mark Webber in 2014, set his initial lap time of over two minutes at around the 76-minute marker, which kick-started what had been a relatively quiet session.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG (Photo: WRI2)

However, he managed to improve over a period of eight laps to set a quickest time of 1m59.249 seconds.

Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg was second 0.784s behind Ricciardo, but managed to stay ahead of third placed Pastor Maldonado, and local favourite, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who had led briefly led at one stage.

Hulkenberg's Sauber team-mate, Esteban Gutierrez and Williams' Valtteri Bottas rounded out the top-six, in a session which only featured 11 drivers.

Notable incidents of the session were Charles Pic spinning at the final corner and damaging his front wing, after being caught out by the treacherous conditions. Gutierrez also aquaplaned at Turn 1 and despite taking the corner sideways, managed to escape damage free.

Free practice 2
The second practice session saw Nico Rosberg once again underline Mercedes' one-lap advantage to set the quickest time by 0.3 seconds ahead of the Red Bulls of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel.

Force India's Paul di Resta and Rosberg's Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton, gave the British crowds something to cheer about after finishing fourth and fifth in conditions which were vastly improved from the morning washout.

Despite the improved weather, Felipe Massa managed to have his third accident in as many races, after he lost control of the Ferrari at Stowe corner, and removed its front end.

As a result, the Brazilian has only had seven laps of running ahead of tomorrow's qualifying session and finished the session at the bottom of the timing boards.

FP1 pace setter Daniel Ricciardo was sixth in the Toro Rosso, ahead of team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne, Adrian Sutil, Romain Grosjean and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso who rounded out the top-10.

Despite finishing 10th, the Ferrari showed Red Bull matching race-pace on its longer runs.

McLaren had another quiet afternoon and is suspected to be continuing to suffer from ride height issues, which have plagued its difficult 2013 car, with Jenson Button and Sergio Perez finishing 11th and 14th respectively.

Kimi Raikkonen also had a relatively quiet session in 13th, but it is expected that Lotus has not fully shown its potential this weekend as it plans to use its Drag Reduction System later over the weekend.

Grosjean was also not without upgrades to the team's E21 car, as he ran upgraded bodywork on the #8 car.

From GMM

An irked Christian Horner has revealed he found out about Mark Webber's decision to leave Red Bull only an hour before the rest of the world.

"I suppose an hour's notice is a bit short," the Briton told reporters at Silverstone. "I think the guys at the factory would be disappointed to learn about it on the internet."

Horner's comments sparked immediate rumours of ill feeling as the Australian departs F1 for Porsche, with memories of the 'Multi-21' affair and strained relations with Sebastian Vettel and Helmut Marko still fresh.

"I informed Christian before the announcement which contractually I should do, so that's what we did," said Webber.

The 36-year-old said the way the news broke was not supposed to be a slight on his colleagues on the factory floor at Milton-Keynes.

"They've been superb for me on the floor there," said Webber, "but Porsche were very keen to make the announcement. It was about Porsche and Mark Webber today."

Mark Webber and Christian Horner. (Photo: WRi2)

And in fact, it seems Red Bull's billionaire owner - and key Webber ally - Dietrich Mateschitz knew about the plans well in advance.

A sponsorship deal for 2014 and beyond may even have been done during the week.

"It (Webber's move) has been known by us for a few weeks," Austrian Mateschitz is quoted by Speed Week.

"We have been talking about it quite a few times," he added, amid reports Webber visited Mateschitz in Salzburg this week before returning to Britain.

"Mark will remain a part of the Red Bull family," said Mateschitz.