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Europe is in a deep slump but many suppliers in the region are growing their businesses because of their global footprints.

Bob Lutz and Rick Wagoner were cut from different management cloth, according to Lutz in his new book, ICONS AND IDIOTS: Straight Talk on Leadership.

Audi seems to be suffering from declining loyalty -- or rather, the spouses of Audi owners may be.

Europe is in a deep slump but the head of the region's suppliers group says many partsmakers are growing their businesses because of their global footprints.

In China, auto JVs are common between global brands and state-owned Chinese companies. Today, however, big state-owned automakers and small private domestic companies also are joining forces to better battle major foreign automakers.

Mary Barra is a corporate survivor who has played a role in the soap opera of GM management for a generation, emerging on a very public stage as the leader of the company's $15 billion vehicle development operations -- a role that will largely...

Mary Barra is a corporate survivor who has played a role in the soap opera of GM management for a generation, emerging on a very public stage as the leader of the company's $15 billion vehicle development operations -- a role that will largely...

From GMM

Not even "a miracle" could speed McLaren back to the front of the field in the immediate future, new team driver Sergio Perez admitted this week.

Just as the young Mexican arrived at Woking to replace Lewis Hamilton, the great British team faltered with its 2013 car, and currently is ranked behind not only the four big teams but also the similarly Mercedes-powered Force India.

Asked about the chance of a good result at Silverstone late this month, Perez admitted: "There is nothing that can save us; not rain, not a miracle," he is quoted in a French-language report by the Agence France-Presse news agency.

Sergio Perez. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

The 23-year-old admitted that his season so far - his first with a big team - has been "frustrating".

"It's not the year I wanted. Last year, at this time, I had more points (at Sauber)," said Perez. "The (McLaren) car has so many problems, and we are so far behind that there is not a single issue that we can focus on."

He said he is hoping to "at least be on a podium" at some point in 2013, adding: "At the moment, we cannot even think about it."

Sergio Perez also dismissed recent criticism of his driving, like at Monaco where Kimi Raikkonen said he wanted to punch the Mexican after their collision.

"I'm not in formula one to not be criticised, or to please everyone," he insisted. "I'm in formula one to fight for my team. If that attracts criticism for me, then I don't care."

A legend that never got its time
Audi does not do things half-assed. When they put their collective genius and substantial resources behind an idea or project, they go all the way.

The Audi R8 e-tron is perhaps the greatest effort and finished product that will never see the light of day. Although sad -- and in a way, a waste -- the lessons learned by Audi on this specific and spectacular project will live on in many upcoming Tron cars.

The 2013 Audi R8 e-tron is a contradiction on four wheels where efficiency and mind-blowing performance meet in an incredibly sophisticated package. There would have been no better way to be green, fast, and look devilishly good all at once.


What is an Audi R8 e-tron?
The 2013 Audi R8 e-tron is the fully electric iteration of Audi's supercar and was to be a flagship Tron model. However, Audi decided that the feasibility of such a car on the current market was limited.

Truly, Audi invested large amounts of money and resources into this phenomenal car, and the potential retail price would have reportedly fetched over $1 million. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is slated to retail for just over $500,000. Despite the R8 e-tron being an exceptional automobile and a technical tour de force, Audi cancelled production plans.

Therefore, the R8 e-tron is the test bed for countless innovations from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) layering to a multi-source heat pump to brake-by-wire rear calipers.

The 2013 Audi R8 e-tron is the fully electric iteration of Audi's supercar and was to be a flagship Tron model. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Technicalities
Forward moment in the 2013 Audi R8 e-tron is indirectly handled by 530 lithium-ion cells supplied by Panasonic. Together, they generate 48.6 kWh of power. The battery containing the cells is all Audi, and they feed the twin rear-mounted 140 kW electric motors. The combined 280 kW equates to a 380 hp output.

As with any electric car, torque makes the world of difference: the e-tron's 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) of twisting power is sufficient to launch it to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h - ungoverned: could reach 250 km/h. With a full charge, the R8 e-tron has an operating range of 215 km.

The Audi R8 e-tron is built on an aluminum ASF (Audi Space Frame) blended with large portions made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The car's total unladen weight is 1,780 kg (3,924.23 lbs). By comparison, an automatic R8 V10 tips the scale at 1,720 kg.

A full charge through a 220-Volt socket requires roughly 12 to 14 hours.

The e-tron's 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) of twisting power is sufficient to launch it to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h - ungoverned: could reach 250 km/h. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Audi R8 e-tron
The R8 e-tron adventure does not begin immediately. Starting the beast and sliding the lever into “D” is no more special than doing it in a Toyota Prius Plug-In. Its shape and a distinct, enticing hum or synthetic e-sound emitted by the R8 e-tron upon start-up are the only signs that this vehicle is something different.

Audi's Drive Select is the car's nerve command centre. When left alone in default mode, the R8 e-tron is as docile as a Nissan LEAF, despite the fact that it will shred pavement at the drop of the go pedal. In Dynamic and with ESP in Sport, this EV suffers no performance anxiety.

My first time at the starting line, I did what any warm-blooded human would do: I tried to push the throttle through the firewall. In a half instant, the back of my head was buried in the headrest and I was sporting a stupid grin.

As far as challenging apexes, the R8 e-tron is limited slightly in lateral grip by its 19” optimized rolling-resistance tires. As both electric engines can theoretically operate separately, this enables torque vectoring: a fancy way to say that the outside wheel can accelerate and literally push the car into a corner. It works impressively well.

When left alone in default mode, the R8 e-tron is as docile as a Nissan LEAF, despite the fact that it will shred pavement at the drop of the go pedal. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and out of the Audi R8 e-tron
The regular Audi R8 is composed of roughly 6,000 components. Of them, the e-tron only shares nine. To put it in perspective: The two cars only share similar doors.

From afar, there are a few distinctive differences: The rear CFRB louver replaces the glass; on it is mounted the camera for the virtual interior mirror that features active matrix organic light emitting diodes (AMOLED). The trick wheels have adjustable flaps that close at 50 km/h (31.07 mph) to slightly improve aerodynamics.

The cabin's design is lifted from the “common” R8; however, is lathered in CFRP, Alcantara, and leather. My favourite item: the CFRP fixed-back sport bucket seats.

The cabin's design is lifted from the “common” R8; however, is lathered in CFRP, Alcantara, and leather. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Audi R8 e-tron
Although the Audi R8 e-tron will not make it to dealerships, it would have competed with some equally spectacular EVs. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell and BMW i8 would have been the R8's only real competition.

From GMM

Renault is still yet to finalise new V6 engine deals with existing customers Caterham and Lotus.

At the end of May, the French marque's F1 president Jean-Michel Jalinier said that with Red Bull and Toro Rosso already under contract for 2014, another customer or two "is the ideal".

It has been reported that while Caterham is expected to stay with Renault, Lotus has been in talks with Ferrari.

"We very likely will end up with four teams," Jalinier is quoted by Reuters this week. "The discussions with Lotus and Caterham have progressed. It's almost done with them, so there's a high probability that we end up with four in 2014."

Photo: Renault Sport F1

This year's Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada ended on a very sad note: A track worker was tragically killed in a stupid accident.

I was working in the paddock when the accident happened and I was not aware of it. Nobody was, in fact. It's the kind of shocking news that an event organiser doesn't want publicized.

The track worker -- Mark Robinson -- was not even 40. He and a fellow worker went out with a crane to retrieve Esteban Guttierez's Sauber stuck in the outside tire wall of the Senna corner.

The crane lifted the car to return it to the pits, and while doing this the worker dropped his radio and attempted to pick it up. As he did this, he stumbled and was hit and run over by the recovery vehicle.

Mark Robinson died from his internal injuries moments later -- sad.

Drivers and competitors fully accept the risks linked to the participation in motorsport events. They know that they put their lives at risk. When it's track workers, marshals, officials, and flaggers who are killed or injured, it's disconcerting.

These dedicated people are all volunteers. No, they are not paid for what they do. They often use their holidays to work at motorsport events, in rain or shine, from early in the morning to late into the night. It's impossible to stage a race without the assistance of these people.

I started in this sport as a race marshal, working on the false grid and at the start. I was (much) younger and I did not realize how dangerous it could be at times. We all sign the waivers and paperwork with our eyes closed, thinking that freak accidents cannot happen.

Even spectators are not fully safe while sitting in the grandstands.

Since the start of the season, several spectators were injured in two NASCAR accidents: first during the Daytona Nationwide race, then during the running of the Charlotte Sprint Cup event.

In 2011, a track marshal from the Australian Grand Prix was killed by a wheel from Jacques Villeneuve's BAR following a crash with Ralf Schumacher's Williams.

In 1990, a friend of mine was killed during the Vancouver Indy race when he was hit by a car as he crossed the track.

As you can see, it's not only the drivers who put their lives at risk. Hundreds of unknown dedicated volunteers, fathers and mothers, young men and women, spend endless hours trackside not for the money, but just to fulfill their dreams of being close to the action.

To all of you volunteers: Thank-you. Today, and every race day specifically, I think of you.

Photo: WRI2

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has been "surprised" by the pace of teammate Nico Rosberg at Mercedes early this season.

That is the claim of team director and co-owner Toto Wolff, even though the comments directly contradict a recent statement by the 2008 world champion.

In the wake of Rosberg's pole hat-trick and Monaco win, Hamilton insisted he "expected him (Rosberg) to be even stronger than he has been" in 2013 due to his long experience with the Brackley based team.

But Wolff is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace as admitting Hamilton "probably was surprised by Nico's pace".

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

"A lot had been written about it not being clear what Nico's pace was (in 2010-2012) compared to Michael (Schumacher). Now, he (Rosberg) has proved that he is really fast, and it's surprised Lewis -- but I don't think it's a problem," added Wolff.

Indeed, he insists Lewis Hamilton is also strong.

"We saw just how much in Canada, where he would have been on pole if not for the braking error. I think we will see great races from Lewis. I have no doubt. I don't think there's any reason to say that he's having a problem or difficulties. It's too early in the season. He's just starting with the team while Nico has been here for years," said Wolff.

From GMM

Gerhard Berger has blasted the tire situation in formula one, just as Pirelli announced its hands are tied from trying to change it.

Following criticism of its heavily-degrading 2013 tires, F1's Italian supplier announced on Thursday that, contrary to its desire, the construction of the 2013 tires will not now be changing.

Photo: Pirelli

A statement said one reason is that rain prevented extensive testing of the tweaked design in Canada, but also "that the teams failed to agree unanimously about introducing the changes".

Former grand prix winner Berger, who sold his stake in Red Bull's second team Toro Rosso some years ago, was asked if he thinks F1's tire situation is acceptable.

"No," he answered clearly to Osterreich newspaper.

"I'll say it again -- it cannot be that teams invest millions in wind tunnel tests and engines and then ultimately what decides who is at the front is the tire manufacturer.

"This is wrong," said Berger. "I'm for real racing and that the best people are at the front; that the sport, not the tires, play the main role."

More than ever, today's driver uses their ride as a personal listening space, a mobile office and a place to keep updated and in touch with the contacts and information that matter most to them on the go. Today's driver demands to be connected at all times, and more automakers than ever are offering advanced ‘infotainment' systems at lower price-points as a result.

In simple terms, an infotainment system is a central hub that combines navigation, communication, music playback and other informative functionalities into a single interface. Some systems can display weather forecasts or check flight statuses or movie listings from the dashboard. Others respond with virtually seamless precision to your voice. Some attempt to replicate the interface you use on your Smartphone or tablet.

From simple to leading-edge, here's a look at some infotainment systems available today that stand out, how they work, and why you should take one for a test-drive.

Honda
Honda's infotainment interface isn't the flashiest or most advanced on the market, though it works well thanks to its simplicity and straightforwardness. Voice command makes finding your favorite radio station, pizza joint or cell-phone contact easy, and the pairing procedure to link the system with your Smartphone is simple. The experience offered by Honda's infotainment system is not overwhelmingly high-tech, but remains highly functional.

Voice commands can be used to manipulate the climate control on some models, and the system is even able to read incoming text messages out loud, reducing distraction. Redundant steering-wheel controls add additional convenience, too. Ultimately, Honda's infotainment interface is ideal for the apprehensively tech-savvy driver.

Photo: Honda

Continue reading Top 5 Infotainment Systems

The 30 millionth Volkswagen Golf has just rolled out of the factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. The milestone model was a Golf TDI BlueMotion, which happens to be the most fuel-efficient Golf ever built with a European rating of 3.2L/100km.

Golf production started in 1974, and since then sales have averaged 2,000 units... every day!

“The history of the Golf is also the history of automotive progress,” said Prof. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “With technologies such as the safe front-wheel drive of the first Golf, the debut of the TDI in the third Golf, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the dual clutch gearbox of the fourth Golf and the standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System of the new generation, this car has continued to democratize progress.”

The 30 millionth Golf will be officially on display for Wolfsburg employees this coming Saturday at the plant's “open house day”.

Photo: Volkswagen

The next Young Driver test for upcoming Grand Prix drivers will be held July 17-19 at Silverstone, Great Britain.

The test is open to all drivers with no more than two Grand Prix starts to their name.

The test, which Silverstone staged for the first time in 2012, will take place ten days after the Grand Prix of Germany and one week before the Hungarian Grand Prix and the summer break.

Photo: WRi2

In 2012 there have been three Young Driver tests: at Silverstone, Magny-Cours in France and Yas Marina in Bahrain. For 2014, these tests will disappear as in-season testing will be reinstated.

Teams have not confirmed their driver line-up.

However, it is expected that Williams will run Susie Wolff, wife of Mercedes AMG team director and Williams minor shareholder, Toto Wolff.

Red Bull Racing should run Antonio Felix da Costa, McLaren will put Gary Paffett and Oliver Turvey behind the wheel, Sauber will count on Robin Frijns and Lotus should run Davide Valsecchi. Obviously, this is all to be confirmed.

Porsche is now advertising a special sports car for children from the age of five. Actually, it's not a 911 or Panamera scale model, but rather a pedal-powered go-kart!

Standing five feet long and weighing only 55 pounds, the Porsche Driver's Selection Go-Kart is built on a steel tubular frame, making it suitable for kids weighing up to 110 pounds with a height of up to 5 feet.

Sporting an exclusive design and high-quality drive components typically used on bicycles, including composite wheel rims and low-profile, inflatable tires with inner tubes, the Go-Kart features a sport seat, along with a back-pedal brake and a handbrake.

This new highlight in the children's program of the Porsche Lifestyle Collection is available for purchase through the company's Canadian website at $1,026.

Photo: Porsche

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has made the right decision in deciding to stay at Red Bull for the next two years, former F1 winner and team owner Gerhard Berger said.

Amid constant speculation the 25-year-old German sees his future at Ferrari or Mercedes, it was announced this week that the reigning world champion has added another season - 2015 - to his current contract.

Asked by Osterreich newspaper if he thinks Vettel made the right call, Berger - Vettel's former boss at Red Bull's second team Toro Rosso - answered: "Sebastian knows very well that he has the perfect environment and the best car.

"It is a thousand times better to be world champion five times with Red Bull than not once with Ferrari. He can think about Ferrari maybe some time in the future," the Austrian legend added, "when he can have a winning car."

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB9. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

For now, Vettel is staying at Red Bull, where he seems to be headed for an ultra-rare fourth consecutive drivers' world championship, having extended his lead in Canada to 36 points.

Asked if he thinks the German will follow through in 2013, Berger answered: "Even before the season started I said Sebastian was my favourite. But we're not even half-way yet, and the tires are also going to play an incredibly important role."

Another former F1 driver, however, sees the 2013 season at a potential tipping point.

"The next leg of the championship is vital," Mika Salo told Finland's MTV3. "If Vettel keeps winning, then he's going to run away. Last year Webber won at Silverstone, so Red Bull is really strong there, rain or shine. I hope the other teams can do something about it, because it's not going to be very interesting if Vettel just cruises to the championship now," he added.

Pros and cons*
Pros
With fuel economy improvements of more than 45%, the implementation of several state-of-the-art technologies, superior road handling and a new design to boot, the new Jeep Cherokee 2014 is sure to catch people's attention.

Price
The MSRPs of the Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk models have not yet been revealed.

Fuel Economy
Equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is rated at an average of 7.6 L/100 km. The combined rating for the V6 engine is estimated at 8.1 L/100 km.

Photo: Jeep

Specifications
Three four-wheel-drive systems are on offer:

• Jeep Active Drive I (with a fully automatic one-speed PTU - power transfer unit)
• Jeep Active Drive II (with two-speed PTU and low range)
• Jeep Active Drive Lock (with two-speed PTU, low range and locking rear differential)

A 5-mode traction control system.
A towing capacity of up to 2,045 kg.
Independent front and rear suspension.

Exterior Styling
This mid-size SUV now has a new aerodynamic design, with sleek headlights and a modernized, 7-slot grille. The designers were determined to pass on the Jeep's DNA to this new model. With fluid lines, a defined hood, clearly separated from the front fender, and LED tail lights, the Jeep's contours strike a nice balance between forcefulness and modernity.

Drivetrain
The Cherokee is offered with a 4-cylinder, 2.4 litres engine that delivers 184 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque or a brand new 3.2-litre V6 litres, which packs 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission, one of the Jeep's latest advances in technology.

Cargo Capacity
The Cherokee's cargo capacity remains to be seen.

According to its press release, it offers second-row, 60/40 seating as well as a fold-flat passenger seat.

Safety
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is outfitted with more than 70 safety features, including Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Blind-spot monitoring, a ParkView backup camera and six airbags.

*References
Jeep Press Release
media.chrysler.com
www.jeep.com

From IndyCar.com

Brazilian Ana Beatriz, who competed in the first five IZOD IndyCar Series events for Dale Coyne Racing, will drive the team's No. 18 car with support from her longtime sponsor Ipiranga at the Milwaukee Mile this weekend.

Beatriz recorded a season-best finish of 14th at Long Beach in the No. 18 Dallara-Honda and finished 15th in her last start at Indianapolis.

She will be making her second start at Milwaukee, where she qualified 11th and finished 17th in 2011.

It will be the 28th start overall for Beatriz, of Brazil, over four seasons. She has a best finish of 11th at Toronto in 2011 with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

Photo: IndyCar