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Chrysler Group is equipping some of its lower-trim vehicles with a Microsoft-based infotainment system used by Fiat -- and, according to the software maker, more vehicles are on the way.

The traditional summer auto plant shutdown is quickly fading away. With tight inventories, rising sales and customers flocking to big, profitable vehicles, the Detroit 3 no longer can afford to halt plants for two weeks.

As Internet leads, mobile phone calls and texts swamp dealerships, business development centers are starting to look counterproductive to some dealers.

There is no parking lot outside the Volkswagen and Audi stores that opened side by side last year in Manhattan's main dealership district. Parking on the street, for those lucky enough to find a spot, means popping $3.50 an hour into a parking meter.

Automotive News Europe salutes the winners of the 2013 Rising Stars awards. Every day until June 12 one of the 18 winners will be featured.

Let's start today with a question, shall we?

Well, I'm guessing you watched the Monaco Grand Prix as you wouldn't be here reading this, would you? So, hands up who saw it? Ah, I see... a fair show...

Now, let's carry on with a second question:

How many of you watched the Indy 500?

Well that's not so good, is it? Much, much less...

But you know what? That's tragic.

Despite the Monaco Grand Prix being the event of motorsport events, I found it a bit of a let down. Certainly, seeing Nico Rosberg silence his detractors by keeping his cool amidst the chaos on and off-track - especially on a weekend where it was 30 years since his dad won in Monaco - was worth tuning in for, and so was...

Umm... so was.... the end, maybe? It was somewhat spectacular but nobody likes to see an accident, especially on the tight confines of somewhere like Monaco.

So Rosberg's win. That was it. Nothing else really got me fevered up.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG, winner of the Monaco Grand Prix (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Once again, the first half of the race was marked by drivers saving their tires, which, for me at least, signifies nothing - apart from the pace of the Mercedes W04 - has changed since Barcelona, really.

Whilst there has always been somewhat of a tire-war in F1, the feeling is that it has gone too far, because grand prix racing used to at least, be who could manage everything the best and cross the line the quickest. Not anymore.

Nobody likes seeing a driver having to drive slowly for half the race as he fears for shredding his tires, and as I've said in a similar column, I'm not overly interested in strategy as I can't stand chess. It's boring.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I want to see drivers doing what they do best. Drive. Drive fast and race.

If you scratch the chess swipe, Mark Webber is a man who would agree. After the race, the Australian claimed the grand prix was an exercise in ‘nursing the car' and ‘waiting for the chequered flag.'

Similarly, one of Audi's DTM drivers, Adrien Tambay lit up Twitter by claiming he was “honestly disappointed with the way F1 has gone.”

If we carry on with the idea of disappointment, let's fast forward to 18:12 Central European Time. I'd filed my F1 report and had settled down in front of the TV to watch my first Indy 500. Whilst I admit I'm no expert on the series, I was on the edge of my seat for the full 200 laps.

It. Was. Epic.

Restart at the Indy 500. (Photo: Forresst Mellott/IMS)

During the grand prix, I may or may not have been making mental shopping lists. During the Indy, I once again fell in love with open wheel racing.

Sure, you could argue that during the Spanish Grand Prix there was plenty of passing, but how much of it was it down to the Debatable Racing System and wilting Pirellis?

However, look at the Indy, and there were 68 lead changes. Sixty. Eight. That's around a third of the 33-car field having led the race at least once. And they were all on the same tyres. And had similar aero.

How many passes were there in Monaco?

At the Brickyard, did you notice any drivers backing off in case they shredded their tires? No. Did you see drivers conserving fuel, but still going flat out and actually racing each other? Yes.

Did you enjoy it? I certainly did.

And this made me think.

Certainly, whilst IndyCars have different aero and tires to an F1 car, the 500 was spectacular and by far the best open wheel race I've seen all year.

So maybe, just maybe - and this is a European saying this - Formula 1 might have to look to the US for 2014 if it's to emerge from the slump it currently it's currently in.

From GMM

Felipe Massa left hospital following checks on Sunday and should be fit for the Canadian grand prix in two weeks.

Whilst already suffering from a sore neck from his practice crash, the Brazilian suffered a near-identical incident during the Monaco grand prix.

After initially recovering trackside in a neck brace, Massa was transferred to hospital for checks but later Tweeted a thumbs-up photo from his Monaco apartment.

"He is fine," said Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali, "and I believe that in the space of a few days he will back in perfect shape and ready to race in Montreal."

Although Massa's two Ste Devote crashes this weekend were almost identical, Ferrari believes the first was caused by hitting a bump.

And "It seems that (Sunday's) incident can be attributed to a problem on the left front corner of the car," said technical director Pat Fry.

Felipe Massa's Ferrari F138, after his crash in Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

After an intensive few months of preparation at its Alzenau headquarters, Hyundai Motorsport has taken the i20 WRC out of the workshop and onto the road at the start of its testing programme.

The latest specification of the Hyundai i20 WRC ran for the first time during a positive shakedown on a private testing ground in mid-May. According to the press release, Hyundai Motorsport's technical team completed the roll-out without encountering any particular issues.

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

This shakedown was followed last week with the first comprehensive testing session where the team started working on different set-up solutions and gathered valuable data which will be analysed by engineers back at the Hyundai Motorsport facility in Alzenau.

While all key areas of the car's performance were evaluated, there was a major focus on collecting feedback on the i20 WRC's 1.6 litre turbocharged engine as part of the continuing development programme for the powertrain.

A total of 550 kilometres covered over the three days has enabled the team to start building the knowledge base of testing data from which to prepare its entry to the WRC in eight months' time.

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

“We have an intensive testing schedule for the rest of 2013 which will take us to different venues across Europe, to evaluate the i20 WRC in different conditions and on different terrains which reflect the variety of circumstances we will encounter in the World Rally Championship next year,” said Michel Nandan, Hyundai Motorsport team principal.

“We are not disclosing our specific test venues or the names of the various drivers we will have but we will ensure that every aspect of the car's performance is put to the test and thoroughly evaluated without leaving anything to chance.”

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

KV Racing's Tony Kanaan has been around for a long time but for once he will add his name to the prestigious Indianapolis 500 winner's trophy after earning his first ever victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In a race that saw no less than 68 lead changes, the KV Racing Technology driver took the lead for the final time when he passed Ryan Hunter-Reay on a restart with three laps left to run.

Tony Kanaan, KV Racing. (Photo: IMS)

But when Dario Franchitti crashed and immediately brought the yellows back out, that left anyone wanting to challenge Kanaan's lead with nowhere to go; the final laps being completed under caution.

Rookie Carlos Munoz (Andretti Autosport), who has run amongst the leaders all through practice and qualifying, finished second in front of his teammates Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti who finished respectively third and fourth.

Dale Coyne Racing's Justin Wilson was the first Honda-powered driver across the line in fifth, the Brit jumping ahead of Helio Castroneves in the final laps, while AJ Allmendinger (Penske Racing) drove a great race all afternoon on his way to seventh.

Simon Pagenaud, Charlie Kimball and polesitter Ed Carpenter, who started strongly but faded later in the race, completed the top 10.

Tony Kanaan. (Photo: IMS)

97Th edition of the Indianapolis 500 Results - 200 laps:

Pos   Driver  Team/Engine  Time/Gap
1. Tony Kanaan   KV/Chevy   2h40m03.4181s
2. Carlos Munoz  Andretti/Chevy  + 0.1159
3. Ryan Hunter-Reay  Andretti/Chevy  + 0.2480
4. Marco Andretti   Andretti/Chevy  + 0.3634
5. Justin Wilson  Coyne/Honda  + 0.8138
6. Helio Castroneves  Penske/Chevy  + 3.0086
7. AJ Allmendinger  Penske/Chevy  + 4.0107
8. Simon Pagenaud   Schmidt/Honda  + 4.2609
9. Charlie Kimball   Ganassi/Honda   + 5.6864
10. Ed Carpenter   Carpenter/Chevy  + 6.8425
11. Oriol Servia  Panther DRR/Chevy  + 7.8633
12. Ryan Briscoe   Ganassi/Honda  + 8.9216
13. Takuma Sato  Foyt/Honda  + 10.2602
14. Scott Dixon  Ganassi/Honda  + 11.3858
15. Ana Beatriz  Coyne/Honda  + 12.2657
16. Tristan Vautier  Schmidt/Honda  + 15.3045
17. Simona De Silvestro   KV/Chevy  + 15.7201
18. EJ Viso   Andretti/Chevy  + 17.8056
19. Will Power  Penske/Chevy   + 22.5403
20. James Jakes  Rahal/Honda  + 1 lap
21. James Hinchcliffe  Andretti/Chevy   + 1 lap
22. Conor Daly  Foyt/Honda   + 2 laps
23. Dario Franchitti  Ganassi/Honda  + 3 laps*
24. Alex Tagliani  Herta/Honda   + 4 laps
25. Graham Rahal  Rahal/Honda  + 7 laps*
26. Katherine Legge   Schmidt/Honda  + 7 laps
27. Townsend Bell   Panther/Chevy  + 8 laps
28. Josef Newgarden  Fisher/Honda  + 9 laps

* Not running at finish

Retirements
Sebastien Bourdais  Dragon/Chevy   178 laps
Pippa Mann  Coyne/Honda  46 laps
Buddy Lazier   Lazier/Chevy   44 laps
Sebastian Saavedra  Dragon/Chevy   34 laps
JR Hildebrand   Panther/Chevy  3 laps

From Ferrari

The Fiorano test circuit was the scene of Kamui Kobayashi's first drive at the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car, the F10 that competed in the World Championship three years ago.

Kobayashi has been part of the Ferrari family since March, racing a Ferrari 458 in GT races.

Kamui Kobayashi, Ferrari F10 (Photo: Ferrari)

Kobayashi didn't take long to get to grips with the F10 in what was a preparatory test for when he will drive it in the Moscow City Racing event, which will see the F1 car shoot through the streets of the Russian capital over the weekend of July 21.

“The first feeling was one of great happiness,” commented the Japanese driver after the short test.

Kamui Kobayashi, Ferrari F10 (Photo: Ferrari)

“I raced against this car and I knew how quick it was, so it was very important to get some experience of it. Last year's race in Brazil was the last time I drove a Formula 1 car and now I am racing in WEC (World Endurance Championship) in a 458 GT and the impressions are completely different. But it wasn't hard to readapt, because in the past, I've driven all sorts of cars and I'm used to change. It will be very nice to drive an F1 car again at this event in Moscow and for me it will be a double debut: the first time at the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car in an event and my first visit to the city.”

Kamui Kobayashi, Ferrari F10 (Photo: Ferrari)

Sean Edwards dominated the Porsche Supercup race presented in Monaco while Sebastien Ogier took 13th position, as Sebastien Loeb ended the race in 16th place.

Loeb already raced in the Porsche Supercup in Barcelona two weeks eaagorlier, where finished 11th. In Monaco, he was joined by WRC regular Sebastien Ogier who entered the race at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3.

Ogier classified 11th in qualifying, as Loeb was 13th fastest at the end of the session.

In the race, Ogier crossed the finish line in 13th position, three spots ahead of Loeb.

The race was dominated by Sean Edwards, who already claimed victory in the opening round in Barcelona. Edwards led from start to finish, after  starting from pole position.

Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier in Monaco. (Photo: Volkswagen Motorsport)

We've all said it: “I'm going for a drive.”

Whether or not you've got a purpose in mind, it's not the destination, it's the journey that matters, and the fact that we're choosing (at that particular pivotal moment in our lives) to turn to a vehicle to proceed. I've noticed over the years, that “the drive” comes up in a number of situations, and it's made me realize how important vehicles are to us as humans (and not just as modes of transportation).

The Angry Drive
While not the most pleasant, it is perhaps one of the more popular “drives.” Usually occurring after a marital or relationship spat, this drive is often not announced and is simply prefaced by one partner angrily grabbing the keys to their vehicle and storming out the front door. Said drive is therapeutic, relaxing, relieving and may even offer the driver time to think about what he/she has said or done so they may return home in a better place.

The Romantic Drive
This one's much nicer. Usually reserved for a Sunday afternoon when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, the Romantic Drive requires more than one in the car for obvious reasons. With absolutely no destination in mind and an air for adventure, this kind of drive could lead you virtually anywhere. As long as the two of you are together in your motorized vehicle.

The Sleepy Drive
New parents will understand this kind of drive better than most. I myself used it on more than one occasion. For some reason, babies are lulled to sleep in a moving vehicle. At 2 a.m. when your child has been screaming bloody murder for no apparent reason and you're about ready to break down and cry for the tenth time, placing your child in the car seat then driving around your sleepy neighbourhood in your bunny slippers and flannel PJs will be one of the best ideas you'll have had in ages. Trust me.

The Introspective Drive
It seems counterintuitive to say a vehicle is a great place to lose yourself because there's so much to pay attention to while you drive, but it's true. On more than one Introspective Drive I've discovered a great deal about myself (and by association, the car I'm driving) because of our alone time, the road we're on and sometimes even the destination.

The Drive
Sometimes a flippant, “Honey, I'm going for a drive” means nothing more than that: a drive. The wind in your hair, throttle beneath your right foot, gear lever in hand; bliss. There's nothing quite like it. Leave the world behind and drive. What more could you ask for?

Our vehicles are about more than just getting us to work, dropping us off at school and picking up the groceries on the weekend. They're about more than gas prices and insurance quotes. They're more than metal, plastic and rubber.

Our vehicles are an integral part of our lives. They engrain themselves in our everyday activities, become part of our impromptu adventures, our silly internet photo shoots, and our life lessons. They teach, they entice and they tease. Cars are an extension of our families and our family's lives.

From GMM

Pirelli is closer to inking a deal to stay in formula one beyond 2013, following a meeting in Monaco.

After Paul Hembery warned that Pirelli could quit F1 due to the delayed negotiations, Spain's AS sports newspaper reports that Pirelli president Marco Tronchetti Provera met with Bernie Ecclestone.

"We are approaching the conditions (to sign)," Provera said, "so we'll see.

"The fact is that Bernie is happy with us and also our company is still interested in the F1 project, so I hope we can get to an agreement soon and all will be well," he added.

Photo: Pirelli

Tronchetti Provera said he is proud of Pirelli's contribution to the sport so far.

"We were asked to add more 'show' to the races, and I think the races are better now than before our arrival, so I think in that sense we have succeeded," he insisted.

As for the controversy caused by Pirelli's heavily degrading compounds in 2013, he explained: "We have developed the tires with a car several years old, and with not enough days of testing."

Meanwhile, it seems Pirelli will introduce some changes to its tire design for Canada in two weeks after all, despite the opposition of some teams, including Sahara Force India.

"I did it like the old days. I told the teams that they should be united," Bernie Ecclestone is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"Pirelli will modify its tires as planned," the F1 chief executive revealed.

Taking the high road
Recently, we've spent a great deal of time in hybrid vehicles at Auto123.com. I guess it's a sign of the times, and something we've got to get used to (read: I have to get used to).

Thanks, in no small part, to the likes of Toyota and Lexus hybrid systems, I may just yet learn to love them. Hands down, they offer some of the best units out there. From the Prius to the CT 200h, Toyota has some great hybrid products out there, and the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of them.


What is a Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The Toyota Highlander hit North American soil in 2001. In 2006, a hybrid version (the first available 7-seater hybrid on the market) emerged powered by a V6 and a part-time, all-wheel drive system in which the rear wheels were powered by a separate electric motor.

Since then, the Highlander has seen one major exterior update. At the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Toyota announced that the third generation Toyota Highlander will see a whole new look with room for eight and three powertrains available.

Technicalities
The 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i features all-wheel drive and Toyota's advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive. Powered via a 3.5L 6-cylinder, it pushes out 280 horpsepower (with the help of the electric motor). And while I'm usually not a fan of the CVT, Toyota's version is actually alright to drive; enjoyable without being too aggravating.

While the non-hybrid Toyota Highlander offers up two different motors (2.7L or 3.5L) and three different trim levels, the Highlander Hybrid offers only one engine and two trim levels: Hybrid 4WD-I (which was my tester) and the Hybrid Limited 4WD-I. A regular, base Toyota Highlander starts in the $30k range, while my particular vehicle starts at $43,400 ($49,670 with options).

Powered via a 3.5L 6-cylinder, it pushes out 280 horpsepower (with the help of the electric motor). (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Conveniently, the week I had the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Matt St-Pierre had a 2013 Lexus RX450 h which meant we were able to really see how the Toyota hybrid cousins stacked up against one another in terms of driveability, comfort and convenience. You'll have to check out the complete comparo, but know this: The Toyota Highlander surprised, on more than one front.

As far as drive is concerned, the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid -- blissfully -- drives like a “normal” car. The CVT is actually pleasant and not too noisy when pushed. Toyota's hybrid system is nearly seamless in its electric-to-gas transitions.

I averaged fuel numbers in the 10L/100km range which impressed me for a vehicle its size and weight, but high for this hybrid.

Handling in the 2013 Highlander Hybrid is nice and tight. While I absolutely hated the minuscule steering wheel (felt like I was holding a spaghetti noodle), the connected feel is great and offers the driver a sense of control.

The suspension ensures the ride in the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is as smooth as butter... without being too soft and floaty. I took the Highlander on some pretty bumpy roads and managed to keep my venti salted caramel latte in the cup.

I averaged fuel numbers in the 10L/100km range which impressed me for a vehicle its size and weight, but high for this hybrid. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Inside and out of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Facelifted for 2011, the front of the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid looks sharp and aggressive. Small, angular headlights atop accented fog-light openings, the front grille seem simple but it does the job. Subtle wheel arches atop 19” also work well.

I really liked the interior of the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, if for no other reason than the fact that there were tactile knobs and buttons to push, along with the infotainment touchscreen. Equipped with a JBL sound system, perforated leather seats, and a host of amenities (like a backup camera, keyless entry and even rear reading lamps), the Highlander Hybrid is an upscale SUV anyone would be happy to drive around in.

Although, I wouldn't recommend the rear seat be used by anyone over the age of 6 as it is a bit tight back there. Also of note: With the 3rd row up, cargo space dwindles to just 10.3 cu-ft, whereas sans 3rd row up it's a decent 42.4 cu-ft.

I really liked the interior of the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, if for no other reason than the fact that there were tactile knobs and buttons to push, along with the infotainment touchscreen. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the Toyota Highlander Hybrid
There isn't a whole out there at the moment in terms of a 7-seater hybrid vehicle. Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost Explorer is a decent alternative, as is the VW Touareg TDI, minus 2 spots. And if you're all about the Americans, you can also look to the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid as a massive hybrid alternative.

All in all, I think Toyota has a decent product in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and I think the price reflects what you get: lots of room, fuel efficiency, and usability.

Stefano Coletti won on home soil this past weekend, claiming victory in the second GP2 race presented in the streets of Monaco.

Coletti, who started from 3rd position on the grid, moved up to second at the start, and put the pressure on Adrian Quaiffe Hobbs who started from pole position.

Coletti overtook the Brit on lap 2 at the exit of the tunnel, and then cruised to victory.

Coletti crossed the finish line less than two seconds ahead of Quaife Hobbs, and Mitch Evans completed the podium.

Stefano Coletti now leads the point standings, 24 points ahead of Felipe Nasr, who took 4th place in Monaco race 2.

Photo: GP2

Race 2:
1 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 30 laps in 42'50"707
2 - Adrian Quaife Hobbs - MP Motorsport - 1"869
3 - Mitch Evans - Arden - 2"218
4 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 2"538
5 - James Calado - ART - 3"747

6 - Rene Binder - Lazarus - 19"293
7 - Kevin Ceccon - Trident - 20"015
8 - Stephane Richelmi - Dams - 20"576
Etc.

Championship:
1.Coletti 120 points ; 2.Nasr 96; 3.Bird 58; 4.Leimer 54; 5.Calado 40; 6.Frijns 37; 7.Evans 36; 8.Palmer 31; 9.Ceccon 28; 10.Rossi 27, etc.

Drive-thrus are a way of life in North America. From Dunkin' Donuts to the average bank, driving up to a window for a service is now commonplace.

Most restaurants and other businesses with drive-thrus are designed to accommodate the average car and SUV. Some of these lazy-lanes are tight and can be hard on alloy wheels, but most of us in our Corollas and Accords can negotiate them just fine.

However, some vehicles are not at all drive-thru friendly. As a public service to our readers, we put together this list of vehicles that should not be purchased if you are a drive-thru regular.

Hummer H1

Photo: General Motors

Nearly as wide as a smart fortwo is long, the H1 moves about town with the grace of a rhino in an antique store. Heck, a freeway onramp is tight for the H1. Best break out the ladder and order in person.

Continue reading Top 10 Worst Vehicles for Drive-Thrus

Kevin Harvick, better known as “The Closer” brought down the curtain on one long strange 600-mile night in Charlotte.

“This is one of those nights you just know going into it you got to grind away lap after lap, just keep yourself on the lead lap, not make any mistakes,” said Harvick. “As you get towards the end of the race, you want to be more aggressive as you get onto pit road, get into your pit box.”

Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet. (Photo: NASCAR)

Thanks to two new tires Harvick beat out fellow Chevrolet driver, Kasey Kahne, on a late race restart for his second win of the year. “You know, we all pitted there probably about that same time, about 20 laps to go. I could see him.  Heck, the last race we won here, we came off of turn two in third. By the time we got back to the start/finish line, we had won the race.

I felt when we came out second, everybody had done their job.  They were all like five‑year‑old kids looking at me as a snack.  It's like, ‘don't screw this up, bud.'  You're in control of this race.  Don't let somebody get under you, because at that point we were in complete control.”

Kasey Kahne and his crew decided not to pit for fresh tires and that decision cost him the win.

“The whole field pitted so we just didn't expect that,” said Kahne. We had a great Chevy all night long. We were in the hunt from the drop of the green. It was a solid night. Wish we could have won it. I felt like we were definitely the car to beat the last 200 laps, maybe the whole race at times. It was solid. It was a great performance by the whole team and the pit stops were awesome. We just didn't get the win.”

Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch. (Photo: NASCAR)

Kasey Kahne had led 156 laps but Harvick took the low line following the last of 11 cautions and slowly pulled away for the victory.

Kurt Busch whose car was hit by a television camera cable and later had a battery issue soldiered home to a third-place. It was almost like a war zone to the 2004 Sprint Cup champ “still shell-shocked, we picked up the lead and then the battery went dead,” said Busch. “I don't know what to think of that. We battled back. They guys changed it as fast as they could and we got third. We had a good car.”

That brings us to the bizarre part of the evening.

The race was red flagged just past quarter of the way into NASCAR longest race of the year after the nylon rope, which supports a television camera, snapped in the first turn. Instead of stopping with no repairs drivers were allowed back to their pit stalls and crews given 15 minutes to assess and fix damage caused by the failure.

Ten fans received non life-threatening injuries.

In addition to the 11 caution flag periods there were a total of three red flag stoppages following collisions involving some of NASCAR's biggest names like reigning champion, Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson, and Danica Patrick. Dale Earnhardt's blown engine was another culprit.

Official Fox Statement
At this time, we do not have a cause for the failure of the camera drive line that interrupted tonight's Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and our immediate concern is with the injured fans.

The camera system consists of three ropes -- a drive rope which moves the camera back and forth, and two guide ropes on either side. The drive rope failed near the Turn 1 connection and fell to the track. The camera itself did not come down because guide ropes acted as designed. A full investigation is planned, and use of the camera is suspended indefinitely.

This camera system had been used successfully at this year's Daytona 500, last week's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and other major events around the world. We certainly regret that the system failure affected tonight's event, we apologize to the racers whose cars were damaged, and our immediate concern is for the race fans. We also offer a sincere ‘thank you' to the staff at CMS for attending to the injuries and keeping us informed on this developing situation.

When we have more information on the cause of the equipment failure, we will share it with you immediately.

It's official: The bigger Italians have landed in North America. The larger, Fiat 500L has made its arrival on the shores of the United States and Canada with 3,000 units landing in Baltimore and Halifax. The ship docked in the U.S. May 23rd, then carried on to Canada arriving on May 26th.

The North American Fiat 500L began production in Kragujevac in Serbia. Fiat Automobiles Serbia (FAS) predicts it will manufacture 110,000 to 150,000 Fiat 500L units in 2013 for the over-100 markets worldwide.

Equipped with a specially developed engine, Fiat's brand new 1.4L MultiAir turbo, the 500L boasts the highest horsepower (160) and torque (184) in its class. The 500L is available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual dry clutch automatic transmission.

Photo: Fiat

Nissan stands to lose its exclusive deal with New York City to supply the only taxicab in the city due to an issue with the powertrain and a Supreme Court ruling.

What's the issue? Well, New York City's taxi commission signed a contract stipulating that the Nissan NV200s to be used would be hybrid vehicles, however, the vehicles due to launch and be used by the city in October are not. Even though Nissan promises the hybrid NV200 will be produced in 2015, the Supreme Court ruled the arrangement “null, void and unenforceable.”

Nissan's Taxi of Tomorrow contract was set to result in anywhere from 13,000 to 25,000 NV200 sales over the next 10 years. While that's not a ridiculous amount, Nissan was counting on the $1 billion deal to spread awareness for its NV200 model, especially in hybrid trim.

While the contract is not completely broken, Nissan and the New York City taxi commission will have to come to a solution and taxi drivers will have to find a hybrid alternative to use in the interim until the NV200 hybrid is available.

Source: Automotive News

Photo: Nissan

It's not often a carmaker admits it was wrong, but Mercedes-Benz has, and with good reason. Auto enthusiasts the world have all wondered why Mercedes failed to make an AMG variant of its current-gen E-Class coupe and cabriolet. It only seemed natural since there are AMG variants on nearly every other car in their lineup, and the top-tier E-Class (the E550) already boasts a twin-turbo V8 good for 402 horsepower.

Well, Mercedes-Benz has admitted it made a bit of a boo-boo by not slapping an AMG badge and package on the E-Class. Merc's product manager, Gerd Jungingerm, explained that at the time it wasn't in AMG's planning, however, they are aware that the E-Class is “the perfect car to be an AMG.”

So, the next question becomes: when? While the E-Class has just gone through a refresh, it'll likely surface for 2016... fingers crossed.

Source: www.carscoops.com

Photo: Mercedes-Benz