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Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America, says GM is staying vigilant on the June launch of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-sized pickups, its most important rollout since the company's 2009 bankruptcy.

When Chris Morrison started out as a car salesman 30 years ago in the placid southern Mississippi city of McComb, he spent every Tuesday at local employers handing out business cards and shaking hands.

Mercedes-Benz led the U.S. premium-brand sales race through April of 2013, but BMW of North America CEO Ludwig Willisch expects BMW to repeat as No. 1 for the year.

Being a good driver on rural streets is one thing, being a “good” driver on the track, at the helm of a vehicle with well over 500 horsepower is a whole other thing -- and something I think more drivers should learn how to do.

There's so much more to track driving than just going fast and cutting corners, and I learned just that at my recent involvement in the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy at Circuit Mont-Tremblant, one of the best tracks in North America. I recently participated in their Mastering Performance driving school and got behind the wheel of 12 Mercedes-Benz models from the B 250 to the knee-weakening SLS AMG GT Coupe.

You'll have to check back for my full driving impressions on the SLS AMG (and trust me, you won't want to miss those), but here's the deal: Techniques used to harness the power and precision of the SLS are just as applicable to the B Class, if not more and can be applied to your everyday commute to work too.

There's more to proper driving than good seating position and looking past the hood of your own vehicle (something we all “know” inherently to do... at least I hope).

From loosening your grip on the wheel (a death grip is often associated with precise handling and steering abilities, when really it's the opposite) to actually turning your head to look at where you're going (instead of just tilting or swiveling your eyeballs), little tweaks like that can make you a much better driver.

Ever thought about how the weight of your vehicle can affect braking and handling abilities? Well, at speed this can have more of an influence;, however, abruptly braking then trying to turn is asking a lot of any vehicle -- even more so in one as large as the GL Class, or say the Santa Fe parked in your driveway...

While the Mastering Performance program is the top of the driving academy pack, they also offer a Winter Driving Academy as well as a Driving Experience course, both of which include introductory lessons to track driving and advanced driving techniques. Offered at a number of venues across Canada, a program like this one is something I believe every driver should one day experience.

Forget doing 200 clicks down the straightaway, the most valuable lesson I learned was to drive with my eyes. In general, drivers “drive” with their hands. I noticed that as soon as I looked to an apex my hands followed, even if that wasn't the correct line to take. It took a few shots for me to train my hands to function separately from my eyes. And once they did, my eyes became an invaluable part of my driving ability, and my rather perfect driving line (if I do say so myself).

Not just entertaining, these driving programs are designed to make the participants better drivers in the end, and I think they achieve that on a deeper level than solely remembering seat and mirror placement. Programs like the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy are also designed to build confidence behind the wheel, and they do.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Toyota could becredited for making the word “hybrid” a household term. So omnipresent with hybrid Toyota is that many consumers associate the word with the brand. Well played, big Japanese carmaker, well played.

There is, however, a problem. You see, Toyota did such a fantastic job promoting, building and offering hybrid vehicles that it's almost become confusing within Lexus and Toyota dealership walls. One only has to look back at the defunct Lexus HS250h to realize that too much (or many) may be just that... Lexus HS250h?

Within a brand (say, Toyota), it may be fairly obvious which hybrid to seek out. Most will start thinking Prius and likely end up with one or leave with a Camry Hybrid. In Lexus' case, the options are clearer: few will mistake an ES300h from a GS450h.

Toyota vs. Lexus
But then, what about across the brands? Sure, a Lexus is a luxury car, but is it really worth the $8,000 to $12,000 extra? What about when two models share 100% of their mechanicals, and equipment levels are nearly identical?

We set out to find out where the $10k or so lies between the always esteemed Lexus RX450h and the underappreciated Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

This comparo is not like the others given that these two vehicles are the proverbial peas in a pod. The 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 2013 Lexus RX450h have more in common than not, and so we'll elaborate on these items first.

Toyota could becredited for making the word “hybrid” a household term. So omnipresent with hybrid Toyota is that many consumers associate the word with the brand. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

The same
Both the Toyota and Lexus use an identical Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Based on the 3.5L V6, it features three motor generators. The first acts as a starter/generator, the second helps drive the front wheels and the third manages rear-wheel motion. These motors are of the permanent magnetic type and all have a max voltage rating of AC 650V.

Outputs vary slightly, but we suspect the RX450h's 15 extra system horsepower are more symbolic of its badge than anything else. The Highlander Hybrid's combined power rating of 280 hp is plenty enough to get the crossover to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. As both vehicles have identical curb weights, sprints are even if a few tenths off in the Lexus' favor. The V6 is especially happy in its midrange when accelerating and that's where most of the “fun” is had.

On the electric side, both can be used in EV mode if the throttle pressure is right. Miranda and Matt participated in what must have been the slowest drag race ever witnessed by crows and groundhogs.

They took off side by side, feathering the throttle as lightly as possible, attempting to see who would remain in EV mode the longest. End result: Both the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 2013 Lexus RX450h fell out of the mode at exactly 40 km/h.

They repeated the exercise with a little more force and both vehicles locked EV mode out at 10 km/h. unfortunately, they wanted to try the exercise once more, however, the Highlander would no longer accept our request for the EV mode. The RX expressed no such resistance.

Mechanically speaking, the hybrid powertrains make use of an electronically CVT ‘box. Brakes are 99% identical, and feature same-size discs front and back.

Physically speaking, the four-door plus hatchback configuration are ideal. Ingress and egress are easy as is access to the proportionally voluminous trunks. The Highlander does feature a third row and we'll get to it later.

Both the Toyota and Lexus use an identical Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Based on the 3.5L V6, it features three motor generators. The first acts as a starter/generator, the second helps drive the front wheels and the third manages rear-wheel motion. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Full Disclosure
The specs and the relatively narrow gap in pricing are the reasons why we decided to pit the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 2013 Lexus RX450h against each other.

We are well aware of the fact that the Highlander sports a 3rd row of seats and that the RX450h is a Lexus and so not a “commoner's” ride. However, (and in our minds) content, performance, and value are good enough reasons to strip away fluff and see what consumers are getting in return for their hard-earned dollars.

Although very few potential buyers would ever take these two vehicles for back-to-back test drives, mostly because they can't, we also decided to do the exercise because we can.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid / Lexus RX450h comparison test

The world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (June 25-30, 2013) will once again feature electric cars.

Mitsubishi will return with a pair of MiEV Evolution II prototypes after finishing second in its class in 2012 with two-time Dakar champion Hiroshi Masuoka behind the wheel. Masuoka and Greg Tracy, a six-time Pikes Peak overall motorcycle champion, will be the drivers this year.

Meanwhile, Toyota will try to defend its title with the TMG EV P002, whose 400 kW motor allows a top speed of 230 km/h. New Zealand's Rod Millen, 61, will drive the car - one week after participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Photo: Toyota

Photo: Mitsubishi

Adapted from GMM

Bernie Ecclestone believes German car manufacturer BMW could be inspired by Honda's 2015 comeback to F1. BMW rejected the claim.

One year after Honda pulled out in late 2008, BMW followed suit.

BMW pulled out of F1 at the end of 2009 (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

Honda announced last Thursday it will return in 2015, after a six-year absence from the sport, to supply works V6 engines to McLaren.

Off the back of Honda's return, F1 chief executive Ecclestone told City A.M. newspaper he would be "surprised" if BMW didn't follow suit again.

But the Munich carmaker's motor sport boss Jens Marquardt said on Monday: "We are pleased with our current programme."

BMW won the 2012 DTM championship (Photo: DTM.com)

At present, the cream of BMW's motor racing programme is its new foray in the German touring car series DTM.

"We have no intention of looking into other areas," Marquardt told German website motorsport-total.com.

"We withdrew from formula one deliberately.  We are focused on what our customers really recognise as BMW, and we have no reason to change."

From GMM

Mercedes on Monday finally announced the impending arrival of Paddy Lowe, who has been serving 'gardening leave' at McLaren.

The German squad announced that the former McLaren technical director will start work as executive director (technical) on June 3, serving alongside continuing team principal Ross Brawn.

Paddy Lowe (Photo: WRi2)

In a media statement, new shareholder Toto Wolff's role was clarified as executive director (business), with Brawn retaining "overall responsibility for technical and sporting matters".

"Paddy's arrival will further strengthen our organization and puts us in a strong position for the future," said Brawn.

Scott Nicol kicked off his 2013 Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) campaign in style, at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

The former Touring class champion enjoyed a perfect weekend at the wheel of his No. 41 Honda Civic Si. On top of clocking the fastest lap in qualifying, he scored two overall wins out of two. Benjamin Distaulo, Roger Ledoux and Bob Attrel were the other podium finishers this weekend in the top Super Touring class.

Scott Nicol crossing the finishing line (Photo: Velocity Motorsports Club)

Michel Sallenbach dominated the Touring class with two wins. Rivals Damon Sharpe, Jocelyn Hebert and Tom Kowk had to settle for the other podium positions.

Karl Wittmer out-performed Nigel Heron and Normand Boyer in the B-Spec class.

From GMM

F1's owners have voted to keep Bernie Ecclestone at the helm of the sport, despite reports German prosecutors have decided to charge him with bribery.

The bribery case surrounds a payment of $44 million to now-jailed German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky some years ago, and suspicions the 82-year-old Briton wanted CVC to buy the sport's commercial rights because he would be retained as chief executive.

Ecclestone, however, argues that Gribkowsky simply blackmailed him, threatening to reveal potentially costly secrets about his tax affairs.

And he told the Sunday Times newspaper that, at the end of last week in Geneva, CVC chiefs met to discuss the ramifications of the German charges.

"Everyone voted to support me staying on and running the business," said Ecclestone.

"The board agrees I should stay unless I'm convicted."

He dismissed the German charges as "a complete load of rubbish".

Ecclestone, however, told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt that, despite not actually receiving the charge sheet yet, he does expect the German prosecutors to proceed.

"I hope they don't but I think they will," he said in the Guardian.  "Then we will see what happens.  That doesn't mean to say there will be a trial."

Indeed, Reuters news agency reported several days ago that prosecutors could settle the case with Ecclestone in exchange for a "non-penal payment".

From GMM

Gary Hartstein, F1's former doctor, claims his stance about the controversial Bahrain grand prix led to his departure.

American Hartstein, who was hand-picked by the late Professor Sid Watkins to replace him as the sport's chief doctor last decade, lost his job at the end of last season when FIA president Jean Todt chose not to renew his contract.

"I think my dismissal was partly for personal reasons," he is quoted by Speed Week.

"Some people just didn't like my ways.

"The decision was made before the (2012) Bahrain grand prix, because I wanted to set up a central emergency number; and I was proposing it not only for Bahrain," said Hartstein.

"Someone said it was a good idea and that they spoke with the president (Todt) about it.  Half an hour later, the president was running towards me, ranting 'Bahrain is not a war zone!'

"I think that was the decisive factor for my release."

From GMM

Pirelli on Monday essentially confirmed reports the F1 supplier will now make only minimal changes to its tyres for Canada next month and beyond.

After the waves of controversy and criticism following the Spanish grand prix, the Italian marque announced it would be making structural and compound changes for Montreal that should reduce the number of pitstops per race.

But, after Lotus and Ferrari sided strongly against Red Bull and Mercedes, the FIA reportedly also hit back behind the scenes, confirming that the rules say changes like that can only be made on grounds of safety, unless the teams unanimously agree.

So Pirelli on Monday is backtracking, with motor sport boss Paul Hembery telling Reuters F1's official supplier only wants to make changes "with minimal disturbance to the sporting equity".

"The changes required would appear less than first envisaged," he added.

Hembery said some changes will still be made for Canada, but only to fix the problem of delaminating tyres.

"We're trying to find something that is sportingly equitable amongst the vast majority that allows us to rid ourselves of the tread (problem)," he confirmed.

"We're hopeful we can do that without making such a change that would radically alter the work of any team so far."

From GMM

Toto Wolff has admitted Mercedes is disappointed with long time partner McLaren's move to link up with works Honda engines in 2015.

Formerly McLaren's works engine partner, Mercedes set up its own F1 team a few years ago, leaving the great British outfit with the prospect of a customer engine bill.

But that will end after 2014, when Japanese carmaker Honda returns to F1 after a six-year absence, rekindling its famous and highly-successful partnership of the 80s and 90s with McLaren.

McLaren is reuniting with Honda in 2015 (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

Mercedes, albeit focused on its Brackley based works squad but still supplying customers McLaren and Force India, admitted it is disappointed to lose a great partner.

"It is of course not ideal when you lose a customer, especially when it's someone like McLaren, who have been with Mercedes for so long and celebrated great successes with us," motor sport director Wolff told Speed Week.

"So of course it's unpleasant, but it's a decision they've taken.  We also look forward to having another competitor in F1 -- Honda is a top brand and, as the saying goes, competition is good for business," the Austrian added.

Wolff said Mercedes is not worried its only other current customer engine partner, Force India, could also jump ship to Honda.

"No, because everyone has only a limited ability to supply customer teams.

"For us, it's somewhere between three and four teams, and we're confident that in the coming years we will have at least three (Mercedes-powered) teams in formula one," he said.

That implies that Mercedes is now looking for a replacement for McLaren beyond 2014.

Michel Jourdain Jr became the only driver left out of the Indy 500 after failing to qualify during final Bump Day qualifications, leaving Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with just its two full-time drivers.

All afternoon, the RLL team tried to squeeze more speeds out of the Mexican's car but, with just fewer than 20 minutes of track time remaining, the squad decided that the task was impossible; never being able to pass the 214mph mark.

"This morning we tried James Jakes' set-up, and it was impossible to drive. And then we tried Graham's set-up, but it felt exactly the same and we couldn't drive it." said a disappointed Jourdain.

Michel Jourdain (Photo: Facebook)

Jourdain was among those who attempted to qualify on Saturday, but the appearance of Katherine Legge in the third Schmidt entry for the first time pushed the entry list above the 33-car limit, meaning that one car would not make the cut.

Despite having missed out on the entire week of practice, Legge managed to post a four-lap average of 223.176mph to earn herself a place in the field.

Buddy Lazier, winner of the 1996 Indy 500, also made the cut in his one-off, family-run entry.


Qualifying results - Indy 500 (IndyCar)
1.Ed Carpenter (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Carpenter - 228.762 mph (368.156 kmh)
2.Carlos Munoz (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 228.342
3.Marco Andretti (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 228.261
4.Ernesto Viso (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 228.150
5.AJ Allmendinger (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 228.099
6.Will Power (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 228.087
7.Ryan Hunter-Reay (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 227.904
8.Helio Castroneves (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 227.762
9.James Hinchcliffe (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 227.070
10.JR Hildebrand (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Panther - 227.441
11.Alex Tagliani (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Herta - 227.386
12.Tony Kanaan (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 226.949
13.Oriol Servia (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Panther DRR - 226.814
14.Justin Wilson (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 226.370
15.Sebastien Bourdais (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Dragon - 226.196
16.Scott Dixon (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 226.158
17.Dario Franchitti (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 226.069
18.Takuma Sato (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Foyt - 225.892
19.Charlie Kimball (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 225.880
20.James Jakes (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 225.809
21.Simon Pagenaud (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 225.674
22.Townsend Bell (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Panther - 225.643
23.Ryan Briscoe (Dallara DW12-Honda) - 225.265
24.Simona de Silvestro (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 225226
25.Josef Newgarden (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Fisher - 225.731
26.Graham Rahal (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 225.007
27.Sebastian Saavedra (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Dragon - 224.929
28.Tristan Vautier (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 224.873
29.Ana Beatriz (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 224.184
30.Pippa Mann (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 224.005
31.Conor Daly (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Foyt - 223.582
32.Buddy Lazier (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Lazier - 223.442
33.Katherine Legge (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 223.176

DNQ
Michel Jourdain (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal

Louis-Philippe Dumoulin took his first ever NASCAR Canadian Tire Series win,  this weekend at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Dumoulin led more than 32 laps on the 2.459-mile road course to pick up his first series career win, his previous best finish was second last season at his hometown event, the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres.

The 2012 Rookie of the Year is in just his second full season of Canadian Tire Series competition and the road course specialist will need to prove his mettle on the eight oval track events on the schedule this season.

Jeff Lapcevich finished second while Jason Hathaway finished third and scored his best Canadian Tire Motorsport Park finish in seven starts on the road course.

Photo: Dumoulin Compétition

Defending series champion D.J. Kennington and Robin Buck are fourth and fifth respectively. Kerry Micks, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular Ty Dillon, Noel Dowler, Trevor Seibert and Brad Graham rounded out the top-10.

Dillon took part in the event to gain experience ahead of the first Camping World Truck Series race held at Mosport, September 1st.

Pole sitter J.R. Fitzpatrick broke a drive shaft early on and finished a disappointing 27th in the 28-car field. 

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 is back in action next on Saturday, June 15 for the EMCO 200 at Delaware (Ont.) Speedway.

Toyota is planning to increase production of lithium ion batteries by six times, as the automaker prepares to eventually use them in its flagship Prius gasoline-electric hybrid cars, the Nikkei business daily reported on Sunday.

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SENIOR EDITOR AT LARGE J.P. VETTRAINO: Go ahead, laugh at the old guy. He's geeked at the prospect of seat time in a