Auto News 5

Bonhams will auction off John Lennon's very first car, a 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Coupe, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12th.

As soon as news broke out that the lead singer of the Beatles got his driver's licence in 1965, dozens of Maseratis, Aston Martins and other luxury cars wound up in front of his house, as automakers desperately wanted to profit from Lennon's popularity. He eventually picked the Ferrari.

Initially sold for £6,500 (the equivalent of £110,000 today), the car is expected to fetch anywhere between £180,000 and £220,000, or $281,000 to $343,000.

Source : Bonhams

Photo: Bonhams

Former Indianapolis 500 winner and IRL series' champion, Buddy Lazier has entered one car for the 97th edition of the May classic after finalising a deal to race the car owned by his father, Bob Lazier.

Lazier Partners purchased the Dallara DW12 chassis that former Formula 1 driver, Jean Alesi drove for Fan Force United in last year's edition of the race. Lazier served as Alesi's driver coach during his 2012 Indy preparations.

Lazier's entry brings the confirmed entry count to 33, with more drivers still scrambling to complete last-minute deals.

Photo: LAT/IndyCar

2013 Indy 500 entry list

#   Driver   Team/Car
1  Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Dallara-Chevy
2  AJ Allmendinger Penske Dallara-Chevy
3  Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara-Chevy
4  JR Hildebrand Panther Dallara-Chevy
5  EJ Viso Andretti/HVM Dallara-Chevy
6  Sebastian Saavedra Dragon Dallara-Chevy
7  Sebastien Bourdais Dragon Dallara-Chevy
8  Ryan Briscoe Ganassi Dallara-Honda
9  Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara-Honda
10  Dario Franchitti Ganassi Dallara-Honda
11  Tony Kanaan KV Dallara-Chevy
12  Will Power Penske Dallara-Chevy
14  Takuma Sato Foyt Dallara-Honda
15  Graham Rahal Rahal Letterman Lanigan Dallara-Honda
16  James Jakes Rahal Letterman Lanigan Dallara-Honda
17  Michel Jourdain Jr Rahal Letterman Lanigan Dallara-Honda
18  Ana Beatriz Dale Coyne Dallara-Honda
19  Justin Wilson Dale Coyne Dallara-Honda
20  Ed Carpenter Carpenter Dallara-Chevy
21  Josef Newgarden Sarah Fisher Hartman Dallara-Honda
22  Oriol Servia Panther DRR Dallara-Chevy
25  Marco Andretti Andretti Dallara-Chevy
26  Carlos Munoz Andretti Dallara-Chevy
27  James Hinchcliffe Andretti Dallara-Chevy
40  tba Carpenter Dallara-Chevy
41  Conor Daly Foyt Dallara-Honda
55  Tristan Vautier Schmidt Peterson Dallara-Honda
60  Townsend Bell Panther Dallara-Chevy
77  Simon Pagenaud Schmidt Hamilton Dallara-Honda
83  Charlie Kimball Ganassi Dallara-Honda
93  Buddy Lazier Lazier Partners Dallara-Chevy
98  Alex Tagliani Herta Dallara-Honda
tba Pippa Mann Dale Coyne Dallara-Honda

Sigmar Gabriel, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, recently proposed a 120 km/h speed limit on the autobahn -- where drivers often hit 200 km/h or faster -- and had to face harsh criticism for doing so... even from his own party.

According to Gabriel, statistics show lower accident rates on restricted sections of the autobahn, so imposing speed limits could save lives.

Through her spokesman Steffen Seibert, German chancellor Angela Merkel was quoted as saying she doesn't endorse the proposal.

Transport minister Peter Ramsauer is also against speed limits, arguing that the most serious crashes often take place on smaller roads rather than the autobahn.

Source: lepoint.fr

Following the decision of NASCAR appeals officer John Middlebrook, Penske Racing released the names and roles of crew members while the two-race suspension, Darlington and Charlotte.

Team Manager: Mike Nelson, currently Vice President of Operations, will fulfill this role

No. 2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion (Driver Brad Keselowski):

• Crew Chief: Kevin Buskirk
Buskirk, a former driver and crew chief, joined Penske racing prior to the 2012 season. He currently manages the test teams for Penske Racing.

• Race Engineer: Jonathan Hassler  
Hassler, served as the lead engineer for the No. 22 Sprint Cup Series team last season and helped the No. 22 Nationwide Series team earn six victories in 2011.

• Car Chief: Nick Hensley
Hensley, has worked with Penske Racing since 2007 and has worked with the No. 2 team since the 2011 season.

Photo: NASCAR

No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Fusion (Driver Joey Logano):
 
• Crew Chief: Steve Reis
Reis, who normally serves as one of the team's engineers, has been with Penske Racing since 2009 and has been with the No. 22 team since 2011. Before, he served as the race engineer on the No. 77 Penske Racing Sprint Cup team 

• Race Engineer: Ben Atkins
Atkins is an engineer with Penske Racing and worked with Todd Gordon during the 2011 season. 

• Car Chief: Jeffery Thousand
Thousand, who has been with Penske Racing for close to twenty years, served as the car chief for the No. 22 through last season. 

Photo: NASCAR

*Note: Greg Erwin, Sam Hornish Jr.'s crew chief in the Nationwide Series, will sit atop the pit box on race day for the Shell-Pennzoil team and serve as a race strategist. Erwin will continue in his role as Sam Hornish' s crew chief in the Nationwide Series.

Making it attractive
Houston, TX - It has become ludicrous not to expect something great from the Korean giant that is Kia. At its North American premiere at the 2013 CIAS, the 2014 Kia Rondo was (in my eyes) an instant hit. Having only seen it, I was convinced it was going to be great.

The 2014 Kia Rondo pushes the design theme to a whole other level, thus completing the modernization of Kia's entire lineup. The new car is smashing to behold, the cabin is nothing short of stunning with great seats. Unfortunately, sentiments change drastically once on the road.


What is a Kia Rondo?
The 2014 Kia Rondo is a compact crossover that may moonlight as a minivan, but lacks the signature sliding doors found on its principal rival, the Mazda5. Without moving away from its family-hauler vocation, the new Rondo is a more modern and dynamic product than previous generations.

The Kia Rondo has been a small minivan substitute since its arrival in 2007, shortly after the 2006 Mazda5's debut. From that moment on, both have claimed strong sales from a consumer base looking for compact and economic alternatives to the large minivan.

The new Rondo offers a wider spectrum of kit and luxuries than it ever has. Without forgetting budget-minded families, the 2014 Kia Rondo is now offered with widely available niceties such as a panoramic sunroof and a navigation system.

The 2014 Kia Rondo is a compact crossover that may moonlight as a minivan, but lacks the signature sliding doors. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Technicalities
The 2014 Kia Rondo, like most other Kia and Hyundai products, drops the V6 engine option. Moving forward is now insured by a GDI 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine. It produces 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, down 11 and 13 respectively from the outgoing 2.4L in the 2012 model.

A 6-speed manual ‘box is standard in the base LX. A 6-speed automatic transmission is included with all other trims. Kia's electric flex steer power steering and a front independent rear semi-independent suspension are par for the course.

The base 2014 Kia Rondo LX retails for $21,695. The loaded EX-Luxury claims $32,195 from a potential buyer. The expected bestselling LX automatic version has a sticker price of $23,995.

Moving forward is now insured by a GDI 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine. It produces 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, down 11 and 13 respectively from the outgoing 2.4L in the 2012 model. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Kia Rondo
On paper, the drop in displacement and power seem detrimental to the 2014 Kia Rondo's performance. Truthfully, the Rondo is adequate (and will be for most families) at best when merging and passing.

What works in favour of the output drop is the well geared autobox and the new Rondo's slight drop in curb weight. The upside is a theoretical 15% improvement in fuel consumption from the old.

Much attention was given to the 2014 Kia Rondo's ride and handling. In fact, all of the tuning was done by Kia of America in California and Michigan. Although the ride is smooth, there were a few issues.

Most of the road we travelled was flat, even and with hardly any curves. The few I encountered were met with a lag-y, disconnected steering feel even in Sport mode (Flex Steer: Comfort/Normal/Sport). In the other two modes, assistance is nearly exaggerated.

Furthermore, the few rough patches of pavement we came across revealed a suspension that experienced difficulty managing rapid changes in amplitude be it with the 16” or 17” wheels.

Few noises permeated the quiet cabin. The most present came from the base of the windshield, thanks in no small part to the enormous wipers.

What works in favour of the output drop is the well geared autobox and the new Rondo's slight drop in curb weight. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and out of the Kia Rondo
The new 2014 Kia Rondo conquers aesthetically. Surrounded by its immediate competition, the Rondo stands shoulders above. The broad and bold beltline wraps around the entire car, capturing the brand's signature grille and large projector headlights.

Front and second row passengers will find comfort. Those up front are treated to a well designed and appointed dashboard replete with nice materials and a straightforward HMI experience.

The front seats are really comfortable, offering unexpected side bolstering and, when leather-clad, an extendable lower seat cushion. The rear bench will accommodate three adults or any mix including kids and baby seats.

The available 3rd row in the 7-passenger version is a toddler's delight. Access to the 50/50 split-folding bench is difficult at best for an average, slim-ish adult. As I'm not slim-ish, I decided not to crawl in the rear for fear of never returning.

With the 3rd row folded, the trunk is quite capacious. The opposite is very true when it is up.

The new 2014 Kia Rondo conquers aesthetically. Surrounded by its immediate competition, the Rondo stands shoulders above. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Kia Rondo
The 2014 Kia Rondo matches and surpasses all of its competition, namely the Dodge Journey and Chevrolet Orlando.

It also crushes them where value and equipment, fit and finish are concerned. Unfortunately, and unlike other recent Kia products I've evaluated, it does nothing to move the driving experience forward.

In the end, it is more family oriented than any car on the road at moment.

The 2014 Kia Rondo is on sale now.

In an unusual reversal, of previous rulings of this type, a three-member NASCAR appeals panel substantially reduced penalties imposed on Joe Gibbs Racing for an underweight engine part on Matt Kenseth's car.

Following the 2003 Sprint Cup Champion's victory at Kansas Speedway, on April 21st, a post race inspection of the winning engine found one of eight connecting rods to be less than three grams underweight.

NASCAR deducted 50 points from Kenseth, suspended crew chief Jason Ratliff for six races, suspended owner Joe Gibbs (from points in six races not physical suspension) and fined Ratcliff $200,000.

The panel, chosen by NASCAR, reduced Kenseth's points penalty to 12 points, reinstated a potential points bonus in the Chase, and reduced Ratcliff's suspension to only one race.

Matt Kenseth and Jason Ratcliff. (Photo: NASCAR)

Joe Gibbs contended that since this engine (and underweight part) were produced by a third party, i.e. Toyota Racing Development, his team did not have any intent to “cheat.” In fact they argued that the eight connecting rods, taken as a group, averaged to be over the minimum weight.

What was unusual in this ruling, the first step of the appeals process, is that in approximately 70 per cent of the previous appeals the panel of this type has supported the initial NASCAR findings. For example last's week's affirmation of the penalties to Penske Racing - which were later reduced at the second and final appeals level.

The sanctioning body was not pleased with the outcome of its' own appeals panel.

“Our sport has a due process system in place that has served the sport very well for more than 65 years,” said NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp after the ruling was read. “And that due process resulted in this decision here today. While we are disappointed in today's outcome, we stand firmly behind our inspection process.


“The inspection of engines and engine parts and pieces has always been regarded as the Holy Grail throughout the industry. That, along with fuel and tires. And in violations such as these, we have no other recourse in the reinforcement process than to penalize the team owner and team members. That's how our system works. The responsibility for such infractions falls on their shoulders. Our intensity and approach to inspecting engines will not change. We take this ruling and we move on to Darlington.”

Here's the text of the panel's findings:
Upon hearing the testimony, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to amend the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.

The amendments are as follows:
• Crew chief Jason Ratcliff: The $200,000 fine remains intact; NASCAR suspension now covers one championship points event. In addition, he will be placed on NASCAR probation until the completion of the next three championship points events following his reinstatement;
• Car owner Joe Gibbs: Loss of championship owner points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Driver Matt Kenseth; Loss of championship driver points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Manufacturer: The loss of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturer championship points has been increased to seven.

Summary
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is expected to hit Canadian showrooms this summer and will surely cause quite a commotion in the compact sport sedan market according to Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen. The Essence prototype, which was launched at the Montreal International Auto Show, was the inspiration for the Q50. It's the 3rd generation of the popular G37

Price
Prices have yet to be disclosed.

Fuel Economy
Not yet available.

Photo: Infiniti

Exterior Styling
The fluid, tapering lines area a direct influence of the Essence prototype. The elegant hood panel mimics an ocean wave. The front grille design is extremely dynamic and sporty. It's equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels and has crescent-shaped rear side windows that boast the impression of motion. The intuitive, adaptive headlights adjust to ambient lighting conditions.

Interior
The interior oozes luxury with its ergonomic leather seats, hand-polished wood trim panels and driver-passenger oriented instrument cluster. The Q50 accommodates five passengers in luxury and comfort.

Technology is everywhere in the Q50, in an entirely intuitive and customizable digital environment. The steering, suspension, driving position and pre-set engine modes are just some of the systems that can be set to your personal desires.

A BOSE 14-speaker audio system with three 10-inch sub-woofers is standard in the Q50.

The Infiniti InTouch voice command system offers features such as Facebook compatibility, e-mail, and a touch-screen navigation system that can be enlarged as needed.

Photo: Infiniti

Cargo Capacity
The Q50 has 510 litres of available cargo room, which is comparable to the BMW 3 Series (480 litres) and far superior to the Audi A4 and Cadillac CTS with their respective 352 and 385 litres.

Drivetrain
The Q50 is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 that works in tandem with a lithium-ion battery that adds extra boost during hard acceleration such as overtaking traffic. The brake system provides a partial battery recharge. A total of 354 hp is available from this hybrid system.

Safety
Infiniti does not take safety lightly; the Q50 is equipped with four cameras for a 360 degree view, a perimeter-view screen and moving object detection. In addition, a safety shield with visual and audible warning features can apply the brakes if necessary.

Comparable Models
Competition for the Q50 will come from the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C Class.


References :
www.auto123.com
auto.sympatico.ca
www.infiniti.ca

From GMM

F1's scheduled trek to New Jersey next year is hitting more roadblocks.

The debut race, amid New York's famed Manhattan skyline, had to be postponed last year, due to organisational and funding delays.

Now, chief marketing officer Trip Wheeler, and chief financial officer Michael Cummings, have left the project.

President Tom Cotter departed last August.

"While we have not yet named replacements, duties have been absorbed by our executive team and we look forward to announcing additional staff as we approach next year's race," a spokesman for race organiser Leo Hindery is quoted by nj.com.

"Race progress, including permitting and course construction, continues to move forward and we are on pace for a world class race in 2014," the organisation added in a statement.

But Christian Sylt, an F1 business expert and confidante of the sport's chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, is pessimistic.

"I would be absolutely astonished if this happens," he told the Star-Ledger.

"I have got no evidence that the organisers have obtained funding to host the race and, crucially, there is no evidence whatsoever that they have got a contract with (Ecclestone)."

Caterham F1 Team's newest video, "Access All Areas" was shot at the Magny-Cours circuit in France and gives an insight into a day in the life of an F1 team at work on track.

Viewers will have a rare glimpse into the lives of race drivers Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde, and views of the CT03 race car in 2013 race five (Spanish Grand Prix) specification for the first time this season.

"The whole team is proud to unveil our 2013 team film, a piece of work that gives a real insight into what we think makes a day in F1 so special," said Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal, Caterham F1 Team.

"The drivers have opened their doors to the cameras and, for the first time this year, we've been able to show what our definitive 2013 car looks like."

Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' champion tested a Chevrolet-powered Andretti Autosport IZOD IndyCar Series Dallara DW12-Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

Andretti Autosport team owner and Indianapolis 500 competitor, Michael Andretti was on hand to provide driver coaching and assist Busch.

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

Busch went through the speed phases similar to the Rookie Orientation Program in which all drivers must participate to compete in Indianapolis 500 practice and qualifying.

More to come later.

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has played down rumours linking Lotus' newly departed technical director James Allison with a move to Ferrari.

Lotus announced on Wednesday that the highly-rated 45-year-old Briton, who worked at Maranello in the Michael Schumacher era, is leaving.

Reports immediately linked Allison with a return to Ferrari.

James Allison. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

"I know nothing," Italian reports quote Ferrari president Montezemolo as saying, "so I cannot deny anything. As far as I know, these are just rumours. I will say something if there is something to say."

Italy's Autosprint said Allison's next paddock destination is unlikely to be known for at least six months, the standard 'gardening leave' period.

Ferrari aside, "another possibility (for Allison) is a change to Williams," wrote Tobias Gruner in Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Autosprint's Alberto Antonini commented: "James Allison wanted better financial conditions, which Lotus could not provide."

Nine-time World rally Champion, Frenchman Sebastien Loeb recently tested the stunning Peugeot 208 T16 he will drive at this year's Pikes Peak hill climb in Colorado.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

Loeb declared himself extremely impressed with his new race car. “The 208 T16 Pikes Peak is a rocket! It's so powerful! The first time you drive it, each gear change practically stuns you. The shifts are really brutal, and it takes a little time to anticipate the sudden jarring. You get used to it, but it was quite disorienting to begin with,” said Loeb.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

“I've never driven anything that accelerates so fast!” he added. “In the lower gears, a Formula 1 car doesn't deliver maximum power. With the Peugeot, though, it's bang, bang, bang as you move up the box from standstill. Thanks to its four-wheel drive transmission and turbocharged engine, its pull-away performance is phenomenal! You find yourself in sixth gear at 240kph in no time at all!” Indeed, as the 208 can accelerated some zero to 100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

“Thanks to its aerodynamic downforce and wide tires, the braking is amazing, too. In fact, the 208 package is a combination of the best of several worlds: it's got the downforce of a Formula 1 car, the wide tyres of an endurance racing prototype and a differential, like a WRC car...” Loeb explained.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

“The track here isn't very wide and there aren't any run-offs, so I'm taking things one step at a time. I don't know what the car's limits are yet but it was important to do this run on a circuit today. Now we have a better idea of where we stand and a better overview of the car's potential. After that, the challenge will be to try to feel totally at one with the car on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb itself. That will take some work...” Loeb declared.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

To get a proper understanding of the car's behaviour, Peugeot Sport has scheduled a busy test programme at circuits, on roads and at altitude as the next phase of this amazing project.

From GMM

Marc Surer, a former Swiss F1 driver turned commentator, says he is not sure he believes Mercedes is not making a move for Sebastian Vettel.

Niki Lauda, Mercedes' chairman and shareholder, backpedalled this week after hinting he might have approached Red Bull's reigning triple world champion.

But Surer is quoted by Speed Week: "If you want to be a top team, you have to try to weaken your opponent. This way (signing Vettel), you would weaken your rival and strengthen yourself at the same time.

"It's completely normal if Niki Lauda is trying to get Vettel," added Surer.

Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)

It is likely Lauda backpedalled on his public approach to Vettel due to the signal it sends to Mercedes' existing drivers, comprising Nico Rosberg alongside Lewis Hamilton.

"Of course it's unpleasant as a driver if you know your team is looking for alternatives, and if you look at the contractual situation, then that is Rosberg," said Surer.

Mazda has appointed Masamichi Kogai its next CEO. The production and purchasing specialist replaces Takashi Yamanouchi, who led the carmaker to its first annual profit in five years.

What is it?

Ford has signed a multi-million-dollar deal to become the title sponsor of Detroit's annual fireworks display for the next three years.

Tesla posted its first quarterly profit as sales of its battery-powered Model S sedans surpassed those of General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Volt.

Tesla posted its first quarterly profit as sales of its battery-powered Model S sedans surpassed those of General Motors' Chevrolet Volt.

Tesla shares surged 24 percent today after the company posted its first quarterly profit in its 10-year history, driven by sales of the battery-powered Model S sedan.

Elio Motors unveiled a prototype of its