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Mercedes wants to establish a so-called "agile production" system in its engine assembly operations, production and purchasing boss Andreas Renschler said.

Towards the latter part of 2014 (expect Aug/Sept), the North American Audi world is set to get hotter than the devil's kitchen with the release of the all-new 2015 Audi S3 sedan. Oh yes, I've driven the new S3, and believe me it's everything Audi fans have yearned for and more!

What is an Audi S3?
The S3 is the sports-performance version of the popular Audi A3 model. The 1st generation S3 saw the light of day way back in 1999 (The 1st Gen A3 was launched in 1996), and was followed in 2003 with the 2nd Gen S3. Sadly, these delightful road rockets were unavailable to us North Americans (Europe & other markets only).

Then in 2005 (2006 MY) our hopes were raised as the A3 managed to hop across the pond, only to be dashed again as the S3 was still noticeably absent from the model list for NA.

However, it appears the land of “big is beautiful” has at last discovered “small is sweet,” and the popularity of its A3 has encouraged the company to finally send its performance version to our shores. So, yes, it may have taken a while for the S3 to arrive but, trust me, it was well worth the wait!


2015 Audi S3 Price and Specs
With advance unveilings, such as the 2015 model I'm referring to now ( since it is only November 2013), I sometimes need to apologize as pricing is often left unmentioned at these presentations. This was not the case with Audi, and although I don't possess all the details, I can announce that the base figure for the 2015 Audi S3 will fall somewhere around the $44k mark.

North America spec S3 models will feature a 2.0L turbocharged, direct-injected 4-cylinder. Yes, somewhat similar in size to the higher-spec units we'll be receiving in the A3 sedan, and in the new A3 Cabriolet (which will also be available later in 2014). However, the S3 employs a higher-pressure turbo and a large intercooler, together with special pistons, camshafts, con-rods, crankshaft bearings, exhaust valves, and valve seats. This setup produces around 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, which in a vehicle weighing just 1,430kgs supplies an exhilarating 0-100km/hr time of 4.9 seconds. The top speed is governed to 155 mph.

The new 2015 Audi S3 also features a variable-ratio electric power steering rack, and Audi's Magnetic Ride Suspension system will be available as an option.

Naturally (it's an Audi), Quattro AWD comes standard on the S3.

North America spec S3 models will feature a 2.0L turbocharged, direct-injected 4-cylinder. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Driving the 2015 Audi S3
On the road, the new 2015 S3 is a delight to drive. It's tight in all the right places and yet surprisingly comfortable for a vehicle capable of embarrassing most sports models on the road today (including many well above its price range!).

Of course, some will grumble at the lack of a stick shift option (NA models will only be available with the 6-speed S-Tronic box), yet this didn't cause me any real concern. In fact, given the choice, I would go for the auto-box as, in many ways, it's better suited to the vehicle. Yes, the 2015 Audi S3 may well boast performance figures approaching supercar status, but it's equally at home as a park-friendly executive cruiser, so the S-Tronic/paddle shift setup is a good fit.

On the road, the new 2015 S3 is a delight to drive. It's tight in all the right places and yet surprisingly comfortable. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Inside and Out of the 2015 Audi S3
Audi has a reputation for delivering quality product, and the 2015 Audi S3 is no exception. Attention to detail can be found throughout the vehicle and it's this which, in my opinion, helps elevate the S3 above and beyond its price point.

Of course, Audi is also somewhat known for not being shy at charging for its option packages, so we'll be keeping an eye on the pricing of that Magnetic Ride System when we receive the full price schedule later in the year.

Attention to detail can be found throughout the vehicle and it's this which, in my opinion, helps elevate the S3 above and beyond its price point. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Comparing the 2015 Audi S3
In my opinion, the S3 somewhat creates its own category. Obviously, the BMW 1 Series immediately jumps to mind as competition, as perhaps the new Mercedes-Benz CLA does, too. However, as Audi is the unquestionable master of AWD engineering, it's Quattro which really sets this vehicle apart from the crowd.

Some may view the new 2015 Audi S3 as a tad tame to look at (yes, there are other more aggressively styled sports products available) but, trust me, this is a German wolf cleverly clothed in a lamb's wool layer. It even comes equipped with launch control and a built-in lap timer! Perhaps that's why the S3 appeals to me so much. It's a suited & booted sleeper of the finest order!

Red Bull Racing drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber fired up for the last time the Renault V8 engines of their RB9s inside the Interlagos garage Sunday night.

The two drivers put on all the required protective gears and cranked the normally aspirated V8 Renault engines for the last time.

Watch the video to see and listen one last time to the outstanding shriek of the V8 F1 engine.

Car manufacturer Dallara has released the first images of the new Indy Lights car to be introduced in 2015.

The new chassis, the IL-15, had been expected for quite a while and it will be introduced after next year as part of Andersen Promotions' desire to revitalise IndyCar's feeder category.

The current Indy Lights chassis - also built by Dallara - has been in use since this variant of the championship's inception as the Infiniti Pro Series in 2002.

There will be an update package for the present car next year prior to 2015's switch to the IL-15.

Photo: IndyCar

From GMM

Popular Mark Webber raced into F1 retirement with one final show of irreverence, completing his lap on the way to the Interlagos podium without the protection of his helmet.

Told that he seemed to be tearing up as he took in the emotion of his last-ever lap, the popular Australian veteran replied afterwards: "It was (just) the wind."

Mark Webber, who is now released from his Red Bull contract in order to get an early start to his new Le Mans career, admitted driving around without a helmet was also not the kindest thing he could have done to his ears.

Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

And he said he got his helmet and Hans device "jammed" against the steering wheel, making it difficult to negotiate the final corners on the way into parc ferme.

"But it was good to get it off, obviously the marshals, the fans, to see ... in this sport, it's not always easy to show the person that's behind the wheel," said Webber.

Later, he slipped and fell on the podium, and the usually flawless Red Bull crew also messed up a couple of pitstops.

But overall, it has been a frighteningly dominant display by the Milton-Keynes based team in 2013, led by Sebastian Vettel, who continues to sweep up all-time records.

Mark Webber, however, fell 43 points shy of finishing the championship runner-up behind his German teammate.

So he paid tribute to the actual 2013 runner-up, his Ferrari-racing friend Fernando Alonso, and also his own imperious teammate, Vettel.

"Yeah, a very good finish to my career, a good fight with all the guys I've enjoyed fighting with for most of my career: Seb, Fernando, Lewis, Nico, all the guys who have been in the window for the last five or six years," said Webber.

But while Alonso managed second place for himself, Ferrari ultimately finished the season just third in the constructors' championship -- and furious with the outcome of Sunday's Brazilian finale.

Indeed, had Felipe Massa not been punished by the stewards for crossing the white line of the pitlane entry in his Ferrari farewell, the Italian team would probably have beaten Mercedes to the extra second place millions.

Celebration around Felipe Massa for his last home race with Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Felipe Massa, racing in front of his home crowd in red overalls for the last time, was furious.

"Unacceptable!" he fumed on the radio as he shook his fist.

Referring to the FIA officials, Massa said afterwards: "These guys think they have all the power and they can do what they want so I am more sorry for them than for me."

Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn admitted that his drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, had reported Massa's driving over the radio.

"They were telling us that Felipe was driving with all four wheels over the line repeatedly," he is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Had Massa remained in fourth place, Alonso would have moved over to gift his podium place to the native Paulista for a fitting Ferrari farewell in front of his fans.

"When I saw him fourth I thought this would be a very good celebration for him," said Fernando Alonso.

Felipe Massa confirmed: "I am sure that if I had found myself behind Fernando, he'd have let me pass."

From press release

Sports Car Club of New Hampshire officials, working closely with representatives from Rally America, Inc., announced today that the 2014 Subaru Mt. Washington Hillclimb taking place at the Mt. Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch, Gorham, NH June 26-29, 2014 will also serve as a full-points round of the 2014 Rally America National Championship.

Derek Higgins, Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Photo: Alex Haugen)

Although the Rally America teams will be competing for traditional hillclimb awards at Mt. Washington, the recorded times the rally teams post in the two half-course timed sessions on Friday and again on Saturday, as well as the two full-course timed runs they post on Sunday, will be combined to provide them with a total of six "competition stages"- just like a regular Rally America National Championship event where the lowest combined times after completing a series of competition stages determines the class winners.

Rally America officials will use the times their teams post on Friday, Saturday & Sunday to determine placement in the four Rally America National Championship classes which include Open, Super Production, 2-Wheel Drive and B-Spec.

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest announced the introduction of a new prototype category called LM P3, Le Mans Prototype 3.

The objective of this new category is to supply teams and drivers with a low-cost race car, which will allow them to make their debut in endurance racing with a prototype whose characteristics are similar to an LM P (Le Mans Prototype).

From 2015, this new car will be eligible to competition in the Asian Le Mans and European Le Mans Series.

Prototype Pescarolo 02 Coupe. (Photo: SORA Composites)

The rules and regulations will have to be released but they will stipulate a single engine-gearbox power train, a single tire supplier but the chassis will be opened to any constructor wishing to enter the series.

This new car will replace the Formula Le Mans, called LM PC, Le Mans Prototype Challenge in North America, although the latter will continue to race in the Tudor United SportsCar Championship.

The CN prototypes will be allowed to race in the LM P3 category, but only next year.

CN cars are built by Norma, Tatuus, Ligier and Wolf. SORA Composites has recently launched its Pescarolo 02 Coupe, the first closed cockpit CN car.

If you missed our complete coverage of the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show last week, this top 10 showcasing the finest vehicles unveiled in the City of Angels will surely give you an eyeful.

10. 2015 Chevrolet Colorado

Photo: Chevrolet

Another vehicle making its anticipated debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show is the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The redesigned midsize pickup truck will be available in three trim levels -- WT, LT, and Z71 -- as well as with three powertrains including a 193-horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, a 302-horsepower 3.6L V6, and a 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel (output TBD). More details on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado

Continue reading Top 10 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show Unveilings

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg physically signed on the dotted line of a 2014 Force India contract in Brazil on Sunday.

That is the claim of Germany's reliable Sport Bild, as it emerged that the German had until midnight to take up an option granted recently by the Silverstone based team, for whom Hulkenberg raced last year.

The 26-year-old had joined Sauber for 2013 after Force India became late in its payments, but it was the Swiss team that found itself in the deeper financial trouble this year.

So, in a sure sign that Lotus' 'Quantum' investment deal will ultimately collapse, Hulkenberg opts for Force India, who according to Sport Bild have included a bank guarantee of EUR 1.9 million to cover the unpaid wages of 2012.

Paul di Resta
It is believed Hulkenberg's teammate next year will not be countryman Adrian Sutil, despite that German hinting repeatedly in recent weeks that his is a done deal.

In fact, it is understood the experienced Sutil is taking his Medion sponsorship to Sauber.

Sahara Force India's other 2013 driver, Paul di Resta, is almost certainly leaving F1.

"People are saying it's not budget related," the Scot told BBC's radio Five Liv, "but there are things which are. I go into the winter with my head held high."

The two Sahara Force India in Brazil. (Photo: WRi2)

Sergio Perez
It seems Sahara Force India will head into 2014 with an all-new driver lineup, completed by the McLaren refugee Sergio Perez, who is bringing a reported EUR 15 million in sponsorship, having patched up his relationship with Telmex.

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh, having dropped Mexican Perez at the eleventh hour, has hinted he helped to broker the deal.

"I am very happy," Whitmarsh is quoted by the Guardian. "Lots of stuff has been written but he's a young man who has been incredibly dignified.

"He is very much liked in the team, is a thoroughly likeable guy and I said to him: 'Prove us wrong'.

"We've done what we can to help him out and he certainly deserves to be in formula one, so I'm delighted for him that we'll see his smiling face in the paddock."

Whitmarsh admitted it is bittersweet that, in helping Perez, fellow Briton di Resta is apparently being pushed out of F1.

"It's a complicated sport these days and there are drivers with less talent than Paul who will be in the sport, and that's sad," he said.

Pastor Maldonado
The obvious conclusion of all the latest 'silly season' goings-on is that Pastor Maldonado, the most powerfully sponsored driver on the market, is taking his PDVSA millions to Lotus to fill the Quantum hole.

F1 correspondent Heikki Kulta, of Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper, expects the news to be announced early this week.

Alongside Sutil, the likely occupant of the other Sauber is less clear, as team boss Monisha Kaltenborn on Sunday refused to "speculate" about the future of Mexican Esteban Gutierrez.

It appears she was waiting for midnight, and the expiry of Hulkenberg's Force India option. Also waiting in the wings is the Russian teenager Sergey Sirotkin.

"My sources tell me that Sauber is still waiting for Hulkenberg," former long-time Sauber driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who was also managed by Hulkenberg's agent Werner Heinz, told German television Sky.

Gaston Chevrolet, whose brother Louis founded the iconic American car brand in 1911, tragically died on November 25th, 1920, at the age of 28.

Born in France from Swiss parents, Gaston Chevrolet had moved to the U.S in 1902 (along with his other brother Arthur). He finished 10th at the 1919 Indianapolis 500, but came back the next year to win the race.

Less than six months later, Gaston Chevrolet was killed when his Frontenac crashed at the Beverly Hills Speedway.

Source: Wikipedia

From GMM

The tumultuous 2014 'silly season' is taking yet another twist, as Heikki Kovalainen's hopes of returning full-time next year fall dramatically.

Mere days ago, the Finn was a powerful new player in the speculative hot-bed of the driver market -- on the verge of signing for Caterham, and signed up by Lotus for the last two races of 2013 to replace Kimi Raikkonen.

But, despite some flashes of speed, those two races later, 32-year-old Kovalainen's hopes are dwindling, after he failed to score a single point in the otherwise highly competitive black and gold Lotus.

"I think the car is great," he said on Sunday, "but I was not able to unlock the pace.

"I was anticipating it would be easier to come back and race competitively," added Kovalainen.

"These two races were not the best," he is quoted by Finland's Turun Sanomat. "I knew it was a bit of a risk (replacing Raikkonen) but I did not think it would be so difficult."

Heikki Kovalainen, Lotus, in Brazil. (Photo: WRi2)

The Enstone based team therefore finishes the season only fourth in the constructors' championship, millions in crucial prize-money behind its foes Mercedes and Ferrari.

The wilder rumours had suggested Kovalainen had became a late contender to race full-time for Lotus in 2014, but now even his hopes at Caterham appear faded.

Marcus Ericsson, a Swedish GP2 driver, smiled on Sunday as he refused to comment on sweeping paddock speculation that he will be racing a green car in 2014.

Caterham may now be looking for supplementary income, after finishing behind its back-of-the-grid rival Marussia for the lucrative final spot in the top-ten paid positions in the constructors' championship.

"At the moment I do not have an agreement (for 2014)," said Kovalainen. "I can only say that it's looking good.

"Caterham is still the most likely option for me," he told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

"Nothing has been signed yet, but I don't think these two races with Lotus changes things too much," he added.

Disgruntled Lotus reserve driver Davide Valsecchi, meanwhile, thinks Austin and Brazil is evidence that Lotus made the wrong choice.

"I told the team it would have been better to choose my heart and my motivation than the experience of Kovalainen," he said on Twitter.

"I'm really sorry they didn't do it."

From GMM

McLaren doctor Aki Hintsa is stepping away from formula one.

The broadcaster MTV3 reports that the Finn will from now on concentrate on running his clinic in Geneva.

"Travelling is proving to be a pretty big obstacle," Hintsa is quoted as saying. "Now, there are younger and better doctors, and I will focus on a different mission -- life," he laughed.

However, Hintsa said he will not break off all contact with F1.

"Drivers will certainly see me in my clinic in the same way as before," he said.

Aki Hintsa with Kevin Magnussen, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

A manufacturer's design department has the toughest job of all: The right roofline, fascia or beltline can make a car, create hype, and temporarily flood dealerships with potential buyers. The opposite is also true. In this case, a failure is a failure, and they move on.

What if the sharply designed car is gushed over by media, sells like hotcakes and then... nothing? Well, maybe not “nothing,” but a marked slowdown is evident after only 18 months of its market launch.

A marked slowdown seems to be the case with Hyundai and Kia, the giant Korean manufacturers that could do no wrong over the last three years or so. Their sales year-over-year are both currently dropping, and I can't help but think that it all has to do with design and not content or value.

To be sure, I'm still a fan of both brands as they both make great products. They're still value-packed, reliable enough, and good to drive; but what made them such hits is now hurting them.

I just stepped out of a Hyundai Veloster, which is a true testament to the maker's audacity. The shape of the car, its unusual three-door configuration and bold look made it a smash hit the day it landed in dealer showrooms. Its impact was so huge that a 2013 (vs. a 2012) is artificially dated, which is quite sad. A consumer wants something new, the latest, not something that was a hit last year. A little messed up if you ask me, but a fact nonetheless.

The same goes for the Elantra. It knocked my socks off almost three years ago; but today, it‘s fizzled out. A strong initial visual impact goes a long way, but is detrimental in the medium run.

The risks and fearlessness displayed by the Koreans has worked to put their names on the tops of shoppers' lists. Could it be that it has had the exact opposite effect now that the dust has settled? Throw in a new Toyota Corolla and Mazda3; two more “conventional” cars now with new designs, and Hyundai and Kia have a small crisis on their hands. At least it seems that way.

To start a trend is something, to keep it going is something else altogether. Sometimes, being first has its short-term rewards, but also carries consequences.

What's interesting here is that both Kia and Hyundai have plenty left up their sleeves, as does the competition. I suspect that before the industry settles into a mellower product cycle, every 3-4 years without change as it was 15 years ago, we might witness something akin to yearly or bi-yearly updates that were common 50+ years ago.

So, remember that the new 2012 Civic was revised for 2013, and the latest Malibu was also rethought in a very short period, as well... What do you think of all this?

Photo: Hyundai

After months of suspense, the Fisker saga has finally come to an end with the automaker filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an effort to sell all its assets to Hybrid Technology, an investment firm headed by Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li, who owns the largest telecom company in that country.

Li currently ranks as the 792th richest man in the world according to Forbes. He also got his Canadian citizenship in the 1980s.

“After having evaluated and pursued all other alternatives, we believe the sale to Hybrid and the related Chapter 11 process is the best alternative for maximizing Fisker Automotive's value for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Marc Beilinson, Fisker Automotive's Chief Restructuring Officer. “We believe that the Fisker Automotive technology and product development capability will remain a guiding force in the evolution of the automotive industry under Hybrid's leadership.”

Photo: Fisker Automotive

Initially limited at 33 units, the 2014 SRT Viper TA (Time Attack) will finally have a production run of 159 units, including 93 in Orange, 33 in Venom Black, and the remaining 33 in Bright White.

Photo: Dodge

The track-focused, yet street-legal, SRT Viper TA boasts a 640-horsepower 8.4L V10 engine that produces 600 lb-ft of torque. The springs, shocks, stabilizer bars, brakes, and aero kit have all been specifically designed for this model to improve balance and downforce.

Photo: Dodge

Pricing for the 2014 SRT Viper TA remains unknown. Deliveries will begin in the next few weeks.

Four-time Formula 1 world champion, Sebastian Vettel, has taken Sunday his 13th win of the season - and his ninth in a row - at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The German started from pole in his Red Bull RB9 and took the lead on lap two to run away with the victory.

His Red Bull Racing teammate, Mark Webber finished second on his final Grand Prix before moving to endurance racing.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was third after choosing a different two-stop strategy, using the hard tire for his middle stint.

The only other driver to have won nine races in a row before was Alberto Ascari in the 1950s - but this was across two seasons.

McLaren's Jenson Button came home fourth, scoring his best finish of a disappointing season for the Brit.

The final record of this season - the last of the V8 engine era - was set by Marussia's Max Chilton, who became the first rookie to finish every race of his debut year.

5.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

4.

Mark Webber, Red Bull-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

3.

Romain Grosjean, Lotus-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

2.

Felipe Massa celebrating his last race with Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

1.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, World Champion 2013 with 13 victories. (Photo: WRi2)

Fernando Alonso admitted that the end of the year will be very busy at Scuderia Ferrari in preparation for the launch and first track test of the new 1.6-litre turbo hybrid Formula 1 car.

We all know that F1 teams will be extremely busy in December but unlike last year, Alonso will not skip the first winter test in January in order to fully recharge his batteries.

Since September, Ferrari has been working hard on its new turbo car.

Taking to Sky Sports F1, Alonso said he will be at work at Ferrari until Christmas.

Entrance of Ferrari at Maranello. (Photo: WRi2)

Alonso is set to accomplish the bulk of the work in Ferrari's simulator for the next four weeks. Ferrari returnee Kimi Raikkonen will not be that busy because he is resting home after undergoing back surgery and also because the Finn is reputedly sick when driving a simulator.

"Until Christmas time we are quite busy in Ferrari with some events with sponsors and then in Maranello many parties with the people working in Ferrari and their families,” Alonso told Sky Sports F1.

“We will use those days that we are already in Italy to spend some time in the simulator and to so some work looking for next year relation," he added.

"Christmas time will probably be the first that we completely stop. Until 21st December I think we are on,” the Spaniard said.

Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Co., was named industry leader of the year in the latest selection of All-Stars by Automotive News. Mulally, 68, also earned honors at the top North American CEO.

Responding to consumer complaints, Mini has gone mainstream with its interior layout.

Ask teenagers to design a car that appeals to young buyers and you might expect something modern, even futuristic. But when Nissan tried it, the youngsters went all retro.