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From GMM

Lewis Hamilton took pole with the new silver single seater and Nico Rosberg dominated the season-opening race in Melbourne, with many observers believing the German driver had hidden performance to spare on the Albert Park roads.

But Italian Aldo Costa, who joined Mercedes from Ferrari and led the design of the new W05, does not think the German marque will dominate throughout 2014.

"No, I don't think we can talk about dominance," he told the Italian magazine Autosprint.

"We have seen the progress that Red Bull made between the Bahrain test and the first race -- they were much more competitive than they were in winter testing. This gives an indication of how fast progress and the resolution of problems is in formula one," said Aldo Costa.

"And it may well be that in a few grands prix many other teams will be at a good level," he added.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05, winner in Australia. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Aldo Costa, 52, agrees that the performance of the 'power unit' is particularly important in F1's new era, but he doubts that Mercedes is as far ahead of Ferrari and Renault as some currently believe.

Asked if rumours of a 50 horse power advantage for Mercedes make sense, he answered: "No, I don't think they do. Let me explain: as teams, we have GPS data, so I think everyone can see that, when it's running at full power, the Renault engine has remarkable performance.

"So probably their deficit at this time is that they cannot maintain this level of performance throughout a race because of temperature, or fatigue.

"But I think that this is a problem that will gradually be solved," Aldo Costa added.

Bimmerpost has uploaded a video showing the digital instrument panel of a BMW i8 as the car accelerates, plus the sound of its electric motor in Sport mode (which is different from the sound in Comfort or Eco Pro mode).

The production BMW i8 will feature an Active Sound Design system; however, the particular model in this video has it disabled for testing purposes.

What's more, the left exhaust pipe is fake and actually serves as an external speaker used for exterior sound projection, while the right exhaust pipe is for regular engine emissions.

A pedestrian protection system will generate an acoustic sound to warn pedestrians that the car is approaching (in full EV mode, of course). When sensing an imminent collision, the system will automatically brake and completely stop the car if needed.

The BMW i8 will go on sale in the U.S. this June at $137,700.

Source: bmwi.bimmerpost.com

From GMM

The only missing link in Red Bull's title campaign for 2014 is a 'state of the art' engine.

That is the view of billionaire team owner Dietrich Mateschitz, who told the Austrian news agency APA on Tuesday that Red Bull's only alternative to struggling supplier Renault would be for the team to build its own engine.

Asked if all of Red Bull's current problems are in the area of Renault's new turbo V6 'power unit', Mateschitz answered: "Yes.

"I think our car is once again 'state of the art', but in order to prove this, it also needs a perfect power unit in terms of hardware and software," he insisted.

Christian Horner and Dietrich Mateschitz. (Photo: Red Bull)

Even in the midst of the reigning quadruple world champion team's successes, the relationship between Red Bull and Renault has often been strained.

Given the problems now, Mateschitz was asked by APA if Red Bull sees any alternatives to working with the French marque.

"Probably just to make an engine ourselves," he answered.

However, Mateschitz said he is confident Red Bull can quickly catch F1's currently dominant team Mercedes.

"I am confident this process will be fast and we can catch up to Mercedes by the third race," the 69-year-old said ahead of the second race of 2014, Malaysia.

"There is no reason to think that this (winning the 2014 title) is not still our goal," he added.

Mateschitz even tipped Sebastian Vettel - who has shown signs of frustration in 2014 so far - to ride out the storm with Red Bull.

"For four and a half of his five years with us, Sebastian has had a car with which he can win," he said.

"He has more than enough character, professionalism and loyalty to overcome this phase together with the team."

From GMM

World champion Sebastian Vettel has admitted he was surprised when Red Bull was competitive as the 2014 season kicked off.

Team boss Christian Horner has this week been quoted elsewhere as saying the RB10's performance was not a shock in Melbourne despite a disastrous winter season.

But Vettel, who saw his new teammate Daniel Ricciardo qualify and then finish second prior to his disqualification, has admitted he was surprised in Melbourne.

Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

"The result was no great surprise -- what was a surprise was to see that the car is fast and we can compete at the front. The potential is there," the German told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

"So it gives us hope and that's why I'm in a good mood," added Vettel.

After his four consecutive world championship successes, Bild reporter Nicola Pohl suggested to Vettel that he must be travelling to Malaysia feeling frustrated.

But he insisted: "I am in good spirits! I knew that this year would be difficult, but each season has its ups and downs. As for the car, there is still much to learn but there is no reason to hang the head."

SRT and Chrysler have withdrawn the two works Viper GTS-Rs from the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Vipers were back at Le Mans last year and they were clear favourites to win the GTE category.

“We regretfully and respectfully decline to participate in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of SRT (Street and Racing Technology) Brand and Motorsports in a press release.

“We are honored to once again be invited by the [race organizer, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest] to compete in this historic event, and they were the first to be informed of our decision. We will remain focused on our North American racing program in 2014.”

SRT Motorsports will continue to run the No. 91 and 93 SRT Viper GTS-Rs throughout the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar Championship series season.

The decision means that drivers Dominik Farnbacher, Marc Goossens, Rob Bell, Jonathan Bomarito, Jeroen Bleekemolen and Canadian Kuno Wittmer will not participate in this year's edition of the 24-hour race.

The Ferrari F458s of teams JMW Motorsport and Taisan will replace the Vipers.

Recaro makes baby seats. Coach makes diaper bags. Louis Vuitton makes coin purses. So, why wouldn't Cadillac make a practical, compact, family-oriented vehicle? My point here is that you wouldn't expect some companies to release the products they do, opening up the door to a whole new type of customer.

Truthfully, when the SRX first appeared in the mid-2000s, it was more “Cadillac” than it is now (read: big). However, over the years the model has been streamlined a bit and made more accessible and appealing to those in the market for a crossover with a bit more class.


What is a Cadillac SRX?
As mentioned above, the SRX made its first appearance in 2004 and was categorized as a midsize crossover. The first generation model looked to be a strangely bloated and stretched out version of the DTS sedan -- not particularly attractive. The original engine in the SRX was also larger, a 3.6L V6, and a V8 was also available. At the time, fuel efficiency was not the name of the game, clearly.

2014 Cadillac SRX Price and Specs
I'll admit, I was a little shocked at the sticker price attached to the 2014 Cadillac SRX AWD, then I remembered it is after all a Caddy. This luxury crossover starts around $40k. My particular tester, equipped with AWD and in “Premium” trim, starts at $55,640. After all was said and done -- CUE added along with driver aids and larger 20” wheels -- my 2014 Cadillac SRX4 tipped the price scales at $62,225.

Large numbers aside, the 2014 Cadillac SRX4 has other more favourable digits attached to it like its 3.6L V6 that produces 308 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Power is controlled via a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the whole system ensures a combined fuel efficiency rating of 11.2L/100km (which is roughly what I averaged throughout the week).

Driving the 2014 Cadillac SRX
Here's a vehicle that's not trying to be anything other than a comfortable, pleasant to drive crossover. Sure it has a V6 and a bit of oomph, but this is by no stretch of the imagination a sporty vehicle.

Overall, I was content with the way the 2014 Cadillac SRX4 drove. I wasn't overly impressed, but it didn't leave me wishing I were driving something else either. Each time I got behind the wheel, I was pleased to be there and looked forward to the drive. Steering is on point, throttle response is good and the transmission is never searching for the right gear.

My only complaint, and perhaps my biggest one, is the engine noise that enters the cabin if the SRX is pushed. On occasion, particularly in situations where I needed to pass another vehicle, I had to give it quite a bit of gas at which point the noise infiltrating the cabin was close to unpleasant. It's something one shouldn't have to deal with in a Cadillac.

The AWD system is sufficient enough and handled itself very well despite our frigid, snowy conditions throughout the week. The traction control wasn't too intrusive and I actually left everything fully turned on throughout the test.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Cadillac SRX
Cadillac's have such a distinct look and presence on the road, and I love that. The 2014 Cadillac SRX has some great lines and angles that suit the design of the vehicle to a tee. There's something overtly masculine about this crossover, and I think it works perfectly. From the oversized grille and headlights to the exaggerated side gill and shoulder line. This car is all angles, and they're all good.

Inside, the good looks continue. I adore the SRX's steering wheel. The buttons are just the right size and placed perfectly. While I still take issue with the touch-sensitive “buttons” on the centre stack, I do quite like CUE and know that while there is a steep learning curve, it would be pleasant to live with every day.

What really caught my eye in the 2014 Cadillac SRX was the trunk storage system. The available Cargo Management System features a great underfloor storage bin as well as a floor-mounted metal rack with an adjustable cargo fence (to hold groceries or smaller bags in place so they don't slide around). All in all, utility levels are high in this luxury CUV.

Comparing the 2014 Cadillac SRX
Based on its price, the SRX is playing with the big boys like the Infiniti QX70, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. While it measures up in terms of amenities and drive, if it were I faced with the choice of buying the Cadillac crest over a European mark, I'd have a hard time justifying the price of the domestic brand.

Fisker Automotive announced on Monday that it has sold all of its assets to an affiliate of Wanxiang America Corp. for approximately $150 million.

“The completion of this transaction represents a significant achievement and is a great result for all Fisker Automotive stakeholders,” said Marc A. Beilinson, Fisker Automotive's Chief Restructuring Officer. “This successful outcome would not have been possible without the productive support from Wanxiang, our Creditors' Committee, and their advisors.”

Photo: Fisker

German car manufacturer Audi unveiled Tuesday the new R18 e-tron Quattro destined to endurance racing.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro 2014 (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

The new Audi R18 e-tron quattro did not do its initial kilometers at Le Mans on the legendary race track in Western France but in public traffic.

Audi factory driver Tom Kristensen, with nine victories under his belt the record holder of the Le Mans 24 Hours, drove the diesel hybrid sports car from the Saint-Julien du Mans cathedral in the city center to the famous race track.

The new color scheme of white, silver, red and black stands for fresh, expressive graphics.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro 2014 (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

The cubic capacity of the V6 TDI power plant was increased from 3.7 to four liters in order to further optimize the engine that had already been very efficient.

After testing various energy recovery systems, Audi decided to compete in the class of up to two megajoules of recuperation energy at Le Mans. The energy exclusively flows through a motor generator unit (MGU) at the front axle and is stored in a flywheel energy storage system.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro 2014 (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

Audi R18 e-tron quattro 2014 (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

From GMM

Sergey Sirotkin will put his F1 plans back on track once he obtains a superlicense.

Amid Sauber's financial crisis of 2013, the Swiss team appeared to be rushing the teen to the grid as the jewel in a Russian rescue deal.

But when the 2014 season began without Sirotkin, Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn told the Russian website f1news.ru that "Everything is going according to plan".

"He has a (Formula Renault 3.5) seat with Fortec, I am sure he can get great results, and then we'll think about the next step," she added.

The next step could be an appearance on Friday morning in Sochi later this year, as Sirotkin's native Russia hosts its inaugural grand prix in October.

"We will certainly examine this possibility," Kaltenborn said. "But for this, first of all he needs a superlicense. That's what we're working on now -- thinking about how we can make this possible."

Sauber C33-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

According to 18-year-old Sirotkin, he will work on qualifying for the mandatory FIA credential at one of the post-race in-season tests, in Bahrain, Barcelona or Silverstone.

"In the coming months there will be the official formula one tests and that's where we plan to get it," he told the Russian broadsheet Izvestia.

"I will need to drive about 300 kilometres and be competitive. When we have it (the superlicense) in our hands, then we will talk about the Fridays," Sirotkin added.

As part of the iconic muscle car's 50th anniversary celebration, Ford will display the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang convertible on the observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York City on April 16-17.

Since no portable crane can reach the 86th floor observatory, and the spire towering above the relatively narrow deck makes helicopter delivery impossible, engineers will have to slice the Mustang convertible into three main sections plus windshield so that they can fit into the elevators.

Interestingly, Ford pulled off that same feat with a prototype convertible in 1965.

1695 Ford Mustang convertible (Photo: Ford)

“Like all good craftsmen, our team is measuring twice and cutting once to make sure we can get this Mustang up in the elevators,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Like the team that did this in 1965, the current crew visited the Empire State Building before starting and took careful measurements of its new elevators and doors before cutting up the car.”

Visitors to the Empire State Building observation deck can see the 2015 Ford Mustang convertible from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., April 16-17.

2015 Ford Mustang convertible (Photo: Ford)

A few days ago, Porsche released a video in which members of ''The Committee'' are called for an emergency meeting. They reluctantly leave their families, vacation plans, and other activities behind to gather inside the Porsche headquarters where they soon learn from their boss that they must build a Cayman and Boxster worthy of the GTS badge. The smile on their faces says it all.

The clip has quickly gone viral, and now has more than one million clicks on YouTube.

From Sahara Force India

Sahara Force India announced a further expansion of its driver development programme as it enters GP3 in partnership with Hilmer Motorsport.

The expanded programme, which will see Hilmer compete in the series with three cars under Sahara Force India colours, follows a similar deal for the GP2 series.

Together with Sahara Force India's successful Academy programme, the GP3 partnership represents a logical step towards creating a full motorsport ladder for talented drivers.

The GP3 team will make its first on-track appearance at the Jerez test on April 10-11, while the racing debut will take place in Barcelona at the beginning of May.

Hilmer Motorsport. (Photo: GP3 Series)

The A1 Grand Prix Series that folded a few years ago is about to be brought to life under a new name and format in South Africa.

The original A1GP series featured single seaters from different countries racing against each other. The series was billed as the “World Cup of Motorsport”.

After the series folded in 2009, the Lola chassis and the Ferrari engines were sold.

We found out Tuesday that a new series based in South Africa will be using these cars.

Preview of Team Northern Cape car. (Illustration: Delta Fin)

The new Formula SA will see 18 identical Formula 1-style cars in South Africa, to pitch the 9 provinces against each other in a showcase of inter provincial races over 24 weeks throughout the country.

The series' promoters claims that “many European and international drivers are already enquiring about testing and track time opportunities”.

Formula SA is still far from being a reality as the promoters are currently looking for stakeholders, investors and sponsors.

In just a few days the cars of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) will take to the track at the Circuit Paul Ricard for The Prologue on the 28 and 29 March 2014.

This is the official pre-season test for the FIA WEC and most of the 31 full season entries will be there.

It will also be the first opportunity to see the LMP1-H cars from Audi R18, Toyota TS040 and Porsche 919 running together on the same track.

The two days of testing at The Prologue will begin at 9 am on Friday March 28 for three sessions, including a run in the dark on Friday evening.

The event will continue on Saturday with the public being invited to attend and take part in an autograph session at lunchtime.

Friday March 28
09:00 - 13:00 Morning Session
14:00 - 18:00 Afternoon session
19:00 - 21:00 Night session

Saturday March 29
09:00 - 13:00 Morning Session
13:15 - 13:45 Driver Autograph Session
14:00 - 17:00 Afternoon session

From GMM

Marussia chief Graeme Lowdon thinks Red Bull should have accepted Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification from the Australian grand prix.

Actually, the reigning world champions plan to argue in an April 14 appeal that it ignored the FIA-mandated fuel flow sensor in Melbourne because it was inaccurate.

The hearing will not be heard in Paris until after the forthcoming Malaysia-Bahrain double-header, raising the risk of more race exclusions for Red Bull.

"Do they continue their defiance and risk exclusion - and mounting punishments - or do they fall in line like the other teams?" Mirror correspondent Byron Young wonders.

Marussia's Lowdon admitted he hopes the Red Bull appeal fails.

Jules Bianchi, Marussia MR03-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

He said that if every team ignored Charlie Whiting's "opinions" about how to interpret the technical regulations then "every single result would always be decided" after an appeal.

So if Red Bull wins this appeal, Lowdon thinks it would "open the floodgates" for more teams to ignore Whiting's running guidance.

"It happens on things all the time," said Lowdon. "It is an opinion (of Whiting's) and if we were just to ignore all of those opinions and constantly test them in a court then the sport would just stutter along endlessly.

"It really is going to be difficult for the sport to operate races in a way that the fans are going to understand if the advice is simply ignored because you can make a car go quicker," he added.

The BMW-Toyota sports-car lash-up has been reported on for a

In addition to holiday-themed displays assembled by junkyard employees and the occasional

It was only a matter of time before German tuning house Brabus looked at the

Mike Ryan does amazing things with the Banks Freightliner. And with

News 31 Jul, 2014

Alfa Romeo SUV on the way, set to rival Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan with a new engine range