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Lotus Formula 1 team's technical director Nick Chester said the new E22 has good potential, but it will take some time to turn it into a race-winning machine.

The Australian Grand Prix turned into a big test for Lotus.

“Everyone understood that there are so many new parts and so much new technology for 2014, so we knew that it was going to be difficult for everything to work straight away and achieve a positive result. We are now addressing these issues one by one and making clear, quantifiable progress,” Nick Chester said in a team press release.

Lotus E22 (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

The British engineer says from what they have seen on the chassis in terms of measurements, particularly on the aero side, it still looks very strong.

“We know that there is good potential with the E22 and we need to get the whole package operating properly. Some issues we confronted were associated with software, the fixes for which can be quite time consuming,” Chester explained.

“The E22 is much more complicated in terms of how you operate the power unit and how it interacts with other systems on the car. This is something we need to improve on; and there is a lot of time to be found in this area,” he added.

“There are clear, identifiable areas where we can find big chunks of time. We are still producing new bodywork and have some good upgrades coming for Malaysia in all areas around the car. I'm certainly hoping for an improvement for Malaysia and then some more in Bahrain, although as they are back to back it is likely to be small steps. It may well be Barcelona before we are in a more stable position and compete at the level we want to be at,” Chester concluded.

From GMM

The missing link at Ferrari is Michael Schumacher.

That is the claim of Juan Pablo Montoya, a rival of the great seven time world champion who currently lies seriously injured in a French hospital after a skiing fall.

Schumacher and Colombian Montoya, who raced in Nascar after leaving F1 and is now returning to the IndyCar series, were often fierce competitors.

"We spoke once in the six years that we raced against each other," Montoya, 38, is quoted by the German news agency DPA. "He was a competitor, not a friend. Formula one is very closed -- as a McLaren driver I couldn't just go and sit in the Ferrari motor home."

Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) and Juan-Pablo Montoya (Williams) in Montreal, in 2004. (Photo: WRi2 - World Racing Images)

However, he obviously rated the German very highly, claiming that "The only time Ferrari did well was when Michael was there".

Similarly, he said that if Schumacher's return to F1 with Mercedes was not successful, it was the fault of the Brackley based team.

"He didn't just forget how to drive. It's how it has always been in formula one," Montoya insisted.

Beyond that, he said it is difficult to comment on the current state of the sport, as "For seven years I have not watched formula one. Maybe one or two races a year."

From GMM

Jean Todt has urged his Ferrari successor to buck the criticism and keep pushing Ferrari to the front in formula one.

Before Todt - currently the FIA president - handed over Maranello's reigns to Stefano Domenicali, he guided the Italian team to six drivers' titles; five with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen's in 2007.

Since then, in Domenicali's reign, Ferrari has failed to win a title and the new turbo V6 era has got off to a shaky start with a mere fourth for Fernando Alonso in Melbourne.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14-T. (Photo: WRi2)

But Jean Todt urged Stefano Domenicali, 48, to ignore the criticism.

"I was always criticised, even when we won a lot," Frenchman Todt said.

"They criticised us for winning too much and making the championship boring," he reportedly told the Italian broadcaster Rai.

Jean Todt said Ferrari has usually been competitive during the Domenicali years.

"In the past years Ferrari was always one of the protagonists even if they did not win a championship, but I am sure they will again. All I would say to Domenicali is that he should keep his feet on the ground and his focus on the real problems, not on what others are saying," he added.

From GMM

The FIA is not closed-minded about making its brave new engines louder and less fuel-efficient, president Jean Todt has revealed.

The low-profile Frenchman made the comments to the Italian broadcaster Rai following fierce criticism of the sport's new 'power unit' era in the wake of the 2014 opener in Australia.

"There should be calm before reaction," Jean Todt is quoted as saying.

However, he indicated that he agrees with those who think the amount of fuel-saving necessary to get to the end of grands prix this year is excessive.

Start of the 2014 Australian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

"I do not want formula one 'economy runs'," said the former Ferrari team boss.

"The permitted amount of fuel, 100 kilograms, was proposed by the teams. For me it is not a problem if they want it to be 100 kg."

But Jean Todt said fuel-saving had nothing to do with the lack of overtaking in Melbourne.

"Instead it is the aerodynamics of the cars and the circuit in Melbourne, for example, has never been very good for overtaking.

"I am convinced that very soon we will see a lot of overtaking," he added. "So let's wait before making judgements."

Jean Todt also indicated he is alert to the shrill criticism of F1's new turbo V6 'power units', which trackside at Albert Park were recently likened to 'sewing machines on wheels'.

"The noise is obviously different now, and if there is a problem with it then if the teams agree we can look at a way to make it noisier," he said, adding that he personally finds the tones of the new F1 era "fascinating".

This week at the Vancouver Auto Show (March 25-30, 2014), Toyota will present a Camry Hybrid Special Edition and FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition alongside the Tacoma X-Runner Special Edition, the recently unveiled 2014 Toyota Highlander, the latest iterations of the Corolla, RAV4, Avalon and Tundra, and more.

"Special Editions showcase design and sportiness, and those attending this month's Vancouver International Auto Show will be among the first in Canada to see two very new, very special editions first hand," said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President at Toyota Canada. "But like all Special Editions, these unique versions of the Camry Hybrid and FJ Cruiser will be available in limited quantities, so speak with a Toyota Dealer to get the best selection."

Source : CNW

From GMM

Dietrich Mateschitz has warned that his company, the energy drink Red Bull, is not infinitely committed to formula one.

The Austrian billionaire's comments come as his premier F1 team, reigning world champions Red Bull, challenge the governing FIA over Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification in Melbourne over the fuel flow sensor saga.

"The fact is that the federation's sensor has given inaccurate values since the beginning of the (winter) tests," Mateschitz, who rarely gives interviews, told the Vienna daily Kurier.

"We can prove that we were within the limits" in Australia, he added.

Mateschitz has said before that Red Bull is prepared to leave formula one if the sport no longer gives the company the sort of economic value it is seeking.

Now, he clarified: "The question is not so much about whether it makes economic sense, but more to do with the sporting value, political influence and the like.

"We have had it all but on these things from our perspective there is a clear limit to what we can accept," Mateschitz added.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

He also expressed frustration about F1's all-new era of smaller, greener, quieter and more efficient 'power units'.

"Formula one should be again what it always has been: the ultimate discipline," said the 69-year-old Austrian.

"It is not there to set new records in fuel consumption, or so you can talk at a whisper during a race and the greatest thrill is the squealing of the tyres. I consider it equally absurd that we are going a second slower than last year and that the junior series GP2 is almost as fast as formula one with a fraction of the budget," he added.

But even though he may not like the 'new' F1, Mateschitz said Red Bull is not giving up the fight to catch dominant Mercedes in 2014.

"We are working around the clock with our partner Renault and will make another big step in the next two to three weeks. There are 18 races to go. We will be back," he promised.

The all-new 2015 Nissan Murano will make its world debut on April 16th at the New York International Auto Show, and we have a teaser that's sure to excite the fans.

Photo: Nissan

The company says the 2015 Nissan Murano features innovative styling, a spacious, premium interior, as well as advanced, purposeful safety and connective technology.

From GMM

Jan Magnussen will be in Malaysia this weekend.

The former McLaren and Stewart driver missed his son Kevin's sensational podium on debut in Melbourne because he was racing a sports car on the other side of the world.

However, the 40-year-old Dane - who became a father at the tender age of 19 - will be at Sepang to watch Magnussen jr, 21, race a McLaren for the second time.

Jan and Kevin Magnussen, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

"Being 6000 miles away watching the race was not a lot of fun. I do not want to do that too often," he admitted.

Jan Magnussen admitted the speed of Kevin's rise to the F1 podium, a feat he never achieved himself in his 25 starts, was surprising.

"He was good immediately but what is most impressive is how he developed and how he keeps getting better and keeps finding ways to improve," he said.

"For the last couple of years he was extremely fast. The biggest change is how he is using his head and making things happen," Jan Magnussen added.

As for this weekend at Sepang, "I can't wait to be there to watch him," Kevin's father admitted.

From GMM

Zoran Stefanovich, who tried and failed to enter the sport with defunct Toyota's assets in 2010, is back on the cusp of formula one.

Although it is believed the Serbian has withdrawn his application to put together a brand new team for 2015, Italy's Omnicorse reports that Stefanovich has been in talks to take over the existing backmarker Marussia.

The report said the Stefanovich talks date back to last November, as the interest of current Marussia owner Nikolay Fomenko is waning under the stresses of the more expensive 2014 regulations.

Marussia MR03-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Former Renault chief Flavio Briatore says the cost explosion in F1 is "madness".

"Given the current crisis, it is pointless to set a budget limit at $200 million. It only needs to be 100 million," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport last week.

"It shouldn't be forgotten that 30 per cent of the teams are at risk of not even finishing the season," Briatore claimed.

Rubens Barrichello, the most experienced driver in F1 history who still attends the races for the Brazilian broadcaster Globo, was also linked with the latest Stefanovich rumours.

Many people will read and feel a huge controversy over tire problems in Sunday's NASCAR race at Auto Club Speedway in California. And they'd be wrong.

What they don't realize is the inconvenient truth that NASCAR officials changed downforce and camber rules that allowed teams to go aggressive on car setups and tire pressures.

As Kurt Busch eloquently explained, "Here's what we have. We have faster cars, more downforce, and NASCAR is allowing us to put whatever cambers we want into the cars, and therefore it's up to the team's discretion if you're going to have a problem or not. 

"I've been in this game 15 years, and normally NASCAR mandates what certain air pressures you have to run and what cambers you have to run not to have a black eye for Goodyear, by no means is this a problem for Goodyear, it's actually a thumbs up for NASCAR allowing the teams to get aggressive in all areas."

NASCAR Sprint Cup start at the Auto Club Speedway. (Photo: NASCAR)

Low pressure in the tires meant cars would go faster, but for how long? Some reports as low as 14 lbs. of air pressure where Goodyear recommended minimums of 22 lbs. for the left front 20 lbs. for left rear.

Some teams struggled with tire pressures on Friday and Saturday. That was like the canary in the coal mine warning teams about their tires. But, due to the other pressure, pressure to win races many teams persisted with a risky gamble.

Thus when a driver had a tire go down it was too easy to blame Goodyear. There may have been a dozen tire-related issues. But the folks who did did it despite the inconvenient truth that not only Goodyear but also even Kyle Busch's Toyota Racing Development recommended a certain, more conservative tire pressure. No surprise the winner didn't have tire related problems in the race.

The changes in the rules this year have made crew chiefs even more responsible than ever. Did Kyle Busch's crew chief like that?

"Yeah, I mean, absolutely," Dave Rogers, said. "You know, this racetrack is great because it has a lot of character.  It's worn out.  The drivers are starting at the bottom and then they move up top.  The car does different things.  There's bumps you've got to negotiate.  There's a lot of character, so you have to have a driver that can move around.  You've got to have a car that can move around.  It's a lot of fun racing out here."

Speaking about low pressure Rogers was amused. "You put 12 pounds in left sides and you're going 200 milesanhour in California, you might have a leftside tire problem.  That's awful low.  That's dangerous."

"It looked like it was fast for a while, though," he said then turned to Busch in the media center adding "I wouldn't do that to you."

Busch smiled and said, "I appreciate it."

And that is the truth.

Proudly flying the Canadian flag in open-wheel racing competition, Ontario's Luke Chudleigh will contest the 2014 Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Series.

Aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Canadian Grand Prix heroes Gilles and Jacques Villeneuve, Europe's open-wheel racing ladder was a lure too strong for Chudleigh to ignore.

The 18-year-old from Milton, Ontario totally immersed himself in the experience, underlining his commitment to success by relocating from Canada to France full-time to both work and drive for Tech1 Racing, while learning the language of his new environment also.

“Welcome to my first column for Auto123.com! I'm excited to have this opportunity to share my European racing adventures with you and hopefully give you a bit of a snapshot into my life living and racing on the other side of the Atlantic.

Luke Chudleigh (Photo: Luke Chudleigh)

The 2014 Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Series kicks off in a couple of weeks so with my pre-season test commitments, charging around the likes of Spa and Monza, I've finally found some time to get this column fired out.

I'm headed into my second year of car racing and also second season in Europe. I'm happy to say the decision to race there, and not in North America, is courtesy of my relationship with Robert and Trevor Wickens. Until I met them, I hadn't even considered the possibility of a career in Europe and the goal of Formula 1.

My family wasn't familiar with racing at all. Playing racing games sparked my love for it to be honest; I never even used to watch F1 on TV! I just wanted to experience that sensation for real. I found my way into karting and that's where I first met Robert and Trevor.

Robert's experience in Europe, having competed and won in the likes of GP3, F3, F2 and winning the Formula Renault 3.5 Series title in 2011, is brilliant for me to be able to tap into.

Luke Chudleigh (Photo: Luke Chudleigh)

Of course he's still over there now racing in the DTM Series (as a factory Mercedes driver) but as an advocate for going down the European path to kick-start my career, he was massively influential and has been a tremendous mentor since I started racing there in 2013.

Trevor, in turn, got me karting and has worked closely with me not just on the driving front but on all the other things a driver has to focus on outside of the car. These are all things I've been putting into play both last year and as I look ahead to this year racing with Tech1 in Formula Renault 2.0.

The biggest decision I made for 2013 was to move to France to live full-time in Toulouse to be close to Tech1 Racing's base. Needless to say that brought many challenges, especially having to learn French, which I'm happy to say I've fully embraced.

It matured me a lot going over there on my own. I didn't have a support team around me, and while I have a great relationship with the team, that's business and they're not there to be my personal cheerleading squad!

Luke Chudleigh (Photo: Luke Chudleigh)

It's obviously tough when things aren't always going as you'd like on-track but despite being there independently, I never struggled for motivation. You take all these things as learning opportunities and it definitely made me stronger taking on that challenge in France.

I'm doing the same thing again this year, living in an apartment to be close to the team and to fully immerse myself in the experience.

Between races you can find me hanging out at the team's workshop, going over data, running simulator work for them and generally doing whatever's required.

Pre-season testing's been going well and I'm literally now counting down the days to the start of the 2014 season. The calendar consists of races at Imola, Pau, Red Bull Ring, Spa, Monza, Mugello and Jerez! Who wouldn't be happy to be racing at tracks like that? I can't wait to get going!

Luke

To follow Luke:
www.lukechudleigh.com
@LukeChudleigh

From GMM

Adrian Newey's pre-season fears about 'submarining' formula one cars may have been realised.

Red Bull's criticism of F1's all-new era had to be heard amid the depth of the reigning world champions' winter crisis after four consecutive seasons of dominance.

Designer Newey, however, had expressed alarm about the new, low front noses, arguing not only that they are ugly, but they might also be dangerous.

The reduced height minimised the risk of cars being launched into the air, but "I am concerned the opposite may now happen, that cars now (will) submarine effectively," the Briton had said.

Indeed, an alarming image of the crash involving Kamui Kobayashi and Felipe Massa at the first corner in Melbourne has now emerged.

The photograph depicts precisely what Newey had feared -- the low front of Kobayashi's Caterham 'submarining' under the diffuser of Massa's Williams, which is lifted perhaps a foot off the Albert Park tarmac.

A similar incident at a higher speed could foreseeably result in contact between the elevated rear-end and the head of the 'submarining' driver.

Crash of Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham) at the start of the Australian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Mazda is working on the second and third generation of its SKYACTIV-G engine, and the latter (expected to launch by 2020) will have even lower well-to-wheels CO2 emissions than current electric motors, according to the company.

Mazda's SKYACTIV engines already rank among the cleanest and most fuel-efficient on the market, and can help meet the new emissions standards without the use of a hybrid system.

Photo: Mazda

Mazda's SKYACTIV engines already rank among the cleanest and most fuel-efficient on the market, and can help meet the new emissions standards without the use of a hybrid system.

Their compression ratio will reportedly increase from 14:1 to 18:1 with the second generation. Mazda will also employ homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), a system that works pretty much like a diesel engine, using piston compression rather than a spark plug to ignite the mixture in the chamber.

Meanwhile, the third generation of SKYACTIV will adopt adiabatic combustion to prevent the loss of heat in combustion, dropping well-to-wheels CO2 emissions to around 60g/km on average.

But that's not all: Adding a mild hybrid system based on the current i-Eloop device could further reduce well-to-wheels CO2 emissions to just 50g/km, which is the equivalent of a pure electric model, according to Mazda's calculations.

Source : autocar.co.uk

From GMM

A controversy has erupted after relatives of passengers on the missing Malaysia airlines flight had to change hotels when the Ferrari team touched down for this weekend's Malaysian grand prix.

The media reports, including by the German newspaper Die Welt, said that because Ferrari had reserved the rooms at the Cyberview hotel, the grieving relatives of those on the missing flight MH370 had to move out.

"When the first Ferrari employees wanted to check in, they were told that their rooms were occupied. After heated discussions, the Italians prevailed," read the Welt report.

A hotel spokeswoman confirmed: "It is true that the Chinese families were here, but they are already gone as we are fully booked because of the formula one race."

Welt added that the hotel arranged alternate accommodation near the Kuala Lumpur airport for the passengers' families.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone commented: "I feel very sorry for the families of the passengers, but ultimately the decision lies with the hotels.

"Imagine what would happen if hotel bookings suddenly become invalid?" he added.

Welt newspaper said that hotel rooms for F1's vast travelling circus are booked "months, sometimes even years in advance".

Here is the schedule of on-track events of the Grand Prix of Malaysia, second round of the 2014 Formula 1 season.

The race will be held this weekend at Sepang International Circuit, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Louisville, KY -- Motivation itself is one of the great motivators. Motivation mixed with passion is a recipe for success, at least it should be. Chrysler has demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for decades, and in the process have created some game-changing products, as well some that did little but fill dealer lots only to be heavily discounted to move.

One such product line has been the Sebring/Avenger duo that, although popular, has never left a mark on its segments other than being a fleet star. Although good for the bottom line, Chrysler turned their attention to one of their bestselling nameplates to make it better (much better) and more importantly, something that you and I would want to own.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is actually a car I wouldn't mind seeing parked in my driveway. I wouldn't be ashamed of it. Visually, the car looks proper and the cabin is a smart evolution from what Chrysler has been putting together recently. As for the drive, it impresses in every respect. The sole issue is the highly touted 9-speed automatic transmission, which worried me with its often-erratic behaviour.


What is a Chrysler 200?
The 2015 Chrysler 200 is Chrysler's bread-and-butter midsize sedan. Previously known as the Sebring, this car has long been the entry into the brand's line of affordable luxuriously appointed cars.

The previous 200, introduced in 2010, was based on the Sebring's platform which was limited in its possibilities. The new car is assembled atop the Fiat-Chrysler Compact Wide platform that also underpins the Dart and new Jeep Cherokee.

2015 Chrysler 200 Price and Specs
As one of the most affordable luxury midsize cars in the business, the 2015 Chrysler 200 LX has a starting price of $22,495. The volume star will be the Limited and it retails for an extra $2,500. The “S” comes in at $26,995 and the top-line C, for a supplemental grand.

Returning to the plate as the proposed powerplants, although heavily revised, are the Tigershark 2.4L 4-cylinder which develops 184 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. The optional V6 is the 3.6L that produces 295 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The latter is a $2,000 option on all trims, save for the LX.

To both engines is bolted a 9-speed automatic transmission. With the V6 equipped cars, a highly advanced AWD system with rear-wheel disconnect is available as a $2,500 option for the S and C.

Driving the 2015 Chrysler 200
It's actually far more pleasant than most of you would think. Let's begin by how a Chrysler product should be -- the new 200 is quiet, smooth, and very comfortable. On these three aspects, Chrysler has scored some serious points. Here's where it gets better.

Meant as no offence to Walter's namesake, the 2015 200 gives the impression that it is not a Chrysler when being driven. From my POI, this is a huge pro. Unlike all the Sebrings, Avengers (discontinued) and 200s I've evaluated in the past, the 2015 was responsive and (dare I say it?) fun to drive.

The 200's ride quality is what stands out the most. The revised suspension, now comprised of aluminum components, stiffer bushings, and sportier tuning proved to be adept at negotiating tight and twisty roads in Louisville's surrounding rural areas. If the Mazda6 is the handler of the segment, the 200 comes in somewhere around the Accord, which would be 3rd or 4th.

Steering is light and reasonably precise. Chrysler 200s equipped with the V6 (thus the Sport mode) will notice more weight behind the wheel when engaged, among other things. Brakes are on par with the category.

I tested both a 2.4L and a V6 AWD. Respectively, they are lively and plenty powerful. The 4-cylinder will dominate the take rate and few will ever require more power. The 3.6L growls healthily under load and doesn't fear being pushed. Unfortunately, the transmission gets in the way.

The 9-speed automatic transmission comes off as more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. From 6th to 9th, all gears are overdrives, questioning the reason for their existence. Gearing from 1st to 5th is not especially tight and functions no differently than an average 6-speed ‘box. What's more, the tranny hates to be rushed, and I'm referring to any type of acceleration over a snail's pace.

Like the 2014 Cherokee, the 1-2 shift is dry and clunky as it takes place. Subsequent shifts were frequently jerky and on a few occasions, worrisome... This behaviour was more apparent with the 2.4L than the V6. Going from “R” to “D” also created unfortunate shudders and even delays.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Chrysler 200
Chrysler's come up with some fascinating designs over the decades, some were actually far ahead of their time. In the 2015 Chrysler 200's case, the car's styling is a little of everything that's good about today's modern, flowing body lines.

Depending on the angle, the new 200's got equal parts Audi, Ford (Fusion) and a little Lexus, and it all comes together rather well. Even the base trims don't look as though they belong in a car park. Clearly, the S and C 200s are far more exciting to look at.

The 2015 Chrysler 200's cabin is, with little doubt, one of the nicest in its segment. Packaging and ergonomics are, in a word, exceptional. The tactile 8.4” screen is a model to follow and the easy access to HVAC controls should also be mimicked. Fit, finish and materials gain equal praise.

The seats are comfortable and supportive and overall interior space is decent to good. The centre console is brilliant thanks to a rotary gear selector that frees up space for extra storage below. Some of the available interior trims are truly upscale and complement the impression that this is not a typical Chrysler product.

Comparing the 2015 Chrysler 200
Chrysler's game certainly has changed with the arrival of the new 2015 200. Although a big seller, the 2015 Chrysler 200's job is now to change people's opinion of what the car represents. In other words: that it's no longer a rental car.

Going up against the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord and a few others is a daunting task on the best of days. This time around, the 200's got what it takes. It's now up to buyers to see it in a different light.

Santa Barbara, CA -- Full disclosure: I own a Subaru WRX, and the following review will make you want to ditch your current set of wheels for this sensible, almost bland-looking affordable supercar.

Yes: supercar.

The 2015 Subaru WRX has discarded much of its quirky design cues in favour of a more traditionally generic body, making current Corolla, Malibu or Tucson invalid options as daily family commuter cars.

The WRX is devastatingly fast, can go practically unnoticed in a car park, and will have you smiling at the very thought of everyday mundane drives. Every kilometre driven will widen the smile on your face and make you worship your new WRX.


What is a Subaru WRX?
The Holy Grail. Subaru's WRX has the same automotive clout amongst enthusiast as the MKI Volkswagen GTI or Ford Mustang. Upon its birth (2002 model year in North America), it instantly became a legend of road, tracks, and not to mention surfaces.

As a high-performance compact sedan with AWD and a lovely turbo, the Subaru WRX is a platform on which nothing is built (because it's that good).

2015 Subaru WRX Price and Specs
The 2015 Subaru WRX (“Impreza” was dropped) leaves showrooms in exchange for $29,995.

The WRX returned to the 2.0L WRC roots it set in the ‘90s. The now twin-scroll turbocharger-equipped 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces 268 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,000-5,200 rpm.

Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive with active torque vectoring is obviously standard. With it comes a 6-speed manual transmission or, alternatively, a Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission with paddle shifters. As further incentive to those opting for the CVT, Subaru throws in SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive.

Driving the 2015 Subaru WRX
Burble, where hast thou gone? A twin-scroll charger, and different exhaust headers means our beloved WRX is now a civilized barnburner of a car.

The new 2015 Subaru WRX may be quieter, but where it really matters (power) the new direct-injected 2.0L really shines. Gone is the lack of refinement. In its place: efficiency and performance. 0-100 km/hr times vary between high 4s to low 5 seconds.

The blast is so smooth that if it weren't for my butt dyno, I'd not believe the numbers. This makes me sad. My '03 WRX kicks me in the groin when boost comes on making for big grins. This new gentleman-like power delivery is too adult-like for me to like it... But I do.

Torque is full-on as of 2,000 rpm, and given there's barely any turbo lag to speak of, 16+ psi of boost are on almost immediately. Rowing through the gears is fabulous; the shifter is heavy and positive in its throws. Heel-and-toe enthusiasts will shift with glee, as I did, with perfect pedal positioning.

At the risk of being called old: The Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission is really damn good. Overnight, this ‘box went from bad (XV Crosstrek Hybrid) to nearly the best. At more than 30% throttle, the tranny shifts like an automatic. Under 30%, it works like a regular CVT. In Sport, it'll give you six gears; in Sport Sharp, eight gears. Many new buyers will be drawn to the car because of it.

Control, and the car's abilities are front and centre on the 2015 WRX. Previously, the driver had more responsibilities, now the car handles more of that burden. Torsional rigidity is up 40% and lateral stiffness by 14% allowing for a stiffer, sportier suspension fitment.

Front and rear suspensions are revised with higher spring rates, thicker sway bars, and added stiffening plates at mounting points. Other than the appreciably sharper ride all around, it's the rear suspension's behaviour that truly made a difference in the car's handling.

The rear is now a true pivot point where the car's tires are perfectly poised for maximum grip to allow for the ideal amount of slip angle when carving corners. Grip is tenacious, but incredibly malleable without giving up feedback and control. There is no comparing the ‘14 WRX to the ‘15 here.

Body roll is reduced by 20% and with the 2015 WRX's quick-ratio electric steering, the car slices and dices through canyon roads with feel and self-assurance. Confidence in the car's handling is sky-high and the brakes emanate good feedback and were infallible on both road and track.

Although far more civil than the previous 2008-2014 WRX, this new car can be just as raw as the older cars were (including mine),but will punish you less on a daily basis.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Subaru WRX
The new 2015 WRX is far more pedestrian and generic-looking. However, the WRX still looks good especially from the front. The blistered over-fenders took a small step back on the car's overall design and appeal and blend more into the strictly Japanese side profile -- but this is still a WRX.

The cabin is essentially carried over from the regular Impreza with the addition of the cool D-shaped steering wheel and sport seats that are too wide proving insufficient laterally, and height adjustment is lacking.

As a four-door sedan (no hatchback, sorry) with a decent trunk, the new WRX can and will serve as a family car.

Comparing the 2015 Subaru WRX
The new WRX has shed some previous-gen rough edges (which I loved), but because the car is now more “polite,” it has never been more in line with a broader range of competitors.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart comes close, very close, but the Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Si are more likely to compete head-to-head with the new 2015 WRX. I love me a GTI or ST, but I'd leave the Subaru lot in a new WRX...

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton's 2014 title campaign is still on track.

The Melbourne polesitter had to retire at Albert Park after his Mercedes engine - among a mere allocation of just five for the entire 19-race campaign - dropped from six to five cylinders in the early stages of the race.

"While I wanted to keep going," Hamilton said in Australia, "we had to play safe and save the engine."

But it appears that Mercedes' efforts to 'save' the turbo V6 'power unit' have at least paid off.

The Mercedes' engine, installed in the W05 chassis. (Photo: WRi2)

The Mirror newspaper reports that the 2008 world champion, whose teammate Nico Rosberg is leading the drivers' standings, has not yet lost the Melbourne-specification engine from his allocation for the season.

"The fortunate thing is that we did stop when we did," Hamilton said in Kuala Lumpur, explaining that "something went wrong with the wiring" in Australia.

"I didn't want to stop I have to say," he admitted. "The car was going but not very fast. I am keeping my fingers crossed and I think it (the engine) is going to be usable."

On President's Day last month, about 40 electric-car advocates gathered under the rotunda at the state capitol in Washington state, where a lobbyist for Tesla Motors urged them to rally against a bill that would prevent the carmaker from opening new...

It's always hard to give up on a classic. And that explains why Audi of America is bringing back the TT rather than pulling the plug on it.