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A new blimp comes around only once in a while, and Goodyear slowly replacing its fleet is cause for fanfare.

The above dealer video breaks down the entire 1973 Opel lineup for Buick dealers devoted to selling "intriguingly foreign" GM captives. Look at that Manta corner! When it

-- Combining Los Angeles' proud traditions of flashy cars and breathlessly exciting high-speed pursuits, the Los Angeles Police Department has picked up

A 1969 Shelby Mustang that has been stored in a garage for 40 years will be sold at an estate auction.

PSA says it will add a night shift at its Sochaux plant in response to high demand for the new Peugeot 308, creating 600 new jobs.

Nissan is so confident about the new Qashqai that its production capacity is three times that of the first-generation crossover.

Showing increasing confidence in the pace and durability of the recovery, automakers are spending to restock depleted departments in core areas, such as sales, marketing, distribution, product planning and administration.

The push to improve fuel economy has shaken up the auto industry's once-cozy world of turbocharger suppliers.

Unusually high levels of air pollution in Paris have prompted city officials to offer free public transit as well as bicycle- and car-sharing services at reduced fees.

Meanwhile, car drivers have to obey an ''alternate traffic'' policy: Those with an even licence plate number (or heavy-duty vehicle) are forbidden to hit the streets of Paris on Monday, while those with an odd licence plate number will face the same rule on Tuesday.

Exceptions include:

• Hybrid and electric vehicles;
• Vehicles running on either LPG or natural gas;
• Vehicles with at least three passengers;
• Taxis and school buses;
• Emergency vehicles;
• Refrigerated trucks.

Offenders risk a modest fine of €22, but authorities will make sure they leave the city.

Such drastic measures will last indefinitely ― meaning as long as air pollution levels in Paris drop back to acceptable levels.

Source : lemonde.fr

From Formula1.com

Caterham's Kamui Kobayashi has been cleared of any blame over his first-lap clash with Williams' Felipe Massa in Melbourne, Australia.

The Japanese driver had been summoned to the stewards after crashing into the back of Massa's car as the pair approached the first corner of the race, eliminating both cars on the spot.

However, having reviewed technical data provided by Caterham, the stewards determined that the incident was ‘caused by a serious technical failure completely outside the control of the driver'.

Caterham have been directed to work with the FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer to determine the cause of the systems failure.

Kobayashi explained on Twitter that no rear brakes had been the problem, adding: "Sorry to Felipe but was not my mistake."

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

From GMM

Former F1 team owner and boss Paul Stoddart has tipped Red Bull to win its appeal against Daniel Ricciardo's Melbourne disqualification.

In a complex ruling, Ricciardo's car was excluded after the team rejected the accuracy of an FIA sensor and relied on its own measurements to comply with the rule governing the maximum allowed flow of fuel into the engine.

"We wouldn't be appealing if we weren't extremely confident we have a defendable case," said team boss Horner.

Daniel Ricciardo, originally second in Australia with Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Paul Stoddart, who sold his Minardi team to Toro Rosso owners Red Bull in 2005, tipped Red Bull to prove to the FIA that it didn't cheat.

"The Renault engineers would've known exactly how much fuel was going into that engine," the Australian told Melbourne radio 3AW on Monday. "We're talking teams with budgets of $400, $500 million here -- they have far better equipment than the FIA."

The correspondent for the London newspaper The Times, Kevin Eason, wrote: "In the other corner (to Red Bull) is the FIA, essentially an amateur organisation with a budget a fraction of the F1 teams."

Stoddart tipped Red Bull to be able to prove that Ricciardo "did not gain any advantage" and that it decided to ignore the FIA because it was the "right" thing to do in the circumstances.

Christian Horner explained: "We could see a significant discrepancy with what the sensor was reading and what our fuel flow was stated as.

"These (FIA) fuel flow sensors have proved problematic. So we relied on our own data, because otherwise we would have lost a lot of engine power," he is quoted by Speed Week.

Fuel flow sensor. (Photo: Gill Sensors)

The FIA's Charlie Whiting, however, said he advised Red Bull repeatedly throughout the race weekend to "take the necessary steps" to comply with the rules.

"If they had followed the advice we gave them at the time, we would not have had a problem and they would not have been penalised," he said.

"If their sensor was kaput, then things would have been different," Whiting added. "It is a human thing because they have the ability to do what was needed to comply."

Red Bull's case is further weakened by the words of Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell, who said the way the fuel flow is measured is "accurate and reliable".

"All the teams have their own consumption measurements via the injection data. In the case of irregularities, the FIA will compare its values with those of the team. So we have a safety net," he is quoted by the German-language Spox.

Gary Bettenhausen, member of one of open-wheel racing's most legendary families in North America, has passed away at age 72.

Bettenhausen was the son of Tony Bettenhausen, a 14-time ‘500 starter whose best finish was second in 1955, and brother of the late Tony Bettenhausen Jr., and Merle Bettenhusen.

Gary Bettenhausen is an Indianapolis 500 veteran who started 21 times between 1968 and 1993 and whose final start in American open-wheel racing came at the 1996 U.S. 500, driving a several-year-old Penske chassis for brother Tony Jr.

Gary Bettenhausen, 1972 Indy 500. (Photo: IMS)

His best result came in 1980 when he finished third, but his best drive occurred in 1972, after leading 138 laps and suffering a late-race mechanical failure.

Bettenhausen, one of the best on dirt, came up on the short tracks of the Midwest and was a multi-time sprint car and dirt track champion. He made several NASCAR starts as well.

Rumours of a possible Aston Martin buyout by Mercedes-Benz have set the Internet ablaze. Autocar reports that the German automaker, which already owns 5% of Aston Martin, did not rule out the possibility of acquiring the remaining 95%.

The two companies partnered last year, resulting in AMG supplying new V8 engines for the next-generation Aston Martin Vantage. Mercedes-Benz apparently wants to expand that relationship to share platforms and other components.

Obviously, no deal has been signed yet. We'll keep you updated.

Source : autocar.co.uk

Through a partnership with Micello, which specializes in public area mapping (airports, shopping malls, hospitals, etc.), GPS manufacturer TomTom now offers users a brand new app that can guide you around 15,000 locations across the globe including IKEA stores.

The following video shows how you can track your position inside the store and even find the department where a specific item is located.

Source : cnetfrance.fr

BMW's M cars are always an occasion for celebration. Each new launch is always accompanied by fanfare and debates surrounding the car, its worth, and how it compares to the previous most excellent M car.

The 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé cannot be measured against its predecessor, as it does not have one. Perhaps this is why accepting the ultimate version of the 6 Series based Gran Coupé was so easy. Actually, this car need not be discussed, only driven and admired.

In our four-door coupe compare test, the BMW M6 Gran Coupé may not have won overall, but it captured my heart. Mind-bogglingly beautiful, powerful enough to stop your heart in its tracks and an incredible event to be part of when wedged solemnly in the driver's seat at the helm of this rocket, the M6 Gran Coupé has currently hoisted itself to the top of all M cars. Read on.


What is a BMW M6 Gran Coupé?
The Gran Coupé is the four-door version of BMW's lauded 6 Series two-door coupe. Its reason for being is nothing short of making a statement, and it does.

The 2014 M6 Gran Coupé is aimed squarely at those seeking elegance and performance in one sleek package.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé Price and Specs
The 2014 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé has a starting price of $87,900. Skipping to the M6 tacks on no less than $40,000.

The M6 features BMW's twin-turbocharged 90-degree 4.4L V8. Here, as in the M5 and M6 Coupé, it generates 560 horsepower between 6,000-7,000 rpm. Torque is rated at 500 lb-ft between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. Between this delectable piece of sweet German muscle and the rear wheels lies BMW's 7-speed MDCT transmission.

The M6 also features BMW EfficientDynamics that consists of the Auto Start-Stop function brake energy regeneration. So, BMW's got you covered “green-wise” despite the 560 stomping horses under the bonnet.

This particular 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé was, in a word, perfect. Included in the $160,950 price were the optional M carbon-ceramic brakes, Bang & Olufsen sound system, Executive package, and Frozen Brilliant white paint.

The Gran Coupé is the four-door version of BMW's lauded 6 Series two-door coupe. Its reason for being is nothing short of making a statement, and it does. (Photo: Auto123.TV)

Driving the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé
Of the four cars in our comparo test, this is the one that got my palms sweatiest. The Audi RS 7 made me act out against the elements the most, but it was the M6 that truly spoke to me.

It all begins the second the V8 barks to life. The reverberations from the V8 and colossal braaapp that exits the quad rear tailpipes makes big strong men collapse from the goodness of sound...

My excitement was palpable when I got behind the wheel of the 2014 BMW M6. Pulling the less-than-cool shifter into “D” makes it all happen. Despite the terrible weather and driving conditions, the M6 Gran Coupé beat the winter driving conditions into submission.

OK, sure, all will point out that the rear Pirelli winter tires were severely struggling for grip, but it had nothing to do with me. I swear... When the snow was replaced with wet tarmac, the BMW would demonstrate its breadth. The acceleration was massive, titanic, and brain numbing. The accompanying melody of backfires following instantaneous super-shifts from the box would do to me what I imagine the effects of cocaine would. More! More! More!

As with any BMW M car, the M6 Gran Coupé is fantastically sharp in every aspect of its drive. Steering is the complete opposite of vague, really fast and rewarding. Without a doubt equal to the V8's goodness are the ceramic brakes. With enough power to halt a runaway freight train, these stoppers are well worth the $6,750 entry fee. Pedal feel is positive and delicate, just the way I like it.

On a handling course, I'm positive the 2014 BMW M6 would have been seriously impressive. I test drove the car in winter and therefore was able to explore its drifting abilities. It's good. On the highway, stability and control are the orders of the day; high rates of speed are expected.

The wheel-mounted “M” buttons make it all the more badass. True story.

It all begins the second the V8 barks to life. The reverberations from the V8 and colossal braaapp that exits the quad rear tailpipes makes big strong men collapse from the goodness of sound. (Photo: Auto123.TV)

Inside and Out of the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé
As with the engine, the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé's inside and out are breathtaking. In fact, I like it better than any other M car, including the svelte M3 and monstrous M5.

The M6 reminds me of a feline's skull. It's sleek, thin, profiled, and fast. The only downside to the M6 Gran Coupé's profile is getting in and out of the rear seats. Make sure you duck your head. A note on the carbon fibre roof panel: I like.

The car's passenger quarters are equally special. Between it and the Porsche Panamera's, I'm not sure which I prefer. The Porker's is more business-like whereas the Bimmer's is all a go-fast affair. The driving position is low and extremely intimate -- making friends with the M6 is easy.

The perches, covered in full Merino leather ($5,900); touch the occupants in all the right ways. The dashboard is complex, but everything is within reach. Those controls that are especially important are the steering, suspension, and transmission response, nestled neatly to the left of the shifter.

The “M” steering is especially nice with great grip and look. What can I say about the gauges? Classic and perfect.

The car's passenger quarters are equally special. The driving position is low and extremely intimate -- making friends with the M6 is easy. (Photo: Auto123.TV)

Comparing the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé
The comparison test in which the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé participated was one of the toughest we've ever had to judge. Although one car failed to fully ignite our senses, the other three all delivered immense sensory-pleasing mojo. The M6 was my personal favourite, but the conditions made the RS 7's Quattro AWD system impossible to resist.

From GMM

Red Bull Racing is yet to formally appeal the stewards' decision to disqualify Daniel Ricciardo at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The Australian driver was thrown out of the results after finishing second in Melbourne, due to irregularities with his Red Bull RB10's fuel flow data and improper use of the FIA-supplied sensor.

The team said late on Sunday that an appeal will be lodged.


The Australian news agency AAP quoted a FIA source as saying Red Bull has served notice of the intention to appeal, but an actual formal appeal is yet to be lodged.

"It is understood Red Bull now has 96 hours to formally table their appeal," the report added.

As for when the probably Paris-based appeal will be held, the FIA source said: "It's not possible to say when it will be heard.

"It depends on how quickly both parties can prepare their cases. There is no set timetable", the source added.

Featuring a photo of the normally-grinning Ricciardo with a bowed head, the front page headline of the major Melbourne newspaper Herald Sun on Monday read 'Grand Farce'.

Race organiser the Australian Grand Prix Corporation's chief executive Andrew Westacott said: "Of course I want him to keep second place, I'm a bit gutted by it, but that's sport and funny things happen."

The very first Datsun cars built in the 21st century will be delivered to Indian customers starting on March 19th, 2014 ― exactly 100 years after the launch of the original DAT car in Japan.

Over the past century, Datsun sold more than 20 million vehicles in 190 countries.

Photo: Datsun

The Datsun GO will land at more than 120 Datsun dealers across India, with pricing to be announced on March 19th.

New Datsun models will be introduced in Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa later this year. No word yet on North American availability.

Here are our top 5 photos of Sunday's Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, a race dominated by Nico Rosberg in his Mercedes AMG W05.

The race was highlighted by several surprises such as Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo (who finished second before his disqualification), rookie Kevin Magnussen who finished on the podium for McLaren and Valtteri Bottas who drove like a man possessed in his Mercedes-powered Williams.

5
Kamui Kobayashi, Caterham

Kamui Kobayashi, Caterham-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

The diminutive Japanese made it to Q2 and qualified a surprisingly high 14th. However, a rear brake failure at the first corner ruined his race (and Felipe Massa's too).

4
Nico Hulkenberg, Sahara Force India

Nico Hülkenberg, Sahara Force India-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

Nico Hulkenberg qualified an excellent 7th, and battled with Ferrari Fernando Alonso during most of the race. He crossed the line in 6th place.

3
Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG

Nico Roberg, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

We all knew that the Mercedes AMG W05 was fast. But Nico Rosberg drove a very inspired race. He jumped into the lead right at the start and cruised to victory, his fourth in career.

2
Valtteri Bottas, Williams

Valtteri Bottas, Williams-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

The Finn drove like man possessed. He sliced through the field until he brushed the wall and suffered a puncture. He returned into action and finished 5th.

1
Kevin Magnussen, McLaren

Kevin Magnussen, McLaren-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

The rookie finished third on the road in his Formula 1 debut. In fact, Magnussen drove like a veteran, making no mistakes to cross the line in front of his teammate, Jenson Button.

On 2,314 brand new 2014 Honda Civics, some of the tires may have been damaged during the mounting process, resulting in a tear in the bead of the tire. This could result in rapid air loss and/or tire failure, which could increase the risk of a crash.

Affected owners should take their Civic to their local Honda dealer in order to have the tires inspected and replaced as necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Honda

From GMM

Fernando Alonso insists he is "very happy" to have a "strong opponent" to fight against at Ferrari this year.

Some believe the Spaniard cannot possibly have supported the team's decision to replace the subordinate Felipe Massa with the former Ferrari champion Kimi Raikkonen.

But Alonso insists Massa was no pushover.

"Sometimes he was even faster than Michael Schumacher when they were together," he told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. "But my four years were fantastic with Felipe, so I expect nothing other than my coming years with Kimi to be fantastic too."

Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, a Shell event in Australia. (Photo: WRi2)

Finn Raikkonen had a poor race return with Ferrari in Australia, but Alonso tipped him to get up to speed quickly.

"He's very, very fast, perhaps the fastest of us all, or at least he is considered as such by some," he said.

"Last year, he battled for the title with a Lotus, an achievement I rate highly because I do not think Lotus are so strong. I have a very strong opponent in the team and I am very happy about that, whether you believe me or not," Alonso added.

He said all the recent speculation about their relationship was "understandable", given the new season and a "winter in which nothing much happens".

"This has become a routine for me, especially since I've been with Ferrari, because it was also said it would be very difficult for me with Felipe," said Alonso.