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Jeep tomorrow will unveil its new Renegade subcompact SUV. The 'baby' Jeep is key to parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' ambitious global growth plans for the iconic off-road brand.

Cachet is a decidedly valuable characteristic to have. Many carmakers began by offering niche cars that in time evolved into je ne sais quoi vehicles with a certain amount of appeal.

Infiniti started out with cachet, and it quickly progressed into being the niche Japanese luxury brand or less flatteringly, the performance Japanese alternative to the Germans. The Infiniti G35 was at the forefront of this perception where it remains to this day.

Times have changed though, and the ex-G35/37 is now the Q50 and has properly evolved into one of the most technologically advanced in its segment and beyond. This reality elevates the Q50 to another level, opening it up equally to praise and criticism. The new 2014 Infiniti Q50 is a stunner, but the technology may be too advanced for its own good.


What is an Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid?
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is the brand's gateway car. Historically, the ex-“G” car was not only the most affordable car in Nissan's luxury brand lineup, but also the most exciting and possibly the most desirable.

The compact luxury sedan has always managed to blend performance and sophistication in a very striking package that has made enthusiast and consumers alike salivate. The current Q50 continues this tradition with styling and trims to please all.

2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid Price and Specs
The new Infiniti Q50 has a starting price of $37,900. Available in four versions, ranging from the base 3.7 to the sporty S, the Q50 caters to those looking for luxury and thrills. For those expecting more performance with a green conscience, they can opt for the Hybrid available in two versions.

The element that distinguishes all Q50s is its available intelligent AWD system. The 3.7 features a 328 horsepower 3.7L V6, whereas the Hybrid starts off with a 3.5L V6 to which is joined a 50kW electric motor. Its output is rated at a pleasing 360 horsepower. In all cases, a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control is standard.

The base 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid tips the pricing scale at $47,000. As tested, my Premium with Sport Package Q50 S AWD topped out at $56,450.

Historically, the ex-“G” car was not only the most affordable car in Nissan's luxury brand lineup, but also the most exciting and possibly the most desirable. (Photo: Infiniti)

Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid
The prospect of driving an Infiniti “G” car has always been exciting with the possible exception of the G20 from the 1990s, which was nothing more than a Sentra... Regardless, from the G35 on, a rewarding and sporty time behind the wheel was always to be expected.

My expectations for the Q50 were met when I briefly drove Miranda's Q50 AWD, but that experience was only the tip of the iceberg, but not in an entirely good way.

The hybrid's powertrain is nothing short of impressive where going fast and being frugal are concerned. I averaged 8.5L/100 km in -20 degree weather and snow. These conditions did little to favour EV driving for much more than 5 seconds at a time despite light throttle application. Playing with the Infiniti Drive Mode selector insured shaper (or duller) throttle response, but in all respects the Q50 Hybrid was very fast.

Another high point goes to the brakes, which did not suffer from typical regeneration grabbiness. Smooth and progressive like a normal braking system, they also performed flawlessly all week.

My issue stems from the car's vehicle speed sensitive steering with direct adaptive steering. Although adjustable through the InTouch menus, I could not settle into what was going on with the front wheels ahead of me. I was in love with the system at first, but I quickly became dismayed with the complete lack of feedback and input from the 245-section front tires. It became obvious that I had no physical connection with the car. None. This fact marred my time with the 2014 Infiniti Q50. And unlike Lightstone, I was happy to turn up in a German competitor the following week.

As a travelling companion, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid will do exactly what is asked of it including grip, grab, and go. I, however, plainly don't like being so isolated. I crave a certain intimacy with the car I'm driving. You, on the other hand, may find it amazing and with good reason.

The hybrid's powertrain is nothing short of impressive where going fast and being frugal are concerned. (Photo: Infiniti)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid
The new Q50's outer shell is exquisite. In a segment that includes superstars like the BMW 3 Series, the Q50 strikes an impressive balance between eclectic Japanese flowing design and stern German lines.

The cabin is just as exquisite. Snug and cockpit-like, it was conceived to make the occupants feel connected to car. This attempt was lost on me, but the fact remains that the craftsmanship is top-notch, as are the materials used.

The seats proved to be firm and supportive and provided me with a great driving position. The rear bench is snug, yet comfortable. Points are taken away from the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid for its limited trunk space.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid's dashboard is a near masterpiece of integration and a techie's delight. Infiniti InTouch and InTuition offer up a quasi-unlimited number of possibilities where customization is concerned. Important functions are attainable through specific controls. Sadly, it all takes far too long to load when the car is started, especially in winter when all I want is to turn the heated steering wheel on! Go ahead, call me a crybaby.

The cabin is just as exquisite. Snug and cockpit-like, it was conceived to make the occupants feel connected to car. (Photo: Infiniti)

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid
The Q50 Hybrid has only a handful of competitors of which no other offers an AWD option. On this point alone, the Q50 wins. As far as the driving experience is concerned, it also takes the cake, as the BMW ActiveHybrid3 is no hero, either. However, my hard-earned money would go towards diesel motoring or a smaller displacement turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

From Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

Excitement for Kawartha Speedway's 2014 Grassroots Racing Series continues to build.

The first green flag waves Friday, June 6 for an evening of Late Model, Thunder Car, Mini Stock, 4Fun and Legends action on the spacious 3/8-mile oval at Fraserville, Ontario.

Founder and promoter Andrew McFadden says word is spreading like wildfire as the opening date gets closer.

"All that we really need now is some warmer weather to get things rolling," said McFadden.

"My in-box is buzzing with inquiries and completed registration forms every day. The series is the talk of social media sites and it looks like we'll have full fields in each of our regular divisions. We're rolling-out the 'welcome' mat and teams from across the province are responding in a positive way."

McFadden says some drivers steeped in Kawartha Speedway's history have filed intentions including Late Model standouts Dan McHattie - a multi-time track champion, Ryan Kimball - who is a former Thunder Car champ and earned a popular main event victory in 2012 and Kyle Donaldson, who has his name on championship hardware from many divisions.

2012 Kawartha runner-up and 2013 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park champion Howie Crowe, John Baker Jr. and former Mini Stock title holder Daryl Fice will compliment the Thunder Car ranks, with Willy Howells and 2012 feature winner Danny Benedict bringing their potent Mini Stock machines to the party. McFadden says that in addition to the growing list of talented racers coming to the series, Grassroots Racing is looking for marketing support to provide title advertising for each regular division, track signage and point funds.

"Opportunities are available for individual events and full season sponsorship," said McFadden.

"We have activities planned throughout the eight races on the schedule and will also be involved in regional goings-on to help build the brand. We're currently looking for drivers who'll be able to showcase their machines in Peterborough's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Sunday, March 16. It's an excellent chance to promote your team and sponsors, as well as the Grassroots Racing Series."

The Grassroots Racing Series promotional team is pleased to announce that another exciting event has been added to the series' calendar. The Ontario Secondary School Electric Vehicle Challenge will be staged before the stockcar portion of the open practice session Friday, May 16.

A direct competition between schools from across the province in student-built, battery powered electric race cars will see teams from nearly half a dozen schools tackle Kawartha Speedway's 3/8-mile layout to see how many laps they can complete in a one hour time frame.

Twelve volt machines will take to the track at 10am, with the 24 volt O.S.S. Challenge rides getting the green flag at noon.

After skipping Montreal to focus on the Detroit Auto Show last January, Tesla Motors is dropping by the 2014 Quebec City Auto Show with the much talked-about Model S to court electric car enthusiasts from La Belle Province... and feel the pulse of the Quebec City market.

Legions of visitors are expected to surround the car and admire it from every angle, with many of them seizing the opportunity to test drive a unit at the show as part of the CAA-Quebec road tests. While range anxiety usually affects potential EV buyers, they flash a big smile when they learn that the Model S can cover up to 370 or 480 kilometres on a full charge depending on the battery.

Photo: Guillaume Rivard

Judging by its formidable sales growth -- Tesla forecasts a 55% gain in 2014 -- and the expansion of its Supercharger network that will connect Toronto with Quebec City starting this summer, it's only a matter of time before the innovative company breaks ground in the province's capital.

“The greater the demand across Quebec, the more likely we are to have a second store/showroom or service centre,” said an enthusiastic Martin Paquet, regional sales director at Tesla Canada, referring to the one already established in the Montreal area (Laval).

The fast expanding electric car maker now has four stores and galleries, as well as four service centres, across Canada -- and nearly 60 stores and service centres worldwide, with more than 50 new facilities set to open in the next few months (mostly in Europe), including a service centre in Calgary.

As reported last month, the buzz around the Tesla Model S in Quebec City is such that a local taxi owner, Christian Roy, will soon take delivery of the very first Tesla taxi in North America.

The launch of a third Tesla model that's smaller and more affordable ($30,000-$40,000) around 2017 will certainly cause the brand's popularity to explode.

Simply put, Tesla is one to keep a close eye on, so don't miss your chance to see it and even try it out at the 2014 Quebec City Auto Show.

Formula 1's Strategy Group has approved changes to the qualifying format to spice up the last of three sessions, called Q3.

The idea behind those changes is to get all of the ten fastest cars out on track during Q3.

Last year, some drivers elected not to go out to save sets of fresh tires for the race, and to start the race on the compounds they desired.

For 2014, Q1 will be reduced from 20 to 18 minutes while Q3 will be lengthened from 10 minutes to 12, to give drivers more time to complete two timed runs.

Drivers who choose not to go out on the track will start the race on the tire they used in Q2.

The tweaks need to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA before being introduced in time for the season-opening Grand Prix of Australia, March 16.

Formerly known and presented last June as ''iOS in the Car,'' Apple's CarPlay onboard communication system with smartphone integration will find its way into several vehicles starting next week.

Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo will use the Geneva Auto Show to make such announcements, according to the Financial Times. Apple reportedly has agreements with 18 car companies already.

CarPlay allows drivers to control incoming calls, text messages, navigation, and entertainment functions through a familiar interface that includes both a touchscreen and voice recognition.

Source : news.cnet.com

From Renault Sport F1

Rob White, Renault Sport F1 deputy managing director (technical) predicts opening round of the 2014 Formula 1 season in Australia will be a stressful and anxious weekend.

Question: How was the second Bahrain test from a Renault perspective?
Rob White: “The aim of the last test session before Australia was to recover some of the lost ground from the previous test sessions and to rehearse the Grand Prix. We wanted each of our four teams to be able to approach a normal race weekend without having to improvise any of the procedures or operations needed. We can't escape the fact that we did not complete the entire programme with all the teams and that some Melbourne preparations are incomplete. On the up-side, we have done some of everything, with simulations of qualifying sessions, starts, race distances and long stints and it is fair to say that once again we have made some real progress.

“We have cured or found workarounds for some of the problems we had previously identified. New problems revealed as we ran more have added to the unsolved items, and have disrupted running, which is disappointing for our teams.”

Remi Taffin with the Renault engineers. (Photo: WRi2)

Q: Have there been any major issues this time round?
Rob White: “In terms of down-time, we see that minor incidents can veer off into major ones and cause significant downtime. This is an example of the immaturity of our Power Unit; we do not have all of the fail-safe and limp-home modes we would consider normal in this stage. This contributes to the loss of track time when a small issue does occur. As we go forward we expect to be able to take these things in our stride rather than have a major failure as a result of minor problem.

“When running, this immaturity makes itself known as shortcomings in torque delivery or ‘drivability', which make it tricky for the drivers to find the performance limit of the car.”

Q: And what have been the key learnings over the testing period?
Rob White: “We have started to converge on a configuration of car that is more like when we have run the engine back on the dynos in Viry. We've increased the level of performance at which the Power Unit can be operated, and we've made strides in terms of how energy is managed round the circuit. Additionally we have made some headway on troubleshooting our control systems.”

Q: What is the plan now pre-Melbourne?
Rob White: “Between now and Melbourne we have a number of items to cover. We need to consolidate all of the lessons learned across all the teams. We need to review all the accumulated data and compare and contrast to get the best out of it so the starting point for all of the Renault-powered cars is as good as it can be. Second, we must progress further on the torque delivery of the Power Unit felt by the drivers. This will include software and calibration work, with simulator and dyno and validation. Thirdly there is the logistical challenge of getting the race Power Units built and shipped to Australia. That process is well under way and will be finished next week.”

Red Bull Racing endured a tough time in testing. (Photo: WRi2)

Q: Has the Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit undergone the necessary homologation process?
Rob White: “Yes, the relevant documents and a reference Power Unit have been submitted to the FIA within the deadlines in the Sporting Rules.”

Q: What are your hopes for Melbourne?
Rob White: “Melbourne will be an anxious weekend! Conducting a normal race weekend, in which both cars run well during each session for every team, would be a great relief. I hope we can support our teams and drivers to explore the performance of the car and allow the race to deliver its sporting verdict.”

BMW has released a short video to announce the world premiere of the new X4 crossover on March 6th at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show. It's a teaser that will merely whet your appetite, though, so come back to Auto123.com on Thursday and during the next few weeks for more details and pictures of the BMW X4.

Source : instagram.com

The Court of Appeal of the State of California has just made it legal to use a cell phone while driving but apparently only for navigation purposes.

The judges found that the original intention of the law was to prohibit drivers from talking on the phone, not stop them from using it as a navigational aid.

This came after a man named Steven R. Spriggs was pulled over and given a ticket for ''using a cell phone'' behind the wheel, not ''talking on the phone while driving.'' For the California court, this small technicality made all the difference.

Source : jalopnik.com

Tell me what you drive, and I'll tell you who you are, eh? Using Google Autocomplete, drivers can learn what other people think of them and their car based on the most popular search items entered in the box.

For instance, when typing ''why are BMW drivers,'' Autocomplete continues with ''jerks,'' ''so bad,'' or ''so aggressive.''

Actually, pretty much every car brand is unfavourably perceived by Google users. One exception? Tesla. Go ahead and perform your own search to find out what other people think of you and your car.

^{Source : carwow.co.uk}

Please include attribution to carwow with this graphic.

No one should be surprised at Kevin Harvick's dominating win at Phoenix on Sunday.

With the victory, his fifth at the one-mile oval, Harvick becomes the winningest driver at the facility.

And he did it in only his second points' race with his new team Stewart-Haas Racing after 13-year tenure with Richard Childress Racing.

Kevin Harvick leads the pack in Phoenix. (Photo: Getty Images/NASCAR)

Just like Matt Kenseth, went on a tear last year leaving Roush Fenway Racing for Joe Gibbs Racing winning seven races and finishing second in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, the move has fired up the driver known as “Happy”.

“Man, this just solidifies so many things and so many decisions," said Harvick.

"It's been so much work with all the time and effort that these guys have put in, but what a race car. Rodney Childers (his new crew chief) has just done a phenomenal job of putting this team together. These guys all want to win. That's why they came here. That's why I came here, too.”

Team co-owner, Gene Haas, wasn't surprised about overcoming skeptics when his and Tony Stewart's team went from two cars to four cars.

“No, this is phenomenal,” Haas, said. “I think there was a lot of skepticism last year about what myself and Tony (Stewart), what we were up to. Was there a lot of madness to this?” Haas added rhetorically.

In the end it comes down to the full support of the owners for their drivers.

“Like Gene said, there's been a lot of skepticism as we've gone through the off season,” Harvick explained. “For me, honestly you hear it, I paid attention to it during the off season obviously, but as we've gone through the first few weeks, you try to put yourself in your own little world.

“Last three days I've sat in my hotel room from about from about 7:30pm on and said, 'How are we going to mess this up, as we trying to go through everything that we could do wrong?' Rodney is probably annoyed with me as I've come in the hauler and asked about five thousand questions about probably the dumbest things he's ever heard of.

“All in all, Gene has given us every resource that you can imagine. Tony (Stewart) has been just very supportive of whatever we wanted to do. Rodney has put together a group of guys that believes in what we're doing.”

It's early days in the Harvick SHR mix; but like Kenseth both drivers put in long careers with contending teams only to leave and reach success quickly with new teams.

If Harvick can replicate Kenseth's 2013 season with JGR he'll be proof that breaking up isn't so hard to do.

Some people believe that lithium-ion batteries are not as safe as manufacturers claim. The folks at Autoblog Green discovered a video of a brutally tortured Nissan LEAF battery that should put their fears to rest.

Electric cars don't just automatically catch fire after crashing, and their batteries can withstand some major impacts and abuse, even preserving their charge!

Source: green.autoblog.com

From Performance Tech Motorsports

After an impressive showing at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Performance Tech Motorsports has decided to keep David Ostella behind the wheel of its Prototype Challenge (PC) car.

Ostella, 22, will become Charlie Shears' co-driver for the next two seasons of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

David Ostella hails from Maple, Ontario Canada and is the current Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada champion and the 2013 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring PC Class winner. Previous to sports car racing, Ostella spent 2012 racing in Indy Lights and other various open wheel series.

The driver has run just twice in a PC car, but with a pair of podium finishes Team Principal Brent O'Neill is less than concerned.

"We had watched David at the 12 Hour last year and were really blown away," O'Neill said.

"When the opportunity to have David join us at the 24 came up we were excited to have him. I was really impressed with his demeanor and how he got a long with everyone. Once we got him behind the wheel we were impressed with how quick he was in the car. I know Charlie is looking forward to driving with a young gun like him."

The team looks forward to working with Ostella's laid-back personality and Ostella looks forward to working in the family-friendly atmosphere his new race team provides.

"Daytona was last minute so I didn't meet Brent or the team until I got down there," Ostella said.

"But once we met Brent and everyone we instantly gelled. The team is like a huge family. For me the family atmosphere is important, so I appreciate it. I like that they all had fun together but they were still there to win which is really important to see in a team. I can't wait to start the season with them and hopefully win some races together. I'm really excited. I think the endurance races and PC car will suit my style."

Shears was thrilled to learn that he will have Ostella as his co-driver for the year. Unable to attend Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring will be the first time the two drivers will share a car.

Pictures of the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade are now circulating across the web, and it looks... well, you be the judge.

Set to rival the Kia Soul, Nissan Juke, MINI Countryman, and other small crossovers, the 2015 Jeep Renegade is based on the upcoming Fiat 500X and shares similarities with the European-sold Fiat Panda 4 × 4. A 1.4L turbo engine is expected to provide motivation.

Look for more details and pictures at this week's Geneva Auto Show.

Source : jalopnik.com

Photo: Jalopnik

Photo: Jalopnik

Albatec Racing's new driver, Jacques Villeneuve puts his 600-bhp Peugeot 208 Rallycross Supercar through its paces at Lydden Hill ahead of his FIA World Rallycross Championship debut season.

The former IndyCar and Formula 1 World Champion gets to grip with him new mount, two months before the opening round held in Montelegre, Portugal.

BRABUS will take advantage of the 2014 Geneva Auto Show to launch the iBusiness, based on a Mercedes-Benz G 65. Equipped with an 800-horsepower AMG V12 engine, this monster rides on 23'' wheels and packs a ton of new technologies in the form of the BRABUS iBusiness infotainment system, which includes a Mini Mac, Apple TV, as well as docking stations for iPod Touch and iPad Mini devices.

A custom-designed centre console features a 15.6'' LCD monitor that can be stowed in the Alcantara-trimmed headliner. The rear seats are divided by a bespoke centre console, too.

Source : brabus-mediaclub.de

Photo: BRABUS

Adapted from Pirelli

Here is an analysis of the three Formula 1 pre-season tests of Jerez and Bahrain, in preparation to the 2014 season.

As expected, the teams completed the biggest distances seen yet during the final pre-event test in Bahrain. In total, 762 laps were covered during day one, 868 laps during day two, 803 laps during day three, and 874 laps during day four. This makes a total of 3307 laps for four days, compared with 2322 at the previous Bahrain test.

The performance differences seen in the second Bahrain test between the compounds are approximately as follows: the supersoft is around 0.7s per lap faster than the soft, the soft is around 1.3-1.5s per lap quicker than the medium, and the medium is around 1.3-1.5s per lap quicker than the hard. These gaps are expected to come down as the teams improve their understanding of the tyres during the season.

The total testing distance completed so far this year, combining Jerez and both Bahrain tests is 7,099 laps and 36,974 kilometres. This time last year, the teams had completed 10,902 laps and 49,942 kilometres of pre-season testing (Jerez and two Barcelona tests 2013 combined).

Williams' driver Felipe Massa set the fastest lap of this Bahrain test, with a time of 1m33.258 on Saturday with the P Zero Red supersoft. By way of comparison, the fastest lap in Bahrain at the previous test last week was 1m33.283, set by Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes AMG. The fastest race lap at the Bahrain Grand Prix last year was 1m36.961, set by Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel. Pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix last year was 1m32.330, also set by Rosberg.

Longest run:
19 laps on the supersoft compound
22 laps of the soft compound
24 laps on the medium compound
18 laps on the hard compound

Testing Times:

Day 1
1. S Perez  Force India  1m35.290  Soft New
2. V Bottas  Williams   1m36.184   Medium New
3. K Raikkonen   Ferrari   1m36.432  Soft Used
4. N Rosberg  Mercedes  1m36.624   Soft Used
5. A Sutil   Sauber  1m37.700  Soft New
6. K Magnussen  McLaren  1m37.825  Soft Used
7. D Ricciardo  Red Bull  1m37.908  Medium New
8. M Chilton  Marussia   1m38.610  Soft New
9. D Kvyat  Toro Rosso  1m39.242   Soft Used
10. P Maldonado  Lotus   1m40.599  Medium New
11. K Kobayashi   Caterham   1m42.285  Medium New

Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

Day 2
1. S Perez  Sahara Force India  1m35.570  Soft New
2. F Alonso  Ferrari  1m35.634  Soft New
3. D Ricciardo   Red Bull  1m35.743  Soft New
4. F Massa   Williams  1m36.507  Medium New
5. J Button  McLaren  1m36.901  Medium New
6. J Bianchi  Marussia  1m38.092  Soft New
7. L Hamilton   Mercedes   1m39.041  Medium New
8. J-E Vergne  Toro Rosso  1m39.636  Medium New
9. E Gutierrez  Sauber  1m39.976   Supersoft U
10. P Maldonado   Lotus  1m41.613   Medium New
11. M Ericsson  Caterham  1m42.516   Soft Used

Felipe Massa, Williams FW36-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

Day 3
1. F Massa  Williams  1m33.258   Supersoft New
2. N Rosberg   Mercedes   1m33.484  Supersoft New
3. K Raikkonen  Ferrari  1m35.426  Supersoft New
4. K Magnussen  McLaren  1m35.894  Soft New
5. D Kvyat  Toro Rosso  1m36.113   Supersoft New
6. N Hulkenberg  Sahara Force India  1m36.205   Supersoft Used
7. J Bianchi   Marussia  1m37.087   Supersoft New
8. M Ericsson   Caterham  1m38.083  Supersoft New
9. R Grosjean  Lotus  1m42.166  Medium New
10. A Sutil   Sauber  no time
11. S Vettel  Red Bull   no time

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Day 4
1. L Hamilton  Mercedes   1m33.278   Soft Used
2. V Bottas   Williams  1m33.987   Soft New
3. F Alonso   Ferrari  1m34.280  Supersoft New
4. N Hulkenberg  Sahara Force India  1m35.577   Supersoft New
5. J-E Vergne  Toro Rosso   1m35.701  Supersoft New
6. A Sutil   Sauber   1m36.467  Supersoft New
7. M Chilton  Marussia  1m36.835  Supersoft New
8. E Gutierrez  Sauber  1m37.303   Supersoft New
9. S Vettel  Red Bull   1m37.468   Soft Used
10. J Button  McLaren   1m38.111   Medium New
11. K Kobayashi   Caterham  1m38.391  Soft New
12. R Grosjean   Lotus  1m39.302   Soft New

Just as Europe's car market recovery shifts up a gear, Audi will have little new to display at the Geneva auto show, other than its latest generation TT niche sports car.

Just as Europe's car market recovery shifts up a gear, Audi will have little new to display at the Geneva auto show, other than its latest generation TT niche sports car.

Citroen is taking a bold step with its new C4 Cactus compact car that debuts at the Geneva auto show ­#8211; just like Nissan did when it launched the Qashqai in 2007.