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Here's a thought: If you've ever wanted to be buried in what you're driving, it's a boon if your car is already shaped like a coffin.

-- Jay Leno, presumably back from filming McQueen's Jaguar XKSS, now places his chin atop the front seat of

Another major car show in the eastern hemisphere, another special edition Rolls-Royce Phantom.

and#8220;The Million Dollar Mustangand#8221; is not about how much these great cars go for at auctions in today's heady times, but about what made them worth so much in the first place.

French brand Renault is making an assault on the Nürburgring front-wheel drive lap record this summer. In a post on its Renault Sport and Facebook pages titled #Under8, it featured the words and#8220;two months to go.

Mats Fägerhag, the former head of R&D for Saab, is now the CEO of China Euro Vehicle Technology AB (CEVT). This small firm's engineers are quietly creating the new CMA scalable architecture for C and B segment Geely and Volvo models.

British car production returned to growth in March, boosted by increased demand in Europe and by automakers completing retooling to build new models. Output increased 12 percent last month.

Johnson Controls, which counts on Europe for about half of its sales, reported a 59 percent jump in quarterly profit, helped by higher sales in its automotive unit.

Johnson Controls, which counts on Europe for about half of its sales, reported a 59 percent jump in quarterly profit, helped by higher sales in its automotive unit.

GM's first-quarter net income sank 86 percent from a year earlier to $125 million amid heavy costs related to the recall of 7 million vehicles. In Europe, GM lost $284 million, nearly double the $152 million it lost a year earlier.

Rising demand for subcompact-sized SUV-styled models has driven Kia to put more emphasis on the latest Soul's crossover characteristics.

If you follow the global car scene, you will have heard about and likely seen online pictures of Chinese-built cars that bare an uncanny resemblance to products you and I know to not originate from China.

Although there were a huge number of proper knockoffs at the Beijing Auto Show, I'd expected to find far more in every nook and cranny. Anyhow, here are some of my favourites from the 2014 edition of Auto China.

BAIC-1 - Jeep Wrangler meets Hummer H1. Everybody looses.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

BAIC BJ80 - Chinese Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Not so bad...

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

BAIC D60 - Mercedes CLA 45 AMG by another name.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

BAIC - Jeep Wrangler on generic ‘roids.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

GAC GONOW GA6470 - Range Rover Evoque sadly mates with an Outlander.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Haval H2 - Volkswagen Tiguan that's put on weight.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Haval H6 Sport - Volkswagen Touareg and Hyundai Santa Fe have an illegitimate baby.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Hawtai "cayenne"- A sad, sad, sad, bad, bad 1st Gen Cayenne goes uglier.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Hawtai "santafe" - Of all the SUVs to copy... The 1st Gen Santa Fe was bad enough as it was.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Continue reading Top Car Copies from the 2014 Beijing Auto Show

TORONTO, Ont. -- When Ford introduced the Mustang 50 years ago, it was the beginning of an enduring and much-loved cultural icon. To celebrate the birthday of this legendary pony car, more than 125 members of the Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association and GTA Mustang Club gathered at Ontario Place, and 25 classic Mustangs formed a giant "50" for a commemorative aerial shot.

When the Mustang arrived in 1964, it created a new segment: the pony car.

Small, economical and with a modicum of practicality, the Mustang was a new type of muscle car, an attainable one, a sports car for the masses.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

Of all the competing pony cars that followed in its wake, the Mustang was the only one that continued production -- uninterrupted, until this day. Undeterred by the fuel crises and emissions restrictions of the ‘70s and, later on, company budget cuts the Mustang's popularity with legions of fans enabled it to soldier on through the tough years. Models such as the late ‘60's Shelby, the 1970 Boss Mustang, the Mach I and II and later on, the SVT Cobras all earned iconic status as collector cars.

However, the cars that cemented its place in the annals of automotive history were the humble runabouts. While Ford's then GM, Lee Iacocca would have loved to produce a hot two-seater sports car he was wise enough to realize that the Mustang's success depended on volume sales.

There was absolutely nothing exotic about the Mustang -- in fact, quite the opposite. Assembled by the people, for the people, the original pony travelled the same production line and shared parts with such run-of-the-mill family cars as the Falcon and Galaxy -- but therein lays its appeal.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

The introduction of the Mustang at the 1964 New York World's Fair coincided with the beginning of the Boomer generation's coming of age. While its unibody structure shared the same underpinnings as the Falcon, the long hood, short deck and grille-mounted pony badge were an instant hit during a time when youth were celebrating a new freedom. And at roughly $2,400 for a 6-cylinder notchback coupe, the Mustang was economically within reach for a lot of people.

Fewer than 560,000 Mustangs were sold that first year to an infatuated public whose enthusiasm showed no signs of waning. However, with such mundane underpinnings, they were far more show than go, and the original pony cars were little more than attractive family runabouts. There were several available engines, the base was an anemic 2.8L straight-6 with only 101 hp, and the most powerful was a "K-code" 4.7L V8 with 271 hp.

Ford enlisted the help of Carroll Shelby -- the Texas racer whose name became synonymous with Ford performance -- to create a Mustang worthy of the racetrack. To comply with homologation rules, Shelby took 100 2+2 fastback coupes and transformed them into the GT 350 -- a modified two-seater with 306 hp (360 hp for racing versions) special suspension, performance brakes, and fiberglass hoods.

Over the next few years, the Mustang grew larger and more powerful in response to new rivals in the segment it had created. With the arrival of the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and Plymouth's Barracuda, the pony car wars had begun.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

By 1969, the Mustang became a rather large pony. Design changes included four headlights on the long nose and sheet metal that was scalloped with fake scoops and inlets. The legendary Boss 302, designed to compete in the Trans Am road racing series, was introduced

By the time the second generation rolled out in 1974, it had grown too large to be considered a real pony car and its less than distinctive appearance never really resonated with Mustang lovers. By then, it had fallen victim to the triple-headed sword of tough emissions regulations, the fuel crisis, and higher insurance rates. Power output was dropped to 88 hp for the base six, and topped out with a paltry 150 hp in the V8s.

If the second generation Mustang was a disappointment, the third goes down in history as one of the worst cars ever made. Re-engineered to compete with the arrival of compact, fuel-efficient Japanese cars, the "Mustang II" featured an unremarkable design on top of a Pinto body. For the first time, the Mustang was available with a 4-cylinder engine and no V8. Yet, as mediocre as the Mustang II was, it sold extremely well and its success helped Ford through those tough years.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

The third generation "Fox" body Mustangs enjoyed 15 years of success, although its square, compact shape in no way resembled the original pony.
By 1994, Ford decided a refresh was in order, and a new body style harkening back to the Mustang's roots was introduced. The fuel crises of the ‘70s long past, it later featured several high-performance versions, including a "Cobra," "Bullitt" and "Mach I."

However, it was the fifth generation -- introduced in 2005 -- that captured the public's hearts with its retro design that so clearly paid homage to the original. Rekindling the pony-car love was the reintroduction of such iconic nameplates as the GT 500 and Boss 302.

With a brand new, sixth-generation model due to arrive this fall, the Mustang celebrates 50 years of uninterrupted success.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

British motorsport magazine Autosport can reveal that the Formula 1 team are currently discussing to make the 2014 turbo hybrid cars more spectacular.

Autosport reporter Jonathan Noble broke the news Thursday that the F1 teams involved in the Strategy Group now plan talks over the next few weeks to consider a range of proposals that can bring some of that excitement back.

Noble reports that the ideas are dominated by much-needed cost-cutting measures, but it also features proposals that are aimed simply at making F1 cars more thrilling to watch.

The teams would like to get rid of the overly complicated brake ducts to introduce a simpler design that would bring back the visual impact of glowing brake discs.

The teams will also discuss the reintroduction of active suspension that would make cars sparks again, just as they did up until the early 1990s.

“The spectacular sparks, which were caused by titanium plates rubbing on the ground, became non-existent when underfloor planks were introduced during 1994 to stop teams running their cars too close to the ground for aerodynamic benefit,” wrote Allen.

Other suggestions include aerodynamic tweaks to create vapour trails, standing starts after safety cars, a potential reduction in race length, and the green light for higher technology to be used in pit stops to cut the time even further.

From GMM

Ferrari has been told to "step up a gear" in the wake of team boss Stefano Domenicali's departure.

After a poor start to the season for the fabled Italian marque, the F1-unknown Marco Mattiacci was drafted in to replace team veteran Domenicali, who resigned between the Bahrain and Chinese grands prix.

And according to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, the management reshuffle is not the only change behind closed doors at Maranello.

The official Ferrari website said Montezemolo told "Mattiacci and his staff" of the need to "step up a gear in the work of the Gestione Sportiva".

The report added: "These words have been transformed into actions, which have made the decision making process even more immediate, with the aim of optimising the work and the direction of development taken by the engineers in Maranello in real time."

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

Luca di Montezemolo, who confirmed last week that he is increasing his involvement in the F1 team, "has asked for an immediate overhaul and streamlining of internal processes, eliminating intermediate stages and bureaucracy in order to be more flexible and efficient", Ferrari added.

The report said Ferrari has also made "cutbacks in the number of consultants and admissions aimed at strengthening some key areas to find more performance from the F14 T (car)".

And suppliers to the team have been asked to slash "the turnaround on parts ... thus reducing the waiting time for every single component".

German-language Speed Week reports that Ferrari plans to debut a Mercedes-style short front nose at the Spanish grand prix next month.

Swan Racing, the ambitious team which went from a one-car to two-car squadron at the beginning of the 2014 season, has been forced to sell one team and merge one team due economic issues.

The No. 26 team with driver, Cole Whitt, has merged with BK Racing. The No. 30 team was sold to Xxxtreme Motorsports owner John Cohen, whose team has attempted two races this year. team. Many team members including crew chief Steve Lane stay on, but JJ Yeley will replace driver Parker Kligerman.

"Over the past couple weeks we worked tirelessly to find an alternative to ending operations," Swan Racing owner Brandon Davis said in a statement. "Fortunately, we were able to find a home for the No. 26 team and the No. 30 team thanks to Anthony Marlowe and Jonathan Cohen, respectively.

Cole Whitt and Parker Kligerman, Swan Racing. (Photo: NASCAR)

"Anthony and Jonathan are both young and ambitious NASCAR enthusiasts. It is important to keep them in the sport for the long term. ... Most importantly, most of the team members have the opportunity to continue their employment in the sport and to support their families. This was critically important to me."

Kligerman, 38th in Sprint Cup standings is now without a ride, but is still under contract to Mr. Davis.

"Swan Racing is exploring any and all options to keep Parker Kligerman on track throughout the season. We are encouraged by the response we have received from interested parties. Parker continues to be one of the most talented young drivers in NASCAR. He brought this racing team one of its strongest results in his first race with us, and we are certain of his success in the future. We will provide updates as new information and facts are established," Brandon Davis said.

"Although it's unfortunate we are having to scale back, I look forward to the future and the exciting things that I'm confident we will accomplish at Swan Racing or with another team," said Kligerman. "I value the relationship that I've had with Brandon Davis and am very grateful for him giving me an opportunity to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Whether I continue to race with Brandon and Swan Racing or end up with another team, I will always give it my all on and off track to be the best I can be."

From GMM

Gerard Lopez, the owner of the Lotus team, has conceded that Mercedes is strolling to the 2014 title.

Asked about the championship prospects of the Enstone team, who are still yet to score a single point after a disastrous start, he said: "First of all, we can forget about Mercedes.

"They will continue to do their one-twos," Lopez told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"Red Bull has also made great progress so they will also be difficult (to compete with). But behind them it is interesting," he said.

Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) leading Nico Rosberg (Mercedes). (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, after a disastrous start to 2014 for the Renault-powered team, Lotus is finally beginning to make progress, with Romain Grosjean fighting in the points in China until his retirement.

"Ferrari has good results thanks to Fernando (Alonso)," said Gerard Lopez. "Williams' advantage is due to the engine, but Force India has a good car, otherwise they would not be third in the championship.

"Of course there are many factors, but I think we can deal with those teams," he claimed.

From press release

The motorsport industry's indispensable companion for the past decade has once again been thoroughly updated ahead of the 2014 season. The ‘Who Works in Motorsports 2014' guide is now available.

Seasoned professionals should know the score by now: 1032 pages crammed full of details on the key movers and shakers working across 15 international racing series. We're talking 3650 individuals, all featuring handy colour mugshots, as well as more than 600 teams, companies and suppliers.

Featured championships: DTM, Eurocup FR2.0, Euro-Racecar NASCAR, Formula One, Formula Renault 3.5, GP2 and GP3 Series, IndyCar, NASCAR Sprint Cup, USCC, V8 Supercars, WEC, WRC, World Rallycross Championship and WTCC.


Ever wished there was one place you could find the emails, phone numbers, postal addresses and social media profiles of teams, drivers, circuits, team principals, engineers, sponsors, marketing and press officers, photographers, journalists, officials and other key personnel? Or even precise car and engine specifications?

In short, Who Works In Motorsports 2014 is the essential encyclopaedic reference tool for those who need to be in the know, now!

Savvy motorsport pros can order this year's 10th anniversary edition from www.whoworksin.com , by emailing info@whoworksin.com or calling +44 (0) 20 7193 0686.

Pros: The young, 3-year-old Buick Verano already looks like a mature sedan. Of course, like every other Buick, it's smooth, quiet, and upscale. The turbocharged engine and stiff body structure together make for a European-like driving experience. A low entry price is icing on the cake.

Cons: The company had to streamline the standard equipment list to achieve a very affordable status, which may not be such a good idea considering the strong opposition. Rear-seat space is tight, and visibility through the rear window poses a slight problem.

Photo: Buick

2014 Buick Verano Price: This small sedan can be yours for as little as $23,005 (freight and delivery charges not included). The top-of-the-line Verano with Leather Package 1ST costs $32,250.

2014 Buick Verano Fuel Economy: Depending on the engine and transmission selected, the Verano will burn 8.3-8.5L/100km on average.

Improvements and Changes: For 2014, the Verano offers new camera- and radar-based technologies that help keep drivers aware of potential hazards. Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert are all available for the first time. Other convenience features also pop up on the options menu.

2014 Buick Verano Powertrain: The standard 2.4L 4-cylinder ECOTEC engine produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, while the up-level 2.0L turbocharged unit delivers 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available.

Cargo Capacity: As crazy as it sounds, the 2014 Buick Verano has a bigger trunk than the full-size LaCrosse (up to 405 litres vs. just 377).

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. Let's not forget the 10 airbags.

Comparing the 2014 Buick Verano: Compact luxury car buyers with a focus on affordability and fuel economy should consider the Verano along with the Acura ILX, Audi A3, Lexus CT 200h, and Mercedes-Benz CLA.

References : L'Annuel de l'automobile 2014

From FIA World Rallycross Champiosnhip

The 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy kicked off in style at a special media day that was held at the new World RX venue, Franciacorta International Circuit in Brescia, Italy.

The occasion gave some of the teams an opportunity to reveal their driver line-ups and liveries ahead of the opening World RX round in Portugal next week, May 3-4.

Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: World RX Championship)

Albatec Racing's Jacques Villeneuve - the 1997 F1 World Champion - and teammate Andy Scott were both present in a Peugeot 208 Supercar.

"I've loved racing since I was five - it helps keep me alive!" joked Villeneuve during the press conference.

"I did some ice racing in France and then I began to think that rallycross might be the next step. The format of the races helps make it really exciting to drive. The fact that rallycross has now become a World Championship is good but this year my main aim is to learn and we will see what happens after that."

2014 family photo (Photo: World RX Championship)

During the press conference, two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekstrom announced his plans to compete in selected World RX rounds with Swedish-based EKS team in a Audi A1.

The 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship will get underway with World RX of Portugal in Montalegre next weekend.

Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: World RX Championship)

To see what it's all about, Timmy Hansen takes us on a lap around the Loheac track in this video.

Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: World RX Championship)