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From press release

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park announced that Hawk Performance would be the presenting sponsor of the only TUDOR United SportsCar Championship race in Canada, the Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix presented by Hawk Performance, July 10-13.

The TUDOR United SportsCar Championship race will be the sixth round of 10 for the Series' inaugural season. Canada's biggest sports car race of the year will feature the top drivers piloting the globe's top marques in the prototype class, GTLM and GTD.

Also in action during the Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix presented by Hawk Performance will be the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Cooper Tires Prototype Lites, IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America and the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup.

The four-day weekend Early Bird SuperTicket is just $65 until June 27 ($80 at the Gate). Single-day tickets are also available. Each ticket includes parking, access to the race team paddock and the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Expo and Marketplace. As with all events, children 12 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.

Camping is a popular part of the experience, with Early Bird General Camping passes just $50 for the weekend when purchased before June 27 (tents or pop-up trailers). Early Bird RV passes are $70.

For those who would like to get closer to the action, the Grand Prix Club offers a VIP hospitality package which includes a fully catered BBQ lunch, beverages and bar service (beer and wine) on Race Day. The GP Club Chalet tent is located trackside, overlooking the start/finish straight and Corner One. Passes are just $225 and are also good for admission to the event on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For more information and to purchase tickets call the Canadian Tire Motorsport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm ET), visit online at www.canadiantiremotorsportpark.com, or email info@ctmpark.com.

New York City, NY — At the New York International Auto Show, Mazda celebrated 25 years of drop-top fun with a collection of MX-5s spanning three generations. From numbers 14 and 15 of the first generation to one-off concepts and specials, the full gamut of history was put on display.

Way at the back of Mazda's booth sat a preview of what's to come: A bare chassis for the next generation MX-5.

While not much was mentioned about the next generation model, a few tidbits were released to preview what's to come.

Photo: Mark Stevenson

The fourth generation MX-5 will undergo a rigorous weight loss regime, shedding some 100kg (220lb) versus the current MX-5. To put this in perspective, second and third-generation models added 100kg of mass to the lightweight roadster. This weight savings will bring the MX-5 curb weight back to second-generation levels, under 1,100kg.

A renewed focus on efficiency at Mazda, through their SKYACTIV philosophy, will be readily apparent in the next MX-5, as well. Expect 1.5L and 2.0L SKYACTIV 4-cylinder engines to be used in the next generation car globally, though we will probably only get the larger of the two powerplants here in Canada. These engines will more than likely be mated to new SKYACTIV transmissions as well.

Lastly, the MX-5 will receive its own flavour of Mazda's KODO design language. One look at the current Mazda range of offerings should give lots of hints -- particularly the Mazda3 and Hazumi concept foreshadowing the next Mazda2 -- of where the automaker plans to go with the MX-5. For the first time since its inception, the MX-5 might end up looking quite visually aggressive.

No announcement has been made regarding when we will see the next MX-5 in the metal, though we have it on good authority you should expect something at the Tokyo Auto Show late in the year.

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)

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

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.

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

From GMM

A single word caused 'flag-gate', it has emerged.

Article 43.2 of the sporting rules dictates that if the chequered flag is waved early, even in error, the race is over.

That is precisely what happened towards the end of the Chinese grand prix, meaning that a last-lap pass by Kamui Kobayashi did not officially count.

Explaining the mishap, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said that with a couple of laps left to run, the local race director Zhuang Tao asked Charlie Whiting if a white flag should be shown to mark the penultimate lap.

By radio, Zhuang relayed Whiting's answer to the flag man with the words "No flag now", but the Chinese official reportedly did not hear - or misunderstood - the "no".

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05, winner in China. (Photo: WRi2)

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 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.

From GMM

The criminal trial is only just beginning, but F1's board has already conceded that the Bernie Ecclestone reign is at an end.

The banker he allegedly bribed, Gerhard Gribkowsky, is already in jail for receiving the $44 million, and a UK judge has also declared that the sport's 83-year-old chief executive paid a bribe.

Still, Ecclestone's defence appeared to get a boost this week when it emerged that German prosecutors concede that the diminutive Briton was in fact blackmailed by Gribkowsky.

Writing in Forbes, and quoting from the indictment, F1 business journalist Christian Sylt explained that Gribkoswky was putting "pressure" on Ecclestone by "repeatedly insinuating" that Ecclestone had control of his family trust.

Bernie Ecclestone claims he paid the $44 million only because Gribkowsky was 'shaking me down' over his personal tax affairs.

"It seems to be a textbook example of blackmail," Sylt said.

Nonetheless, as the Munich proceedings begin on Thursday, the signs for Ecclestone are worrying.

Writing in the Times, Kevin Eason said Ecclestone could avoid jail by accepting he is guilty and paying more than a staggering $400 million.

Even so, the Ecclestone era is "over", Eason quoted a source close to F1's owners CVC and the board as saying.

The report said the board has been advised by a London law firm not to keep Ecclestone in charge after a judge called him "untruthful and unreliable".

The source explained: "In truth, it (Ecclestone's reign) has been over for a while, but Bernie has been allowed to continue as the face of the sport until this legal advice, which was devastating."

Toward the end of the 2000s, Hyundai saw the writing on the wall for their fifth generation Sonata. Even equipped with a mild refresh, the Sonata was a bland blob in a sea of ever-better competitors. Hyundai had to do something drastic. Something mind-blowing.

Hyundai gathered all their competitors' mid-size vehicles in Korea. The goal: to design and engineer a mid-size sedan that was just as good, load it up with more features, and undercut the competition on price.


What is the Hyundai Sonata?
Hyundai's mid-sizer is the first “gotcha” product to come out of the company since their most recent resurgence in growth. After years of pumping out value-proposition product, the Korean automaker wanted to grab the attention of the buying public, which they they did with the Sonata in 2010.

The Sonata in its current form is now in its final year of production. Next year, a new generation will take its place sporting a design closer to the Genesis sedan.

2014 Hyundai Sonata Price and Specs
The Sonata is available in GL, GLS, SE, Limited w/ Navigation, and 2.0T Limited w/Ultimate trims. There's even a Hybrid model. All models, except the 2.0T and Hybrid, are powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine which produces 190 hp. A 2.0T belching out 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque powers the 2.0T Limited. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. There is no all-wheel drive option.

Base GL trimmed Sonatas start at $23,999 before freight, PDI, and the taxman getting his cut. Full-blown 2.0T models bring MSRPs up to $34,199.

Driving the 2014 Hyundai Sonata
Mechanically, the Sonata gives you a decent amount of performance out of its 2.4L 4-banger. It's not the smoothest engine in the world - it seems all modern direct injected four-cylinders are a bit rough - and the six-speed automatic clicks through the gears as expected.

Brakes were adequate, though a tad bit noisy. Cabin noise was acceptable, though not best in class. And comfort was pleasant, though not awe-inspiring.

There is one thing though - and it's massive, mountainous - that makes me go insane about the Sonata and virtually every other Hyundai on the market today.

Thanks to being tuned for glass-like road surfaces, the suspension provides almost no damping for the larger potholes and other road imperfections we get in Canada. Even small cracks in the road surface can be felt in your fingertips through the steering wheel. Our tester, which was shod with 17-inch aluminum alloy rims and slivers for tires, had a ride somewhere between a wooden rollercoaster and a rock quarry truck.

Maybe the ride is better in some of the lesser trims with smaller wheel diameters allowing for taller tire sidewalls.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata
If you haven't already gathered, I'm not the biggest fan of the Sonata in the design department. If I wanted to, I could write an entire essay on how the design of the current Sonata makes my stomach winge.

Instead, I'll use the remaining space to tell you why the inside of the Sonata is the nicer place to be, though what you may see on paper may not be what you get in the real world.

Hyundai has loaded the Sonata up with some great options. For one, rear heated seats are a welcomed treat for passengers, as long as said passengers are of average height and under. The rear bench leaves occupants wanting for thanks to a sloping roofline.

Up front, very clear controls mounted to the center console make it easy to navigate air conditioning and navigation without thinking about them too much.

Hyundai has even equipped the Sonata will selectable steering modes, though I can't see why anyone would use any other setting but Comfort. Normal? Sport? No, the Sonata is neither of these things.

The leather seating is comfortable, though it doesn't feel luxurious. It feels like the cheap leather coat you buy to say you own a leather coat. In fact, a number of the features on the Sonata, and many other Hyundais, work this way.

The Sonata, when compared to a Camry or Fusion or Accord, might add up on paper. But if you line them up, side-by-side, and sit in all four in succession, you'll notice the difference. The features may all be there in the Hyundai, but they aren't as good in direct comparison.

This is how Hyundai packs “value” into their cars.

But, after a while, you'll start to notice where corners have been cut. It's a cost game where you're the winner and the loser all at the same time. And if you're willing to shell out a few dollars more, you'll end up happier at the end of the day.

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata is older than virtually all its competitors - the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Kia Optima, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat, and the Mazda6, AJAC's 2014 Canadian Car of the Year.

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."

What would it be like to live with a tiny electric car for a week? And you work from home, which is an apartment, so you can't recharge it?

AutoNation wants to reduce its dependency on online lead generators and third-party shopping sites.

Asbury Automotive Group reported a 3 percent profit slide for the first quarter of 2014, but improvements in all parts of the business drove profits from continuing operations up sharply.

Industrywide sales of certified used vehicles rose 11 percent in the first quarter from the year-earlier level, with many companies registering double-digit increases.

Jaguar, Land Rover and Ford saw their blue-sky multiples increase in the second half, according to a study by a dealership buy/sell advisory firm. But BMW, Mini, Hyundai, VW and Mazda saw theirs decrease.

GM's request for court protection from 50 car-owner lawsuits seeking compensation for millions of recalled autos with defective ignition switches was attacked as legally 'unsupportable.'

The 2015 Ford Mustang order guide is now available to U.S. dealers and the options include a lot of familiar stuff such as racing stripes and tech packages.

The new entry level Porsche Macan, shown alongside the new Boxster and Cayman GTS at the