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Geely Automobile Holdings has announced its new brand in Beijing. The company also unveiled the Emgrand Cross concept PHEV, a concept car designed to showcase "its deepening research and expertise in new energy vehicles and new design language".

-- Danny Lyon photographed the Chicago Outlaws at the height of the counterculture: Following the gang on his Triumph, Lyon published his candid, brutal shots in 1968 with the title "The Bikeriders."

and#8220;I started shooting movies when I stopped racing,and#8221; said original hot rod hero Alex Xydias. and#8220;When I had enough stuff I made this.and#8221;

In 1958, Steve McQueen bought this Jaguar XKSS from a local TV personality who kept it parked in a studio lot on Sunset Boulevard.

When General Motors last week unveiled a new way for dealers to order parts for the ignition-system recall, it reminded dealers of a hard truth: They'll be waiting for parts -- and placating impatient customers -- at least well into the autumn.

CEO Mike Jackson put the big Internet shopping sites on notice last week: AutoNation is building Web products that will slash the number of leads the group's 229 stores get from AutoTrader, Cars.com, TrueCar and others.

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen on Sunday lashed out at suggestions his struggle at Ferrari so far in 2014 might be due to flagging motivation.

While teammate Fernando Alonso raced to the Italian team's first podium of the season, Finn Raikkonen struggled all weekend in China in the sister F14-T.

Spaniard Alonso couldn't help labelling Raikkonen's deficit at the chequered flag as "a minute", even though the true gap was just over 50 seconds.

But no matter the gap, the self-described 'iceman' did not appreciate being asked if a dip in motivation, three years into his F1 comeback, might help explain his troubles.

"I don't know why this comes up again and again," Raikkonen hit back, according to German-language reports.

"If I was not motivated, I wouldn't be here and I definitely wouldn't be answering your questions. I've been around long enough to know that sometimes it is just like this," he bristled.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T, in China. (Photo: WRi2)

Kimi Raikkonen admitted, however, that he is not quite sure why he is struggling so much.

"In the race I was just too slow, but there is not one big problem that we have found," he said.

Raikkonen was using a different chassis in China, but he thinks the issue is "probably something to do with my driving style and the track and the temperatures".

The new Lincoln MKX Concept made its global debut at Auto China 2014 in Beijing, marking the first time Lincoln has stepped beyond North American borders to reveal a concept vehicle. It will become the third of four all-new Lincoln vehicles due by 2016.

Featuring a panoramic glass sunroof, integrated roof racks, full LED headlights, the brand's signature split-wing grille, and a modern, aircraft-inspired silhouette, the Lincoln MKX Concept looks stylish, sporty, and well positioned to go to war in a highly competitive market segment.

“Concept vehicles are defined by every design detail and this MKX Concept proudly shows how Lincoln's thoughtful design philosophy continues to evolve,” said David Woodhouse, Lincoln design director. “The Lincoln brand was built on vehicles with stunning designs, and the MKX Concept is the latest example.”

Lincoln will enter the Chinese market later this year when the MKZ and MKC go on sale.

Photo: Lincoln

The news comes as a surprise to virtually no one: Ford' COO Mark Fields, 53, will replace current CEO Alan Mullaly, 68. Insiders told Bloomberg that the switch could take place as early as May 1st.

Earlier reports suggested that Mullaly could make the leap to Microsoft, which makes sense since he isn't mulling retirement yet.

Mullaly is widely credited with turning around the Blue Oval while other domestic automakers went bankrupt near the end of the last decade.

Source: Bloomberg.com

Photo: Ford

Mercedes AMG may have the upper hand at the moment but the team engineers are fully aware that their rival will catch up, so they keep developing the mighty W05.

A new nose introduced in Shanghai is shorter than the previous version.

New nose, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Old nose, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

It is actually the nose design around which the car was originally conceived, but the team struggled to get it through the FIA frontal impact test, so had to delay its introduction until now.

The new design moves the most forward part of the nose rearward towards the trailing edge of the central part of the front wing.

It also allows heightens the gap between the underside of the nose and the upper wing surface. Both of these changes separate the airflow that is displaced by the wing and the airflow that is displaced by the nose.

This allows more airflow through between the front wing mounting pillars, making the airflow to the leading edge of the underfloor more consistent, hence allowing the underfloor to produce more downforce.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has suggested Ferrari's new boss cannot take the credit for his breakthrough podium in China.

After a difficult start to F1's new era for the Italian team, Spaniard Alonso on Sunday said the Shanghai race reminded him of 2012, arguably his very best season in the sport.

"In Bahrain, we were one minute behind the leaders, ninth and tenth and today we are on the podium, seven seconds behind Nico (Rosberg)," he said.

China was the very first race under the new reign of Marco Mattiacci, who was drafted in just last week to replace the suddenly-departed Stefano Domenicali.

But Fernando Alonso dedicated his result to Stefano Domenicali.

"I think this podium should be dedicated to Stefano, as everything we do up to July will also be the result of his efforts," he said.

Podium of the 2014 Chinese Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Despite the podium, it was undoubtedly a tough weekend overall for Mattiacci, so tired after the surprising Maranello shakeup that he was seldom seen in the paddock without sunglasses.

He faces an uphill battle not only to earn the trust of Alonso, but also his new rivals.

When asked about the former Ferrari North America chief in Shanghai, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "I'd never heard of him before."

After such a long and brutally cold winter, the warm sunshine was like a balm for the soul. We couldn't have picked a nicer day for a drive through the countryside in the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, and while Oshawa isn't generally known for its picturesque qualities, the sun glinting off Lake Ontario behind General Motors headquarters made a fetching backdrop.


What is a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
Malibu is one of Chevrolet's oldest nameplates, having been around since the early sixties. Although it had been thoroughly revised in 2013, the last Malibu was still rather nondescript and fell behind the tough competition in this second largest Canadian car segment

Returning for 2014 with a crisper, more charismatic face, the Malibu now boasts a redesigned interior and a long list of impressive new technology - including the segment-exclusive new Stop/Start technology.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu Prices and Specs
Prices start at $24,995 for a base Malibu LS with 2.5L engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include Auto Stop/Start, 10 airbags, OnStar with 6 months Direct/Connect, Stabilitrak Traction control, Bluetooth, 6-speaker sound system, cruise control, keyless remote.

Volume-selling (45%)1LT 2.5L models ($26,795) add Premium cloth, Mylink with 7" Touch screen, USB, phone and audio streaming, Sirius XM, dual exhaust, floor mats. The 2.0L turbo engine (which doesn't include stop/start) arrives with the 3LT model ($30,215) and the range-topping Malibu 2LZ throws in everything under the sun including 19" aluminum wheels.
Navigation is available as an option on all models except LS and 1LT.

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
Malibu Product Manager Paul Hewitt describes the new Malibu as the "quietest car Chevrolet had ever launched" - well, until the arrival of the new Impala.

It certainly provides a serene ride as we cruised through some of the prettiest countryside in Southern Ontario. Other than a bit of engine noise in the 2.5L models when pushed, the Malibu is a solid and smooth cruiser.

All models now feature the same strut and rebound spring setup introduced on the turbo models last year, and the result is a composed chassis even over the rough pavement we encountered north of Oshawa. Vibrations and harshness are kept to a minimum, and steering feels nicely weighted.

While the 260hp/295 lb ft. turbo engine equipped cars were obviously quicker and with that much torque - quite a lot more responsive, the naturally aspirated 196 horsepower 2.5L is perfectly adequate in a daily driver.

All 2.5L models now feature auto stop/start, saving fuel and reducing emissions. A secondary battery located in the rear of the car helps power all auxiliary functions while the car is shut off - including the recirculation of transmission fluid to keep it at operating temperature for smooth starts. The engine also features variable valve timing and intake valve lift for enhanced torque and reduced emissions.

Models with this engine now claim fuel ratings of 8.0L/100 km city and 5.3 highway.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu, inside and out
Borrowing cues from big brother Impala, the Malibu's more chiselled front fascia gives it a new, sportier look.

The redesigned cabin looks and feels much better executed than the previous car's, with modern lines and tight panel gaps. A handsome, modern design now features soft touch, premium feel materials. The bigger centre console features a padded, extended armrest, and there's ice-blue ambient lighting and a choice of chrome or glossy wood trim.

The large touch screen flips up to reveal a cubbyhole - great for hiding cell phones and wallets. MyLink connectivity now offers Apple Siri compatibility for iPhone users and can now read most smartphone text messages, and answer incoming calls with a pre-recorded message in order to avoid distracting the driver.

Both my driving partner and I commented on the comfortable seats, which feature concave backs to provide more knee room for rear passengers.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
The improved Malibu is now a worthy contender in a hotly contested segment that includes the long-time leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord as well as the Ford Fusion, Mazda6, and Hyundai Sonata.

That's hefty competition.

However, at a price that's about mid-pack for the segment, the Malibu offers a lot of technology and safety upgrades, and is well worth consideration.

From GMM

Niki Lauda couldn't resist a jibe at rivals Ferrari on Sunday after the botched chequered flag incident near the end of the Chinese grand prix.

Because an official waved the chequered flag a lap early, the results of the Shanghai race had to be re-jigged.

The big victim was Kamui Kobayashi, whose last-lap pass on Jules Bianchi was stricken entirely from the record.

"I was thinking 'am I seeing things?' said winner Lewis Hamilton, recalling the early chequer.

Mercedes chairman Lauda couldn't resist a dig at Ferrari.

"We had discussions in Bahrain and the red team wanted the races to be shorter," he grinned on German television RTL. "So this was the test," Lauda joked.

More seriously, the great Austrian added: "It's ridiculous and shouldn't have happened. The Chinese people should know how to count the laps properly."

It was among the only minor glitches in Lewis Hamilton's first-ever F1 hat-trick, as his tally of 25 victories drew even with the great Lauda's.

Niki Lauda said the Briton is on course for his second world title in 2014.

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

"The only thing he has perhaps sometimes neglected in the past was the full focus," Lauda said in Shanghai.

"He was bringing the dogs to the track, he had a whole entourage of people. When the dogs were there I told him to just focus on himself, drop the baggage and concentrate 120 per cent. Now he is doing the performance you expect from him. If he had not failed in Melbourne, he probably could have won there as well," Niki Lauda added.

Melbourne was, of course, won by Hamilton's teammate Nico Rosberg, who still leads the world championship by a few points.

"There is still a lot of races to go," said former F1 driver turned commentator Patrick Tambay.

"With the equal status at Mercedes, Nico has shown to be lacking a little bit compared to Hamilton, but the season is long," he told France's RMC.

"Before, we saw this very jovial, very smiling Nico, but now it feels a little more tense," Tambay noted.

The circus now breaks for three weeks before re-emerging in Europe for the Spanish grand prix.

"Barcelona is a good guide (to form). It has a bit of everything," Niki Lauda said.

"All the teams will bring updates. When you have opponents like Alonso, and Red Bull as well, you cannot sit back. Adrian Newey was not here, he was sitting determined at home, working hard to catch up," he concluded.

From GMM

Red Bull Racing denied that reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel ignored a team order during the Chinese Grand Prix.

When told over the radio to let through his Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo, Vettel answered "tough luck".

If that sort of defiance sounds like a problem, team boss Christian Horner wasn't letting on.

"He's a competitor; he wants to fight, wants to win," the Briton told German television RTL after the Chinese grand prix.

Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing (Getty Images for Red Bull)

After ignoring the order, Vettel seemed simply to have been passed involuntarily by the much quicker sister RB10.

Horner denies that.

"He (Vettel) proved he was a team player and did the right thing," he insisted.

Horner says Vettel gave way once he was told on the radio that Ricciardo was on a different strategy.

Indeed, Vettel was on a three-stopper, while Ricciardo planned only to stop twice.

It means the German, so dominant in the past years with the field-leading Red Bull, is now struggling simply to get on his new teammate's pace in 2014.

"More important (than team orders) is to understand why Sebastian is struggling," said Horner.

"We know that Sebastian is very sensitive to how a car enters a corner and at the moment he hasn't got the feel he needs."

For his part, Australian Ricciardo was reluctant to stir the pot.

The official post-race Red Bull statement quoted him as saying Vettel "let me through".

Earlier, he was less clear. "I wasn't aware of what he was saying (on the radio) during the race," said Ricciardo. "I wasn't sure what strategy we were both on but I got past. I don't want to start any conflicts."

When asked if he thinks Vettel voluntarily let him go or not, however, Ricciardo said: "I am honestly not sure."

Vettel, on the other hand, insists he let Ricciardo go past.

"When I was first asked, I didn't understand as we were on the same tire, so I double checked.

"Also I had to realise more and more towards the end that I couldn't hold him back."

On 31,301 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles from the 2008-2011 model years, oxidation on the ground pin connector for the taillamps may cause a dimming or loss of one or several taillamp functions (tail, brake, turn signal).

As a result, visibility may be affected during hours of darkness, and other road users behind the vehicle may be unaware of the driver's intentions.

Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and replace the taillamps if necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

From GMM

McLaren is going through a 'Whitmarsh' effect, according to F1 legend Niki Lauda.

Just two weeks ago in Bahrain, Jenson Button said the only quicker car in the field was the dominant Mercedes.

But in China, both the 2009 world champion and Kevin Magnussen were non points-scoring midfielders.

Jenson Button sounded particularly frustrated.

"I don't think (other) people brought that much (new parts) here, so I don't know what we're doing really," he said. "Hopefully back at the factory they can stay positive and update the car because at the moment this isn't good enough."

McLaren's new boss in 2014, Eric Boullier, said he sat with Button and Magnussen after the race in China, because "they are both frustrated".

"But I can promise you that if you look at the data, you can see that McLaren are coming back, and that's what is most important," he is quoted by the Mirror.

Jenson Button (McLaren) overtaken by his former teammate Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India). (Photo: WRi2)

Niki Lauda, who is Mercedes' F1 chairman, thinks that after the depths of McLaren's 2013 crisis, the British team is now struggling for form in the wake of recent management reshuffles.

"You have to say that last year the McLaren was also not a top car," said the great Austrian.

"So you have to overcome this bad performance from last year and the new formula. If you have the new ingredients, you can be lucky. But if you don't have them and there is a big change with (Martin) Whitmarsh going and Ron (Dennis) coming back, these things take time to change. They don't happen overnight," Lauda explained.

Toyota Racing won the 6 Hours of Silverstone, first round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), although the race ended 25 minutes short of the full race distance due to heavy rain.  

Toyota TS040 (Photo: Toyota Racing)

Nicolas Lapierre, Sebastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson won the race in the No. 8 TS040 Hybrid ahead of their teammates Alex Wurz, Kazuki Nakajima et Stephane Sarrazin in the No. 7 car.

Toyota TS040 (Photo: Toyota Racing)

The new Porsche 919 Hybrid driven by Timo Bernhard, ex-F1 driver Mark Webber and Bendon Hartley.

Porsche 919 (Photo: Porsche Motorsport)

Both Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars retired due to accidents in which the drivers sustained no injuries. However, the German team discovered that both monocoques were damaged, and new tubs were needed for the next race in Belgium.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro (Photo: Audi Motosport)

With that, Audi experienced a sad premiere. The 2012 and 2013 World Champions had never suffered the retirement of all its race cars in any of the previous WEC races.

Toyota TS040 (Photo: Toyota Racing)

Porsche 919 (Photo: Porsche Motorsport)

Audi R18 e-tron quattro (Photo: Audi Motosport)

From GMM

Upping the power of the RB10's Renault 'power unit' is no longer the only problem at Red Bull.

The reigning world champion team is now contemplating how to get its quadruple consecutive title winner back up to speed.

Sebastian Vettel has struggled to match new teammate Daniel Ricciardo's pace in the new turbo V6 era, and in China the German's mood appeared to hit a new low when he responded to a team order with the words "tough luck".

Team boss Christian Horner insists Vettel is simply yet to find the right "feel".

"We know Seb is very sensitive with the car and how it enters into a corner," he explained.

Dr Helmut Marko, the champion of Vettel's career since boyhood, is refusing to rush to judgement.

"We cannot judge where Daniel and Sebastian are at the moment in terms of their duel. It's too early. We need to find the setup for Vettel so that he can be the 'tyre whisperer' again," Marko is quoted by Der Spiegel.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

At the same time, Vettel's struggle is reflecting brilliantly on Ricciardo's reputation, having failed to completely prove his worth when he stepped up from Toro Rosso.

"For me he has been the surprise of the season," said former F1 driver Jean Alesi.

1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve agrees: "Ricciardo was always a good qualifier but not as quick in the race. But now he's also a strong racer."

And former Mercedes chief Norbert Haug said: "Going one-up against Vettel is one of the most difficult tasks any driver can do."

Vettel's specific struggle aside, Marko admitted that the trend since Red Bull's calamitous winter season has been generally upwards.

"A podium today was in the realm of possibility. But we also see that Ferrari has made significant progress," the Austrian said, referring to Ricciardo's fourth place, a few seconds behind Fernando Alonso.

Helmut Marko thinks part of the secret of Ferrari's success in China was a new blend of Shell fuel.

"We are also hoping to soon get a fuel that is more efficient," he said, amid reports Red Bull's current Total fuel may be damaging the mandatory fuel flow sensors.

Norbert Haug warned: "Certainly, Mercedes will not stand still and just watch the others get closer."

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso finished on the podium Sunday in China but made it clear that it will be very difficult to beat Mercedes in the title chase this year.

Although the Spaniard' Ferrari F14 T finished the race in third place behind the two Mercedes, it could not match their pace.

Briton Lewis Hamilton won a third race in a row and his teammate Nico Rosberg lies first in the standings with 79 points, compared to 41 for Alonso.

"At the moment, it seems very far away because [Mercedes] have a big advantage and we need to work really hard if we want to have that possibility," Alonso told Sky Sports F1.

"There is nothing really special we can do, just don't give up; we're in the fourth race in the championship, there's still a long way go but being super-realistic, knowing that the gap is very, very big it's going to be very tough."

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

Fernando Alonso confirmed that the new parts the team brought in China worked well and made the car a little more competitive.

But with any gains Ferrari might make unlikely to help them challenge Mercedes anytime soon, Alonso admitted that they "cannot promise anything for Barcelona".

"We will give 100 per cent again and we will fight - but in terms of result we need to remain very calm and see how development is these three weeks if we can bring some extra new parts,” he concluded.

Kia introduced the new K4 concept at Auto China 2014 in Beijing, with a production model set to hit the Chinese market in the second half of this year.

The car's availability in other parts of the globe has yet to be announced.

Standing 4.72 metres long, the Kia K4 concept boasts a 1.6L GDI turbocharged engine and 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission. This spacious sedan also features push-button start, a backup camera, numerous safety technologies, and a premium cockpit.

Kia wants to attract family-oriented consumers aged in their 30s and 40s.

Photo: Kia