Auto News 5

Last year, Team Auto123.com picked up our first long-term tester in a long while: the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Our extra time with our Auto123.com award-winning Santa Fe not only revealed a number of new elements, but also solidified and even discounted some of our impressions. The experience turned out to be very rewarding and so we're doing it again.

This time ‘round, we've selected a 2015 Mazda CX-5 that, like the Hyundai before it, was chosen as one of our favourite vehicles in its category. It won the best compact utility vehicle of the year and thus deserved to come and spend more time with us.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Small in size, big in stature
As the replacement for the then popular CX-7, Mazda took a calculated chance by introducing what has turned out to be a hole-in-one. The CX-5 landed as a 2013 and has since only improved and found more and more love among consumers in this highly contested and trendy segment.

Over these last 2 years, the Mazda CX-5 has impressed us with its surprisingly agile and sorted drive, its economical powertrains and well thought-out interiors.

If the initial offering had only a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine on offer that left us wanting more, Mazda quickly addressed the issue by upping the ante with a SKYACTIV 2.5L that elevated the CX-5 to its current No. 1 in our minds.

Despite its smallish exterior dimensions, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 carries itself with confidence and looks really good at it in the process.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

These are the days of its life
Our Meteor Grey Mica CX-5 GT with Technology Package is already hard at work proving its mettle with some Auto123.com staff members and will take part in a few videos and photo galleries where it will be evaluated by people on a few specific points.

So far, those who have spent time with the 2015 Mazda CX-5 have all appreciated its quality and sporty European-inspired ride and sharp reflexes. Fuel consumption numbers are good even when taking into consideration the hellish winter we've had.

Read on!

From GMM

When it comes to the loud criticisms of F1's new 'double points' innovation, Bernie Ecclestone simply points to Mercedes.

The F1 chief executive said he proposed the extra points for the Abu Dhabi season finale to add spice to the tail-end of a championship fight.

But even though he dreamed it up to prevent the sort of early title conclusion seen last year with Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull, Ecclestone admits double points will not be enough to stop a Mercedes triumph in 2014.

"It (double points) won't be necessary this year because the championship will be over much earlier than that," the 83-year-old told British broadcaster Sky.

When told he is obviously referring to a Mercedes driver, Ecclestone agreed: "Exactly."

Notwithstanding Mercedes' dominance, the Lewis Hamilton versus Nico Rosberg duel for victory in Bahrain was celebrated as a thrilling triumph for F1.

"Mercedes celebrated in Bahrain after a great show that did not feature Ferrari," Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport said.

The two fighting Mercedes W05 in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

The authoritative daily said the duel was "reminiscent of Senna and Prost at McLaren, or Mansell and Piquet at Williams, showing that a fight within a team can make us hold our breath so long as there aren't team orders."

Corriere dello Sport, a major Roman daily, said Bahrain was further evidence that Ferrari is in "clear decline, not even knowing where to begin to change its situation".

Il Messaggero newspaper added: "The 'new' F1 works, and is even thrilling."

Mercedes' Toto Wolff, however, warned that it is "inevitable" that eventually the in-house scrap between Hamilton and Rosberg will turn sour, and so "internal discussions" about team orders cannot be ruled out.

Dr Helmut Marko told Servus TV on Monday that he hoped it had gone sour in Bahrain.

"For many laps we were hoping that something (between Hamilton and Rosberg) happened," he said.

But team chairman Niki Lauda insisted: "We are of the opinion that the drivers can race at the highest level, and it will stay that way," he is quoted by Sport1.

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

Fernando Alonso admitted he is worried Ferrari is being left behind altogether.

"The championship is going away," the German news agency DPA quotes him as saying.

"Hamilton and Rosberg are driving flawlessly and taking advantage of their position. What we have to do is work harder. During the tests, we will work night and day," the Spaniard added.

Indeed, Fernando Alonso will drive on both days of the post-race Bahrain test this week.

From GMM

Jean Todt insists he is not moved by claims extreme diets are putting drivers at risk.

As the heavier 2014 cars struggle to get beneath the 692kg minimum weight limit, rumours of drivers deliberately dehydrating, fasting and even fainting have been swirling in the paddock.

Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne says he even visited hospital after the Australian grand prix.

"I did a diet this winter but you get to certain limits that the body can no longer take," he said, clearly urging for an increase in the weight limit.

But Jean Todt, the president of the FIA, said it is up to the drivers to manage their weight loss in a healthy way within the existing rules.

"Honestly, I don't know why a driver... I think normally you can do a good diet and not have to go to hospital because you have been losing some kilos," he is quoted by the Telegraph.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

The moment I got behind the wheel of the 2014 Dodge Durango I immediately fell in love. Comfortable surroundings, plenty of gadgets, Hemi power under the hood, and all four wheels working for me: what more could I ask for?

Room for six or seven on board and more handling abilities than I'd expect from a vehicle its size, the Durango truly did impress. Add to that the fact that I was piloting the top-line Citadel and it was a recipe for a very good week indeed.


What is a Dodge Durango?
The Durango appeared in '98 as a midsize SUV and only with 4WD. A year later, 2WD models were made available as well as a new smaller engine. Since then, the Dodge Durango has seen a few more generations, engine setups, drivetrains and even a Chrysler twin, the Aspen.

Now in its third generation, the Dodge Durango is built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee and shares many components including powertrain and chassis parts. For 2014, the Durango features a sportier exterior look as well as Chrysler's 8-speed transmission.

2014 Dodge Durango Citadel Price and Specs
If there's one thing I love about the Americans, it's that they are never short on choice and trim levels. With five Durango models to choose from as well as two engines and two drivetrains in a wide price range, the Durango is your oyster, so to speak.

In terms of engines, the 2014 Dodge Durango offers up a potent 3.6L Pentastar V6 available only on the SXT, Limited and Citadel models. It produces 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 6,200lb. Then there's the 360-horsepower 5.7L HEMI V8 available exclusively with the R/T model and as an option on the Citadel and Limited. The HEMI's 390 torques also mean it can two up to 7,200lb. Both are coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Let's focus on my particular tester, which was the top-of-the-line Citadel version. With a base price of $52,594 it sits quite a bit above the base SXT ($39,995). Add to that the fact that my Durango sported the HEMI ($2,300), as well as second-row captain chairs, rear DVD entertainment system, and a tech package that included all the fancy front-crash warning and lane-departure alert gizmos and my final tally hit over $60k.

That's a lot of coin, but it's also a lot of car.

Driving the 2014 Dodge Durango Citadel
Despite its beefed-up minivan-like appearance, this particular people carrier does not drive like one at all. In fact, its responsiveness was almost shocking, as was its steering feel.

With plenty of snow on the ground and AWD at my disposal as well as the HEMI V8, there was definitely some fun to be had with the Dodge Durango. While surefooted and capable with all traction control systems on, it's also a blast when systems are alleviated of their arduous tasks.

Steering is precise and surprisingly connected for a vehicle of this size. I never felt like I was hauling around a three-rowed vehicle, especially not when the throttle was hammered and acceleration ensued. Power is potent and gear changes are swift. The 8-speed is hyper aware of where it needs to be and never left searching for the right gear to be in. I dare say the 2014 Dodge Durango Citadel is sporty...

Add to that the four-wheel independent suspension that handles road unevenness as well as cornering with equal finesse, and the 2014 Dodge Durango Citadel really is a joy to drive.

Oh, and let's not forget the sound of the HEMI V8 roaring to life when throttle pressure is applied. There's something to be said for American muscle, it gets me every time. As it roars though, it will guzzle some fuel. I averaged 16.5L/100km throughout the week, which ain't great.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Dodge Durango Citadel
If I was a young guy with a budding new family or with a wife pregnant with twins or more multiples (I feel panicked thinking about it), I'd head straight to a Chrysler showroom. Why? Because the Dodge Durango Citadel offers all the manliness you'd ever want from a people carrier without stripping your masculinity by forcing you to drive a minivan.

Alright, so it doesn't have sliding side doors, but it as a boatload of interior space, uber comfy seats in all three rows, available rear entertainment to keep the children from driving you mental on long trips, and a V8. Done and done.

As far as exterior looks go, this is one handsome SUV. Big and beefy, the Durango's bull-ish mug with new LED headlights, and modern rear taillights give it a distinguished look on the road that's also rather athletic. And inside that distinguished look continues with the Citadel-trim Nappa leather.

Comparing the 2014 Dodge Durango Citadel
I recently drove one of the Durango's main competitors, the Chevrolet Tahoe. In terms of American muscle, the Durango comes out on top for drive and performance. If it's American you want, you can also look to Ford's Expedition. However, the 2014 Dodge Durango really does toe the line in terms of performance and practicality, and toes it quite well.

To help prove that racing drivers are really athletes, here is a video of on-board IndyCar footage with some fascinating real-time biometrics.

Not long ago, during a TV show former NFL Quarterback Donovan McNabb declared that NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson was not an athlete.

The video shows some basic data that was collected from IndyCar driver Josef Newgarden during a test in March at Barber Motorsports Park.

Sophisticated equipment allowed to record real-time biometrics such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, G-forces and many other parameters while Newgarden is driving.

Race cars driver are able to sustain an average heart rate of approximately 160-180 beats per minute for more than two hours, acceleration forces up to 4Gs in the corners and under braking, elevated temperatures and extreme sweating while maintaining perfect concentration.

From GMM

Red Bull man, Dr. Helmut Marko is not convinced Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix was a Formula 1 thriller.

After all the carping about the radical 2014 rules having turned F1 into 'formula yawn', Bahrain was hailed as a timely and highly-entertaining spectacle.

"There was a lot of criticism beforehand," Mercedes' Nico Rosberg told German television ARD as Tuesday as he began post-race testing in Bahrain.

"But people who watched the race tell me it was one of the best ever."

But Marko, whose employer Red Bull is one of the teams most vocally unhappy with the new regulations, is not so sure.

"Only after the safety car was it a really great race," the outspoken Austrian told Red Bull-owned Servus TV.

There were only ten laps of the 57-lap Bahrain race left when the safety car for Esteban Gutierrez's roll-over shunt finally pulled into the pits.

It was then that Lewis Hamilton's epic duel with his Mercedes teammate Rosberg really began.

"If the safety car had not come out, it would have been a relatively bland race," Marko claims.

Rosberg said it is "logical" that Mercedes' rivals are not happy with the current situation.

"We made the best of the new rules and are absolutely dominant at the moment," he admitted. "That the other teams don't like it is logical.

"Last year, it was Red Bull doing the best job, now it's us. So it's not nice that now the others are crying all of a sudden about rule changes," Rosberg added.

From press release

Merrittville Speedway's 63rd Season took a huge step forward with the Speedway Office now open for the 2014 Season.

The next step for Race Teams will be the Test Tune and Inspection Day on Saturday April 19th. When the Pit Gates Open at 1 P.M. - Inspections will begin and Race Teams are encouraged to come early. Cars will not be allowed on the Race Track at 5 PM unless they are inspected.

Race Fans can take in the On Track Sessions with Free Grandstand Admission.

While the evening session is intended for the Thorold facility's Divisions - the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds, Rick's Delivery Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders - Drivers from other classes are expected especially with the Patriot Sprint Tour part of the first event.

From when the Speedway Office Opens for business on April 7th until Saturday April 26th's Seaway Mall Spring Sizzler - Race Fans may wish to purchase or renew their Season Tickets.

There's no better way to enjoy all the action with a 2014 Grandstand Season Pass with two options available. Reserved or General Admission Season Tickets offer a savings of more than $100.00.

Beginning with Saturday April 26th's Annual Spring Sizzler, Grandstand Season Tickets are good for all events. A Reserved Ticket which includes a Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner for the Monday August 4th 5th Annual Bob St. Amand Senior Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series 100 presented by L. St. Amand Enterprises is an economical $270.00 for Adults while the Student and Senior rate is $250.00.

General Admission Season Tickets for Adults are $250.00 with the price $230.00 for Students and Seniors.

With either option - race fans with Season Tickets do not have to wait in Ticket Lines each event and with a Reserved Seat - you can pick your favorite seat ... and it's yours for the entire season ... from start to finish!

For further information on Grandstand Season Tickets - click on http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/season-pass.html.

Pros: Easy ingress and egress, quiet operation, pleasant driving dynamics, user-friendly controls, and a great audio system will delight 2014 Nissan LEAF buyers.

Cons: With a range of about 160 kilometres (down to 100 in cold temperatures), the LEAF is not suited for all drivers. What's more, charging the battery through a standard 120V outlet takes forever (15-20 hours, actually). As you can imagine, said battery also affects trunk capacity.

Photo: Nissan

2014 Nissan LEAF Price: There are three trim levels to choose from including S at $31,698, SV at $34,998, and SL at $38,498. However, buyers and lessees in some Canadian provinces get up to $8,500 in rebates.

Standard features in the 2014 Nissan LEAF include heated front and rear seats, a backup camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.

2014 Nissan LEAF Fuel Economy: How do you like a big, fat 0L/100km? With the LEAF, only electricity fees apply.

Improvements and Changes: Since the 2013 model was launched in late summer, there are no changes for the 2014 model year.

2014 Nissan LEAF Powertrain: The LEAF returns with an advanced 24kWh lithium-ion battery comprised of 48 compact modules, and an 80kW AC synchronous motor good for 107 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque. The transmission selector now has a "B" drive mode that increases regenerative braking during deceleration.

The standard 6.6 kW onboard charger reduces 220V charging times from roughly seven to four hours for a full charge. If you're in a rush, the LEAF's battery can be charged to 80% in only 30 minutes. By the way, the pack carries an 8-year/160,000km warranty.

Cargo Capacity: Despite the battery, you can load up to 679 litres of cargo inside the trunk. With the rear seats folded, the volume increases to 849 litres.

Safety: Beyond the aforementioned backup camera, the 2014 Nissan LEAF offers six airbags, stability and traction control, along with a tire pressure monitoring system.

Comparing the 2014 Nissan LEAF: The biggest threats to the LEAF come from the Ford Focus Electric, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, and Chevrolet Volt.

Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle explains the particularly clever technology that provides the Mercedes W05 Formula 1 car with such a clear advantage this year.

The British broadcaster revealed last week that Mercedes had designed and manufactured a split turbocharger. The turbine and the compressor now sit at both extremities of the V6.

Brundle, a former F1 driver himself, explains why such a modification produces so many advantages.

Corrosion issues and unsafe seatback frames are prompting Ford to recall more than 434,000 vehicles in North America.

First, 385,762 Ford Escape SUVs from the 2001-2004 model years (including around 37,000 in Canada) suffer from subframes that can rust, allowing a control arm to separate and affect steering ability.

The second recall targets 48,950 Ford Fusion, Escape, C-MAX and Lincoln MKZ vehicles from 2013-2014 (including 4,744 in Canada). It appears the seatback frames weren't welded properly, so dealers will have to replace them.

Source : auto.lapresse.ca

Formula 1 teams and drivers were back in action two days after the Grand Prix of Bahrain for the first 2014 in-season test.

At the end of the day, Nico Rosberg, second in Sunday's race, set the pace today with a time of 1m35.697. The German completed 121 laps, the equivalent of two race distances in his W05.

Sahara Force India took today second place on the 11-car timesheet with Nico Hulkenberg ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, whose F14 T stopped on track in the morning.

McLaren rookie Kevin Magnussen finished fourth ahead of Valtteri Bottas of Williams, Max Chilton of Marussia and Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull Racing.

Russian rookie Sergey Sirotkin completed more than 300 km in the Sauber, which is a requirement to receive the super licence.

Best times of the day:

1 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m35.697 121 laps
2 Nico Hulkenberg Force India 1m36.064 69 laps
3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m36.626 68 laps
4 Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1m36.634 102 laps
5 Valtteri Bottas Williams 1m37.305 28 laps
6 Max Chilton Marussia 1m37.678 60 laps
7 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull 1m38.326 91 laps
8 Sergey Sirotkin Sauber 1m39.023 76 laps
9 Robin Frijns Caterham 1m40.027 62 laps
10 Pastor Maldonado Lotus 1m40.183 16 laps
11 Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso 1m40.452 67 laps

Most people buy their friends gifts like a bottle of wine or a massage session, but rapper Brian ''Birdman'' Williams recently presented Justin Bieber with a new car ― not just any car: a Bugatti Veyron, formerly known as the world's fastest production automobile.

The reason behind the unique gift remains a mystery, however.

The Veyron will join Beiber's impressive collection which includes three Ferraris (430, 458 Italia, 458 Spyder) and a Fisker Karma.

Source : inautonews.com

From GMM

American Gene Haas has revealed he is yet to be notified officially that he will be let in as Formula 1's newest team owner in 2015.

In Bahrain at the weekend, Bernie Ecclestone confirmed that the NASCAR team co-owner's entry will almost certainly be accepted, along with another new team believed to be headed by the former Force India and HRT chief Colin Kolles.

FIA president Jean Todt also confirmed the news, saying it will be announced officially "in coming days".

In the US, however, Haas said Ecclestone and the FIA are yet to inform him.

"We haven't been notified by the FIA, but Bernie is kind of half F1, so I'm sure what he says goes," he is quoted by the Associated Press.

But Haas, who admitted he decided to enter F1 to raise awareness of his highly successful tool machine business Haas Automation, admitted the delay in getting the 2015 entry approved is a worry.

"We needed to know about two months ago," he said.

"If Mr. Ecclestone says that we're accepted and the FIA issues us some kind of notice in the next few weeks, then we can entertain 2015. But if we lose another month, I don't think we could do it."

F1 supremo Ecclestone admitted he is not sure Haas will "turn up" in 2015.

"It's easy to put the entry in," the 83-year-old told British broadcaster Sky.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently posted a new video that raises awareness about the dangers of texting while driving.

Some will complain that we're constantly being hit with shockingly graphic reminders of how this reckless behaviour can have tragic consequences, but the number of related accidents suggests that too many drivers still don't get the message.

Count on ads and videos like this one to keep coming...

From press release

Brighton Speedway is proud to announce Ultramar CST and Benson Auto Parts will return as major weekend sponsors in 2014.

After a year away, Ultramar CST returns as the title sponsor for the Labour Day Classic weekend, featuring two full shows for the Sanderson's Tire and Automotive Southern Ontario Sprints. The two-day event runs on August 30 and 31.

In addition to the Southern Ontario Sprints, each of Brighton's five weekly divisions will also be featured throughout the weekend. Lucas Oil, Rock 107, Backyard Bouncers, and Mystical Distribution will also support the event.

Benson Auto Parts is back as the title sponsor of Applefest Shootout Weekend on September 19 and 20. The 2014 edition of the Benson Auto Parts Applefest Shootout Weekend presented by Imagefactor.ca, Cool 100, Coca Cola, Lucas Oil and VP Racing Fuels will see the top sportsman and 358 modified drivers in the Northeast compete for the title of Mr. DIRT.

"We are very fortunate to have such loyal sponsors who support Brighton Speedway," said Angela Rinaldi, Brighton Speedway co-promoter.

"Their continued support is a positive reflection on the magnitude of the entertainment and quality of racing provided at these events."

The Brighton/Merrittville Speedway Pro Stock 50-lap Duel in the Dirt will also be on the card during Benson Auto Parts Applefest Shootout Weekend. Lucas Oil and Coca-Cola present the speedway's season finale.

The First in-season Formula 1 test is now underway at Bahrain, less than two days after the Grand Prix. The test is held today, Wednesday and tomorrow.

Nico Rosberg is behind the wheel of the Mercedes W05 while his teammate Lewis Hamilton will then take over from the German tomorrow.

Lotus is running Pastor Maldonado, performing a series of aerodynamic-measuring devices.

Spaniard Fernando Alonso will be driving for Ferrari on both days.

McLaren changed their plans late Monday night and announced that Kevin Magnussen will test on both days in the MP4-29.

Kevin Magnussen, McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

The team had originally planned to run test driver Oliver Turvey on Tuesday with highly rated youngster Stoffel Vandoorne replacing Turvey on Wednesday.

It's understood that Vandoorne and Turvey will both test during the remaining three in-season tests of the year with Button happy to allow Magnussen to run on both days this week.

Bahrain in-season test - confirmed driver line-ups:
• Red Bull - Tuesday: Daniel Ricciardo; Wednesday: TBA
• Mercedes - Tuesday: Nico Rosberg; Wednesday: Lewis Hamilton
• Ferrari - Tuesday and Wednesday: Fernando Alonso
• Lotus - Tuesday: Pastor Maldonado; Wednesday: TBA
• McLaren - Tuesday and Wednesday: Kevin Magnussen
• Sahara Force India - Tuesday: Nico Hulkenberg; Wednesday: Sergio Perez
• Sauber - Tuesday: Sergey Sirotkin; Wednesday: Giedo Van der Garde
• Toro Rosso - Tuesday - Daniil Kvyat; Wednesday: TBA
• Williams - Tuesday: Valtteri Bottas; Wednesday: Felipe Massa
• Marussia - Tuesday: Max Chilton; Wednesday: Jules Bianchi
• Caterham - Tuesday: Robin Frijns; Wednesday: Marcus Ericsson

Here is the schedule of on-track events of this weekend's 2014 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, round 2 of the Verizon IndyCar Series.

Friday, April 11
7:40 a.m. TUDOR United SportsCar Championship practice
8:00 a.m. Lifestyle Expo opens
10:00 a.m. INDYCAR practice
11:30 a.m. Pro/Celebrity Race practice
12:15 p.m. Indy Lights practice
2:00 p.m. INDYCAR practice
3:00 p.m. Pro/Celebrity qualifying
4:00 p.m. INDYCAR All-Driver Autograph Session in INDYCAR Paddock (open to all spectators)
4:00 p.m. Pirelli World Challenge practice
5:00 p.m. TUDOR Championship qualifying
6:00 p.m. Lifestyle Expo closes
6:45 p.m. Tecate Light Fiesta Friday Concert on Concert Stage Starring Kinky
7:00 p.m. Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge practice (Turns 9-10-11)
7:45 p.m. Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge qualifying

Saturday, April 12
7:45 a.m. Indy Lights practice
8:00 a.m. Lifestyle Expo opens
10:00 a.m. INDYCAR practice
11:00 a.m. Indy Lights practice
11:00 a.m. Autograph session with racing legend Mario Andretti (Promenade Atrium - 45 minutes)
12:00 p.m. Pro/Celebrity Race (10 laps)
1:15 p.m. INDYCAR qualifying and Firestone Fast Six
2:40 p.m. TUDOR Championship Pre-Race Ceremonies
3:05 p.m. Tequila Patrón Sports Car Showcase featuring the TUDOR Championship (100 minutes)
5:15 p.m. Pirelli World Challenge qualifying
6:00 p.m. Lifestyle Expo closes
6:45 p.m. Saturday Rock-N-Roar Concert on Concert Stage Starring Paul Rodgers of Bad Company
7:00 p.m. Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge Finals (Turns 9-10-11)

Start of the IndyCar race at Long Beach. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

Sunday, April 13
7:00 a.m. Gates open
7:20 a.m. SPEED Energy Stadium Super Truck practice and qualifying
8:00 a.m. Lifestyle Expo opens
8:00 a.m. Pirelli World Challenge warm-up
9:00 a.m. INDYCAR warm-up
9:45 a.m. Indy Lights Pre-Race Ceremonies
10:15 a.m. Indy Lights Race (1 hour)
10:30 a.m. Autograph session with racing legends Mario Andretti, Dan Gurney and Al Unser Jr. (Promenade Atrium - 45 minutes)
11:30 a.m. Mothers Exotic Car Parade
12:00 p.m. SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks Race
12:30 p.m. INDYCAR Pre-Race Ceremonies
1:43 p.m. "Drivers, Start Your Engines!"
1:50 p.m. Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach INDYCAR Race (80 laps)
3:55 p.m. Formula DRIFT demonstration
4:30 p.m. Pirelli World Challenge Race (1 hour)
5:30 p.m. Lifestyle Expo Closes
5:30 p.m. End of day's activities

*All times subject to change without notice

Sixteen suppliers won awards for innovations in products and manufacturing processes, including three for safety features. The awards are sponsored by Automotive News, EY and Transportation Research Center.

Ford is recalling 385,762 model-year 2001-2004 Escape SUVs due to rust that could cause the separation of the lower control arm from the subframe of the vehicle.

Canadian auto supplier Magna International paid $52 million in consulting fees to billionaire founder Frank Stronach in 2013, but the company is stressing that his compensation will stop at the end of this year.