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For the next Leaf electric vehicle, Nissan plans more mainstream styling and a new battery that greatly increases the car's range. Infiniti's delayed electric car will debut with the improved battery by early 2017.

Following the five recalls announced yesterday, General Motors is now recalling 8,200 Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu sedans from the 2014 model year in the U.S. because rear disc brakes have been mistakenly installed on the front wheels.

The number of affected units in Canada remains unknown.

Dealers were instructed on May 1st to stop selling the LaCrosse and Malibu. Since the rear discs are thinner, the brake pads will wear faster and could lose contact with the brake callipers, likely resulting in longer stopping distances.

Both the discs and pads will be replaced at no cost by Buick dealers. The company will send a mail notice to affected owners starting May 29th.

Source: cbc.ca

With the U.S. government forcing automakers to offer backup cameras as standard equipment in all new vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds by 2018, Buick announced that each of its 2015 models will come standard with a rearview camera.

“Rear backup cameras have become like power windows and air conditioning,” said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “While they're not standard on every car, yet, it's rare to operate a new vehicle without them. The increased confidence these cameras provide make them a must-have feature.”

Every 2015 Buick model will also be available with active safety technologies such as Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Source: media.gm.ca

The new 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO made a surprise world debut at ZDAYZ, the annual gathering of hundreds of Nissan, Datsun and NISMO owners and enthusiasts.

Photo: Nissan

Powered by the familiar 3.7L V6 engine that produces 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque, the 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO sports a new, deep front fascia with LED daytime running lights, black headlight bezels, a NISMO emblem, and a signature NISMO red stripe accent on the integrated front chin spoiler.

The standard 19'' NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels by RAYS also have been restyled for 2015 with a twin 5-spoke design and a charcoal grey machine finish.

Inside the 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO, you'll find redesigned black-and-red, leather-appointed Recaro seats with Alcantara accents, not to mention a leather-appointed steering wheel and a 7'' touchscreen.

The 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO will go on sale at U.S. Nissan dealers in July 2014. No word yet on Canadian availability.

Three-time Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winner, Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves set a blazing pace Thursday at Indy with a lap at 227.166 mph that was the fastest of the month.

Ed Carpenter, the 2013 Indy 500 pole sitter, was second fast (226.257 mph) in the No. 20 car, while Verizon IndyCar Series championship point's leader Will Power was third (225.899 mph) in the No. 12 car.

Jacques Villeneuve. (Photo: IMS)

Davison's KV Racing Technology teammate, Townsend Bell, was fourth (225.484) and Ryan Hunter-Reay (225.340) was fifth in the No. 28 car for Andretti Autosport.

Canadian Alex Tagliani was 16th quickest in the No. 68 car while his fellow countryman Jacques Villeneuve set the 21st fastest time in the No. 5 entry.

Alex Tagliani. (Photo: IMS)

Nissan has confirmed that the Pulsar will return to European dealers this fall. North America isn't part of the plan yet.

Photo: Nissan

Expected to give cars like the VW Golf and Ford Focus a serious run for their money, the new Nissan Pulsar will be built in Spain as a roomy 5-door hatchback tailored to the specific needs of European car buyers.

The unveiling will be broadcast live on YouTube on May 20th at 1 p.m. (French time).

_{Source: TF1}

Mercedes AMG Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg has worked hard on improving his race starts during the recent in-season tests held at Circuit de Catalunya, Spain.

Rosberg said the obvious key moment of the race was the start, and he needed to make gains in that area if he wanted to challenge his teammate and new championship leader, Lewis Hamilton.

He also admitted he needs to work on his braking, especially before the Grand Prix of Monaco scheduled next week.

"I had a productive day of testing in Barcelona where we made some good progress with braking and starts: two areas that I feel are costing me time at the moment,” Rosberg said in a Monaco GP team preview.

"Hopefully that will give me the extra edge next weekend. It should be an exciting weekend and I can't wait to get started."

Nico Rosbeg, Mercedes AMG (Photo: Mercedes)

The areas Rosberg identified will both be crucial on the streets of Monte Carlo, where the driver starting on pole has gone on to win all-but one of the races in the last decade.

“My race start at the Spanish Grand Prix unfortunately was poor. It's a bit of a weakness that we have at the moment, just inconsistent and now I've had a couple of bad starts in a row - actually three bad starts in the races.

"And that's costly, you know? Because, always losing out at the start, that's not good, [I] need to work on that,” Rosberg admitted.

Sometimes it's about more than how a vehicle drives or takes a corner. Sometimes its about how well a queen-size mattress plus 20 moving boxes will fit in the back, and how easily items can be lifted in and out of the cargo bay. Yup, when it's time to move, there are few vehicles as appropriate for the job as the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. 

While it has plenty of jobs these days (from bus to delivery truck to luxury taxi and ambulance vehicles), I was content to put the Sprinter to use hauling my life to a new location. And it did the job brilliantly. 


What is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
Designed primarily for work purpose, the Sprinter is a van that can be custom ordered for a variety of needs and in a number of different setups. Need more height? Go for the high roof. Need to transport people instead of things? Install rowed seating or even a limo-esque interior. Two seats, a bench row up front, storage galore; the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's got you covered.

2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 High Roof Price and Specs
Just because it's from the high-end luxury German brand and uber practical and handy doesn't mean it has to cost a bomb. Of course, the more you customize the higher the price will go.

Starting at $42,400 my particular 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 High Roof only had a few options and extras (like the Comfort Seat Package for $400 and the Convenience Package for $630 and a few more options) that brought the final price up to $45,630. Of note: The Sprinter Cargo Van lineup starts at just $39,900.

Besides a massive amount of cargo room in the rear, you also get a fabulous 2.0L I4 BlueTEC diesel engine that's good for 161 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, with a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC transmission handling it all. Those numbers might seem low for a vehicle this size (144” wheelbase and a curb weight of 2,329kg), but they are plenty adequate.

Driving the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
Driving this large cargo van makes me wonder if perhaps I missed a calling life as a bus or lorry driver of some sort. I love the up-high seating position and the ease with which the Sprinter handles and maneuvers on the street. The turning radius might seem large in number form (14.5m) but in reality it's quite impressive and I managed the Sprinter in tight parking lots sans back-up cameras or rear windows without trouble.

Perhaps it's the direct steering that helps. The 2014 Merc Sprinter 2500's size is diminished by the preciseness in the steering that makes you feel as if you're driving a much, much smaller vehicle. Add to that the responsive throttle and fabulous linear diesel torque, and you've got a recipe for fun times.

However, it's not at all about speed and agility in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, it's about how well it drives loaded. Well, driving a loaded Sprinter is as pleasant as it is empty. Though care is needed when cornering (weight of the load shifts), this Merc remains planted and surefooted and doesn't feel weak or strained in any which way.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 High Roof
The Sprinter's front fascia is its most redeeming quality with the massive tristar symbol taking centre stage, and angular headlights suggesting the German work-van's heritage.

Inside it's all business. In my particular tester, two captain chairs were affixed up front. The dash is a mix of washable rubbers/plastics and more cargo/storage areas than I could keep track of (which meant more places to lose my phone, which I did on multiple occasions).

Rubber flooring means easy cleaning, and large knobs and buttons mean everything is accessible and workable with gloves on. There's really nothing luxurious inside the 2014 Sprinter 2500, but then I would be shocked if there was, that's not what this vehicle is about.

I can attest that the Sprinter fits a phenomenal amount in the back from a couch and loveseat to box upon box upon box of various things to shelving units, washer/dryer, fridge, mattress and box spring, headboard, the list goes on and on.

Loading the Sprinter is a breeze thanks to the additional step in the rear and the hinged rear doors that fold tight to the side of the cargo van. The sliding side door is also convenient for adjusting packing and placing smaller items on top of larger ones. And FYI, max cargo weight for the 2014 Sprinter 2500 is 1,578kg (371 cu ft).


Comparing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 High Roof
When it comes to cargo vans, the market in North America is rather small. Nissan's line of NV vehicles offers an option, as does Ford's Transit. However, the proud Mercedes symbol on the front of the Sprinter will always set it apart from the rest.

From Indycar.com

Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe, who was diagnosed with a concussion resulting from an incident during the Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 10, was cleared to resume driving duties after being re-evaluated May 15 by the INDYCAR medical team.

Hinchcliffe passed the post-concussion ImPACT test, according to INDYCAR Medical Director Dr. Michael Olinger, one of the elements required to be cleared to return to the racetrack in an Andretti Autosport-prepared car.

ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is the most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system.

All Verizon IndyCar Series drivers complete the ImPACT test, which includes medical history and six modules, before the season to provide a baseline.

Hinchcliffe retook the neurocognitive test section, which includes verbal recognition memory, design memory, visual processing speed, symbol matching, color matching and three-letter memory.

Talking during the presentation of the new FIA Formula E electric championship, four-time Formula 1 Champion Alain Prost declared that F1 teams needed to do their homework to better promote the sport.

This year, the F1 teams moved from the noisy normally aspirated V8s to the quieter, but more efficient V6 turbo hydrid power units.

The new V6 engines use lost energy from the turbo and the brakes to reduce fuel consumption by more than 30%.

Prost claimed that the FIA and the teams failed to carefully explain the new (and complex) technology and its consequences.

Start of the 2014 Spanish Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

"Formula 1 has moved to a very different engine," the 59-year-old Prost told MaltaToday.

"What they are doing is fantastic in a way, but has not been very well explained, and that is a problem.

"At least everybody knows that with Formula E what you see is an electric car, but in F1 there is sometimes a little bit of confusion.

"I was in London when the first (F1) winter test took place earlier this year, which was a disaster, but it was not important that one team did five laps or 10 laps.

"What was important was that people, and the media, understood what F1 was doing and explained what was being done and why.

"At the start it was not fantastic. It is no longer the case because right now the cars have the same power (as last year), but are using 30 to 40% less fuel, which is amazing, so big.

"But the fans perhaps do not care too much, so there is a little bit of confusion and young people aren't following and aren't interested,” Prost explained.

Photo: FIA Formula E

Montreal, QC -- Ah, the small car. Like a teacup poodle in need of a home, they stare at you longingly, willing you to take them home with you. However, like a teacup poodle, it's hard to justify paying many dollars for not a lot of product. These are, after all, small cars.

So, what happens when one manufacturer decides to completely shake up a segment by offering their shockingly good small car for a shockingly small price, one that's under the $10,000 mark? Well, you take notice. Then you visit their showrooms.

Job done.

What is it like to drive a sub-$10k car? I'm about to tell you.


What is a Nissan Micra?
Now in its fourth generation, the Nissan Micra was introduced to be precisely what it is now: a fun-to-drive affordable vehicle. Compact and easy to drive, the Micra as we see it now in its latest incarnation is available in 160 countries.

Another interesting fact is that the new 2015 Nissan Micra will not be sold in the United States. At the moment, the cars in North America are Canada-specific. They were built and adapted specifically for Canadians. This is our car.

2015 Nissan Micra Price & Specs
The 2015 Nissan Micra is on sale now across the country, and its starting price is meant to be shocking. Nissan wants that reaction, and boy did they ever get it. When it was announced that the 2015 Micra would be available from $9,998, the entire Canadian automotive industry collectively did a double-take, and competitors slapped their foreheads in frustration and undoubtedly went back to the boardrooms to talk about incentives and cash-back programs.

So, yes, the starting price is under $10k, however, the price can jump to (for a top-trim level) just over $16k. For that price you get all the bells and whistles (back-up camera, A/C, power windows/locks, USB, steering-wheel buttons, and an automatic transmission).

No matter which trim you choose, you will drive away with Nissan's 1.6L 4-cylinder engine good for 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. Built on the global V platform, the Micra features a suspension specifically calibrated for Canadian roads.

There are two transmission choices: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Wait, what's that you say? No CVT? Nope! And while it may have saved the fuel efficiency numbers (that sit in the 7.7L/100km combined range) the cost just didn't equate. The 4-speed is the same seen in the previousgeneration Versa.

Driving the 2015 Nissan Micra
Decked out in bright white with purple details, the Nissan Micra SV awaiting me in the Old Port parking lot was all smiles and ready to please. And please it did.

As an SV model, my first Micra experience was a good one; equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission as well as all the bells and whistles, and sitting in the mid-teens price range, this car was a solid drive.

Unlike some small cars, the Micra feels quite stable on the road — as long as there aren't any particularly strong crosswinds. Regardless of that, the 2015 Nissan Micra still held its own very well on the twisties, with only a slight amount of body roll. Steering feel is good and connected enough to ensure you know you're pointing the wheels in the right direction.

In the city, the Micra is happier than a pig in mud. Of course, I don't need to tell you that: Small cars are urban dwellers. With a turning radius of just 4.65m (only the Mirage does better at 4.60m), this is the ultimate downtown steed.

After giving the autobox a go, I got behind the wheel of a 5-speed manual in base trim. No power anything and no A/C meant I cranked the windows down, jacked the radio up and enjoyed a sunny afternoon drive. Rowing through the gears is almost an afterthought; it's so simple. Gears are easily found and shifts are forgiving, so those learning manual will appreciate driving the Micra. Handling and road feel are identical to the auto, but the engine feels a little more playful and lively with the manual.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Nissan Micra
We weren't supposed to call it this way, but I can't help it: This car is darn cute. While some small cars suffer from a squished, stunted look, the Micra carries its small stature with gusto.

With a host of customization options available (ranging from $199-$499), Nissan hopes to appeal to buyers' personalities and tap into the all-important emotional connection a buyer makes with a car. With the right colour combination, the 2015 Nissan Micra can be cute and cool.

Inside, it's just as cool. Yes, the layout is simple and easy, but that's the point. This is an entry-level vehicle, and yet the materials aren't cheap and the doors don't close with a tinny clang. The steering wheel feels substantial, and the seats are comfortable whether in base trim or top trim. Space in the rear is surprisingly ample, and the trunk offers up a decent amount as well.

Comparing the 2015 Nissan Micra
Nissan hopes to ignite a fire in the compact car market, and with a sub-$10k price I'm fairly certain they will. This is a highly popular segment in Eastern Canada, and Nissan knows this. With various incentive programs for first-time car buyers (waving credit checks) and recent grads (cash back for a university diploma), Nissan is in it to win it.

There's no doubt players like the Chevy Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Ford Fiesta are looking a little uneasy at the prospect of taking on the gargantuan task of beating the teeny-tiny Micra.

From press release

Simon Pagenaud will celebrate the life of his hero, three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna, in the 98th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25 by wearing a helmet with a unique blend of Senna's design and Pagenaud's trademark red scheme.

"Ayrton Senna has been the inspiration for my entire life, whether I'm in a race car or not," Pagenaud said. "He was my hero as a child, my role model as a teenager and my example as a human and a race car driver."

Simon Pagenaud shwoing his tribute helmet to Ayrton Senna. (Photo: Schmidt Peterson Motorsports)

Pagenaud contacted the Senna family several months ago with the help of 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran to discuss the idea of bringing the famous yellow helmet to "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Ayrton's yellow helmet is recognized all over the world for the aura it had around one of the most special race car drivers we have ever known," Pagenaud said. "After meeting people who knew and worked with Senna and realizing how blessed I am to have made a life in racing for myself, as well, I wanted to carry Ayrton with me to another checkered flag."

The helmet will feature Senna's familiar yellow design on its front and sides, mixed with Pagenaud's traditional red design on the back.

After the Indianapolis 500, Pagenaud will auction the commemorative Senna helmet to benefit the Ayrton Senna Institute, which promotes children's literacy efforts.

Pagenaud's tribute helmet to Ayrton Senna. (Simon Pagenaud Facebook)

The fate of Tesla Motors' retail strategy in Missouri is on hold after state legislators scrapped a vote on a bill that would have prevented the company from selling directly to consumers.

Kia is taking the slow and steady approach to its freshly launched K900 luxury sedan.

The 2015 Cadillac ATS coupe, which goes on sale by the end of the summer, will start at $38,990, including the $995 destination fee, General Motors said today.

Cadillac announced pricing for the 2015 ATS coupe on Thursday.

Mitsubishi says a new kink is delaying the launch of its Outlander plug-in hybrid in the United States until late 2015 or early 2016, even as it aims to more than double sales elsewhere this year.

Ford is opening a new technical and racing support center in Concord, N.C.

News 15 May, 2014

BMW creates a 2 Series-based racecar for the Gran Turismo 6 Playstation game

Bentley is celebrating its 95th birthday with a special-edition Mulsanne 95, which will only be available in the U.K.