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Pros: The 2014 Infiniti QX50 premium compact crossover has the sleek profile of a coupe, drives like a sports sedan, and puts front occupants in comfortable, supportive seats. It also uses cutting-edge, yet user-friendly technologies while undercutting the price of many rivals.

Cons: Compared to most in its class, the QX50 offers limited rear-seat and cargo room, poor visibility, and not-so-great fuel economy. Beware of expensive options, too.

Photo: Infiniti

2014 Infiniti QX50 Price: There's just a single trim level on the menu called Journey AWD. Priced at $37,900, it comes standard with leather seats and dual-zone climate control. Three packages are available to enhance passenger comfort, convenience, and safety.

2014 Infiniti QX50 Fuel Economy: The official fuel consumption ratings for the QX50 are 8.1L/100km on the highway and 12.1L/100km in the city.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 Infiniti QX50 is the same compact crossover the brand used to call EX37 during previous model years. Beyond the new name, there are no significant changes to report.

2014 Infiniti QX50 Powertrain: With a 3.7L V6 engine producing 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, you'll notice an unmistakable hint of its potential in the dual polished exhaust tips. A 7-speed automatic transmission handles that power, which is then sent to all four wheels thanks to an intelligent AWD system. The latter features a Snow mode for slippery conditions.

Cargo Capacity: The trunk in the QX50 can fit 527 litres of cargo, which isn't much for a CUV. Of course, you can fold the rear seats to increase cargo room.

Safety: The 2014 Infiniti QX50 comes with six airbags, ABS brakes, brake assist, as well as stability and traction control systems. The Around View Monitor creates a composite image using four cameras to give a single overhead view, while Moving Object Detection alerts you to moving objects around the vehicle, giving you even greater awareness to manoeuvre with ease. Several other advanced safety systems are available with the QX50.

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti QX50: Other premium compact crossovers worth checking out include the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Lincoln MKX, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLA, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60.

From GMM (news story updated, see below)

Could Azerbaijan be set to make its debut on the F1 calendar much earlier than first expected?

We reported last week that plans are racing ahead for a street race in the oil-rich former Soviet state's capital Baku.

Bernie Ecclestone had said 2016 was the most likely race date, even though Azerbaijan officials "are talking about 2015".

The Associated Press claims the contract is actually for a debut race in 2015, not 2016.

"Formula 1 will be held in Baku in autumn 2015," sports ministry spokeswoman Samaya Mammadova confirmed, revealing that a contract signing ceremony was being planned for later in May.

Now, Germany's Welt newspaper has raised the prospect of a race in Baku this year -- 2014.

It would reportedly fill a potential three-week gap between the Japanese and US races later this year, due to the increasing uncertainty now surrounding the scheduled inaugural running of the Russian grand prix.

The Crimean crisis, and the growing threat of war between Russia and Ukraine and escalating western sanctions, have cast major doubt on the formula one race in Sochi.

Also in doubt is the Russian round of this year's German touring car series, scheduled to take place in July at the Moscow Raceway.

When asked if DTM will be going to Russia in 2014, series organiser Hans-Werner Aufrecht answered: "As of today (yes)."

The DTM organisation ITR said: "As the organiser, we are naturally watching the current developments very closely, aware that our race at the Moscow Raceway is dependent on the political situation."

ITR admitted that in the case of a cancellation, "We would have an alternative, as anything else would be irresponsible and unprofessional."

Die Welt claimed that F1's potential replacement for Sochi has "already been established" -- Azerbaijan.

UPDATE
Azerbaijan later on Wednesday denied reports it could step in to replace this year's endangered Russian Grand Prix.

"In light of a number of reports, I can declare that a postponement or cancellation of the Russian grand prix is not discussed," Sergey Vorobyov of the Russian Grand Prix told Championat.

"We are actively preparing for the October 12, 2014 event," he insisted.

A spokesperson for Azerbaijan's sports minister Azad Rahimov denied Welt's claim that a city street race in the capital Baku is ready to replace Russia.

"A grand prix will take place in Azerbaijan in 2015," the spokesman told Russia's Championat. "Can it be in 2014? No, only in 2015."

According to an infographic posted by Road & Track , Dodge will soon become a performance brand exclusively and abandon the hugely popular Grand Caravan in the process.

The poor-selling Avenger is also out of the picture.

First, the Viper will apparently return to the Dodge brand, but retain its signature V10 engine. The new Dart SRT will receive a high-output turbo and AWD, while the Charger SRT and Challenger SRT will get a Hellcat engine.

A new Dodge crossover, possibly based on the Jeep Cherokee to replace the Journey, will make its debut with a turbo engine and AWD. A B-segment sedan/hatchback appears to be in the works, as well.

It's a sad day for minivan lovers. At least the Chrysler Town & Country will continue...

Source : roadandtrack.com

Photo: Dodge

From GMM

Spanish grand prix organisers would like the annual formula one race to be renamed.

Last year, the Barcelona venue - known since it was built in 1991 as the Circuit de Catalunya - underwent a name tweak. It is now officially called the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya.

Now, circuit boss Salvador Servia has told Catalunya Radio that he would like the annual F1 race to be called the Barcelona Grand Prix.

"Evidently, the 'Barcelona' brand outsells the 'Spain' brand," he claimed.

"When we say that we would call it Gran Premio de Barcelona, it is because we are selling worldwide and the Barcelona brand helps us a lot," said Servia.

The existing Spanish grand prix contract runs until 2016.

Sergio Marchionne said he will remain CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles through at least 2018 to oversee the rollout of the combined automaker's latest five-year business plan. That's two years longer than indicated earlier.

Sergio Marchionne will remain CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles through at least 2018 to oversee the rollout of the combined automaker's latest five-year business plan.

Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has faith in Alfa Romeo and doubts about aluminum-bodied pickup trucks while continuing to oppose the long-term viability of two-tier UAW wages.

Congressional investigators are examining whether General Motors CEO Mary Barra and other senior executives were more involved than they have publicly acknowledged as the automaker considered how to deal with a deadly ignition switch issue linked to...

VL Automotive, a sports car start-up founded by Detroit 3 veteran Bob Lutz, has merged with EV venture GreenTech Automotive to bring its Fisker Karma-based Destino car to market.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a bit player in Asia, plans to boost local production and sales significantly in China and India through 2018. In 2018, the automaker wants to sell about 850,000 vehicles in China, versus 130,000 in 2013.

Volvo Car Group has been conducting extensive tests - working with UK-based tech firm Flybrid - on flywheel-based KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology that it is claimed can yield fuel consumption savings of up to 25%. Ian Adcock took a closer look for just-auto.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles today projected that it will have roughly the same 2018 market share in the United States as Ford Motor Co. had last year and that its global sales would grow more than twice as fast as the rest of the industry.

Fiat Chrysler ended the first quarter with a net loss, hit by one-time charges linked to a deal to fully acquire Chrysler and by currency fluctuations.

Fiat Chrysler ended the first quarter with a net loss, hit by one-off charges linked to a deal to fully acquire Chrysler and by currency fluctuations.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles plans to introduce 34 new or redesigned models to its portfolio in Europe, Africa and the Middle East and is targeting an overall 27 percent increase in sales in those regions by 2018.

Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram dealerships in North America will sell significantly more vehicles in 2018 than now, the automaker said today. Each dealership sold an average of 566 vehicles last year, the company said.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles plans to introduce 34 new or redesigned models to its portfolio in Europe, Africa and the Middle East and is targeting an overall 27 percent increase in sales in those regions by 2018.

Episode six of and#8220;Inside Koenigseggand#8221; is live online today. The Swedish supercar-maker is touting its latest technology for the new

Once little more than restorers' fodder, the demand for unmolested, unrestored cars is at an all-time high.

and#8220;Just build it,and#8221; we said, after seeing the deliciously plausible Maserati Alfieri concept at the