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-- If you've never heard of the film "In Car 956," it's exactly what it sounds like: five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell, in his Porsche 956,

Jaguar Land Rover plans to build the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander SUVs at a new plant in China operated with joint venture partner Chery Automobile, a source said.

Jaguar Land Rover plans to build the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander SUVs at a new plant in China operated with joint venture partner Chery Automobile, a source said.

Jaguar Land Rover plans to build the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander SUVs at a new plant in China operated with joint venture partner Chery Automobile, a source said.

Giti Tire says it is to build a new manufacturing plant to meet growing demand in the North American market.

American Honda's newly independent Acura division has dropped the hybrid version of the ILX sedan for its 2015 model year, with just 227 cars having been sold so far this year.

Tesla Motors has revealed more details of its forthcoming Model X to those who have ordered the vehicle.

GM CEO Mary Barra will tell the U.S. Congress today that she 'will not rest' until the automaker has fixed problems that allowed a deadly flaw in the Chevrolet Cobalt to fester for more than a decade.

BMW sales in China have been boosted by the group's consumer finance unit, which was launched in the country four years ago. The carmaker's China finance boss, Uwe Stadtler, explained how BMW plans to expand the unit's business.

A Tesla spokeswoman ended months of speculation by confirming that the new Model X crossover will enter production early next year. Pricing has yet to be announced, though.

Tesla sent an e-mail to reservation holders on Monday saying the Model X will come standard with falcon wing doors and all-wheel drive. Third-row seating will be optional.

“We'll also deliver a level of functionality and practicality that will exceed what you saw on the concept vehicle,” the e-mail read.

The electric car maker plans to build about 10,000-15,000 copies of the Model X annually. Customers can reserve theirs on the company's website by making a minimum $5,000 deposit.

Be patient, however: As of October 2013, Tesla had already received more than 6,000 pre-orders.

Source : autonews.com

Photo: Tesla

Alain Prost, the most successful Formula 1 driver to have ever raced at Silverstone and several other fellow drivers will be part of the ceremonies surrounding the 50th F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Having won the British Grand Prix five times (1983, 1985, 1989, 1990 and 1993), Alain Prost is the most successful F1 driver ever to have raced at Silverstone.

His record of five victories is equalled only by the great Jim Clark, whose British Grand Prix wins were split between Silverstone (1963, 1965, 1967), Aintree (1962) and Brands Hatch (1964).

The parades will take place on all three days of this year's event, celebrating Silverstone's 50th Grand Prix in style, as a host of motor sport greats lap the Grand Prix Circuit in cars that have helped shaped history at the famous Northamptonshire Circuit.

Prost will drive the Red Bull RB8, which was driven to victory at the 2012 British Grand Prix by Mark Webber, his second win at Silverstone.

Alain Prost (Renault) and René Arnoux (Ferrari), Silverstone 1983. (Photo: WRi2)

Other legendary cars and drivers confirmed to take part in the 50th Grand Prix parades include:

• Sir Jackie Stewart, driving his 1969 British Grand Prix winning Matra MS80
• Rubens Barrichello, driving the Williams FW07b, a tribute to the 1979 British Grand Prix winning Williams FW07
• David Brabham, driving his late father Sir Jack Brabham's 1960 British Grand Prix winning Cooper Climax T53
• Dario Franchitti in Jim Clark's 1963 British Grand Prix winning Lotus 25
• Adrian Newey who will drive Ronnie Peterson's March 711 from 1971

The ‘Silverstone50' parades are scheduled to take place on all three days of the British Grand Prix at the following times: Friday 04 July - 12:50-13:05; Saturday 05 July - 12:05-12:20; and Sunday 06 July - 11:10-11:25. Timings are provisional and subject to change.

For the 8th round of the 2014 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the sport's teams return to a country last visited by F1 11 years ago - Austria.

The last incarnation of the Austrian Grand Prix was held from 1997 to 2003 at the circuit known as the A1 Ring and it is to that venue that F1 heads once again, though the rechristened Red Bull Ring has seen major trackside updates since.

The track, however, remains much as it was in 2003.

Length of lap: 4.326km
Lap record: 1:08.337 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2003)
Total number of race laps: 71
Total race distance: 307.020km
Pit lane speed limits: 80km/h in practice, qualifying and the race

DRS ZONES
There will be two DRS zones in Austria. The detection point of the first zone is 360m before Turn 2, with the activation point 85m after Turn 2. The second detection point is 10m after Turn 8 with the activation point 110m after Turn 9.

From nascar.com

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart was uninjured Tuesday when his No. 14 Chevrolet struck the Turn 1 wall during a Goodyear tire test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

According to local CBS affiliate WISH-TV, Stewart's accident occurred during the portion of the test closed to media. Transportation by paramedics was not necessary, although the station reported Stewart did speak with NASCAR medical personnel.

Stewart, co-owner and driver for Stewart-Haas Racing, is one of six Sprint Cup drivers participating in the two-day test.

Also taking part are drivers Greg Biffle (Roush Fenway Racing Ford) Clint Bowyer (Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota), Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota), Joey Logano (Team Penske Ford) and Ryan Newman (Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet).

A native of Columbus, Ind., Stewart won Sprint Cup titles in 2002, '05 and '11. He has 48 victories in the series in 536 career starts.

He is a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400 at IMS, scoring his first victory in 2005 and adding a second win two years later, in '07.

No. 14 team engineer Chris Chidgey posted an image of Stewart's car from the garage in the Instagram post below, saying, "Glad Tony is okay."

Tony Stewart's Chevrolet. (Photo: Chris Chidgey)

From GMM

Fabio Leimer is at F1's crossroads.

The reigning GP2 champion missed out on a race seat on this year's grid, but Tages-Anzeiger newspaper says he now has a solid offer on the table.

Marussia is offering to make Swiss Leimer, 25, its test and reserve driver with immediate effect.

"He could enter right now as a test driver for Marussia," his manager, Sven-Oliver Mangold, confirmed.

"It has even been promised that next year he will be one of the regular drivers," Mangold added.

He said it will cost Leimer a sponsorship figure in the "low single-digit million range".

Therein lies the problem. Until now, Leimer's career has been bankrolled by the wealthy Rainer Gantenbein, who over the years has ploughed over EUR 15 million into the burgeoning driver.

But Gantenbein said some months ago that he is "no longer willing" to burn money on the F1 dream, because the sport's system of pay-drivers is "sick".

"It's a bottomless pit," he insisted. "At some point you have to pull the plug."

Fabio Leimer, 2013 GP2 Champion. (Photo: WRi2)

Leimer's manager Mangold, therefore, is scrabbling to raise the necessary money before other opportunities also start to slip away.

He said talks with a "prominent Swiss company" have fallen through.

"I always get the same answer: we only sponsor teams, not individual athletes," said Mangold.

In the meantime, the clock is ticking.

"Marussia has suggested (Leimer contest) the test at Silverstone and then to target the next race," said Mangold, referring to the German grand prix next month.

And what if that deadline passes? "Then formula E would be an alternative," he said, amid reports many well-known names are rescuing and rebuilding their careers in the FIA's new all-electric single seater series.

Santa Barbara, CA -- Brand perception, value, and worth and how to gain it is a hot topic in the luxury auto world right now.

In Lincoln's case, it could easily be argued that Ford's shackles have held it back from blossoming. The new direction and rebirth began a few years ago when the new MKZ was being drawn up. Although tangible success continues to elude them, the latest product from Ford's luxury brand has the potential to actually increase showroom traffic.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC is nothing short of a departure from what the storied company has been producing these last few decades and deserves plenty of attention for its very German-inspired exterior design, its tasteful interior and impressive road manners. If there ever was a good reason to consider a Lincoln, here it is.


What is a Lincoln MKC?
I can tell you what it will be. The 2015 MKC will be Lincoln's bread-and-butter compact luxury crossover. Using the Audi Q5 as the principal target, Lincoln created a product to draw new blood into showrooms, likely the kind of buyer who craves luxury, but is not especially interested in brand affiliation.

This is in part Lincoln's appeal -- or so Ford hopes. At the moment, Lincoln is not a tier one luxury carmaker, however, should the MKC take off the profits could vastly help the company's outlook. This vehicle will penetrate the important Korean and Chinese markets, and should be successful there as well.

2015 Lincoln MKC Price and Specs
The new 2015 Lincoln MKC's base price is of $39,940; equipped with a 240-horsepower turbocharged EcoBoost 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, AWD, a 6-speed autobox, and Lincoln's Drive Control that adjusts the suspension.

To the base Premiere group, the Select package adds a 10-way power passenger seat and more for $2,260. The Reserve equipment group (includes the Select pck) throws in a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, navigation and more for $7,760.

Graduating to the 2.3L EcoBoost increases the price to $49,650. This new engine (shared with the new 2015 Mustang) produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel. It comes nearly fully equipped as only a Technology package is offered. It includes active safety systems for an extra $2,250.

Driving the 2015 Lincoln MKC
Forget about what you've heard or know about how the average Lincoln drives. In very few words: the 2015 Lincoln MKC drives as good or better than the best offerings in its category.

The V6-engine disappearance trend endures with the new MKC. I spent most of my driving day at the wheel of a 2.3L EcoBoost version and must say that the absence of a 6-cylinder engine will not be a problem. The 2.3L generates all of its torque from 2,750 rpm and so feels fairly quick. The transmission plays along smartly.

If at first I thought the 2.3L was impressively strong, that feeling dissipated after only a brief stint at the wheel of a 2.0L model. Its torque and throttle response are as sharp (in Sport or Normal modes) as the 2.3L. The latter feels marginally more powerful at higher engine rpm, but few drivers are likely to ever exploit these higher engine speeds.

Where the 2015 Lincoln MKC excels is in the handling department. On Maricopa Highway, in the Los Padres National Forest, the MKC demonstrated how capable it is. In Normal mode, the suspension enjoyed being heavily compressed, holding its own. On straight sections, the ride felt floaty on occasion but all was fine once Sport was selected. Body roll, although present, was expertly controlled and the vehicle would settle, firmly grip the road, and head in the desired direction with little understeer.

On the subject of steering, Ford's EPAS (electric power-assisted steering) did an excellent job of transmitting driver inputs to the front wheels with the perfect dose of assistance and surprising precision. The MKC's brakes also performed admirably well given the fairly hard driving conditions through increasingly tight and challenging twisties.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Lincoln MKC
A massive plus and minus throughout the drive were the seats. The seatbacks demonstrated comfort and support, ideal for holding the occupants in place during the assault on switchbacks. Unfortunately, the lower seat cushions are far too short for the average 5'9” man. They are, however, perfect for the average woman, which will most likely be the buyer of the MKC.

The MKC's cabin is truly spacious, elegant and well put together. Materials are lovely, especially the woods, and ergonomics are quite good. Gone are the annoying MyLincolnTouch telematics/infotainment slider-touchy controls, instead replaced by good old conventional switchgears that work brilliantly well. The use of push buttons for transmission gear selection is interesting as an idea, but takes a little getting used to.

The exterior styling will play a huge role in the MKC's take rate. Decidedly German in inspiration, the MKC borrows heavily from both the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi Q5 (its main target) flawlessly balanced with Lincoln's signature grille. Because the Lincoln MKC doesn't look American it will do well with the crowd (not sure of the size though) that wants European sophistication without the stigma that may come with German brands.

The standard wheels and colour palate augment the MKC's handsome and determined lines.

Comparing the 2015 Lincoln MKC
The compact luxury CUV segment is going to triple in size in the next few years; in fact a quarter of the luxury cars on the road will be from this segment.

The MKC currently deals with the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, and will shortly tango with the Lexus NX. More are expected to come, but at the moment it is difficult to fault the Germans.

The Lincoln MKC could be the first to put some hurt on the Europeans, if not them the Japanese.

Subaru Canada has just issued a recall on the following models:

• Subaru Forester (2009-2013)
• Subaru Impreza (2008-2011)
• Subaru Impreza WRX / WRX STI (2008-2014)
• Subaru Legacy (2005-2009)
• Subaru Outback (2005-2009)

In some cases, the centre and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system, potentially increasing stopping distances.

Upon inspection, Subaru dealers will either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the lines, or replace them as necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

Visitors at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K. (June 26-29, 2014) will get to see the Ferrari California T and 458 Speciale, not to mention the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, which will receive the Compasso d'Oro design award.

The Ferrari California T uses a 560-horsepower 3.8L turbocharged V8 engine to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. While output is up 70 horsepower from the regular California, fuel economy is 15% better.

Photo: Ferrari

Unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Ferrari 458 Speciale is more powerful than the 458 Italia. In fact, its 597-horsepower 4.5L naturally aspirated engine is the most potent V8 ever built by Ferrari, allowing 0-100 km/h acceleration in a mere 3.0 seconds.

Photo: Ferrari

The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta will return to Goodwood after winning the 2013 International Engine of the Year award in the Performance Engine and Above 4-litre class and the 2012 Top Gear award for Supercar of the Year. Now, it will add one of the oldest and most prestigious accolades in the world of design: the Compasso d'Oro.

Photo: Ferrari

Finally, the Scuderia Ferrari team will be demonstrating the 2009 F60 Formula 1 car driven by ex-F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa. Special guests Kimi Räikkönen and John Surtees will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the latter's F1 Championship title.

Photo: Ferrari

From GMM

The hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, has admitted F1 legend Michael Schumacher could be there for the "long haul".

News that the great German had left Grenoble, where he has been in intensive care since his skiing fall in late December, and is no longer in a coma, was met with elation the world over.

But Britain's Telegraph newspaper cited a source close to the Schumacher family - who are otherwise fiercely guarding the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver's privacy - as confirming the 45-year-old is 'drifting in and out of consciousness'.

And Darcy Christen, the Lausanne university hospital's head of media, confirmed that Schumacher's stay "won't be days. It could be for the long haul".

"The transfer doesn't mean that his condition improved markedly in the last few weeks.

"He is still going in and out of consciousness but he is having more moments of consciousness more regularly than in April. He certainly can't talk but there is some degree of communication.

"His doctors and family speak to him but he gets tired very quickly and needs a lot of rest. So this is kept to a minimum," he added.

Italy's La Repubblica newspaper also quoted hospital sources as revealing that Schumacher had been moved from Grenoble to be closer to his home in Switzerland, and because he no longer needs to be in intensive care.

"It will take a few days for him to stabilise completely, after the transfer," the hospital sources reportedly said. "Then the rehabilitation will begin."

The report also said Schumacher's moments of consciousness are brief, but that he is sometimes able to communicate by using his eyes.

"It will be a very long journey, and it is hard to say what will be the outcome," Christen said. "Whatever happens, it will take a lot of patience."

He said Lausanne's neurology department is headed by field leader Professor Richard Frackowiak, and is one of the best-equipped and modern in the world.

"It combines care and research in the best way. There is no better place for Schumacher at this time," said Darcy Christen.

Here is the time schedule of this weekend's Grand Prix of Austria, Round 8 of the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship.

Thursday June 19
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 15:00

Friday June 20
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 08:45 - 09:45
Formula 1 Practice 1 10:00 - 11:30
GP2 Practice Session 12:00 - 12:45
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 12:50 - 13:45
Formula 1 Practice 2 14:00 - 15:30
GP2 Qualifying Session 15:55 - 16:25
Formula 1 Press Conference 16:00 - 17:00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Practice Session 16:45 - 17:30
GP3 Practice Session 17:50 - 18:35

Saturday June 21
Formula 1 Team Pit Stop Practice 08:30 - 09:15
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 08:30 - 09:35
GP3 Qualifying Session 09:45 - 10:15
Formula 1 Practice 3 11:00 - 12:00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Qualifying Session 12:25 - 12:55
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 13:00 - 13:45
Formula 1 Qualifying 14:00
GP2 First Race (40 Laps or 60 Minutes) 15:40 - 16:45
GP3 First Race (18 Laps or 30 Minutes) 17:20 - 17:55

Sunday June 22
GP3 Second Race (18 Laps or 30 Minutes) 09:25 - 10:00
GP2 Second Race (28 Laps or 45 Minutes) 10:35 - 11:25
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Race (14 Laps or 30 Mins) 11:45 - 12:20
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 12:25 - 13:15
Formula 1 Drivers Track Parade 12:30
Track Display F1 Legends Parade (3 laps) 12:40
Formula 1 Starting Grid Presentation 12:45 - 13:15
Air Display The Flying Bulls Air Show 13:00 - 13:15
Formula 1 National Anthem 13:46
Formula 1 Race 14:00
Note - please be advised that this timetable is subject to change.

From Formula E

Formula 1 race winner Jarno Trulli Wednesday announced he is to form and manage a new team for the FIA Formula E Championship - entitled TrulliGP Formula E Team - with which he will race in the unique all-electric series.

Following approval from the FIA, TrulliGP has been granted the 10th team entry for the Formula E Championship, following the withdrawal of Drayson Racing.

Drayson Technologies will be entering into a supply and sponsorship arrangement with TrulliGP to be the squad's principal technology partner.

As part of this, TrulliGP will begin work on Drayson's wireless charging technology - which offers the potential to free electric vehicles from the constraints of cable-based charging.

Trulli becomes the eighth driver to sign for Formula E alongside Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi at Audi Sport Abt, Sam Bird and Jaime Alguersuari at Virgin Racing, Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok at Mahindra Racing and Franck Montagny at Andretti Autosport.

Jarno Trulli testing the Spark-Renault SRT-01E. (Photo: FIA Formula E)