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As you know, Lincoln is desperate to attract younger customers. Launching cool new products is obviously the way to go.

Matt VanDyke, global head of marketing, sales and service at Lincoln, told Edmunds that the company won't rule out anything, including a sporty Lincoln model developed on the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang platform and set to compete directly with the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, and Infiniti Q60.

In other news, the Lincoln MKT full-size crossover will be redesigned, and a new full-size sedan will replace the MKS.

Source : autos.ca

From press release

Knowing how a vehicle works is a big part of road safety, and to help you understand, there is a truly unique young driver education program called kartSTART presented by Toyota (www.kartstart.ca).

The kartSTART program is aimed at giving Canada's youth their first experience behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle. Participants start as young as 10-years-old.

“It's never too early to learn,” kartSTART's Russ Bond says.

“The difference here is we give them vehicles to learn in that fit them - go karts.”

The kartSTART program is aimed at giving Canada's youth their first experience behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle. (Photo: RBA)

By putting kids in go-karts it does a couple of things. Firstly, the karts fit the kids, and they are not as intimidating as a 3000lb car.

Secondly, let's face it, go karts are cool, and kids love to drive them. With the kartSTART program they learn while having a fun day out.”

“Everything that can happen in a car, can happen in a go-kart,” Bond says. “We want the kids to experience the physics behind driving a vehicle. What happens if you step on the brake too hard? What happens if you turn too quick? All these questions get answered in a safe, controlled manner.”

Once the karting sessions are done, we also have an experience for the whole family. The families that attend the kartSTART program are mentored in the latest safety developments in road cars.

We exclusively use Toyota - well known for their commitment to safety - vehicles to demonstrate the safety systems contained within the vehicles. This gives the entire family a better understanding of how to make the most out of the STAR safety systems available to them in Toyota passenger vehicles.
“What we see here is that the kids get a real understanding of what is going on with a vehicle after they have completed the program,” Bond says.

“Driving in real life is not a video game, there is no restart button. I am very proud to be able to be given the chance to give Canadian kids their first chance behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle, and I am equally proud that Toyota is taking a very active interest in helping us do just that.”

The kartSTART program is now in its fourth year of operation. This year, the kartSTART tour stops include Chilliwack, BC, Edmonton, Saskatoon, London, ON, Toronto, ON, Montreal and Moncton.

The half-day course is ($59+HST per participant) and you can get more information at www.kartstart.ca or by calling 647-401-5153.

Renault has acquired Caterham Group's stake in Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham.

Following a mutual agreement between Renault and Caterham Group, Renault has increased its stake in Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham to 100%, following acquisition of the interest held by Caterham Group.

Renault will now continue to develop its own Alpine sports car to be launched in 2016, as initially planned. Caterham Group also plans to continue with its own sports car.

Alpine Renault A110-50. (Photo: Renault Sport)

This acquisition brings to an end to the partnership signed in November 2012 by Renault and Caterham Group to develop and manufacture sports cars through a joint venture, Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham, owned 50/50 by the two partners. Other forms of cooperation could still be envisaged between Renault and Caterham Group in line with each company's strategic policy directions.  

As a result, Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham will change its name to Société des Automobiles Alpine.  The change will be made as part of a general meeting to be held in June.

From GMM

Ferrari could be set to announce a Le Mans prototype foray.

It is already known that the Maranello marque's lead formula one driver, Fernando Alonso, will be the special guest starter of the fabled 24 hour endurance race this weekend.

Ferrari announced last month that the Spaniard was invited to wave the flag at Le Mans following "several comments president (Luca di) Montezemolo has made relating to the technology and car development linked to this event".

"It (Le Mans) is one of a handful of races that has defined the history of motor sport," Fernando Alonso was quoted as saying.

Le Mans 24 Hours 2013. (Photo: FIA WEC)

Ferrari has also been highly critical of F1's developmental direction recently.

And last year, the now-ousted team boss Stefano Domenicali said the sport's new turbo V6 engines "would allow some interesting projects".

"At the moment I cannot say more," he added in mid 2013.

Ferrari quoted Alonso as saying last month ahead of his Le Mans visit: "I'm keen to check out the details on this type of car. In formula one, we have also entered the hybrid era and I am curious to find out more about the working methods and technology involved in this series."

Spain's El Mundo Deportivo is now reporting speculation that Ferrari could announce its return to Le Mans with a 'LMP1' prototype car foray on Saturday.

Correspondent Raymond Blancafort said organisers of the famous 24 hour race are already flagging a "very important announcement" to be made before the 2014 race start on that day.

From press release

Round three of the FIA World Rallycross Championship sees former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve reunited with Albatec Racing for World RX of Norway at Lånke, June 14-15.

Returning from an appearance at the Indy 500, where after a 19-year absence he averaged 230 m/h a lap to finish a very credible 14th, Jacques will rejoin Team Principal Andy Scott aboard one of the team's 600bhp, two-litre, 16v Peugeot 208 Supercars.

A frustrating start to his rallycross debut in the season-opening Montalegre round in April saw the former IndyCar champion's weekend not go entirely to plan, but with two days testing planned ahead of the Norwegian event, hopes are high of a strong result for the Canadian this weekend.

Jacques Villeneuve. (Photo: Albatec Racing)

“I'm very happy to be getting back into rallycross, but obviously hoping to have a better result than my first event,” said Jacques Villeneuve.

“Coming here off the back of a good finish at Indy I'm feeling pretty confident and with the benefit now of one rallycross event already completed, will certainly be hoping for an improvement in Norway. It's encouraging for the team to have qualified for two successive semi finals with Andy, and hopefully the developments they've done will allow me to challenge for a strong result.”

From GMM

Mercedes is not imposing team orders, even though the dominant team's winning streak ended in Canada.

At the wheel of the W05, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were just as dominant at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, but they both struck technical trouble in the race.

Many are wondering if the problems would have happened if the pair were operating under team orders, as per Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard at McLaren in 1998.

"It hurt at the time, but it guaranteed the team a one-two," said Coulthard, recalling the Melbourne season opener where Hakkinen won due to a pre-race agreement amid questionable reliability.

David Coulthard, now a commentator for British television BBC, wonders if Montreal might now move Mercedes' to adopt a similar approach.

"It will be interesting to see whether that changes Mercedes' approach if a similar situation, when reliability is marginal, arises later in the season," he said.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG, in Montreal. (Photo: WRi2)

The beneficiary of Mercedes' Montreal issues was Red Bull, as Daniel Ricciardo recorded his first grand prix win.

"At the Red Bull-Ring there are long straights and uphills," Dr Helmut Marko told Sport Bild. "So we will only be able to beat Mercedes again if they have more problems."

It is clear that, in Canada, feuding teammates Hamilton and Rosberg were fighting hard. They almost clashed at the first corner, and later Rosberg controversially ran across the chicane whilst defending a Hamilton attack.

It has been suggested that Hamilton eventually had to retire from the race because he pushed too hard after his technical problems began, whilst Rosberg steered through the trouble with more finesse.

"Lewis had the problem with the brakes at the same time as Nico," said former F1 driver Christian Danner, "but he (Hamilton) couldn't adapt quickly enough. So he failed and Nico went to the finish."

Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda agrees: "Nico drove like a god. Absolutely world champion class."

Coulthard, however, isn't so sure Hamilton was to blame for his failure. "If the team are not criticising him for influencing the failures in Melbourne and Montreal," he said, "then we have to assume he has done nothing wrong."

Indeed, team boss Toto Wolff has publicly apologised to Hamilton for the latest problem.

So, for now, Mercedes is pushing ahead with its policy of resisting team orders.

"You could say that we should impose team orders," Toto Wolff is quoted by La Presse, "but that is not our philosophy.

"Both drivers have been perfect. Slowing down could have improved the outcome, but this is not what we want, and definitely not what the public wants," he added.

From press release

Tristan DeGrand won both Formula 1600 races held during the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal last weekend.

Pole sitter Michel Bonnet led the field to the green in Race 1, holding off a hard charging Tristan DeGrand and Olivier Bedard.

DeGrand made several attempts in the first few laps to get by Bonnet and when he did eventually prevail proved too much for anyone to stay with. He would gap the field slightly as they battled behind him.

At the checkered flag it was Tristan DeGrand first followed by Michel Bonnet and Duncan Murdoch followed by Didier Schraenen and Olivier Bedard.

Tristan DeGrand. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

In Race 2, Olivier Bedard started on pole based on his blistering lap from Race 1 with Duncan Murdoch alongside. The next row had Michel Bonnet in 3rd followed by Race 1 winner Tristan DeGrand.

At the start outside pole sitter Murdoch did get squeezed, allowing Bonnet and DeGrand to sneak by and start to hunt down a hard charging Bedard.

Zacharie Robichon, who started 10th after suffering a failure of the suspension on his car, made his intentions known early and went on a tear right from the drop of the green racing his way up to 4th almost immediately.

For the first half of the race there was a train of cars from the lead to 7th with so much passing back and forth between all of the positions it was almost impossible to follow.

Just past the halfway point the 3rd to 7th place combatants really started to get aggressive with daring passes allowing the lead battle between DeGrand and Bedard to make a 10-car length break. At that point it became a two-horse race.

Olivier Bedard. (Photo: Bedard Racing)

DeGrand and Bedard passed each other at least twice a lap to the delight of the cheering fans. With 3 laps to go Bedard slowed suddenly and dropped back to 7th with an ill handling car.

It was discovered after the race that he had a wheel bearing failure making the car almost un-drivable. He would still manage a solid finish to the event.

At the line it was DeGrand, sweeping the event. Zacharie Robichon finished 2nd after starting 10th. Chase Pelletier passed two cars on the last lap to snatch the final step on the podium followed by Bedard and Duncan Murdoch rounding out the top 5.

Next up for the Formula 1600 Super Series will be the Honda Indy Toronto, July 18,19 and 20 at Exhibition Place.

Toto Wolff, Executive Director (Business) & Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport explains how Mercedes' F1 program will directly benefit the road cars of the marque.

Auto123.com met with Toto Wolff, Executive Director (Business) & Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport during the weekend of the Canadian Grand Prix. Wolff explained how Mercedes' F1 program will directly benefit the road cars of the marque.

Toto Wolff, Executive Director & Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. (Photo: WRi2)

“In F1, we now have the most efficient engines, and just 100kg of fuel for the race,” said Wolff.

“Yes, the lap time's a bit slower than last year mainly because of changes to the aerodynamic rules. However, the top speed is faster. At Barcelona, cars reached 318km/h last year. This year, it was 357km/h; and that with an engine that uses one-third less fuel.

“That technical development has a direct effect on our car business as we will be able to develop smaller engines that will also be more efficient and more powerful,” Wolff told us.

Technology exchange
Wolff said there was a direct exchange of technology between the F1 team and engineers at Mercedes-Benz.

“We had an example a few months ago when we ran into a problem with the cooling system. We did not understand why. We got the guys back at R&D in Stuttgart to look into it and they found an instant solution, because they knew the problem from the road-car department. The exchange was quite interesting. They solved our problem, but they found our cooling technology so interesting and innovative that they want to implement it in the next generation S-Class. Being able to rely on these guys is one of our strengths,” Wolff explained.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG W05. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Can you measure the benefits of the Formula 1 program?

“No, you can't really measure it. The idea is to shape the brand, to make it more appealing, maybe to a slightly younger audience that fits with the new models from Mercedes,” Wolff replied.

“Everything we do here is about branding. In terms of tech regulation, that kind of format with very powerful yet very efficient hybrid engines is what we are doing with the road cars. In our communication campaigns, we refer to the hybrid tech winning at the pinnacle of motorsport. Mercedes-Benz has made a long-time commitment to F1,” concluded Wolff.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

From WRC

Volkswagen announced today it will extend its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship until the end of 2019.

The German manufacturer, which has dominated the series since it entered at the start of last season, originally committed to a three-year programme until the end of 2015. It has now extended that by a further four years.

Volkswagen won both the drivers' and manufacturers' titles with the Polo R in its debut season in 2013. This year it is unbeaten and Sébastien Ogier's victory at Rally Italia Sardegna last weekend was a record breaking 10th consecutive win for the team.

"The FIA World Rally Championship is a very good platform for Volkswagen to demonstrate the efficiency, dynamics and reliability of its cars to a global public," said Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neußer, Volkswagen Board Member for Technical Development and responsible for the programme.

"The series is more closely oriented towards the technology used in the latest production vehicles than any other world championship, and based on the kind of real conditions that our customers all over the world experience on a daily basis."

Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neußer and Jost Capito, Volkswagen. (Photo: WRC)

Neußer said millions of people were passionate about WRC and the sporting contest with direct rivals in various markets, along with the huge potential for marketing in the media, led to the decision to extend the company's commitment.

Volkswagen Motorsport director Jost Capito said the company had never implemented a long-term motorsport programme on this scale before and the decision made the team proud.

"This faith is a huge motivation for our entire team not to rest on its laurels for a single second, but to continue to show the same degree of passion, determination and commitment to ensure we remain successful in the World Rally Championship," he said.

From GMM

A legal dispute between Red Bull and McLaren is now over.

Earlier, McLaren supremo Ron Dennis was threatening to take the reigning world champions to court, after he signed Dan Fallows only to find the aerodynamics chief changed his mind and returned to Red Bull.

Team boss Eric Boullier conceded recently that McLaren was having to accept the likelihood that Fallows "will never join us".

Given Adrian Newey's looming withdrawal into semi F1-retirement, it is perhaps now obvious why Red Bull was so keen to hang on to his deputy, Fallows.

In the meantime, it emerges that out-of-court talks between Red Bull and McLaren over the disputed contract have been taking place.

The latest reports suggest a non-financial settlement has been reached, possibly involving Red Bull's early release of another McLaren recruit, Peter Prodromou, who until now has been on forced 'gardening leave'.

"Ron and (Red Bull team boss) Christian (Horner) have indeed discussed a number of outstanding issues recently, yes, and they have resolved them," a McLaren spokesman said.

"As Christian says, a handshake is all you need with Ron."

Red Bull rear wing. (Photo: WRi2)

American entrepreneur Gene Haas, who has been granted a spot on the Formula 1 grid, hopes to divulge the name of his V6 turbo hybrid engine supplier soon.

Haas, who heads Haas Automation (producer of CNC machine tools), also runs the Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup team.

Gene Haas, his technical director Gunther Steiner and several members of his NASCAR team were seen in the paddock of circuit Gilles-Villeneuve this past weekend.

They were also seen in the Ferrari hospitality and garage; promoting rumours Haas Formula could get its power units from the Italian team.

Gene Haas shakes hand with Ferrari boss, Marco Mattiacci, with Gunther Steiner watching. (Photo: René Fagnan)

“We haven't signed a deal yet so I don't want to overstep my boundaries and put the cart before the horse. But we are in negotiations and hopefully we will have something in the next few weeks,” Gene Haas told Sky Sports F1 in Montreal.

"We are not in discussions with Renault because they can't supply us with a complete transmission, and they already have four teams under contact", said Gunther Steiner.

“We think NASCAR is a great racing series in the US, but we are trying to expand our business overseas and we think that Formula 1 will help us there so that is the main process,” Haas indicated.

Haas Formula expects to be on the F1 grid by 2016.

Volkswagen's latest safety campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. While this isn't the first time an automaker does such a thing, you have to admit the folks at VW came up with a brilliant idea.

Unsuspecting people arrive at a movie theatre, and at one point the screen shows a driver's POV on a seemingly quiet country road. Then, a broadcaster at the theatre sends them a text message, and as they pick up their phones to check it out, the on-screen driver crashes. Total silence from the crowd.

Bottom line: Always keep your eyes on the road, people!

I've driven a lot of MINIs over the years, and totally by choice. You all know by now my obsession and slightly biased opinions when it comes to MINIs. I adore these little cars from their quirky designs to their go-kart drivability. There's just something about a MINI that really speaks to me.

While I've always enjoyed driving the base MINI Cooper (especially with a stick shift), I've always felt something was a little lacking, which is where the Cooper S desire came flooding in. However, with the introduction of a brand new engine in the base Cooper, I think this may be the very best base MINI I've ever driven. And in its current state, I believe you could very well be just as happy with a base Cooper as you would with an S -- and you'd save yourself about $5k (or more) in the process.


What is a MINI Cooper?
I think at this point we all know what a MINI Cooper is, so I'll not bore you with the backstory. However, I will point out that in 1999, the Mini was voted the second most influential vehicle of the 20th century behind the Ford Model T, voted in by the Global Automotive Elections Foundation (a jury of 126 auto experts from 32 countries).

While that particular Mini is rather far removed from the MINI we see on the streets today, the soul of what the MINI is all about is still very much there.

2014 MINI Cooper Price and Specs
There's no denying that, yes, you do pay a premium to drive around with the MINI badge on the front of your hot little hatch. Like designer pumps, sure there are alternatives for less money, but there's a certain level of quality, pride, and user experience that comes with owning the real deal. That being said, the base price of the MINI Cooper really isn't that bad, sitting just over $20k.

As it was, with a $2,100 Loaded Package (Sport Seats, auto climate control, Comfort Access, etc.) as well as a few other stand-alone options (bonnet stripes, metallic paint and Dynamic Damper Control), my tester's total tallied $24,470. At that price, I was tempted to head to the dealer immediately.

At this price, you get MINI's brand new 3-cylinder mill that's turbocharged and good for 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Control can be had via a 6-speed automatic (meh) or a 6-speed manual (there is no alternative). Power is pushed out the front wheels, always.

Of note, after an approximate 500km road trip in the Cooper, I used just under ¾ of a tank of gas and was averaging 7.1L/100km -- that's better than the Nissan Micra's posted average of 7.7L/100km...

Driving the 2014 MINI Cooper
Here's why I wouldn't spring for the Cooper S: this new base Cooper is equally as precise, tight and eager, and willing to play; there's no need for more grunt or pull. It's got attitude, too.

Some might find the 3-cyl clatter of the engine a bit aggravating, but I love it. Like a little dachshund growling under its breath to show you it may be wee but it means business, the Cooper musters up a growl to go with its bite. There's even a bit of an exhaust burble out the back, which only adds to the hot hatch's mischievous attitude.

Rowing through the 2014 MINI Cooper's gears is a joy (if you forget that it will, like the Cooper S, rev-match automatically for you during downshifts), as revs build and foot-play between brake and throttle is second-nature. Steering is as precise as the gear shifts, as the MINI happily settles into whatever line you put it on. Torque-steer is nearly non-existent in this new MINI, something that always annoyed me in the past with the Cooper.

This truly is the best base Cooper to drive so far.

Inside and Out of the 2014 MINI Cooper
If you've had a look at my 2014 MINI Cooper S review you'll know how I feel about the new exterior, so I won't drag on about all that again, but I will take a moment to discuss the interior of the base Cooper.

So, it doesn't have a screen in the middle or nav, but you know what? It's still plenty luxurious. With heated seats, auto climate control, as well as an easy-to-read digital screen that's blissfully visible in bright sunlight, as well as USB and AUX outlets and steering-wheel mounted buttons, there's more than enough going on in this base model.

Backseat space is sufficient. Larger adults may feel slightly claustrophobic, but my son's child seat fit quite well (once I squeezed it in the back over the front seats that don't really go forward enough). And front seat passengers never complained of a lack of legroom, even with my son riding in the back.

Comparing the 2014 MINI Cooper
Now that the Cooper sports a nifty little Twin-Scroll Turbo, in my mind it automatically stands out amongst the likes of the Ford Focus or Hyundai Veloster. In its current state, I'd say the MINI Cooper will garner a new cult of loyal followers and drivers, as well as keep MINI lovers coming back for more.

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo will definitely still be at the wheel of a Red Bull in 2015, according to Germany's Sport Bild.

Correspondents Ralf Bach and Bianca Garloff claim an option on the impressive team newcomer's contract was taken up by the world champion team in Canada.

Daniel Ricciardo, 24, went on to his first career victory in Montreal, and the 2015 deal could be announced at Red Bull's home race in Austria next weekend, Sport Bild said.

According to the Australian Financial Review, the Perth-born driver has already hit the big time.

The publication estimated Ricciardo's base salary at $3.65 million this year, with a victory bonus of between $1m and $2m per win.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull, winner in Montreal. (Photo: WRi2)

Bach and Garloff also claim that Red Bull's "long-term goal" is to keep Ricciardo alongside reigning quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel until at least 2018.

That plan, however, could hit a snag.

German Vettel is struggling at the wheel of the RB10 this year, with Dr Helmut Marko admitting that, after four consecutive title triumphs, staring at the rear wings of the ultra-dominant Mercedes cars is "not exactly motivating".

Sebastian Vettel's frustration began to show in Canada.

German reports quote him as saying after finishing the Canadian grand prix third: "I'm sorry to say it, but our cucumber simply doesn't go anywhere on the straights."

He also seemed to criticise Red Bull's strategy plan on Sunday, after he got stuck behind the Mercedes-powered Force India of Nico Hulkenberg in Canada.

"I was waiting for some smart strategic move on the part of the team, but it never came," said Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel may also be alarmed with the impending semi-retirement of Red Bull's genius technical chief Adrian Newey.

When asked about Newey's plans, Vettel referred to his existing contract before adding: "I'm looking short-term, if you ask me about the future right now."

Adrian Newey reportedly tried to ease Vettel's fears, telling Auto Bild Motorsport: "If my colleagues need advice and help, I will always be there for them. Sebastian as well.

"He is not losing me."

The two Red Bull drivers on the Canadian podium. (Photo: WRi2)

Marko excused Vettel for any signs of mounting frustration, including the description of the RB10 as a "cucumber".

"If we do not give Seb a car capable of winning, we cannot be angry with him for being disappointed," he told Bild newspaper.

Undoubtedly, just as Red Bull was keen to keep Newey out of the clutches of high-paying rivals, the team may also be making plans to keep its multiple champion.

Auto Bild Motorsport said one 'project' of the forthcoming Newey-led 'Advanced Technologies Centre' could be a bespoke F1 engine, perhaps involving the well-known former Mercedes designer Mario Illien.

"It would not be the worst idea," Adrian Newey is quoted as saying.

Montreal, QC -- The electric vehicle trend is far more than a trend. It is, without a doubt, the future today.

The Soul EV is Kia's spunky way to showcase its electric-knowhow in a package that is as original, and as fly as it is packed with technology and features. The Soul EV drives as most EVs do, but this vehicle's design, both inside and out, make special.


What is a Kia Soul EV?
The Soul is Kia's quirky alternative to the crossover-cum-family car. Its reason for being comes from its original shape and styling with a twist while maintaining practicality and utility.

So, it makes sense that Kia's first EV is set on this platform. The combination of original design and new (for Kia) technology makes for a good showcase. The revised-for-2014 Soul has matured over the original car without losing its off-the-wall character.

2015 Kia Soul EV Price and Specs
Pricing for the 2015 Kia Soul EV is not yet set. Kia reps expect the information will be announced and made official later this summer, before it's arrival in the fourth quarter of 2014. My guess is that the pre-incentive retail will hover in the $31,000 to $33,000 range or roughly $4,000 to $6,000 more than the top-trim SX Luxury.

Kia's Soul EV houses a 360-volt 192-cell lithium-ion polymer battery that yields 27kWh and should be good for a range of approximately 160km. According to Kia reps and their press release, in internal testing, a range in excess of 200km was proven possible. Real world conditions are likely to negatively affect these projections, however, they are currently within the “norm.”

The liquid-cooled AC synchronous permanent magnet motor generates 81.4 kW or the equivalent of 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The FWD Soul EV will travel to 100km/h in 11.4 seconds, on its way to a limited top speed of 145km/h.

Driving the 2015 Kia Soul EV
Each and every time I get behind the wheel of an electric car, I find myself enthralled with the experience. Although I've driven and evaluated nearly a dozen different EVs over that last few years, the impressive efficacy of the electric drivetrain always surprises me.

The 2015 Kia Soul EV is no different. A simple tug on the shift-lever into “D” and no-compromise electric motoring is at hand.

As with all EVs, loads of torque are on tap from naught; a dab too much throttle will overwhelm the Nexen low-rolling resistance tires despite traction control. In town, the Soul's power is more than sufficient for overtaking slower traffic. Steering effort is well judged and the braking system is one of the better ones I've had the pleasure of testing.

As you may or may not know, hybrids and EVs utilize regenerative braking to capture kinetic energy to help maximize efficiency and range. At no time was braking intrusive or unpleasant as it can be in other cars. In fact, I've become an avid user of regen braking, regularly utilizing “B” mode with the shifter to increase its effect.

Acceleration is sporting up to about 80km/h. Throttle response is fairly immediate but as speed increases, a rubbery effect develops in the pedal that does not encourage highway passing manoeuvres unless already carrying sufficient speed. The smart fortwo electric drive is much the same, as is the Nissan LEAF. The Tesla Model S is not...

Electric vehicles are quiet by definition. Kia's desire to reinforce this is found in the fact that they've added special soundproofing materials to the vehicle. As well, additional cross bracing and the positioning of the batteries beneath the floor improve torsional rigidity and overall refinement. This also has an effect on handling which are equal parts comfortable and sporty, limited mostly by its tires' ability to grip.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Kia Soul EV
If the Kia Soul's exterior was a breath of fresh air (to some) pre-EV transformation, this version is borderline space-age-meets-Japanese-animation. Of the three colour combinations (Pearl White with metallic Sky Blue roof/mirrors, Electric Blue with Polar White roof/mirrors, and Sterling Silver with Polar White roof/mirrors), the one in the pictures is the most striking.

Other than the paint schemes, the Soul EV distinguishes itself by its unique white-faced 16” alloy wheels and covered front grille where the dual charging ports are hiding via a clever opening panel.

The Soul EV sacrifices little onboard in the conversion, which is remarkable given that this electric Kia was not designed specifically as an EV, unlike the Nissan LEAF. The only compromise made in the making of the Soul EV over the gas-powered version is in rear legroom that was cut by roughly 50mm -- and is barely noticeable. The trunk is unfazed.

The level of kit is more than complete in the 2015 Kia Soul EV, which explains in part what should be a hefty premium. Heated and vented front seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation, heated rear seats, and rearview camera are only some of the accessories included with this vehicle.

Day-to-day functionality is well sorted thanks to the Soul's good ergonomics and user-friendly HMI. The touchscreen features a complete EV monitoring mode that is accessed simply by pressing the “EV” button.

Comparing the 2015 Kia Soul EV
When the 2015 Kia Soul EV arrives, it will face off with the Nissan LEAF, Ford Focus EV, smart fortwo electric drive, and Chevrolet Volt. As time moves forwards, new full-EV entries will arrive, likely the Volkswagen e-Golf to name only one.

As interesting as the Soul is, it doesn't stand out as being the best of the best. More wheel time would help the selection process. As it stands, I remain a big fan of the LEAF.

The Canadian Grand Prix saw improvements relating to various aspects of the Ferrari F14 T, but it did not deliver the results Scuderia Ferrari was hoping for.

“We knew this would not be an easy race, because on this track, we were not fast enough down the straights and we had some problems in the slow corners,” said Kimi Raikkonen wjo qualifying and finished 10th.

“On top of that, I never had a clear track ahead of me, for one reason or another I was always stuck behind other cars. In the beginning I had some problems with the brakes and the handling of my car wasn't consistent. Even if at the moment, nothing seems to be going right for us, the new development package has given us more potential and now we must just try and find more consistency,” the Finn explained.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T, Montreal. (Photo: René Fagnan)

“In the final stint, the group ahead closed up and our pace was very good with Fernand (Alonso), but it was almost impossible to overtake,” Ferrari's technical director, Pat Fry explained.

“We brought some improvements to the F14 T and even though this track did not produce the results we expected, we will continue to work on the development of the car and on this front our approach will not change for the coming races.”

Team Principal Marco Mattiacci was not happy at all with the performance of the red cars in Montreal.

“We are very angry with ourselves, but we have no intention of giving up,” he said.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: Ferrari)

“Kimi and Fernando know how to work as a team to point us in the direction of the areas that are a priority in our development program. Some updates produced good results on track and that's why we will continue down this path race by race,” he explained.

“There is a clearly defined development programme that we are working through and which will see us bring updates to every race. Another major target is to speed up our reaction time, which is something our competitors seem to manage to do”.

That dashing rogue Elon Musk, who gathers superlatives like most men gather heart palpitations, has decided that this whole Tesla/SpaceX endeavor he oversees could be combined, really.

A planned protest at General Motors headquarters by family members of crash victims will serve as the backdrop Tuesday to an annual meeting of GM shareholders here that should prove more substantive than the mundane proceedings of past years.

Bill Hoglund, a retired GM executive and close confidant of former Chairman and CEO Jack Smith, died over the weekend. He was 79.

The annual and#8220;Get Your Heart Racingand#8221; fund-raiser returns to Detroit's Eastern Market on Sept. 12-13 with Ford as the lead sponsor. In its first three years, the event raised $1.