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Jul
7th

Custom Nissans give dealership added oomph

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When it comes to customizing, there are the usual hot-rod-able models like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. But the Nissan Altima? Absolutely, says Eric Grubbs, CEO of Grubbs Nissan in Bedford, Texas.
Jul
7th

F1: Bernie Ecclestone says Monza must accept new contract terms

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From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed he is "ready to sign" a new contract with circuit officials at Monza.

The F1 chief executive sparked alarm among proponents of the historic Italian grand prix venue when he warned that he could axe the race after 2016.

At Silverstone, another of the sport's iconic and traditional tracks, he repeated his warning about the Autodromo Nazionale.

"Without an agreement, there will be no (Italian) grand prix," he told Italy's Sky television.

F1 Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Autodromo Nazionale Monza. (Photo: Pirelli)

"The organisers know what to do and I'm ready to sign if they can comply with terms equal to those of all the other races in Europe," Bernie Ecclestone added.

"We do not want to lose Monza," he insisted. "It's not that Monza will be cut from the calendar, it's that the contract will expire and we still do not have a deal. I spoke with the organisers a couple of years ago to explain what the terms will be. They only need to accept the contract and sign it. As for me, I have a pen. There is only the need for a contract, that's all."

Asked to predict the outcome of Monza's new predicament, Ecclestone responded: "I don't know, I really don't, but we'll try. We do not want to lose Monza, but we need to bring them into line with the rest of Europe."



Jul
7th

F1: Changes afoot as Caterham’s new era begins

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From GMM

Changes are afoot at Caterham, mere days after the team's takeover by mysterious investors.

"We're not even a week into this new chapter in the team's life, but we've already seen just how hard everyone at the track and at the factory is prepared to work to push us forwards," said new boss Christijan Albers.

F1 Caterham Christijan Albers
Christijan Albers, Team principal Caterham. (Photo: WRi2)

The departure of boss Cyril Abiteboul and the arrival of Albers, Colin Kolles and Manfredi Ravetto aside, it was business as usual at Silverstone as the green team continued to struggle at the back of the grid.

Some other changes are also visible.

On the green livery, Tony Fernandes-linked sponsors like Airbus were still there at Silverstone, but now conspicuously absent are the 'GE' logos of General Electric.

Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper claims Caterham will lose more Fernandes-era sponsors in the coming days and weeks.

Driver rumours have also begun. Alongside the Red Bull teams, Caterham will be the only other Renault-powered team in 2015.

So it is rumoured that the Red Bull-backed Carlos Sainz jr is a candidate to move in at Leafield. Also linked with Caterham in the past few days has been Robin Frijns, who like new team boss Albers is Dutch.

For now, Kamui Kobayashi and Marcus Ericsson are safe.

"Both have contracts," said Ravetto. "They are doing their best with what they have. The weak results are not their fault."

Turun Sanomat, however, claims team 'advisor' Kolles intends at least to open up another revenue stream for Caterham by selling as many Friday morning practice cockpits to well-backed drivers as possible.

And the report said Kolles also intends to shrink Caterham's 400-strong workforce.

"We have had four days to try to understand the reasons why the team is behind," Manfredi Ravetto continued. "We will try to get the most out of this season and make sure we're in a position to be further up on the grid next year. We will study the areas in which the team needs new blood."


Jul
7th

2014 Bentley Continental GT Preview

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Pros: Available as a coupe or convertible, the 2014 Bentley Continental GT may be the quintessential grand touring automobile. A stunning 2-door model that blends classic Bentley DNA with contemporary design and modern technology, the perfect fusion of supercar performance and handcrafted luxury.

Cons: This car's expensive, even by luxury standards. Its sheer size requires care when driving in tight spots. At the same time, rear-seat access and room is somewhat limited. Of course, the W12 engine will suck your wallet dry at the pumps.

Bentley Continental GT
Photo: Bentley

2014 Bentley Continental GT Price: Detailed pricing is unavailable. Contact your local dealer.

2014 Bentley Continental GT Fuel Economy: The official ratings for the Continental GT are 17.0L/100km in the city and 9.8L/100km on the highway. In the real world, though, expect to burn quite a bit more than that.

Improvements and Changes: Just a few revisions to the options and packages.

2014 Bentley Continental GT Powertrain: Outfitted with Bentley's 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 powerhouse, the Continental pushes out 567 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission, which translates into a top speed of 318 km/h and a 0-100km/h dash in 4.5 seconds -- astonishing feats for a car that weighs nearly three tons. As with all Continental models, the state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system employs an advanced Torsen differential and a 40/60 rear-biased torque split.

Don't miss: A state-of-the-art air suspension, including Intelligent Continuous Damping Control, constantly monitors the car's attitude and poise, adjusting the settings hundreds of times per second to deliver a supple ride at low speeds and increased control at higher speeds.

Inside, over 80% of the entire cabin is trimmed with exquisite soft-touch leather, while Bentley's full range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals, and deep-pile carpets act as the perfect contrast.

Safety: The 2014 Bentley Continental GT comes standard with a full suite of airbags and electronic nannies including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control. Convertibles are fitted with automatic pop-up roll bars for added rollover protection.

Comparing the 2014 Bentley Continental GT: Rivals include the Aston Martin DB9/Vanquish, BMW M6, Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 Turbo, Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG, and Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe.
Jul
7th

NASCAR Canadian Tire: Brilliant second place for Alex Guénette at ICAR

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From press release

Montreal driver and 2013 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCaTS) Rookie-of-the-Year Alex Guénette finished in a fighting second place at the Jiffy Lube 100, the third round of the 2014 NCaTS held today at Circuit ICAR just north of Montreal. The young driver started third and led a very competitive field for half the race before finishing second right behind the more experienced race-winner Andrew Ranger.

Alex was nothing short of brilliant in front of his family and fans, jumping from third on the grid to second in the opening lap of the 30-lap race like a veteran, and proceeding to trade the race lead with the experienced and twice NCaTS season champion Andrew Ranger.

Starting third right behind pole sitter Ranger allowed Alex to move up to second by staying right behind Andrew and on the inside of corner 1, which put him at an advantage against Marc-Antoine Camirand who had qualified second and was on the outside in the corner 1 hairpin.

NASCAR Alex Guenette
Alex Guenette. (Crédit photo : Matthew Manor)

Alex knew there was an advantage to be gained by starting third. “I wanted to make the most of the start and take off after Andrew right away. Things went just as I needed on the first start as well as on the complete restart after the first lap yellow for a midfield crash.”

But Alex wanted more, and he passed race-leader Ranger under braking for corner 3 on lap 7 and proceeded to lead the race for the next 14 laps. Ranger stuck to Guénette, never dropping more than two car lengths behind and applying constant pressure by his mere presence, as the fighting pair kept building a secure lead on their pursuers.

Alex kept working hard during this phase of the race. “I pushed right from the start to stay with the original leading group. It was also important that I stay with the leader, and when I passed Ranger, my Motos Illimitées/ DLGL car allowed to stay ahead of Andrew until late in the race. Andew and I both eased our pace slightly, to save brakes and rear tires for the last phase of the race.”

Ranger put a great move on Guenette on lap 21, outbraking him going into corner 1, a clean pass that allowed both of them to keep their lead on their pursuers and leaving the two of them to decide on the outcome of the race.

Alex knew that an attack from Ranger was imminent. ”Andrew was quicker that all of us all weekend, and when it was time to go for the win, he passed me cleanly.” The last laps saw the young driver of the No. 39 Motos Illimitées Dodge try to get back in the lead, but Ranger seemed to have enough car in hand to keep Alex behind him. At the same time, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin was trying unsuccessfully to close the gap on team mate Alex Guenette, who did close out the race in second place at the end, securing a well-deserved second step on the podium. In fact, the three leaders were well clear of Alex Labbé in 4th and Alex Tagliani in 5th, as well as the rest of the veteran racers who were soundly beaten by the lead trio.

Finishing second did not dampen Alex's enthusiasm. “Ranger is one of the best racers in North-America. I passed him, stayed ahead for 14 laps and fought him for the victory right to the end. I am very satisfied with this result for the team as well as for myself. We accomplished a lot this weekend” declared an emotional Alex from the podium.

After this confidence-boosting performance, Alex will be back at the wheel for a major test session with a Turner Scott Motorsports NASCAR Camping World race truck this coming July 15 and 16, where he will be coached by multiple NASCAR champion Ron Hornaday Jr.

Alex will be back in Quebec for the NCaTS 250 held at Autodrome St. Eustache on July 26.


Jul
7th

2014 Audi S1 Sportback Review

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It barks, and will bite should it feel the need. The A1 is Audi's lowest step in the brand echelon in Europe and other markets, but is obviously not a lesser car. Audi's not known for doing things half-assed, and the A1 is no different.

If you happen to be a fan of the make, the previous entry-level A2 was not quite what it should have been which explains why it was pulled by Bernd Pischetsrieder, ex-CEO of VW/Audi, almost immediately when he took the job. The point is that the A1 is a true Audi, through and through. The S1 is that much more.

Seriously. An AWD pocket-rocket with this much attitude and guts gnaws away at my sanity. The S1 is an RS6 that's been compressed into a diminutive package that desires nothing more than to tear up the Autobahn and curvaceous Alpine roads. The Audi S1 is fast, uber sharp, and a life-size toy that could be used every day.


What is an Audi S1?
The Audi A1 is the spiritual successor to the Audi 50 from the mid-‘70s. The S1 is the juiced-up critical business version of the small car.

The A1 is available as a 3- or 5-door hatchback and can be ordered in various trims and nearly a half-dozen engine and transmission configurations. The “S”auce for the S1 includes all the necessary go-fast bits, both mechanical and aesthetic.

2014 Audi S1 Price and Specs
Sadly, do not expect to see the Audi A1 or the S1 in North America anytime soon. There may be a case for the regular A1 in the not-too-distant future. The 140-horsepower 1.4L TFSI would be the most likely powertrain. With this mill, transmission choices reside between a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed S-tronic.

My delectable S1 featured the well known and appreciated 2.0L TFSI. Within the diminutive confines of the S1's engine bay, it produces 231 horsepower and (crucially) 273 lb-ft of torque. A joy-to-the-world 6-speed manual transmission sends the mojo to Audi's Quattro AWD system.

If the 2014 Audi S1 were to be available on our shores, it would likely sport a retail price close to that of the Golf R or around $40,000.

Driving the 2014 Audi S1
Walking up to tiny Viper Green S1 got me all tingly inside, and out. The very sight of the car was enough to get me excited at the prospect of barrelling down the Autobahn towards the Alps, then on to Austria for the 2014 edition of Worthersee.

When my expectations are this high, the car had better deliver. The 2014 Audi S1 did not leave me wanting more. The peppy, primed and pouncing python proved to be incredibly alert, sharp, and astoundingly willing to be tossed into any scenario. The relatively short wheelbase with wide-ish track combined with all four wheels at the very corners enable the S1 to remain firmly planted on the road.

The S-specific electromechanical steering, Audi Drive Select (best left in Dynamic) and ultra-efficient Quattro AWD system create an unspoiled scenario for pure unadulterated driving pleasure. The S1 is the closest any car has ever come to the MINI Cooper S JCW I drove a few years back where the interaction between man, machine, and road were in near perfect synchronicity.

Here, Quattro provided that extra grip and control on slipperier portions of the road, besting the MINI; however, the Cooper afforded better tactility at the fingertips than the Audi. In other words, the Audi S1 is a blast.

On the subject of blasting off, the S1 will reach 100km/hr in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250. The “weakness” comes from the output lull between 3,500 and 5,500 rpm where torque drops off before max hp chimes in. Off the line, the S1 is very quick, but slightly runs out breath midway through the powerband.

Charging through the Alps at the wheel of the S1 was yet another unbelievable opportunity afforded by Audi. In this instance, the compact S1 was perfectly suited to tighter switchbacks and mustered plenty of power for clean charges out of corners.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Audi S1
I hesitate to use the pit-bull analogy for the S1, but I guess I just did... The squat yet tall-ish front fascia looks as though it's planning its next move, which when I was at the wheel, was a constant. The large gaping grille is imposing especially blacked out. The rear quarters are akin to those of a conniving raccoon, having just pulled off some dirty-handed stunt, which when I was at the wheel...

The combination of the optional 18” wheels, black accents, Viper green shade and five doors make this pocket-rocket irresistible. Oh, and the QUATTRO decals help, too. A drive and the deal will be sealed.

The want factor will further increase once aboard. The S1's front seats are supportive and cozy. Front liveable volume is good. The rear bench is snug but suffices, same goes for the trunk.

The level of kit is complete, and I happen to be a fan of the pop-up nav/HMI screen. Ergonomics are good and generally clear in typical Audi fare. Love the flat-bottom steering, and I tremble at the memories provided by the aluminum R8-inspired shift lever.

Comparing the 2014 Audi S1
The Audi A1 has a number of competitors in Europe and other markets. The Mercedes A-Class, the BMW 1 and 2 Series (the 1 was available as a hatch) and MINI products compete with the A1. As stated earlier, the S1 reminds me of the Cooper S JCW and, to a certain extent, the M235i recently evaluated by my colleague.

I felt at home within the confines of the S1 but, truthfully, I'd opt for the Golf R for equal coin.
Jul
7th

F1: Kimi Raikkonen to miss Silverstone test after crash

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From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen is expected to sit out this week's post-British grand prix test at Silverstone.

Circuit workers took an hour to repair the unprotected armco barrier that the Ferrari driver struck on Sunday before taking a further hit by Felipe Massa.

The Finn limped away from the scene on the arm of a marshal and into the medical car, and it later emerged that Ferrari telemetry recorded an impact of 47G.

Reportedly, Raikkonen's first words on the radio after the impact were: "Is Felipe ok?"

But it was Raikkonen who "took a hard knock on the ankle and also has pain in a knee," Ferrari confirmed.

"He will now have to rest but he will be back in time for the next round in Germany," the team added.

Boss Marco Mattiacci confirmed that Raikkonen will be "resting" from now until Hockenheim, which implies that he will not be in action for the test this week.

Bild newspaper said Ferrari junior and Marussia racer Jules Bianchi is the likely substitute.

Marco Mattiacci is not confirming that yet.

"We still have to take a decision," he said. "I want to be 100 per cent sure that he's super fine, but no major issue at the moment."

34-year-old Raikkonen's long-time trainer Mark Arnall told Turun Sanomat newspaper that the driver was "examined thoroughly" after the crash, and has definitely not damaged any bones.

"He is sore, but thankfully he has escaped anything worse," said Arnall.

And the 2007 world champion's manager Steve Robertson added: "His left ankle is severely bruised, but nothing is broken. We assume that Kimi will be fit again for Hockenheim."


Jul
7th

Canadian Touring: Victory for the Audette brothers in Mirabel

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This weekend, CTCC presented by Continental Tire held the fourth outing of the 2014 season, at Mirabel's Circuit ICAR. Two races saw brothers Mathieu and Rémy Audette exchange victories while in Touring Class, Éric Lacouture won for a well-deserved first time on Saturday before his teammate Michel Sallenbach continued Mini's success by winning on Sunday.

Under sunny skies and full grandstands at Circuit ICAR, the two scheduled CTCC races were highlighted by multiple twists. Saturday was notably dominated by the Audette brothers.  As much in the free practice, as in qualifying, as in the actual race, Rémy Audette remained in control of his Honda Civic Si, ahead of his brother Mathieu, who has returned to the series with his Acura RSX.  At the finish line, Rémy Audette beat his older brother by less than one second. The podium was completed by Ontarian Scott Nicol, 2013 Super Class champion, driving a brand new Honda Civic Si. 

Championship leader Roger Ledoux rounded off the Top 4 ahead of Benjamin Distaulo and Nick Wittmer, who was a victim of mechanical woes.

In Touring Class, Team Octane's Mini Cooper S's were the favourites on the technical track at Circuit ICAR. Heading into this race as championship leader, Michel Sallenbach had to DNF during the first lap before Éric Lacouture eventually claimed the victory. This was the Québec driver's first win in this series.  The 2013 champion, Ontarian Damon Sharpe, and Montrealer Karl Wittmer completed the podium with their Honda Civics.

The following day, Saturday's scenario was looking to be repeated : Rémy Audette qualified in pole position, leading the first third of the race, but a disconnected alternator wire forced him to stop in the pits twice.  Restarting in last, he managed to climb all the way to fourth spot with his eye on the podium but a caution period after a collision between Nathalie Hénault and Karl Wittmer eliminated those chances.

After taking over the lead when his brother entered the pits, Mathieu Audette was never really worried as he earned his second victory of the season. Nick Wittmer claimed a magnificent second place with his Honda Accord V6 ahead of Benjamin Ditaulo.

Roger Ledoux maintains top spot in the Super Class drivers' championship, despite his collision with Scott Nicol, but Rémy Audette managed to tighten the gap. This ensures a great battle for the second half of the season.

In Touring Class, Michel Sallenbach got his revenge after having to end Saturday's race early, by winning a tight race on Sunday. He nevertheless benefited from Éric Lacouture's abandon, who seemed poised to take his second consecutive victory before succumbing to a collision with Marc-André Bergeron. Paul Gravel eventually finished the race in second, ahead of Damon Sharpe.

The next CTCC presented by Continental Tire event will take place on July 26th and 27th in Ontario at Shannonville Motorsport Park, near Belleville. 



Jul
7th

F1: Niki Lauda slams Vettel for ”screaming like child”

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From GMM

Niki Lauda has slammed Sebastian Vettel for "screaming like a child" during the British grand prix.

The Mercedes team chairman said he enjoyed every moment of the on-track battle for mere points placings between champions Vettel and Fernando Alonso.

But, throughout, the pair complained loudly and repeatedly to their pit crews about 'track limits' -- arguing that their respective tactics were contrary to the rules of battle.

Niki Lauda, a triple world champion and F1 legend, could not hide his disdain.

"I do not understand Vettel and his screaming like a small, startled child," he is quoted by the German newspaper Bild.

"This was two top drivers and top racing, which is what the audience wants to see. I am pushing Bernie Ecclestone so that the drivers can once again drive with more freedom and not be punished for every little thing. I'm fighting for better racing," Niki Lauda insisted.

F1 Niki Lauda Sebastian Vettel
Niki Lauda and Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)



Jul
7th

Mazda announces all-new 2016 MX-5

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The all-new fourth generation of the iconic Mazda MX-5 will make its global debut on September 3rd during simultaneous unveilings in Spain, Japan, and the U.S. Fans of the popular roadster are also invited to a special event in Barcelona three days later.

Both occasions will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the MX-5.

“The MX-5 is the product that best epitomizes Mazda's convention-defying spirit and our love of driving,” says Mazda Motor Europe President and CEO Jeff Guyton. “It has been grabbing people's attention for 25 years, and with the new-generation model we're aiming to share this passion with yet another generation of drivers.”

Almost 945,000 MX-5s have been produced since 1989, a Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time.

Deliveries of the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 should begin early next year.

Source : mazda-press.com

Jul
7th

Authorities close to finding Schumacher medical record thief

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From GMM

Authorities are on the cusp of tracking down the thief of Michael Schumacher's medical records.

On Monday, the French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere claims investigators have tracked the internet IP address of whoever sent by email an offer to media agencies to sell the information about Schumacher's health for EUR 50,000.

The IP address is reportedly linked to a Swiss helicopter company.

Although Schumacher was transferred by road between Grenoble and Lausanne recently, the hospital initially contacted a Swiss helicopter company.

The company was apparently sent medical information about Schumacher that would have aided the potential helicopter transfer.


Jul
7th

Jaguar F-Type Project 7 makes successful track debut at Le Mans

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The Jaguar F-Type Project 7 made its dynamic debut in front of thousands of spectators during the Le Mans Classic race this past weekend. The company also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the D-type, a 3-time Le Mans winner which served as inspiration for Project 7.

As the most powerful and fastest production Jaguar to date, the F-Type Project 7 uses a 567-horsepower, 5.0L V8 engine to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 300 km/h. Equipped with an 8-speed QuickShift transmission, the car is both track- and street-legal, and features a removable top.

Thanks to its aluminum construction and bespoke carbon-fibre aerodynamic aids, the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 is 80kg lighter than the regular coupe. Carbon-ceramic brakes are part of the mix, too.

Jaguar F-Type Project 7 makes successful track debut at Le Mans
Photo: Jaguar


Jul
7th

F1: Colin Kolles denies Caterham owner speculation

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From GMM

Caterham is the latest hotbed of formula one rumours.

Because the true identity of the team's new owners has not been disclosed, plenty of speculation is flying around.

Names reportedly linked to the Swiss-Middle Eastern investors include former Group Lotus chief Dany Bahar, touted Lotus F1 saviour Mansour Ijaz, and even none other than Bernie Ecclestone.

"All the names going around are false," new team 'advisor' Colin Kolles insisted, according to Speed Week.

F1 Colin Kolles
Colin Kolles. (Photo: WRi2)

But the identity of the owners is not the only confusion. What about Forza Rossa?

Earlier, Colin Kolles was solidly linked to the prospective new Romanian entry. But Speed Week claims that, on Monday, the FIA is meeting to discuss whether Forza Rossa should be given a spot on the grid.

Kolles' shock involvement at Caterham has muddied the waters. Speed Week claims that, if Kolles and new team boss Christijan Albers can give Caterham a quick boost, it may be deemed viable for 2015 and beyond.

If not, the green-liveried team may simply become Forza Rossa.



Jul
7th

New Acura TLX to start at $34,990

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Acura Canada today announced that the all-new 2015 Acura TLX will arrive at dealerships across the country in August starting at $34,990$, a lower entry point than the outgoing model. A pre-sale campaign launched on July 4th.

There will be three model variations to choose from, starting with the base TLX that uses a 206-horsepower, 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Technology Package has an MSRP of $38,690 and features the latest iteration of Acura's Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS).

Next up is the Acura TLX with a 290-horsepower, 3.5L V6 mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission. The two-wheel-drive model with P-AWS is available starting with the Technology Package at an MSRP of $41,690. The Elite Package is priced at $45,290.

Finally, sharing the same 3.5L engine, the all-wheel drive TLX SH-AWD features a new hydraulically controlled version of Acura's acclaimed torque vectoring SH-AWD and starts at $39,990 — a big $4,000 below the outgoing 2014 TL with SH-AWD. The Technology Package increases the price to $43,890, while the Elite Package tops the line at $47,490.

Source : autos.ca

2015 Acura TLX
Photo: Acura


Jul
7th

Formula E: Ex-F1 driver ”pleasantly surprised” after testing the Spark-Renault

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From FIA Formula E

Christian Danner, veteran of 35 grand prix, had a run during the first official test at Donington Park last week.

"I was very pleasantly surprised because you have a certain amount of prejudice: is it going to work? What will it be like?

"But once you actually get your arse into the car you realise that, number one, it's just a racing car. It does have a lot of grip from the tires, which was a big surprise because when you look at them that appears impossible."

FIA Formula E Christian Danner Donington Park
Christian Danner during his Formule E testing at Donington Park. (Photo: FIA Formula E)

Christian Danner now works as a Formula 1 pundit for German TV and he reckons Formula E has the potential to appeal to a whole new fan base.

"It is very different and you shouldn't do too much comparison to other racing series. It's unique and therefore you [can] attract a lot of other new people to our sport.

"I love racing whether it's an electric motor or a combustion engine, I don't care, for me it's a racing car. And this is a very good way to get to hook up with a lot of people who weren't interested [in racing] before," said the new ambassador for series partner DHL.


Jul
7th

Volkswagen unveils all-new Passat sedan and wagon

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Volkswagen has just unveiled the all-new Passat sedan and wagon during a special ceremony at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, Germany. These 8th-generation models will have their public premiere at the Paris Auto Show in October.

New styling, new technologies, and new engines: Volkswagen completely redesigned and re-engineered the Passat, which is now 85kg lighter and about 20% more fuel-efficient. A plug-in hybrid variant will also be offered for the first time, with potential to travel 50 kilometres on battery power alone, and a maximum range of around 960 kilometres.

Volkswagen unveils all-new Passat sedan and wagon
Photo: Volkswagen

Outside, the new Passat's radiator grille features four chrome bars which bend inward towards the headlights in a trapezoidal shape. The lowermost chrome bar is continued into the headlights. Dynamic Light Assist automatically adjusts the beam for maximum illumination of the road without dazzling incoming traffic. All trim levels sport LED taillights.

The interior features the latest Modular Infotainment System, head-up display, a further-developed 360-degree Area View function, and the latest generation of Park Assist (which includes the option for the car to park itself forwards into perpendicular spaces).

In terms of safety, the new Volkswagen Passat boasts Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Emergency Assist (which can potentially halt the car when the driver is incapacitated), and the latest Front Assist system with City Emergency Braking (which optionally combines both radar and camera sensors to add pedestrian detection).

A highlight of the Passat's new range of engines is a high-performance, 2.0L, 4-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel producing 237 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 rpm. This engine will be available only with a new 7-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Source: Volkswagen


Jul
6th

Trade group chief sees growth in dealer-owned operations

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The share of dealerships operating expensive body shops has shrunk since 2006. But that hasn't stopped some dealers, such as Otto Belovich, who want to be one-stop sources for all their customers' automotive needs.
Jul
6th

GM dealers learn how to pitch 4G technology

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GM is embarking on the industry's broadest deployment of embedded 4G LTE technology, which will be delivered through OnStar.
Jul
6th

Mercedes’ $1 million S-class Pullman will be built by Brabus

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Brabus, the German high-performance aftermarket tuning company, will begin building a new $1 million version of Mercedes-Benz's ultra-luxury S-class Pullman in December 2015.
Jul
6th

Mercedes’ $1 million S-class will be built by Brabus

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Brabus, the German high-performance aftermarket tuning company, will begin building a new $1 million version of Mercedes-Benz's ultra-luxury S-class Pullman in December 2015.
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