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From GMM

Enzo Ferrari's only living son says he wants Fernando Alonso to stay with the Maranello team for the rest of his Formula 1 career.

The Spanish driver, widely recognised as perhaps the best and undoubtedly the highest paid on the grid, is under contract to Ferrari but also linked with a potential move to a rival team like next year's Honda-powered McLaren.

"Honestly," Piero Ferrari said, "I hope Alonso remains at Maranello until the end of his career.

"I do not follow the chatter of the market," Ferrari, whose father founded the great Italian marque, told Italian insider Leo Turrini's blog.

"I am not responsible for negotiations, I speak only of the value of the driver and I still think Fernando is the right man for our hopes.

"After that it is up to us to give him and Kimi [Raikkonen] a competitive car," he added.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T (Photo: WRI2)

Unsurprisingly for a senior figure of the Italian marque, Ferrari was also highly critical of F1's current regulations, although he insisted it should not be an "excuse" for the team's situation in 2014.

"Among the many stupidities of modern formula one is this rule requiring the closure of the racing teams in August," he said.

"Dad would turn in his grave -- he hated to leave; he was always in the office in mid August.

"Today everything is forbidden," Ferrari complained. "Testing during the season, the frozen engines. I hardly see Formula 1 anymore.

"But I know in advance the counter (argument)," he added. "Even Ferrari agreed to certain solutions that, in the end, were wrong."

Adapted from GMM

Several Formula 1 teams will completely revisit the noses of their cars for 2015, or even sooner.

Lotus
Lotus' technical director Nick Chester insists the innovative nose of the E22 is a "pretty good solution" that will stay on the current car for the rest of the season but it will not be kept for next year.

"The way the nose structure rules are written, it would be very hard to do," Chester told F1's official website when asked if Lotus will stick with its double-pronged solution next year.

"It is actually easier to design a more conventional low nose, so going that route it's easier to pass the crash test," he added.

Chester admitted, however, that Lotus might run an early iteration of a more conventional nose later this season during a Friday practice session.

But in the actual races, the forked nose is staying put for now.

"There's not really a benefit (to changing it in 2014)," Chester said, "because all the work we have done in the tunnel says we would lose downforce by doing it."

Nick Chester, Lotus F1 Team (Photo: WRI2)

Caterham
Manfredi Ravetto has confirmed Caterham will debut a new nose at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

The first fruits of second-half season effort, involving a wind tunnel programme at Toyota's Cologne facility, includes a new nose to replace the unique and unseemly 'double' nose at the front of the uncompetitive 2014 car.

Italy's Omnicorse quoted Ravetto as confirming that it will debut this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.

"The new nose is part of a package of innovations we are bringing to Spa as a demonstration of how we are trying to revive our performance, even if we are restructuring the team and living difficult days from which we hope to emerge soon," he said.

"The changes in Belgium are, in fact, just the beginning -- the most important things you will see later," Ravetto added.

Caterham CT05 (Photo: WRI2)

BMW will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2016 and rumour has it that the German automaker may launch a plug-in hybrid supercar to rival the Porsche 918 Spyder and others. It would likely be based on the upcoming i8, but so much more powerful.

According to Auto Moto Und Sport, the BMW i9 could sprint from 0-100 km/h in under four seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h. Just like the i8, it would achieve a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

BMW has yet to confirm these reports, of course, so let's be patient.

Source : insideevs.com

The promise of confidence and peace of mind, on many levels, are key reasons so many Canadians are gravitating towards the ever-expanding sea of crossover SUV models.

Part of that confidence and peace of mind comes from the promise of top-notch traction -- be it for safer navigation of icy roads or more confident trips down the road less travelled. Whatever your need for crossover confidence, enhanced traction is likely part of the appeal.

Many crossover models today go above and beyond in delivering enhanced traction, offering features that turn the dial to 11 on the all-important peace of mind that comes from sure-footed traction. Here's a closer look at some of the unique confidence and traction-enhancing features winding up in more crossover models than ever to try and win over today's crossover shopper.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Four Wheel Drive LOCK
Many crossover models run a computer-controlled, four-wheel or all-wheel drive system that automatically divides engine power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions. To save fuel, most of these systems prefer to power just two wheels, most of the time. Some, however, offer a LOCK setting -- typically engaged with a button on the dashboard -- to force the four-wheel drive system into action, locking in an even power split between the front and rear axles whenever it's engaged.

Ideal ahead of tackling extra-slippery terrain, extra-deep snow or before pulling the boat up a steep launch, the LOCK setting is sought out by many shoppers looking for maximum grip at the push of a button. Look for extra traction at the touch of a button via a LOCK setting in models including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Cherokee, and Nissan Pathfinder.

Downhill Assist
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) or Hill Descent Control (HDC) is marketed with various names by various automakers, but the underlying principle is the same. Going down a steep hill, and especially a steep and slippery hill, can be dangerous. Simply engage the Downhill Assist system fitted to your crossover before heading down the grade, release the pedals, and focus on steering.

Using inclination sensors and advanced, ultra-precise control over the vehicle's throttle, brakes and transmission, the system inches the vehicle carefully and predictably down even the most challenging slopes working the brakes on a wheel-by-wheel basis, if needed. Downhill Assist works to ensure the vehicle goes straight down the hill with minimal drama and at an extremely slow speed, regardless of incline and traction levels. This makes life safer and less stressful in the driver's seat. Look for Downhill Assist systems in models like the Volvo XC60, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Acura MDX, Nissan Rogue, and others.

Photo: Mathieu Germain

Uphill Assist
Getting up a hill can be tricky business, too -- especially if there's a need to stop and get going again. Not only can this cause wheel-spin that may impede your ability to make it to the top or result in a loss of control, but the effect of a vehicle trying to move forward while it's rolling backwards is very hard on the transmission, too. Solution? Hill Hold Assist or Hill Start Assist.

Like the downhill assist systems, this one is covered by numerous names and one simple concept: When you move your foot from the brake pedal to the throttle after stopping on a hill, the system “freezes” the brake pressure a moment after the brake pedal is released, effectively leaving the brakes on, even if you're not on the pedal. The system releases the brakes only as enough throttle is applied to get the vehicle moving again. The result, from the driver's seat, is largely non-dramatic. The system neutralizes the effects of momentum and gravity, and eliminates rolling backwards, so the vehicle simply starts moving up the hill again without any wheel spin, slipping, digging or loss of control.

In virtually all models, this system engages automatically whenever you're stopped on a hill -- no buttons to press. Look for Hill Start Assist in the Subaru Forester, Honda Pilot, Ford Escape, Lexus RX, Kia Sorento, and many others.

Custom Terrain Management
For serious off-road conditions, numerous crossover models offer an all-terrain dynamics management system, which lets drivers choose from various “modes” that best match current on- or off-road driving conditions. Special modes are typically available for Snow, Sand, Mud, Ruts, Rocks, and more. The all-terrain dynamics management system, marketed with names like Selec-Terrain or Terrain Response, instantly calls up special system calibrations for the throttle, transmission, the AWD or 4x4 system, traction control, and even the differentials to help fully optimize vehicle operation for whatever surface is passing beneath. Throttle response, allowable wheel spin, gear-change logic, and power split between the axles are all fine-tuned for maximum grip on the terrain in question.

With the ability to tell your crossover the type of terrain you're about to tackle, traction can be considerably enhanced. Most of these systems have an AUTO setting too, which is applicable to most normal driving conditions. Look for an all-terrain dynamics management system in the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover LR4, and others.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Torque Vectoring
This fancy-sounding term refers to a simple premise. Torque vectoring basically “shapes” the direction of the vehicle by overpowering one or more wheels in a cornering situation to help steer the vehicle, in addition to actual steering-wheel inputs. Imagine you're in a big boat with someone paddling at each corner, and the two paddlers on the right hand side of the boat are paddling harder and faster. Without using the rudder to steer, the effect of more propulsion on one side of the boat will tend to point it in the opposite direction. So, in an all-wheel drive crossover, like a Nissan Juke or Subaru Forester, torque vectoring works similarly, but with wheels not paddles. More power is sent to the outer wheels in a cornering situation, helping point the vehicle into the corner. This doesn't create more traction it simply makes better use of the traction available, and enhances handling and control in all conditions as a result.

Canadian rally driver 'Crazy Leo' Urlichich will face a new challenge this weekend, as he will race on tarmac for the first time in a WRC event.

Running in the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy this season, Leo is getting ready to contest the ADAC Rally Deutschland in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta R2.

“I have never completed in Deutschland before, nor on tarmac. But I've always liked higher grip situations, so I'm really looking forward to the fun!” Leo told Auto123.com.

“I'm teaming up with a fourth new co-driver this season, and I can only hope that we are able to finish the event,” said the only Canadian to compete in the prestigious FIA World Rally Championship this year.

'Crazy Leo' Urlichich at Rally de Portugal. (Photo: 'Crazy Leo' Facebook)

“I have done a one-day test in Belgium on tarmac, and I have to say that I loved it! One of the biggest challenges for me this year is the switch from an all-wheel drive car to front-wheel drive, and on tarmac that difference is less noticeable, because the car is a lot more planted.

“I'm dead last in the championship, but at least that's not really through my own fault. The bad luck in the shape of bizarre co-drivers' injuries caused us to withdraw from WRC Poland early on, and not start Finland.

“I am, however, still happy that I haven't made any major driving errors so far, and that I haven't lost any of my passion and excitement, despite this difficult stretch!” Leo explained.

“I also thank M-Sport for their understanding and support, as well as all my sponsors (particularly Can-Jam Motorsports and CSCS) for not giving up on me!” ‘Crazy Leo' ended.

Sometimes, your biggest competitor isn't the one that's right in front of you or even the one coming up from behind trying to overtake you.

Sometimes, it's you.

When it comes to premium sedans, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is no stranger to being its own best and worst enemy. Why is that? Because it's the bread-and-butter of the German automaker's smorgasbord.

To check out our full review on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, head on over to Auto-Venus.com.

Photo: Alexandra Straub

From GMM

Former grand prix driver Jan Lammers thinks 16-year-old Max Verstappen is ready for Formula 1.

Verstappen, the fresh-faced son of another former Dutch F1 driver Jos, has signed up with Red Bull's famous driver development programme after an impressive transition from karting to F3.

The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf has reported repeatedly in the past days that Verstappen will be announced shortly as a Toro Rosso race driver for 2015.

The reports say the news could be made official ahead of this weekend's Belgian grand prix.

Max Verstappen (Photo: F3 Euro Series)

If true, that would make Verstappen, at the age of 17 next March, the youngest F1 race driver in the sport's entire history.

Former F1 driver Lammers said: "In terms of age it is no problem.

"At the age of 4, Max was already in a kart. And the transition from Formula 3 to formula one is not illogical. Alain Prost, Kimi Raikkonen, myself, we all did it.

"No one should forget that Max is a talent of the highest quality," he added.

"Personally, I think 17 is very young, but some just mature earlier than others. I look at myself -- I was absolutely not ready for formula one at that age.

"But of course it helps that in Jos he has a father who knows exactly how everything works in Formula 1."

Saleen Automotive pushed in a new direction today with the unveiling of its first electric car, the 4Sixteen, based on the Tesla Model S. And the company's founder and CEO, Steve Saleen, says it has him sold on electric cars.

Pictures See all 31 pictures 17 Aug, 2014

Automakers, aided by government subsidies, produced 5,799 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in China in July, 10 times more than in the same month last year.

The UAW union, which lost a controversial organizing vote in February at VW's Tenessee assembly plant, has nearly enough members in its newly formed local for the automaker to recognize it as exclusive bargaining agent for the plant.

ZF Friedrichshafen is investing 50 million euros (412 million yuan) in a fivefold expansion of its Shanghai headquarters and research hub.

A consumer looking to personalize a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler or Cherokee designs a map online that will later be installed by a dealer on the SUV's hood.

As self-driving cars become increasingly important, Volvo has unveiled an ambitious plan to position itself at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology.

Beijing's slew of antitrust investigations into the pricing practices of foreign automakers is more likely to harm Chinese brands than to protect them.

Marco Wittmann has his maiden DTM title within reach, thanks to a faultless performance in the seventh round of the season at the Nürburgring.

The German extended his lead in the drivers' standings with another win aboard his BMW M4 DTM. Mattias Ekström, his rival in the championship, retired from the race following a collision in the opening stages.

"This is a great success for us. Slowly, we can really start talking about the title," he said.

"Towards the end of the race, it still was a little close, because Mike Rockenfeller was able to close up. I think that his tyres were better than mine in the closing stages of the race.

"Now, we have to continue like this," added Wittmann, who won lights-to-flag in front of 80,000 fans.

Marco Wittmann, BMW M4 DTM (Photo: DTM.com)

Classified fourth, former F1 driver Paul Di Resta only just missed out on a podium finish. The Brit, who started from eighth on the grid, gradually worked his way up through the ranks.

"My verdict is very positive. We were able to challenge for a podium finish by our own means. My thanks go out to the entire crew for having done a perfect job. I am very confident for the races to come," he commented.

Mattias Ekström is now 64 points behind Wittmann in the chase for the title, tied with Edoardo Mortara.

Race results - Nürburgring
1 - Marco Wittmann (BMW M4) - RMG - 49 laps in 1.09'42"802
2 - Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 1"286
3 - Edoardo Mortara (Audi RS5) - Abt - 12"019
4 - Paul Di Resta (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 12"815
5 - Daniel Juncadella (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 13"717
6 - Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 24"918
7 - Maxime Martin (BMW M4) - RMG - 28"921
8 - Martin Tomczyk (BMW M4) - Schnitzer - 38"521
9 - Robert Wickens (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 43"197
10 - Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 45"377
11 - Adrien Tambay (Audi RS5) - Abt - 48"071
12 - Bruno Spengler (BMW M4) - Schnitzer - 49"834
13 - Antonio Felix Da Costa (BMW M4) - MTEK - 50"150
14 - Joey Hand (BMW M4) - RBM - 50"955
15 - Jamie Green (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 52"771
16 - Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 57"056
17 - Timo Glock (BMW M4) - MTEK - 58"557
18 - Vitaly Petrov (Mercedes C-Coupe) - Mucke - 1 lap

Fastest lap of the race: 1'23"175 by Marco Wittmann

Retirements
Augusto Farfus
Nico Muller
Timo Scheider
Miguel Molina
Mattias Ekstrom

Championship
1.Wittmann 120; 2.Mortara, Ekstrom 56; 4.Rockenfeller 53; 5.Spengler 42; 6.Vietoris 41; 7.Martin 39; 8.Tambay 36; 9.Farfus, Glock 33.

Danica Patrick had no choice but to accept's Krissie Newman's Ice Bucket Challenge.

The trend has been going for some time now: to raise money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), athletes have been challenging themselves to a very cold shower.

The latest athlete to answer the call was NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, on whom boyfriend Ricky Stenhouse Jr poured the dreaded ice bucket.

Patrick then challenged Stenhouse, who of course could not refuse.

Here is a video of their Ice Bucket Challenge:



Source: Danica Patrick, Youtube

From press release

The strong relationship between Ryan Hunter-Reay and Andretti Autosport is showing no signs of weakening.

With Milwaukee IndyFest as a backdrop, the Indianapolis-based four-time IndyCar Champions confirmed that 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay will return to the team in 2015 and beyond.

Furthermore, Andretti Autosport announced a contract extension with title sponsor DHL

"I'm thrilled to be able to announce today that the relationship between myself, DHL and Andretti Autosport will continue," said Hunter-Reay.

Ryan Hunter-Reay (Photo: WRI2)

"Every driver strives to find the stability in their career that allows them to continually grow each year; having a home at Andretti Autosport for the last five seasons, working with the same crew and supportive sponsors has no doubt been a key part of our successes."


Hunter-Reay, 33, currently sits third in the Verizon IndyCar Series championship points standings, only 63 points behind the championship leader.

With 166 Indy car starts, Hunter-Reay holds 14 race wins, 81 top 10 finishes and captured the 2012 IndyCar Series Championship title in a thrilling season finale showdown.

Robert Kubica's experience on asphalt should help him next week-end in Germany for the World Rally Championship (WRC) season's first tarmac event.

"Robert has got more experience (on asphalt)," said M-Sport team principal Malcolm Wilson. "He'll definitely be challenging for wins. I have no doubt about that."

Indeed, the pole entered 76 grands prix over his five seasons in F1. So he probably knows better than anyone else in the WRC how to get the most out of a car on asphalt.

Robert Kubica, Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Photo: WRi2)

Earlier this season, he led the Rallye Monte-Carlo, which is almost considered as a tarmac event, before crashing out on a patch of black ice.

And last month, in preparation for the Rally Deutschland, Kubica entered the Italian Rally Internazionale del Casentino, in Tuscany. He won 10 out of 12 stages on his way to victory.

Auto123.TV is an avalanche of videos and photos capturing all the action and stars from the automotive world including car shows and vehicle reviews/previews. Actually, Auto123.TV goes beyond cars to bring you motorcycling content, auto racing coverage, and even Ladies Class motocross action.

Our two main sections, Photos and Videos, are divided into five sub-sections including Auto Shows, Events, Makes, Racing, and Tips & Advice.

You'll have so much fun watching all these cool clips and browsing through our photo galleries that you may very well become addicted to Auto123.TV!