Toto Wolff is still working on offloading his stake in the Williams team.
Ever since the Austrian bought into Mercedes and began working as the German marque's F1 and motor racing chief, his more than 15 per cent stake in Williams has been quietly on the market.
In June, it emerged that 5 per cent of Wolff's stake was bought by US private healthcare businessman Brad Hollinger.
And now, the Daily Telegraph reports that Hollinger in fact has an additional 2 per cent option on the Grove based team worth about $5.7 million.
F1 business journalists Christian Sylt and Caroline Reid quoted Wolff as confirming: "I am now on slightly more than 10 per cent and Brad has an option to buy another 2pc. So if I find somebody who is suitable, maybe I will sell a little bit more."
McLaren could wait another year for a top name to join the newly Honda-powered outfit.
In recent days and weeks, it has become increasingly clear that the Woking team is bidding to lure a star champion like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel to the British-Japanese works collaboration for 2015.
All three, however, are under contract to their existing teams, which may be good news for the nervous incumbent, F1 veteran Jenson Button, who otherwise might be staring at retirement.
"If I'm not racing at the end of the season, so be it," he said at Monza. "I can't do much about that."
Jenson Button, McLaren-Mercedes, at Monza. (Photo: WRi2)
But Britain's The Observer newspaper reports that McLaren is in fact now most likely to sign Button and his rookie teammate Kevin Magnussen for at least another season.
"We are happy with the drivers we have, to be honest," team boss Eric Boullier confirmed. "You can rate them or not rate them, I don't care. We are happy and lucky to have the good drivers we have. If we have them next year we will be happy with that."
The Frenchman hinted that a better "strategy" for McLaren might be to let the all-new McLaren-Honda partnership bed in for a year before thinking again about a driver change for 2016.
"We are thinking about strategy," Eric Boullier said. "We have to think about 2016. We are seeking who, when, how, how much, because we need to know how we want to build for the future. It is usual in formula one, especially with A-list drivers, to have discussions not for next year but for the year after."
It is obvious that drivers of Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel's calibre might be unlikely to take a gamble with a move to McLaren without first assessing the new Honda era.
"We are in favour of having the best car," said Eric Boullier, "because then we can attract the best driver and have the winning package. At some stage you have to open the negotiations."
The upcoming Paris Auto Show will feature the world debut of the new Fiat 500X, which shares its platform with the equally new Jeep Renegade and is expected to become the MINI Countryman's new nemesis.
In the following video, the company gives a preview of the Fiat 500X. Look for it to land in showrooms next year.
Source : 500x.fiat500.com
McLaren confirmed at Monza that iconic coffee brand Segafredo Zanetti - which returns to Formula 1 after a 20-year absence - has become a new partner of the team.
The Italian brand is part of the Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group - the largest private company in the international coffee industry.
Segafredo Zanetti was first involved in Formula 1 between 1984 and '94. It partnered with McLaren between 1984 and '86, working with iconic world champions Niki Lauda, Alain Prost and Keke Rosberg. The brand also sponsored the car, overalls and helmet of legendary champion Ayrton Senna during his first year in Formula 1 in 1984, and during his final season in the sport in 1994.
Group president Massimo Zanetti said: "The Segafredo Zanetti name has long been associated with motorsport, and Formula 1 in particular, and our decision to return to grand prix racing with the renowned McLaren team signals our intention to further strengthen and grow the powerful Segafredo Zanetti brand.
"When you think of Formula 1, you doubtless think of McLaren; one of the teams that has achieved truly legendary status. Equally, in the coffee world, exactly the same is true of Segafredo Zanetti - and, together, we can achieve something special.
"Emotionally, too, my long friendship with Ayrton Senna also influenced my decision to return to McLaren. On the 20thanniversary of his death, it seems appropriate to restart Segafredo Zanetti's involvement with Formula 1, as well as underline my commitment to my long-standing relationship with Ron Dennis."
McLaren Group chairman & CEO Ron Dennis CBE said: "I'm personally delighted that Massimo Zanetti has chosen to return to Formula 1 with McLaren. He's long supported both McLaren and Ayrton Senna, and his passion for motorsport courses through the Segafredo Zanetti brand. As a McLaren partner, together we have a long backstory; today, more importantly, we have a lot more that we can say together.
Since qualifying session at Monza, Segafredo Zanetti branding appear on the rear-wing endplates and driver overalls.
Segafredo logo on the McLaren MP4-29 at Monza. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)
Today marks the official launch of the all-new Jaguar XE compact luxury sedan. Before the car hits the spotlight at 1:15 p.m. ET, fans can watch several interviews and features.
Prior to Max Verstappen's signing by Red Bull, the teen Dutchman came close to being snapped up by Mercedes.
At the height of the Verstappen-Mercedes rumours, sources said the German marque intended to place the talented 16-year-old in GP2 next year.
Toto Wolff confirmed to the Austrian news agency APA: "We would have gone with him first into GP2 and given him a few formula one days."
Ultimately, however, advised and managed by his F1-famous father Jos Verstappen, the F3 sensation signed with Red Bull on the promise of a now highly controversial Toro Rosso race debut in 2015.
"He is ready for formula one now," insisted Red Bull's driver manager Dr Helmut Marko.
Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)
But on his first official demonstration run in a F1 car in Rotterdam recently, Verstappen crashed at low speed into the barriers whilst doing donuts.
Red Bull played down the incident, and this week near Venice Verstappen will reportedly be back in a two-year-old Toro Rosso to qualify for his super license and make his Friday practice debut early next month at Suzuka.
Some think F1 is coming way too soon for the boyish Verstappen.
"Max is an extraordinary talent. He is definitely formula one material and possibly a star of the future," Wolff agreed.
"Whether it's good for formula one - putting a 17-year-old on the grid - is another thing. Formula one is not a playground where you develop somebody," he insisted.
Pros: In spite of weighing-in at close to two tons, the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover is capable of breathtaking acceleration. In addition, it provides unrivalled off-road skills. It offers a level of luxury and comfort that matches its prestige.
Cons: Alas, the 2015 Range rover is not without fault. Starting with a V8 version that is always thirsty. But, when one can afford such an enormous vehicle, is this really an issue? The third-row seating is not really accessible for adults; it is better suited for children. In addition, as is the case for most Land Rover products, reliability remains an Achilles Heel.
Photo: Land Rover
2015 Land Rover Range Rover Price: The 2015 Land Rover Range Rover is offered in four versions: the Range Rover at $102,555, the Range Rover HSE at $106,555, the Supercharged Range Rover at $117,555 and the Autobiography Range Rover at $152,555.
2015 Range Rover Fuel Economy: Fuel economy ratings for the 2015 Range Rover are not available at this time.
Improvements and Changes: No major changes for 2015.
2015 Land Rover Range Rover Powertrain: Land Rover proposes two engine options based on the selected Range Rover model: a supercharged 3.0 litre DOHC V6 that produces 340 hp or a supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that produces an impressive 510 hp. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with stop-start technology.
Cargo Capacity: The Range Rover luggage compartment can hold up to 909 litres.
Safety: Safety features in the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover include ABS brakes, electronic braking assistance, electronic brake-force distribution, dynamic stability and anti roll stability control, trailer stability control, terrain response auto adjustment, electronic traction control, active speed limiter, dynamic route guidance and lateral and rear obstacle warnings.
Comparing the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover: This luxury SUV category includes the BMW X5, the Cadillac Escalade, the Infiniti QX80, the Lexus LX570, the Lincoln Navigator and the Porsche Cayenne.
According to paddock insiders, disgruntled and struggling reigning champion Vettel is the man most likely to be looking for a change of scene.
When asked about the McLaren-Vettel rumours, former driver turned pundit Patrick Tambay told RMC it is clear the German is feeling increasingly uncomfortable at Red Bull.
"Next year Adrian Newey will not be in the same position," he said. "He (Vettel) is losing his favourite engineer (Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin). It may be time for him to look elsewhere, especially with what is happening with Daniel Ricciardo."
But even though Australian Ricciardo appears more than comfortable at Red Bull, even he is in McLaren's sights.
"We may consider Daniel Ricciardo. Nico Rosberg as well is doing well. So there are a lot of drivers we may consider," Eric Boullier admitted.
Ricciardo might be tempted to leave Red Bull because, despite his clear superiority over Vettel in 2014, he is earning much less money than the quadruple champion.
Christian Horner and Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)
At Monza, team boss Christian Horner dodged a specific question about whether, in light of his season, Red Bull intends to "adjust" Ricciardo's "earnings" to bring him more in line with Vettel.
Not only that, he finds himself in the awkward situation of being the only driver able to challenge the two Mercedes for the 2014 title, but not being the clear number 1 at Red Bull.
"I would love to be quicker on merit and not need team orders," Daniel Ricciardo said after Monza, "but the next couple of tracks are perfect for us so if we need to make any decisions if we can challenge Mercedes for the title then I am sure they will be made."
No so, according to Christian Horner.
"We are so far back at the moment that it is not worth getting involved (in team orders). We will let the drivers race," he insisted.
Horner adds that in the end, despite all the 'silly season' noise, he thinks all the main players will stay put for 2015.
"The music is playing at full volume now, but when it stops I think you'll see everyone in the same chairs as they were before," he is quoted by Spain's Marca.
Pros: The exterior styling of the 2015 Kia Rio is unanimously praised. It is solidly built with quality fit and finish. As is often the case with South-Korean vehicles, the Rio comes with equipment that is not usually present in this type of vehicle. In addition, the interior is surprisingly spacious for such a small vehicle. To top it all off, it is reasonably priced, and lives up to the fuel economy expectations of its category.
Cons: The 2015 Kia Rio is equipped with a firm suspension that is likely to make excursions on less than perfect roads somewhat disagreeable, while offering exceptional road handling characteristics on smoother road surfaces. Its engine is a bit on the rough side when compared to its Japanese competitors.
Photo: Kia
2015 Kia Rio Price: Kia markets the 2015 Rio in two versions: Sedan and 5-door hatchback. The sedan is available in four versions: LX, LX+, EX and SX. The LX manual is priced at $14,095, the LX+ is offered in manual version at $15 695, and automatic at $16,995; the EX automatic is listed at $18,195, while the automatic SX is priced at $20,195.
As for the 5-door Rio, prices are: $14,495 for the LX; $16,095 for the manual LX+ while the automatic LX+ starts at $17,395; the automatic EX starts at $18,595; while the manual SX starts at $19,295 and the automatic version starts at $20,595.
2015 Kia Rio Fuel Economy: Whether you choose sedan or coupe, the fuel economy rating for the Kia Rio is an estimated: 8.7/6.4 L/100 km manual transmission, 8.8/6.3 automatic transmission, and 8.5/6.3 in Eco mode.
Improvements and Changes: The Kia Rio has not undergone any significant change for 2015.
2015 Kia Rio Powertrain: The only available engine option for the 2015 Kia Rio is a 1.6 litre all-aluminum direct-injection 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 hp. This engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or Sportmatic automatic transmission.
Cargo Capacity: If the Rio sedan is your vehicle of choice, you will benefit from 387 litres of cargo capacity in its trunk. If you choose the Rio 5-door, the cargo capacity varies from 425 litres with the rear seat back raised to 1,410 with the rear seat back lowered.
Photo: Kia
Safety: Safety features in the 2015 Kia Rio include ABS brakes, electronic braking assistance, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, launch control, automatic headlights and hill assist.
Comparing the 2015 Kia Rio: Comparable vehicles in the subcompact category include the Honda Fit, the Ford Fiesta, the Hyundai Accent, the Mazda2, the Nissan Versa, the Scion xD and the Toyota Yaris.
Left with more than 600 unsold Vipers in stock — a 434-day supply — Chrysler has a bold plan to boost the sales of its excessively pricey supercar: cut the sticker price by $15,000 and offer $15,000 coupons to recent Viper buyers to trade in their 2013 or 2014 model on another one or to buy an additional Viper.
Also, instead of limiting the Viper to select Dodge dealers, the automaker will sell it with the rest of the lineup, treating the 640-hp, V10-powered car as a halo vehicle.
Despite temporarily suspending production of the high-end GTS and TA models, Chrysler will start taking orders for 2015 Vipers this month. Dodge brand manager Tim Kuniskis also told Automotive News that a new GT trim featuring the most popular equipment sought by Viper customers will be introduced shortly.
Every so many years, Porsche launches a supercar that serves as a technological gene pool from which future products will draw. Today, the all-new Porsche 918 Spyder has debuted as the latest Stuttgart supercar that'll earn a place in the history books.
Big Numbers
When you walk up to its swooping carbon-fibre reinforced body stuffed with racing seats and batteries and heaps of really next-level tech bolted beneath, the machine's vital numbers pop into your head and cause nervous pangs in your stomach: 887 horsepower; no less than $845,000 USD; the better part of a thousand lb-ft of torque (a thousand). And that's the sort of “right now” torque generated in part by a pair of electric motors, so there's lots of it, everywhere, all the time. Quarter-mile pass? Look for 10 seconds or less. Top speed? Well beyond 200 miles per hour.
Performance wise, this 918 Spyder would rip up a 911 Turbo S and leave it looking like Tyrannosaurus used it as a chew toy. It also costs as much as four of them (Turbos not T-Rexes).
High Tech Power -- and heaps of it
Even accelerating in E-Power mode solely on stored electricity out of pit lane onto Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, the 918 Spyder leaps forward with alarming urgency at any touch of the throttle. In the same way a sports car shows off the sound of its engine, the 918 Spyder proudly floods the cabin full of noises from the electric propulsion system in the form of clicks and whining and whirring away as electricity is generated, stored, and dispensed to all four wheels at the driver's command. It's the sort of high-tech aural symphony you'd expect to hear in the engine room of the USS Enterprise -- especially during regenerative braking. This isn't one of those ghostly quiet hybrids.
There's a drive-mode dial on the steering wheel, similar to the picture-mode dial you'll find on a digital SLR camera. Race Hybrid mode comes online with a two-click twist, firing up the 4.6L V8 the instant the dial sets into its detent. It's abrupt and nearly startling as the gasoline side of the 918's propulsion system barks loudly to life before settling into a quivering, uptight idle as it waits for further throttle application.
Horrifying acceleration
Full throttle application generates a horrifying reaction. With on-demand all-RPM electric torque boosting the high-strung thrust of the 9,100 RPM V8, acceleration is truly instant, and violent in intensity. There's no building up to a power peak: the 918 Spyder just leaps forward with immediate ferocity. That's accompanied by a jagged growl-turned-wail from the combustion engine, which sends spent fuel out of a foot-long exhaust system with tailpipes that exit the top of the engine cover, just behind the driver.
If you'd like to hear it, and watch me experience it for the first time, first-hand, here you go:
Braking capabilities from the ceramic rotors and their monstrous fluorescent green calipers is absolutely crushing, and the pedal communicates that with decent feedback and little of the spongy, inconsistent feel typical of brake systems in conventional hybrids. You can hear the braking too, via the collection of noises generated as the hybrid componentry converts some of the braking force -- all of it in less urgent stops -- back into electricity stored in the mid-mounted battery for future blasts of acceleration that would coax sequential F-Bombs out of even your church-going grandmother.
An easy-to-drive rocket car
Things happen brutally fast in the 918 Spyder, and it demands your absolute attention. Horrifying acceleration aside, this is a super-Porsche that's super-flattering to drive. Though the numbers, pricing and especially acceleration and cornering Gs are among the most intimidating you'll find in something with four wheels and a warranty, the driving experience isn't.
The steering ratio and effort and feel are not unlike a Boxster or Cayman: direct, smooth, quick, and tidy without being hyperactive or nervous. Gentle and smooth inputs are rewarded, meaning less stress on the driver. Handling limits are too high for anyone other than veteran racing drivers to fully exploit, though as mid-engine Porsches tend to be, the 918 Spyder feels like a forgiving, flattering, and supportive partner with a feeling that each system is carefully calibrated against all of the others.
That's part of the Porsche mid-engine magic. Whether it's a Cayman, Boxster or this new 918 Spyder, the underlying sensation is one of expert calibration of its driving dynamics towards performance that's easy to tap into for drivers of virtually any skill level.
After a few hot laps, stepping back out over the wide carbon-fibre door sills for the first, and likely, last time, I felt strangely fine. I'd imagined a fight, a struggle, numerous startling moments and exhaustion, and instead found an experience that backs drivers up with an overall sense that they're not fighting with the car, but that they're working in sync. So, this big-dollar, big-power supercar should prove surprisingly easy to access, performance-wise, for the 918 lucky folks who will get to own one.
If you'd like to be one of them, make tracks to your local Porsche dealer with the $200,000 deposit ASAP, because at the time of writing, much of the scheduled production has already been spoken for.
Sauber is quiet amid reports the Swiss team is being sold to the Canadian retail billionaire and racing enthusiast Lawrence Stroll.
On Sunday, a report emerged in Germany that said Stroll, whose son Lance is part of Sauber engine supplier Ferrari's driver academy, is in talks with the obviously financially-struggling Hinwil based team.
And it is believed the subsequent report at Motorsport.com was based on sources close to Stroll himself, who is associated with famous fashion brands including Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and the Red Bull sponsor Pepe Jeans.
He also owns the former F1 circuit at Mont Tremblant, and numerous Ferrari road cars.
But the well-connected Swiss F1 veteran Roger Benoit, who writes for Blick, was cautious on Sunday amid the reports.
"We have seen other sale attempts fail," said Roger Benoit. "Stroll is also associated with Lotus. As was the case over a year ago with (Sauber's deal with) the Russians, let's wait."
And 20min.ch, a respected Swiss news outlet, quoted team founder Peter Sauber and boss Monisha Kaltenborn as saying: "No comment."
Have you seen this commercial? In it, stunt drivers in a rolling train of Hyundai's latest Genesis Sedans exit the moving vehicles in a totally “do not try this at home” fashion, letting the safety systems bring the driverless train of cars to a stop when the lead vehicle applies some heavy braking.* The gist? Using radar, lasers, and (more than ever) cameras today's breed of high-tech rides is becoming more self-aware and safe than ever.
Today, cameras are cheaper, better and smaller than ever before, and they're winding up more and more often in new rides, powering advanced safety and hazard-detection systems like those showcased in the commercial.
Many new camera-based features exist, so here's a look at how automakers are tapping into advanced camera technology to make rides that are easier than ever to drive safely.
A do-it-all Backup Camera: On some Nissan models, the backup camera system has numerous added responsibilities. In addition to displaying a real-time image of the area behind the reversing vehicle, the wide-angle camera watches the area at the rear of your vehicle for signs of trouble.
Since the rearview cam can see the road markings, it powers the Lane Departure Warning System, which alerts drivers if they're accidentally venturing out of their lane. The camera can also see the vehicle's blind-spots, and powers the Blind Spot Warning System to tell drivers if they're about to side-swipe a Corolla when changing lanes. Nissan's even developed a cleaning system that pipes a single drop of washer fluid onto the camera lens and blasts it clean with a whiff of compressed air, so there's always a good view.
The new Mercedes S-Class can even see out of its backup camera to determine if it's about to be rear-ended by another vehicle. If it is, the brakes are pre-locked, helping minimize subsequent collisions.
Photo: Olivier Delorme
LaneWatch Camera: Signal right, and the camera mounted to the passenger side mirror of numerous Honda models displays a wide-angle video down the side of the car on the central display screen for added safety. The camera can be activated by pressing a button on the end of the turn-signal lever, too.
My father is an avid cyclist who frequently complains of being cut off by cars turning right, and this system could enhance safety for dad and his pals. From the driver's seat, added confidence results from the ability to triple-check your blind-spot via the wide-angle camera. In all, drivers get a better sense of what's going on near their ride.
Photo: Olivier Delorme
360 Degrees of Awareness: Imagine being able to see 360 degrees around your vehicle on a single screen when you back up. That's what numerous automakers, including BMW, Volvo, Land Rover, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz are doing with their advanced parking camera systems. Using inputs from multiple cameras, an image processor simulates a virtual birds-eye view of the area around your ride in real time. Drivers get added confidence in tight quarters, since they're able to see completely around their ride on a single screen.
Land Rover has even expanded on this type of system with camera angles that display the wheels and path of travel ahead -- presumably for precise and puncture-free tire placement in an off-road setting.
Smart Rearview: Using a high-resolution camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle and an LCD monitor in the rearview mirror, Nissan's Smart Rearview system puts a forward-thinking take on seeing behind you. The Smart Rearview system works just like a normal rearview mirror -- although it's not obstructed by rear seats, passengers, interior panels or tall items you might be carrying in the cargo hold. Drivers get a better, wider, and non-obstructed view out the back of their ride, and thanks to advanced image processing software they can see more clearly in rain, snow, in the dark, and in situations where glare might be an issue. You can turn the system off and use the good old-fashioned rearview mirror, if you like.
EyeSight: Subaru is big on safety, and their latest EyeSight system takes it to new levels. Using a pair of cameras mounted side by side (just like human eyes) to see in 3D (just like human eyes) the system powers features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Pre-Collision Braking for added confidence. EyeSight can even see clumsy pedestrians text-walking in front of your Outback and apply the brakes to avoid hitting them, in some situations. Hell, if there's a stationary car in front of you, EyeSight can even tell the throttle to ignore your foot for a moment, so you don't accidentally rear-end someone if you suffer a momentary case of pedal confusion.
Photo: Subaru
Night Vision: It's been the curse of mankind's existence for millenniums: pesky lions, raccoons and fruit-bats can see in the dark, while we humans fumble around and whack into stuff like Jim Lahey on a Sunday afternoon bender.
Automakers have responded to our nocturnal vision handicaps and created a solution: Night Vision. Once reserved solely for military use, night-vision technology is available in numerous premium rides, allowing you to “see” differences in temperature between various surfaces or to see reflections from infrared light that's blasted ahead of the ride.
An enhanced view of the area ahead is displayed for the driver -- potentially providing early warning of hazards up the road. Some systems even highlight pedestrians or animals on-screen before they're visible to drivers in their headlights.
*Note that the systems were modified for the filming of the commercial. In real-world application the camera-guided cruise would shut off once the car detected a lack of presence on the steering wheel. In other words, do not try this it at home with your new Hyundai Genesis Sedan.
An obvious dispute is playing out between Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and his potential successor, Sergio Marchionne.
At Monza, Montezemolo half-heartedly denied increasingly insistent reports that he is set to step down and become boss of the Italian airline Alitalia.
But since then, it has become clear that Montezemolo, whose prominence at Maranello dates all the way back to the Niki Lauda era, is also locked in a dispute with Marchionne, the chairman of the 90 per cent Ferrari owner Fiat.
Marchionne was quoted on Sunday as saying he took exception to statements Montezemolo made at Monza about his role at Ferrari.
"It creates the illusion of being outside the rules," Sergio Marchionne is quoted by Italy's Autosprint.
"Ferrari is a subsidiary of Fiat, but a certain independence from the product and market positioning was important.
"But I, like many others, are at the service of the company," he insisted. "When a company changes its mind, things change."
Motorhome Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)
It seems the divide between Marchionne and Montezemolo has opened up because of Ferrari's struggle for performance and success in formula one.
"On the economic results (of the road car division)," said Sergio Marchionne.
"Luca did a great job and I congratulate him. But the other side is sports management. Ferrari is in F1 to win, I've been a fan for years, and it's hard to see Ferrari in this situation -- with the best drivers in the world, engineers who are really good, and no (title) win since 2008.
"It is essential to have a Ferrari that represents victory in F1, and this is not negotiable -- it is an absolutely clear objective and we cannot accept a situation other than this. I do not want to see us seventh or twelfth.
"A change in the presidency is not on my agenda, but everyone can be replaced," Sergio Marchionne concluded.
Antoine L'Estage and his codriver Alan Ockwell of the Yokohama Canada Rally Team won the 2014 edition of the Rallye Defi by winning every stage of the rally.
They drive their Mitsubishi Lancer EVO to overall victory on the hard packed gravel roads in the Quebec Laurentians.
The Rallye Defi was the third round of the Canadian Rally Championship and it featured over 175km of competitive special stages split over two days of racing.
“It's been a textbook rally for us,” said L'Estage. “We did have some problems with the car today, so we had to turn down the boost to make sure it stayed reliable to the finish.
“The Yokohama tires were really good in the rough stuff yesterday and today. I've been with them for ten years, and they're a big part of our success.”
Reportage photos René Fagnan, Paul Fagnan et Delphée Benoit.
Martin Rowe and Nathalie Richard contested Rallye Defi as their first event competing together. The Subaru Rally Team Canada duo debuted the new 2015 Subaru Impreza STI rally car.
Despite some teething issues that at points caused the team to drop out of a podium position, a late charge on the final loop of stages was enough to claim second place.
Third place went to Joel Levac and Stephanie Lewis. The result matched their finishing position from the Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs two months ago. Driving a MINI Countryman [a former WRC race car], the two found they were forced to push themselves faster than ever before.
The two-wheel drive class was full of strong competition.
Chris Greenhouse and Billy Irvin drove through rough conditions on the first day of racing to carve out a small lead over their rivals. The team built on their advantage over the balance of the first day to a lead of two minutes.
Rallye Defi Final Results 1. Antoine L'Estage - Alan Ockwell - one hour, 30 minutes, 01.8 seconds
2. Martin Rowe - Nathalie Richard - 1:33:30.5
3. Joel Levac - Stéphanie Lewis - 1:33:33.8
4. Maxime Labrie - Anick Barrette - 1:34:20.1
5. Jean-Sebastien Besner - Yvan Joyal - 1:35:48.0
6. Sylvain Vincent - Simon Vincent - 1:37:33.8
7. Marc Bourassa - Daniel Paquette - 1:38:00.4
8. Martin Donnelly - Angela Cosner - 1:44:27.6
9. Chris Greenhouse - Billy Irvin - 1:47:04.9
10. Simon Dube - Pat Lavigne - 1:49:11.0
General Motors CEO Mary Barra said Sunday that Cadillac will launch a CTS sedan with vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology in about two years, as GM looks to establish itself as a leader in the connected-car space.
Longtime automotive industry veteran James Harbour, who developed unprecedented ways to analyze and improve manufacturing productivity, died Saturday at the age of 86.
Dealership acquisitions continue to soar, positioning 2014 to be one of the most active years for buy-sells in more than a decade, say advisers who track transactions.
While turning out countless special Zagato editions over the years, the Zagato company has had a major influence on the styling of European luxury cars, racers and airplanes.
Brad Keselowski led all but 17 of 400 laps in winning the Federated Auto Parts 400, the final race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regular season.
In the process, he won his fourth race of the season and secured top seeding for the 10-race Chase, which starts Sunday, Sept. 14 at Chicagoland Speedway.
Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle secured the final two of 16 Chase spots on points, Newman with a solid ninth-place run, Biffle with a much shakier 19th-place finish, two laps down.
But it was Keselowski who made the statement in securing the 400th victory across all racing series for team owner Roger Penske.
"Part of me, I pulled into victory lane and I pinched myself once to make sure I wasn't dreaming. These are nights you don't forget as a driver—and you live for. The Miller Lite Ford Fusion was just flying, and this is— I couldn't ask for a better way to enter the Chase than to win and take the first seed.
Keselowski, the Coors Light pole winner, took the lead for the final time on Lap 127 when he beat race runner-up Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick, the race's only other leader, off pit road. From that point on, Keselowski's No. 2 Ford was untouchable.
The other drivers who qualified for the Chase are: Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Aric Almirola, AJ Allmendinger and Matt Kenseth.
The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. 
