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From press release

Brighton Speedway is ready for the first of three huge events to conclude the 2014 season.

The Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) will thunder in to Brighton Speedway for two full nights of racing this Labour Day weekend. Lucas Oil, Rock 107, Extreme Rush Adventures, and Mystical Distributing present the SOS for the final time this season on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31.

Southern Ontario Sprints: The fifth and sixth SOS races of the season at Brighton will decide the 2014 champion. Mitch Brown (No.10b Pro-Fit Health Club) of Brantford, Ont. won the first three races of the year. Glenn Styres (No.0 Case IH Tractors) of Ohsweken, Ont. won the most recent meeting at Brighton on August 9 and enters the final weekend as the points' leader. Brown is second in the championship standings, trailing Styres by 70 points.

Saturday, August 30: The OilGARD Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, Bill's Johns Comp 4s and Quinte Septic Stingers will also be in action on Saturday.

The OilGARD Canadian Modified division holds the tightest points battle of the weekly Brighton divisions. Dan Ferguson (No.11 Kilmarnock Enterprise) is the current points leader by 20 markers over Ryan Scott (No.33 J&J Automotive). Andrew Hennessy (No.87 Custom Automotive) is also in the mix, 100 points behind Scott. Doug O'Blenis (No.32 John's Car Care) and Adam Whaley (No.12 John's Equipment) round out the current top-five in the standings.

The Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks are one of two weekly divisions to pull a double header for the Classic Weekend. Point leader Doug Anderson (No.72 Hunt's Bobcat Service) is fresh off his sixth victory of the season. He leads Leslie Mowat (No.2 Cormier's Auto Recycling) and Justin Ramsay (No.03 Empey Tire) for the top spot in the standings.

The Bill's Johns Comp 4s will also pull double duty this weekend, racing on both Saturday and Sunday nights. Rich Sanders (No.29 Fowl Mood Racing) increased his point lead with a win last Saturday night. Brady Greer (No.94 Greer Excavating) remains in championship contention in the second spot ahead of Shelby Mills (No.78 ABC Taxi).

The Quite Septic Stingers have been the victim of rainfall twice so far this season, limiting their on track action. Del MacGregor (No.19 R.Ward Construction) leads the standings on the strength of four feature wins to start the year. Rick Phillips (No.7 Ontario Duct Cleaning) is second in the standings. Chris Lammle (No.95 Lammle Auto Repair) sits third after his win on August 2.

Sunday, August 31: The Southern Ontario Sprints will headline another full card of racing on Sunday evening. The SOS will crown the 2014 champion following their 25-lap feature. The SOS 'Dream' race for drivers who have yet to win an SOS race will run after the primary feature. One driver is guaranteed to pick up their first checkered flag in a sprint car.

At the conclusion of the SOS point race, the sprint cars will remove the top wing and race topless for bragging rights to conclude their season.

The Vanderlaan Building Products Pro Late Models will also compete topless on Sunday. The second-last points race of the season will see the drivers remove the roof. Drivers will have the opportunity to hot lap minus the roof on Saturday, but will not get in to race action until Sunday. Charlie Sandercock (No.57 Bellevue Fabricating) enters as the point leader with two points races remaining. Steve Baldwin (No.5 cigarchief.com) and Phil Potts (No.29 Vanderlaan) occupy the second and third spots in the standings.

From GMM

Alain Prost is confident Renault can bounce back in 2015.

As the new 'power unit' rules took effect this season, Mercedes has utterly dominated its turbo V6 rivals Renault and Ferrari.

The latter Italian outfit, however, is calling on the FIA to relax the so-called 'engine freeze' regulations, whereby substantial elements of the power unit are not able to be changed except for cost, reliability or safety reasons.

But Renault ambassador, F1 legend and quadruple world champion Prost tips the French brand to make big progress for 2015 within the existing rules.

"When I talk to the people from Renault Sport, they say they have the opportunity to make changes to the power unit and that everything will be fine," he told the Russian website f1news.ru.

Renault power unit installed in the Red Bull RB10. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, engine homologation of the power unit is in fact being phased in, with a system of 'tokens' meaning that Renault and Ferrari could, in theory, enter the 2015 season with an engine altered by a factor of 48 per cent.

"Of course," Prost said, "the restriction (in the rules) should not be too strict, because otherwise those who did everything correctly from the beginning will just win forever.

"This is not what we need (in F1)," the Frenchman added.

"It does seem possible to improve the engines well enough, but let's see how the situation develops," added Alain Prost.

From IndyCar.com

A Verizon IndyCar Series race on a newly configured 13-turn, 2.67-mile road course at NOLA Motorsports Park will debut in April as part of the 2015 season.

The Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana, held April 10-12, will feature a three-day festival combining Louisiana's culture - including live musical acts, entertainment and local cuisine - with the excitement of a Verizon IndyCar Series event.

The race weekend will compliment the French Quarter Festival, a popular music festival held in and around the historic neighborhood in New Orleans.

Earlier this year, the state of Louisiana committed $4.5 million to make enhancements to the racetrack in support of the event. This investment, combined with private funding from NOLA Motorsports Park, helped facilitate required track and facility improvements necessary to host a Verizon IndyCar Series event.

Improvements to NOLA Motorsports Park include a reconfigured course layout, which was designed in collaboration with INDYCAR officials and Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, including James Hinchcliffe and Graham Rahal.

Layout of NOLA track. (Image: NOLA)

Lotus F1 Team gets a new sponsor for two upcoming Grands Prix.

Multi-national electronics manufacturer Hisense will join Lotus F1 Team for the forthcoming Italian and United States Grands Prix.

The Hisense logo will be posted on the sidepod of the team's E22s as well as on the air box for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

The branding is part of a global promotion by the world-leading provider of flat panel TVs, household appliances and mobile communications.

Headquartered in Qingdao, China, Hisense joins the team's portfolio of partners for three of the most popular races of the year, with the Italian Grand Prix taking place at Monza on 5-7 September, the United States Grand Prix at Austin, Texas on October 31-November 2 and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina on November 21-23.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

The intensity of the battle that ranges between teammates and arch rivals Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg led Mercedes and the Briton to postpone their contract talks until the 2014 title is decided.

Rosberg signed a new multi-year contract mid-July. His teammate Hamilton has a contract with Mercedes until the end of 2015, but talks for a renewal have been postponed until things cool down a bit.

"At this stage it is very intense and you have to stay concentrated on the season," Wolff told ESPN F1.

"But one thing is for sure, we are not going to talk to anybody else before having a very clear situation about how we can continue to work with Lewis. This is what we said to each other."

With over a year left on the current contract, Wolff revealed both parties trust each other not to look elsewhere.

"We have no interest of having any other conversation with any other driver, and we are not having any, and Lewis is not having any discussion with any other team,” Wolff indicated.

“That is why we trust each other. At the moment we need to be concentrated on the championship and not get involved in contractual discussions or intense discussions, because it is something that is one and a half years away from us.”

An accident took place this morning at the building site of the new Toro Rosso factory in Faenza, Italy.

From press release

This morning, at the site where construction of a new building is underway, to become part of the team factory here in Faenza, an accident took place.

Two of the construction workers were injured while working on the second floor, as they fell when the ceiling collapsed.

After receiving immediate attention at the site, both men were taken by ambulance to the Cesena Hospital, where neither men is in a serious condition. We wish them both a full and speedy recovery.

Photo: ToroRosso.com

Forbes Magazine published the results of a study carried out by the Illinois-based NCIB (National Insurance Crime Board) on the most-stolen new and used vehicles in the United States. By looking at a similar study on the Canadian market conducted by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), we can see that thieves have differing tastes on each side of the border.

Among other things, the study shows that top-selling used cars are stolen more often than new cars. In fact, they are most likely to be taken to chop shops to be stripped into parts, which are subsequently sold over the Internet or to unscrupulous dealers.

Top 10 most-stolen cars in the United States (used):

1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Chevrolet Silverado
4. Ford F-150
5. Toyota Camry
6. Dodge/ Ram
7. Dodge Caravan
8. Jeep Cherokee/ Grand Cherokee
9. Toyota Corolla
10. Nissan Altima

Top 10 most-stolen cars in the United States (new):

1. Nissan Altima
2. Ford Fusion
3. Ford F-150
4. Toyota Corolla
5. Chevrolet Impala
6. Hyundai Elantra
7. Dodge Charger
8. Chevrolet Malibu
9. Chevrolet Cruze
10. Ford Focus

Top 10 most-stolen cars in Canada:

1. Honda Civic SiR (2000)
2. Chevrolet Trailblazer SS AWD (2006)
3. Cadillac Escalade 4WD (2002)
4. Cadillac Escalade 4WD (2005)
5. Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD (2006)
6. Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD (2005)
7. Acura RSX Type S (2006)
8. Ford F-250 Super Duty 4WD (2007)
9. Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD (2007)
10. Acura RSX Type S (2003)

Source: ssqauto.com

From press release

Peterborough Speedway's 2014 season got underway Saturday, May 17 and with just the Championship Clash - Saturday, August 30 - left to settle the score.

Tyler Junkin and Ryan Babin are deadlocked for the lead in the Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stock title chase at Canada's Toughest 1/3-Mile Oval. Each driver has enjoyed a strong campaign, but know they won't just be battling each other for the crown.

The Mini Stock title tilt won't be the only tight fight to be settled during the Championship Clash.

After last weekend's action, Howie Crowe's advantage over Anthony DiBello in the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car field is down to just a single point.

Jack Dallin has a 27 marker cushion over defending track champion Bill O'Hara in the Parry Spring Service Renegade Truck division, while Willow Barberstock is 31 points ahead of Ray Schroer for the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun crown heading into the final night of regular season racing at the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City. The Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Model contest will also be decided, but it looks like Ryan Kimball's battle to lose as the Norwood, Ontario speedster has a 75-point buffer over Adam Cuthbertson.

Action Saturday, August 30 will also include the crowd favourite OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Models, who won't settle their 2014 championship until the Autumn Colours Classic. Pit gates open at 2 pm, with the spectator grandstands unlocked at 4 pm and the night's first green flag at 6 pm.

Fans can always find the latest news at www.peterboroughspeedway.com.

The NHTSA has released on its website a vehicle recall search tool based on vehicle identification numbers (VIN).

As of today, consumers may enter the VIN to find out whether their vehicle is under recall (current or past) or whether the recall has already been repaired. Consumers may also find out if a manufacturer has issued specific instructions for a recall.

“This should be a one-stop shop for consumers,” said Jim Schulte, NHTSA's director of digital strategies. “If you have a recall that has not been repaired, this is how you find out.”

This search tool was made available upon the request of several automakers, including General Motors, which has recalled a record number of vehicles this year. According to the NHTSA, 37.5 million vehicles were recalled in the United States in the first six months of 2014, representing more cars and trucks than in any prior year.

Search tool users will be able to retrieve recall campaigns dating back to 15 years. Moreover, the tool will help used car dealers determine whether their vehicles in stock are under recall.

Source : autonews.com

Who else than former F1 Mark Webber can explain the rivalry that exists between the teammates of a Formula 1 team?

During five consecutive years, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel fought hard at Red Bull Racing.

During a visit to Red Bull sports show Sport und Talk, Webber described what went so wrong between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes AMG.

This past weekend, the pair touched on lap 2 of the Belgian Grand Prix, damaging Rosberg's front wing and causing a puncture to Hamilton's left rear tire.

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

“This is not just about one incident in one corner,” Webber said.

“Obviously this whole situation has been brewing like it always does inside the teams and you've got two guys fighting for victories”.

Webber continued: “Well, it's ... a passing move. Nico is trying to have a look on the outside, but it's Lewis's corner.

“At this point (moments before the contact) Nico knows he has no chance to get the move done. It's strange that he tried to come in so tight behind Lewis.

“It wouldn't have been a big deal at all ... it would have been nothing if there was no puncture, but the puncture changed the whole race. In the end both of their races were in trouble,” Webber continued.

Mercedes AMG now made of two teams?
The new Porsche driver thinks that the Mercedes team's management, comprising of Toto Wolff, Paddy Lowe and Niki Lauda, is going to have a tough time getting the pair to work together again.

“Now we have a very difficult situation at Mercedes where the drivers are not enjoying a good relationship,” Webber declared.

“It's going to be interesting, not just for the rest of this year but can they drive together in the future? Is it okay for 2015 for the team to have the two guys together?

“The thing is, who is now going to try to put this back together? Is it the people who pay Niki's and Toto's wages? Because at the end of the day, if the drivers are not listening to these guys, do they have to say, ‘Lewis and Nico, you go chat to the big guys at Mercedes, because they're paying you guys to get the job done in a team environment.' At the moment it's not a team, it looks like the drivers are doing their own thing'. Webber said.

Complexe situation for Niki Lauda and Paddy Lowe at Mercedes AMG. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Media nightmare in Monza
Webber predicts the Italian Grand Prix in Monza to be a nightmare for the entire Mercedes team.

“The (tought) thing is for the drivers to stay focused on driving the cars now, because for them it's going to be a nightmare. The Thursday, the Friday, all the stuff out of the car, the media ... and this will just keep going up,” Webber explained.

“Let me tell you, when they get to the track, they'll only be thinking about each other. There's no one else really in the race. They are really only focused on beating each other, and that's what happens when you have a car that is so dominant,” Mark Webber told.

Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey has just signed a multi-year promotion contract with Lincoln. A long-term lover of the brand, he will narrate upcoming Lincoln broadcast and digital campaigns.

Speaking about his passion for driving and for this American brand, McConaughey will start his promotional campaign with the 2015 Lincoln MKC.

“Authenticity is a word that kept coming up in our initial meetings. It was clear from the start they appreciated me as an individual first and foremost, and I would be able to be myself in this collaboration,” said Matthew McConaughey, a long-time admirer of Lincoln. “Lincoln is an iconic American brand and I like where they are heading with their transformation. I had the chance to drive the new MKC around Texas and I think they are doing a good job.”

PROs: Kia Optima 2015 is a midsize offering plenty of space to all sorts of occupants. In terms of style, it's definitively in the groove with a very modern look. Here's a comfortable car that has a welcoming allure. Even after four years, the Optima doesn't look its age and stacks up nicely compared to other midsize sedans that have either gone under the knife or been given the chop. It goes to show just how sharply effective the pencil of design chief, Peter Schreyer, has always been. In terms of mechanics, two 4-cylinder as well as one hybrid powertrain models are all up for grabs. Better yet, the Optima behaves like a European thoroughbred on the road.

CONs: Nevertheless, it's not all cloud nine...the 2015 Kia Optima has some minor annoyances. For backseat passengers, head space seems a bit limited. On the driving side, let's just say that the turbocharged 4-cylinder will be a regular visitor to to the gas pump if you like putting the pedal to the metal. Finally, those opting for the hybrid version will find their trunk space somewhat curtailed by the battery pack.

Photo: Kia

2015 Kia Optima Price: For 2015, Kia will market the Optima in two configurations, as the Optima and the Optima Hybrid. You can choose from four versions: the LX at $24,795, the EX at $27,495, the EX Luxury at $31,495 and the SX at $33,195. As for the Optima Hybrid, its price was not known at the time of publication.

Fuel Economy: If you choose the 2.4L GDI engine, fuel consumption rates are 10.2 L/100 km for city driving and in 6.9L/100 km on the highway. For the 2L SX Turbo engine, the numbers are 11.7L/100 km in town and 7.7 L/100 km on the road. Finally, if you opt for the Optima Hybrid, you can take advantage of a parsimonious 5.4 L/100 km in the city and 4.9L/100 km out of town.

Improvements and Changes: With a silhouette that may well morph into another shape in 2016, the 2015 models are keeping up with current appearances, so no major changes.

2015 Kia Optima Powertrain: Under the hood of the 2015 Optimas, Kia offers a choice from the range of 4-cylinder all aluminum engines. First, a 2.4L DOHC delivering 192 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Second, a 2L turbocharged DOHC generates 274 hp and a torque of 269 lb-ft. Finally, the hybrid consists of a 2.4L 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine plus an electric engine whose combined power reaches 199 hp. All models come with automatic 6-speed transmission, so no CVTs for the 2015 Optima models.

Cargo Capacity: The Optima provides 487L of storage space. However, that drops to 305L if you choose the Hybrid (because of the battery pack).

Safety: In terms of safety the 2015 Kia Optima features 4-wheel ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, hill assist system and rearview camera parking assist.

At the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas, leading experts in computer hacking revealed which vehicles are the most vulnerable to hacker attacks.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee and the 2015 Cadillac Escalade topped the list of the most hackable vehicles. Meanwhile, the 2010 Range Rover Sport, the 2006 Toyota Prius and the 2006 Ford Fusion were deemed the most secure.

The report also concluded that almost all models after 2010 have some potential vulnerability. Chrysler was rated the worst for security failings in all categories, including network architecture. The Infiniti Q50 also presents important security flaws, namely, hackers can remotely deactivate the vehicle's cruise control.

Meanwhile, the Audi A8 was praised for its secure gateway that separates the car's connectivity and communications from the driving systems, such as steering, brakes, and throttle.

Source : trucktrend.com

Photo: Cadillac

From press release

Kids will get to take the front seat at Scotia Speedworld this Friday for the second and final Kiddie Rides Night of the season.

Gather up the kids and kick-off the Labour Day long-weekend with one of Scotia Speedworld's most popular events - Kiddie Rides, where kids get the unique opportunity to go for a ride in a racecar with their favorite driver! Kiddie Rides get underway at 7pm sharp so be sure to get there early. Grandstand gates open at 5 pm.

The format for Kiddie Rides is simple and safe. Drivers bring their cars to the front stretch and park. Once all engines are stopped, the grandstand gate is opened and children come onto the track and climb into their favorite car.

When all children are safely in the cars the drivers are led around the track at a safe speed by the pace car. After a few laps, the cars are stopped; the children climb out and proceed back to their seats in the grandstand to enjoy the rest of the night's events.

Following Kiddie Rides fans will enjoy great racing action from five Weekly Racing Series divisions. First up are the Hydraulics Plus Bandoleros who will run a 20-lap feature. This race will serve as their INEX National Qualifer, which was originally scheduled for August 15th but was postponed due to rain.

The rain soaked August 15th date also cancelled the Thunder & Lightning Twin 50's, one of the biggest events of the season for these two divisions. This week the Thunder cars will run their 50-lap feature; the Lighting cars make up their 50 lapper on September 5th. The Lightning cars will run a 25-lap feature this week.

Also on the Kiddie Rides Night bill are the Strictly Hydraulics Legends and the Dartmouth Dodge Sportsman.

Admission for Kiddie Rides is just $12 for Adults; Youth (8-15) are $2 and children 7 and under are free. Tickets are available at the gate on race day (cash only).

For complete schedule and event information please visit www.scotiaspeedworld.ca

PROs: When you're talking about a behemoth 550 hp V8, it becomes earbleedingly obvious that its restrained engine roar is a key quality for those who love this type of car. Plus, it must be said that the 2015 XF is niftily agile despite its hefty weight. And the integrated transmission offered on the V6 version is no stranger to this purring sleekness of the new 2015 Jaguar XF.

CONs: Certainly (and everyone knows it) a Jaguar, and especially the XFR-S, is not the type of cuddly beast that can be left in the hands of just anyone. Indeed, letting loose 550 horsepower from this rear-wheel-drive throroughbred makes it a risky proposition for winter driving.

Photo: Jaguar

2015 Jaguar XF Price: In 2015, Jaguar will be offering the XF in seven different versions: the XF 2.0T at $55,543, the XF 2.0T Luxury at $58,643, the XF 3.0 TI at $63,643, the XF 3.0 TI Luxury at $69,643, the XF 3.0 TI Sport at $71,143, the XF XFR at $90,643 and finally the XF XFR-S at $106,643.

Fuel Economy: At the time of publication, fuel consumption rates for the 2015 Jaguar XF were unavailable.

Improvements and Changes: This is a model that gets revised from one year to the next, but we see no major changes for the 2015 version of the XF.

2015 Jaguar XF Powertrain: Under the hood of the XF, Jaguar is offering four different engines. First, for the XF 2.0T and XF 2.0T Luxury, you get an inline 4-cylinders 2.0L turbocharged DOHC that develops 240 hp. Second, the XF 3.0 TI Luxury and 3.0 TI Sport models feature a DOHC force-induction 3.0L V6 generating 340 hp. Third, a 5.0L V8 supercharged DOHC produces 510 hp for the XF XFR. Fourth, the 5.0L V8 supercharged DOHC produces 550 hp for the top-of-the line XF XFR-S. All engines are coupled with automatic 8-speed transmissions.

Cargo Capacity: Whether you choose the least expensive or the most expensive, you can take advantage of a 500L trunk capacity.

Safety: Concerning safety issues, the 2015 Jaguar XF benefits from ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, adaptive cruise control and side blind zone alert.

Comparing the 2015 Jaguar XF: In this prestigious luxury car category, the Jaguar XF competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW Series 5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Cadillac CTS.

From GMM

Mika Salo has added his voice to concerns about the 2015 debut of teenager Max Verstappen.

Finn Salo, who raced in F1 against the 16-year-old's father Jos, backed 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve who has questioned whether Verstappen's signing by Toro Rosso is good for F1.

"I think it's really bad for formula one," Salo, now a pundit for Finnish television, told MTV3.

"In my opinion, a guy that young should not be allowed to drive in F1. It should be the very top category of racing for which drivers train for years. F1 is not a junior series," he insisted.

Salo, who raced for Sauber and Toyota and even Ferrari, also said Verstappen risks being thrown into the deep end and having a promising career ruined early.

"What happens when it doesn't work out after two years? An unemployed F1 driver at the age of 19," he said.

The freshly F1-retired Mark Webber also weighed into the debate, laughing to Austrian Servus TV that Verstappen's 2015 debut rules out any hopes of a return to the category for himself.

"I had a wonderful career, but when I see that a 17-year-old is coming into formula one, I think it's not hard to see that it's over when you're 38!"

Dr Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Red Bull, however, is strenuously defending its decision to sign F1's youngest ever rookie, with Dr Helmut Marko arguing that while other teams "talk about young talents, we make it a reality".

"I bet 100 euros that in his first race Verstappen will be able to compete with (Daniil) Kvyat," he is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Meanwhile, Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost said that while Verstappen is ousting Jean-Eric Vergne in 2014, that doesn't mean the 24-year-old Frenchman is a bad driver.

In fact, "Of the drivers we have had, I think he (Vergne) is the best, although Sebastien Buemi also did a good job and has shown talent for Toyota (at Le Mans)," Franz Tost is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"I hope he (Vergne) has the chance to develop and to show more, because for me, he deserves to be in formula one," he added.

For some reason the wisdom of smaller-than-standard size vans evaded North America until mid-2009 when the first Transit Connect arrived. The vehicle immediately won North American Truck of the Year at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and has proven itself popular with buyers ever since.


What is a Ford Transit Connect?
The Ford Transit Connect first appeared (in Europe) in 2002 when it replaced the rather aging Ford Escort range of car-based vans that had been around in various forms since the 1960s. Of course, that wasn't Ford's first foray into the small commercial van market: the Ford Thames 300E light panel van based on the Ford Anglia saloon of the time had been around since 1954.

2015 Ford Transit Connect Prices & Specs
Pricing starts at $25,754, for which you get a well appointed, easy to park/maneuver, stylish and fuel card friendly (9.9L/100km City; 6.9L/100km Hwy) load hauler (Max Payload = 780kg).

The Transit Connect (cargo van) has a GVW rating of 2,458kg, which is fair for its size. However, while towing an occasional light trailer might be fine in theory, I wouldn't personally recommend this vehicle for regular day-in-day-out towing purposes (it is after all, front-wheel drive).

Driving the 2015 Ford Transit Connect
The small van concept originally evolved from panel-sided station wagons and is therefore designed to drive like a car. The new Ford Transit Connect follows this format to the letter. It's as nimble as a Ford Focus and burns roughly the same amount of fuel. Naturally, it's not designed to haul heavy loads, but for local delivery services, electricians, plumbers, and probably 1,000+ other small businesses, it's almost perfection!

Power comes from a 1.6L EcoBoost® DOHC I-4 which is coupled to a 6-Speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission. Sprightly is probably a better description than lively, but then this is a commercial vehicle we're talking of and not the latest Ford Mustang.

Its road manners are surprisingly good, and the comfort of its suspension will astound those who have ever spent an 8-hour shift behind the wheel of a regular panel van.

Inside & Out of the 2015 Ford Transit Connect
These small vans have certainly grown substantially since I first drove one (my first road-going vehicle was a Ford Escort Mk1 van). The rear compartment is large enough for drywall sheets and the large side loading door, together with full fold-back rear doors, make loading a breeze. One thing that did strike me strange though was the amount of headroom above the driver and passenger seats, and the total waste of space this involved. Unless you're an Abe Lincoln impersonator (complete with the obligatory top hat) or are reliving your youth with one of those outrageous early Jackson 5 perms I mistakenly thought cool back in the ‘70s, then this headroom is simply pointless. Now, Ford may well have options available for this area, but thinking back to all the items I carried when I was in the building trade (warm/rain jacket(s), hats, coveralls, work gloves, maps, lunchbox, flashlight, etc.), there really needs to be some sort of shelf/cubby box/cargo net up there as standard fitment.

Comparing the 2015 Ford Transit Connect
A starting price of $25,754 might sound a tad steep when compared to the bargain deals often found today on standard-sized panel vans. Lately, certain commercial vehicle manufacturers have been pricing down their regular vans in order to compete with the new influx of super-size vans now entering the market (MB Sprinter/Ram ProMaster/Ford Transit) and this has produced a glut of “traditional” vans.

I use this word because we are talking of rather long-in-the-tooth designs going up against a bang-up-to-date product here. Example: You could purchase a Dodge Ram Cargo (basically, a panel-sided Dodge Caravan) for slightly less. However, you won't get the same fuel economy and you will be driving a basic old-school minivan simply lacking in windows and seats. Now, to be fair, courier guys (over the years) often purchased minivans and removed the seats as these were cheap to buy and served the purpose, but now there's a vehicle specifically designed to do the job, so why would you bother?

Competitors? Only the Nissan NV200 poses a direct threat. However, there are rumours of Chrysler bringing the Fiat Doblò over here in the very near future. This will certainly create competition for Ford. Word is (from family and friends still in the building trade back in the U.K.) that the Blue Oval still owns the commercial vehicle market, so take from that what you will!

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel is set to drive his third new chassis of the 2014 season, after suffering more mysterious handling problems in Belgium last weekend.

As the extent of the reigning quadruple world champion's issues this year became clear, Red Bull had already given Vettel a new chassis for May's Spanish grand prix.

Now it was at Spa-Francorchamps, a race the 27-year-old won a year ago, that Vettel notably struggled for pace alongside his on-form teammate and 2014 Belgian GP winner Daniel Ricciardo.

"I can't explain why my car could not compete with Daniel's at this race," Sebastian Vettel, referring to Spa, is quoted by Sport Bild. "But there must be something. Both cars are identical and so they should have the same performance."

Red Bull RB10 chassis. (Photo: WRi2)

Team official Dr Helmut Marko agrees.

"It is not normal for Sebastian to lose so much time to Daniel," he is quoted by Auto Bild Motorsport. "I can understand how frustrated he is, especially as his teammate won. We will build a new chassis for him as quickly as possible."

Meanwhile, Red Bull has confirmed reports Vettel's long-time race engineer Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin has been promoted to chief engineer for 2015, as Adrian Newey takes a step back.

Vettel's new race engineer will be Gianpiero Lambiase, who is currently working with Sergio Perez at Sahara Force India.

"Seb has had a long chat with him (Lambiase) and they hit it off immediately," Marko said.

From GMM

Jenson Button has admitted for the first time that he might be forced to "retire" at the end of 2014.

As McLaren and Honda look ahead to their new works partnership beginning next year, it is clear the Woking based team is hoping to sign a truly top driver.

Disgruntled Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have been linked with the seat, but so too has Ferrari's frustrated Fernando Alonso.

The Telegraph claimed the Spaniard could make an enormous $32 million per year with McLaren, Honda and also his sponsor Santander pitching in.

Williams' Valtteri Bottas and the Eric Boullier-linked Romain Grosjean are also believed to have been considered by McLaren, so while the situation remains unclear, the future of 15-year F1 veteran Button hangs in the balance.

Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes, Spa-Francorchamps. (Photo: WRi2)

"We haven't sat down and talked about it," the 34-year-old Briton and 2009 world champion told the BBC.

"If I have to retire at the end of the season then so be it, but I feel I have so much more to give and I can't imagine life without motor sport and especially formula one," Button said.

Lear agreed to buy automotive leather supplier Eagle Ottawa in a deal valued at $850 million that aims to strengthen the company's global seating business.