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The number of deaths said to be associated with General Motors' ignition switch fault have reached 100 and are among 284 compensation claims made against the company.

Five years ago, the idea of Citroën selling more than a few thousand high priced cars each year would have been rightly ridiculed. How things have changed. And will keep changing, due to the many more DS models now under development.

Pictures See all 6 pictures 27 Aug, 2014

Lotus has hired Jean-Charles Lievens, Kia's former European markets expert, to develop the automaker's sales network in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport revealed Wednesday the tentative 2014/2015 Formula 1 winter tests calendar.

Please note that these dates are still not official, as the 2015 F1 Grands Prix schedule has not been released yet.

According to our German colleagues, the first winter test would be held at Jerez de la Frontera, Southern Spain, February 1st to 4.

The second test would be staged at Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain from February 19 to 22.

The third and final winter test would be held again at Barcelona, February 26 to March 1st.

In case the Bahrain Grand Prix opens the 2015 season, the last two tests would be held one week earlier than indicated here.

Team Ferrari at work for testings. (Photo: WRi2)

The new brake-by-wire technology today used in Formula 1 is well explained in this short video produced by Italian brake manufacturer Brembo.

This 3D animation shows the functional interaction between the several components of the Brembo brake system.

It shows the various components, from the brake-by-wire to the MGU-K, which harvests kinetic energy developed under braking, to the safety system, which ensures the rear brakes still work even if the new electronic system fails.

French car manufacturer Renault has pulled the covers off its latest spec racer, the R.S. 01 at the Moscow motor show.

The coupe features a 493-bhp twin-turbocharged V6 motor, and is set to race in a new Renault Sport Trophy.

Renault R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault)

The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 unit is derived from the version used in the Nissan GT-R. Supplied by NISMO, the engine benefits from a dry sump lubrication system to cope with the rigours of racing on a race track.

The engine is mid-mounted, and bolted to a Sadev 7-speed sequential transmission with steering wheel paddles.

Performance is said to be somewhere between a GT3 and DTM car.

Renault R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault)

Built to conform to the strict 2014 LMP1 safety standards, the R.S 01 is built around a full carbon fibre monocoque, produced by Dallara.

With a steel roll cage, and all of the crash structures and safety features in place, the car weighs in at 1100kg.

Renault R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault)

The braking system consists of 280mm carbon discs, with six-pot brake callipers and a Bosch ABS system. Double wishbone and pushrod suspension, with Ohlins racing dampers, ensures total control and adjustability.

Cars in the series will be required to run on a set of specially produced Michelin 18-inch racing tires.

With the first season kicking off in 2015, up to 20 Pro-Am teams will be able to enter the series, with racing taking place at World Series by Renault at various European circuits.

Renault R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault)

From GMM

Gian Carlo Minardi, former owner of the Minardi F1 Team -- which became Toro Rosso -- thinks Sebastian Vettel and Adrian Newey might be convinced to switch to McLaren.

At the very least, the British team and its new works partner Honda are undoubtedly on the lookout for a top driver to spearhead the 2015 project.

Even boss Eric Boullier admits the protracted deliberations are unusual for McLaren.

"We are working on the strategy for the driver lineup for the next years," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"For me it's important to say 'years' because we are looking for three years and maybe five years."

Boullier admitted the delay is "uncomfortable" for both Kevin Magnussen and Jenson Button.

The five-year plan might make Button, the 2009 world champion, particularly nervous, as he will be 35 when the 2015 season begins.

The wilder speculation suggests McLaren could be holding out for a disgruntled former champion like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel.

Romain Grosjean and Valtteri Bottas have also been linked with the Woking based team, although Speed Week thinks Williams' Finn has essentially already signed on to stay with Williams in 2015.

"It's an unusual situation, yes," Jenson Button acknowledged, "but sometimes it's that way."

Minardi's theory, based on a Japanese source, is that Honda is pushing hard to bring not only Vettel to McLaren, but also his similarly disgruntled Red Bull designer Adrian Newey.

On his website, Minardi claimed Bernie Ecclestone and Vettel met to discuss the possibility in Belgium, as the F1 supremo is close to the German and always keen to spread the best drivers across the top teams.

Sebastian Vettel and Bernie Ecclestone. (Photo: WRi2)

In Russia this week to drive the new Sochi layout in a road car, Vettel was asked if Newey's plans to step back at Red Bull affect his own plans for the future.

"No, I don't think so," the quadruple world champion answered, according to Speed Week.

"Adrian is a very ambitious man, and even if he says he wants to take things a little quieter, I believe - in a situation like now with Red Bull Racing - if we go back to the top, then his motivation will be restored.

"The enthusiasm for racing is simply in his nature -- and he cannot bear to lose!"

Mercedes has released a number of videos of its soon to be launched 2016 AMG GT.

In the videos, engineers explain how the GT will offer exceptional performance and handling akin to that of a go-kart. It will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 bolted to a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transaxle.

The GT will compete with the Porsche 911 and its power output is estimated at 455 horsepower according to Motor Authority. A GTS version could develop up to 503 hp.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT will make its debut at the Paris Auto Show this October.

Source : motorauthority.com

The road course of the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will be the stage of the Chevrolet Silverado 250 of the NASCAR Truck series this weekend.

The road circuit, known as Mosport until a few years ago, is 3.957km long and features 10 high-speed, difficult corners, making it one of the most challenging race tracks in North America.

Here are 6 things to know about this circuit.

1
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has been presenting major league entertainment since 1961, primarily motorsport events. The 910-acre, multi-track facility is located less than an hour east of Toronto.

Photo: CTMP

2
The first race event was held June 3, 1961. It was a non-spectator event organized by the Oakville-Trafalgar Light Car Club. The winner of the first race at Mosport was Sam Bird in a Triumph TR3.

3
The first professional race was staged June 24, 1961. Stirling Moss of England drove a Lotus 19 to victory in the first Player's 200. Joakim Bonnier of Sweden was second overall and under 2-litre class winner in a Porsche RS61.

Photo: Player's Phototheque

4
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is one of only two race tracks to have hosted Formula 1, IndyCar, FIA World Endurance Championship and Can-Am races. The other is Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York.

5
In 1967 Canada joined the Formula 1 circuit, as Mosport hosted the first Canadian Grand Prix. Despite rain, the crowd was huge (58,000) as Jack Brabham drove to victory over Denny Hulme.

6
Canadian Gilles Villeneuve contested his first Grand Prix for Ferrari at Mosport in 1977. Driving Niki Lauda's abandoned Ferrari 312 T2, Villeneuve qualified 17th. He was classified 12th in the race, completing just 76 of the 80 laps because of a broken transmission.

Gilles Villeneuve. (Photo: WRi2)

Summerhill Impact's Tundra Take-Back project has been launched, which aims to remove end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and other metal waste found in Nunavut.

The program will remove vehicles that contain pollutants that are harmful to the environment and water quality. Recycling ELVs will also free up space within Northern community dumpsites.

Made possible by funding from Environment Canada, the initiative focuses on 2 Nunavut communities, Gjoa Haven and Arviat. With key partners from the recycling and transport sectors, Summerhill Impact will decommission vehicles by recovering fuel, mercury, winshield washer fluid, antifreeze, tires and refrigerants.

These materials will subsequently be shipped to Quebec province by sea before the first frost. Once harmful pollutants have been eliminated cleanly, decontaminated metal will be recycled and transformed into other tools.

Source : Summerhill Impact

Following the announcement of 16-year-old Max Verstappen to drive for Toro Rosso F1 team next year, Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey raised concern for motorsport's up-and-coming young racers.

Talking to Alan Baldwin of Reuters, Newey expressed his concern and blamed some parents of risking a miserable future for their children by neglecting their studies.

Several current Formula 1 drivers started racing karts as young as five years old and progressed to the lower formulas while still of school age and before they can legally drive on public roads.

Adrian Newey said he is very concerned about the several thousands of young racers who fail to make the grade.

"A lot of the drivers in karting and in junior formulas frankly just aren't going to school," Adrian Newey said in Belgium last weekend.

"They don't go to school at all. The parents then hide behind that by saying that they have private tutors but I think in many cases - not all, I'm sure, but in many cases - that's actually a complete sham."

Being signed by mega sponsors at a very young age also puts excessive pressure to succeed on the fragile shoulders of teenagers.

"I think for many of those children that don't quite make the grade, they have spent all that time not going to school, not having a proper tuition and then what happens to them afterwards is altogether another question," Newey declared.

"It's something which motor racing as an industry urgently needs to look at, because personally I think we're being irresponsible allowing that."

Honda has just launched its 2015 Fit SEMA project on Tumblr, which asks internet users to vote for their favourite personalized subcompact.

Six build teams will have the opportunity to customize a FIT and win the most votes from internet users. These cars will also be presented at the Las Vegas SEMA show in November. The six selected teams are:

• Bisimoto Engineering;
• Kontrabrands;
• MAD Industries;
• Spoon Sports USA;
• Tjin Edition;
• Kenny Vinces.

Modifications will include aerodynamic body kits, wheels, custom paint jobs and more. Photos of the transformations in progress will be posted throughout the campaign at hondaloves.tumblr.com. The program will conclude by presenting all 6 vehicles at SEMA.

People may vote for their favourite Fit from August 21 to October 22 and reblog posts using the #ProjectFit tag.

Source: Honda

Photo: Honda

When we first caught a glimpse of the FT-1 concept in January at the North American International Auto Show, the automotive world collectively nodded their heads in approval and agreed that if this was to be the mascot for future Toyota designs, then they were definitely following the right racing line.

But don't get too excited, this latest FT-1 concept, in a striking graphite colour, is as virtual as the first and will make its debut to the public in September as a limited-time download for Gran Turismo 6. In addition to this brand new FT-1 concept in GT6, in celebration of the virtual game's 15th anniversary, Calty Design Research (responsible for the FT-1) has released an FT-1 “Vision GT” high-performance, high-powered version that simulates how a full-race-spec FT-1 might be.

Heavily influenced by Toyota's long sports car tradition, the FT-1 might only be on the small screen right now, but its design language is promising for Toyota's of the future.

Source : Toyota

Photo: Toyota

From nascar.com

NASCAR announced its national series schedules for the 2015 season, featuring date enhancements to races at some of its most storied tracks.

Key date changes featuring Darlington Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, some of NASCAR's most tradition-laden tracks, highlight the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.

Sprint Cup Series 2015 schedule
2/14/15 Daytona International Speedway (Sprint Unlimited)
2/15/15 Daytona International Speedway (Daytona 500 Qualifying)
2/19/15 Daytona International Speedway (Duel)
2/22/15 Daytona 500
3/1/15 Atlanta Motor Speedway
3/8/15 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
3/15/15 Phoenix International Raceway
3/22/15 Auto Club Speedway
3/29/15 Martinsville Speedway
4/11/15 Texas Motor Speedway
4/19/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
4/25/15 Richmond International Raceway
5/3/15 Talladega Superspeedway
5/9/15 Kansas Speedway
5/16/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway (NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race)
5/24/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
5/31/15 Dover International Speedway
6/7/15 Pocono Raceway
6/14/15 Michigan International Speedway
6/28/15 Sonoma Raceway
7/5/15 Daytona International Speedway
7/11/15 Kentucky Speedway
7/19/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
7/26/15 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
8/2/15 Pocono Raceway
8/9/15 Watkins Glen International
8/16/15 Michigan International Speedway
8/22/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
9/6/15 Darlington Raceway
9/12/15 Richmond International Raceway
9/20/15 Chicagoland Speedway
9/27/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
10/4/15 Dover International Speedway
10/10/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
10/18/15 Kansas Speedway
10/25/15 Talladega Superspeedway
11/1/15 Martinsville Speedway
11/8/15 Texas Motor Speedway
11/15/15 Phoenix International Raceway
11/22/15 Homestead-Miami Speedway

Nationwide Series 2015 schedule
2/21/15 Daytona International Speedway
2/28/15 Atlanta Motor Speedway
3/7/15 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
3/14/15 Phoenix International Raceway
3/21/15 Auto Club Speedway
4/10/15 Texas Motor Speedway
4/18/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
4/24/15 Richmond International Raceway
5/2/15 Talladega Superspeedway
5/17/15 Iowa Speedway
5/23/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
5/30/15 Dover International Speedway
6/13/15 Michigan International Speedway
6/20/15 Chicagoland Speedway
7/4/15 Daytona International Speedway
7/10/15 Kentucky Speedway
7/18/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
7/25/15 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
8/1/15 Iowa Speedway
8/8/15 Watkins Glen International
8/15/15 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
8/21/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
8/29/15 Road America
9/5/15 Darlington Raceway
9/11/15 Richmond International Raceway
9/19/15 Chicagoland Speedway
9/26/15 Kentucky Speedway
10/3/15 Dover International Speedway
10/9/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
10/17/15 Kansas Speedway
11/7/15 Texas Motor Speedway
11/14/15 Phoenix International Raceway
11/21/15 Homestead-Miami Speedway

Camping World Truck Series 2015 schedule
2/20/15 Daytona International Speedway
2/28/15 Atlanta Motor Speedway
3/28/15 Martinsville Speedway
5/8/15 Kansas Speedway
5/15/15 Charlotte Motor Speedway
5/29/15 Dover International Speedway
6/5/15 Texas Motor Superspeedway
6/13/15 Gateway Motorsports Park
6/19/15 Iowa Speedway
7/9/15 Kentucky Speedway FOX Sports 1, MRN, SiriusXM
7/22/15 Eldora Speedway
8/1/15 Pocono Raceway
8/15/15 Michigan International Speedway
8/19/15 Bristol Motor Speedway
8/30/15 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
9/18/15 Chicagoland Speedway
9/26/15 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
10/3/15 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
10/24/15 Talladega Superspeedway
10/31/15 Martinsville Speedway
11/6/15 Texas Motor Speedway
11/13/15 Phoenix International Raceway
11/20/15 Homestead-Miami Speedway

AutoPacific has announced the winners of its 2014 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IDA), which recognize models considered by consumers to be the most attractive and desirable. Almost a quarter of winners were all-new or completely redesigned models.

“Winning an IVA in their first year of release shows that these newly redesigned vehicles have hit the mark with their owners, but it also shows that the designers did their research to know how to best meet the needs and expectations of their core group of buyers,” said George Peterson, president of Auto Pacific.

It is worth noting that American manufacturers, winning 14 out of the 27 categories, had the most top-ranked models.

The 2014 winners are:

• Ideal Vehicle Overall Winner: Chevrolet Corvette
• Most Ideal Premium Brand: Porsche
• Most Ideal Popular Brand: GMC

Winners (Passenger Cars)

• Premium Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz Classe S
• Executive Luxury Car: Acura RLX
• Aspirational Luxury Car: BMW Série 3 GT
• Large Car: Chevrolet Impala
• Luxury Mid-Size Car: Lexus ES
• Mid-Size Car: Volkswagen Passat
• Premium Compact Car: Buick Verano
• Compact Car: Volkswagen Golf
• Economy Car: Ford Fiesta
• Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette
• Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
• Hybrid/EV Car: Ford Fusion HEV-PHEV

Winners (Light Trucks and SUVs)

• Light Duty Pickup: GMC Sierra 1500
• Heavy Duty Pickup: Ford Série F SD
• Luxury SUV: Land Rover LR4
• Large SUV: Ford Expedition EL
• Mid-Size SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Premium Luxury Crossover: BMW X5
• Luxury Crossover SUV: Volkswagen Touareg
• Large Crossover SUV: GMC Acadia
• Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Ford Edge
• Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Honda CR-V
• Compact Crossover SUV: MINI Countryman
• Minivan: Honda Odyssey

Source : thedetroitbureau.com

Pros: In addition to its distinctive styling and shape, the interior of the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, while not overly spacious, offers sufficient room and functionality for four adults. As usual, Hyundai doesn't scrimp when it comes to standard equipment in the new Tucson. Reasonable fuel economy and good quality fit and finish round off the list.

Cons: The first impression you get behind the wheel of the 2015 Tucson comes from the firm suspension, which will surely grab your attention when driving on damaged roads. The 2.4 litre engine seems willing enough on the power front, although it tends to complain a bit when accelerating. As for the 2.0 litre engine, it is barely adequate. Rear luggage space is also at a premium.

Photo: Hyundai

2015 Hyundai Tucson Price: For 2015, Hyundai offers its Tucson compact SUV in six versions: The 2.0L GL with 6-speed manual transmission at $21,999, the 2.0L GL (automatic) at $23,999, the 2.0L GL (automatic) with all-wheel drive at $25,999, the 2.4L GLS (automatic) at $27,449, the 2.4L GLS (automatic) with all-wheel drive at $29,449 and the 2.4L Limited (automatic) all-wheel drive with navigation at $33,999.

2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy: The manual transmission GL has an estimated fuel economy rating of 11.4 L/100 km city and 10.1 highway; the automatic version is rated at 10.2 and 8.2 L/100 km (city and highway); the all-wheel drive version rating is 11.4 and 8.2 L/100 km (city and highway).

The 2.4 litre GLS model with automatic transmission has a fuel economy rating of 11.3 and 8.3 L/100 km (city and highway); as for the GLS with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive and the Limited automatic with all-wheel drive, the rating is 11.6 and 9.3 L/100 km (city and highway).

Improvements and Changes: As the previous generation only goes back to 2010, the South-Korean manufacturer has applied only a few limited changes to the vehicle exterior.

2015 Hyundai Tucson Powertrain: Two DOHC 4-cylinder engine options are available under the hood of the 2015 Tucson: a 164 hp 2.0 litre engine mated to a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission and a 182 hp 2.4 litre engine hooked-up to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity: The 2015 Hyundai Tucson cargo capacity remains unchanged at 728 or 1,580 litres, whether the rear seat back is raised or lowered.

Safety: Safety features in the 2015 Hyundai Tucson include ABS brakes, electronic braking assistance, electronic stability control, launch control, hill assist and rear camera.

Comparing the 2015 Hyundai Tucson: In this category of compact SUV's you will find the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.

Infiniti Red Bull Racing confirmed Wednesday that Frenchman Guillaume Rocquelin will be promoted to Head of Race Engineering from the start of 2015.

Rocquelin, or 'Rocky' as many in the team and paddock better know him, has worked with Sebastian Vettel for six years in a partnership that has achieved four Drivers' World Championships.

Sebastian Vettel and Guillaume Rocquelin, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Rocky's promotion means that from next year he will hold a more senior role at the circuit and will be responsible for all the team's race engineers, including Vettel's. He will continue to attend all the races.

We are also pleased to confirm that Gianpiero Lambiase will be joining the team next season to work as Sebastian Vettel's race engineer.

Rocquelin began his career at Reynard Racing Cars and spent several years in IndyCar racing, working for teams Ganassi, PacWest and Newman-Haas. He moved to Formula 1 in 2006 with Red Bull Racing.

PROs: The 2015 Chevrolet Impala is into its second year of the current generation, having been fully revised just last year. Certainly, the Impala is not lacking in elegance and can now dance with the other belles at the full size sedan Ball. Plus, the Impala offers an interesting choice of engines, impressive comfort and an overall driving experience befitting the 21th century.

CONs: Generally speaking, unless you opted for the LTZ V6, the Impala is probably a little bit on the heavy side for a 4-cylinder engine. Furthermore, when it comes to the finish, it would behoove Chevrolet to remove those cheap plastics bits'n'pieces found on some models.

Photo: Chevrolet

2015 Chevrolet Impala Price: GM is producing three versions of the Chevy Impala for 2015: the LS Ecotec 2.5 - starting at $33,300, the LT V6 starting at $34,895 and the LTZ V6 starting at $41,595.

Fuel Economy: The LS Ecotec 2.5 has the best fuel efficiency at 9.9 L/100 km in town and 6.3 on the highway. As for both the LT and LTZ V6, the rate comes in at 11.1 L/100 km in town and in 6.9 L/100 km on the highway. If you choose the eAssist option (for the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and the electric engine), fuel consumption rates improve, but at the time of writing it was not known to what extent.

Improvements and Changes: Since the Impala is in just its second year of the current generation, there are no major changes to speak of.

2015 Chevrolet Impala Powertrain: Under the hood of the 2015 Impala, Chevrolet offers three motorization choices: a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivering 196 hp, a 3.6L V6 capable of 305 hp and a 182 hp hybrid, combining a 4-cylinder and electric engine. All these powertrains are matched with an automatic 6-speed transmission.

Cargo Capacity: All models of the 2015 Chevrolet Impala offer 532L capacity.

Safety: Regarding safety, the 2015 Chevrolet Impala takes advantage ABS, assisted braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, dynamic stability control, adaptive cruise control, side blind zone alert and imminent collision alert.

Comparing the 2015 Chevrolet Impala: In this full size sedan category, we find the Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Maximum Nissan and Toyota Avalon.

From GMM (Story updated, see below)

Dutchman Robin Frijns looks set to return to the GP2 series.

The talented Dutchman was signed up as a reserve driver by Caterham this year, and was even briefly considered for a race seat.

But that was under Caterham's former ownership, headed by Tony Fernandes who has since sold the Leafield operation.

Under Colin Kolles' new regime, it has been all change on the staff front, including the departure of some 40 factory workers, tester Alexander Rossi and most recently racer Kamui Kobayashi.

Now Frijns, who is highly rated but not substantially sponsored, looks set to also leave.

The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims the 23-year-old is now in talks with the GP2 team Russian Time about 2015.

"At Caterham, where Christijan Albers is team boss, he (Frijns) appears to have little future," the report said.

UPDATE
The management team behind Robin Frijns has denied that the Dutchman is pondering a GP2 return.

Timo Gans, who has been working with the 23-year-old since late last year, has denied the speculation.

Robin Frijns, Caterham CT05-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)