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Demand keeps growing at a rapid pace for the Elio three-wheeler, which is set to go on sale in late 2015 at a price of US$6,800.

The number of pre-orders skyrocketed from 6,406 on December 31st of last year to more than 25,000 on July 19th, 2014. Customers made a refundable deposit of $100-$1,000.

Photo: Elio Motors

Similar to a motorcycle, the Elio puts the passenger behind the driver. It's fully boxed and features car-like seats, airbags, and seat belts.

Fuel economy is rated at 84 mpg, equal to about 2.8L/100km, which would be good enough to drive from New York to Detroit on a single tank. Top speed is 160 km/h. Buyers will be able to choose between a manual transmission and an automatic.

Production of the Elio will take place in Louisiana at a former Hummer plant.

Source : fastcoexist.com

From GMM

Alarming news about the financial health of Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez has emerged.

Together with Eric Lux, fellow Luxembourger Lopez heads the investment company Genii Capital, which owns the Enstone based team.

After finishing a strong fourth in the last two constructors' world championships, Lotus is currently a mere eighth after a particularly difficult first half to the 2014 campaign.

And according to the Luxembourg newspaper Tageblatt, the financial news is even worse.

Accounts just filed with the commercial register for 2012 show an annual loss of almost EUR 53 million, with company equity listed as minus EUR 128 million.

The report said that just one year ago, the loss was only 55 million, while total debt is now shown at a whopping EUR 185 million.

Tageblatt also claims that although company filings are due no later than seven months after the end of the financial year, Genii only filed the accounts for 2011 and 2012 in mid-July of this year.

The accounts for 2013 have not yet been filed.

Lotus E22-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Portland, OR -- Often, it's important to look past something's name or label to really explore what it's all about. Never has that been more true than in the case of the brand new Dodge Challenger in Scat Pack livery.

I'll get to the history in a moment, but let's take in the return of a halo car, the return to muscle-car-dom as it was meant to be. After driving the Challenger Hellcat with over 700 ponies, I wasn't sure I could be equally impressed with the remainder of the Challenger lineup. Boy, was I wrong.


What is the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack?
This is Dodge's answer to the specialized and focused Mustang Boss and to a lesser extent, Camaro SS 1LE, and what an answer it is. The Challenger has always been one of those instantly recognizable muscle cars -- one that meant business. This new iteration is no exception.

In celebrating 45 years since the first Scat Pack Club packages were introduced on Dodge vehicles, they've brought it back on the Dart, Challenger and Charger. In the past, the Scat Pack Club meant performance stage kits (three of them) that could be added to '68-'71 Challengers.

Now, the Scat Pack represents a 30% increase in power over the non-Scat Challenger. That's 113 more horses and 65 lb-ft more torque over the 5.7L mill thanks to the Scat Pack's 6.4L HEMI.

2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Price & Specs
As mentioned above, the Scat Pack adds a hefty engine to the Dodge Challenger, namely a 6.4L HEMI V8 that's good for 485 horses and 475 lb-ft of torque -- all sent out the rear wheels, blissfully.

Also - and let's all take a moment to rejoice in this fact - the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack can be had with either an 8-speed automatic or a fabulously lovely to drive 6-speed manual. That's right folks, a muscle car the way it should be: with three pedals and plenty of ponies under the hood. Oh, and it costs extra for the manual (approx. $1,000), so only true enthusiasts need apply.

The exhaust note in the Scat Pack is also something to take into consideration when looking at the lineup and deciding which particular Challenger grabs your fancy. That V8 grumble is just too good to pass up as the performance-enhanced note burbles out the dual 2.75” rectangular tips.

Of course, the sound won't be the only deciding factor, the price will, too. The 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack sits in the $40k range, and truthfully for everything it is and offers it's very well priced ad positioned in the market. Also, there is such a range of Challengers to choose from along with the corresponding price points, there really is one for everyone and every budget.

Driving the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
The heavens opened up as I got behind the wheel of my Sublime Green Challenger Scat Pack, placed my left foot firmly on the clutch and pressed the start-stop button to awaken the beasty 6.4L V8 beneath the hood-scooped bonnet.

Sliding the angled short-shifter into first gear, my right foot feathers the throttle just to enjoy the reverberation of the HEMI in the comfortable cabin. Grin firmly plastered on my face it's time to let this Challenger show me what it's all about. As we traverse narrow, tightly winding streets in the Portland area, the Dodge Challenger surprised me immediately by driving much smaller than it looks. Handling is so much more precise than I'd ever imagine from such a wide-bodied, straight-line-speed champion.

I was also pleasantly surprised with the ease of the transmission. The clutch is shockingly short, but in a very good way. Travel is so minimal that it's ridiculously easy to rev-match for downshifts and heel-toe action is a must as the pedals are perfectly placed for perfect shifts every time.

On the track, the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack is just as compliant with its sport-tuned suspension and large brakes.

This is a true muscle car in every sense of the word -- it even puts on a helluva a good smoke show without too much effort. Trust me.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
Truly a tribute to their 1971 roots, the exterior of the new Dodge Challenger is downright sexy and masculine in all the right ways. Everything that was a bit “off” with the previous generation has been tweaked, trimmed, tailored and just made better. From the front fascia to the skinnier rear, I adore this new Challenger.

And inside that nip/tuck process continued. Best part about the Scat Pack interior for me? The retro ball shifter coupled to the manual transmission.

Comparing the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
This is a halo car, as I mentioned above. It plays along with its American rivals in the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang. Each of these cars has a loyal following, some may even call them cults. If you've always been a Challenger fan, you'll continue to be one perhaps with much more enthusiasm after getting behind the wheel of this newest edition, especially in Scat Pack trim -- I scat you not.

Nissan has teamed up with Poison frontman and reality TV star Bret Michaels to promote its NV commercial vans as part of a new marketing campaign titled "Tough Love."

The popular rock icon even stars in a full-length music video that gives a tough new spin to the classic ‘80s power ballad "Endless Love" — complete with fire, smoke and an instrument panel-mounted Bret Michaels bobble head doll. The video is posted on YouTube and the song is available for download at NissanToughLove.com.

Using the theme "The tougher we test them, the more you love them," the campaign is directly aimed at small business owners looking for durable, efficient cargo and passenger vans.

Bret Michaels also appears in a series of videos shot at Nissan's Arizona Testing Center. Nissan commercial vehicles endure more than 6,600 tests during the development process, including being put through a heat chamber, salt spray tunnel, frame twister, shaker machine, pothole-ridden roads, and grueling brake tests.

"As one of the newest nameplates in the commercial vehicle segment, we want to bring attention to the operational efficiency of our innovative, durable Nissan NV Cargo, NV Passenger and NV200 Cargo vans, but do it in a way that gets business owners' attention," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations, Nissan North America, Inc.

"Bret Michaels, with his reputation as an enduring icon of rock, was not only a perfect fit for the vehicles, he was also a valued collaborator in developing the "Tough Love" campaign. With his entrepreneurial spirit, he understands the needs of small business owners for trucks you can depend on."

The 2014 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV is very spacious, quiet, comfortable, and great on gas. Seriously, there's nothing to complain about... beyond the sheer lack of excitement behind the wheel.

If you'd like to learn more about the Altima, head over to Auto-Venus.com and check out my full review.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From wrc.com

Four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Mäkinen chauffered Toyota president Akio Toyoda through the forests today (Friday) at Neste Oil Rally Finland in the Japanese company's new four-wheel drive GT86 car.

It was the first public appearance of the car that Toyoda asked Mäkinen to build. It came just 24 hours after Toyoda took the wheel himself at a private test session on roads close to Tommi Mäkinen Racing headquarters, near the rally base in Jyväskylä.

Mäkinen drove the car at competitive speeds over the opening section of the Kakaristo special stage (SS7) just before the test went live for competitors. The route passed in front of a hospitality area populated by Toyota guests.

Toyoda's visit furthered speculation that Toyota is investigating a possible return to the WRC, which the company left in 1999 after winning four drivers' and three manufacturers' titles.

Tommi Mäkinen, Toyota GT86. (Photo: Toyota)

He did not discuss this possibility but said: “Please look at our activities in the future. I came here to learn about WRC but what I found out is that Toyota's DNA of rally is really, really a lot to me. As a top guy of the company I want to continue that kind of legend, but Toyota is a big company and nobody listens to the president!

“So I have to show everyone that Toyota needs rally to make ever-better cars. The main objective it to make car fans and make ever-better cars,” Toyoda said.

“In the first part of the year I met Tommi in Japan. He invited me to see WRC and recommended that I should drive in Finland where there are lots of interesting roads.

“Also, I ask him to make a car for me. And that's this red one, which he drove and I co-drove in. But for me no notes - I just enjoy. I'm the luckiest person to see the WRC from that kind of seat!” added Toyoda.

Mäkinen said after the Kakaristo drive: “It was 11 years ago I drove here last and I had such nice memories. I enjoyed it. There was good grip and I'm sure Mr. Toyoda enjoyed it a lot too.”

Pros: The 2015 Volvo S80 proves supremely comfortable both in terms of seating and ride quality. The interior is remarkably quiet and upscale, with arguably the best seats in its class, while power delivery is always smooth. Add top-notch safety and reliability, and you get an extremely relaxing driving experience for the entire family.

Cons: The S80 is in desperate need of a do-over, with the last major revision dating back to 2007. The interior is a bit too plain, the steering lacks feedback, and the car drives heavy. Also, the fantastic new 2.0L turbo engine is not available with all-wheel drive.

Photo: Volvo

2015 Volvo S80 Price: The lineup essentially consists of the base S80 T5 Drive-E FWD at $49,000 and the more upscale S80 T6 AWD at $56,000. Standard features include rich leather upholstery, 17” alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, Volvo Sensus infotainment with 7” display, and keyless drive with a personal car communicator (PCC). Both models offer Premier Plus and Platinum packages.

2015 Volvo S80 Fuel Economy: Ratings for the S80 T5 Drive-E FWD have yet to be announced. The T6 AWD model will burn 13.2L/100km in the city and 9.5L/100km on the highway based on Natural Resources Canada's new 5-cycle testing procedure to determine fuel consumption.

Improvements and Changes: The big news is the addition of the T5 Drive-E powerplant, which replaces the dated 3.2L 6-cylinder. There are subtle exterior changes including new trim pieces and wheel options, as well as new interior accents.

2015 Volvo S80 Powertrain: Volvo offers a choice of two engines, starting with a new 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (T5 Drive-E). Rated at 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, it pairs up with front-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission, start/stop technology, and an ECO+ driving mode. Meanwhile, the returning 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder (T6) generates 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Here, all-wheel drive is standard.

Cargo Capacity: The S80's trunk will swallow up to 422 litres of cargo, which is a fairly good amount, but not as much as many competitors offer.

Safety: Volvo enjoys a stellar reputation for safety, and it shows in the 2015 S80, which features ABS, brake assist, stability and traction control, adaptive cruise control, adaptive lighting (headlights that swivel in corners), pedestrian and cyclist detection, distance alert, driver drowsiness alert, lane departure warning, and collision warning with full auto brake. Some of these advanced systems are optional, mind you.

Comparing the 2015 Volvo S80: In this luxury sedan segment, you'll also find the Acura RLX, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti Q70, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, Lincoln MKS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

From GMM

Mika Hakkinen has acknowledged rumours linking his protege Valtteri Bottas with McLaren.

The fellow Finn and double world champion has been a key to Bottas' formula one foray so far, culminating in the 24-year-old's debut at Williams last year after a season on the testing and Friday practice bench.

But it is in 2014 that Bottas, with a hat-trick of podiums in June and July and a regular top-three qualifier, has hit the kind of form that now has him linked with a bright F1 future.

"At the moment the two hot names in F1 are Bottas and Ricciardo," Hakkinen, who has been involved in Bottas' management, said in his latest interview with sponsor Hermes.

Mika Hakkinen and Valtteri Bottas. (Photo: WRi2)

When Hakkinen retired, he famously advised McLaren that if the British team wanted to continue to win, "get the Finn" -- referring to Kimi Raikkonen.

Now, the 45-year-old has similar advice.

Hakkinen admits that he has heard speculation linking McLaren, who are openly seeking the best possible drivers to spearhead the new works Honda foray, with Bottas.

"This is quite natural," he said.

"The first thing is that Valtteri is still a young driver who has been in formula one only for a short time. But Valtteri is interesting not only because of his speed. He can also motivate others in the team and is able to create an atmosphere that is necessary for success," he added.

"There is interest," Mikka Hakkinen confirmed, "and that's good. What happens in the future remains to be seen."

Also impressed by Bottas this year is Hakkinen's old long-time McLaren teammate David Coulthard.

"He (Bottas) has had three podiums and is outperforming a very able Felipe Massa," Coulthard, now a television commentator, told the Telegraph newspaper.

"Valtteri seems a bit like Mika: totally unemotional, which helps in the heat of F1. Mika does not work with many people, so that says something in itself," Coulthard added.

"He (Bottas) is clearly someone to watch for the future, but you only find out if people can deal with the pressure of a championship fight until it happens."

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, the 1995 Indy 500 winner and 1997 Formula 1 World Champion, will be competing in two distinct series at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres.

Home to the famous GP3R, Trois-Rivieres will see the first ever rallycross event take place and will showcase Albatec's pair of two-litre, 16v Albatec Peugeot 208s in the hands of Jacques Villeneuve and 2011 British Rallycross Vice-Champion, Andy Scott.

Although the 1.35km World RX configuration will be new to Villeneuve, he should shine on the predominately tarmac-based layout.

“The circuit layout looks interesting, while the tarmac/gravel split of 60/40 should suit Jacques' driving style,” said Andy Scott, Team Principal.

Villeneuve will also contest the JuliaWine.com 100 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in a Dodge Challenger, which takes place on Sunday.

“It's always a pleasure to race in Quebec, and I'm delighted that I not only get the chance to race the Supercar in World RX but also the Dodge Challenger in the NASCAR event,” Villeneuve said.

“I always take every opportunity I can to race here, especially at Trois-Rivieres, a place that is always linked closely with the Villeneuve name.

“Although it's my home track, the rallycross configuration will be as new to me as will be to everyone else until the very first test on Thursday. However I'm sure the track surface there will suit my driving style very well, so I'm feeling quite confident ahead of the race and looking forward to driving in front of the enthusiastic home crowd,” he said.

From GMM

Weeks after the rumours first emerged, Ferrari has this week finally admitted that engine boss Luca Marmorini is leaving the Italian team.

In a short media statement, Ferrari said it has promoted from within to replace Marmorini, and affirmed that James Allison and Nikolas Tombazis remain in charge of the chassis side.

Ferrari made no mention of Pat Fry, the Briton who joined Ferrari from McLaren in a high-profile switch in 2010.

Earlier this week, the fabled Italian team denied reports that Pat Fry is also in danger of being axed.

Pat Fry, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

But 1998 and 1999 world champion Mika Hakkinen, who worked closely with Fry during his successful McLaren career, has also heard the rumours.

The Finn said he thought of Fry when Ferrari made a big strategy blunder in Hungaroring qualifying last Saturday that stranded Kimi Raikkonen down the grid.

"Such a thing should not happen with a team on the level of Ferrari," Hakkinen said in his latest column for sponsor Hermes.

"I wondered a bit about such a serious error happening under Pat Fry, who I know very well. The alarm bells should be ringing for everybody," he admitted.

From GMM

Although the meeting was ultimately cancelled, it was expected that one of the touted 'popularity working group' protagonists would be Vijay Mallya.

The Indian, reportedly now a former billionaire, has had a troubled time recently as his airline Kingfisher stalled, forcing him to dip into his main source of wealth, his United Spirits drinks empire.

Although he apparently put up his hand to sit on F1's new 'popularity' panel, ultimately it was his Force India deputy Bob Fernley who was drafted in for the (cancelled) meeting on Thursday.

That is because Mallya was in his native India, respecting a summons to personally appear in court for a criminal case about Kingfisher's non-payment of taxes.

Indian media report that flamboyant Mallya, dressed all in white including his shoes, was granted bail.

Bob Fernley and Vijay Mallya, Sahara Force India, and Monisha Kaltenborn, Sauber. (Photo: WRi2)

Elsewhere in the country, the boss of Force India's co-owner and title sponsor Sahara is also spending his time applying for bail.

Fellow Indian tycoon Subrata Roy currently sits in Delhi's Tihar jail for failing to pay billions in refunds to investors.

Reports say Roy's bail is set so high that the 66-year-old is set to be granted a conference room and internet connection so that he can negotiate the sale of assets including the Plaza Hotel in New York, and London's Grosvenor House.

On track, things are going much more smoothly for Roy and Mallya's F1 team.

Mercedes powered Force India is currently fifth in the constructors' championship at mid-season, behind Williams but in front of F1's other Mercedes customer, the British grandee McLaren.

"Yes, it was pretty cool in those last couple of months to see some of the historically big players behind us," Mallya told the sport's official website this week.

A team of students at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia has recently set a new world speed record for an electric vehicle by maintaining an average of more than 100 km/h over a distance of 500 kilometres. The previous record of 73 km/h was established 26 years ago.

However, no definitive numbers can be issued until the record is officially approved by the FIA.

Photo: Sunswift

“As a racing driver you always want to be on the podium and it's not everyday you get to break a world record. I really enjoyed hanging out with the team and being part of history,” said Garth Walden, one of the professional drivers involved in the world record attempt.

The students are from UNSW's Sunswift, Australia's top solar car racing team. Their vehicle, called “eVe,” is the fifth to be built and raced since the team was founded in 1996.

Earlier versions of the Sunswift car have been used to set a world record for the fastest solar-powered road trip from Perth to Sydney, and a Guinness World Record for the fastest solar car.

Next step? Meeting Australia's road registration requirements within a year and proving the car is ready for day-to-day practical use.

Source : sunswift.com

Construction of Russian Sochi Formula 1 circuit, built on the grounds of the winter Olympic games, is almost completed.

The maiden Grand Prix of Russia is scheduled for October 12, 2014.

Reports from Russia say that construction is almost finished and on August 1st, the final layer of asphalt was applied to the Sochi Autodrom track.

A team made of 50 workers operating 15 specialised machines accomplished the job.

Roush Performance posted on Facebook a sneak peek of its custom 2015 Ford Mustang, which will be fully revealed over the next few weeks. Also, the hashtag #ROUSH550 hints at a 550-horsepower variant of the 5.0L V8 engine, whereas the 2014 Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 models ranged from 575-675 horsepower.

The picture shows 5-spoke wheels and what looks like a more rugged body than the regular Mustang.

Roush Performance is one of a select few tuners with access to Ford parts, and we've seen some pretty spectacular custom Mustangs over the years. This latest one won't be an exception.

Come back to Auto123.com for more pictures and details.

Source: motorauthority.com

Photo: Roush

Just days after announcing a recall on 883,000 Sonata sedans from 2011-2014, Hyundai is recalling another 420,000 units to address various problems.

The number of vehicles affected in Canada has yet to be announced.

Approximately 225,000 Santa Fe SUVs from 2001-2006 are being recalled in the U.S., more specifically in 20 cold-weather states where road salt can cause rust in a coil spring. The coil spring could fracture and puncture a tire, increasing the risk of a crash.

Moreover, 133,000 Sonatas from 2011 may suffer from a brake fluid leak, which would increase the distance required to stop the car.

Finally, Hyundai wants to take a look at 61,000 Veracruz SUVs from 2007-2012 because an oil leak may lead to damage to the alternator and the vehicle's charging system, which could result in a full loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

No related incidents or injuries have been reported, the NHTSA said.

Source: autonews.com

From TW Steel

TW Steel, the global brand ‘Big in Oversized Watches' is excited to offer one lucky member of the public the opportunity to literally experience Formula 1 up-close and personal as a team member of Sahara Force India Formula 1 Team at the Italian Grand Prix, September 5-7.

The brand, the ‘Official Timing Partner' of Sahara Force India since 2013, is launching its #JoinTheTeam competition via its Twitter (@TWSteel), Instagram (@TWSteel) and Facebook (Facebook.com/TWSteel) channels next week, Monday 4th to Friday 8th August, with a daily winner from each platform entered into the prize draw at the end of the week to see who gets to experience paddock life from the team's perspective at the renowned Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

The BIG TIME prize includes all travel and accommodation for the winner along with the opportunity to work directly with Sahara Force India, dressed in the appropriate team gear complete, of course, with one of the team's TW Steel timepieces.

Sergio Pérez, Sahara Force India. (Photo: Sahara Force India)

Duties set to fall on the winner include participation in pit stop practice, assisting both the media and marketing teams in driver engagements and being able to watch the action live from the pits in the team's garage viewing area. With access fans can only dream of, this truly is an unbelievable prize for a true fan of motor racing at its most prestigious.

Entry via TW Steel's social media channels each day next week will simply consist of answering a ‘True or False' question - with each daily winner receiving a 25% discount off of a TW Steel timepiece and entry in the overall prize draw at the end of the week to win the place with Sahara Force India at the Italian Grand Prix.

“This truly is an exceptional prize,” stated TW Steel CEO and Co-Owner Jordy Cobelens.

“We love to do everything ‘Big Time' and this competition is no different. What an unbelievable opportunity for a member of the public to experience a Grand Prix from the team's perspective. It really is a ‘money can't buy' experience and together with Sahara Force India, we're delighted to be able to run our promotion and make someone's dream come true.”

For the promotional video in support of #JoinTheTeam please click here: www.twsteel.com/sfi/jointheteam

Tesla's net loss widened to $61.9 million in the second quarter even though it assembled and delivered record numbers of Model S electric cars. Revenues surged nearly 90 percent.

An executive from GS Electech, a supplier to Toyota, pleaded guilty today to playing a role in an international conspiracy to rig bids and fix prices on auto parts, the Department of Justice said.

An executive from GS Electech, a supplier to Toyota, pleaded guilty Thursday to playing a role in an international conspiracy to rig bids and fix prices on auto parts, the Department of Justice said.

Aluminum wheel supplier Superior Industries International said today that its second-quarter net income tumbled 21 percent from the year-earlier period to $5 million on flat sales of $199 million.