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If you're planning to buy a brand new 2015 Ford F-150, expect plenty of selection when it comes to the powertrain. In addition to the proven 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 5.0L V8 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), the Blue Oval will offer a pair of new V6 engines to meet the needs of a greater number of customers.

The standard 3.5L V6 with Ti-VCT achieves a 5% improvement in power-to-weight ratio over the larger 3.7L unit in the 2014 F-150, with better fuel efficiency and performance. It produces 283 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, has a maximum payload of 1,910 lbs, and can tow up to 7,600 lbs.

Also joining the Ford F-150 lineup for 2015 is a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop. This one generates 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque — improving the power-to-weight ratio of the 2015 truck by 15% over the outgoing V8-equipped F-150. It has a maximum payload of 2,250 lbs and maximum tow rating of 8,500 lbs.

In case you haven't heard or don't remember, the 2015 Ford F-150 uses high-strength steel and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy plus smart engineering to reduce weight by up to 700 lbs and significantly increase fuel economy.

Source : Ford

Photo: Ford

Formula 1's world expansion will continue in 2016 after Azerbaijan signed a deal to stage a “Grand Prix of Europe”.

The race will be staged around a new street circuit in the country's capital Baku.

Baku presented a street race for GT machinery in recent years.

Jacques Villeneuve driving the BMW Z4 in the Baku street circuit, in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Just days after the announcement of the return of the Mexican Grand Prix in 2015, Azerbaijan - a country rich in oil - has received the green light to join the schedule from 2016.

Few details have emerged, but the race will run on a new street circuit being constructed in the city with Baku's old medieval area.

"I am delighted to officially announce we have signed a contract to bring Formula 1 racing to Baku in 2016," declared Azerbaijan's minister of youth and sport Azad Rahimov in a statement.

"We are very happy Baku has joined the Formula One family. This will be a street race, which will pass through interesting and picturesque parts of Baku, and will meet the current Formula One criteria”, said Bernie Ecclestone.

Sky Sports F1 reports that the 2015 F1 calendar, which stands at 19 events this year, could also include the addition of the prospective Grand Prix of America in New Jersey following two consecutive delays. However, Ecclestone has said that 2015 is still too early for organisers.

We reported back in May that McLaren was planning a track-only version of its P1 supercar. And now, we have confirmation that the automaker will use the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance next month to host the global debut of the new P1 GTR in design concept form.

Available for purchase only to buyers of the road-legal McLaren P1, this track-focused model will go into production in June 2015 when the 375th and final example of the current P1 has been completed.

The McLaren P1 GTR is being designed and developed using five decades of race-winning knowledge from the pinnacle of motorsport. Participants in the program will have unprecedented access to the technologies, resources and expertise which have helped develop and train Formula 1 champions.

No technical specs have been released yet. Right now, the McLaren P1 uses a 727-horsepower 3.8L twin-turbo V8 engine mated to a 176-horsepower electric motor. Yep, that's 903 horsepower! Could the P1 GTR actually offer more? I guess we'll find out soon.

The concept will be unveiled during an exclusive preview at the McLaren Brand Centre on the 18th Fairway at the Pebble Beach Lodge at 6 p.m. EST on Friday, August 15th. It will then make its public debut on the Pebble Beach Concept Lawn over the course of the weekend.

Source: McLaren

Photo: McLaren

J.D. Power's 2014 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study was released this week, offering a barometer of owner satisfaction based on 77 criteria such as navigation, design, and fuel economy.

Leading the pack this year is Porsche with 882 points out of a possible 1,000, followed by Jaguar (862), Audi (858), Land Rover (853), and BMW (849). At the bottom of the list, you'll find Scion (779), Fiat (768), Subaru (766), Jeep (762), and Mitsubishi (748).

The industry average is 794 points.

By the way, Hyundai ranks highest among non-premium brands in the study. The Korean company was also the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the 2014 Initial Quality Study (IQS).

Here are the most appealing vehicles for every category according to J.D. Power:

Cars

• Small car: Hyundai Accent
• Compact car: Dodge Dart
• Compact premium car: BMW 4 Series
• Compact sporty car: Volkswagen GTI
• Compact premium sporty car: Porsche Boxster
• Midsize car: Mazda6
• Midsize sporty car: Dodge Challenger
• Midsize premium car: Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
• Midsize premium sporty car: Porsche 911
• Large car: Dodge Charger
• Large premium car: Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (tie)

SUVs, trucks and minivans

• Small SUV: MINI Countryman
• Compact SUV: Nissan Rogue
• Compact premium SUV: Audi Q5
• Compact MPV: Kia Soul
• Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander
• Midsize premium SUV: Porsche Cayenne
• Midsize pickup: Honda Ridgeline
• Minivan: Nissan Quest
• Large SUV: GMC Yukon
• Large premium SUV: Land Rover Range Rover
• Large light-duty pickup: Ford F-150
• Large heavy-duty pickup: Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty

Source: J.D. Power

According to Bentley's new president and CEO, Wolfgang Durheimer, the British luxury automaker is considering adding a fifth model line to its portfolio, possibly an entry-level two-seat sports car or a yet-unspecified model that would slot between the Continental GT and Mulsanne.

There are plenty of rumours flying around the former. Some have suggested that this new Bentley sports car could rival the Aston Martin Vantage. However, it won't be so affordable as to stoop to the level of a Jaguar F-Type.

In fact, when asked about it by Top Gear, Durheimer gave a pretty resounding answer.

“There will never be a cheap Bentley, this is for sure,” he said. “A Bentley [...] will never be a mass market car, it will never be approachable for everybody. It needs to be a solid statement in terms of luxury and performance.”

Whatever the fifth model line is, look for it to be available with a hybrid powertrain, as Durheimer recently announced that virtually every Bentley will boast a hybrid variant in the future. He also stated that a two-seater could use engines smaller than the brand's current range of V8 and W12 powerplants, perhaps a gasoline-powered V6 hybrid system.

Late in 2015, Bentley will launch its fourth model, a luxury SUV with an estimated starting price of €180,000 ($260,000).

Source : Top Gear

From GMM

With the summer sun baking in Budapest, 'silly season' has well and truly arrived in the F1 paddock.

The big name is Sebastian Vettel, with rumours suggesting the Red Bull Racing driver could be on the move to Mercedes AMG in 2016.

Sebastian Vettel is firmly under contract to Red Bull Racing for another year, so - as a four-time world champion - perhaps he is just lighting a rumour or two to drive up his price.

"I think Sebastian Vettel is playing very clever contract poker, just as Adrian Newey did a few weeks ago," former F1 driver Alex Wurz told Germany's Sky in Hungary.

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

Indeed, the ever plain-speaking Niki Lauda moved to rubbish the speculation altogether.

"We have never talked with Vettel about a contract or a cooperation," the Mercedes team chairman told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Why? Because we have two drivers.

"We have just extended the contract with Nico, and with Lewis (Hamilton) we are talking now. There is the desire to extend his contract as well.

"It makes no sense for us to look for a new driver," Niki Lauda added, insisting that is also true even if Fernando Alonso was on the market.

Defending Brickyard Grand Prix winner Ryan Dalziel took first TUDOR United SportsCar Championship pole of the year.

Ryan Dalziel and Johannes van Overbeek swept the front row in qualifying for Friday's TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Brickyard Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Dalziel piloted the No. 1 HPD ARX-03b/Honda to a best lap of 1 minute, 17.603 seconds (113.145 mph) to take his first TOTAL Pole Award of the year. Extreme Speed Motorsports teammate Van Overbeek, who gave the team its first TUDOR Championship pole and teamed with Ed Brown for their first win at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, qualified second at 1:17.879 (112.744 mph).

Gustavo Yacaman, who picked up his first career TUDOR Championship victory two weeks ago at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, qualified third in the No. 42 OAK Racing Morgan/Nissan with a lap of 1:17.908 (112.702 mph). Yacaman is joined this weekend by co-driver Ho-Pin Tung.

Christian Fittipaldi qualified fourth in the No. 5 Action Express Racing Corvette DP with a lap of 1:18.102 (112.422 mph), followed by Richard Westbrook in the No. 90 VISITFLORIDA.com Racing Corvette DP at 1:18.188 (112.299 mph).

Former Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella put his Ferrari F458 Italia on pole in the GT Le Mans class.

Mercedes AMG Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton set the pace Friday by topping both free practice sessions for the Grand Prix of Hungary at the tight and twisty Hungaroring.

Free practice 1
In the morning session, Hamilton beat his teammate Nico Rosberg, lapping the 4.381km circuit in a time of 1m25.814 to go 0.183 of a second faster than his German rival.

Kimi Raikkonen set the third fastest time in his Ferrari. The Finn was about 0.6 of a second slower than Hamilton but also about 0.4s faster than his teammate, Fernando Alonso in fourth.

The top ten was completed by Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing), Kevin Magnussen (McLaren), Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso), Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing), Jenson Button (McLaren) and Felipe Massa (Williams).

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Free practice 2
Hamilton maintained his advantage over Rosberg in the second free practice session.

Lewis Hamilton's fastest time on the soft Pirelli tires of 1m24.482 was 0.242 of a second quicker than Rosberg managed.

Once more the Mercedes AMG W05s were in a league of their own for single-lap pace with third-fastest Sebastian Vettel, while enjoying a strong opening day relative to Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo - over 0.6 of a second adrift.

Fernando Alonso was the lead Ferrari in fifth ahead of Kevin Magnussen for improving McLaren.

Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas (Williams), Button and Massa completed the top 10.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring, Free practice 1*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m25.814 - 27 laps
2 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m25.997 - 31
3 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m26.421 - 29
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m26.872 - 23
5 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m27.220 - 28
6 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4 -29-Mercedes) - 1m27.357 - 28
7 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m27.683 - 30
8 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m27.782 - 16
9 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m27.804 - 27
10 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m27.960 - 24
11 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m27.967 - 25
12 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m28.101 - 28
13 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m28.208 - 32
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m28.266 - 28
15 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m28.330 - 21
16 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m28.376 - 24
17 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m28.593 - 24
18 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m29.025 - 23
19 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m30.363 - 30
20 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m30.892 - 24
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m31.004 - 5
22 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m31.248 - 20

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRI2)

Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring, Free practice 2*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m24.482 - 38 laps
2 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m24.720 - 38
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m25.111 - 33
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m25.437 - 26
5 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m25.580 - 34
6 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m25.730 - 30
7 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m25.983 - 29
8 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m25.999 - 37
9 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m26.234 - 33
10 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m26.402 - 18
11 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m26.689 - 42
12 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m27.703 - 37
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m26.789 - 39
14 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m26.919 - 41
15 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m27.013 - 39
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m27.019 - 40
17 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m27.021 - 14
18 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m27.480 - 32
19 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m28.370 - 35
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m28.469 - 26
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m28.586 - 35
22 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m29.036 - 34

*Unofficial timing

From GMM

The big paddock rumour in Hungary is that Mercedes has made a move to sign Sebastian Vettel.

The speculation was even pushed along by Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, who suggested rivals like McLaren and Mercedes have indeed made big-money approaches to the German.

"I don't know which sources Helmut has, or doesn't have, but they seem to vary, let's say," Vettel smiled on Thursday.

But at the same time, the 27-year-old did not issue a categorical denial.

In an interview with F1's official website, he agreed that "sometimes a change can work miracles".

And then Vettel issued a classic diversionary answer.

"I am focused and busy with what we do here, because it is not so easy to make progress," he said in Budapest.

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

Like Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, Vettel is firmly under contract for 2015, but that doesn't mean offers and approaches are not flying about among the sport's top teams and drivers.

"I think any offer has to be considered," Vettel admitted to reporters, "but nothing has changed. I don't talk about these things.

"I am very satisfied in my current team. At the moment, it's not a question," he is quoted by Der Spiegel.

But, still, an outright denial that he could be seeking a change of scene sounds different.

Vettel was asked, for example, if he thinks the Mercedes star is "sexy".

"At the moment no," he is quoted by Bild newspaper, "because it is constantly in front of us. But if stars mean titles, then stars are something great, as a sportsmen should always have the goal to be as high as possible."

He even failed to deny that talks with paddock figures like Mercedes' Toto Wolff or Niki Lauda might be beginning.

"Today, there are many ways to make contact with someone. We all know each other and it's not as though I have an unfamiliar face," said Vettel.

"There's lots of ways to contact someone without everyone knowing," he added.

Mercedes AMG and Brembo announced they would perform an analysis of the brake disc of Lewis Hamilton/MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 Team used in qualifying at the 2014 German Grand Prix.

The two companies issued a joint press release Friday in Hungary.

“Following the accident experienced by Lewis Hamilton last Saturday at Hockenheim, BREMBO and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 Team have been working hand in hand to analyse and identify the causes of the failure.

“There is currently no clear evidence of a single cause of failure and our continuing rigorous analysis will take into account multiple factors which could have contributed to the incident.

“The results of this technical analysis will be communicated as soon as they are available.

“Formula One is a domain of advanced development where technologies are pushed to their limits and in which strong partnerships are crucially important.

“BREMBO and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 Team remain committed to a close working relationship in the future.”

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Former Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Ivan Capelli is resolute to ensure Autodromo Monza remains on the Formula 1 calendar.

The news comes after Bernie Ecclestone publically said the Italian Grand Prix is not financial viable for the sport.

Recently elected to the board of directors of the Automobile Club of Milan, who manage the Monza circuit, Capelli declared says he plans to do everything he can to ensure F1 returns to Monza.

"I read in the newspapers that Bernie was not happy about the commercial agreement that he had before," he told Autosport.

"I didn't have any opportunity until now to have a chat with him, but I suppose in the next few weeks there will probably be an opportunity to exchange some ideas with him,” Capelli continued.

Additionally, Capelli admits upgrades to the venerable circuit are required.

"I think that Monza needs to do a step forward because it is not possible that Monza lives as it does," he said.

Autodromo Nazionale Monza. (Photo: WRi2)

From press release

Ohsweken Speedway's 19th season of racing continues this Friday, July 25, when McDonald's Restaurants of Brantford & Paris present Autograph Night and Christmas in July.

The event will feature Corr/Pak Merchandising 360 Sprint Cars, Strickland's GMC Crate Sprint Cars, Affordable Towing & Recovery Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Gale's Auto Aftermarket Bombers.

Donate a toy to the Christmas in July toy drive to receive half price admission!

Founded in 1996, Ohsweken Speedway is a motorsports complex, which includes a 3/8 (0.375) mile clay oval track. The facility is owned by the Styres family, and located in the village of Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada.

GM wants to put nearly a fifth of its workers at a factory in Brazil on paid leave, an auto workers union says, amid falling output in Latin America's largest economy.

Automotive mirror supplier Gentex reported $76.7 million in net income with total revenue of $338.4 million for the second quarter.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat Chrysler denied a report that the companies were preparing a merger to create the world's fifth-largest carmaker.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat Chrysler denied a report that the companies were preparing a merger to create the world's fifth-largest carmaker.

Auto supplier Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. began operations at its Asia Pacific Technical Center today in Shanghai.

A roundup of what analysts and others are saying about Ford Motor Co.'s second-quarter financial results released today:

Total outstanding auto loans in the United States hit an all-time high of $902 billion this spring, an increase of more than 10 percent from the same time a year earlier, according to the latest Equifax National Consumer Credit Trends Report, which...

An Acura NSX prototype burst into flames today while testing in Germany, but Acura says the futuristic sports car is continuing "progress toward its highly anticipated launch."