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General Motors has announced yet another recall - this time in South Korea for 27,051 locally built models.

We've all been there. Something near and dear to us goes missing. For Detroit resident George Talley, it was a 1979 Corvette.

The outbreak of WWII meant that Detroit built its last civilian cars in the early months of 1942 -- and by the end of that year, its factories had been converted to the production of wartime material.

News 4 Jul, 2014

We explore the UK's top supermini contenders in the countdown to the Auto Express New Car Awards on July 15th

Kiekert, a German supplier of automotive door locks and latches, has named Karl Lambertz director of its Asian operations.

The new VW Passat is expected to get a sales boost as companies in Europe take advantage of a brightening economic outlook to resume investing in their fleets.

Mexican auto factory output is poised to explode this decade, making the country a top source of United States vehicle imports -- particularly small cars.

Compared with just two years ago, Japanese parts makers are scrambling to educate employees on actions that are off-limits. The buzzword of the times: compliance.

The latest issue of the Automotive News Europe monthly e-magazine goes live on Monday, July 7.

From GMM

F1 race director Charlie Whiting has played down concerns about next year's grid restarts.

"We (drivers) all pretty much disagreed (with the proposal) as far as I am aware," Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo said earlier this week.

Nonetheless, to spice up the show amid a diminishing television audience, races will re-start from the grid following safety car periods next year.

But drivers are worried not only that grid restarts are unfair, but that they may also be unsafe.

The FIA's Whiting, however, said he is not convinced grid restarts are unfair on the race leader.

And "If you're in second place," he explained, "you might actually like the idea of being able to take the lead, which you probably wouldn't do in a rolling start."

Photo: WRi2

Charlie Whiting also said he is also unmoved by the suggestion that the grid will be more dangerous than a rolling restart, insisting "no driver wants that (crashes) to happen and no driver will cause it to happen".

"First of all it has to be remembered that this was the suggestion from a team," he explained. "I put it to the rest of the teams and they all agreed that it was a good idea. The teams were 100 per cent behind it."

Charlie Whiting also told reporters on Thursday that efforts to turn up the noise of the turbo V6 engines is continuing.

It is believed Ferrari is testing a sort of 'double' exhaust at its Maranello headquarters, following the failure of Mercedes' 'megaphone' solution.

But, according to Italy's Autosprint, Whiting said anything that has "an impact on performance" will not be given the green light.

"These cars are quiet," the Briton acknowledged, "but is it really a problem?"

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is taking a closer at some 360,000 Nissan Versa, Versa sedan and Versa Note models from 2012-2014 after four complaints that the tunnel carpet cover trim panel had trapped the edge of the driver's shoe, interfering with their ability to reduce acceleration and apply the brakes.

Photo: Nissan

This preliminary investigation will help determine whether a recall is necessary or not.

"We've just been made of aware of it and we will be cooperating fully with that investigation," a Nissan spokesman told Automotive News.

We'll keep you updated as new information is released.


_{Source: Automotive News}

From GMM

Yet another big name could be set for the Ferrari axe.

After the fabled Italian team's poor start to the new turbo V6 era, team boss Stefano Domenicali was replaced as team boss by Marco Mattiacci.

And the latest reports indicate that Ferrari could be tempting former technical director Ross Brawn back to Maranello with a EUR 5m per season offer.

But that might happen only after more red-uniformed heads roll.

Italy's Autosprint reports that Luca Marmorini, Ferrari's engine chief, is "in danger" of being ousted.

Correspondent Alberto Antonini said that if the rumours are true, Marmorini's younger deputy Mattia Mariz would step in.

Luca Marmorini, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Now in its 9th generation, the Honda Accord continues to attract drivers by combining modern styling with a host of desirable features in a reasonably affordable package. I recently spent time with the popular Japanese family sedan, so head over to Auto-Venus.com to read my review.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

The National Corvette Museum's board of directors reportedly doesn't want to repair the sinkhole that swallowed eight vintage Corvettes this past winter -- at least not totally.

Their plan is to create an open space approximately 25 feet by 45 feet wide, and 30 feet deep, along with a display area for one or two cars.

Photo: Matt St-Pierre

With all the media coverage following the sad event, which fortunately injured no one, traffic at the museum increased 69% between March and June, compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, revenue from tickets, gift shop and food sales, as well as memberships rose 65%.

The sinkhole will remain in its current state until the end of August. After that, repair work and construction on the new sinkhole-based exhibit will start.

The damaged cars include:

• 1993 ZR-1 Spyder (GM loan);
• 2009 ZR-1 Blue Devil (GM loan);
• 1962 Corvette in black;
• 1984 PPG Pace Car;
• 1992 Corvette in white (one millionth Corvette);
• 1993 Corvette Ruby Red Edition 40th anniversary;
• Z06 Mallett Hammer;
• 2009 Corvette in white (1.5 millionth Corvette).
• General Motors has promised to restore all the cars that can be salvaged.

Our very own Matt St-Pierre made a visit to the National Corvette Museum back in March, so don't miss his story and photo gallery.


_{Source: Motor Authority}

As “old” as the idea of an electric car is, they're still very much a novel sight when spotted silently cruising down the road. Why? Well, as the trend was so slow to progress in the auto industry, they are still few and far between despite the technology being readily available to make them nearly as common as Corollas.

Then, there are the EVs that look as “odd” as the technology under their hoods; such as the smart fortwo electric drive. Truthfully, the smart has been on our roads for a decade already, but are still seen as different and peculiar since they really are so different from anything else on the road today.

Now Mercedes has gone and upped that “different” level by slapping a lithium-ion battery in the smart fortwo instead of the gas engine it sported before.

Silent and tiny, this little city dweller is the ideal urban warrior.


What is a smart fortwo?
Well, besides the obvious “two seats on four wheels” answer, it is a micromini vehicle built to hack it on tight city streets and downtown settings. It's an alternative to scooter and/or bike living and was designed with fuel-saving and space-squeezing tactics in mind.

A non-electric smart fortwo has an inline 3-cylinder engine that'll give you 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque (pushed out the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission).

However, the smart fortwo electric drive is equipped with a 17.6kW lithium-ion battery that gives about 4 more horsepower over the gasoline engine and a bit more torque as well. There is no “transmission” to speak of, so power delivery is smooth and linear. A full charge, according to smart, will take you 138km. However, the more realistic number is closer to 100km. Charging times range from 8 to 16 hours depending on the outlet used (120V vs. 240V).



2014 smart fortwo electric drive Price and Specs
For such a little vehicle, you're going to have to dish out a few dollars to own one. With a starting price of $26,990, the smart fortwo electric drive is up there in the same price range as a base Volkswagen Passat or even a Nissan Altima.

With a few choice accessories (touchscreen navi/radio for $900 and a three-spoke steering wheel for $250) my particular smart fortwo electric drive topped out at $28,140. However, with incentives (the maximum in Canada being in Quebec at the moment) the price does drop to around $20k. Still seems a hefty price to pay for two seats on four wheels.

However, for driving the smart fortwo electric drive means you'll never, ever, have to go to a gas station again. So, the long-term savings almost seem worth it.

Driving the 2014 smart fortwo electric drive
I thoroughly enjoyed driving the regular, non-ev smart fortwo, and this non-gas-powered version was no different. There's something gloriously cheeky about driving a smart fortwo that I absolutely adore. Like a dachshund proudly marching through a group of Great Danes, chin held high, tail in the air. This little thing knows its got the goods, and doesn't care how small it is.

Once you get over the fact that you're not going to expire should you crash in your smart fortwo (thanks to the uber cool and efficiently safe tridion safety cell), you can really enjoy what this little two-door has to offer. No, it's not the quickest off the line, but it'll boogie thanks to the linear electric motor power and electric drive. The placement of all four wheels at four corners means the smart fortwo also handles very well. And parking lots? An absolute joke. Park where you'd like, how you'd like. Anything goes.

The smart fortwo electric drive features regenerative braking that can have its effect increased or diminished via the paddle shifters. Depending on speed, it may be possible to not have to resort to the lefthand pedal.

All in all, this little thing is a blast to drive. The silent, stealthy acceleration coupled with the spaceship like whir of the electric engine is both smile-inducing and pretty darn cool. If you've never driven one, I suggest you give it a go.

Inside and Out of the 2014 smart fortwo electric drive
There are two seats, a steering wheel, four wheels... and that's about it. This is not a luxurious Mercedes by any stretch of the imagination, despite it being in the same showroom as the likes of the S-Class. It's utilitarian and sparse inside, no doubt to save on space and weight. The “trunk” is usable, but don't head to IKEA or the outlet malls with this one.

The seating position in the smart fortwo is surprisingly elevated. I like the jacked up driver's seat, and the passenger has plenty of legroom to get comfy, as well as headroom since the roofline is so high.

Comparing the 2014 smart fortwo electric drive
As far as full EVs go, there aren't too many to contend with at the moment (but that's set to change soon). The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the first that comes to mind as the closest to the smart; however, it boasts a back seat, as does the Nissan LEAF.

As a fully electric micromini, the smart fortwo electric drive takes the cake, and eats it too.

From GMM

Haas, F1's new team for 2016, has arrived in formula one earlier than expected.

Ferrari announced on Thursday that the logo of Gene Haas' automotive machine business will begin to feature on the sidepods of the 2014 Ferrari this weekend at Silverstone.

The sponsor deal, which surely precedes a technical partnership with Ferrari for Haas' new US-based F1 team, will last all the way to the end of 2015.

Haas' team will then be set to debut in 2016, surely with a V6 Ferrari power unit and gearbox.


Ferrari team boss Marco Mattiacci confirmed that the Italian team and Haas have been "exploring a number of potential areas of collaboration".

"The partnership marks Haas Automation's entry to the world of formula one," Ferrari announced, "prior to it becoming title sponsor of Gene Haas' team when it enters the sport in 2016."

“We are pleased to welcome Haas Automation as our newest Official Supplier,” said Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Marco Mattiacci. “This agreement strengthens our existing connections with the USA, an important market not only for our company, but also for Scuderia Ferrari, as it is one where the team already benefits from several important partnerships."

Susie Wolff had faced some criticism from Sergio Perez, however a technical problem on the Williams had shortened her morning session.

"A huge thank you to all the support and help that I have had to get me ready for today," says Susie Wolff.

"It was a great feeling driving out of the garage. When I had my helmet on, it was just me and the car. I knew what I had to do and the car felt great. It was only one and a half flying laps but these things happen, I have another session in Hockenheim that I now have to work towards. Every time I step in the car, there is something to learn, so there are a few positives to take from today," added the Williams driver.

Susie Wolff leaving the Williams' stand at Silverstone. (Photo: WRi2)

Earlier in the morning, Sergio Perez was saying on Antena 3, that Susie Wolff would be "better off in the kitchen".

The Sahara Force India driver apologized later, insisting he "admires" Wolff's talent and admitted it had been an "unfortunate joke".

Claire Williams acknowledges that Wolff's gender is at least playing a role in the opportunity she has been given this weekend.

"You would be naive to say that having a female on board does not bring commercial benefit," she told The Times newspaper. "She has to deliver as well."

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has revealed he will "probably" retire from formula one at the end of next season.

Despite his 2007 title and his on-form F1 comeback with Lotus, the Finn has struggled this year after returning to Ferrari to be Fernando Alonso's new teammate.

It has triggered rumours Ferrari could once again oust him, despite his existing 2015 contract.

But what is also clear is 34-year-old Raikkonen's frustration with the restraints of life in the paddock, after tasting other disciplines like world rallying and Nascar during his F1 sabbatical.

Now, it is said the 'iceman' has his eye on the increasingly popular discipline of world rallycross.

"The teams are scared that we get hurt," Kimi Raikkonen said at Silverstone. "But it would be nice not just for us but for the fans to do many things."

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

For now, Raikkonen says he is committed to F1 and Ferrari "until my contract is finished, and then I will probably stop," he revealed.

"That is what I think is going to happen."

But until that happens, the winner of 20 grands prix appears to be part of Ferrari's plans for 2015.

The Maranello team is already hard at work on next year's car, having acknowledged the distant gap to the pacesetting teams of 2014.

"The team will definitely do some things differently for next year and some of those changes we can also try this year," said Kimi Raikkonen.

Nico Rosberg leading Lewis Hamilton in the morning, Lewis Hamilton leading Nico Rosberg in the afternoon.

In the two free practice sessions of the British Grand Prix, Fernando is third with his Ferrari.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

Susie Wolff made history by becoming the first woman to participate an official Formule 1 session since Giovanna Amati in 1992. Unfortunately, due to an oil pressure problem on her Williams, she only covered four laps.

Regarding the reserve drivers, Daniel Juncadella was aboard the Sahara Force India. Giedo Van der Garde drove the Sauber and Robin Frijns was in action with Caterham.

Suzie Wolff aboard the Williams FW36. (Photo: WRi2)

Felipe Massa had a big crash, causing an interruption of 17 minutes to clear his Williams.

Despite his best lap time, Lewis Hamilton was visibly disappointed in the afternoon, unable to properly prepare the race with only 14 laps.

Just like in the morning, Daniel Ricciardo is fourth with Red Bull, ahead of his teammate Sebastian Vettel, and Kimi Raikkonen with the second Ferrari.

The pink helmet of Jenson Button, as a tribute to his father. (Photo: WRi2)

Free Practice 1 - Results*
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1:35.424 - 25
2 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1:36.155 - 22
3 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1:36.263 - 23
4 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1:36.623 - 21
5 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1:36.703 - 23
6 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1:36.921 - 20
7 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1:36.963 - 25
8 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1:37.175 - 29
9 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1:37.227 - 25
10 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1:37.231 - 30
11 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1:37.720 - 22
12 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1:37.910 - 21
13 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1:38.056 - 18
14 - Daniel Juncadella (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1:38.083 - 23
15 - Giedo Van der Garde (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1:38.328 - 19
16 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1:38.917 - 12
17 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1:39.461 - 7
18 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1:39.814 - 24
19 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1:40.597 - 19
20 - Robin Frijns (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1:42.261 - 11
21 - Susie Wolff (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1:44.212 - 4
22 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - Aucun chrono - 2

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Free Practice 2 - Results*
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1:34.508
2 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1:34.736
3 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1:35.244
4 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1:35.511
5 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1:35.627
6 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1:36.016
7 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1:36.228
8 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1:36.299
9 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1:36.554
10 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1:36.583
11 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1:36.671
12 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1:36.778
13 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1:36.951
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1:37.064
15 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1:37.097
16 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1:37.236
17 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1:37.449
18 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1:37.520
19 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1:38.658
20 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1:39.068
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1:39.224
22 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1:39.762

* Un-official results

From GMM

Toto Wolff has revealed he had "a long row" with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

Last month, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo called for a meeting with the sport's key stakeholders.

The common perception in the paddock is that Ecclestone, 83, is resisting the modern era of the internet, and so Montezemolo said the likes of Google and Apple should come along.

He also said representatives of "new media" and "social networks" could have some advice to give.

Oddly in F1, arch-rival Mercedes appears to entirely agree.

"I had quite a long row with Bernie in a meeting," the German marque's F1 chief Wolff is quoted by the Guardian newspaper at Silverstone.

"We have lost 30 per cent of TV audience in Italy and we have lost some of the audience in Germany, although interestingly the UK is growing. Sure the (social media) model does not work yet as you cannot monetise it, but it is just a matter of time," Toto Wolff added.

Bernie Ecclestone and Toto Wolff. (Photo: WRi2)

Mercedes' championship leader Nico Rosberg also agrees.

"We are here to entertain the people. Social networks are a young, exciting and emerging media and an excellent platform to show the fans fresh perspectives of the sport. So we should take it seriously," the German is quoted at Silverstone by Speed Week.