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News 25 Jun, 2014

R&D boss confirms Audi is close to harnessing energy from suspension to power its cars

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, which kicks off tomorrow, will feature the premiere of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0i 25th Anniversary Limited Edition, 750 of which will go on sale in August in the U.K. only.

Several Mazda MX-5s as well as a Mazda6 and a CX-5 will star in Goodwood's unique Moving Motor Show on Thursday, and a Mazda RX-7 rally car will storm up the famous hill throughout the weekend.

Photo: Mazda

The main Mazda stand will feature the brand's latest production models along with the Hazumi concept car which will provide the basis for the all-new Mazda2.

Another stand will celebrate the 25 years of the MX-5 with a wide range of privately owned roadsters from every generation, including 10th and 20th Anniversary, California, Le Mans, Sport Black, and Sport Graphite special/limited editions. Some of the sports cars that inspired the design of the original 1989 MX-5, including the Lotus Elan and MG Midget, will also be featured alongside a rare Mazda MX-5 GT4 race car and the chassis of the all-new, fourth-generation MX-5.

Mazda will showcase all the latest stories and videos from this year's Festival online at “Rebels with a Cause - The Mazda Community”, Mazda's new interactive web platform (www.mazdarebels.com).

Ford has just unveiled the all-new 2015 Edge, which will go on sale in North America early next year and become the first Ford vehicle with a standard EcoBoost engine. Meanwhile, the new Sport model will be powered by most advanced EcoBoost yet - a 2.7L V6 unit.

The 2015 Ford Edge lineup will include four trim levels: SE, SEL, Sport, and Titanium.

Photo: Ford

The completely redesigned, next-generation model revealed today is based on Ford's successful global midsize platform. It boasts a stronger, more athletic shape, and has been re-engineered to add more features and technologies for a more rewarding driving experience.

The 2015 Ford Edge will also introduce the company's adaptive steering technology, which makes the vehicle easier to manoeuvre and more fun to drive. It will come standard on the Edge Sport and optional on the new Titanium model.

In North America, the all-new Edge will offer three engine options, two of which are new powerplants: a standard twin-scroll 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder and a 2.7L EcoBoost V6. A normally aspirated 3.5L V6 will also be offered. All three will be equipped with dual output exhaust and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Inside the 2015 Ford Edge, the dashboard and centre console have been carefully designed and shaped to look like one thin, streamlined piece. A central 8'' LCD touchscreen supporting SYNC with MyFord Touch will now be available on even more models. Elsewhere, cargo capacity has been increased.

Photo: Ford

Photo: Ford

From GMM

Sergey Sirotkin has denied his future at Sauber is being overshadowed by the Swiss female driver Simona de Silvestro.

Funded by her wealthy backers, de Silvestro - who also ran at Fiorano in April - returned to track action this week in a 2012 Sauber at the Valencia circuit, Spain's El Mundo Deportivo reports.

But, earlier, Russian teen Sirotkin seemed more destined for Sauber's affections, closely aligned with the reported 'Russian rescue deal' that last year reportedly rescued the then ailing Hinwil based team.

Simona de Silvestro, Sauber test at Fiorano. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Since then, however, Sirotkin's involvement went decidedly quiet.

In fact, it is now rumoured that Sauber's saviour was in fact not Sirotkin's backers, but Bernie Ecclestone, who stepped in and paid all of the team's outstanding debts.

"I cannot do it and I would not do it," the F1 chief executive said in a firm denial to the Swiss newspaper Blick.

At the same time, Sirotkin has admitted he is currently much more focused on his seat in the Formula Renault 3.5 series.

"I have always said that I was giving priority to nothing that could complicate my task or hinder my performance in this championship," he told the Russian website f1news.ru.

"This may give the impression of a lull, but in fact I am in constant contact with the team (Sauber)," Sirotkin insisted. "Some steps have already been decided, and others I cannot speak about until Sauber makes a statement. In any case, it makes no sense to talk about it because I am fully engaged in the World Series."

Sirotkin's participation in Friday practice before his home Russian grand prix was earlier believed to be part of his 2014 programme, but now the driver is not so sure.

"Actually I was supposed to participate in free practice not only in Sochi," he said. "It's an open question. Obviously, in terms of marketing, public interest and so on, the logical thing would be Sochi, but I cannot say yet whether it will happen in Sochi or somewhere else."

And what about de Silvestro? While the Sirotkin story has gone quiet, de Silvestro is actively testing, giving the impression Sauber's priorities have moved on.

Sirotkin insisted: "Sauber have a third driver, Giedo van der Garde, there is a test pilot, me, and a mentored driver (de Silvestro), who they are trying to help to reach the level of formula one."

Referring to de Silvestro's programme, Sirotkin added: "In my opinion, this is more of a marketing ploy, so I don't think I need to be afraid of it. Let's see what will happen next."

The new Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo makes its public debut this week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K.

Conceived by the automaker's European design studio in London for the latest instalment of the famous PlayStation racing franchise, the Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo points to how a Nissan supercar of the future could look.

Photo: Nissan

Visitors will be able to experience motorsport thrills for themselves in high-tech Gran Turismo 6 gaming pods. They'll also have the opportunity to virtually design their own IDx concept with the Oculus Rift 3D virtual reality gaming headset that delivers mind-blowing realism.

What's more, expect a strong Nissan presence on the Goodwood track, with the GT-R NISMO and the record-breaking GT-R Time Attack appearing on the famous circuit throughout the weekend. The GT-R NISMO GT3 will be driven by rising star, GT Academy winner and current Le Mans JS P2 driver Jann Mardenborough.

The Jaguar Project 7 Concept, which made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year, will return to the event this weekend in production form.

Photo: Jaguar

The company has announced a limited run of only 250 units, all hand-built by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Operations team. Based on the F-Type roadster, Project 7 draws inspiration from the three-time Le Mans winning D-Type. In fact, the name pays homage to Jaguar's seven outright Le Mans wins.

The Jaguar F-Type Project 7 uses a 5.0L supercharged V8 engine rated at 567 horsepower to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 300 km/h. It is fully street-legal, with a removable roof and a 196-litre trunk. An 8-speed Quickshift transmission is part of the mix, too.

Five metallic colours will be offered including Ultra Blue, Italian Racing Red, British Racing Green, Ultimate Black, and Glacier White. Pricing and global availability have yet to be announced.

Photo: Jaguar

Inspired by the all-new 2015 Ford F-150, the Power Wheels F-150 announced by Ford and Fisher-Price will definitely make a lot of kids happy and could be the perfect Christmas gift for your truck-loving little boys.

Photo: Ford

It will go on sale in September at $349.99 USD.

This is the third generation of ride-on toys derived from F-150 models and is expected to become the best-selling merchandise Ford sells.

Last year, the Blue Oval generated approximately $2 billion in retail sales with 400 licensing agreements.

There's a gap between today's vehicles and tomorrow's self-driving cars that innovative systems like the Cruise RP-1 intend to fill.

Photo: Cruise

A sort of super-intelligent cruise control technology, it allows you to travel on the highway without touching the steering wheel or pedals — just press the Cruise button and voila! The system will ensure that your car stays in its lane and maintains a safe distance from other vehicles in front of it.

"We're calling it a highway autopilot," Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt told Mashable. "I don't think it's fair to label it a self-driving system yet. It's an advanced driving system rather than autonomous vehicle."

The Cruise RP-1 also features an iOS app that provides a graphic displaying the cars detected around you — all through Wi-Fi connection.

An initial series of tests will begin in September, and the technology is expected to launch in 2015 in California, selling for $10,000 (including installation).




_{Source: Mashable}

Hollywood, CA -- I know what trouble looks like; after all, I have a mischievous 2.5-year-old son at home. I see when he gets that look in his eye, that twitch of his mouth, and I know something is about to be done or was already done and I'm going to discover it momentarily. Well, the Jaguar F-Type Coupe has that look. All. The. Time.

If you thought the roadster was a looker, take a moment and soak in the stunner that is the coupe version of the already sexy Jaguar F-Type. With a solid roof and a growling V8 under the sumptuous bonnet, the R Coupe is more in all the right ways.

As we wound our way through the outskirts of Los Angeles and Hollywood, blue skies above and rolling Californian hills around, the F-Type growled, popped, burbled, and showed us a good time as only a baddie can do.


What is a Jaguar F-Type Coupe?
Essentially, the F-Type Coupe is a hardtop version of the two-seater roadster. With a full aluminium body, and a new construction that sees the entire side body panel as one piece, the F-Type Coupe is a full 80% more rigid than its drop-top brother. That's pretty insane and means while the coupe is also heavier, it handles that much better in the twisties.

2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe Price and Specs
The F-Type R Coupe is the Big Cheese of the F-Type lineup, with the largest engine and a hard top. At the bottom of the coupe barrel sits the V6 version that starts just under $73k. And at the top of the range is the R Coupe with a starting price of $109,900. Except for the R, the Coupe is cheaper than the roadster for all other models.

Now, that V8: 5.0L and supercharged, it pumps out 550 horsepower and 502 lb.-ft. of torque. The R's V8 adds a full 20 kilos over the V6, but the added 200+ horsepower makes up for it. The R Coupe also features an ideal 51/49 weight distribution and power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Driving the 2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe
As I cruised Sunset Blvd. in my R Coupe, Ferraris, Maseratis and a McLaren or two pulling up alongside, I felt I belonged. While the Jaguar might seem “small beans” compared to the other heavy hitters, I dare you to get behind the wheel of the V8 and tell me it couldn't go toe-to-toe with any of them.

For a low-slung, compact sports car, the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe is pretty comfortable. Road imperfections are swallowed up, and the two-seater feels as at home in the city, on highways, twisty back-roads - and even a track.

Of note: There is an exhaust-note enhancer button. Please press it. You will not be disappointed. The Jaguar F-Type R Coupe makes the most glorious noises. It farts, burps, pops, and groans; this machine is alive and wants to play. I found myself accelerating quickly whenever the opportunity arose just so I could play with the gears and hear the engine's response. So smooth are the gear changes that it feels like a double-clutch system, though not as refined as something like a PDK.

Tracking the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe is a whole other story. Equipped with huge carbon-ceramic brakes, this kitty can slow down as quickly as it can accelerate. Torque-vectoring assists in cornering, precise handling, and an electronic active differential, ensured the F-Type R Coupe stayed true to the racing line I demanded of it as I careened around Willow Springs.

There aren't many “super” cars that can perform as well on the track and feel comfortable on the drive home too. Porsche are the experts in that domain, hands down. However, Jaguar have come close with the F-Type R Coupe.

Of course, Jaguar's Dynamic and Snow modes are available, however, in the F-Type you can fiddle with a portion of the car's chassis, steering and throttle set-ups in Dynamic mode, making your ride even more tailored to your driving style and what you wish to do with your F-Type R Coupe.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe
I thought the roadster was stunning, but this Coupe version is on a whole other level. Ian Callum has outdone himself with this one. When the F-Type concept was first revealed, I don't think anyone thought it would actually look as close to the original.

This thing is pure sex on wheels. From any angle, in any colour, it is absolutely beautiful. This thing is downright sex appeal. The F-Type's silhouette is a bit of a turn on.

Inside the F-Type R Coupe, space is limited but it's well appointed and comfortable. Surprisingly, visibility is actually quite good, despite the heavily angled and rather small rear window.

Unfortunately, Jaguar's outdated and oh-so-slow onboard entertainment and navigation system still resides. One day they'll update it, one day.

Trunk space is also limited, but of course Jaguar ensured two golf bags will comfortable fit in the rear.

Comparing the 2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe
Jag's got Porsche in its sights with the Cayman (V6) and 911 Turbo (V8), and they even compare their R Coupe to the R8. In terms of pricing and performance, Jag is on par and ready to compete with the best of the best.

Jaguar's showing they've got what it takes to be a modern, performance-driven company. Here's hoping the F-Type's genes trickle down the line to other Jag models.

From GMM

Red Bull aerodynamics chief Peter Prodromou will start work at McLaren in September, Ron Dennis has announced.

The Woking based team signed the highly rated Prodromou late last year, but at the time Red Bull was insisting his full contract be served to the last day.

But as he spoke optimistically about the future amid McLaren's current competitive slump, Dennis said this week: "We've got Peter Prodromou joining us in September so that will be a big step. It will bolster our revitalized aero team, so I'm not concerned about aero performance next year. It will come right."

It is believed Prodromou's early arrival is linked with a recent dispute between McLaren and Red Bull.

Peter Prodromou on the podium with Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Dennis was threatening to take the reigning champions to court after signing a Prodromou deputy, Dan Fallows, only to find he had changed his mind and returned to Red Bull.

But two weeks ago, it emerged that out-of-court talks had settled the dispute.

Reports suggested a non-financial settlement was reached, possibly involving Red Bull's early release to McLaren of Prodromou, who is currently on 'gardening leave'.

Prodromou, who before joining Red Bull in 2006 spent his entire professional life at McLaren, is not the only reason Dennis is optimistic about the future.

In 2015, the team's new works Honda era begins.

"We've got a steep curve," Ron Dennis said, "but at the end of the day we were with them for five years and won 50 per cent of the races. So I'm not worried about getting there with Honda, it's just going to be a bit challenging at the beginning.

"This is motor racing," he insisted, "it goes up and down, you've just got to keep your head down and keep working."

From GMM

Gerhard Gribkowsky contacted the BND, Germany's foreign intelligence agency or Bundesnachrichtendienst, when he claimed Bernie Ecclestone was threatening him.

That is the latest bombshell to emerge this week from F1 chief executive Ecclestone's bribery trial in Munich.

According to German reports, the details were presented to the court by the 83-year-old Briton's lawyers, as jailed Gribkowsky's credibility continues to come under attack.

Bernie Ecclestone faces the loss of his job in F1 and even jail as prosecutors try to prove he bribed Gribkowsky to the tune of $44 million over the sale of the sport's commercial rights some years ago.

Ecclestone's defence is that the payment was in fact hush money because Gribkowsky was threatening to make allegations to the British authorities about his personal tax affairs.

But as it emerged in court on Tuesday, it was Gribkowsky who was alleging that Ecclestone posed the real threat.

Written documents show that Gribkowsky, then chief risk officer at former F1 shareholder and state Munich bank BayernLB, asked his secretary to contact the head of the intelligence agency BND.

Gribkowsky reportedly alleged suspicious observations while jogging, and mysterious knocks at his door, which he also reported to police in late 2004, claiming it was linked to pressure being applied by Ecclestone around the time of the F1 rights sale.

A witness testified on Tuesday: "I thought it was telling that he (Gribkowsky) spoke about it (the alleged Ecclestone threat) so often."

From GMM

Christian Horner has added his denial to reports Red Bull could end its F1 engine crisis by building its own turbo V6.

Amid the reigning world champions' obvious frustration with Renault in 2014, the story of a 'Red Bull engine' intensified when Dr Helmut Marko admitted last week that it was a possibility.

But team owner Dietrich Mateschitz this week issued a clear denial.

Boss Horner now follows suit.

"Red Bull is a chassis manufacturer and we have no ambition to become an engine manufacturer," he told the Austrian broadcaster Servus TV.

However, the rumours are not likely to stop there. Despite Red Bull's 2016 contract, the team is not committing to running French power beyond next year.

And off the back of the very latest reports that Renault could sell its F1 facility at Viry and pull out of the sport, the new rumour is that Lotus could be considering a switch to Mercedes power for 2015.

Renault engineers at work. (Photo: WRi2)

For his part, Horner said Red Bull is pressing ahead with Renault for now.

"We have had meetings to discuss what needs to happen. At the moment there is a big difference -- Mercedes have done a great job," he said.

He said the basic problem is the interaction between Renault's combustion engine and the energy recovery systems.

"It is not working harmoniously. The fact is that it is not easy to recognise any progress," said Christian Horner.

"They have improved a little, but we need to know what they want to achieve. You have to pay Mercedes a big compliment and say they have done a great job. They started early and invested wisely," he added.

From GMM

Christian Horner has backed Sebastian Vettel, amid suggestions the four time world champion could be losing the support of the Red Bull team.

Typically-forthright 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve this week said he thinks that, amid Vettel's struggle to keep up with new teammate Daniel Ricciardo this year, "Red Bull is treating him like they treated Mark Webber".

"Now they want to 'kill' Sebastian because he's not right for the Red Bull image," said the French Canadian, amid rumours McLaren has made an early approach to Vettel.

But Red Bull boss Horner has tipped the team's reigning four-time world champion to bounce back, essentially blaming the bulk of the 26-year-old's struggles on "bad luck".

"Sebastian has had an incredible amount of bad luck this year," he told the Austrian broadcaster Servus TV. "Three times he's failed to finish but he's had many more technical problems than that."

Sebastian Vettel discussing with Helmut Marko, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Despite Vettel's struggle simply for a functioning car, Horner says the German is dealing with the situation "incredibly well".

"Many other drivers would have their heads down, their motivation would be gone. Not him. He works harder and pushes the team even more. When the tide turns, the results will come back," said Horner.

According to F1 legend Niki Lauda, however, a major element to the Red Bull situation in 2014 has been Daniel Ricciardo, who surprised the entire paddock with his rapid rise among the very best drivers in formula one today.

"He is a massive talent that has reached a very high level in a very short period of time," said the triple world champion, who is Red Bull rival Mercedes' team chairman.

"He has everything it takes to be a world champion in the future," added Niki Lauda.

They say women are attracted to bad boys and that good guys finish last. Although both points are debatable, one element remains mostly true: bad guys are cool. And when the words “bad” and “cool” come together, a fitting set of wheels must be part of the picture.

So, for the villain/bad guy/mobster in you, we've put together the following list of cars and trucks that will fit you like a lovely pair of cement boots...

Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar says it's good to be bad. So, this has to be a good car for bad people. As well, if sexy is “bad,” the F-Type owns it.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Continue reading Top 10 Villain and Bad Boys Cars

From GMM

The hospital in Grenoble where Michael Schumacher lay in coma for almost six months reported medical documents about the F1 legend's condition stolen, it has emerged.

Earlier, the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver's management urged media outlets not to buy or publish the medical file that is on the market for a reported EUR 50,000.

The German journalists association, or Deutsche Journalisten-Verband, is also warning against the publication of the information, arguing it is "without substance and relevance".

"The contents of this file has neither political nor social significance and would be a completely unacceptable and very serious interference with the personal rights of Michael Schumacher," chief Michael Konken added.

Germany's Welt newspaper now reports that the university hospital in Grenoble reported to police the theft and breach of patient confidentiality last Thursday.

Days earlier, Schumacher, 45, had been transferred by ambulance from intensive care at Grenoble to a rehabilitation hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The French news agency AFP has further details. It claims the 'medical file' is in pact a multiple-page doctor's summary of Schumacher's case copied from the hospital's computer system.

The report said the hospital is not sure whether an employee stole the dossier or if it had been the victim of 'hackers'.

"An individual, communicating by email, is asking for 60,000 Swiss francs to provide a document of several dozen pages that summarises everything that happened at Grenoble during Schumacher's hospitalisation," local prosecutor Jean-Yves Coquillat said.

Hospital director Jacqueline Hubert told Bild newspaper that employees of the hospital with potential access to the file have been interviewed by police.

"This is a limited number of people," she said. "Michael Schumacher's information was saved under a false name in the system."

Meanwhile, the hospital currently treating Schumacher in Lausanne insists it is taking all measures to protect the former F1 driver's privacy.

"We have the highest standards for all of our patients," spokesman Darcy Christen told Welt. "Our data is protected by a very secure system."

Ford unveiled the redesigned 2015 Ford Edge on Tuesday at its headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. The global CUV gets upgrades in nearly every area. The big news is a new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 making "more than 300 hp" for the Edge Sport.

In an unusual move, Ford is phasing out its current 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine after just four model years.

The Ford Edge, first introduced in 2006 as an early entrant in the now-booming mid-sized crossover segment, is getting a major makeover and global push for 2015.

Chrysler Group named its former minivan chief engineer to head the automaker's product planning for North America.

Car-safety groups and a U.S. senator asked the Federal Trade Commission today to investigate CarMax for claims that it inspects its used cars even though it does not fix recalled vehicles.