Auto News 5

The first few replicas of the hot new Ferrari LaFerrari are currently entering production in China and are expected to hit the market pretty soon. Using a Toyota Camry engine, these models will be sold at a much cheaper price than the original: $20,000 USD.

The real, exclusive Ferrari LaFerrari, which made its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show as the Italian automaker's first hybrid car, is reserved for just 499 customers.

Source : inautonews.com

Photo: Ferrari

Toyota Canada has announced recalls on the 2004-2011 Sienna minivan, 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs, and 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan.

On 82,381 Toyota Siennas operated where road salts are frequently used, corrosion of the spare tire carrier assembly cable may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the vehicle. Dealers will replace the spare tire carrier assembly when parts become available.

Note: This recall supersedes recall 2010-123. Vehicles that were inspected and/or repaired under the previous recall may still be at risk of spare tire separation and will require re-inspection and/or repair.

Meanwhile, some 4,000 Highlanders may suffer from a defect in the programming of the occupant classification system that could limit the seat belt's ability to protect front passenger seat occupants during a crash. Dealers will therefore reprogram the occupant classification module.

Finally, on 463 Lexus GS 350 sedans, the brake pedal load sensing switch could fail. This would cause the brake warning light to illuminate and the brakes to activate while driving. In this case, dealers will replace the brake pedal assembly.

Source: Transport Canada

General Motors plans to launch a new Belt Assurance System to help ensure the driver and front passenger buckle up before hitting the road. It simply does not allow shifting from “park” until the left and right front seat belts are buckled.

GM has said that the Belt Assurance System will be available at no cost on select fleet vehicles later this year. No word yet on mainstream vehicles.

Source : auto.lapresse.ca

From GMM

Honda has an advantage in being able to concentrate exclusively on 2015.

That is the claim of Andy Cowell, who is the engine boss for F1's dominant Mercedes team.

This year, the German marque is fighting for title spoils against only Renault and Ferrari, but Japanese carmaker Honda is returning to the fray in 2015 as McLaren's works partner.

"There are pros and cons (for Honda)," said Cowell.

He is referring to the fact that Honda is missing from the grid in 2014, the very first season of the all-new turbo V6 era.

"Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes have the experience of winter testing and the grands prix this year," Cowell told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"We know based on facts what the issues are and how to solve them. Honda can only watch," he said.

"On the other hand, we face a challenge in that we are continuing to develop the current engine in the context of what is allowed, and simultaneously we need to prepare for the 2015 homologation next February," Andy Cowell explained.

"So Honda has the advantage of being able to learn through photos and analysing the performance of the engines whilst concentrating fully on 2015," he said.

"They are gaining knowledge free of charge, but not in the depth of the three (existing) manufacturers," added Andy Cowell.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

From GMM

Sochi could be the next night race on the F1 calendar.

Despite the unfolding Crimean crisis, tickets for the inaugural Russian grand prix in October have are now on sale.

And for the future, promoter Sergey Vorobyov said the plan is to hold the race under floodlights.

"On the night race, yes. (Bernie) Ecclestone was in Sochi to make sure that the night-time is very beautiful," he told Ria Novosti news agency.

"The idea is technically difficult for the first year (2014), which will definitely be a day race," said Sergey Vorobyov.

"A night race has high costs that must first be calculated. But we like it (the night race concept), and I think that sooner or later it will come," he added.

Olympic fireworks in Sochi. (Photo: Formula Sochi)

Here are 8 interesting details Formula 1 fans must know about the Canadian Grand Prix held this weekend in Montreal.

1
The first Canadian Grand Prix was held in 1967 at Mosport Park near Toronto, and was won by Jack Brabham, driving a Brabham-Repco.

Jack Brabham, Brabham-Repco. (Photo: WRi2)

2
The Gilles Villeneuve circuit was the scene of Robert Kubica's terrible and frightening crash in 2007 in his BMW Sauber.

3
Ferrari and McLaren have won the Canadian race 18 times each. The next best team is Williams with 7 wins.

4
The first race to be held in Montreal in October 1978 saw Gilles Villeneuve take the win - his first in Formula 1 - in his Ferrari 312 T3.

Gilles Villeneuve, Ferrari 312 T3. (Photo: WRi2)

5
The winningest driver is Michael Schumacher with 7 wins, followed by Nelson Piquet and Lewis Hamilton with 3 victories each.

6
Five drivers have taken a debut win in Montreal: Gilles Villeneuve (1978), Thierry Boutsen (1989), Jean Alesi (1995), Lewis Hamilton (2007) and Robert Kubica (2008).

Jean Alesi in 1995. (Photo: WRi2)

7
In 2005, the Canadian Grand Prix was the third-most watched sporting event in the world with 51 million viewers, just behind the Super Bowl and the UEFA Champions League.

8
The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix was the longest-ever Formula 1 race in 4h04m39.54 because of a downpour. Jenson Button eventually won the race by beating Sebastian Vettel.

Jenson Button, McLaren, 2011. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Michael Schumacher's manager has dismissed the latest round of speculation about the F1 legend.

Media reports in Spain last week quoted Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's manager, as saying the seven time world champion was now able to "interact" with his "immediate surroundings".

The news follows more than a 150-day coma for the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver, following his skiing fall just after Christmas.

But Kehm told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I have never spoken with these journalists, and we have not issued any statement about Michael's health condition."

However, some believe the speculation about Schumacher's condition is only being fuelled by the complete lack of official information from his family and management.

Roger Benoit, a respected and long-serving member of the F1 corps, wrote in Blick newspaper: "Slowly, everybody is really worried. Grenoble and the family have been silent for weeks. Why?"

Michael Schumacher. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Also critical of the Schumacher camp's media strategy is Gary Hartstein, the former F1 doctor.

He fears the worst.

"I can conceive of no possible reason that Michael's entourage, understandably extremely protective of his and their privacy, would not tell his fans if significantly good things have happened," Hartstein wrote on his blog.

He said that, almost six months into a coma of Schumacher's magnitude, "only a tiny, tiny fraction" of patients ever regain consciousness.

Dr Hartstein added: "I'm quite afraid, and virtually certain, we will never have any good news about Michael. At this point, I rather dread seeing that the family has put out a press release."

From GMM

Stefano Domenicali says his heart will "always be red".

Red, of course, is the colour of Ferrari, the fabled Italian marque he represented for more than two decades.

But Domenicali, 49, left the Maranello team earlier this year, with poor results in the all-new turbo V6 era triggering the arrival of Marco Mattiacci.

Domenicali has been laying low since his exit, but he resurfaced at the weekend at Mugello, for the Italian round of MotoGP.

"Ferrari? My heart will always be red," Italian reports quote him as saying.

Also at Mugello on Sunday was Ferrari's lead driver Fernando Alonso.

"It is my first time not just at a MotoGP race, but any motorcycle race," Alonso, who arrived in a red Ferrari F12, told Spain's Marca newspaper.

The Spaniard also spoke about Ferrari's flagging fortunes in 2014.

"We have to improve step by step -- we cannot do quantum leaps," Alonso is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We need to set the objective of creating a solid foundation not only for this year but for the future as well."

From GMM

F1 looks set to abolish the troublesome Gill fuel flow sensor.

Earlier this season, the sensor was at the centre of Daniel Ricciardo's disputed Melbourne disqualification, with Red Bull arguing it was unreliable and inaccurate.

Now, the specialist magazine Racecar Engineering reports in its latest issue that an alternative sensor "is in the final stages of development", and could even make its debut later in 2014.

The new sensor is reportedly being developed by a company called Sentronics, with the involvement of Hyspeed, who initially worked with Gill on the current F1 sensor.

The Gill-Hyspeed collaboration, however, ended last year, leaving Hyspeed to start work on the new solution.

"We remain convinced that the ultrasonic time-of-flight principle is the best way of measuring fuel flow on board a race car," said managing director Neville Meech, who formerly worked for Gill.

He said the Sentronics sensor, called the 'Flowsonic', is a "compact and robust unit with the minimum of materials and parts, and hence less to go wrong".

It also weighs just 250 grams, half the maximum permitted by the FIA, Racecar Engineering added.

From wec.com

FIA World Endurance Championship leader Toyota Racing has thrown down the gauntlet to rivals Audi and Porsche ahead of the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans by setting the top two fastest laps at today's one-day Official Test.

The No. 8 TS040 Hybrid of Sébastien Buemi posted a lap of 3m23.014 in the second of two 4-hour test sessions, 0.7 seconds quicker than the quickest time in the morning set by the No. 3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Buemi's time was just 0.142s faster than the No. 7 Toyota of Kazuki Nakajima.

Toyota TS040. (Photo: WRi2)

The No. 3 Audi finished the day with the third quickest time thanks to the 3m23.799 set in the morning, with Marco Bonanomi posting a 3m24.453 lap in the second session, exactly the same time as teammate Loïc Duval in No. 1 Audi.

The two LMP1-H Porsches were split by the No. 2 Audi of André Lotterer, just 0.065s behind the No. 14 919 hybrid of Neel Jani, who posted a 3m24.692 lap. Jani was 0.2s faster than team mate Timo Bernard in the No. 20 Porsche.

The No. 12 Rebellion R-One LMP1-L class car was 1.3 seconds ahead of the no13 R-One at the end of the day, with Mathias Beche posting a 3m31.700 lap, 8.6s behind the lead Toyota on the 13.629km long Le Mans circuit.

Like Toyota, the LMP2 championship leader G-Drive Racing got its Le Mans challenge off to a great start with Roman Rusinov in the No. 26 Morgan-Nissan posting the quickest lap in the class with a 3m37.795 lap, 0.3s faster than the No. 48 Murphy Prototypes Oreca Nissan and a futher 0.8s ahead of the No. 36 Signatech Alpine.

Morgan-Nissan, G-Drive. (Photo: WRi2)

The No. 47 KCMG Oreca was the second quickest of the five LMP2 runners entered from the FIA WEC, posting the 5th fastest time in LMP2 but just 1.68s behind the time set by Rusinov in the G-Drive Racing Morgan.

After Ferrari dominated the morning test session it was Porsche that topped the times at the end of the day, with Fred Makowiecki setting a 3m57.260 lap to top the time sheets, 3 seconds quicker than the best time set by the No. 92 Team Manthey Porsche in the morning.

Porsche 911, RSR. (Photo: WRi2)

It was a bitter sweet afternoon for the Porsche team as the No. 91 911 was forced to miss the afternoon session after Jorg Bergmeister's car flew across the gravel trap at the final corner earlier in the day.

The leading Ferrari was not a LMGTE Pro class car but the LMGTE Am 8 Star Motorsports 458 of Paolo Ruberti, the Italian posting the second fastest time across the whole of the two LMGTE classes with a 3m57.403, just 0.143s behind Makowieki's LMGTE Pro spec Porsche and ahead of the works Ferraris run by AF Corse, the No. 51 AF Corse Ferrari of Giancarlo Fisichella finishing 0.08s behind Ruberti's 458.

Nissan Zeod RC. (Photo: WRi2)

1 - Davidson-Lapierre-Buemi (Toyota TS040 Hybrid) - Toyota - 3m23.014
2 - Wurz-Sarrazin-Nakajima (Toyota TS040 Hybrid) - Toyota - 3m23.156
3 - Bonanomi-Albuquerque (Audi R18 e-tron) - Audi - 3m24.453
3 - Di Grassi-Duval-Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron) - Audi - 3m24.453
5 - Dumas-Jani-Lieb (Porsche 919 Hybrid) - Porsche - 3m24.692
6 - Fassler-Lotterer-Treluyer (Audi R18 e-tron) - Audi - 3m24.757
7 - Bernhard-Webber-Hartley (Porsche 919 Hybrid) - Porsche - 3m24.911
8 - Prost-Heidfeld-Beche (Rebellion R One-Toyota) - Rebellion - 3m31.700
9 - Belicchi-Leimer-Krahamer (Rebellion R One-Toyota) - Rebellion - 3m33.043
10 - Rusinov-Pla-Canal (Morgan-Nissan) - G Drive - 3m37.795 (1st LMP2)
11 - Berthon-Kapadia-Gonzalez-Chandock (Oreca 03-Nissan) - Murphy Prototipes - 3m38.286
12 - Chatin-Webb-Panciatici (Alpine A450-Nissan) - Signatech - 3m39.026
13 - Brundle-Mardenborough-Shulzhitsky (Ligier JS P2-Nissan) - OAK - 3m39.191
14 - Howson-Bradley-Imperatori (Oreca 03-Nissan) - KCMG - 3m39.475
15 - Frey-Mailleux-Lancaster (Oreca 03-Nissan) - Race Performance - 3m39.568
16 - Dolan-Tincknell-Gené (Zytek Z11SN-Nissan) - Jota - 3m39.849
17 - Capillaire-Rast-Charouz-Vanthoor (Oreca 03-Nissan) - Loeb Racing - 3m40.171
18 - Thiriet-Badey-Gommendy (Ligier JS P2-Nissan) - Thiriet By TDS - 3m40.908
19 - Ladygin-Minassian-Mediani (Oreca 03-Nissan) - SMP - 3m41.033
20 - Kimber Smith-Dyson-McMurry (Zytek Z11SN-Nissan) - Caterham - 3m41.086
21 - Klien-Hirsch-Brandela (Morgan-Judd) - Newblood By Morand - 3m41.656
22 - Schell-Leutwiller-Roussel (Morgan-Nissan) - Pegasus - 3m43.156
23 - Munemman-Latif-Winslow-Norris Jones (Zytek Z11SN-Nissan) - Graves - 3m43.261
24 - Ladygin-Zlobin-Salo (Oreca 03-Nissan) - SMP - 3m43.499
25 - Ragues-Taylor-Ihara (Morgan-Judd) - Larbre Competition - 3m43.924
26 - Cheng-Tung-Fong (Ligier JS P2-HPD) - OAK - 3m45.260
27 - Reip-Erdos (Nissan Zeod RC) - Nissan - 3m54.145
28 - Holzer-Makowiecki-Lietz (Porsche 911) - Manthey - 3m57.260 (1st GTE Pro)
29 - Ruberti-Montecalvo-Roda (Ferrari 458) - 8 Star - 3m57.403 (1st GTEAm)
30 - Bruni-Vilander-Fisichella (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 3m57.483
31 - Bertolini-Shaitar-Basov (Ferrari 458) - SMP - 3m57.569
32 - Griffin-Parente-Leo (Ferrari 458) - RAM - 3m57.933
33 - Gavin-Milner-Westbrook (Chevrolet Corvette C7) - Corvette - 3m58.403
34 - Perez Companc-Cioci-Venturi (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 3m58.440
35 - Mann-Giammaria (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 3m58.565
36 - Rigon-Calado-Beretta (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 3m58.905
37 - Wyatt-Rugolo-Bird (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 3m58.917
38 - Magnussen-Garcia-Taylor (Chevrolet Corvette C7) - Corvette - 3m59.192
39 - Barthez-Pons-Ayari (Ferrari 458) - Sofrev ASP - 3m59.246
40 - Mowlew-Hamilton (Ferrari 458) - RAM - 3m59.248
41 - Ried-Alqubaisi-Bachler-Long (Porsche 911 RSR) - Proton - 3m59.413
42 - Turner-Mucke-Senna (Aston Martin Vantage) - Aston Martin - 3m59.561
43 - Perrodo-Collard (Porsche 911 GT3-RSR) - Prospeed - 3m59.601
44 - Poulsen-Hansson-Thiim (Aston Martin Vantage) - Aston Martin - 3m59.903
45 - Dempsey-Foster-Bachler-Long (Porsche 911 RSR) - Dempsey -3m59.966
46 - MacDowall-OmYoung-Rees (Aston Martin Vantage) - Aston Martin - 3m59.996
47 - Alfaisal-Neiman-Pumpelly (Ferrari 458) - JMW - 4m00.458
48 - Dalla Lana-Lamy-Nygaard (Aston Martin Vantage) - Aston Martin - 4m00.571
49 - Pilet-Bergmeister-Tandy (Porsche 911) - Manthey - 4m00.846
50 - Maris-Helary (Porsche 911 GT3-RSR) - Imsa - 4m02.292
51 - Rich-Nakano-Matschull (Ferrari 458) - Taisan - 4m02.499
52 - Narac-Armindo-Hallyday (Porsche 911 GT3-RSR) - Imsa - 4m05.075
53 - Cameron (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 4m08.608
54 - Mallegol-Blank-Bachelier (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 4m12.276

From GMM

Fourteen years on, little has changed between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, according to their former karting boss.

In 2000, the pair were teammates at mbm.com, the kart team sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, mbm.com karting team (Photo: Sebastien Blin)

It was run by Dino Chiesa, who told Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper on Sunday: "On his fast lap, Lewis was always a little faster than Nico. He knew it well and he knows it today.

"But Rosberg has always worked harder. He (Rosberg) has always done the dirty work -- the setup, working with the mechanics and the engineers.

"Lewis has never worked as hard as Nico behind the scenes," said Chiesa, when asked about the past in the context of the pair's massive falling-out as they battle for the world championship in 2014 as Mercedes teammates.

"One of them has the talent, the other is fast but is more of a thinker. And then Lewis cuts a piece of Nico's cake and sells it as his own."

Chiesa said Briton Hamilton and German Rosberg also got up to their 'psychological games' in karts all those years ago.

"Yes, but of course on a different scale," he revealed. "At the time I was the team manager, but I was also like a counsellor or a father.

"I remember some angry phone calls from the hotel reception. Sometimes they had destroyed the room. It started with a thrown cushion, then a blanket, then the mattress was out on the street.

"It was all fun except that I always paid the bill at the end," he laughed.

Lewis Hamilton, mbm.com karting (Photo: Sebastien Blin)

Chiesa said Monaco 2014, however, was slightly different.

"Lewis behaved a bit like a young, angry Italian," he surmised. "Nothing is ever his fault. He always thinks others are out to hurt him.

"But you have to understand this is a German team with a German driver who has been there for three years already. It feels to Lewis as if the team is a bit more friendly to Nico. It's normal."

Chiesa said he still talks regularly to Rosberg, but not to Hamilton.

"It is difficult to get to him," he said. "His management is not very helpful. It may be good for a Hollywood star, but not for a formula one driver. These people give the impression of him being a superstar.

"But a motor sport race is not a show, it's hard work. So I think it's right that Niki Lauda brought him back down to earth," said Chiesa, perhaps referring to Hamilton's smaller entourage and apparently clearer focus in 2014.

Meanwhile, former F1 driver Alex Zanardi has tipped Hamilton to beat Rosberg to the title this year.

"I only want to say one thing about their rivalry," the Italian is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Nico is a very strong driver, but Lewis is a champion."

From nascar.com

It came as little surprise that Jimmie Johnson was able to dominate the field Sunday at Dover International Speedway, a track where he has won nine NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, more than any driver in NASCAR history.

What was stunning was Johnson's public revelation that he'd had hernia surgery in December, a procedure which might have contributed to his slow start.

"It wasn't supposed to be a secret," said Johnson, whose surgery came to light during a recorded interview with FOX that aired during the race. "The hernia surgery was, literally, right after the banquet. I'm surprised nobody knew about this thing sooner."

Johnson said he had bilateral hernias (one on each side) as well as a third in the "belly button area," repaired laparoscopically and was back in training 10 days after the procedure.

Johnson, who says Dover's high-banked mile track "suits his style," led 272 of the final 319 miles on his way to victory in Sunday's FedEx 400 presented by Autism Speaks.

Jimmie Johnson and his daughter Genevieve Marie look at the Miles The Monster Trophy. (Photo: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)

At the last restart, Johnson was able to pull away from Brad Keselowski and Matt Kenseth, who was so slow on the restart that Clint Bowyer attempted to push him from behind.

Keselowski finished second, followed by Kenseth, Bowyer and Denny Hamlin.

NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings:
1. Matt Kenseth, 463 points
2. Jeff Gordon, 461
3. Carl Edwards, 438
4. Jimmie Johnson, 436
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 429

From GMM

F1's new turbo era is "far too expensive", according to Williams co-founder and former technical boss Patrick Head.

The 67-year-old Briton told the BBC he thinks the sport has taken a wrong turn in focusing too much on road-relevant hybrid technology.

"I think it should be more about the drivers and more about entertainment on the track," said Head.

"The road car people are doing a perfectly good job on hybrid anyway at the moment. I'm not sure that it needs formula one to demonstrate hybrid technology," he added.

And he thinks the main problem is the cost of the engines to the teams.

The Mercedes engine. (Photo: WRi2)

"You could produce 800 horse power for 2 million euros a team each year. I think the teams are having to pay about ten times that amount," said Head.

"It's a very expensive way of powering formula one cars. I think the engines are fascinating pieces of kit, but I think they are far too expensive for what they are supposed to be doing."

With a similar view is former F1 team boss Flavio Briatore, who said F1 began to turn the wrong corner due to the disproportionate influence of engineers.

"Is it realistic to design seventy different wings in one season?" he is quoted by Italy's La Stampa.

"Just so these engineers can come to orgasm?

"Unfortunately, with the abolition of FOTA, a free hand was given to people with no sense of proportion," said Flavio Briatore.

Barely 6 months into 2014 and we've already been driving some 2015MY cars for the past 9 months.

2015 is gearing up to be another year filled with new and very cool cars. A number of reviewed 2015s slotted themselves as some of our faves. More are certainly to come, but this is where we stand at the moment.

Here are 10 of our favorite or most anticipated 2015 cars:

Jeep Renegade
Not driven. Truly cool. Makes the Compass and Patriot really look like sad, old-people Jeeps. Unfortunately (for me), will likely be a girlie car...

Photo: Jeep

Continue reading 2015 Cars You Should Keep an Eye On

Mazda Canada is recalling 20,531 Tribute SUVs from the 2008-2011 model years due to a possible fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the driver. This would unexpectedly increase the steering effort necessary to steer the Tribute at lower speeds, thus increasing the risk of a crash.

Mazda dealers will reprogram the EPS controller with updated software. In the event that an EPS fault occurs, this updated software would allow for continued EPS function while displaying visual and audible warnings to the driver until the end of the drive cycle.

Source: Transport Canada

We live in a world of excess. Most of us live way beyond our means. Why? Because we're lead to believe that if we don't we'll be missing out on some integral part of what it means to “live.” Well, I've got news for you; those Lois jeans are just as good as the Seven for Mankind jeans you splurged on the other day. They're both jeans, and they'll both wear out eventually and need replacing. Only difference is your wallet will appreciate the Lois replacement more.

What I'm saying is that Hyundai, and more specifically their Accent, is more than enough “car” to satisfy the average-earning, discerning and wise car buyer. It's not excessive in any way, but it does offer precisely what one looks for in a car. What more could you really want/need?


What is a Hyundai Accent?
Closing in on 20 years on the market, the Hyundai Accent is an affordable compact car with a small, fuel-efficient engine and very few bells and whistles. It's the entry-level Hyundai. While it started as a truly barebones vehicle, the Accent has evolved into a great daily commuter that's comfortable and well appointed for everyday needs.

Now in its fourth generation, the Hyundai Accent looks the part and fits in well with the myriad of compact cars it stacks up against.

2014 Hyundai Accent GLS Price and Specs
Even in its highest trim level (GLS) with an automatic transmission, the starting price of the 2014 Hyundai Accent is still sub-$20,000. That's impressive and one of the car's most attractive features. Again, this isn't about excess or overdoing it, this is about Hyundai offering precisely what a buyer needs from a car to get them from point A to point B without chewing a massive hole in their bank account at the same time.

The base 2014 Hyundai Accent L with a 6-speed manual transmission starts at just $13,899. And with no extras or add-ons you get 4-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, power door locks, USB and iPod hook-ups, driver's seat height adjustment, and a nifty little rear spoiler.

No matter which of the five Hyundai Accents you choose from the lineup, you'll drive away with the 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder engine good for 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. Consider for a moment that the Mits Mirage (just $1,000 less than the base Accent, by the way) has nearly 70 horsepower and 50 torques less, and the Accent's numbers seem positively racecar-like.

That power is handled either via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, and travels out the front wheels only.

Driving the 2014 Hyundai Accent
I like driving the Accent. It's not exciting or thrilling. It won't leave you with an adrenaline rush or shaky hands. There's no overly loud exhaust or growly engine. It handles normally, feels generic on most road surfaces, and accelerates OK. And that's all just right.

That's the thing about the 2014 Hyundai Accent; it's not bad at anything, truthfully. Everything is just right, just enough, and just what the average consumer will look for. It does its job as it should; no more no less.

I love the Accent's nimbleness in parking lots, and how solid it manages to feel on the highway at high speeds, despite its small size (big trucks be damned). There's plenty of visibility and the driving position is great, too.

Driving the 6-speed automatic transmission meant relaxed traffic driving without a sore left ankle, and proved the Hyundai Accent's city-dwelling prowess.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Hyundai Accent
Redesigned and launched for 2011, the Accent's new look is a breath of fresh air from the Korean company's then previous design cues. With a young flare, the 5-door Accent is undoubtedly the more attractive when compared to the sedan version. The stubby hatchback features a roof-mounted spoiler and large, expressive taillights. Assertive bodylines and front and rear bumpers ensure the Hyundai Accent's attitude is almost palpable. This little hatch has character, and no longer blends into the highway scenery.

Inside, the character continues. Hyundai prides itself on giving lots for a little, and that's precisely the case with the Accent. The car's price tag belies the amenities hidden within from Bluetooth to heated seats, and active ECO system and auto temp controls.

While not excessively plush, seating is comfortable in the 2014 Hyundai Accent, and there is more than enough room on the rear bench for a toddler seat and another adult passenger. The trunk is spacious and the hatch makes for easy loading and unloading.

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Accent
The compact segment is a feisty one with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio and Chevy Sonic amongst others. While others may appeal to the excessive culture we harbor in today's society, the Hyundai Accent plays nicely into “enough and just right” to continue to attract buyers, and rightfully so.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has admitted his 2014 troubles are far from over.

The world champion said that even if his run of poor reliability ends soon, Renault's early-season crisis will come home to roost later in 2014.

That is because of the tighter-than-ever longlife engine rules, where drivers may only use five individual V6 engines, turbos, electric motors, batteries and control units in a single season without penalty.

The German and his Red Bull will begin tumbling down the grid once that allocation is exhausted.

Based on his list of component changes so far, Vettel told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "It is easy to calculate that I will not have enough" for the entire 19-race calendar.

Renault engine installed in the Red Bull RB10. (Photo: WRi2)

Already, I've lost control of a number of my bodily functions as I walk the 2014 edition of the world famous Wörthersee Volkswagen grounds. The level of Volkswagen creamy goodness surrounding me is on a scale I've never experienced.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

I am a seasoned VW show veteran (Waterfest, Vagkraft [was the Great Canadian Bug Show]). I even have a few awards to show for all the work I've put into my MK2 Jettas, but Wörthersee is mind-blowingly insane.

A word to my loved ones (read: my cats): I may never return. Disrobing for maximum connection to the outrageously attractive vehicles around me has already found me in a load of trouble... But I digress.

Here's a sampling of what I've stumbled upon while navigating through the foolish amount of modded Volkswagens, Audis, Porsches, Seats, Skodas, and countless other hot models (not just cars, I might add).

The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada has published the complete schedule of its 45th edition, the 35th in Montreal, next June 6, 7 and 8.

Besides the 22 F1 teams' drivers travelling to Montreal for the seventh round of the 2014 World Championship, more than 135 drivers from the four support series added to the program will defy the now legendary Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit.

It should be reminded that the four support classes on the program of Canada's most important motorsports event are: the Ferrari Challenge, the Masters HGP, the CTCC and the Formula Tour 1600.

In addition to the F1 program, the free practice and qualifying sessions and the races of these support classes will entitle the spectators on site to enjoy near fourteen (14) hours of action on track.

FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2014
OFFICIAL SCHEDULE *

Thursday, June 5
9:00 am to 12:00 pm “Open House” Day Pit Lane opened to visitors

Friday, June 6
8:00 am Venue opens to the public
8:50 am to 9:10 am Ferrari Challenge (20 minutes) 1st Free Practice Session
10:00 am to 11:30 am Formula 1 (90 minutes) 1st Free Practice Session
11:55 am to 12:25 pm CTCC (30 minutes) Qualifying Session
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Formula 1 (90 minutes) 2nd Free Practice Session
3:55 pm to 4:15 pm Ferrari Challenge (20 minutes) 2nd Free Practice Session
4:30 pm to 5:00 pm CTCC (30 minutes) Qualifying Session
5:15 pm to 5:40 pm Masters HGP (25 minutes) Free Practice Session
6:00 pm to 6:30 pm Formula 1600 (30 minutes) Qualifying Session

Saturday, June 7
7:00 am Venue opens to the public
8:15 am to 8:45 am Ferrari Challenge (30 minutes) Qualifying Session
8:55 pm to 9:20 pm Masters HGP (25 minutes) Qualifying Session
10:00 am to 11:00 am Formula 1 (60 minutes) 3rd Free Practice Session
11:05 am to 11:15 am CTCC Grid Access and Formation Lap
11:15 am to 11:45 am CTCC (30 minutes) 1st Race
11:45 am CTCC Podium Presentation
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Formula 1 (60 minutes) Qualifying (22 for Q1, 16 for Q2, 10 for Q3)
2:20 pm to 2:30 pm Formula 1600 Grid Access and Formation Lap
2:30 pm to 3:00 pm Formula 1600 (30 minutes) 1st Race
3:00 pm Formula 1600 Podium Presentation
3:20 pm to 3:30 pm Ferrari Challenge Grid Access and Formation Lap
3:30 pm to 4:00 pm Ferrari Challenge (30 minutes) 1st Race
4:00 pm Ferrari Challenge Podium Presentation
4:20 pm to 4:30 pm CTCC Grid Access and Formation Lap
4:30 pm to 5:00 pm CTCC (30 minutes) 1st Race
5:00 pm CTCC Podium Presentation
5:20 pm to 5:30 pm Masters HGP Grid Access and Formation Lap
5:30 pm to 5:55 pm Masters HGP (25 minutes) 1st Race
6:00 pm Masters HGP Podium Presentation

Sunday, June 8
8:00 am Venue opens to the public
8:50 am to 9:00 am Formula 1600 Grid Access and Formation Lap
9:00 am to 9:30 am Formula 1600 (30 minutes) 2nd Race
9:30 am Formula 1600 Podium Presentation
9:50 am to 10:00 am Masters HGP Grid Access and Formation Lap
10:00 am to 10:25 am Masters HGP (25 minutes) 2nd Race
10:25 am Masters HGP Podium Presentation
10:50 am to 11:00 am Ferrari Challenge Grid Access and Formation Lap
11:00 am to 11:30 am Ferrari Challenge (30 minutes) 2nd Race
11:30 am Ferrari Challenge Podium Presentation
12:30 pm Formula 1 Drivers' Parade
12:45 pm Nations' Presentation
1:30 pm Formula 1 Pit Lane Opening and Grid Formation
1:45 pm Formula 1 Pit Lane Closing
2:00 pm FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 70 laps (excluding formation lap) or 2 hours

*This schedule is subject to change without notice.

Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said a good performance by its U.S. operations will be crucial for the success of the company's recently announced business plan.