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Pictures See all 16 pictures 27 Jun, 2014

News 29 May, 2014

Evolutionary look for new Skoda supermini exposed as the camouflage begins to come off

Pictures See all 5 pictures 29 May, 2014

News 29 May, 2014

Over 9,300 apply to buy one of the first European-spec Ford Mustang cars, with the initial 500 reserved in a mere 30 seconds

Daimler's Car2Go unit will withdraw from the UK tomorrow after the car-sharing business it runs with rental firm Europcar failed to gain traction in London.

-- The Internet's greatest man-crush of the moment, next to boyish rogue

If you own a classic car, you've probably browsed the eBays for some original dealership brochures for your car, or received them as a gift.

UK-based Automotive Insulations are specialists in the design and manufacture of acoustic and thermal insulation materials. Established in 1966, the company made parts for the original iconic Mini but went through challenging times when the MG Rover Group went into administration in 2005. However, a management buyout in 2006 signalled a turnaround in the company's direction and fortunes. As manufacturers of components that reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in vehicle engine bays, interiors, underbodies and exteriors, demand for their products remains strong as automakers increasingly seek quieter and lighter vehicles. Here, Matthew Beecham talked with MD Jim Griffin about the company's work in thermal and acoustic insulation.

Former GM CEO Dan Akerson says his successor, Mary Barra, didn't know about a deadly safety defect in GM small cars when she took the job in January.

PSA's Paris dealership dedicated to the upscale DS brand is much like a high-end French restaurant: cozy, understated but chic. PSA plans to replicate these traits around the world.

Tesla's bonds were assigned a B- rating, or 'junk' status from bond raters at Standard and Poor's. Companies are given junk-bond ratings when Wall Street determines there is an increased possibility of default.

Automotive News Europe salutes the winners of the 2014 Rising Stars awards. Every day through June 3 two of the 14 winners will be featured. The Rising Star for Human Resources is Gayla Cowie of Nissan.

Automotive News Europe honors the winners of the 2014 Rising Stars awards. Every day through June 3 a pair of the 14 winners will be featured. The Rising Star for General Management is Fiat's Steve Zanlunghi.

VW has released sketches of its eighth-generation Passat ahead of an official unveiling at the Paris auto show in October.

Luxury models from BMW and Mercedes earned top scores in front crash prevention with help from optional automatic braking systems, according to a new U.S.-based study.

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has ruled out winning the 2014 title.

Detailing a meeting with journalists this week, Ferrari officially quoted the Finnish driver as saying it will be "very difficult" to beat Mercedes this year, "but you never know".

Raikkonen, in fact, was on a sponsor visit to Norway, and what he told the major Aftenposten newspaper was slightly less optimistic.

When asked about the 2014 title, the 34-year-old answered: "It seems to be over. The Mercedes cars are too fast.

"We (Ferrari) want to be ahead, but my challenge on the championship seems to be over for the season," added Kimi Raikkonen.

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

He declined to talk about the high-profile spat between Mercedes' duelling title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

"I'm not interested in that," said Raikkonen. "I'm only interested in our own success and getting back to the top."

But he did comment on the new direction F1 has moved in, having switched from loud V8 engines to turbo and hybrid-powered V6s.

"From the driver's point of view, we want better grip and faster cars," said Raikkonen. "More horse power.

"Increasing the speed is difficult, but I think it would make the races more interesting and exciting.

"But we don't make up the rules ourselves, so we need to do the best we can with these cars," he added.

Meanwhile, the Ferrari website quoted Raikkonen as saying that although he would "like" to do some more rallying, "for now I'm completely focused on formula one".

Speaking to reporters in Monaco last weekend, he had said: "The problem is obviously people are more scared that you get hurt so they try to limit everything that you do.

"It's a shame because I think it would be more fun for everybody and all sports would also benefit from it, and F1."

I've had a soft spot for the 5 Series for years. There's something gloriously harmonious about the 5 lineup of vehicles from BMW. Not as hotel-like and massive as the 7 Series, but just as fun-to-drive and responsive as the 3 Series, the 5 sits squarely in the middle with the best of both worlds resting on its four wheels.

Now, as if the 5 Series didn't offer enough from the 528 up to the glorious M5, the new 535d adds a dimension I've been longing for behind the wheel of a 5er: diesel torque. Is it the best BMW in the lineup? Perhaps not the best, but it's damn close.


What is a BMW 535d xDrive?
Besides the 3 Series, the 5 is one of BMW's most popular car model lines. Why? Because it offers a pleasant blend of everything one might be looking for in a luxury midsize sedan. Around since the early ‘70s, the 5 Series is now in its sixth generation. From all-wheel drive to turbo engines to hybrids and even a Gran Turismo (GT) wagon-like version, the 5 Series has had many personalities over the years.

2014 BMW 535d xDrive Price and Specs
While the base 528i sedan starts at $54,600 the larger engines across the lineup mean larger price tags, with the 535d sitting at a starting price of just below $70k. With a host of packages and extras on my tester including a Premium Package ($4,200), Technology Package ($4,500), as well as Comfort Seats ($1,500), the final price of my particular Dark Graphite Metallic and Ivory Nappa Leather (stunning) 535d xDrive was a staggering $81,100. They say there's money in oil, well apparently it costs to burn it, too -- in more ways than one.

What I wouldn't lament spending that kind of coin over, however, is the engine nestled beneath the long snout of the 2014 BMW 535d. BMW's inline-6 engines are just fantastic, and this turbo diesel unit is no exception. Spitting out 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, the 535d goes like the dickens when prompted. Of course, the xDrive badge means you also get BMW's excellent all-wheel drive.

Driving the 2014 BMW 535d xDrive
If you hadn't caught on already, I quite like driving the 535d. Not only can it be exceptionally comfortable (especially when left in Comfort mode), but it can also tighten up in an instant (with the press of the Sport+ button) to offer a dynamic, sharp romp behind the wheel that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear and not burning gobs of fuel as you would have in a gas-powered version.

Yes, the 535d xDrive feels heavy at times, but is taught and maneuverable under the right conditions. Body roll is nearly nil as the 535d hunkers down in corners and pulls out beautifully with gobs of diesel-driven torque. With the aforementioned Sport+ activated everything comes to life from throttle response to steering input and suspension. BMW's 8-speed automatic handles power well, and shifts can be manipulated manually via steering wheel mounted paddles.

Smooth and sophisticated when it has to be, the 2014 BMW 535d xDrive might sound a bit like a tractor from the outside, but once inside, sound-deadening materials quickly mask any unpleasant auditory diesel-ness

Auto start-stop and an Eco mode also feature BMW's Efficient Dynamics energy recovering system and make for even bigger savings at the pumps. With close to 850km on the gauge cluster by the end of the week, I'd just crossed over the 7L/100 km mark with a combination of city and highway driving (and not with a light foot).

Inside and Out of the 2014 BMW 535d xDrive
This is a seriously handsome automobile. Manly in the best way possible, the 535d looks a bit like a well-tailored Armani suit amongst a host of lesser brands when parked next to other luxury sedans in a lot. BMW's new design language is stellar, and I especially like the pointed front fascia complete with kidney grille, and hawkeye headlights with LEDs and the signature angel eyes.

Inside, my tester's Ivory Nappa Leather interior was stunning to behold, but far from practical. I always love the light colour combo with a dark exterior tone, but the light carpets get instantly dirty (as do doorsills) that I can't imagine having to live with it and not turn completely OCD about it all.

As for space, well the 535d has plenty of that, which is part of its appeal. The back seat is spacious to say the least, and included in the Premium Package featured rear sun shades all around -- perfect for my son on a sunny spring day.

Comparing the 2014 BMW 535d xDrive
Diesel is quickly becoming less of a dirty word here in North America, but competition remains limited when it comes to luxury midsize sedans that offer a diesel option. Of course, there's the Mercedes E 250 Bluetec and Audi's A6 TDI, but essentially that's it.

From GMM

It appears Gene Haas will not have a formula one team on next year's grid.

As recently as last week, it was reported that the Nascar team co-owner's 'plan A' was to debut with a Gunther Steiner-led, North Carolina-based F1 team in 2015.

At the same time, Haas was trying to put together a 200-strong workforce.

"There are many interested parties," a source told Auto Motor und Sport last week, "but we can only hire people when we know who our engine partner is."

At the Indianapolis 500 last weekend, Haas told motorsport.com that plans to use Ferrari technology are on track. "We haven't exactly signed a formal contract (with Ferrari) but we're pretty close," he said.

And he met with likely chassis maker Dallara during the Indianapolis visit.

"They all can do it, they all want to do it, they're all very interested in helping us," said Gene Haas.

He hinted, however, that time is running out to be ready for 2015.

"I think they are looking at it as a good long-time partnership but it just comes down to you have to order things and it takes time to order things and get things scheduled. It just seems that it's taking longer to accomplish what we wanted to do than we thought," Haas added.

The latest news is that Haas has apparently now decided to target a 2016 debut rather than rush onto next year's grid.

"It's already June," he said, "so it's just seven months away and the timing issues are starting to get real crazy."

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton should consider apologizing to Nico Rosberg in the wake of the Monaco grand prix.

That is the claim of double world champion Mika Hakkinen, having already denounced Briton Hamilton's "sub-standard behaviour" in the Principality last weekend.

"I appreciate Nico's patience in this situation," Hakkinen was quoted by Finland's Ilta Sanomat newspaper.

"I do not like the idea of what Lewis did," he added, referring to Hamilton's accusations of sabotage and his refusal to congratulate or even look at new championship leader Rosberg after his back-to-back Monaco win.

Now, Hakkinen is not sure even time can ease the tension between the two Mercedes drivers.

"It's hard to tell if something is going to change significantly," he is quoted in his latest Hermes column.

"I don't know if Lewis would even consider apologizing for his behaviour. It is a very individual thing.

"But in my opinion, one of the characteristics of a good winner is that he also knows how to lose," Hakkinen added.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG W05. (Photo: WRi2)

The former McLaren driver, who retired in 2001 and is now 45, was at the grand prix last weekend, where Hamilton suspected Rosberg deliberately ruined his qualifying lap.

Hakkinen is not so sure.

"To me it is clear he locked his brakes at Mirabeau," said the Finn. "It is downhill there with nasty bumps and so making a mistake is easy to do.

"Nico is an honest guy," Mika Hakkinen added, "but you can also see on the computer very precisely where he hit the brakes."

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has had a heartening couple of days in court this week.

The latest witness to appear in Munich for F1 chief executive's bribery trial was a former colleague of the jailed Gerhard Gribkowsky.

Gribkowsky's credibility is a crucial element of the proceedings, as the former BayernLB risk officer was jailed for receiving Ecclestone's $44 million, allegedly as a bribe to influence the sale of F1's commercial rights.

A BayernLB colleague, however, described some of what Gribkowsky routinely said as coming from "the fantasy world". DPA news agency said the witness worked closely on F1 matters with Gribkowsky.

The witness recalled a dinner at which Gribkowsky apparently declared: "I feel as though he (Ecclestone) sees me as an adopted son and wants to groom me as his formula one successor".

Another Gribkowsky tale told of an Ecclestone suitcase filled with $20 million, although subsequent calculations showed that it is impossible to fit that amount of cash in a suitcase.

The BayernLB colleague explained: "Dr Gribkowsky sometimes had days when he told such things. These were the days that I had to switch off."