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Fiat is said to be upgrading its Tychy factory in Poland to build the replacement for the Punto that will launch in 2016. The car will be a longer and wider version of the 500 three-door minicar, sources say.

Fiat will upgrade its Polish factory to build the Punto replacement, a report said. The new subcompact will launch in 2016 and could be named the 500 Plus, sources said.

What is it?

For the last 30 years or so, you could belly up to the service counter at Specter Off Road in scorching Chatsworth, Calif., deep in the Valley, underneath the red-and-white arrow that stretches the length of the squat stucco building.

Craig Breedlove, the land-speed racer who set records at over 400, 500 and 600 mph has a new race car on the drawing boards and is the feature of a couple other projects. We caught up with him recently in Los Angeles.

-- You don't see a Packard-powered hot rod very often, and we have to wonder why.

Pictures See all 4 pictures 8 May, 2014

Toyota forecast profit will fall from last year's record as demand slumps in Japan, competition intensifies in the United States and the yen is no longer the boon it used to be.

Toyota's settlement with the federal government over unintended-acceleration claims contributed to a 5 percent decline in fourth-quarter net income, but the automaker still achieved record full-year profits.

PSA's Carlos Tavares is aiming the company's Peugeot brand directly at Volkswagen Group's core VW unit as the CEO seeks to transform Peugeot into an upmarket volume manufacturer as part of a wider turnaround plan at the struggling French automaker.

Fiat Chrysler, a bit player in Asia, plans to boost local production and sales significantly in China and India through 2018.

From GMM

Mercedes is preparing to show off a louder engine note during post-race Spanish grand prix tests.

Early this week, team chief Toto Wolff revealed that one proposed solution to the turbo V6 sound 'problem' is a sort of "megaphone" addition to the exhaust.

Along with Ferrari and Renault, F1's three engine makers have been considering how to spice up the sound of F1 2014, after some spectators and promoters were shocked at the difference compared to the screaming V8s of 2013.

"The solutions range from very complex solutions within the exhaust system down to a simple megaphone at the back," Wolff is quoted by Kolner Express newspaper.

"The 'megaphone' is a parallel exhaust that simply opens up at the end, with all the problems that brings with it," the Austrian added.

Exhaust of the Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Insiders say Wolff is concerned that the solution will interrupt the thermal and aerodynamic integration between the 'power unit' and the current exhaust layout.

Nonetheless, he said that sound solutions will be tried on the W05 car at the post-race Barcelona test next week.

The news has been confirmed Thursday by Autosport magazine.

From Albatec

Davy Jeanney will fill the second Albatec Racing Peugeot 208 seat left vacant by Jacques Villeneuve at Lydden Hill's round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

With Jacques Villeneuve away contesting the Indy 500 that weekend, Jeanney will join Albatec Racing Team Principal Andy Scott at the Dumfries-based team's home event, the Autosport World RX of Great Britain, held over the weekend of May 24-25, aboard Villeneuve' No. 25 600bhp 2-litre, 16v Supercar.

During testing last year, the 2010 French Rallycross Champion greatly impressed the Albatec team, which considers the signing him.

Consistency is key in rallycross, not just outright speed, and the 28 year-old proved consistently to be among the favourites for race wins. 

He will join Albatec for its home event at the Kent track, a circuit he knows well and on which he's had considerable success, looking for a first outright win on the world stage.

Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer told Automotive News that the next-generation LEAF will offer much better range than the current 160 kilometres.

Palmer did not provide any specific number, but he said that EV batteries must deliver up to 300 kilometres for the cars to present an everyday alternative to the fuel-cell vehicles other automakers are developing.

In related news, Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, is expected to launch its first all-electric sedan in 2017. It will feature wireless inductive charging.

Source : autonews.com

Twenty-six-year-old Pierre Casiraghi, son of Caroline, Princess of Hanover and Hereditary Princess of Monaco, celebrated his debut in a real racing car in the Scirocco R-Cup in Hockenheim this past weekend.

He developed a love of sport and fast cars at a young age - after all, Casiraghi could watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco live on his doorstep each year.

The idea of inviting him to make his debut on the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup came from racing legend and Volkswagen ambassador Jacky Ickx.

Pierre Casiraghi. (Photo: VW Motorsport)

“I have known his mother, Princess Caroline, for years. His late father Stefano was also a good friend,” said Ickx.

“Pierre is very ambitious when it comes to sport. He competes in sailing races and is a keen parachutist. And on top of all that, he is a really nice guy. So I said to him: Pierre, the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup would be the perfect opportunity for you to discover the world of motorsport. No sooner said than done!”

Pierre Casiraghi owns several cars: “They are almost all old though, as I am a big fan of vintage and classic cars. They are mainly Italian, including an old Fiat 500. My only modern car is an Audi RS6.”

Pierre Casiraghi and Jacky Ickx. (Photo: VW Motorsport)

The rookie finished the first race in 22nd place and claimed 20th place in Race 2.

“I am so happy. That was a fantastic weekend. My first outing in the cockpit of a racing car was amazing fun, but also very tiring,”said Casiraghi.

“I am obviously pleased to have made it through the two races without any major incidents - minor contact and scratches aside. On Saturday I thanked Jacky Ickx and Stéphane Ortelli, who helped me a lot during preparations and here at the circuit. However, I would also like to say a big thank you to the drivers, mechanics and the entire Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup team for making a rookie like me feel so welcome.”

Ford recently launched a Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition coupe that will have a production run of 1,964 units as a tribute to the iconic muscle car's birth year.

That, however, doesn't include the one-off Ford Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition convertible that will soon enter a raffle, with all proceeds from ticket sales to be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The tickets cost $20 apiece and can be purchased at www.ford4ms.com or by calling 1-800-243-5767. Canadians can participate, as well.

This unique Ford Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition convertible will wear a badge on the instrument panel, engraved with the signature of Ford chairman Bill Ford and the serial number 0001 of 0001. It will also feature a 420-horsepower V8, Brembo brakes, 19'' wheels, and Pirelli P Zero tires.

The winner will be announced on August 16th at the 2014 Woodward Dream Cruise. He or she will have the choice between a manual or automatic transmission.

Source : ford4ms.com

Photo: Ford

From GMM

Red Bull has played down the significance of Sebastian Vettel getting a brand new chassis for this weekend's Spanish grand prix.

Just days after the reigning world champion struggled to match teammate Daniel Ricciardo's pace in China, Dr Helmut Marko said the team was looking into whether Vettel's RB10 - affectionately dubbed 'Suzie' by the German driver - was damaged.

"We don't understand why Vettel's tyre wear was so much higher than Ricciardo's," Marko said.

A few days later, he announced: "In Barcelona, Sebastian will have a new chassis, because sometimes even a small hairline crack can have large consequences.

"In 2012, Sebastian had problems compared with Mark Webber, but after a chassis change suddenly everything was much better and when he regained his confidence, he was almost unbeatable and won the title," Marko added.

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

However, chief designer Rob Marshall is now insisting that Vettel's chassis change was planned all along.

"Sebastian will get a new chassis for Barcelona," he confirmed, "which was scheduled at the start of the season and then the next one will be for Dan at some time around Silverstone."

In the interview posted on Red Bull's website, Marshall played down the likely benefit of Vettel's new chassis, insisting the change is more precautionary.

"It shouldn't be (a benefit), as the idea is that they are all the same," he said.

"From our point of view we'd rather give them one or two new chassis during the season that we have been able to check out in the factory using various testing methods," added Marshall.

Indeed, triple world champion Niki Lauda also seems to doubt that a chassis flaw has been Vettel's problem so far in 2014.

The Mercedes team chairman insists that Ricciardo is simply "an outstanding driver" who has adapted better than Vettel to the radical new regulations.

"Vettel adapted his driving style to the diffuser-type, on the throttle, hot air onto the diffuser, he was used to this for many years to make the best outstanding performance of his old car, so he is still hooked up to this old system," Lauda told the Mirror newspaper.

"The new guy comes in and does not know about this bullsh*t from the past and gets on with it."

But former McLaren and Ferrari driver Lauda tipped Vettel, the title winner for the past four seasons, to eventually catch up with Ricciardo.

"I have been in this situation (too) and Sebastian has to adapt his driving style to drive the car as well as Ricciardo does," he said.

Chevrolet's Corvette has never been closer to being a true supercar than it currently is, now in its 7th generation.

As if the arrival of the C7 Corvette was not news enough, as it coincided with the car's 60th anniversary in 2003, something happened earlier in 2014 where the home of Chevy's performance machine suffered some great losses...

Losses to the world of Corvette enthusiasts, that is. At 5:44 am on February 12th, 2014, a sinkhole occurred in the Skydome area of the National Corvette Museum (NCM).

Thankfully, no one was hurt. Sadly, eight Corvettes fell victim to the natural occurrence and some plummeted up to 60 feet deep into the sinkhole.

The Great Eight, as they're now referred to, are the following:

• 1993 ZR-1 Spyder on loan from General Motors
• 2009 ZR1 “Blue Devil” on loan from General Motors
• 1962 Black Corvette
• 1984 PPG Pace Car
• 1992 White 1 Millionth Corvette
• 1993 Ruby Red 40th Anniversary Corvette
• 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06 Corvette
• 2009 White 1.5 Millionth Corvette

I was recently on an event in Kentucky and took the time to make the trip out to Bowling Green to witness the damages for myself, as well as everything sexy and made out of fiberglass. As of this day, all cars have been fished out of the hole. Sadly, not all can be fixed.

Regardless, any and every car nut should take the time to visit the NCM and soak up the history and the impact that the Corvette has had on the North American landscape.

Check out my gallery. And if you're the sensitive type, don't stare at the broken ‘Vettes too much...

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone's bribery trial will step up a gear on Friday.

SID news agency reports that Gerhard Gribkowsky, the jailed former banker who the F1 supremo is alleged to have bribed to the tune of $44 million, will make his first appearance at Ecclestone's Munich trial as the star witness.

It is on the conflicting accounts of Gribkowsky and 83-year-old Ecclestone that the whole corruption scandal turns.

Gribkowsky, already serving an eight and a half year jail sentence for receiving Ecclestone's money, is expected to confirm prosecutors' claims that he was paid in order to influence the sale of F1's commercial rights and keep Ecclestone in power.

"The accusations are based on statements by Dr Gribkowsky that are incorrect, misleading and incoherent," Ecclestone said in an opening written statement to the court two weeks ago.

Briton Ecclestone, however, insists he only paid Gribkowsky because he was being blackmailed over his personal tax affairs in Britain.

"Many people have asked, 'How can you put someone like Bernie under pressure?'" Ecclestone's statement added. "You can, if you find the right lever. Dr Gribkowsky succeeded in finding it.

"It was clear to me he wanted money in any case under whatever headline," Ecclestone continued. "From today's perspective, this (paying him) may not have been a rational decision. But at the time, I thought 'This man is dangerous'."

Gerhard Gribkowsky is one of almost 40 witnesses who will also testify in the 26-day trial, the news agency added.

There may be no such thing as a perfect car, but the new 2014 Ford Escape SE comes close by checking all the necessary boxes when it comes to buying a compact SUV.


What is a Ford Escape?
The Ford Escape first appeared in 2000, as a 2001 model year priced below the Explorer and immediately proved itself popular with buyers. As Ford owned a controlling interest in Mazda at the time, the Escape was similar in many ways to the Mazda Tribute and shared several of its components. A second generation came along in 2008 and various interesting versions started appearing in this form, including a plug-in Hybrid model.

A total redesign took place in 2013 which propelled Ford's top-selling compact SUV substantially further upmarket. With its bold, appealing look and its all-new platform shared in part with the Ford Focus, the days of the Escape being somewhat the base model in the market quickly disappeared.

2014 Ford Escape SE Price & Specs
The 2014 Escape lineup offers three model choices (S, SE, and Titanium), but it's the 4WD SE (midrange model) that we will concentrate on today.

Our 4WD 1.6L SE test vehicle came base priced at $29,199 but with a few niceties added (Nav/Equip group 201A/Chrome package) it topped out at $34,644, for which you get a good-looking and well-presented compact SUV.

All models feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and fuel ratings are respectable at 9.2L/100km (city) and 6.6L/100km (hwy).

Safety equipment standard on all models includes AdvanceTrac traction and stability control with roll stability control, Curve Control, Torque Vectoring Control, two-stage frontal airbags, driver knee airbag, side airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, tire pressure monitor, and rear-view camera.

Driving the 2014 Ford Escape SE
The 1.6L GTDI engine offers up ample power (178hp), although there were signs of occasional hesitation at times, especially from a standing or low-rolling start. However, forgiving this, the twin-turbo power when it comes is strong and I would view the vehicle as quite sprightly.

The overall ride quality is in the good to very good range, and apart from the occasional engine growl upon heavy acceleration, the 2014 Ford Escape SE offers consumers a surprisingly quiet ride.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is efficient, yet the toggle switch on the side of the shifter, designed for manual shifting, is perhaps a tad on the awkward side. This has become popular on many Ford vehicles of late, and personally I'd prefer to nudge the stick rather than fumble with a little button. Of course, as most owners will probably drive their vehicles in auto mode, it's more of a personal preference than an issue.

Steering, stability, and brake effectiveness are perhaps best described as bettering most in its class, as the 4WD Escape SE can be driven in a somewhat rapid fashion with complete and utter confidence.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Ford Escape SE
The exterior styling of the 2014 Escape SE is bang up to date and could possibly be described as the new segment benchmark. The vehicle boasts a sports-like image which other SUV manufacturers often attempt yet fail.

Stepping inside, the sporty look continues with a well-designed cockpit layout tuned with the driver in mind. There's also a sizeable centre console storage compartment that is useful as it's deep, although I wasn't overly impressed with the cup holders as they tended to grip my medium Timmy's a tad too enthusiastically.

However, for the rest of the interior, the materials used are mostly soft, and the plastics appear to be of high grade.
The 2014 Ford Escape also offers some pretty good cargo space (68.1 cubic feet behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row), and the standard 60/40 rear seat folds flat quickly using one lever.

Comparing the 2014 Ford Escape SE
While the Ford Escape has several competitors listed (Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan), it manages to dance to its own tune. The lineup offers a good selection of engine choices and its sporty platform tends to pamper to the more spirited driver.

While not perfect (in my opinion, no vehicle is), it's a very nice package for what is available in the compact SUV market today.