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Fiat Group said first quarter 2014 revenues rose 12% to EUR22.1bn while trading profit, adjusted for currency movements was up 6% to EUR0.6bn. The company lost EUR319m in the first quarter versus a EUR31m profit in Q1 2013.

-- RACER Magazine presents the first of a six-part series about the legendary Dan Gurney.

The documentary film "Breaking Barriers" races through a century of automotive straight-line speed in one hour, with special concentration on three generations of land-speed racers: the early dry lakes runs of the SoCal Speed Shop as recalled by...

Fiat Chrysler executives did something highly unusual Tuesday: They revealed key pillars of the company's product plans, financial goals and sales targets for the next five years. Most automakers keep their playbooks secret for as long as possible.

Fiat Chrysler plans to transform Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Jeep into global brands and more than double profit in the next five years. CEO Sergio Marchionne's goals also include boosting yearly deliveries for the group to 7 million in 2018.

German supplier Schaeffler has refinanced about 3.5 billion euros ($4.9 billion) worth of debt, including new bond issues of about 2 billion euros, as borrowing costs approach record lows in Europe.

From GMM

Spanish grand prix organisers would like the annual formula one race to be renamed.

Last year, the Barcelona venue - known since it was built in 1991 as the Circuit de Catalunya - underwent a name tweak. It is now officially called the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya.

Now, circuit boss Salvador Servia has told Catalunya Radio that he would like the annual F1 race to be called the Barcelona Grand Prix.

"Evidently, the 'Barcelona' brand outsells the 'Spain' brand," he claimed.

"When we say that we would call it Gran Premio de Barcelona, it is because we are selling worldwide and the Barcelona brand helps us a lot," said Servia.

The existing Spanish grand prix contract runs until 2016.

According to an infographic posted by Road & Track , Dodge will soon become a performance brand exclusively and abandon the hugely popular Grand Caravan in the process.

The poor-selling Avenger is also out of the picture.

First, the Viper will apparently return to the Dodge brand, but retain its signature V10 engine. The new Dart SRT will receive a high-output turbo and AWD, while the Charger SRT and Challenger SRT will get a Hellcat engine.

A new Dodge crossover, possibly based on the Jeep Cherokee to replace the Journey, will make its debut with a turbo engine and AWD. A B-segment sedan/hatchback appears to be in the works, as well.

It's a sad day for minivan lovers. At least the Chrysler Town & Country will continue...

Source : roadandtrack.com

Photo: Dodge

From GMM (news story updated, see below)

Could Azerbaijan be set to make its debut on the F1 calendar much earlier than first expected?

We reported last week that plans are racing ahead for a street race in the oil-rich former Soviet state's capital Baku.

Bernie Ecclestone had said 2016 was the most likely race date, even though Azerbaijan officials "are talking about 2015".

The Associated Press claims the contract is actually for a debut race in 2015, not 2016.

"Formula 1 will be held in Baku in autumn 2015," sports ministry spokeswoman Samaya Mammadova confirmed, revealing that a contract signing ceremony was being planned for later in May.

Now, Germany's Welt newspaper has raised the prospect of a race in Baku this year -- 2014.

It would reportedly fill a potential three-week gap between the Japanese and US races later this year, due to the increasing uncertainty now surrounding the scheduled inaugural running of the Russian grand prix.

The Crimean crisis, and the growing threat of war between Russia and Ukraine and escalating western sanctions, have cast major doubt on the formula one race in Sochi.

Also in doubt is the Russian round of this year's German touring car series, scheduled to take place in July at the Moscow Raceway.

When asked if DTM will be going to Russia in 2014, series organiser Hans-Werner Aufrecht answered: "As of today (yes)."

The DTM organisation ITR said: "As the organiser, we are naturally watching the current developments very closely, aware that our race at the Moscow Raceway is dependent on the political situation."

ITR admitted that in the case of a cancellation, "We would have an alternative, as anything else would be irresponsible and unprofessional."

Die Welt claimed that F1's potential replacement for Sochi has "already been established" -- Azerbaijan.

UPDATE
Azerbaijan later on Wednesday denied reports it could step in to replace this year's endangered Russian Grand Prix.

"In light of a number of reports, I can declare that a postponement or cancellation of the Russian grand prix is not discussed," Sergey Vorobyov of the Russian Grand Prix told Championat.

"We are actively preparing for the October 12, 2014 event," he insisted.

A spokesperson for Azerbaijan's sports minister Azad Rahimov denied Welt's claim that a city street race in the capital Baku is ready to replace Russia.

"A grand prix will take place in Azerbaijan in 2015," the spokesman told Russia's Championat. "Can it be in 2014? No, only in 2015."

Pros: The 2014 Infiniti QX50 premium compact crossover has the sleek profile of a coupe, drives like a sports sedan, and puts front occupants in comfortable, supportive seats. It also uses cutting-edge, yet user-friendly technologies while undercutting the price of many rivals.

Cons: Compared to most in its class, the QX50 offers limited rear-seat and cargo room, poor visibility, and not-so-great fuel economy. Beware of expensive options, too.

Photo: Infiniti

2014 Infiniti QX50 Price: There's just a single trim level on the menu called Journey AWD. Priced at $37,900, it comes standard with leather seats and dual-zone climate control. Three packages are available to enhance passenger comfort, convenience, and safety.

2014 Infiniti QX50 Fuel Economy: The official fuel consumption ratings for the QX50 are 8.1L/100km on the highway and 12.1L/100km in the city.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 Infiniti QX50 is the same compact crossover the brand used to call EX37 during previous model years. Beyond the new name, there are no significant changes to report.

2014 Infiniti QX50 Powertrain: With a 3.7L V6 engine producing 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, you'll notice an unmistakable hint of its potential in the dual polished exhaust tips. A 7-speed automatic transmission handles that power, which is then sent to all four wheels thanks to an intelligent AWD system. The latter features a Snow mode for slippery conditions.

Cargo Capacity: The trunk in the QX50 can fit 527 litres of cargo, which isn't much for a CUV. Of course, you can fold the rear seats to increase cargo room.

Safety: The 2014 Infiniti QX50 comes with six airbags, ABS brakes, brake assist, as well as stability and traction control systems. The Around View Monitor creates a composite image using four cameras to give a single overhead view, while Moving Object Detection alerts you to moving objects around the vehicle, giving you even greater awareness to manoeuvre with ease. Several other advanced safety systems are available with the QX50.

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti QX50: Other premium compact crossovers worth checking out include the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Lincoln MKX, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLA, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60.

After positioning Dodge as a performance brand, Chrysler will focus on launching a pair of plug-in hybrid vehicles, more specifically a new minivan (slated for 2016) and a full-size SUV (2017).

The former would become the first plug-in hybrid minivan in North America.

Meanwhile, Fiat will expand its portfolio on this side of the Atlantic with the launch of the 500X in the U.S. next year. Other new 500 models will follow.

Source : greencarreports.com

Pros: The 2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is, according to the company, the fastest and most extreme series production model it has ever produced, with near-perfect weight distribution and exceptional handling. Never opulent but always dramatic, this super-striking coupe underwent nearly two years of extensive testing to ensure it's tailored for a visceral driving experience. Let's not forget the unprecedented range of options.

Cons: At this point we're really just nitpicking... Visibility and storage capacity could be better, but who cares? And sure, there are just two seats, but would you actually want to bring the kids along?

Photo: Aston Martin

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Price: The exact Canadian MSRP hasn't been disclosed. In the U.S., the V12 Vantage S starts at $184,995.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Fuel Economy: Official ratings for the V12 Vantage S are still unavailable, but you should know that the outgoing V12 Vantage burned 12.1L/100km on the highway and 19.1L/100km in the city.

Improvements and Changes: Compared to the V12 Vantage, power and torque are up 11% and 9%, respectively. It also features an even more responsive transmission, an even lighter chassis (-15kg), all-new carbon-ceramic brakes, and a unique track mode with delayed ABS technology.

A bold new carbon fibre grille marries design and engineering to improve airflow. Also, look for new roof and rear graphics packs, lightweight forged alloy wheels, a new exhaust muffler, and brand new interior finishes on the seats, doors and controls.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Powertrain: A front mid-mounted, 6.0L V12 engine produces 565 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a new 7-speed Sportshift III automated manual transmission specifically designed to tap the potency of V12 Vantage S. Advanced, light-touch paddle shifters allow seamless gear changes in 70 milliseconds at high engine speeds.

The 2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S will cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds, and keep accelerating until it reaches a top speed of 328 km/h.

Don't miss: Inside the 30% quieter cabin is an Easy-Start button you don't even have to depress to start the engine. Occupants sit in lightweight or sports seats with a new trim layout. Elsewhere, three modes (Normal, Sport, and Track) give fantastic driver flexibility: Hundreds of readings per second adjust each damper based on road conditions, vehicle performance, and driver control.

Safety: ABS brakes with massive carbon-ceramic discs (398mm front; 360mm rear), emergency brake assist, and fully re-calibrated dynamic stability and traction control systems are all part of the package.

Comparing the 2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S: Rivals include the Audi R8 5.2, Ferrari 458 and F12berlinetta, McLaren MP4-12C, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

From GMM

F1 championship leader Mercedes has confirmed reports it is now working with a psychologist.

The Telegraph newspaper this week reported that former professional soccer player Dr Ceri Evans, who also worked with New Zealand's 'All Blacks' during the rugby team's world cup triumph, was at the Chinese grand prix last month.

Correspondent Daniel Johnson said Evans, 50, observed and assessed engineers and mechanics at work, but not the race drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed the news to the German newspaper Bild.

"At Mercedes we want to optimise every aspect of performance, and we believe that there is much to learn from other sports. This includes the performance of the whole team and how we act and react in key moments," he said.

The newspaper, revealing that Evans may also attend the Spanish grand prix this weekend, said Wolff received a report from the psychologist after his assessments in Shanghai.

The fourth-generation Acura TL launched for model-year 2009, and is due to be replaced soon by a new, fifth-generation machine called the TLX. It's far from the freshest or newest model in its segment, but the current Acura TL is one of the most established and lauded.

That's thanks in no small part to its delivery of performance, technology, and everyday sensibility alongside two things premium shoppers love: an honest price tag, and a promise of reliable, no-nonsense ownership thanks to Acura's gleaming reputation.


What is an Acura TL SH-AWD Elite?
The TL is getting old these days, but it remains a staple product in its segment that's well deserving of a test drive. A midsize luxury sedan, the 2014 TL SH-AWD Elite is largely a carryover of a car very special to the Acura brand. The current-generation TL put Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) technology into the mainstream luxury sedan market. And, though it was late to the game, it pushed Acura sedans past the 300-horsepower mark at long last.

Key competitors include the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and Infiniti Q50.

2014 Acura TL SH-AWD Elite Price and Specs
All models get a VTEC V6 engine displacing either 3.5L or 3.7L. The tester had the larger unit, which sent 305 horsepower optionally to all four corners via the trick SH-AWD system through a 6-speed automatic. A manual transmission/AWD combination is, thankfully, available. Standard models get the 3.5L powerplant and front-wheel drive. Prices start at $39,990 for an entry TL, with the top-line tester coming in at $45,590.

Driving the 2014 Acura TL SH-AWD Elite
Though not pack-leading where output is concerned, the TL's big V6 is very pleasing to listen to and piles the juice on at high revs as the VTEC power-cam kicks in. The 6-speed automatic works well with the engine for smoothness and response, supporting a sporty but very refined character.

The SH-AWD system has benefits which are two-fold. First, on slippery stuff, it finds surprising levels of traction using sophisticated computer controls and fast-acting magnetic clutch packs to extract the most traction from the ground beneath. Second, when drivers push the TL's limits a little, the system “overdrives” the inside rear wheel, which slightly slides the tail out and points the nose inwards in a sort of delightful mini-drift.

Translation? You get playful agility and locked-on confidence, depending on what your right foot is up to.

That's all directed by a heavyset steering system that confidently transmits a sense of agility and playfulness to the driver, too. At the end of the day, few sedans are this all-out confident and discreetly entertaining when pushed hard.

Powerful and fairly communicative brakes back up the performance capabilities, and when you're on a relaxing drive, wind and road noise levels are kept adequately in check. So is fuel consumption. This engine might not have all the latest fuel-saving gadgets, but I still averaged under 10L/100km over the course of a week.

Other notes? The xenon projector lights are fantastic, and the big doors and big comfy seats make this an easy car to get in and out of, even many times per day. Finally, blind-spot monitoring and a slew of fully-automatic or voice-command features on the Elite tester added a sense of effortless relaxation on lengthy road trips. The suspension is set to a subtly taut sportiness that should prove “just right” for a driver after comfortable long-distance travels and pleasing handling response with minimal compromise.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Acura TL SH-AWD Elite
On board, there's generous room for four adults, plenty of at-hand storage, and a great looking, three-dimensional look to the instrument cluster, dashboard and controls. In all, you get unique styling that very much does its own thing while creating a distinctively upscale and techy atmosphere. Proper cup holders, deep door bins, and a sense of always having a place for your stuff help round out the package.

This isn't a machine that begs for attention, but rather one that focuses on sensibility and a quiet, confident demeanor. And, though high-tech and sporty, the TL is easy to drive, easy to learn, and requires nothing of the driver when they'd prefer to relax and enjoy a peaceful jaunt.

Key complaints? Simply, it's getting old. The navigation and infotainment read-outs were due for an overhaul years ago. Many controls and interfaces are showing their age, too. More power would help the TL earn the dollars of more driving enthusiasts, and the lack of folding rear seats limits cargo carrying capacity.

Comparing the 2014 Acura TL SH-AWD Elite
Numerous competitors are more powerful, and more modern-looking, both inside and out. A comparable Audi or Lexus will boast a more striking cabin, and a comparable BMW or Mercedes will likely prove more all-out comfortable. Where a proven track record, sensibility, and discreetly confident performance are concerned; the TL should still prove a compelling buy.

From GMM

Ross Brawn and Ferrari have played down the former Mercedes boss' visit to Maranello this week.

Specialist Ferrari journalist Leo Turrini on Tuesday revealed that the 59-year-old Briton, who was Ferrari's technical director during the ultra-successful Michael Schumacher years, was at the team's headquarters and Fiorano test track.

Brawn, however, played down suggestions of an impending return to F1 and Ferrari, telling Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport his trip to Italy this week was "never a secret".

And he told the BBC that he was at Ferrari "with a group of friends as part of a tour of Italy, no more than that!".

Brawn said the group, who are also visiting "as many vineyards as possible", drove Ferrari road cars around the Fiorano track.

A Ferrari spokesman confirmed that Brawn's visit was "simply an Italian fantasy tour with friends, scheduled for some time".

French Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi will start working with a new race engineer from the Grand Prix of Spain.

Briton Paul Davison had engineered Bianchi --a protégé of the Scuderia Ferrari -- since joining Marussia at the start of 2013.

Davidson has been promoted to Head of vehicle performance at Marussia.

Italian Francesco Nenci who comes from Sauber will take his place alongside Bianchi.

"Paul and Francesco will work together by way of a handover at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, after which Paul will be fully focused on his new role based at the Marussia Technical Centre in Banbury, UK," a Marussia statement read.

From wrc.com

Former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica has pledged to take ‘a few steps back' and sacrifice speed at Rally Argentina in a bid to revitalise his crash-plagued season.

Despite leading in Monte-Carlo and showing promising speed elsewhere, his year in the FIA World Rally Championship has been blighted by accidents. He has crashed eight times in four rallies and his only finish was in Sweden.

The former Renault and BMW F1 driver, who is competing in Argentina for the first time, says he must concentrate more on finishing and less on driving flat out.

“I will try to change my approach - going back to the way I tackled events when I first began my WRC career,” said Kubica.

“Driving on gravel, I must focus more on survival and getting to the finish as opposed to driving as fast as I can.

“There are too many variables and surprises that can often catch out inexperienced drivers. That is why I think a few steps back will do me no harm,” he added.

Robert Kubica, Ford Fiesta RS WRC. (Photo: WRI2)

Kubica admitted his problems were not a pleasant experience but didn't regard them as unusual.

“I think winning the WRC 2 category last year with so little experience was much more unusual! Most drivers who are experiencing these stages for the first time compete in much less powerful cars.

“I am driving one of the best cars in the championship alongside the best rally drivers in the world, amidst conditions I have never previously experienced. This is the highest level, I need to remember that,” he said.

Kubica remains positive about the rest of the season and refuses to allow the crashes to alter his goals.

“It is true that it has not been the luckiest start to the season for me, but I believe it will get better. The most important thing is to make the most of this experience and learn from it. I am sure that better times will come,” Kubica added.

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel will race a brand new Red Bull RB10 chassis at the Grand Prix of Spain this weekend.

Red Bull Racing chief designer Rob Marshall said the new chassis is a routine introduction rather than a reaction to Vettel's current form.

"Sebastian will get a new chassis for Barcelona, which was scheduled at the start of the season," Marshall said to Formula1.com.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing (Photo: Getty Images/ Red Bull)

"From our point of view we'd rather give our drivers one or two new chassis during the season that we have been able to check out in the factory using various testing methods. The next one will be for Dan (Ricciardo) at some time around Silverstone."

The Austrian team also intends to race a 'major upgrade' package to the Renault-powered RB10.

"The Spanish Grand Prix is probably the first opportunity for teams to bring a big upgrade to the car during the season,” Marshall explained.

“They will often compromise whole bodywork packages, so the floor, engine cover, front wings and rear wings, potentially new suspension components and various other bits and bobs. All the teams will have updates and we can see what they all are in a few days,” he said.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing (Photo: Getty Images/ Red Bull)

Renault Sport F1 will also introduce significant upgrades.

“The Spanish Grand Prix will be the second stage of the performance evolutions we kick-started in China,” said Remi Taffin, Renault Sport F1 head of track operations.

“While there are not many visible hardware upgrades, there are significant improvements to the software that should further enhance driveability and therefore overall performance. Yet again we have also moved forward in energy management and efficiency so we are hopeful our upward trend will continue in Barcelona,” Taffin explained.

From GMM

FIA president insists his hands are tied after F1's most powerful teams vetoed the move to a budget cap for 2015.

It has been suggested former FIA president Max Mosley, whose antagonistic approach stands in stark contrast to the low-profile Frenchman Todt, would have found a way to force the teams to embrace the cost-cutting crisis.

But Todt told Italy's Autosprint he was powerless to interfere with F1's clear processes for approving rules.

The first calls in 2014 were for tweaks to this year's radical rules, featuring controversial fuel saving and quiet turbo V6 engines.

"First, I do not have the power to change the regulations," he said.

"And if I did, perhaps by doing what (Ferrari president Luca) di Montezemolo desired, can you imagine what the reaction would be?

"My job is to ensure the sport is administered in the right way. Then, as we know, discontent was expressed, but as so often happens, those who complain are much louder than those who are satisfied.

"This is a world of competition, where those who do not win usually complain," Todt smiled. "It has been like that forever. But this year there is a new decision-making body, the Strategy Group."

Photo: WRi2

Jean Todt wanted the group - comprising top teams Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Lotus and Williams - to follow through with their earlier acceptance of a budget cap for 2015 and beyond.

The group, however, ultimately vetoed the change, to the fury of the embattled smaller teams.

"I am convinced that F1 is far too expensive, and that something should absolutely be done. But for us, as the governing body, we have more or less zero influence as to the costs," said Todt.

"But I feel that we do have a responsibility to intervene in this environment, because the bigger teams are taking the lion's share of sponsorships. I did not believe that we could control costs with a cap, but I told the teams 'If you show that it is feasible, I'll be happy to impose a limit'," the former Ferrari boss admitted.

"Most of the teams had agreed, but now I do not understand why the six members of the Strategy Group are opposed. Am I disappointed? Yes, in a sense I am, because now it will be more difficult to achieve the reduction goal. We will have to do it through the technical and sporting regulations."

Jean Todt revealed that the FIA has already prepared a "dossier" of various rule-change proposals, that will "reduce the gap between the large and small teams" without affecting the spectators.

"We need to start something already in 2015," he insisted, "through the Strategy Group and the F1 Commission. Overall we have 18 votes, so if there are nine or more then it will work. Otherwise it will not (pass)."

For 65 years, the little Piaggio Ape, the infamous tuk-tuk, has been used to deliver pizzas, bread and other goodies in Italy. Today, they are used for... racing!

The three-wheel beast is powered by a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine that boats 20 horsepower.

It's got handlebars and a little adjustment to the wheels prevents it from tipping over too easily in the corners.

The result is just brilliant. And tons of fun. The little thing power slides very easily.

Who said that speed was essential in motor racing?