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Starting July 1st, Madrid will introduce smart parking meters that charge more for high-emission vehicles, and less for low-emission vehicles.

For instance, drivers of older, non-clean diesel vehicles will have to pay 20% more to park, while hybrid owners will save 20%. Parking will be free for electric vehicles.

“We thought it would be fair if the cars that pollute more pay more, and compensate those who use more efficient vehicles,” Elisa Barahona, head of Madrid's sustainability division, told The Guardian.

This is also an attempt to reduce traffic in typically congested areas of Madrid. The smart parking meters will calculate how many cars are within a particular vicinity and if it's less than 15% empty, drivers will be charged 20% more to park.

City officials claim most drivers won't be affected by the new prices.

A similar system already exists in Los Angeles, among other places.

Source : news.vice.com

Pros: A reliable, ultra-efficient powertrain makes the 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid a compelling alternative for small family sedan buyers, especially when you factor in the abundance of room, safety, and new amenities for 2014.

Cons: The hybrid system takes away from the Civic's fun-to-drive nature, but the toughest pill to swallow is arguably the extra $11,000 you must shell out to leave the dealer lot.

Photo: Honda

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Price: There's just one trim level on the menu, and it starts at $27,045. Considering that a run-of-the-mill Civic sedan retails from $15,690, how much are you willing to spend to save money at the pump?

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Fuel Economy: Official ratings for the 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid are 4.3L/100km in the city and 4.1L/100km on the highway.

Improvements and Changes: Styling has been updated to match the regular Civic. The new lithium-ion battery is lighter and has higher capacity than the old nickel-metal-hydride unit. The Display Audio System features embedded navigation, audio system control, and important vehicle information, all housed on a 7” touchscreen that works just like a tablet. Elsewhere, the proximity key entry system with push-button start, LaneWatch blind spot display, and multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines offer sophisticated convenience.

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid Powertrain: Combining a 110-horsepower, 1.5L i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 23-horsepower electric motor to form Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, the Civic Hybrid uses a CVT and ECON mode to further improve fuel economy.

Let's not forget the two-stage i-VTEC system that cuts off all four cylinders, allowing the electric motor to propel the car at low speeds or while cruising on a level surface. The cylinders also cut off during deceleration for friction reduction.

Cargo Capacity: The trunk of the 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid offers 303 litres of cargo room, which is only slightly less than the regular sedan's 353 litres.

Safety: Civic Hybrid safety begins with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure that was redesigned in 2013 to provide increased protection to occupants in a frontal collision, including front-end structures to help disperse crash energy. There are also six airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability assist with traction control.

The 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid received a five-star overall vehicle score in the U.S. NHTSA's collision tests.

Comparing the 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid: The Civic Hybrid's most direct competitors include the Toyota Prius, Ford C-MAX, and Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid.

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo says he accepts the "responsibility" of sometimes having to "move over" for his Red Bull teammate.

Team orders is currently a hot topic inside the reigning world champion team, after reigning quadruple title winner Sebastian Vettel answered "tough luck" last time out in China when he was told to let Australian Ricciardo through.

Ricciardo, however, said orders must be followed.

"It's not always nice if you are being told to move over. It's not nice being that slower car, it's frustrating," he told the West Australian newspaper.

"(But) it is our responsibility to obey it, unless it's completely out of order and then we can obviously try and put up a fight and give our reasons.

"But the team are doing all the calculations on the pitwall during the race and you have to respect what they're saying," Ricciardo insisted.

Some believe Vettel's initial reluctance to play the team game in China was due to the tension created by Red Bull newcomer Ricciardo's superior pace so far in 2014.

But Ricciardo thinks that even in the context of his huge recent achievements, Vettel is up for a fight.

"We know it ourselves and even told each other that we want to race hard," he said.

"I want to race the best version of Seb and he wants to race the best version of me. At the end of the day I think we'll both respect whoever's done a better job.

"If Seb has done a better job this year, I won't like it, but I'll definitely respect him for it and give him the credit he deserves.

"I think that's a two-way street. We understand what a fair fight is and we enjoy that," added Ricciardo.

To compete with the likes of the Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and other compact crossovers, Mitsubishi has recently released the latest, third-generation iteration of their Outlander Crossover. Selection is plentiful, and the tested ES AWC represented a basic model with 4-cylinder power and All-Wheel Control (AWC) All-Wheel Drive (AWD).


What is a Mitsubishi Outlander ES AWC?
The new Mitsubishi Outlander is a crossover SUV, and like virtually all of its competition it offers 5- or 7-passenger seating, 4- or 6-cylinder power and 2- or 4-wheel drive bolted to the floor-pan beneath all of the above.
The spec and pricing sheets of Outlander and its market-mates are incredibly similar, though a top-notch powertrain, fantastic warranty and slick, driver-controllable AWD system help set Mitsubishi's entry to this over-crowded scene apart.

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander ES AWC Price and Specs
The Outlander ES 2WD starts the bidding at $25,998, with the AWC-equipped ES-grade tester coming in at $27,998. The SE AWC packs more high-end, must-have feature content from $30,998 with a standard V6; and the top-line GT S-AWC, with several sporty enhancements and even more feature content, comes in at $35,998.

Driving the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander ES AWC
The Outlander's standard 2.4L, 166 horsepower 4-cylinder was fitted, employing Mitsubishi's fancy-pants MIVEC valve-timing system for active control of engine breathing in real time. By manipulating the valves, MIVEC works to ensure good mileage when drivers cruise gently, and lots of low-end pull when acceleration is requested.

That's attached to a Continually Variable Transmission or CVT which features a recent overhaul to its inside bits for improved smoothness and mileage, too.

With no pre-set, stepped gears, drivers get smooth, endless power with no pauses to shift. The CVT fully capitalizes on the engine's low-end torque, locking into a steady rpm as drivers accelerate, rather than revving up endlessly. The CVT and MIVEC systems work off each other's capabilities -- the transmission enabling low and locked-in revs while the valve timing system optimizes low-end torque. So, drivers can accelerate from a standstill up to perhaps 90 km/h in near silence with no more than 2,000 rpm on the dial.

In all, it's a refined powertrain that works well when it comes to making the best use of available power, delivering that power very smoothly, and perhaps performing a bit better, and more quietly, than you'd expect.

The Four Wheel Drive system -- which Mitsubishi calls “All Wheel Control” or AWC -- offers a large 4WD button for calling up several modes that cater to the conditions at hand. Drivers can toggle between standard fully automatic operation, a lock mode for added pre-emptive traction, and a 4WD E calibration that only engages the rear wheels for the greasiest of conditions to help save fuel.

My test mileage landed at an impressive 10L/100km, which is among the best mileage I've yet recorded in a crossover. So, the technology works.

Where ride quality and handling are concerned, the tester proved largely comfortable and slightly sporty, with a hint of agile tautness dialed in. Ride quality only deteriorates significantly on the roughest roads or off-road trails, and the suspension gets all noisy-sounding here too, even if it maintains a solid feel. But, most of the time, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander should prove adequately comfortable and laid-back, even for long distances.

Ground clearance should be sufficient for handling of light to moderate off-road work with confidence, and I noted no issue finding grip on two separate jaunts down sloppy, rutted trails.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander ES AWC
The Outlander's new cabin might be a little short on colour, but it's trimmed nicely, roomy in all of the right areas, easy to access and exit, and easy to see out of. Passengers appreciated the generously sized rear seats that recline if you're feeling nappy, and noise levels are kept low enough for first and second-row occupants to converse without yelling, even beyond the speed limit.

Your writer most appreciated the generous cargo hold in back, which offered up plenty of space for a load of shopping from my favourite place in the universe (IKEA). Plus, a deep storage bin beneath the floor provides additional opportunity for keeping your stuff organized and out of sight, if you don't opt for the third-row seats. Sadly, Mitsu has axed the handy spilt-opening tailgate from the last-generation machine.

Complaints? Styling largely plays it safe and likely won't knock anyone's socks off, and the tailgate doesn't open high enough -- if you're much taller than about 5'11 you could take some sheetmetal to the melon.

Comparing the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander ES AWC
The stand-out reason to check the Outlander out will be the real-world fuel mileage, very slick and refined powertrain, and the added degree of control offered by the various four-wheel drive system modes. For the family-minded shopper, the 2014 Outlander's qualifications read like a wish-list for all things sensible: including a tricky new IIHS “Top Safety Pick +” rating and a 10-year or 160,000km powertrain warranty. Other recommended test drives from the segment include the Honda CR-V, Dodge Journey, and Subaru Outback.

From GMM

F1 could axe Friday morning practice sessions next year, as teams consider how to cut costs in the absence of a mandatory budget cap.

Although keenly supported by the small teams, and championed by FIA president Jean Todt, the 2015 budget cap was vetoed by the powerful 'Strategy Group' teams including grandees Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes.

The smaller teams are furious, but in a crisis meeting in London last week, they were asked to come back in a fortnight with some cost-cutting rule proposals of their own.

Germany's Sport Bild claims that one of the measures under consideration is reducing the grand prix weekend by one 90-minute practice session from 2015.

Another proposed rule change is the extension of the current 'parc ferme' regulations.

Lotus E22-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Currently, the specification of the cars is effectively 'frozen' only after qualifying, meaning that until then new parts are almost constantly flown in from the teams' European factories at huge expense.

It is now proposed that, for 2015, 'parc ferme' is to come into effect immediately after a sole practice session on Friday afternoon.

Sport Bild reports that, at Biggin Hill last week, the teams also discussed limiting aerodynamic updates - for example a maximum of four front wing specification changes per season - but could not unanimously agree.

"There was a meeting last week," confirmed Mercedes' Toto Wolff, "and costs were discussed. It is the unanimous opinion of the teams that costs must be drastically reduced."

However, he defended the big teams' decision to veto the budget cap.

"We have to be honest," he is quoted by Speed Week. "There are big differences in the agendas of the teams.

"If you think about Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari - and also McLaren who are with Honda from next year - the main objective is to represent a multinational, global brand.

"And that is of course very different from the small teams who are simply there to race in formula one.

"But formula one is all of these teams together, the big and the small, and you have to respect that and find solutions that will help everyone in the long term.

"The budget cap is a difficult one, because there are some teams who do not want it. And also by their very design it would be very difficult to control, such as for Ferrari who have the formula one team all under the same roof as the major global company," Toto Wolff explained.

Bread-and-butter cars -- or gateway cars -- are the first steps into a brand. They are typically the bestselling nameplates for a given manufacturer, and thus serve a number of purposes.

In some cases, cars like the Corolla define the value and identity of a brand in a given market. Toyota, in Canada and around the world, owes much of their success to the C-segment car. The same goes for the Mazda3: this sporty, small car has given Mazda wings the last decade.

Such is their importance in Canada, and the fact that they are both new for 2014, we pitted the two against each other last year, and although the results were concrete, we'd only begun to scratch the surface of the segment.

This time around, we've gone all out. This compact comparo test contains the top six bestselling compact cars in Canada from 2013. Sure, we could have landed the top 10, but (as usual) the logistics become mind-boggling.

Thus, to the No. 3 and No. 4 respectively, we add the No. 1 seller, the Honda Civic, the No. 2 Hyundai Elantra, the No. 5 Chevrolet Cruze, and the No. 6 Volkswagen Jetta. This sextet of small cars accounts for nearly 270,000 new deliveries a year -- a huge amount in Canada.

The number of units might be remarkable, but what truly impresses is the level of kit that can be obtained with these cars. This explains why all, save for the Corolla, are loaded to the gills with tech equipment complete with touchscreens and gadgets galore.

While these may not be the versions with the highest take-rate (lowest in most cases in fact), it does expose us to the intense intent forwarded by the car manufacturers to demonstrate that their lower priced cars need not be “cheap.”

As these cars are often purchased as a burgeoning family car, we thought it wise to put together a parallel user-friendliness comparison test that covers all the important aspects such as will a “normal” adult fit in the 2nd row when two child seats are installed, and how accessible is the trunk?

So, we give to you the following grudge match results.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Continue reading 2014 Compact Car Comparison Test

Max Verstappen (Van Amersfoort Racing), son of former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen, claimed his maiden F3 victory Sunday in the F3 FIA European Championship in Hockenheim.

The 16 years old Dutch led from lights to flag and thus won from Lotus F1 junior driver Esteban Ocon (Prema Powerteam) and Antonio Fuoco (Prema Powerteam), who is backed by the Ferrari Driver Academy.

Max Verstappen used the benefit of pole position and took the lead straight away. After a new hundred metres already, the Dutchman was able to pull clear a little bit from the rest of the field.

Twenty-two laps later, he crossed the line in first place.

Max Verstappen with his father Jos (left) in Hockenheim. (Photo: FIA Formula 3 European Championship)

“It is great and I am extremely happy. After I didn't make it to the finish in the first race and couldn't start in the second race due to a technical problem, I wanted to score points no matter what,” said Max Verstappen after the race.

“My start was good and after that, I kept a consistent margin of around one second. Then, I tried to save my tires a little bit and not to overdrive my car. Many thanks to my team that managed to repair my car in time after the problems in the second race,” he explained.

Verstappen failed to take the start of Race 2 when his car developed a gearshift problem on the grid.

From press release

Some of the finest drag racing gets underway for 2014 with the RPM Magazine / Lucas Oil MAYHEM at the BEND Presented By Mickey Thompson Tires May 16-18.

This will be the first event on the calendar for the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series as the three series take to the track at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

This year is a benchmark for the PMRA, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the popular Pro Modified series has grown substantially over the decade.

Cars in this class compete in heads-up racing, and can obtain speeds in excess of 240 mph in under six seconds down the quarter mile with their 3000-plus horsepower engines.

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, will be going into its sixth year with its winning formula of pitting Top Dragster entries against Top Sportsman entries with a wide variety of cars and engine combinations.

Entries, whether dragsters or "door-cars," race under a dial-in, indexed format, which provides an even playing field no matter if the entry is powered with a naturally-aspirated, turbocharged, or supercharged engine. Maximum dial-in for both Top Dragster and Top Sportsman cars is 7.95 seconds in the quarter mile, and cars can obtain speeds of over 200 mph.

Started in 2011, the PBSS is comprised of Pro Motorcycle and Pro Sled competitors who also race in a Sportsman-style dial-in environment with machines built solely for drag racing. Presented by Wiseco Performance Products, racers in the PBSS are allowed a maximum dial-in of 9.99-seconds for the quarter-mile race in the eight-second range at speeds of 150 mph and above.

Champions for all three series will be returning for 2014. PMRA champ Rocky Di Lecce of Mississauga, Ontario will be back, as well as the Top Sportsman team of Bill Wilson and Rob Gray from Ingersoll, Ontario in Quick 32 Sportsman Series action, and 2013 PBSS champ Dan Cryderman of Thamesville, Ontario with his Pro Bike entry.

The PMRA, Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and PBSS race at the same events several times each season, offering an exciting and colorful package of drag racing action.

The 2014 season for all three series opens May 16-18 at the Grand Bend Motorplex with the running of the RPM Magazine / Lucas Oil MAYHEM at the BEND Presented By Mickey Thompson Tires.

From Dunlop and WEC

Constantly at the forefront of innovation, Dunlop has commissioned a futurology report to look into the future of race cars, specifically what they will look like up to 125 years from now. The assertions made in the report are revelatory and hint at a far greener, more interactive racing future.

Written by renowned futurologist, Dr. Ian Pearson, the report states that racing cars of years hence could have extremely powerful electric engines and linear induction plasma thrusters, as opposed to internal combustion engines.

These thrusters would work by bombarding a gas with electrons, which would in turn create the plasma. Superconducting coils could then create large electromagnetic fields to propel it.

Sygma, the 1969 F1 car of the future (Photo: WRI2)

Pearson said: “Newton's laws of motion dictate that as the thruster fires a high-speed pulse out the rear end, the car gains equal forward momentum. It isn't trivial engineering, and you would have to be careful about the power and direction of the jets, but this isn't just sci-fi. The military have already prototyped plasma rail guns that work well, and 125 years of development should easily bring this into the race-car technology arena.”

Ultra-strong chassis materials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, could create great strength and rigidity at low weight; keeping future racing cars on track and helping to improve handling. Some could even change shape mid-race, allowing aerodynamics to vary on command.

Engineers might use polymer gels that can contract like muscles and shape-memory alloys that ‘remember' their original, cold-forged shape: returning to it when heated.

Future developments in either field could allow components to contract and expand, and engineers will be able to use these materials to design large changes of shape into body parts.

“This would allow aerofoils to adjust their profile, or car body skirts to widen for cornering or to vary ground effect and lift on straight sections,” added Dr Pearson.

Dunlop's view of the future of motorsport. (Illustration: Dunlop)

Electronically controlled materials might also be built into racing tires, according to the report, enabling variable grip and wear trade-offs.

Polymer gels could easily make a short, fat component become a long, thin one. If millions of microscopic spikes were laid down using 3D printing during manufacture, then as the tire wears, new layers could be brought to the surface. These could then be extended or retracted on demand: standing up to increase grip and folding flat to reduce drag.

Augmented reality (AR) will become a strong part of everyday life in the future, according to the report. Video visors (such as Google Glass) already exist, overlaying computer-generated imagery onto the field of view.

For motorsport spectators in the future this means one person might see one sponsor's name on a car, while the person next to them sees a different one, depending on their personal preferences.

AR would not only make racing cars look different to each individual viewer, but could also allow the spectators themselves to participate in races. If the technology were to converge with online computer gaming, it could allow people to drive virtually alongside real-life racers and other viewers, making the whole experience more immersive and exciting.

From press release

Maritime-based Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour is pleased to announce that Danny Harvey will be the new Race Director for the upcoming season.

Harvey is not new to the role, having held the position in 2011. Harvey has a vast racing resume and has raced in many classes over the last 20 years.

"We are pleased to have Danny Harvey back as our Race Director. He has the experience and knowledge for the position and will be up to speed from day one." Said Ken Cunning, General Manager of the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour.

The 2104 season goes green on Saturday, May 24th with the Harry Poole Memorial 100 presented by Lucas Oil at Scotia Speedworld, Nova Scotia.

Please visit www.maritimeprostocktour.com for complete event information and season previews.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel his renewed his attack on F1's 'new' face, after he was rebuked by the FIA for earlier calling the mild sound of the V6 engines "sh*t".

Now with more refined comments, the reigning quadruple world champion does not hide his obvious disdain for the sport's new configuration.

"We are a sport that is famous for being loud and dangerous," Red Bull driver Vettel told the German newsmagazine Focus.

"We run the risk of losing the essence of motor sports," he charged.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10, in China. (Photo: WRi2)

When asked about the new, quiet and V6-powered engines, Vettel responded: "I would prefer a V10 or V12 with 1000 horse power -- lots of power.

"I would like to drive cars that are as fast as they can be -- I need to feel as though I am taming a dragon or a beast," he explained.

"Compared to last season, this impression has diminished an awful lot," said Vettel, who has struggled in 2014 alongside his new teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

"The car does not know what I want. Under braking and in the corners I have an absolute lack of confidence," explained the 26-year-old, referring to the Adrian Newey-penned new RB10 and his troubles at the wheel.

From GMM

Nico Rosberg is sounding far from defeated ahead of the Spanish grand prix.

The German, although still leading the drivers' world championship by a few points, has seen his teammate Lewis Hamilton win the last three races on the trot.

But far from expecting to fall in line behind the Briton when the battle resumes in Barcelona, Rosberg on Monday told German television RTL his plan for Spain is "full attack".

"To know I have the fastest car to drive is so inspiring," said the 28-year-old.

Nico Rosberg said the goal for Barcelona is not to hold Hamilton off but to "extend the championship lead", which will almost certainly require him to beat his on-form teammate on the track.

He won in Australia when Hamilton retired, but in Malaysia, Bahrain and China, Rosberg saw the other Silver Arrows with the upper hand.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05, in Australia. (Photo: WRi2)

Bahrain, however, was a true and rare wheel-to-wheel battle, with Rosberg claiming that when all was well with the two Brackley-built cars in 2014, the Mercedes pecking order is "undecided".

"I was better in the dry, him in the rain," said Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton has also hogged the qualifying limelight so far this year, but last year at the Circuit de Catalunya, it was Rosberg on pole ahead of the 2008 world champion.

Now, "pole position will be very important for the battle with Lewis" this weekend, said a feisty Rosberg ahead of the 2014 Spanish race.

Hamilton and Rosberg's relationship dates right back to their boyhoods, but suddenly the prize is the biggest one in the entire world of motor sport -- the F1 title.

Nico Rosberg admits that is making their personal relationship "a bit harder" than in the past.

"But luckily we have experienced it all before, even right back to karting," he said.

From press release

The 2014 championship turned a page at the Hungaroring with Citroën being beaten for the first time of the season.

While Yvan Muller scored another win in the first race, Gianni Morbidelli chalked up his first-ever WTCC win when he dominated the second race in his Münnich Motorsport Chevrolet RML Cruze.


The Citroën team still scored a 1-2 victory in Race 1, with Yvan Muller finishing ahead of José María López and Honda's Tiago Monteiro. In the second race Morbidelli led the proceedings from start till finish, though Monteiro was never more than half a second away from the Chevrolet's rear bumper.



The effect of the Citroën cars being weighed down by 60 kilograms of compensation weight showed especially in Race 2, where the first C-Elysée finished an atypical fifth. Though the Hungaroring is known for being hard to overtake on, the performance of the Chevrolet and Honda cars showed that the French 'armada' is no longer invincible, as Tom Coronel proved by keeping Muller and López at bay for the entire race to score a well-deserved fourth place.


Nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb had his worst WTCC weekend so far this year as a botched start in Race 1 dropped him from third on the grid to seventh at the end of the first lap, behind all four Honda drivers.


Local hero, Norbert Michelisz, had an unfortunate qualifying session on Saturday which saw him outside the top ten when a suspension part broke on his hot lap. The Hungarian still salvaged a sixth place in the first race and a tenth in the second, cheered on by a huge partisan crowd that flocked to the circuit in spite of bad weather; official attendance was 58,000 over the two days. 


Start of Race 2 at the Hungaroring. (Photo: FIA WTCC)

In the world championship standings, López still leads with 115 points, but team-mate Muller is now within ten points of the Argentine. 


The championship will resume next week at the Slovakia Ring, on May 11 for rounds 7 and 8.

From NASCAR

NASCAR announced today it has reached a seven-year agreement with Camping World to remain the entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series through 2022.

The new deal ensures that Camping World will own exclusive rights as title sponsor for a total of 14-consecutive years, equaling the longest entitlement sponsorship in the history of the national series, which is celebrating its 20th season.

The renewed partnership aligns two brands in the midst of significant growth.

Camping, NASCAR style. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

According to a press release, since originally becoming series entitlement sponsor in 2009, Camping World has expanded its number of stores by 35 percent, resulting in the company eclipsing $3 billion in annual revenue.

NASCAR fans are outdoors enthusiasts who enjoy a variety of activities. According to Experian Consumer Research, NASCAR fans are 40 percent more likely than non-fans to go camping. When it comes to camping gear, NASCAR fans are at least 50 percent more likely than non-fans to have tents, lanterns, and other camping equipment.

Camping, NASCAR style. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

From GMM

Even with $14 million in his hand, reigning GP2 champion Fabio Leimer could not buy his way into formula one.

The 25-year-old Swiss, who will instead race sports cars in 2014, was healthily backed by his wealthy long-time sponsor Rainer Gantenbein.

The veteran correspondent for Blick newspaper, Roger Benoit, claims Gantenbein offered Sauber almost $14 million in exchange for one of the Hinwil based team's race seats this year.

But Leimer has reportedly told some insiders that Sauber's counter-proposal was no less than $28 million -- slightly less than what Esteban Gutierrez's Mexican backers pay.

Fabio Leimer, 2013 GP2 Champion. (Photo: GP2 Series)

Instead, Sauber signed the experienced Adrian Sutil to be Gutierrez's new teammate.

But Benoit claims that Sutil's seat for 2015 is in doubt.

He said reserve driver Giedo Van der Garde and his Dutch sponsors are promising "many millions" to Sauber for a race seat next year.

A sign the 29-year-old Van der Garde may even have a "preliminary agreement" with Sauber is the fact that not only will he be in action on Friday morning in Barcelona, but also during the post-race test at the same Spanish grand prix venue.

Team E-Volve, representing the University of Sherbrooke (Quebec), finished in first place in the Urban concept/Battery electric category at the 2014 Shell Eco-marathon Americas in Houston two weeks ago. Their performance of 325.1km/kWh largely surpassed that of the second-best team at 110.2km/kWh.

Inspired by ultra-light aircraft, the E-Volve car has a fuel consumption of just 30.8 millilitres per 100 kilometres. Sherbrooke students have spent more than two years perfecting it, and they were rewarded with the Perseverance and Spirit of the Event Award.

Meanwhile, in the Prototype/Gasoline category, Laval University (Quebec) and the University of Toronto (Ontario) secured the top two spots with their hypermiling stars averaging 1,200km/L and 1,153km/L, respectively.

Source : usherbrooke.ca

Bread-and-butter cars -- or gateway cars -- are the first steps into a brand. They are typically the bestselling nameplates for a given manufacturer, and thus serve a number of purposes.

In some cases, cars like the Corolla define the value and identity of a brand in a given market. Toyota, in Canada and around the world, owes much of their success to the C-segment car. The same goes for the Mazda3: this sporty, small car has given Mazda wings the last decade.

Such is their importance in Canada, and the fact that they are both new for 2014, we pitted the two against each other last year, and although the results were concrete, we'd only begun to scratch the surface of the segment.

This time around, we've gone all out. This compact comparo test contains the top six bestselling compact cars in Canada from 2013. Sure, we could have landed the top 10, but (as usual) the logistics become mind-boggling.

Thus, to the No. 3 and No. 4 respectively, we add the No. 1 seller, the Honda Civic, the No. 2 Hyundai Elantra, the No. 5 Chevrolet Cruze, and the No. 6 Volkswagen Jetta. This sextet of small cars accounts for nearly 270,000 new deliveries a year -- a huge amount in Canada.

The number of units might be remarkable, but what truly impresses is the level of kit that can be obtained with these cars. This explains why all, save for the Corolla, are loaded to the gills with tech equipment complete with touchscreens and gadgets galore.

While these may not be the versions with the highest take-rate (lowest in most cases in fact), it does expose us to the intense intent forwarded by the car manufacturers to demonstrate that their lower priced cars need not be “cheap.”

As these cars are often purchased as a burgeoning family car, we thought it wise to put together a parallel user-friendliness comparison test that covers all the important aspects such as will a “normal” adult fit in the 2nd row when two child seats are installed, and how accessible is the trunk?

So, we give to you the following grudge match results.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Continue reading 2014 Compact Car Comparison Test

Infiniti is considering a small crossover below the QX50, possibly joining other luxury brands that are rushing into the segment.

On Tuesday, May 6, a team of Automotive News editors and reporters will provide real-time coverage of Chrysler Group's and Fiat's five-year product and business plan.

Ford Motor Co. is adding to its minority-dealer ranks through a program designed to help dealers and individuals with dealership management experience to buy Ford and Lincoln stores.