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From GMM

Lewis Hamilton took pole with the new silver single seater and Nico Rosberg dominated the season-opening race in Melbourne, with many observers believing the German driver had hidden performance to spare on the Albert Park roads.

But Italian Aldo Costa, who joined Mercedes from Ferrari and led the design of the new W05, does not think the German marque will dominate throughout 2014.

"No, I don't think we can talk about dominance," he told the Italian magazine Autosprint.

"We have seen the progress that Red Bull made between the Bahrain test and the first race -- they were much more competitive than they were in winter testing. This gives an indication of how fast progress and the resolution of problems is in formula one," said Aldo Costa.

"And it may well be that in a few grands prix many other teams will be at a good level," he added.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05, winner in Australia. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Aldo Costa, 52, agrees that the performance of the 'power unit' is particularly important in F1's new era, but he doubts that Mercedes is as far ahead of Ferrari and Renault as some currently believe.

Asked if rumours of a 50 horse power advantage for Mercedes make sense, he answered: "No, I don't think they do. Let me explain: as teams, we have GPS data, so I think everyone can see that, when it's running at full power, the Renault engine has remarkable performance.

"So probably their deficit at this time is that they cannot maintain this level of performance throughout a race because of temperature, or fatigue.

"But I think that this is a problem that will gradually be solved," Aldo Costa added.

From GMM

Marussia chief Graeme Lowdon thinks Red Bull should have accepted Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification from the Australian grand prix.

Actually, the reigning world champions plan to argue in an April 14 appeal that it ignored the FIA-mandated fuel flow sensor in Melbourne because it was inaccurate.

The hearing will not be heard in Paris until after the forthcoming Malaysia-Bahrain double-header, raising the risk of more race exclusions for Red Bull.

"Do they continue their defiance and risk exclusion - and mounting punishments - or do they fall in line like the other teams?" Mirror correspondent Byron Young wonders.

Marussia's Lowdon admitted he hopes the Red Bull appeal fails.

Jules Bianchi, Marussia MR03-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

He said that if every team ignored Charlie Whiting's "opinions" about how to interpret the technical regulations then "every single result would always be decided" after an appeal.

So if Red Bull wins this appeal, Lowdon thinks it would "open the floodgates" for more teams to ignore Whiting's running guidance.

"It happens on things all the time," said Lowdon. "It is an opinion (of Whiting's) and if we were just to ignore all of those opinions and constantly test them in a court then the sport would just stutter along endlessly.

"It really is going to be difficult for the sport to operate races in a way that the fans are going to understand if the advice is simply ignored because you can make a car go quicker," he added.

From GMM

World champion Sebastian Vettel has admitted he was surprised when Red Bull was competitive as the 2014 season kicked off.

Team boss Christian Horner has this week been quoted elsewhere as saying the RB10's performance was not a shock in Melbourne despite a disastrous winter season.

But Vettel, who saw his new teammate Daniel Ricciardo qualify and then finish second prior to his disqualification, has admitted he was surprised in Melbourne.

Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

"The result was no great surprise -- what was a surprise was to see that the car is fast and we can compete at the front. The potential is there," the German told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

"So it gives us hope and that's why I'm in a good mood," added Vettel.

After his four consecutive world championship successes, Bild reporter Nicola Pohl suggested to Vettel that he must be travelling to Malaysia feeling frustrated.

But he insisted: "I am in good spirits! I knew that this year would be difficult, but each season has its ups and downs. As for the car, there is still much to learn but there is no reason to hang the head."

Recaro makes baby seats. Coach makes diaper bags. Louis Vuitton makes coin purses. So, why wouldn't Cadillac make a practical, compact, family-oriented vehicle? My point here is that you wouldn't expect some companies to release the products they do, opening up the door to a whole new type of customer.

Truthfully, when the SRX first appeared in the mid-2000s, it was more “Cadillac” than it is now (read: big). However, over the years the model has been streamlined a bit and made more accessible and appealing to those in the market for a crossover with a bit more class.


What is a Cadillac SRX?
As mentioned above, the SRX made its first appearance in 2004 and was categorized as a midsize crossover. The first generation model looked to be a strangely bloated and stretched out version of the DTS sedan -- not particularly attractive. The original engine in the SRX was also larger, a 3.6L V6, and a V8 was also available. At the time, fuel efficiency was not the name of the game, clearly.

2014 Cadillac SRX Price and Specs
I'll admit, I was a little shocked at the sticker price attached to the 2014 Cadillac SRX AWD, then I remembered it is after all a Caddy. This luxury crossover starts around $40k. My particular tester, equipped with AWD and in “Premium” trim, starts at $55,640. After all was said and done -- CUE added along with driver aids and larger 20” wheels -- my 2014 Cadillac SRX4 tipped the price scales at $62,225.

Large numbers aside, the 2014 Cadillac SRX4 has other more favourable digits attached to it like its 3.6L V6 that produces 308 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Power is controlled via a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the whole system ensures a combined fuel efficiency rating of 11.2L/100km (which is roughly what I averaged throughout the week).

Driving the 2014 Cadillac SRX
Here's a vehicle that's not trying to be anything other than a comfortable, pleasant to drive crossover. Sure it has a V6 and a bit of oomph, but this is by no stretch of the imagination a sporty vehicle.

Overall, I was content with the way the 2014 Cadillac SRX4 drove. I wasn't overly impressed, but it didn't leave me wishing I were driving something else either. Each time I got behind the wheel, I was pleased to be there and looked forward to the drive. Steering is on point, throttle response is good and the transmission is never searching for the right gear.

My only complaint, and perhaps my biggest one, is the engine noise that enters the cabin if the SRX is pushed. On occasion, particularly in situations where I needed to pass another vehicle, I had to give it quite a bit of gas at which point the noise infiltrating the cabin was close to unpleasant. It's something one shouldn't have to deal with in a Cadillac.

The AWD system is sufficient enough and handled itself very well despite our frigid, snowy conditions throughout the week. The traction control wasn't too intrusive and I actually left everything fully turned on throughout the test.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Cadillac SRX
Cadillac's have such a distinct look and presence on the road, and I love that. The 2014 Cadillac SRX has some great lines and angles that suit the design of the vehicle to a tee. There's something overtly masculine about this crossover, and I think it works perfectly. From the oversized grille and headlights to the exaggerated side gill and shoulder line. This car is all angles, and they're all good.

Inside, the good looks continue. I adore the SRX's steering wheel. The buttons are just the right size and placed perfectly. While I still take issue with the touch-sensitive “buttons” on the centre stack, I do quite like CUE and know that while there is a steep learning curve, it would be pleasant to live with every day.

What really caught my eye in the 2014 Cadillac SRX was the trunk storage system. The available Cargo Management System features a great underfloor storage bin as well as a floor-mounted metal rack with an adjustable cargo fence (to hold groceries or smaller bags in place so they don't slide around). All in all, utility levels are high in this luxury CUV.

Comparing the 2014 Cadillac SRX
Based on its price, the SRX is playing with the big boys like the Infiniti QX70, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. While it measures up in terms of amenities and drive, if it were I faced with the choice of buying the Cadillac crest over a European mark, I'd have a hard time justifying the price of the domestic brand.

From GMM

Sergey Sirotkin will put his F1 plans back on track once he obtains a superlicense.

Amid Sauber's financial crisis of 2013, the Swiss team appeared to be rushing the teen to the grid as the jewel in a Russian rescue deal.

But when the 2014 season began without Sirotkin, Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn told the Russian website f1news.ru that "Everything is going according to plan".

"He has a (Formula Renault 3.5) seat with Fortec, I am sure he can get great results, and then we'll think about the next step," she added.

The next step could be an appearance on Friday morning in Sochi later this year, as Sirotkin's native Russia hosts its inaugural grand prix in October.

"We will certainly examine this possibility," Kaltenborn said. "But for this, first of all he needs a superlicense. That's what we're working on now -- thinking about how we can make this possible."

Sauber C33-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

According to 18-year-old Sirotkin, he will work on qualifying for the mandatory FIA credential at one of the post-race in-season tests, in Bahrain, Barcelona or Silverstone.

"In the coming months there will be the official formula one tests and that's where we plan to get it," he told the Russian broadsheet Izvestia.

"I will need to drive about 300 kilometres and be competitive. When we have it (the superlicense) in our hands, then we will talk about the Fridays," Sirotkin added.

The BMW-Toyota sports-car lash-up has been reported on for a

In addition to holiday-themed displays assembled by junkyard employees and the occasional

It was only a matter of time before German tuning house Brabus looked at the

Mike Ryan does amazing things with the Banks Freightliner. And with

News 31 Jul, 2014

Alfa Romeo SUV on the way, set to rival Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan with a new engine range

US federal authorities investigating General Motors' process in the current ignition switch recall are looking, in part, into whether the automaker committed bankruptcy fraud by not disclosing defects that could lead to expensive future liabilities, a person briefed on the inquiry told a US newspaper.

Turkish automotive suppliers are identifying Russia as a key battleground in their bid to secure further business as their domestic market starts to peak.

The Chinese-made Audi A3 Sportback (hatchback) has been launched in China priced from CNY199,900 to CNY286,700, CarNewsChina.com reported.

News 24 Mar, 2014

A teaser video previewing the all-new third-generation Nissan Murano has been released

Production of the current Volvo XC90 SUV will continue in a new factory in China, CarNewsChina.com reported.

Geely-owned Volvo Car's plan is working, said president and chief executive officer Håkan Samuelsson, as he reported net profit for 2013 climbed to US$301.9m, up from US$66m a year ago.

Russia plans to restrict state procurement of imported cars in a move aimed at helping domestic carmakers to weather a slump in demand, a report said.

The 2015 Audi TT and

There's one thing all the vehicles Jay Leno gets to drive seem to have in common, and it isn't even four wheels: They're all cool enough to make us extremely jealous.

New GAZ Group president, Vadim Sorokin, says the automaker is working with Russian energy giant, Gazprom, to develop alternative fuel infrastructure in the country.