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From press release

The Frenchman headed a Volkswagen 1-2 finish, beating Jari-Matti Latvala by 1min 12.6sec to take a three point lead in the standings over his Finnish colleague.

Thierry Neuville claimed a maiden podium for Hyundai after a dramatic finale when he twice stopped on the final road section to the León finish to top up his car's leaking radiator - with beer provided by rally sponsor Corona at the interim podium after the final stage!

Ogier, second in the start order, minimised his time loss on Friday morning's dirty roads before moving ahead with a stunning performance through the long El Chocolate stage in the afternoon when the tracks were cleaner.

Sebastien Ogier, Volkswagen, winner in Mexico. (Photo: Volkswagen)

He ended the day 26.1sec clear of Mads Ostberg and when the Norwegian retired with broken rear left suspension after hitting a bank in Saturday's opening test, Ogier was in the clear. He reeled off five consecutive stage wins, before pacing himself to the finish, claiming fastest time in the final live TV Power Stage to earn maximum bonus points.

“It was the perfect week, a victory in the rally and the Power Stage,” said Ogier. “I came here very angry after a small mistake in Sweden and that's the best way to restart my winning ways in the championship. Now we are looking forward to continuing like that.”

Having endured the worst of Friday's slippery roads after starting first, Latvala's chances of victory were slim. However, he too kept his time loss to less than expected and climbed from third to second after Ostberg's demise.


Photo: Volkswagen

Neuville was faultless on the first gravel rally for the i20 car. As others fell by the wayside, he kept out of trouble to climb the leaderboard and deserved his slice of luck to finish 4min 16.0sec behind Latvala after 22 stages and almost 400km of action.

Elfyn Evans claimed a career-best fourth in a Ford Fiesta RS on his first appearance in Mexico, 1min 20.7sec behind Neuville. Under strict instructions to drive for a finish, the Welshman was also flawless and was another to benefit from the troubles of others.

William Clay Ford Sr. bought the Detroit Lions in 1963 for $4.5 million, but was never able to realize the same successful on-field rebirth with the team that the Ford family's automotive company managed in recent years.

William Clay Ford Sr., a former Ford Motor vice chairman and the last surviving grandson of founder Henry Ford, died of pneumonia Sunday at age 88.

William Clay Ford Sr., a former Ford Motor vice chairman and the last surviving grandson of founder Henry Ford, died Sunday at age 88. He died of pneumonia in his home, the automaker said in a statement.

BMW plans to expand its DriveNow car-sharing program to as many as 25 new cities to lure younger customers in Europe and the U.S.

Fiat Chrysler executives say they expect to complete an agreement this month for Jeep production in China.

Dealers tired of competing with unscrupulous retailers are cheering the Federal Trade Commission's crackdown on deceptive dealer ads.

Swede Marcus Ericsson will be one of three new comers on the F1 grid this year. The 23-year-old Caterham driver says he is ready for his first career grand prix, next week in Melbourne.

"By the end of the tests our reliability was best of the Renault teams and we ran through a race sim, including the formation lap procedure, starts and pitstops," he is quoted saying by his team.

"So with the mileage we completed in both Bahrain tests, we're as ready as we can be."

Marcus Ericsson, Caterham CT05 (Photo: Caterham)

Ericsson, however, acknowledges one can never be completely prepared for what he is about to experience.

"We've done everything we can to prepare, but, honestly, I don't think you can ever prepare for what it'll feel like in the car, sitting on the grid as the lights go out in my debut race."

His teammate Kamui Kobayashi, who is returning to F1 racing after a year off, is betting on reliability problems for their rivals.

"There could be reliability problems for lots of teams, us as well obviously, but by the end of the tests our reliability was ok, certainly better than a few other teams, and that could be very important on Sunday in Melbourne," the Japanese said.

Marcus Ericsson, Caterham CT05

From WRC

Robert Kubica suffered his second roll in two days, Saturday during Rally Mexico. These accidents followed on the heels of a rally-ending shunt in Monte-Carlo and several trips into the snow in Sweden.

But the Pole has not lost the support of his boss, Malcolm Wilson, who continues to back the former F1 driver through the start of his career in the top category of the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Wilson feels expert help could rebuild the Pole's fragile confidence.

“I am absolutely convinced that Robert will come good. We are looking towards a bigger push in the second half of the year, particularly on the asphalt events, but we have to address the issues that we have seen recently,” said Wilson.

Robert Kubica is struggling to get his career back on the right track (Photo: WRC)

“Robert and I had a good discussion at looking of ways to help, because he still doesn't have big experience of rallying. Maybe we will bring in a co-driver, or a current or ex-driver to help, someone who has experience and understands things.

“Robert acknowledges his mind was totally different when he was racing and he has said he needs to start to look at the big picture in rallying. He said ‘I drive everything like a race and I need to get to understand the concept of the WRC' ” added Wilson.

Wilson, whose M-Sport operation runs Kubica's Ford Fiesta RS, doesn't believe he is trying to push too hard. He said that even before last night's roll at the León super special stage, Kubica's target in Mexico was simply to finish.

“This morning we agreed that Robert would stay on Elfyn's pace, which is what he did. We need Elfyn to finish so we said that was a sensible pace for Robert too,” he said.

From press release

German car manufacturer Audi continues to set the trend with four-wheel drive technologies.

The brand already revolutionized rally racing with quattro four-wheel drive in the nineteen-eighties, significantly shaped touring car racing with this system in the nineties and then most recently introduced it onto the LMP1 sports prototypes scene.


Quattro in rallying (Photo: Audi)

In 2012, Audi became the first manufacturer to win the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with a four-wheel-drive LMP1 sports car. 
 
Up to now, Audi had been allowed to use four-wheel drive only above 120 km/h.

But four driven wheels promise to deliver traction advantages particularly at low speed, for instance when the driver accelerates on exiting a tight corner.

This year, because this speed-related rule no longer applies, the Ingolstadt firm developed a fundamentally new Motor Generator Unit (MGU) to put in its LMP1 prototypes.


“We've developed the entire hybrid drive from scratch again for 2014,” explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. “Specifically, it's become even lighter and more efficient than before.”

As of 2014, a single e-machine connected to a front-axle differential is longitudinally mounted. Furthermore, these front-wheel drive components are completely integrated into the monocoque of the R18 e-tron quattro. The recuperated energy is stored in a newly designed flywheel energy storage system.

From press release

For third-generation Late Model competitor Billy Zardo, the 2013 season will forever be known as the turning point of his young career. In those 18 weeks, Zardo earned his first career Late Model victory, sat atop the point standings for the first time and most importantly, moved from a student of the sport to a certified championship contender.

“It felt like 2013 was the season we've been working towards since we started in the Limited Late Model division”, explained Zardo. “I've been so fortunate to be surrounded by incredible people since my first days in a Go-Kart. Everything we earned last season was a team effort”.

After earning a pair of feature victories and a top-10 finish in the 2013 championship point standings, Billy - alongside his Hall of Fame Grandfather Billy Zardo Sr. - is ready for a strong follow-up in 2014.

“My grandfather is my biggest fan and my greatest influence”, laments ‘Z3'. “He's been there from the beginning. Everything I've learned is because of him. I know he was proud of what we accomplished last season, but as soon as the trailer door closed on the final night of racing, he had a list of what he was looking for us to accomplish in 2014”.
Entering his fourth year of Ltd. Late Model competition, Zardo is blunt and apologetic about his goals for the upcoming season.

“I want to win the Sunset Speedway championship. I believe our team has always had the knowledge and experience; they were just waiting for me to catch up. I've gone through my learning curves, I've taken my lumps, but I feel as though they've made me a better competitor. I'm ready now”.

A championship campaign at Sunset - never an easy feat - will be even more difficult in 2014. The Innisfil, ON facility has shortened its Ltd. Late Model schedule to 10 points paying events, with each feature race extended from 30-laps to 50-laps.

“A 10-race schedule puts a lot of pressure on any team”, reasons Zardo. “You can't have a bad night. Heck, you can't have a bad lap. You have to be as close to perfect as possible. Because you know the guy beside you is trying to do the same thing”.

Zardo's season will begin on May 3rd, with the first annual running of Sunset Speedway's 100-lap Great Lakes Concrete Spring Derby. Marketing support for ‘Z3's 2014 campaign will come from Holmes on Homes, National Exhaust, Hassell Automotive, Big Chute Marina, J.A. Towing, Smart Screen and Better Contracting. For more information on Billy and the rest of the Zardo team, be sure to visit the Zardo Racing page on Facebook.

From press release

Scuderia Corsa has retained drivers Stefan Johansson and Lorenzo Case to partner with the drivers of the no. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 Italia, Alessandro Balzan and Jeff Westphal, for next weekend's 12 Hours of Sebring. 

Johansson, a veteran of 109 Formula One races with two seasons spent with Scuderia Ferrari, has twice won at the 12 Hours of Sebring. His second win, in 1997, came behind the wheel of a Ferrari 333SP, and he also has one overall victory and two class victories at the 24 Hours of LeMans. He was also recently named the Sporting Director of the Scuderia Corsa team.

Case drove with the team at the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona. He, Balzan, and Westphal will be making their first start in Sebring's endurance classic, while Johansson is making his 12th start.

Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 italia No. 63 (Photo: Bob Chapman/Autosport Image)

"Certainly, when I joined the Scuderia Corsa program as their Sporting Director, I didn't know this was what Giacomo had in mind," said Johansson.

"But in all seriousness, I am thrilled to join the team for Sebring. With the way the driver rankings had worked out for the GT-Daytona class, Giacomo asked if I could help out and of course I am happy to. As they showed last season and at Daytona, the Scuderia Corsa Ferrari and its drivers are capable of winning the championship and I am happy to contribute in any way that I can."

Scuderia Corsa team owner Giacomo Mattioli, who has known Johansson since his time with the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team, expressed his delight in his four-driver lineup for Sebring.

"I am very excited to welcome my friend of over thirty years, Stefan, to the team.," said Mattioli. "His experience and speed will be a great asset for us, in this race which is very important not only to use, but to our partners at Ferrari North America who are celebrating their 60th anniversary. We hope to add a GT-D class victory to the long list of Ferrari's victories at Sebring."

The team is looking to rebound from a disappointing run at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, where they finished in 11th position.

After contending for the lead in the GT-Daytona class from the start of the race, through the night, and into the morning hours, Balzan was forced to bring the Ferrari behind the wall for repairs when a backmarker hit him in Daytona's infield. Time lost making repairs meant the chance for victory was lost, and the team is eager to have another shot at a win at Sebring.

Model: 2007 to 2013 Audi Q7

Vehicle Type: Luxury SUV

The Verdict: Like most luxury crossover SUVs, the Audi Q7 will appeal more strongly to shoppers after looks, pedigree, and a world-class driving experience than those after low running costs and total sensibility. Shoppers are advised to make the checks listed below, seeking out a Q7 from an Audi dealer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program for maximum confidence where possible.

Price: Shoppers after a Q7 should have no trouble locating an older, high-mileage unit for under $18,000, with newer, low-mileage units or demonstrators pushing well into the $70,000 range or higher.

Photo: Rpb Rothwell

History/Description: Audi's shot at the BMW X5, Mercedes ML, and comparable luxury crossover models is called the Q7. Launched for model-year 2007, this long-lived model packed standard Quattro AWD technology and a lengthy list of creature comforts, connectivity technologies and world-class luxury features including premium audio, climate controlled seats, a panoramic moonroof, voice-command, navigation, a full multimedia interface, push-button start, and more.

Engine choices initially consisted of a 3.6L V6 or a 4.2L V8, though a smaller, supercharged V6 and TDI Clean Diesel V6 hit the options roster later in the Q7's life. All models were automatic, and various trim grades, options, and packages provided plenty of opportunity for customization. For instance, the S-Line package dialed up the Q7's sportiness with exclusive visual and chassis upgrades, and the “premium” package featured a collection of upscale equipment bundled together at an attractive price.

Photo: Rpb Rothwell

What Owners Like: Q7 owners rave about wintertime traction, a fantastic ride (thanks to the available adaptive suspension system), and feeling fully “backed up” when road conditions are at their worst. The up-level audio system and the overall high-quality look and feel throughout the Q7 are highly rated, too. Performance from the V8 and supercharged V6 engines are common praise points. In all, the Q7 seems to be a much-loved model when it comes to delivering a confident and luxurious crossover driving experience.

What Owners Dislike: Complaints include the initial learning curve to the MMI central command interface, the lengthy wheelbase that can make parking a challenge, and the fuel consumption on some models.

Photo: Rpb Rothwell

The Test Drive: Start your test drive by confirming proper operation of all on-board electronics. Some owners, especially those who don't drive their Q7 on a daily basis, say that various systems can get “fussy” when the battery voltage drops after a few days of sitting. Consider a trickle charger for your new-to-you Q7 if you won't be driving it often.

On models with the 3.6L V6, be sure to have the computer system scanned for any stored trouble codes related to engine misfire, which is somewhat common and likely caused by a faulty injector or ignition coil. Be sure to “feel'” this engine's performance on a test drive at light, moderate, and full throttle and note any signs of “missing” or “hesitation” as well.

Have the underside of the used Audi Q7 you're considering checked by a mechanic for signs of oil leaks, worn-out suspension components, and worn-out brakes for maximum peace of mind. A full brake-job at an Audi dealer is very pricey according to Q7 owners, so be sure the seller isn't trying to stick you with the bill for worn-out brakes.

On models with the panoramic moonroof, be sure to thoroughly inspect the cabin carpeting in both front footwells for signs of moisture, odor or mildew that could indicate a leak. A leaky moonroof in the Q7 could cause water to seep onto electrical connectors and fuse panels, leading to a world of problems.

Other checks should include proper operation of the tailgate, the MMI system, the Bluetooth, and the parking radar system, if equipped. If possible, avoid used models with the air suspension system, which can be pricey to repair if and when it wears out.

Photo: Rpb Rothwell

Carmakers are tapping smartphone technology to spruce up low-cost minicars and try to get an edge in a market that has grown to account for almost 10 percent of new-car sales in Europe.

In apologizing for its response to a faulty ignition switch that triggered a recall of about 1.6 million cars, General Motors has vowed that it will do business differently than the company that filed for bankruptcy in 2009.

As General Motors' head of product development, Mary Barra gave employees a clear order: "No more crappy cars." Two months into her CEO tenure, the crappy cars of old GM are exacting revenge on the born-again automaker.

Nissan designers have retained one of the brand's most polarizing designs -- and want to keep it looking different in the future.

General Motors has a strategy to deal with consumers' social media gripes about ignition switch defects: search for complaints, respond quickly and assist customers.

Nissan designers have retained one of the brand's most polarizing designs -- and want to keep it looking different in the future.

Mini may not replace the Coupe/Roadster and Paceman as the brand moves to focus on core models.