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BMW has released a short video to announce the world premiere of the new X4 crossover on March 6th at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show. It's a teaser that will merely whet your appetite, though, so come back to Auto123.com on Thursday and during the next few weeks for more details and pictures of the BMW X4.

Source : instagram.com

From Renault Sport F1

Rob White, Renault Sport F1 deputy managing director (technical) predicts opening round of the 2014 Formula 1 season in Australia will be a stressful and anxious weekend.

Question: How was the second Bahrain test from a Renault perspective?
Rob White: “The aim of the last test session before Australia was to recover some of the lost ground from the previous test sessions and to rehearse the Grand Prix. We wanted each of our four teams to be able to approach a normal race weekend without having to improvise any of the procedures or operations needed. We can't escape the fact that we did not complete the entire programme with all the teams and that some Melbourne preparations are incomplete. On the up-side, we have done some of everything, with simulations of qualifying sessions, starts, race distances and long stints and it is fair to say that once again we have made some real progress.

“We have cured or found workarounds for some of the problems we had previously identified. New problems revealed as we ran more have added to the unsolved items, and have disrupted running, which is disappointing for our teams.”

Remi Taffin with the Renault engineers. (Photo: WRi2)

Q: Have there been any major issues this time round?
Rob White: “In terms of down-time, we see that minor incidents can veer off into major ones and cause significant downtime. This is an example of the immaturity of our Power Unit; we do not have all of the fail-safe and limp-home modes we would consider normal in this stage. This contributes to the loss of track time when a small issue does occur. As we go forward we expect to be able to take these things in our stride rather than have a major failure as a result of minor problem.

“When running, this immaturity makes itself known as shortcomings in torque delivery or ‘drivability', which make it tricky for the drivers to find the performance limit of the car.”

Q: And what have been the key learnings over the testing period?
Rob White: “We have started to converge on a configuration of car that is more like when we have run the engine back on the dynos in Viry. We've increased the level of performance at which the Power Unit can be operated, and we've made strides in terms of how energy is managed round the circuit. Additionally we have made some headway on troubleshooting our control systems.”

Q: What is the plan now pre-Melbourne?
Rob White: “Between now and Melbourne we have a number of items to cover. We need to consolidate all of the lessons learned across all the teams. We need to review all the accumulated data and compare and contrast to get the best out of it so the starting point for all of the Renault-powered cars is as good as it can be. Second, we must progress further on the torque delivery of the Power Unit felt by the drivers. This will include software and calibration work, with simulator and dyno and validation. Thirdly there is the logistical challenge of getting the race Power Units built and shipped to Australia. That process is well under way and will be finished next week.”

Red Bull Racing endured a tough time in testing. (Photo: WRi2)

Q: Has the Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit undergone the necessary homologation process?
Rob White: “Yes, the relevant documents and a reference Power Unit have been submitted to the FIA within the deadlines in the Sporting Rules.”

Q: What are your hopes for Melbourne?
Rob White: “Melbourne will be an anxious weekend! Conducting a normal race weekend, in which both cars run well during each session for every team, would be a great relief. I hope we can support our teams and drivers to explore the performance of the car and allow the race to deliver its sporting verdict.”

Formerly known and presented last June as ''iOS in the Car,'' Apple's CarPlay onboard communication system with smartphone integration will find its way into several vehicles starting next week.

Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo will use the Geneva Auto Show to make such announcements, according to the Financial Times. Apple reportedly has agreements with 18 car companies already.

CarPlay allows drivers to control incoming calls, text messages, navigation, and entertainment functions through a familiar interface that includes both a touchscreen and voice recognition.

Source : news.cnet.com

Formula 1's Strategy Group has approved changes to the qualifying format to spice up the last of three sessions, called Q3.

The idea behind those changes is to get all of the ten fastest cars out on track during Q3.

Last year, some drivers elected not to go out to save sets of fresh tires for the race, and to start the race on the compounds they desired.

For 2014, Q1 will be reduced from 20 to 18 minutes while Q3 will be lengthened from 10 minutes to 12, to give drivers more time to complete two timed runs.

Drivers who choose not to go out on the track will start the race on the tire they used in Q2.

The tweaks need to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA before being introduced in time for the season-opening Grand Prix of Australia, March 16.

After skipping Montreal to focus on the Detroit Auto Show last January, Tesla Motors is dropping by the 2014 Quebec City Auto Show with the much talked-about Model S to court electric car enthusiasts from La Belle Province... and feel the pulse of the Quebec City market.

Legions of visitors are expected to surround the car and admire it from every angle, with many of them seizing the opportunity to test drive a unit at the show as part of the CAA-Quebec road tests. While range anxiety usually affects potential EV buyers, they flash a big smile when they learn that the Model S can cover up to 370 or 480 kilometres on a full charge depending on the battery.

Photo: Guillaume Rivard

Judging by its formidable sales growth -- Tesla forecasts a 55% gain in 2014 -- and the expansion of its Supercharger network that will connect Toronto with Quebec City starting this summer, it's only a matter of time before the innovative company breaks ground in the province's capital.

“The greater the demand across Quebec, the more likely we are to have a second store/showroom or service centre,” said an enthusiastic Martin Paquet, regional sales director at Tesla Canada, referring to the one already established in the Montreal area (Laval).

The fast expanding electric car maker now has four stores and galleries, as well as four service centres, across Canada -- and nearly 60 stores and service centres worldwide, with more than 50 new facilities set to open in the next few months (mostly in Europe), including a service centre in Calgary.

As reported last month, the buzz around the Tesla Model S in Quebec City is such that a local taxi owner, Christian Roy, will soon take delivery of the very first Tesla taxi in North America.

The launch of a third Tesla model that's smaller and more affordable ($30,000-$40,000) around 2017 will certainly cause the brand's popularity to explode.

Simply put, Tesla is one to keep a close eye on, so don't miss your chance to see it and even try it out at the 2014 Quebec City Auto Show.

From Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

Excitement for Kawartha Speedway's 2014 Grassroots Racing Series continues to build.

The first green flag waves Friday, June 6 for an evening of Late Model, Thunder Car, Mini Stock, 4Fun and Legends action on the spacious 3/8-mile oval at Fraserville, Ontario.

Founder and promoter Andrew McFadden says word is spreading like wildfire as the opening date gets closer.

"All that we really need now is some warmer weather to get things rolling," said McFadden.

"My in-box is buzzing with inquiries and completed registration forms every day. The series is the talk of social media sites and it looks like we'll have full fields in each of our regular divisions. We're rolling-out the 'welcome' mat and teams from across the province are responding in a positive way."

McFadden says some drivers steeped in Kawartha Speedway's history have filed intentions including Late Model standouts Dan McHattie - a multi-time track champion, Ryan Kimball - who is a former Thunder Car champ and earned a popular main event victory in 2012 and Kyle Donaldson, who has his name on championship hardware from many divisions.

2012 Kawartha runner-up and 2013 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park champion Howie Crowe, John Baker Jr. and former Mini Stock title holder Daryl Fice will compliment the Thunder Car ranks, with Willy Howells and 2012 feature winner Danny Benedict bringing their potent Mini Stock machines to the party. McFadden says that in addition to the growing list of talented racers coming to the series, Grassroots Racing is looking for marketing support to provide title advertising for each regular division, track signage and point funds.

"Opportunities are available for individual events and full season sponsorship," said McFadden.

"We have activities planned throughout the eight races on the schedule and will also be involved in regional goings-on to help build the brand. We're currently looking for drivers who'll be able to showcase their machines in Peterborough's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Sunday, March 16. It's an excellent chance to promote your team and sponsors, as well as the Grassroots Racing Series."

The Grassroots Racing Series promotional team is pleased to announce that another exciting event has been added to the series' calendar. The Ontario Secondary School Electric Vehicle Challenge will be staged before the stockcar portion of the open practice session Friday, May 16.

A direct competition between schools from across the province in student-built, battery powered electric race cars will see teams from nearly half a dozen schools tackle Kawartha Speedway's 3/8-mile layout to see how many laps they can complete in a one hour time frame.

Twelve volt machines will take to the track at 10am, with the 24 volt O.S.S. Challenge rides getting the green flag at noon.

Cachet is a decidedly valuable characteristic to have. Many carmakers began by offering niche cars that in time evolved into je ne sais quoi vehicles with a certain amount of appeal.

Infiniti started out with cachet, and it quickly progressed into being the niche Japanese luxury brand or less flatteringly, the performance Japanese alternative to the Germans. The Infiniti G35 was at the forefront of this perception where it remains to this day.

Times have changed though, and the ex-G35/37 is now the Q50 and has properly evolved into one of the most technologically advanced in its segment and beyond. This reality elevates the Q50 to another level, opening it up equally to praise and criticism. The new 2014 Infiniti Q50 is a stunner, but the technology may be too advanced for its own good.


What is an Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid?
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is the brand's gateway car. Historically, the ex-“G” car was not only the most affordable car in Nissan's luxury brand lineup, but also the most exciting and possibly the most desirable.

The compact luxury sedan has always managed to blend performance and sophistication in a very striking package that has made enthusiast and consumers alike salivate. The current Q50 continues this tradition with styling and trims to please all.

2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid Price and Specs
The new Infiniti Q50 has a starting price of $37,900. Available in four versions, ranging from the base 3.7 to the sporty S, the Q50 caters to those looking for luxury and thrills. For those expecting more performance with a green conscience, they can opt for the Hybrid available in two versions.

The element that distinguishes all Q50s is its available intelligent AWD system. The 3.7 features a 328 horsepower 3.7L V6, whereas the Hybrid starts off with a 3.5L V6 to which is joined a 50kW electric motor. Its output is rated at a pleasing 360 horsepower. In all cases, a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control is standard.

The base 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid tips the pricing scale at $47,000. As tested, my Premium with Sport Package Q50 S AWD topped out at $56,450.

Historically, the ex-“G” car was not only the most affordable car in Nissan's luxury brand lineup, but also the most exciting and possibly the most desirable. (Photo: Infiniti)

Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid
The prospect of driving an Infiniti “G” car has always been exciting with the possible exception of the G20 from the 1990s, which was nothing more than a Sentra... Regardless, from the G35 on, a rewarding and sporty time behind the wheel was always to be expected.

My expectations for the Q50 were met when I briefly drove Miranda's Q50 AWD, but that experience was only the tip of the iceberg, but not in an entirely good way.

The hybrid's powertrain is nothing short of impressive where going fast and being frugal are concerned. I averaged 8.5L/100 km in -20 degree weather and snow. These conditions did little to favour EV driving for much more than 5 seconds at a time despite light throttle application. Playing with the Infiniti Drive Mode selector insured shaper (or duller) throttle response, but in all respects the Q50 Hybrid was very fast.

Another high point goes to the brakes, which did not suffer from typical regeneration grabbiness. Smooth and progressive like a normal braking system, they also performed flawlessly all week.

My issue stems from the car's vehicle speed sensitive steering with direct adaptive steering. Although adjustable through the InTouch menus, I could not settle into what was going on with the front wheels ahead of me. I was in love with the system at first, but I quickly became dismayed with the complete lack of feedback and input from the 245-section front tires. It became obvious that I had no physical connection with the car. None. This fact marred my time with the 2014 Infiniti Q50. And unlike Lightstone, I was happy to turn up in a German competitor the following week.

As a travelling companion, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid will do exactly what is asked of it including grip, grab, and go. I, however, plainly don't like being so isolated. I crave a certain intimacy with the car I'm driving. You, on the other hand, may find it amazing and with good reason.

The hybrid's powertrain is nothing short of impressive where going fast and being frugal are concerned. (Photo: Infiniti)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid
The new Q50's outer shell is exquisite. In a segment that includes superstars like the BMW 3 Series, the Q50 strikes an impressive balance between eclectic Japanese flowing design and stern German lines.

The cabin is just as exquisite. Snug and cockpit-like, it was conceived to make the occupants feel connected to car. This attempt was lost on me, but the fact remains that the craftsmanship is top-notch, as are the materials used.

The seats proved to be firm and supportive and provided me with a great driving position. The rear bench is snug, yet comfortable. Points are taken away from the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid for its limited trunk space.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid's dashboard is a near masterpiece of integration and a techie's delight. Infiniti InTouch and InTuition offer up a quasi-unlimited number of possibilities where customization is concerned. Important functions are attainable through specific controls. Sadly, it all takes far too long to load when the car is started, especially in winter when all I want is to turn the heated steering wheel on! Go ahead, call me a crybaby.

The cabin is just as exquisite. Snug and cockpit-like, it was conceived to make the occupants feel connected to car. (Photo: Infiniti)

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid
The Q50 Hybrid has only a handful of competitors of which no other offers an AWD option. On this point alone, the Q50 wins. As far as the driving experience is concerned, it also takes the cake, as the BMW ActiveHybrid3 is no hero, either. However, my hard-earned money would go towards diesel motoring or a smaller displacement turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Just as Europe's car market recovery shifts up a gear, Audi will have little new to display at the Geneva auto show, other than its latest generation TT niche sports car.

Just as Europe's car market recovery shifts up a gear, Audi will have little new to display at the Geneva auto show, other than its latest generation TT niche sports car.

VW and Volvo will use the Geneva auto show to present their plans to make pinch and swipe gestures as common in the car as they are on an iPad.

Volvo design chief Thomas Ingenlath has been turning heads and winning styling awards since joining the Swedish automaker from VW Group. The question is whether the success will result in an irresistible new XC90.

Citroen is taking a bold step with its new C4 Cactus compact car that debuts at the Geneva auto show ­#8211; just like Nissan did when it launched the Qashqai in 2007.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to use sporty new Alfa Romeos and sleek Maseratis in a bid to repeat in Italy what British brands like Mini and Jaguar have achieved under foreign ownership.

The newly created Mercedes-Benz Vans USA unit that sells the Sprinter van will add dealers and models and will increase sales in the next few years.

Cadillac's "Poolside" ad for the ELR plug-in hybrid has provoked a lot of debate about American values since its airing during the Winter Olympics telecast. Is it a salute to American capitalism or a xenophobic ode to materialism?

From press release

The new challenger makes its debut while preparations for the start of the BMW M4 DTM's first season enter the finishing straight.

The submission of the necessary papers for the aerodynamic homologation of the 2014-spec DTM cars to the Deutsche Motor Sport Bund (DMSB) also marks the end of a busy, and yet exciting, period for BMW Motorsport.

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

Development work on the BMW M4 DTM, which will compete in the forthcoming DTM season, has been in full swing in recent weeks and months. As of today, it is no longer possible to make modifications to fundamental areas of the car, heralding a new phase of preparations for the start of the season in Hockenheim (DE) on 4th May.

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

The forthcoming tests will primarily focus on optimizing detailed aspects of the total package and understanding how to exhaust the full potential of the BMW M4 DTM.

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

The new car will make public appearances out on the track at the official ITR tests in Budapest (HU, 31st March - 3rd April) and then at the final test in Hockenheim (DE, 14th - 17th April).

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

Like last year, the official presentation of all eight BMW M4 DTMs on 25th April in Munich's BMW Welt will provide BMW Motorsport fans with a mouth-watering taste of what they can look forward to in the new season.

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

Technical data for the BMW M4 DTM
Chassis: carbon-fibre monocoque with integrated tank and steel roll cage; carbon-fibre crash elements on sides; carbon fibre crash elements on front and rear
Length/width/height: 4,775 mm/1,950 mm/approx. 1,200 mm
Tank capacity: 120 litres
Engine: 90° V8 aspirated engine, four valves per cylinder, 2 x 28.0 mm air restrictors (in accordance with regulations)
Capacity: 4,000 ccm
Output: approx. 480 bhp (with air restrictors, in accordance with regulations)
Max. torque: approx. 500 Nm
Engine management system: Bosch MS 5.1 engine control unit, central display
Transmission: Sequential 6-speed sports gearbox, operated via pneumatic shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel; 4-plate ZF Sachs carbon-fibre clutch; adjustable multi-disc limited-slip differential
Front axle/rear axle: Double wishbone axle with pushrods and adjustable shock absorbers with six settings; H&R coil springs
Brakes: Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system; monoblock, light-alloy brake callipers; inner-ventilated brake discs at front and rear; brake-force distribution can be adjusted by driver; electromagnetic starting valve
Wheels: Forged aluminium rims; 18" x 12" front, 18" x 13" rear
Tires: Hankook; front: 300-680-18, rear: 320-710-18

BMW M4 and M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

From Audi

The Audi teams competing in the GTD class of the Tudor United Sports Car Championship have nominated their driver squads for the next major classic racing event.

In the Sebring 12 Hours on March 15, Flying Lizard Motorsports will be relying on Nelson Canache, Tim Pappas, Spencer Pumpelly and Markus Winkelhock, who are currently runners-up on the leaderboard of the North American Endurance Challenge.

The sister car will be shared by Filipe Albuquerque, Alessandro Latif, Dion von Moltke and Seth Neiman.

GMG Racing will be contesting the race with Marc Basseng, James Sofronas and Alex Welch. Fall-Line Motorsports will be competing in Florida with Charles Espenlaub, Christopher Mies and Charlie Putman.

Finally, the R8 LMS of Paul Miller Racing will be driven by Matthew Bell, Christopher Haase and Bryce Miller, who are currently in third place of the standings.

Audi R8 LMS ultra, Sébastien Loeb Racing (Photo: Audi)

Meanwhile, in related Audi news, Sébastien Loeb Racing took delivery of two Audi R8 LMS ultra cars at quattro GmbH in Heilbronn-Biberach.

The squad of the nine-time World Rally Champion relies on Audi's customer sport race car for the first time this year and will be competing in the French GT Tour Championship.

In addition, Sébastien Loeb Racing is planning to run in the GTC class of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

From press release

Officials of the Bahrain International Circuit announced today they would be naming the first corner of the BIC after F1 legend Michael Schumacher, as part of the track's 10th anniversary.

Schumacher won the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix back in 2004, and still holds the lap record. The former Mercedes and Ferrari driver also helped designed the track.

"With the support of his family, it is a great privilege to be able to honour arguably the greatest racing driver in the history of F1 and someone who the people of Bahrain hold close to their hearts," said Zayed Al Zayani, Chairman of the BIC.

Michael Schumacher (Photo: Ferrari)

"I am convinced Michael will love the idea and feel very honoured about having a BIC corner named after him," replied the great German's spokesperson, Sabine Kehm.

The seven-time world champion remains in intensive care, following his ski accident in late December.

Also as part of the 10th anniversary, Bahrain will host its first F1 night race, on April 6th, 2014.

He races in IndyCar. He's Canadian. He's the mayor of Hinchtown. And he never wears socks and sandals. He's James Hinchcliffe.

James Hinchcliffe (Photo: IndyCar)

Date of birth: December 5th, 1986

Hometown: Oakville, Ontario (Canada)

Occupation: IndyCar driver for Andretti Autosport

Favourite corner: Turn 11, 12 at Barber Motorsports Park
Best friend on the grid: Charlie Kimball

Charlie Kimball (Photo: IndyCar)

Career highlight: First win at St Pete

Toughest competitor: Scott Dixon

Oval or road course?
I like both of them equally.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

What would you do if you weren't an race car driver?
Racing really is my life.

Who do you owe your success to?
My family.

Three key elements to a good lap:
1. A brave driver
2. A lot of commitment
3. A good set-up

James Hinchcliffe (Photo: Walter Kuhn)

Favourite actor: Robert Downey Jr

Favourite song: Sweet Child O' Mine

Favourite drink: Hinchtown Hammer Down (Hinchcliffe's own beer)

Best thing about the off-season: Scuba diving

If you could introduce one new rule to IndyCar: Allow banana peals like in Mario Kart.

Best piece of advice you've ever had: "Never give up."

Best excuse after crashing the car: "That guy cut me off."

From WRC

New Zealander Hayden Paddon is the newest addition to Hyundai Motorsport's World Rally Championship's (WRC) program.

The 26-year-old's programme will compete for the first time behind the wheel of the i20 at Rally Italia Sardegna in June. He will also contest the rounds in Poland, Finland, Australia and Britain along with two more rounds from Germany, France and Spain.

The Korean manufacturer will enter Paddon and co-driver John Kennard in a second team called Hyundai Motorsport N, which will be registered to score points in the manufacturers' championship.

Paddon, who won the PWRC world title in 2011, made his World Rally Car debut in October last year when he drove a Ford Fiesta RS for the Qatar M-Sport squad at Rally de Espana. He finished eighth.

Hayden Paddon with Hyundai Motorsport president Gyoo-Heon Choi (Photo: WRC)

“It is an incredible opportunity to be part of the team in these very exciting times,” said Paddon, pictured with Hyundai Motorsport president Gyoo-Heon Choi. “It's a chance that we are ready for and are going to work very hard to make the most of to help the team continue to develop towards 2015.

“Same as the team, I am here to learn my way through WRC and to succeed in the end. It is also a fantastic opportunity for me to work and learn alongside some very experienced people within the team and, of course, the other drivers,” he added.

Paddon joins lead driver Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo, Juho Hanninen and Chris Atkinson in the Hyundai set-up.

He will test the i20 WRC for the first time in April but before then he will attend next week's Rally Mexico independently for the recce.