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Britain's biggest car dealer, Pendragon, says profit rose to 23.6 million pounds ($36.9 million) from 18.2 million pounds a year earlier, helped by the strong performance at its new- and used-vehicle segments.

BMW South Africa plans to add China to the export destinations for its locally-built 3 series models later this year.

News 10 Aug, 2012

Nissan confirms string of new Nismo performance models - and extreme RS versions are planned, too

Pictures 10 Aug, 2012

News 8 Aug, 2012

Five-door hatch version of the Skoda Rapid will debut next year, and is set to rival the VW Golf

Pictures 8 Aug, 2012

London's 300,000 daily black cab users will have a new taxi to ride in starting next year after Nissan unveiled its vision for the capital's black cab of the future.

The EU is examining a request by France to require South Korea to give advanced warning of planned car exports to the EU, the first step toward the possible re-introduction of duties a year after a free-trade deal came into effect.

Twenty years after revealing plans to build its first North American assembly plant in the United States, BMW is close to a decision to add a second one -- in Mexico.

We read in the news that McLaren may follow Ferrari's lead in opting for innovative pull-rod front and rear suspension for its 2013 Formula 1 car. But what is the main difference between the two?

The pull-rod suspension has been introduced in Formula 1 eleven years ago when Gabriele Tredozi designed the 2001 Minardi.

This season, the Ferrari F2012 also uses this system while all other teams still rely on the traditional push-rod mechanism.

Illustration: Craig Scarborough

In very simple words, a push-rod uses a carbon- fibre rod to push and activate the rocker (that acts like the spring and damper) . The pull-rod is the opposite as the rod pulls on the rocker.

With the pull-rod layout the rockers are positioned lower in the chassis. According to Ferrari technical director Pat Fry, this set-up is a little lighter and has a slightly lower centre of gravity.

Comparison between the 2010 Ferrari 150 on the left with the traditional push-rods and the current F2012 on the right with the pull-rods.

Also, in the case of the F2012 the pull-rod link is angled almost horizontally across the front suspension, which may help aerodynamically.

In his technical blog, Craig Scarborough explains that just as with the wishbones, the profile of the rod can be subtly altered within the rules to help control the wake from the wing and improve the airflow over the rear of the car.

He adds that despite appearances the pull-rod is as effective in moving the rocker for a given wheel travel as a pushrod. The important factor is the angle between the rod and the wishbone it is connected to, rather than the rods angle to the chassis.

From GMM

Ping-pong or the Olympics?

It's a tough choice for formula one drivers as they contemplate how to spend their rare free time during the August break.

Red Bull's Mark Webber has headed to the real Olympics, watching his countryman James Magnussen grapple with the pain of losing Gold in a swimming race he was hotly tipped to win.

"It's called the journey," said Australian Webber. "That's the amazing thing about sport."

Felipe Massa, having returned to his native Sao Paulo, has posted on Twitter photos of his downtime on the saddle of a four-wheeled motorcycle, and playing mini table-tennis with his brother Eduoardo.

Massa's brothers in action. (Photo: Felipe Massa Twitter)

Champions Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button are also enjoying sport of a different flavour.

2009 title winner Button, and his model girlfriend Jessica Michibata, headed to the Philippines for an Ironman competition.

"Triathlons aren't ever going to make me money," the McLaren driver told the Daily Mail. "But whenever I have any time off it doesn't take me long before I am pining to get back out on one."

2012 championship leader Alonso, meanwhile, won a 20 kilometre cycling time trial -- at a speed of almost 45 kilometres per hour.

Lewis Hamilton is holidaying in Grenada, the country of his father Anthony's heritage, while Lotus' Romain Grosjean is enjoying a honeymoon with his new wife Marion Jolles, a French television presenter well known in the F1 paddock.

Seven time world champion Michael Schumacher is just enjoying some downtime with his young family.

"I'm more focused on living a quiet and private life, so I would rather avoid lots of people," he said.

Adapted from press release

Kahnawake, Quebec racer Derek White, a former rookie of the year in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, has signed with SR2 Motorsports to drive the No. 24 Boutique Fashion Broker Chevrolet in the NAPA Auto Parts 200 NASCAR Nationwide race in Montreal.

In advance of the Montreal race, White has also agreed to work with the SR2 Motorsports this weekend at Watkins Glen International Raceway and attempt to qualify for the Zippo 200 in the No. 00 Boutique Fashion Broker Chevrolet.

Derek White, Chevrolet. (Photo: NASCAR)

“We all agreed it would be a good idea to get to know the team, work together for a weekend and get to know each other” said White. “We're not locked in so hopefully we get up to speed quickly and qualify for the race” he added.

This past weekend White competed in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres. 

From GMM

Martin Whitmarsh, a former boss of the famous Finn some years ago, has admitted he has been impressed by Kimi Raikkonen in 2012.

The pair worked together between 2002 and 2006, when the now 32-year-old won nine grands prix for McLaren.

Raikkonen switched to Ferrari in 2007, winning nine more races and the title, but after 2009 he quit formula one to go rallying and Nascar racing.

He has returned to F1 with Lotus this year, and despite not yet adding to his tally of career wins, the 'Iceman' is tipped as a dark horse for the 2012 championship.

When asked about Raikkonen, McLaren team boss Whitmarsh told Brazil's Totalrace: "He is very talented. I think he is one of the fastest men on the planet."

"People tend to underestimate Kimi, because of how little he talks. But he is a very intelligent and impressive driver. The Lotus is a good car and so, put together, they're a real threat," said Whitmarsh.

"I'm sure you've noticed that Kimi does not make many mistakes; he always does a good job. So I'm not surprised and I think he has the ability to improve even more throughout the season," he added.

Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) ahead of Lewis Hamilton (McLaren). (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Raikkonen's former McLaren stablemate, Pedro de la Rosa, told Spain's El Confidencial that Raikkonen is "definitely one of the best drivers I've ever seen".

And at the wheel of the impressive black and gold E20, it looks like a winning combination.

"Well, it hasn't won any races, so it's not a winner," Raikkonen insisted. "We are still pretty happy but of course you want to do better. We'll see what we can do in the second part (of the season)."

Lotus' technical boss James Allison thinks a shot at the title is not out of the question.

"Why not?" he told the British broadcaster Sky. "There are an awful lot of points for coming first and an awful lot of races left. The lead is miniscule compared to the points available."

Adapted from press release

Organizers of the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial released the brand for their event, the Formula One race will take place on the shores of the Hudson River in New Jersey in June, 2013.

After reviewing dozens of renderings, the Grand Prix of America group chose a blue-and-red logo that features a stylized Statue of Liberty crown over a checkered-flag helmet, anchored by a single star.

The logo was created by Racer Media and Marketing, a media and design agency directed by President Paul Pfanner.

Although the Grand Prix of America staff considered a number of concepts, the Statue of Liberty was key to everyone. The iconic monument, which represents freedom and international friendship, graces the Hudson River harbor between New York and New Jersey.

Pfanner said it was a fitting symbol for the race, which will run on a 3.2-mile road course in the towns of Weehawken and West New York, N.J., with the dramatic New York skyline as the backdrop.

From GMM

Triple title winning engineer Chris Dyer could be set to return to formula one.

After serving as Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen's championship-winning race engineer at Ferrari, the Australian was promoted by the famous Italian team to the role of head of engineering.

But Dyer, now 43, was shunted aside to the road car division at Maranello after bungling Fernando Alonso's race strategy in the 2010 Abu Dhabi finale that cost the Spaniard the title.

He then stepped aside completely, his last appearance in a F1 paddock now dating back to a full year ago, when Italian publications linked him with a possible return with Mercedes.

But reports (Omnicorse, Italy and Auto Bild, Germany) this week suggest Dyer's return could actually be with Silverstone based Force India.

The two VJM05 Sahara Force India. (Photo: WRi2)

The team, just eighth in the 2012 constructors' championship, said recently it has now switched its main focus to the 2013 car.

"It (the switch of focus) started a while ago," said techncial director Andy Green. "For a team of our size we can't afford to develop a car much beyond this point in the season."

The death of a 41-year spectator and injuries to nine other fans have NASCAR and Pocono Raceway reviewing safety procedures when weather threatens.

On Sunday, seven minutes after the Pennsylvania 400 was red flagged due to rain, Brian Zimmerman, was killed by a lightning strike in the parking while leaning on his vehicle.

Photo: Getty Images/NASCAR)

Track president, Brandon Igdalsky, issued the following statement “on behalf of the entire staff here at Pocono Raceway, we are deeply saddened by yesterday's tragic events. As mentioned, our fans are like family to us and we express our deepest condolences to the individuals and families involved...”

This fatality and the other injuries have led many to question the safety of fans when lightning strikes are forecast.

As the sanctioning body of the race NASCAR determines whether to continue racing when weather issues become known.

“It's a balancing act, but there's no doubt that the first and foremost priority is the safety—far and above the actual racing and trying to get the race in,” NASCAR spokesman David Higdon told the Sporting News on Monday. “There's no question on the decision to be made if there (needs to be an) evacuation, we will follow it.

“If there is a threat of lightning, we will stop the race.”

Even if the race is stopped; emptying the grand stands and getting tens of thousands of spectators to places of safety in an expeditious manner is no small task.

Higdon told USA Today that the NASCAR is in accord with the race track on how it reacted to the weather forecasts “The track acted appropriately, and we are aligned with them," Higdon said. "They have a very substantial emergency action plan that we review with them well in advance (of race weekends). ... Ultimately, (the tracks) need to ensure the safety of the fans up to our expectations for them."

The race track is also establishing a memorial fund for the victims of the lightning strikes.

Igdalsky' statement concludes: “the safety of all guests to Pocono Raceway is of the utmost importance to our entire staff. This tragic event is at the forefront of all of our thoughts and prayers. We will learn from the incident and continue to implement strategies to help ensure the safety of fans and all attendees at future events at Pocono Raceway.”

From GMM

Toto Wolff, a shareholder and now Williams' new executive director, has ruled out testing the famous British team's 2012 car.

Williams test driver Susie Wolff's husband, and Friday driver Valtteri Bottas' manager, Wolff is also a racing driver.

He raced single seaters in the 90s and in 2002 finished sixth in the FIA's NGT (now GT2) championship.

He also won a race in the GT1 class and more recently achieved success in Austrian rallying and won the 2006 Dubai 24 hour race.

But Wolff, 40, insists he has no plans to test the Renault-powered FW34.

"As you know, I was more ambitious than talented and there is no ambition to drive a formula one car because I think it would just look ridiculous," he said.

Instead, in the wake of chairman Adam Parr's surprise departure, Wolff is taking his new job - helping Sir Frank Williams to run the Oxfordshire based team - very seriously.

"The answer is yes, I'm going to spend more days at the factory and I enjoy it, it's what I want to do now," he said.

Discover or rediscover his Nordschleife lap record attempt in a Porsche and his spectacular crash at 270kph! The video was produced by Laola1.tv.

You would think, after all these years behind the wheel, that I would have taken a set of said wheels onto a track somewhere. Unfortunately, such has not been the case. I've been a passenger many a time on a track, or as a driver but with an instructor, but never piloted the car by myself, solo. Well, that all changed recently.

During our Comparo 2.0 drive (which you'll definitely want to check out) we decided to test out our group of cars on a track, to really see what they were all about. Finally, my chance had come to pop my track cherry.

I was nervous, anxious, excited, unsure, and confident all at once. (Thank the gods Matt was there to show me the ropes...)

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

After a quick rundown of the track and how I could get myself into trouble, it was time to helmet up and get behind the wheel for a few recon laps. Popping that helmet on I knew things would be different after this -- that I would be different.

Piloting the Volkswagen GTI, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec and Mazda MX-5 SV around a local track was everything I thought it would be and more. As a first-time tracker, I was unsure my first few laps around. However, after my lines were established and my confidence rose, I imagined myself as the female, Canadian version of The Stig (it's my fantasy, leave me alone).

And I know I'm not the only one who has enjoyed losing my track virginity. So many of today's cars are sold with the promise of sporty, track-like drives; something owners will never experience on public roads. It's not until they don helmets, get into that perfect driving position, open the throttle on a straightaway, heel-toe before perfectly engaging a corner, clinch the apex and power out that they are truly driving their cars.

When I drove the fabled 2013 Nissan GT-R a few weeks ago, I knew I was only experiencing about 40% of what the car had to offer. Bring the GT-R on a track, and not only will your mind be officially blown, but you will know what it truly means to own a GT-R.

I highly recommend any and all drivers head to a track at least once in their lives. If you like to drive, you'll like to drive on a track. It's exhilarating, scary, thrilling and downright fun. Not only do you learn about the car you are driving, but you learn a lot about yourself as a driver; your limitations, mainly.

Tracking is an extremely humbling experience, in my opinion. You can talk a big game in the pits, but out there on the asphalt, it's a whole new world. You'll forget all your big talk the moment you realize you've entered a corner too quickly and you have nowhere to bail. Recognizing your own limitations is key when you're driving a car on the track. Forget to realize those and you'll be seeing a wall.

Would I do it again? Damn straight I would. This particular track day had me in RWD vehicles (save for the GTI), so my driving was adjusted accordingly, however, the tracking “lessons” learned were all the same. And I'm uber glad I've learned them and can apply them to my next track experience.

Supremely less embarrassing and much more thrilling than any other “first time” I've had, I'm happy to announce I am no longer a track virgin.

Ford's upcoming 2013 C-MAX Hybrid multipurpose vehicle is said to deliver an EPA-certified 47 US MPG rating for both city and highway tests. That amounts to 5.0 L/100km.

That's also much higher than the 2012 Toyota Prius v's ratings, which Ford clearly states as the C-MAX Hybrid's main rival. The Prius v boasts city/highway ratings of 42/40 US MPG, or 5.6/5.9 L/100km.

Natural Resources Canada, which regulates fuel economy ratings in our country, hasn't yet published their numbers for the C-MAX, which are more optimistic than the EPA's calculations. However, expect the C-MAX Hybrid to achieve a combined rating near the 4.0L/100km mark.

In comparison, the Canadian ratings for the Prius v currently stand at 4.3/4.8 L/100km city/highway.

The 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid and plug-in C-MAX Energi will be available in Canada later this year.

Photo: Ford

SANTA FE, New Mexico - The newest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has to fill a broad position in the marketplace, given that some of its competitors such as Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX56 and Porsche Cayenne cover a wide range of what is considered a luxury SUV.


At present, Mercedes-Benz is introducing three models in Canada: the GL 350 4MATIC with a BlueTEC diesel V6 as well as the GL 450 4MATIC and GL 550 4MATIC, both with gasoline powered V8s. This fall, an AMG version of the GL will join the model lineup, called the GL 63 AMG.

Interior
My first test 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was equipped with the new, optional quilted motif sewn into all three rows of seats. A more conventional and plain pattern is standard.

The front bucket seats are some of the tallest I've encountered, and while this may be safe, it does make it difficult to shoulder check around them. Using the mirrors and the lane change assist are musts when on multi-lane roads.

In the second row, the 60/40-split folding seat goes down in two different ways, either for a flat cargo load floor or for gaining access to the 50/50-split third row. There are electronic controls for these actions located at each rear door and at the rear hatch.

Cargo mode, which is all the seats folded down, provides nearly as much space as the average small truck. With all seats upright, cargo space is limited to about three roll-aboard suitcases.

Little things like the two heated and cooled cup holders up front compliment the luxury found in the Mercedes-Benz GL. I was able to keep my coffee hot and, with the flip of a switch, keep my bottle of water cold enough to make it a pleasant beverage.

With all seats upright, cargo space is limited to about three roll-aboard suitcases. (Photo: Charles Renny)

Electronic driving assists
Roughly 20 assist systems that will make you a better driver, even if you don't want to be one, are either standard or optional on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. A sampling of assists turns up my latest favourite, Parking Assist, which is now simple to use and actually does the job right.

There is an optional Turn Assist system that will help you get around corners if you are going a touch too quick. The lane-departure system not only vibrates the steering wheel initially, but tosses you back into your lane quite ruthlessly if you are not paying attention.

Another “assist” that I found really helpful was the 360-degree camera that allows you to see everything you need to, and then some, when backing up. At first, it seemed like a novelty, but when I turned it off, it stayed off for about 10 seconds before I wanted it back on!

An “assist” that I found really helpful was the 360-degree camera that allows you to see everything you need to, and then some, when backing up.(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Driving impressions
Part of luxury driving is having a suspension that provides that soft cushy ride on almost any surface, and an engine with enough power to move your vehicle at whatever speed you choose to. I figured all this out as soon as I got into the driver's seat of the Mercedes-Benz GL that I was to start out in at the International Launch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

When I looked over the controls, I targeted the suspension adjustments that switch between Comfort and Sport. On the smooth roads of New Mexico, the Sport setting worked just fine and I was rolling along nice and relaxed, going around corners at what I thought was the posted limit. That was until I realized the GL was going around corners at roughly 50% faster than I thought. When I went into Comfort mode, my speed did drop a bit, but not much.

Later in the day, I turned onto a dirt trail and drove at speeds most owners wouldn't even consider. The Sport setting made the ride just a bit harsh, but I could feel what type of surface I was on. Comfort allowed for a softer ride and hence a bit more speed, particularly on washboard surfaces.

I turned onto a dirt trail and drove at speeds most owners wouldn't even consider. The Sport setting made the ride just a bit harsh, but I could feel what type of surface I was on. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

This brings about the serious issue of trying to describe how much the air suspension dynamics, including the electronically adjustable anti-sway bars, have improved over the previous generation. Suffice to say, handling is noticeably better at all speeds on all surfaces.

Fuel economy is a hot topic these days and one of the main reasons for the improved performance of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in both fuel economy and acceleration is a new, smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission as well as a 90-kg weight loss. Fuel economy has been improved by up to 20% over the previous generation, and 0 to 100 km/h times have been reduced by over 1 second (depending on the version) according to Mercedes' figures.

In Canada, Mercedes-Benz sells more than 1,600 GL-Class models each year, and expects that number to increase when all versions of the 2013 GL become available.