Saturday, April 30, 2011

F1: Bahrain Stakes Claim For GP In 2011

Bahrain clearly still has hopes of hosting a race this year, despite a widespread belief in F1 circles that it shouldn't happen...

Source: http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-bahrain-stakes-claim-for-gp-in-2011/

Paco Godia Carel Godin de Beaufort Christian Goethals Paul Goldsmith José Froilán González

Moving Beyond the Automobile: Parking Reform

In the tenth and final video in Streetfilms’ “Moving Beyond the Automobile” series,�we are talking about parking reform.�From doing away with mandatory parking minimums, to charging the right price for curbside parking, to converting on-street parking spots into parklets and bike corrals, cities are latching on to exciting new ideas to�make more room [...]

Source: http://www.streetfilms.org/mba-parking-reform/

Paco Godia Carel Godin de Beaufort Christian Goethals Paul Goldsmith José Froilán González

Kahne hopes knee issue resolved

Kasey Kahne expects to put his recent knee issues behind him after undergoing yet another operation on his right knee a couple of weeks ago. Last November the Red Bull Racing driver had arthroscopic surgery on both knees in order to remove tissue that had been causing him discomfort, having been diagnosed with Plica Syndrome

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/nascar-news/nascar/kahne-hopes-knee-issue-resolved/

Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica

Trulli trusts FIA on Monaco DRS call

Jarno Trulli is confident the FIA will do the right thing when it comes to deciding about the use of DRS at the Monaco Grand Prix - even though he believes keeping it on the cars for Monaco will be 'pointless'. AUTOSPORT revealed last week that Formula 1's governing body is considering not allowing drivers to use DRS at Monaco because of safety concerns. As well as there being minimal benefit from the moveable wing on the street circuit, drivers have expressed worries that it could be dangerous if they are forced to use it for a speed boost on tricky parts of the circuit ? like through the famous Tunnel

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/trulli-trusts-fia-on-monaco-drs-call/

Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya

Montoya wins 7th career pole, 1st at Richmond

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/04/29/1164742/montoya-wins-7th-career-pole-1st.html

Leslie Johnson Bruce Johnstone Alan Jones Tom Jones Juan Jover

Vernay joins Pons for Spa FR3.5

Indy Lights champion and Peugeot Le Mans reserve driver Jean-Karl Vernay will make his Formula Renault 3.5 debut with Pons Racing at Spa this weekend. Vernay will occupy the team's second seat in place of Kiwi Dominic Storey in what is understood to be, at the moment, a one-off. "Unfortunately, I think it is unlikely that Dominic will return this season," said team manager Jordi Pons.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/3rdparty/vernay-joins-pons-for-spa-fr3-5/

Miguel Ángel Guerra Roberto Guerrero Maurício Gugelmin Dan Gurney Hubert Hahne

2011 NNS BUBBA burger 250 Q & A with Toyota Motorsports Driver, Travis Pastrana

2011 NNS Travis Pastrana - Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCARTRAVIS PASTRANA, Pastrana-Waltrip Racing What has your experience been like so far in NASCAR? “It’s been a lot of fun, just getting into the car and getting to really meet and drive with some of the guys. Michael (Waltrip) has just been awesome as well...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/nationwide/04/29/2011-nns-bubba-burger-250-q-a-with-toyota-motorsports-driver-travis-pastrana/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2011-nns-bubba-burger-250-q-a-with-toyota-motorsports-driver-travis-pastrana

David Hampshire Sam Hanks Walt Hansgen Mike Harris Cuth Harrison

Nieminen Notches Another

Round Five of the iRacing.com World Championship Series Road Racing (iWCSRR) paid a visit to the twisty and dusty turns of the Infineon Raceway, where Jesse Nieminen jumped his way to the front of the pack to claim his third victory of the season. The My3id Team sim-racer started from the second row of the grid in fourth position, and by the time the first round of pit-stops arrived, Nieminen was up to third position, after capitalising on an error by Ilkka Haapala. This is when the Finn launched his Williams-Toyota FW31 into the lead, as a hair-raisingly fast entry to pit lane and subsequent high-speed service brought him out alongside erstwhile leader Luca Masier and ahead of Greger Huttu, who’d over-shot his pit box. ?Everyone pitted on the same [...]

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/nieminen-notches-another/

Fred Gamble Howden Ganley Frank Gardner Billy Garrett Jo Gartner

2011 NSCS Crown Royal 400 Race Preview with Team Chevy Driver, Tony Stewart

2011 NSCS No. 14 Mobil 1/Office Depot Chevy of Tony Stewart - Photo Credit: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesTONY STEWART, NO. 14 MOBIL 1/OFFICE DEPOT CHEVROLET met with media and discussed his upcoming Prelude to the Dream event, upcoming drivers and how they impress veteran drivers, practice sessions, and more. WERE YOU GUYS WORKING ON QUALIFYING RUNS...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/sprintcup/04/29/2011-nscs-crown-royal-400-race-preview-with-team-chevy-driver-tony-stewart/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2011-nscs-crown-royal-400-race-preview-with-team-chevy-driver-tony-stewart

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt

Zizzo Puts PEAK Motor Oil Dragster Sixth in Houston

Zizzo Racing O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals BAYTOWN, Texas Fri, 29 Apr 2011 After sitting at home since the Winternationals in February, TJ Zizzo and his PEAK Motor Oil/Herculiner NHRA Full Throttle Series team were ready to race. After...

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/04/zizzo_puts_peak_motor_oil.php

Peter de Klerk Christian Klien Karl Kling Ernst Klodwig Kamui Kobayashi

Jaguar Planning Brand New V-6 Engine for XF (and Maybe XJ)

Perhaps you read in this week’s Financial Times that Jaguar is looking at building a new factory for engine construction in the UK. What the company hasn’t said?but thanks to our sources, we can now confirm?is that the added production capacity will allow the Jaguar to begin construction of a brand-new six-cylinder engine. The engine [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/OrrgCry_Sn4/

Cuth Harrison Brian Hart Gene Hartley Masahiro Hasemi Naoki Hattori

Bowyer on roll as Sprint Cup heads to Richmond

Clint Bowyers season started with a chance to win the Daytona 500. A late-race wreck ended his opportunity, and set the tone for a miserable opening month.

Source: http://www.nascarracinglive.com/nascar/bowyer-on-roll-as-sprint-cup-heads-to-richmond-ap.html

Yves Giraud Cabantous Ignazio Giunti Timo Glock Helm Glöckler Paco Godia

Friday, April 29, 2011

Andersson cautious for Italy

M-Sport Stobart driver P-G Andersson has downplayed his second World Rally Championship outing of the season, stating that he's only looking to get close to the top five on next week's Rally d'Italia. Andersson led this year's WRC opener, his home event in Sweden, before crashing and dropping more time with a puncture. On his gravel debut in the Fiesta, he has warned spectators that he will be taking a more considered approach to the event.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/world-rally-championship-news/wrc/andersson-cautious-for-italy/

Johnny Herbert Al Herman Hans Herrmann François Hesnault Hans Heyer

How To: Bless a Car ? Feature

A Hindu priest sanctifies our long-term Cadillac CTS-V wagon. Getting to drive a Cadillac CTS-V wagon for 40,000 miles is a blessing in itself, but with 556 horsepower on tap, we figured it couldn?t hurt to have our newest long-termer blessed by a Hindu priest. So we took it in for a pooja, which is [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/IVqKYAgP6h8/

Hans Herrmann François Hesnault Hans Heyer Damon Hill Graham Hill

Double-file restarts still worry IndyCar drivers

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/04/29/1164748/double-file-restarts-still-worry.html

Ukyo Katayama Ken Kavanagh Rupert Keegan Eddie Keizan Al Keller

Activists hope Bahrain is not reinstated

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been urged not to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix to the world championship calendar until the Gulf State's political situation has returned to normal. With ongoing conflict between the authorities and pro-democracy activists, and the island under a State of Emergency, there already appears little chance of this year's Bahrain GP getting rescheduled.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/activists-hope-bahrain-is-not-reinstated/

Kevin Harvick Armour Vienna Sausage Kroger Chevrolet Clint Bowyer Zaxby s Chevrolet Brad Keselowski

2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design Official Photos and Info ? Auto Shows

These sportier Volvos each have 325 reasons to go rather than stop. For Swedish performance aficionados who remember the Volvo R sedans and wagons from the ?90s and early 2000s, Volvo?s recent R-Design packages left much to be desired. Rather than increase power, those add-ons were being limited to stiffer suspension bits, flashy wheels, and [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/5lhbsJ69kQk/

Robert Allen Labonte Terrence Lee Labonte Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr

Good outweighs bad at JGR, Busch believes

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/04/27/1158428/good-outweighs-bad-at-jgr-busch.html

David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch

2010 Mazda 3 s 5-Door Grand Touring ? Long-Term Road Test Wrap-Up

Despite a few hiccups, our Mazda 3 GT won us over in 40,000 miles. Date: April 2011 Months in Fleet: 17 months Current Mileage: 40,037 miles Average Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Range: 413 miles Service: $402.62 Normal Wear: $0 Damage and Destruction: $6170.16 With a 10Best nod fresh under its belt, a 2010 Mazda 3 [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/yZMWqZODQGM/

Bruce Halford Jim Hall Duncan Hamilton Lewis Hamilton David Hampshire

Third Houston Outerbelt Would Turn Prairies Into Texas Toast

There’s a place just outside Houston where the vinyl siding and attached garages thin out and recede into grasslands.


The Katy Prairie, one of the country's last remaining natural grasslands and an important bird habitat, may be replaced with a highway and sprawl. Image: Houston Tomorrow

In this place — one of the country’s few [...]

Source: http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/04/28/third-houston-outerbelt-would-turn-prairies-into-texas-toast/#more-108987

Loris Kessel Bruce Kessler Nicolas Kiesa Leo Kinnunen Danny Kladis

2013 Chevrolet Malibu @ 2011 New York Auto Show ? Video

Watch the Video: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Official Photos and Info – Video

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/87eVuHtTtSk/

Keith Greene Masten Gregory Cliff Griffith Georges Grignard Bobby Grim

Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18

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Audi R18 TDI
Audi R18 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a look at the beast that is the new Audi R18 TDI and you'd be forgiven for assuming it has a big, rip-roarin' V10 with at least two turbochargers. Right? Wrong. Although the previous R15 TDI packed in ten oil-burning cylinders, new regulations - implemented to diminish the advantage the last generation of diesel-powered Le Mans Prototypes over their gasoline-burning competitors - forced Audi to go with a single-turbo V6 for the new R18. That didn't stop Audi from finding some unique ways to make the best of the new engine regs.

For starters, the engine block is made of aluminum - still a rarity for high-compression diesel engines, even after Mercedes-Benz introduced their design some six years ago. Audi also opened up the angle between the cylinder banks to 120 degrees, giving it a lower center of gravity approaching that of a boxer engine, and relocated the exhaust manifolds from port and starboard to a single unit nestled inside the wide V.

The result is a 3.7-liter turbo-diesel V6 that produces over 540 horsepower. The smaller form factor also allowed Audi Sport to optimize the aerodynamics, while its lower weight allowed the engineers to beef up other components. As for a regenerative braking system like its chief rival Peugeot runs (and like those employed in Formula 1), Audi says it is keeping the door open to the idea as development continues, but has yet to implement any such system. Follow the jump to read more about the engine specifically designed for Audi's latest prototype racer in the full press release.



[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18

Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/audi-highlights-the-v6-tdi-in-the-new-r18/

Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman Kyle Eugene Petty Floyd Anthony Raines Scott Russell Riggs

MSNBC?s Dylan Ratigan: What?s Good for Times Square Is Good for America

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy


Should a pedestrian-friendly Times Square serve as a model for other American cities? Who would ask such a thing? Certainly not the real New Yorkers who constitute the city’s hard-bitten press corps.
No, for meaningful analysis of the use of public space, it’s best to [...]

Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2011/04/27/msnbcs-dylan-ratigan-whats-good-for-times-square-is-good-for-america/

Mack Hellings Brian Henton Johnny Herbert Al Herman Hans Herrmann

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Signature BUBBA burger Contest Finalists to Compete in ?Cook Off? at SPEED Stage This Friday Afterno

Winner Scores Pre-Race Ceremony Passes and a Month?s Supply of BUBBA burgers BUBBA burger 250 at Richmond International RacewayGentlemen, start your grills! After receiving many great recipe entries for the ?Signature BUBBA burger Contest,? Richmond International Raceway and BUBBA burger named Michael Flores of Toms River, New Jersey and Mike Myers of Fredericksburg, Virginia finalists....more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/nationwide/04/27/signature-bubba-burger-contest-finalists-to-compete-in-cook-off-at-speed-stage-this-friday-afterno/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=signature-bubba-burger-contest-finalists-to-compete-in-cook-off-at-speed-stage-this-friday-afterno

Kenny Dale Irwin Jr Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth

Young, Rising Talent Highlights Tight Race For NASCAR National Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year Honors

Andy Lally, Timmy Hill And Cole Whitt Lead Respective Standings For Top Rookie Sunoco Rookie of the Year LogoCHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 28, 2011) ? This year?s crop of rookie drivers leading the standings for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in all three national series are wearing the yellow stripe proudly and gaining respect and...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/sprintcup/04/28/young-rising-talent-highlights-tight-race-for-nascar-national-series-sunoco-rookie-of-the-year-honors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=young-rising-talent-highlights-tight-race-for-nascar-national-series-sunoco-rookie-of-the-year-honors

Oscar Alfredo Gálvez Fred Gamble Howden Ganley Frank Gardner Billy Garrett

Volkswagen Likely To Add Diesel Tiguan in the U.S.

Volkswagen is thrilled that between 20 and 25 percent of its total vehicles sold in the U.S. are sold with diesel engines, but the company is hungry for more. An executive has told us that the company would be eager to expand the number of models it offers here with a diesel option. As it [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/yPMutSlDgOo/

Eddie Johnson Leslie Johnson Bruce Johnstone Alan Jones Tom Jones

Chevrolet dominates second practice

Chevrolet has laid down a marker ahead of this afternoon's World Touring Car Championship qualifying sessions at Zolder by locking out the top three places in second practice.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/touring-cars/wtcc/chevrolet-dominates-second-practice/

Eddie Johnson Leslie Johnson Bruce Johnstone Alan Jones Tom Jones

Nasr stretches lead with Oulton win

Felipe Nasr extended his lead at the top of the British Formula 3 championship by winning this afternoon's 40-minute 'feature' race at Oulton Park.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/3rdparty/nasr-stretches-lead-with-oulton-win/

Toyota Kimmy Z Line Designs Toyota Parker Kligerman Trevor Bayne Out! Pet Care Toyota

Which Places Have the Best Complete Streets Policies?

Complete streets policy adoption nationwide. Image: National Complete Streets Coalition


With adoptions in more than 200 localities and 23 states, complete streets policies have nearly doubled in number every year over the last three, according to a new report by the National Complete Streets Coalition.
Of course, all policies aren’t created equal, and the coalition separates [...]

Source: http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/04/27/which-places-have-the-best-complete-streets-policies/

Eddie Keizan Al Keller Joe Kelly Dave Kennedy Loris Kessel

Richmond International Raceway?s Mobile Website Assisting Fans This Weekend

Website Designed Specifically for Smart Phones, Enhancing Fan Experience Richmond International RacewayRichmond International Raceway?s mobile website allows fans to keep up with track news and happenings on their smart phones while they are on-the-go. The mobile website, which was introduced last year, is just one more amenity for fans coming to America?s Premier Short Track...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/otherseries/04/27/richmond-international-raceways-mobile-website-assisting-fans-this-weekend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=richmond-international-raceways-mobile-website-assisting-fans-this-weekend

Bob Gerard Gerino Gerini Peter Gethin Piercarlo Ghinzani Bruno Giacomelli

Officially Official: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

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2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Enough with the leaks and speculation. Here it is. The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0. The ultimate naturally aspirated 911 and the 997's motorsports-infused swan-song.

As the name would suggest, this latest limited-edition 911 packs a 4.0-liter flat-six derived from the 911 GT3 RSR racer, complete with forged pistons, titanium connecting rods and a crankshaft pulled directly from its track-bred descendent. The result is the most powerful normally aspirated 911 to date, with 500 horsepower peaking at 8,250 rpm and maximum torque - 339 pound-feet - coming in at 5,750 rpm.

That massive engine partnered with a host of lightweight kit (carbon fiber buckets, front fenders, luggage compartment lid and "weight-optimized" carpets) allows the 2,998-pound (wet, mind) GT3 RS 4.0 to run to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, crack 124 mph in less than 12 seconds and top out at 193 mph.

A six-speed manual is the only gearbox available and the Carrara (their spelling) White paint comes standard, along with central twin exhausts, massive rear wing and the first production application of air deflection vanes on both sides of the front bumper (dubbed "flics") to improve stability and exert an extra 426 pounds of downforce at speed.

And before you ask, the RS 4.0 ran the Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 27 seconds, putting it in contention for one of the fastest production cars ever run around the Nordschleife.

If you've got $185,000 laying around in your hedge fund, get your orders in now. Only 600 will be produced when sales begin later this year. Full details in the press blast after the jump.


Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Officially Official: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/officially-official-2011-porsche-911-gt3-rs-4-0/

Out! Pet Care Toyota Jason Leffler David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney

Audi race experience again on the attack

AUDI Motorsport Ingolstadt, April 27, 2011 - Audi race experience offers race action alongside Le Mans winner Marco Werner - Manfred Jantke is new team manager for on-track events - Australians Warren Luff and Greg Lowndes contest fourth round of...

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/04/audi_race_experience_agai.php

Dick Gibson Gimax Richie Ginther Yves Giraud Cabantous Ignazio Giunti

Volkswagen?s Next Goals for the U.S.: a Three-Row SUV and a Subcompact

Several years go, Volkswagen’s execs decided it was no longer acceptable to be a bit player in the U.S. market. The new Jetta and Passat, and the Passat’s factory in Tennessee, show how the company is pursuing massive growth here: cheap, boring-as-ice-cubes cars. The new Jetta is coming off of a tremendous sales month, and [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/9Q4SFmWT63Q/

Roberto Guerrero Maurício Gugelmin Dan Gurney Hubert Hahne Mike Hailwood

Pirelli promises not to get complacent

Pirelli insists it cannot sit back and think that it has done enough with its tyres to guarantee exciting races in 2011, despite the first three events of the year having been deemed a success.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/pirelli-promises-not-to-get-complacent/

Jo Gartner Tony Gaze Geki Olivier Gendebien Marc Gené

Forbes releases 2011 Worst Cars on the Road list

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2011 Cadillac Escalade
Forbes' Worst Cars on the Road - Click above for high-res image gallery

Forbes has released its 2011 Worst Cars on the Road list, and the outcome is not pretty for American manufacturers. With the exception of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the 2011 Smart ForTwo and the 2011 Nissan Titan, the cars on the list are all American-made. Worse than that, they all come from two manufacturers: General Motors and Chrysler. Ford managed to avoid the list completely.

To determine which cars get the dubious honor and which don't, Forbes compiles results from six studies by Consumer Reports including the Most Reliable Cars Report, Best and Worst Safety Performance Survey, Best and Worst Fuel Economy, Highest Cost of Ownership, the Best and Worst Values Report and Consumer Reports' overall scores for new cars.

Chrysler made the list with the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country, which racked up dismal scores for reliability and cost of ownership. Both the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Liberty made the cut, with the Liberty scoring poorly for reliability and fuel economy. The Wrangler joined the Liberty in the reliability department, and also ranked for worst value, and made a spot on Consumer Reports' Worst Cars list. The 2011 Dodge Nitro and Dodge Dakota made the list for similar reasons.

The picture is almost as bleak at GM, where offerings from Chevrolet and Cadillac crowded the picture. The base model 2011 Cadillac Escalade earned spots on the Worst Value, Highest Cost of Ownership and Worst Safety Performance lists. The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid hung with the Cadillac for Worst Value and safety, and earned a spot on the Least Reliable roster as well. The Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Colorado rounded out the worst General Motors offerings for 2011.

Though the results make it seem like General Motors and Chrysler still can't do anything right, there are plenty of vehicles from both manufacturers that didn't make the list. Added to that, luxury vehicles like the Escalade are at a disadvantage in the value and cost of ownership categories. Head over to Forbes for further explanation on how the worst cars are weeded out. Thanks for the tip, Irving!



[Source: Forbes]

Forbes releases 2011 Worst Cars on the Road list originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/forbes-releases-2011-worst-cars-on-the-road-list/

Chris Irwin Jean Pierre Jabouille Jimmy Jackson Joe James John James

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

SPEED Original Series ?Speedmakers? Features Daytona Re-Paving Process

SPEED? ORIGINAL SERIES CAPTURES ENTIRE SIX-MONTH RE-PAVEMENT of DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY SPEEDMAKERS FOLLOWS LANE CONSTRUCTION as THEY REMOVE THE OLD and BUILD a NEW TRACK SURFACE FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW PREMIERES MAY 12 at 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT The First Repave Strike on the High Banks in Turn 1 at Daytona International SpeedwayLane...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/arca/04/27/speed-original-series-speedmakers-features-daytona-re-paving-process/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=speed-original-series-speedmakers-features-daytona-re-paving-process

Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch

Still no pattern to strategy ? Massa

Formula 1 teams are still unsure about the best tyre strategy to win races - despite now having had three races to get more understanding of the tactics needed. That is the view of Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who reckons that teams still need more time to work out how to approach race weekends, and choose the right strategy for Sundays. In China last weekend, Massa was firmly in the hunt for a podium finish on a two-stop strategy but his tyres went off right at the end of the race - and he slipped back to sixth by the chequered flag

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/still-no-pattern-to-strategy-massa/

Brian Hart Gene Hartley Masahiro Hasemi Naoki Hattori Paul Hawkins

Raikkonen: Jordan my best rally yet

Kimi Raikkonen labeled his sixth place on last week's Jordan Rally as his best performance in the World Rally Championship. Citroen-driving Raikkonen was looking likely to equal his best ever WRC result - fifth on last year's Rally of Turkey - until a penultimate-stage puncture dropped him behind Matthew Wilson's Ford at the finish.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/world-rally-championship-news/wrc/raikkonen-jordan-my-best-rally-yet/

Trevor Bayne Out! Pet Care Toyota Jason Leffler David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle

Name That Shifter, No. 21: Daewoo Nubira

On Monday we presented this week?s shifter and asked you to identify the make and model of the vehicle from whence it came. We thought the anonymity of this week’s shifter would pose more of a challenge than it did. Instead, Ryan May not only identified the shifter as belonging to a Daewoo Nubira, but [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/hMifr42HN4M/

Gary Hocking Ingo Hoffmann Bill Holland Jackie Holmes Bill Homeier

Fact Check: New York Post Has No Idea Who Planned NYC Bike Lanes

More evidence that the Post’s campaign to vilify NYC cyclists and discredit bike infrastructure is mainly just a personal vendetta…
In today’s installment of invective, the paper turns its attention to SoHo, where SUVs crowd the narrow roadbed and squeeze pedestrians onto sidewalks overflowing with foot traffic, but where Post reporters only have eyes for the [...]

Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2011/04/26/fact-check-new-york-post-has-no-idea-who-planned-nyc-bike-lanes/

Eddie Irvine Chris Irwin Jean Pierre Jabouille Jimmy Jackson Joe James

Beno�t Tr�luyer's flat out start to the season

Beno�t Tr�luyer Le Mans Test Day / Super GT - Fuji Wed, 27 Apr 2011 After a winter break that proved as discreet as it was serious, Beno�t Tr�luyer's season began in earnest at Le Mans last weekend where the...

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/04/benoit_treluyers_flat_out.php

Nicolas Kiesa Leo Kinnunen Danny Kladis Hans Klenk Peter de Klerk

Infineon iWCSRR Images

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/galleries/infineon-iwcsrr-images/

Elmer George Bob Gerard Gerino Gerini Peter Gethin Piercarlo Ghinzani

Volkswagen earns $2.5B in rock-solid first quarter

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2011 VW Jetta logo

Volkswagen
has announced very impressive first quarter profits of €1.7 billion ($2.5 billion USD based on current exchange rates). That's more than three times the profit the Volkswagen Group earned in the first quarter of 2010, as revenue climbed 31 percent to €37.5 billion ($55 billion USD.). Profit from ongoing operations came in at an even more impressive €2.91 billion ($4.26 billion USD). In total, VW managed to move a record two million vehicles in the quarter, up 14 percent versus Q1 2010.

A big reason for VW's stellar sales is the automaker's continued success in China, where deliveries were up 20 percent on the quarter. VW says that it made €557 million ($817 million) from Chinese operations.

A 14 percent increase in global Audi sales also helped the bottom line, bringing in €1.1 billion ($1.6 billion). The Volkswagen Group reports Audi sales of 374,000 vehicles for the quarter. Interestingly, Audi brought in the same amount of money as the larger Volkswagen brand, which also brought in €1.1 billion.

VW has been spending big to expand and improve its lineup, but the German automaker's profits have helped keep the cash coffers stocked. The automaker currently has €19.6 billion in liquid cash ($29 billion in U.S. dollars), up €1 billion from the end of 2010. Hit the jump to read over the VW press release.

[Source: Volkswagen | Image: Damon Lavrinc/AOL]

Continue reading Volkswagen earns $2.5B in rock-solid first quarter

Volkswagen earns $2.5B in rock-solid first quarter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/volkswagen-earns-2-5b-in-rock-solid-first-quarter/

Juan Jover Oswald Karch Narain Karthikeyan Ukyo Katayama Ken Kavanagh

Nasr and Foresti take Oulton poles

Felipe Nasr and Lucas Foresti locked out the front row and the two pole positions in qualifying for the second round of British Formula 3 at Oulton Park. Late improvements from the two Brazilians denied T-Sport's Menasheh Idafar what would have been a sensational double pole position result from a hectic qualifying session. Carlin's Kevin Magnussen had just set the fastest time of the session when he crashed heavily at Cascades 10 minutes into the 30-minute session and brought out the red flags

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/3rdparty/nasr-and-foresti-take-oulton-poles/

Max Jean Stefan Johansson Eddie Johnson Leslie Johnson Bruce Johnstone

Chrysler Cancels B-segment Car for U.S., Chrysler-Badged Civic Rival Now Very Unlikely

It was in November 2009 that Sergio Marchionne and the rest of the Chrysler/Fiat politburo detonated a PowerPoint explosion detailing the next several years’ worth of product plans for the new Fiat and Chrysler family. Since then, the two companies have toed the line and insisted that the full array of vehicles is still on [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/56kaL-O3-E4/

Helmuth Koinigg Heikki Kovalainen Kevin Harvick Armour Vienna Sausage Kroger Chevrolet Clint Bowyer

Clint Bowyer Focuses on Perseverance in Return Appearance on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" on Tuesday, April 26

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/04/clint-bowyer-focuses-on-perseverance-in.html

Roberto Guerrero Maurício Gugelmin Dan Gurney Hubert Hahne Mike Hailwood

Jaafar joins F3 International Trophy

British F3 racer Jazeman Jaafar will compete in the inaugural FIA F3 International Trophy this year, which gets underway at Hockenheim this weekend. The Malaysian will compete for an F1 Superlicence in the six-race series, which will also visit Pau, Spa, Zandvoort, Macau and Yeongam.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/3rdparty/jaafar-joins-f3-international-trophy/

Al Keller Joe Kelly Dave Kennedy Loris Kessel Bruce Kessler

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Kubica leaves Italian hospital

Robert Kubica has been discharged from the Santa Corona hospital where he has been since he was severely injured in a rallying accident 10 weeks go. Local news service IVG.it quoted a hospital statement as saying: "Robert Kubica is no longer at Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure. His condition is good and the driver will be able to begin a new rehabilitation phase outside the hospital.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/kubica-leaves-italian-hospital/

Fred Gamble Howden Ganley Frank Gardner Billy Garrett Jo Gartner

Clint Bowyer, 2011 NSCS Crown Royal 400 Race Preview

Clint Bowyer - Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images for NASCARClint Bowyer No. 33 BB&T Chevrolet Race Notes and Quotes This Week’s BB&T Chevrolet at Richmond International Raceway…Clint Bowyer will pilot chassis No. 340 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. This No. 33 Chevrolet Impala has made two appearances at the race...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/sprintcup/04/26/clint-bowyer-2011-nscs-crown-royal-400-race-preview/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=clint-bowyer-2011-nscs-crown-royal-400-race-preview

Masten Gregory Cliff Griffith Georges Grignard Bobby Grim Romain Grosjean

MISSION UNDER CONTROL AS WILK HEADS FOR HOUSTON

TEAM WILKERSON RACING LEVI, RAY & SHOUP NHRA Nitro Funny Car HOUSTON (April 25, 2011) Tim Wilkerson will readily admit that his Levi, Ray & Shoup Shelby Mustang Funny Car was throwing some great challenges at him early in the...

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/04/mission_under_control_as.php

Ken Kavanagh Rupert Keegan Eddie Keizan Al Keller Joe Kelly

DEL WORSHAM ENJOYING HOT START TO SEASON IN TOP FUEL AS FULL THROTTLE SERIES HEADS TO ROYAL PURPLE RACEWAY

NHRA O'REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS PREVIEW BAYTOWN, Texas Mon, 25 Apr 2011 During his 21-year career as one of the top Funny Car drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, Del Worsham held the points lead...

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/04/del_worsham_enjoying_hot.php

Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard

Pole Report: Bully Hill Vineyards 200 @ Nashville Superspeedway

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/04/pole-report-bully-hill-vineyards-200.html

Jason Leffler David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss

Bautista aiming for Estoril return

Alvaro Bautista is aiming to return to MotoGP at this weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix after almost six weeks out through injury. The Suzuki rider broke his left leg after crashing in practice for the season-opening grand prix in Qatar, and was replaced by John Hopkins in Spain earlier this month

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/motorcycles/motogp/bautista-aiming-for-estoril-return/

Heikki Kovalainen Kevin Harvick Armour Vienna Sausage Kroger Chevrolet Clint Bowyer Zaxby s Chevrolet

Why I Love NASCAR: Live Cup Races Part II by Chief 187

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/04/why-i-love-nascar-live-cup-races-part.html

Paul Goldsmith José Froilán González Oscar González Aldo Gordini Horace Gould

Mail carrier attacked by former NASCAR driver's dogs

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/04/23/1149728/mail-carrier-attacked-by-former.html

Maurício Gugelmin Dan Gurney Hubert Hahne Mike Hailwood Mika Häkkinen

Carl Edwards grabs fourth Nashville Superspeedway NASCAR Nationwide win

Nashville-Superspeedway Logo ThumbnailLEBANON, Tenn. – Carl Edwards returned to victory lane at Nashville Superspeedway for the first time since 2007, winning Saturday’s Nashville 300 Nationwide Series race. Edwards had won three Nationwide races in a row in 2006-07 but went six races at Nashville without winning again. His four Nashville victories are tops among all...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/nationwide/04/23/carl-edwards-grabs-fourth-nashville-superspeedway-nascar-nationwide-win/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=carl-edwards-grabs-fourth-nashville-superspeedway-nascar-nationwide-win

Loris Kessel Bruce Kessler Nicolas Kiesa Leo Kinnunen Danny Kladis

Pole Report: Bully Hill Vineyards 200 @ Nashville Superspeedway

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/04/pole-report-bully-hill-vineyards-200.html

Ernst Klodwig Kamui Kobayashi Helmuth Koinigg Heikki Kovalainen Kevin Harvick

Name That Exhaust Note, Episode 85: 2011 BMW 1-series M Coupe

On Tuesday, we posted an audio recording of a mystery car?s exhaust note. To hear it again, click play above. Many of you figured out that this week?s sound came from the 2011 BMW 1-series M coupe. Like that sound? Download the MP3 and quiz your friends, make your own ringtone, or just lull yourself [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/Scf5cvFgFRs/

Oswald Karch Narain Karthikeyan Ukyo Katayama Ken Kavanagh Rupert Keegan

Monday, April 25, 2011

Engelhart Loads Hand at Thompson; Sandt Celebrates Crown

The cars and stars of the iRacing.com NASCAR Tour Modified Series headed to Thompson International Speedway this past week to close off their third successful season. Over 90 of the best sim racers in the series has to offer took to the track for the final time in 2011 Season One and when the final checkered flag flew it was sim racing veterans Herbert Engelhart and Robert Sandt celebrating in victory lane. Engelhart had a winning week at the Connecticut track by scoring five wins on the high banks from a six-pack of starts. The biggest win came in the final race of the season on Saturday when the Mid-South Club driver topped a 2444 sof race over Troy Talman, Joe Gauthier, Sandt and David Chmura. Sandt and Engelhart split [...]

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/engelhart-loads-hand-at-thompson-sandt-celebrates-crown/

Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin

IZOD INDYCAR Premier Series Watkins Glen

It always feels like a special time when one visits Watkins Glen.� Not just for the beautiful woodland that surrounds it, but for the feel that the place gives out.� It has an aura of history that wraps around one?s soul as soon as one enters the place.� So much has happened here over the many years, road racing in North America was almost born here, and in that sense it reminds me of a trip to Spa-Francorchamps, Le Mans or the Nordschliefe.� So many racers have pedaled cars over this tarmac, so many of the great have won here, and far too many have lost their lives here. The third round of the iRacing.com IZOD INDYCAR Premier Series took place at this hallowed circuit over April the 16th, with [...]

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/indycar-news/izod-indycar-premier-series-watkins-glen/

Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica Nanni Galli Oscar Alfredo Gálvez Fred Gamble

NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominations Ignore History Again

NASCAR announced the latest five names for consideration for the 2012 class of the Hall of Fame Tuesday night. They joined the 20 names not chosen in last year?s class. Driver Bobby Isaac, driver/owner Cotton Owens, crew chief/co-owner Leonard Wood, NASCAR executive Les Richter and Martinsville Speedway founder H. Clay Earles were announced as the...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/sprintcup/04/21/nascar-hall-of-fame-nominations-ignore-history-again/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nascar-hall-of-fame-nominations-ignore-history-again

Eddie Johnson Leslie Johnson Bruce Johnstone Alan Jones Tom Jones

Kyle Busch wins Nashville Trucks race

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/04/22/1148421/updates-from-nashville-tucks-race.html

Innes Ireland Eddie Irvine Chris Irwin Jean Pierre Jabouille Jimmy Jackson

Fiat 500C to Start at $20,000, Configurator Live

U.S. pricing for the Fiat 500C has been announced, and the diminutive droptop will start at $20,000 for the base Pop model, or a hefty $4000 more than a 500 Pop three-door hatchback. (For reference, Smart puts a $3K premium on the convertible version of its Fortwo Passion.) The top-spec 500C Lounge, the only other [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/4h7TZBztFBU/

Nicolas Kiesa Leo Kinnunen Danny Kladis Hans Klenk Peter de Klerk

Nasr stretches lead with Oulton win

Felipe Nasr extended his lead at the top of the British Formula 3 championship by winning this afternoon's 40-minute 'feature' race at Oulton Park.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/3rdparty/nasr-stretches-lead-with-oulton-win/

Nico Hülkenberg Denny Hulme James Hunt Jim Hurtubise Gus Hutchison

Andretti: More to come from Conway

Michael Andretti is predicting there is more to come from his team and Mike Conway following the Briton's maiden IndyCar victory at Long Beach. Conway, who was sidelined at the 2010 Indy 500 after a massive accident, took a sensational win for Andretti's team on Sunday. Andretti said he had never had any doubts about Conway's determination following his crash, and claimend he expected the Briton to be hungrier than before.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/indycar-news/indycar/andretti-more-to-come-from-conway/

Terrence Lee Labonte Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin

Darlington Raceway Announces Extended Ticket Office Hours

2011 SHOWTIME Southern 500DARLINGTON, S.C. (April 22, 2011) ? The Darlington Raceway ticket office has extended their operating hours to allow fans additional opportunities to purchase tickets. From now until the SHOWTIME Southern 500, the ticket office will be open Saturdays and Sundays, excluding Easter Sunday. The extended hours include Saturdays from 9:00am until 5:00pm...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/sprintcup/04/22/darlington-raceway-announces-extended-ticket-office-hours/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=darlington-raceway-announces-extended-ticket-office-hours

Kamui Kobayashi Helmuth Koinigg Heikki Kovalainen Kevin Harvick Armour Vienna Sausage Kroger Chevrolet

Succesful Debut for Thursday Night V8 Supercars

V8 Supercar sim racers were invited to join the newly-organized Thursday night time slot this week. Not only did this race count as official, but it also had so many interested iRacers, there was a race split.� In total, 21 cars took the green flag at Canada?s Mosport International Racweay, known for high speed turns and tricky elevation changes. The first split had a strength of field of nearly 3000, with pole position going to Brazil?s Eduardo Prado and Paul Hesla joining him on the front row of the grid.� Patrick Guerin and Chris Damron Jr. filled Row Two with Tristan Bayless and Patrick Spence in Row Three.� Casey Carpentiere was alongside Jeffrey Detrick on Row Four, with Adam Brodziak and Ian Wat taking up positions nine and 10, and� [...]

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/succesful-debut-for-thursday-night-v8-supercars/

William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick

Biffle extends Roush Fenway deal

Greg Biffle will remain with Roush Fenway Racing for the next three years, the team announcing the extension of their relationship on Sunday at Talladega. Biffle, a fixture at Roush since the 1998 Truck Series season, has won 16 Sprint Cup series races and finished runner-up in the championship in 2005

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/nascar-news/nascar/biffle-extends-roush-fenway-deal/

Jackie Holmes Bill Homeier Kazuyoshi Hoshino Jerry Hoyt Nico Hülkenberg

NASCAR Sets Dates, Sites For 2011 Postseason Shows

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/04/nascar-sets-dates-sites-for-2011.html

Carl Edwards Copart Ford Denny Hamlin Z Line Toyota Kyle Busch

Rosberg takes only positives from China

Nico Rosberg says he and Mercedes GP should only feel happy with the step forward in form they showed in last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix - despite the disappointment of missing out on a podium finish. The German led for a number of laps in Shanghai ? and was in contention with the leading pack ? until he was forced to slow down in a bid to conserve fuel. That action was forced on him because his team had miscalculated the fuel consumption figures for the race, as it had not expected to run at such a fast pace in the grand prix itself.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/rosberg-takes-only-positives-from-china/

Damon Hill Graham Hill Phil Hill Peter Hirt David Hobbs

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Still no pattern to strategy ? Massa

Formula 1 teams are still unsure about the best tyre strategy to win races - despite now having had three races to get more understanding of the tactics needed. That is the view of Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who reckons that teams still need more time to work out how to approach race weekends, and choose the right strategy for Sundays. In China last weekend, Massa was firmly in the hunt for a podium finish on a two-stop strategy but his tyres went off right at the end of the race - and he slipped back to sixth by the chequered flag

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/still-no-pattern-to-strategy-massa/

Bobby Grim Romain Grosjean Olivier Grouillard Brian Gubby André Guelfi

Huff takes Zolder WTCC pole

Rob Huff led a Chevrolet lockout of the front row in World Touring Car Championship qualifying at Zolder today. The Briton's 1m38.458s lap proved beyond the reach of his rivals, with team-mate Alain Menu best of the rest courtesy of a late flying lap that left him just 0.14s short. It could easily have been a Chevrolet 1-2-3 when reigning champion Yvan Muller set out on his final run with a clear track ahead, but his hopes were dashed when he ran wide at the exit of Turn 4

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/touring-cars/wtcc/huff-takes-zolder-wtcc-pole/

Miguel Ángel Guerra Roberto Guerrero Maurício Gugelmin Dan Gurney Hubert Hahne

RML pushing to rebuild Plato?s car

The RML Chevrolet squad is battling to get Jason Plato's car rebuilt for the final British Touring Car race at Donington Park after his roll in the second event. Plato started near the back of race two after a puncture in the morning's race, and was forced off after Gordon Shedden's Honda Racing Civic touched Liam Griffin's Motorbase Performance Ford Focus. The Ford touched Plato, sending him off at the Craner Curves, where the Chevrolet Cruze then rolled

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/touring-cars/btcc/rml-pushing-to-rebuild-platos-car/

Robert Allen Labonte Terrence Lee Labonte Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr