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RT @Lexuseurope: Here you can follow our #lexus #gazoo #lfa at the #nurburgring #n24 race:

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault, Asia, Racing The Formulec EF01 is a pretty sweet all-electric race car, but it's really been just a place holder for the vehicles that will eventually form the FIA Formula E Championship grid. Along with an announcement that Renault will be a technical partner, the budding series has just released images of what we can expect the actual cars to look like when they take to the starting line. Think less Formula 3, and more Formula 1. As it has been presented, the poetically-named Spark-Renault SRT 01E is a mix of mirror-like polished aluminum body work and carbon fiber struts and wings. Its aerodynamic package not only has the traditional elements that provide downforce and keep the wheels planted through the turns, but it also features a few touches like partially faired wheels to help keep the slipstream free of energy-robbing turbulence. The collaboration is more than skin deep, too. According to Managing Director of Renault Sport Technologies Patrice Ratti, the French automaker will call on expertise derived from its experience in Formula 1 and its production of road-going EVs to keep the electrons in the drivetrain flowing properly. And we quote, "Engineers from Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies will collaborate with Spark Racing Technology team to optimize the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain." Besides the big partnership news, Formula E has also revealed that Bangkok, Thailand has been chosen as the ninth of ten cities that will host a race. Although it has a burgeoning auto-making industry, the Asian country lacks an international motorsport presence. This event should help raise that country's automotive profile and give the electric racing series one of its more interesting backdrops. You can read the two official press releases by scrolling below, as well as view a clip of Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag discussing the concept of the series in a recent interview with the Financial Times.Continue reading Formula E touts Renault relationship with new car design, adds Bangkok to calenderFormula E touts Renault relationship with new car design, adds Bangkok to calender originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 19 May 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Safety, Technology "Consumers Desire More Automated Automobiles." That's the title of one page of a new study published by Cisco Systems as part of its Customer Experience Report, which focuses on the "automobile buying and driving experience." The study specifically targeted technology and its integration into the cars and trucks of today and tomorrow, and, not surprisingly, roughly half of all those surveyed globally (1,500 consumers across 10 countries, says Cisco) "value the technology adoption reputation of a brand when selecting a vehicle." We also think it's of interest that "83 percent of global consumers prefer to research online for information on a car." Perhaps the most intriguing bit of information gleaned from the study pertains to driverless automobiles. A full 57 percent "stated they would be likely to ride in a car controlled entirely by technology that does not require a human driver," with Brazil, India and China cited as the countries most willing to trust autonomous technology. When Cicso asked drivers if they'd let their kids ride in driverless cars, however, the figures dropped dramatically - just 46 percent found that idea acceptable. In the United States, 60 percent of those surveyed said they would trust driverless cars, and that dropped to 48 percent when children were included. Japanese drivers were least likely to trust their lives or their children's lives to automated technology. Scroll down below for a press release from Cisco highlighting more of its findings.Continue reading Autonomous cars found trustworthy in global studyAutonomous cars found trustworthy in global study originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Houses, it seems, are a necessary evil for those passionate about vintage vehicles. A house with a garage gives one a place to wrench on his pride and joy, as well as a place to keep it, but houses are also a time and financial drain on the collector car hobby. The best solution, then, would be a vintage vehicle that also doubles as a house, such as this 1955 Flxible VL100 motorhome conversion for sale on Hemmings.com. It’s updated with a modern powertrain and suspension, and it’s packed with all the amenities one wouldd expect. Not only can its new owner satisfy the craving for a vintage (but updated) vehicle, he can also live in luxury wherever the seasons (or concours d’elegance events) take him. From the seller’s description: Conversion done in 1989. Solid oak cabinetry throughout. Repowered with a Detroit Diesel 6V92, 350 HP with Allison 5 speed automatic transmission. 4 year old torsilastic suspension.100 gallon fresh water tank, 80 gallon septic, 10 gallon hot water heater.7kw Kohler diesel generator. All electrical appliances … refrigerator, 4 burner cook top, microwave. 15,000 Btu roof air conditioner, 2 under floor A/C units. New Flexsteel ultra leather electric captain”s chairs. New Flexsteel chair (rocker/recliner) and couch (couch opens for additional sleeping). Laminate flooring in isles accented with carpeting.Rear bedroom features a queen size center walk around bed with under bed storage.Walk through bathroom closes off both sides for privacy. Commode, sink and full tiled shower and tiled bathroom floor. AM/FM satellite radio. Rear backing monitor. This beautiful 35 ft coach is fully equipped for comfortable camping or extended vacation tour. Price: $45,000 Location: Northville, New York Status: Available View past picks: Hemmings Find of the Day Archive Find more RVs and trailers for sale on Hemmings.com.

The story of how a former World War Two airfield overcame decades of political wrangling to become the permanent home of the British Grand Prix is the subject of a new book.

Jimmie Johnson wasn’t up front at the end of any of the four 20-lap segments of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but he was up front at the end of the 10-lap segment that ended the 90-lap event to claim his fourth All-Star win, making him the all-time winningest driver of the Sprint All-Star Race. “That’s amazing,” Johnson said. “To be there with my heroes and the icons of the sport.” Joey Logano finished second, Kyle Busch was third, Kasey Kahne fourth, and Kurt Busch rounded out the top-five. “I’m pleased with the way the guys made this car better,” Logano said, seemingly with mixed feelings. “It’s okay if you’re racing for points, but when you’re racing for a million bucks and second doesn’t matter, it sucks.” The brothers Busch were the only two 20-lap segment wins, with Kurt Busch winning segments one and four, and Kyle Busch claiming wins in the two segments in between — two and three. With their field-leading average finishes at the conclusion of the first four segments, the Busch brothers were in the top-two spots prior to the mandatory four-tire pit stop prior to the final 10 laps. Hendrick Motorsports was tops on pit road, though, as HMS drivers Kahne and Johnson got off pit road first and second to restart the final segment on the front row. Kyle Busch restarted third, and Kurt Busch lost and additional spot on pit road to Logano and restarted fifth. “I really felt like a winner to be on the front row (to start the final segment),” Johnson said. “That last pit stop set everything up.” After a couple of laps of side-by-side racing to start the final 10 laps, Johnson cleared Kahne and set sail en route to the win. Kahne then also lost second to Logano. He was able to hold on to the third spot for a few laps before losing third to Kyle Busch with two laps to go. Prior to the Sprint All-Star Race, the rest of the Sprint Cup Series regulars competed in the 40-lap, two segment preliminary Sprint Showdown to race for the final starting spots in the All-Star Race. Jamie McMurray was up front at the checkered flag after leading all 40 laps of the event to advance to the main event. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. also advanced by finishing second in the Showdown. Danica Patrick was the third driver to advance from the Showdown to the Sprint All-Star race by virtue of the fan vote. Martin Truex Jr. started the Sprint Showdown on the pole, but lost the lead to McMurray on the first lap. He ran second to McMurray for the rest of the first 20-lap segment, but lost positions on pit road between the segments by taking four tires while a few others took four. He was unable to race back up into the top-two and wound up finishing fifth. Jeff Burton was the first finisher to be denied a spot in the All-Star race, finishing third in the Showdown. Paul Menard was fourth. – Photo courtesy of Getty Images for NASCAR Follow Stock Car Spin on Twitter @SCSblog or like Stock Car Spin on Facebook. Amanda’s also on Twitter @NASCARexaminer and has a fan/like page on Facebook: NASCAR Examiner.

Sauber will have further updates for their C32 when they race around the streets of Monte Carlo next weekend...

Gian Carlo Minardi has called on F1 to reinstate Friday practice sessions for rookie drivers, saying they are not getting the time they need...

The 205 generation C-Class enters the scene next year during spring following the official premiere scheduled for NAIAS Detroit 2014. Planned to be manfuactured in an integrated production network consisting of the Bremen plant (Germany), Tuscaloosa (Alabama), East London (South Africa) and Beijing (China), the new Mercedes-Benz mid-sized premium models will substantially grow in size, in addition to weighing less and offering more in terms of efficiency, driving pleasure and automotive intelligence. The introduction of the CLA just beneath the current C-Class series is determining a substantial upscale movement of the next generation of the mid-sized portfolio of models. The Limousine (W 205) will be unveiled in January next year at Detroit and will be followed in the course of the year by three new models: the wagon T-Modell (S 205) in spring, the C-Coupe (C 205) during summer and the C-Cabrio (A 205) in autumn. All the four new models will feature a new platform called MRA (Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture), which also adds almost 10 centimeters to the overall length of the car leading it to 4.70 meters. The wheelbase will also grow, meaning the cabin will be even more spacious than on the present model. Moving the new C-Class closer to the E-Class emphasizes the importance of this high-volume model for the future growth strategy of Mercedes-Benz. While the W 205 and S 205 will feature a more classic design (with two different faces for the Elegance and Avantgarde equipment lines), the C 205 and A 205 will display a highly dynamic, distinct identity congruent with their sporty character. The design language will consist of progressive lines and shapes, with a striking, hallmark front end boasting bigger headlights with LED technology (set to create impressive inner graphics) and a more upright radiator grille. The laser-based light technology (premiered on the Concept GLA in April) could be launched for the new C-Class towards 2016 and thus offer even more advanced performance compared to the already wide-spreading LED technology. The underpinnings comprise a completely newly engineered technical platform for a precise driving and maximum comfort. An important highlight is the lightweight construction, making use of composite materials, aluminium and high-strength steel for the construction of the bodyshell and chassis which eventually substantially reduces the kerb weight of the car. Furthermore, the extensive package of assistance systems grouped under the slogan "Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive" will take care to ensure an unprecedented level of safety, predictability and dynamism. Most of the technical upgrades will come from the new S-Class (more details --> HERE), which the new C-Class also resembles in terms of the design philosophy. Expect a fully revised interior architecture, boasting enhanced functionality, a quality feel and an upscale atmosphere. Connectivity will be brought to a new level thanks to the implementation of the new generation COMAND Online, also borrowed from the brand's luxury flagship. From 2015, the touchpad system and the Head Up Display could also become available in the C-Class after their launch in the S-Class. Moreover, the new powertrain will be joined by several new and frugal diesel and petrol engine, as well as current efficiency-optimized powerplants. BlueEFFICIENCY package will be available across the entire range and, like in the cases of the A-Class and CLA, Mercedes-Benz will also offer a special, environmentally friendly version for the new C-Class (most likely for the C 180 and C 200 CDI variants). An important piece that also improves fuel economy is the reportedly low drag coefficient (Cd), rumored to be near 0.23 - 0.24 similar to other new models released by the German constructor lately. Diesels will mostly consist of BlueTEC choices for the range-topping variants (C 250 BlueTEC, C 300 BlueTEC and C 350 BlueTEC). From the 2015 model year, the introduct

Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and the rest of the superstars of the MotoGP World Championship square off in France.