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Hennessey Performance has announced plans to build three Venom GT World's Fastest Edition cars to celebrate the company's top speed run of 270.4 mph (435.17 km/h) set at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in February. They will go on sale at US$1.25 million apiece.

Equipped with a 7.0L twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 1,244 horsepower, the Hennessey Venom GT can go from 0-300 km/h in just 13.63 seconds.

“We're thrilled about what we achieved at Cape Canaveral with the Venom GT,” said Hennessy CEO Don Goldman, “and now the World's Fastest Edition is a living, breathing celebration of that record achievement.”

The Hennessy Venom GT is now the world's fastest street-legal production car.

Source: venomgt.com

From GMM

Former F1 doctor Gary Hartstein thinks it is unlikely Michael Schumacher will recover after more than 12 weeks in a coma and counting.

The German legend has been in his hospital bed in Grenoble since the end of December, following a skiing fall in the French alps.

"As time goes on, it becomes less and less likely that Michael will emerge to any significant extent," American Hartstein, whose contract was not renewed by F1's governing body after the 2012 season, wrote in his latest blog entry.

And he thinks "really bad news" about Schumacher's prospects might be issued soon, due to a "terribly dismal prognosis".

"I think it is inevitable that should the status quo continue, the ICU staff may well, at some point in the not-distant future, decide that the patient they've just been asked to admit has a higher need for that bed than Michael, given his clinical situation and prognosis," said Hartstein.

Michael Schumacher. (Photo: WRi2)

Hartstein, who succeeded F1's retiring Sid Watkins in 2005, has been critical of the Schumacher family's public silence throughout his hospitalisation.

But he thinks that silence might soon have an unexpected benefit.

"I've realised that perhaps the lack of status updates has given us all a chance to move on a bit, to process what's happening, and to start to detach," said Hartstein.

Luxury is a word used to describe many things from hotels to fabrics to treatments at a spa, “luxury” has become synonymous with anything that makes us feel good and pampered.

Buick is a luxury brand. I'm not entirely sold on the idea that they pamper their drivers in every single car, but they make every effort to do just that. Is the LaCrosse super high-end? Not entirely, but it does treat its occupants well, and also offers up a bit of interest behind the wheel for the driver. All in all, not a bad deal.


What is a Buick LaCrosse?
In its first North American iteration (and first generation), the 2005 Buick LaCrosse was known as the Allure in Canada. A full-size sedan, the LaCrosse offered up space and comfort in typical Buick fashion.

Now in its second generation, the latest Buick LaCrosse just had a mid-cycle refresh with interior amenities added and a redesigned from and rear fascia, as the model we see now has been on the road since 2010.

2014 Buick LaCrosse AWD Price and Specs
With four models available, pricing on the 2014 Buick LaCrosse ranges from $35,795 up to $43,655 (base). All-wheel drive can only be had in two of the available trim levels: Leather or Premium I. My particular tester was the top-line Premium I AWD with a base price of $43,655.

There are two engines available: a 2.4L ECOTEC I-4 that's good for 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque or a 3.6L V6 that pushes out 304 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Power is handled via a 6-speed automatic transmission for both.

Driving the 2014 Buick LaCrosse AWD
Truthfully, I quite enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2014 Buick LaCrosse. The steering, while somewhat vague at times, was more involved than I ever expected it to be. And the 3.6L V6 is content to play. Add to that the AWD goodness in our winter conditions, and really there was very little to dislike in the Buick.

Interestingly enough, the suspension was almost uncomfortable at times. When my father was riding shotgun with me throughout the week he was surprised the Buick didn't feel more “float-y” -- after all, isn't that what a Buick is supposed to be?

In the snow, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse is surefooted and stable. I felt at ease even in some dicier and icier conditions. The size of the LaCrosse is comforting, as is its weight. The somewhat heavy steering helps enhance that feeling of stability.

However, some of that “stability” is lost on the highway, as the steering does become rather vague at speeds.

I did enjoy the aural response of the 3.6L V6 when pushed. It wasn't unpleasant and was a gentle reminder that the vehicle was working hard for you, and actually delivering on that effort.

As far as being a daily driver, and one that's both comfortable and interesting (when pushed a bit), the 2014 Buick LaCrosse checks all the right boxes. Is it for everyone? No. But there is definitely a specific customer for which this vehicle is perfectly suited.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Buick LaCrosse AWD
I am not a fan of Buick designs. I dislike the front fascia and grille, hate the side portholes and always have, and truthfully I find them pretty bland overall in styling. However, I can also see the appeal. I may not like Buicks, but then I'm not the customer who's supposed to.

While the 2014 Buick LaCrosse may be as bland as unbuttered toast on the outside, inside it excels at being the luxury sedan it claims to be. Plush and comfortable, I was never left wanting more from the cabin of the Buick LaCrosse. Room is plentiful, and so are the amenities. Leather trim abounds, and wood trim is also available, and while I'm not a huge fan of said panelling throughout the cabin, I understand the appeal and the upper-level feel it gives the interior space.

Comparing the 2014 Buick LaCrosse AWD
When it comes to upscale midsize sedans that offer AWD, there aren't too many options in the LaCrosse price range. Lincoln's MKZ offers much more in terms of curb appeal and design, and Acura's TSX has the infamous Honda/Acura nameplate loyalty going for it. What makes the 2014 Buick LaCrosse the better pick out of these? Well, nothing specific, but it is a well-sorted vehicle that'll satisfy basic luxury vehicular needs.

From GMM

Franck Montagny has made a bleak assessment not only of ailing Lotus' 2014 prospects, but also Williams' chances of mounting a title challenge this season.

Lotus' campaign so far has been nothing short of disastrous as the visually-striking E22 struggles not only for pace but also merely to run.

"It is a really complicated situation for them," Montagny, the former Super Aguri driver turned pundit for French television, told Le Figaro.

"They lost Eric Boullier to McLaren, but that's not the only thing -- they are a hundred people less at Enstone after the winter. 100 people is significant and cannot be easily overcome. Today, I do not see how they can go back to the top of the table. They will be able to fight for the points but aiming higher, I would say, seems very difficult," Montagny added.

Pastor Maldonado, Lotus E22-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Franck Montagny, 36, also commented on the resurgent British team Williams, who are currently believed to have the second fastest car behind Mercedes.

"Williams should have had a podium in Australia," he said. "Felipe Massa couldn't do anything at the start when Kamui Kobayashi lost his brakes and hit him, and (Valtteri) Bottas had his puncture.

"But we have to be cautious because by half-time in the championship, Williams will not have the resources to continue to develop as aggressively as the big teams," Montagny predicted.

From GMM

Troubled engine supplier Renault is expecting to grapple with more "issues" in Malaysia this weekend.

After a disastrous winter season, the French marque had improved its new turbo V6 'power unit' for Melbourne, but most partner teams - and notably reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel - still suffered race-ending problems.

"We had several issues across the cars in Melbourne," Renault's operations chief Remi Taffin admitted this week, "but we have recreated the problems in the dyno at Viry.

"Most are fixed and the remaining will be under control by Friday in Sepang," he added.

"While we anticipate further issues may occur we are much more able to react quickly to minimise their impact," said Taffin.

Rémi Taffin, Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Amid Renault's problems, Mercedes dominated the 2014 opener in Australia, but even polesitter Lewis Hamilton had to retire with an engine problem.

Melbourne winner Nico Rosberg said he aims to win again this weekend at Sepang.

"That's my goal for sure," he told Bild newspaper in Kuala Lumpur.

"But you cannot underestimate the team (Red Bull) that has dominated the sport for years. We just have to keep pushing 100 per cent in all areas," added Rosberg.

Lynda Petty, 72, wife of the retired seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty died on Wednesday after succumbing to cancer.

Affectionately known as "Mrs. Lynda" to so many, Lynda Petty set a standard for being a loving, supportive and, when needed, an authoritative wife and mother. She also set the benchmark for being a leader in her local community while raising a family in the fast-growing sport of stock car racing.

It was with strong will that Petty fought cancer over the past several years. It was the same determination that led her to make a difference as a Red Cross volunteer, a school volunteer, the president of the athletic booster club and a Girl and Boy Scout leader in her lifetime. She also served on the Randolph County School Board for 16 years and was on the board of the Randolph County Hospice.



"Lynda helped start the Racing Wives Auxiliary and will always be remembered as the wife to Richard Petty. Their steadfast love endured trials that only a marriage of over 50 years can. Through triumph and heartache, Lynda Petty was the castle that supported a king in private and public moments," Richard Petty Motorsports said in a statement.

“On behalf of the France Family and everyone at NASCAR, I want to offer sincere condolences to the Petty Family regarding the loss of their beloved matriarch, Lynda Petty,” said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO. “Through the years, Lynda became an integral part of the NASCAR landscape. We have lost a true friend, who will be missed each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Pettys throughout this difficult time.”

Former IndyCar star driver Dario Franchitti has announced that he will be behind the wheel of this year Indianapolis 500 pace car.

The four-time IndyCar champion and three-time winner at Indy is thrilled to be part once again of the May classic.

"It is a tremendous honour for me to be asked to drive the pace car for the Indianapolis 500," said Franchitti.

Franchitti, whose Ganassi team switched to Chevy engines this year, will drive a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

Dario Franchitti and the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. (Photo: IndyCar)

From GMM

This weekend's F1 race is going ahead, despite confirmation the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 almost certainly crashed into the ocean.

Amid the almost three-week mystery about the whereabouts of the plane and its 239 occupants, Britain's Mirror newspaper claims Mercedes planned to run 'Come Home MH370' signage on its W05 cars throughout the grand prix weekend.

But earlier this week, the Malaysian prime minister finally announced that the plane had crashed somewhere in the southern Indian ocean, killing all on board.

DPA news agency now reports that Mercedes, title sponsored by the Malaysian oil giant Petronas, will run the words 'Tribute to MH370' on the cars at Sepang.

Petronas said race weekend concerts featuring pop star Christina Aguilera have been cancelled as "a sign of respect to the families and next-of-kin of the crew and passengers of flight MH370".

"It is truly a tragedy and we are deeply saddened about the crew and passengers," Petronas said in a statement.

The similarly Petronas-sponsored grand prix, however, is going ahead.

"The atmosphere is subdued and I understand everyone is talking about it everywhere and asking why we are hosting an F1 race under the circumstances," said Sepang circuit boss Razlan Razali. "But it is something that was decided a long time ago."

Also set to go ahead in Kuala Lumpur is the 2014 edition of the Laureus world sports awards, to be attended by nominee Sebastian Vettel on Wednesday.

Laureus chairman Edwin Moses said: "We feel the appropriate action at this time is to scale down some of our activities over the next two days."

It is also believed F1 officials will meet ahead of the race weekend to organise a suitable tribute for the victims of the ill-fated flight.

Elsewhere, 62 per cent of those surveyed by the German news agency SID said F1's governing body should cancel the inaugural Russian grand prix over the Crimean crisis.

From GMM

Simona de Silvestro rates her chances of joining the grand prix grid in 2015 with Sauber as "good".

Last month, the Swiss team signed up the 25-year-old IndyCar driver, nominating her as "an affiliated driver" of the Hinwil based outfit.

Sauber's February statement said de Silvestro will undertake "on track testing, simulator training, as well as mental and physical preparation", with the goal being "to gain her super license and prepare for a race seat in formula one for 2015".

The Swiss newspaper Blick said de Silvestro, from Thun in Switzerland, is set to make her F1 test debut at the end of April.

She said this week: "Formula one has always been my dream."

Simona de Silvestro. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Asked how realistic that dream is, she answered: "If I do everything right, there is a good chance I will get there at some point."

However, given the current nature of midfield F1, Simona de Silvestro must be considered third in line at Sauber, behind the well-sponsored reserve driver Giedo van der Garde and the 'Russian rescue deal'-linked Sergey Sirotkin.

Veteran Blick correspondent Roger Benoit said: "The chance that de Silvestro will ever race for Sauber in formula one is about one per cent."

The arrival of a pair of new Audis means the company is now just two models away from having a 50-vehicle range.

Suzuki Motor Corporation's Thai subsidiary Suzuki Motor (Thailand) (SMT) will assemble the Celerio (which is also made in India) from next May. It will also build the model for Europe, starting in the second half of this year.

News 25 Mar, 2014

New flywheel-based hybrid tech could reduce fuel consumption by 25 per cent, and we drive a prototype

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen is seeking to capture 10 percent of China's luxury vehicle sales with its Citroen DS brand. The company aims to sell 200,000 DS vehicles in China in four years after delivering about 3,500 units in 2013.

News 25 Mar, 2014

Volkswagen’s XL1 and Toyota’s ME.WE are the automotive representatives in the nominations for the Design of the Year Awards 2014

European Union antitrust regulators raided Faurecia, Tenneco and several other auto exhaust systems makers in the latest crackdown against suspected price-fixing in the auto industry.

Honda will cut 340 jobs at its UK factory and reduce production to two shifts from three. The company said it does not expect sales to rebound in Europe in the next couple of years.

Renault Russia is hailing the effect of the country's Decree 166 mandating localised content, that has seen the country become one of the automaker's most successful destinations

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: I have to start by saying $120K is R8 V8 money, so keep that in mind; but if you really want a car that'll do everything, the S4 is no longer your steed. It has to be this RS 7.

Drip, drip, drip. Daily, media report by media report, the news surrounding the ignition switch recall gets worse for General Motors.

General Motors confirmed a dangerous and faulty ignition switch in about 1.6m now-discontinued small car models almost five years ago but denied the defect existed and even threatened victims' families with retaliatory legal action, a US newspaper has alleged.