For a builder of sexy vehicles with an enviable heritage, Jaguar always seems to be in a state of semi-crisis. From past reliability issues to a combination of aging and lackluster products under Ford’s oversight, the storied British brand was then cast off like a pair of trousers at Lover’s Lane, only to see its fortunes rise after its purchase by India’s Tata Motors. Cash poured in and product development ramped up. When the sport/luxury F-Pace SUV arrived in 2016, Jaguar’s volume saw a corresponding boost, helping squash another threat: the rapidly growing hatred of sedans by a voraciously pro-utility American public. But you know what they say about things that go up… After struggling out of the recession under new ownership, U.S. Jaguar sales tripled between 2012 and 2017. The biggest jump occurred between the 2015 and 2016 calendar years, when annual volume doubled. There’s one vehicle to blame for that increase: the F-Pace, introduced in May … [Read more...] about Desperately Seeking Sales: Jaguar’s SUVs Are Not Keeping Volume Steady
2015 and 2016 calendar
2018 Hungarian GP: Hungaroring track changes and DRS
Only a few minor changes have been made at the Hungaroring ahead of this year’s race. The grip of the inner part of the pitlane has been significantly improved, while a new debris fence has been installed on the right between Turns 3 and 4. Furthermore, at the end of the double kerb on Turn 4 there is now a flatter and more even route back on to the track should any driver go completely to the right of the kerb. Unlike the previous couple of races where there were three DRS zones, there will be two this weekend, both consecutive and sharing a detection point 5 metres before Turn 14. The activation points are 40 metres after Turn 14 and 6 metres after Turn 1. It’s the same tyre selection this weekend as it was for Germany (medium, soft, ultrasoft) and the two circuits have some points in common – as well as many notable differences. The Hungaroring is a constant series of twists and turns, a bit like the Motordrom section in Hockenheim, but unlike Germany … [Read more...] about 2018 Hungarian GP: Hungaroring track changes and DRS
Austrian Grand Prix 2018 preview: Advantage Mercedes, party time at Renault and is it time for Bottas to triumph?
The old Österreichring was the type of track you don't see too much in modern F1. It had fast-sweeping curves, incredible climbs, was pretty quick and an excellent test of skill. It was perhaps even a classic. The last grand prix held on that layout was in 1987. Significant changes were made in the mid-1990s, partly for safety reasons, and the track was reduced from 5.942 km to 4.326 km with the faster corners being removed. Now known as the Red Bull Ring and formerly the A1 Ring (from 1997-2011) the circuit lost a lot of its character but still retained some; the steep ascent to the tight first turn is an unusual but striking sight, perhaps only matched by the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Still, it makes a nice change to some of the more modern from-scratch Hermann Tilke-designed circuits on the calendar (Tilke actually did the remodeling here, as he did with Paul Ricard). Anyway, that's enough history. We have a race this weekend in a … [Read more...] about Austrian Grand Prix 2018 preview: Advantage Mercedes, party time at Renault and is it time for Bottas to triumph?
Visitors and citywide conventions are on the rise in Baltimore
Tourism officials are working to boost Baltimore’s image both internationally and in the city’s own backyard as convention bookings have rebounded and the number of annual visitors has grown.Baltimore attracted 25.9 million visitors in 2016, a 2.8 percent year-over-year increase, Visit Baltimore officials said Tuesday. The city saw increases in day-trippers as well as overnight tourists, who combined generated $5.6 billion in direct spending. Visitor spending, up nearly 4 percent, generated $705 million in city and state taxes.The city’s tourism and convention bureau said bookings finalized during fiscal year 2017 will bring in 385 events in future years, including 30 citywide conventions, activity that is expected to generate $332 million in economic impact through 2032.Coming conventions include United Soccer Coaches in 2028 and 2032, events expected to bring in 9,500 hotel room nights and more than $5 million in economic impact per meeting.“The convention … [Read more...] about Visitors and citywide conventions are on the rise in Baltimore
Porsche champ secures top BTCC Honda drive for 2018
Double Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion Dan Cammish will race for the Honda-backed Halfords Yuasa Racing team in this year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.The 28-year-old from Leeds will replace triple BTCC champion Gordon Shedden in the Team Dynamics-run squad, which fields a pair of Honda Civic Type Rs. Scotsman Shedden has left the BTCC and will race an Audi Sport-backed Team WRT Audi RS3 LMS in the FIA World Touring Car Cup.Cammish will line up alongside triple BTCC title winner and Team Dynamics director Matt Neal. “We needed someone with Dan’s standing to help the team challenge for overall honours this year,” said Neal. BTCC 2017: driving Honda's 360bhp Civic Type R racer “Dan has been successful in every championship he has competed in over the years. He’s incredibly difficult to pass and knows how to defend a position," Neil added.Cammish made his name in the 2013 British Formula Ford Championship, winning all 24 … [Read more...] about Porsche champ secures top BTCC Honda drive for 2018