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Porsche responds to PETA after tiger cub displays at Macan dealership events

Porsche has found itself in the good graces of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which is pretty odd considering it's the only brand we know of that offers leather-lined vents. The activist group is praising the sports car manufacturer's handling of reports that some of its dealerships were set to feature tigers or tiger cubs at the local launch events for the Macan. Apparently, "macan" is the Malay word for tiger, which explains the connection between a highly touted crossover and a jungle cat.
A Tampa, FL dealership already displayed some three-week-old cubs, with PETA saying tigers for display should be at least eight to 12 weeks old. Even then, the group argues that the animals can suffer due to stress, malnourishment, neglect and a lack of veterinary care. The group brings up legal concerns, as well, arguing that if one of the cubs bit a customer, the dealership could be held liable (we're no big cat experts, but it seems unlikely a three-week-old cub could do that much damage).
Porsche's PR department quickly reacted to PETA's claims, with Vice President of Marketing Andre Oosthuizen, telling the group that Porsche is concerned about the "welfare of any animal, large or small, wild or domesticated." Oosthuizen's statements were reported in an official PETA blog.

Audi could enter F1 with McLaren partnership

HAMBURG — Audi's supervisory board will discuss on Wednesday ways for the company to enter Formula One, including via possible partnership with McLaren Automotive, two sources told Reuters on Tuesday, adding no decision has yet been made. The board of Volkswagen, which owns Audi, discussed the matter of getting a foot into the Formula One market at a meeting last week, said two sources who declined to be named. Audi CEO Markus Duesmann and Porsche CEO Oliver Blume were known as "ardent fans of Formula One", one source said. McLaren Automotive on Monday denied a report that Audi had bought the British luxury sportscar maker, but left the door open to technological collaboration "with relevant partners and suppliers." A spokesperson for Audi told Reuters it was "looking at various cooperation ideas" but did not confirm whether it was discussing a possible sale with McLaren. Acquiring the carmaker would put a second supercar in Audi's books alongside Lamborghini, which it has owned since 1998. German publication Automobilwoche reported on Sunday that Audi was particularly interested in the Formula 1 division. Watch episode 04 of the Autoblog Show: Motorsports Audi McLaren Porsche Volkswagen Racing Vehicles F1

Where to watch and follow the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year

In less than 24 hours the flag will drop on Audi's title defense at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyota's best ever chance to win and Porsche's return to le grand defi. The Le Mans organizers have kept as au courant with broadcast options as they have with power unit technology, so you'll be able to find a place to watch or listen no matter what your preferred method. Friend-of-Autoblog Reilly Brennan has again put together an exhaustive "couch kit" of viewing options, which you can check out at his site. Here's the short list: Le Mans Site Le Mans TV Le Mans Facebook page Le Mans Twitter page FIA WEC Live timing Audi Sport stream Corvette Racing stream Nissan NISMO stream Entry list and grid Spotter's Guide You can watch or listen to the excellent Radio Le Mans, app, Autosport will have hourly updates and a live blog, the ACO has a Le Mans app. Fox will broadcast the event over a combination of Fox Sports 1, 2 and its Fox Sports Go App from 8:30 EST Saturday morning until 9:30 am EST Monday morning. Hit up Reilly Brennan's site for even more options and details like Eurosport and Daily Motion, and good watching – this should be a spectacular race. News Source: Reilly Brennan Motorsports Audi Porsche Toyota