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From Ferrari

Friday November 9th, the Vallelunga circuit provided the backdrop to a prize drive organised by the Ferrari Driver Academy, which saw Spain's Daniel Juncadella, winner of the Formula 3 European Series and the new FIA European Formula 3 Championship get behind the wheel of an F60, Ferrari Formula 1 car.

Also slipping into the cockpit were Riccardo Agostini and Eddie Cheever Jnr, who finished first and second in the Italian Formula 3 Championship. This prize has been given out since 2008 by the Ferrari Driver Academy, along with the ACI -CSAI, working together to evaluate young talent in Italian motorsport.

Juncadella was the first on track this morning, doing five runs as planned. The 21 year old from Barcelona took both titles after a tight year long battle with his Prema Power team-mate Raffaele Marciello, also a Ferrari Driver Academy student.

Next up was Eddie Cheever Jnr, born in '93 and the son of former long term Formula 1 and Indy Racing League racer Eddie Cheever, while in the afternoon it was Italy's Riccardo Agostini who tackled the Roman track.

“This was a really interesting day that confirms the worth of this initiative,” commented Luca Badisserri, head of the Ferrari Driver Academy.

“I hope this programme will continue for many years.”

If you're looking for an easy way to save on fuel without compromising performance or changing your driving habits, choose diesel. Today's turbodiesel engines provide plenty of low-end torque and excellent fuel economy.

The problem is that diesels have still not caught on quickly enough in the US and Canada, as the perception of being an environmentally friendly manufacturer is to develop and sell hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles.


Volkswagen is relying on the same strategy that has served them well for decades by continuing its diesel product onslaught. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI is one of them, and is the only mainstream midsize diesel sedan you can buy right now.

With a very comfortable ride, lots of interior space and a now-competitive price, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat is a worthy rival for the Honda Accord, the Ford Fusion, the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry. Plus, the TDI engine is a bonus for those who want great fuel economy without the extra effort.

Got guts
Although the Passat's 2.0L turbodiesel 4-cylinder develops 140 hp, a modest amount for a big car, torque is what gets it moving along swiftly. Its 236 lb-ft of torque, more than any other gasoline 4-cylinder rival, peaks at only 1,750 rpm.

Mated to VW's DSG 6-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI Trendline+ is generally a smooth operator, if you excuse the occasional jerky gear swap. The engine is quiet and refined for a diesel, especially a 4-cylinder diesel.

With the automatic, fuel consumption in the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI is rated at 6.9L/100km around town and 4.9 on the highway. In our hands, the oil-burning Passat averaged 7.2L/100km: a very good result. A similar number can be achieved with hybrid rivals such as the Ford Fusion, the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima, but only if you become a serious eco-driver, which the Passat doesn't require.

Driver involvement hasn't been forgotten in the new Passat, despite it being toned down a little to please a wider audience. True, quite a few midsize sedan shoppers aren't interested in a fun-to-drive car; still, the Passat boasts precise and communicative steering, while its suspension is well controlled with unnecessary body roll. You'll surprise yourself driving faster than planned in the Passat TDI.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI gets a turbodiesel 2.0L engine, good for 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.(Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

More drivers wanted
The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI Trendline+ gains interior space, especially front and rear legroom and shoulder room, thanks to the increased wheelbase and extra width.

However, during the extreme makeover, the Passat lost a little distinction in favour of a more conventional exterior design. In the midsize sedan segment, most people seem to appreciate vanilla, so vanilla it is. Still, the VW is elegant, and starts to look hotter once you step up to fancier trim levels which add some chrome trim and sportier looking alloys.

Our Trendline+ tester, with its plain-Jane 16” alloy wheels and burgundy paint, seems dressed for an older, more conservative crowd. Park it beside a 2013 Ford Fusion, and it looks 10 years older.

The VW is elegant, and starts to look hotter once you step up to fancier trim levels which add some chrome trim and sportier looking alloys. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

More room for everyone
Inside, the 2012 VW Passat sports a serious, classy, well-finished cockpit that managed to escape VW's cost-cutting team unlike the Jetta. The car also boasts a good driving position, comfortable seats, good all-around outward visibility and, as I previously mentioned, more space than before.

At 450 litres, the Passat's trunk is huge and deep -- so deep, in fact, that objects will require you climbing in to fetch them.

You also get the basic necessities in the Trendline+ trim, such as dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, heated front seats, alloy wheels, a 6-speaker stereo, and keyless entry. With the TDI engine, fog lamps and lower-body chrome trim are also included on the 2012 VW Passat.

The Passat's interior is nicely finished and elegant. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Worth the extra cost?
Equipped with the automatic transmission, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI Trendline+ costs $27,475, or $1,200 more than its gas-powered equivalent, which includes a 170-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder. It'll take roughly two years to recover the extra investment if you drive 20,000 km a year. If you're a sales rep who works on the road, you'll likely start saving before the first year of ownership passes.

Less frequent fill-ups are nice. If you've never tanked up a diesel vehicle in your life, know that the fuel itself is oily, smelly and foamier than gasoline; diesel service station pumps are usually filthy and often surrounded by puddles caused by tank overfill spills. Bring gloves and don't step in diesel fuel, or your work buddies will ask if you changed your cologne while pinching their noses.

Joey Logano is driving like no lame duck at Joe Gibbs Racing. Virtually untouchable he won the pole and led 168-laps of the scheduled -200 lapper of the Nationwide Series race at Phoenix. Then he held off the charge of his new and temporary teammate, Brian Vickers in a green-white-checkered shoot-out which ended on lap 204.

Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.'s  reprise of his 2011 Series championship became more of a reality when his closest challenger, Elliott Sadler wrecked on lap 198 causing a green white checkered finish.   

Elliott Sadler's wrecked No. 2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet (Photo: Tyler Barrick/Getty Images)

"I did it to myself. I put my team in a hole, qualifying like we did," Sadler said. "We tried to work on this car as much as we could, and I just got a little loose there and got into (Whitt). It was 100 percent my fault.

"I should have done a better job for these guys and I just apologize to them for putting them in this position heading into Homestead. We don't have a dog in the fight, but I definitely dug ourselves a hole."

Sadler and Stenhouse started the race tied in the Nationwide standings. Now Stenhouse has to finish merely 16th or better to clinch his second series title before he moves up to Sprint Cup full time next year.

Sadler had crashed in qualifying on Saturday and had to start in the back of the field in his back up Chevrolet.

Although Logano will be leaving JGR for Penske Racing next year, he equaled his previous career total of nine races, winning his ninth Nationwide series event this year for a total of 18 career wins.

Joey Logano in Victory Lane (Photo: Brian Czobat/Autostock)

Talking about Vickers and Stenhouse Logano said "they didn't make it easy on me. Yeah, I had plenty of worries about him (Brian Vickers) and the 6 (Stenhouse).

"I knew I could beat him on the restarts -- I knew how to beat him -- and then when Brian got up there it was a whole new ballgame for me and I had to kind of change up what I was doing.

"And he figured out what I was doing, so I had to change it up a little bit in the last few circuits -- tried to make sure I got the nose ahead into (turn) one until I had position on him going in and tried to clear him from there."

Stenhouse, who finished third, said “we worked really hard.  Mike (Kelley his crew chief) made some good calls - changing four there, staying out and leading a lap - all the guys on the Valvoline NextGen Mustang worked really, really hard and that's what it's all about.  We've still got some racing to do.  We've got one more race left."

Although he has a large lead in the defense of his title Stenhouse is still a little cautious. "That makes us feel good, but we've given up 20 points in one race, so it's not over till it's over," he said.

Adapted from Grand-Am.com

Grand-Am driver Memo Rojas Jr. experienced one of the most meaningful moments of his motorsport career Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, celebrating the career of Ricardo Rodríguez.

Ricardo Rodríguez was a promising young Mexican driver who killed himself while testing ahead of an unofficial Mexican F1 race, at the age of 20. His brother Pedro also race in F1 and he too killed himself at the wheel.

The pair also raced together in endurance, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The track where the Mexican F1 Grand Prix was held until 1992 now bears their name in their honour.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Rodríguez's death, Rojas completed laps of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez aboard a Formula Junior Cooper T56 raced by the departed talent himself.

"Each lap, each turn, I kept thinking what Ricardo Rodríguez would've been thinking while driving this car," Rojas said.

"This has been an awesome experience and one of the best in my career."

Prodrive WRC Team drivers Dani Sordo and Jarkko Nikara proved the team's MINI John Cooper Works WRC can match any car on the world rally stage by posting impressive times during day two of the Rally Spain.

Sordo posted two fastest times in three stages Saturday afternoon, his progress dampened only by a faulty injector.

"We have gone through the whole range of emotions today," said Prodrive boss Dave Wilcock.

The MINI John Cooper Works WRC in action at Rally Spain (Photo: Prodrive official)

"First we were on a high when it looked as though Dani would be second quickest on the opening stage, followed by the low of hearing the car firing on three cylinders and being unable to do anything about it until service."

After service, with the problem fixed, Sordo resumed showcasing the potential of the MINI WRC.

"I was really motivated to drive fast and show what the MINI can do," the Spaniard said. "There is still more to come from the engine and I know the guys are working on this now in Banbury.

"I will be looking to win the powerstage (Sunday)."

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has released its annual list of the best-fitting booster seats for children from 4 to 8 years old.

As it turns out, 15 of the 17 new models for 2012 earn the top rating. Overall, there are 47 ''Best Bets'' among the 91 boosters rated, along with five ''Good Bets''. Two models from Safety 1st -- the All-in-One and Alpha Omega Elite -- are "Not Recommended."

The IIHS test is based on fit to a dummy that represents an average sized 6-year-old child. Criteria include support behind the child's head and the ability to correctly position the vehicle's seat belt, among others.

See the full list at iihs.org

Photo: Graco

Sébastien Loeb (Citroën) took over the lead of the rally of Spain from former leader Mads Ostberg (Ford), who had a very difficult second day of competition on Saturday.

Ostberg was leading Friday to a good starting position terrible weather. But the young Norwegian driver dropped down the order on Saturday.

First, he went off the road, then had a contact with the barrier on ES8, and eventually dropped in pace over the remaining stages, to conclude the day in 5th position, 1.30 minutes behind Loeb.

Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford) inherited second position and was the last threat for Loeb. The Finn however, who was 27 seconds behind the Frenchman on Saturday evening, admitted himself he didn't expect to to catch the nine-time world champion on Sunday.

Latvala leads his fellow countryman Mirko Hirvonen (Citroën), while Ott Tanak moves up to 4th position ahead of the third and final day of rally of Spain.

Classification after day 2:
1. Loeb-Elena (Citroen DS3 Wrc) in 3.16'14”1
2. Latvala-Anttila (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 27”0
3. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 1'14”1
4. Tanak-Sikk (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 1'28”8

5. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 1'31”4
6. Weijs-Degandt (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 9'02”9
7. Breen-Nagle (Ford Fiesta S2000) + 12'26”2

8. Novikov-Minor (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 13'25”1
9. Nikara-Kalliolepo (Mini Cooper Wrc) + 13'39"2

10. Andersson-Axelsson (Proton Satria Neo S2000) + 15'45"5
Etc.

First Drive: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP

Much has changed at Mini since we last saw the John Cooper Works GP, the hardest-core, racing-oriented version of the basic hatchback.

Much has changed at Mini since we last saw the John Cooper Works GP, the hardest-core, racing-oriented version of the basic hatchback. Back then, the brand still subsisted on its basic two-door models. Now, the brand offers crossovers, coupes, and lots of odd stuff in between. As we pull into the Circuito Mallorca RennArena (yes, there's a racetrack on Mallorca), it's easy to forget all those less-than-pure models: we're about to drive the new GP, the ultimate distillation of the Mini brand's motoring mission.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP - Automobile Magazine

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Whenever Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne appears in public, television crews jostle to beam his words around the globe. Amid the push and shove it's easy to miss the tall, curly-headed young man who often looks on from the sidelines.

Whenever Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne appears in public, television crews jostle to beam his words around the globe. Amid the push and shove it's easy to miss the tall, curly-headed young man who often looks on from the sidelines.

Almost two decades after entering India, here's what GM and Ford have to show for their efforts in Asia's third-largest automobile market: combined market share of about 6.5 percent and falling.

German rally ace Armin Schwarz and his All German Motorsports team are gunning for a top three result at the 45th edition of the Baja 1000.

The Baja 1000 is a non-stop 1,500-mile race across Baja California, taking place this year November 14-17. It is also the finale of the 2012 US-SCORE season.

"You have passes with hairpins, then dead straight over flat terrain for over 200 miles but with the most bone rattling bumps, gravel, sand tracks and dry lakes," explains Schwarz.

Atmosphere at the Baja 1000 (Photo: Armin Schwarz)

For such an occasion, the AGM-Jimco X6 SCORE Trophy Truck might just be the perfect vehicle. It has the necessary wheel travel to reach almost 200 km/h over the desert's trails.

"The performance window of our track is surely wider and more open than that of a conventional trophy truck," declares Schwarz. "This allows us to be very fast not only on the incredibly tough terrain but also through the technically challenging and winding passages where we should even be as agile as the buggies."

Therefore, it is logical for the team to aim for a top result.

"It has always been our goal to win this race. But we've got to be realistic. By now, the season has not always run according to plan. Hence, our plan is to achieve an average that puts us in the top three. A podium would be a great result for us when you look at our season to now."

Armin Schwarz and his AGM-Jimco truck (Photo: Armin Schwarz)

Kevin Harvick is likely to be leaving the only team he's raced for starting in 2014 according to a report on ESPN.com. The story says Harvick will join three-time champ Tony Stewart's Stewart Haas Racing after 2013.

Although Harvick made the Chase, he's hardly been a factor and numerous times before he's looked at other teams before re-signing with Richard Childress Racing. But Childress' grandson, Austin Dillon, currently a rookie in the Nationwide Series, will be making his Daytona 500 debut next year and likely be moving up to Sprint Cup in 2014.

The next biggest question is: will Harvick take the Budweiser sponsorship - currently on the #29 Chevy - with him to Stewart Haas Racing?

Shortly after the news broke Friday afternoon, both Harvick and Stewart-Haas issued statements about the report.

"Stewart-Haas Racing's driver lineup is all set for 2013, but if you're talking about 2014 and if Kevin Harvick is available, that's something the team would have to look at," SHR team spokesman Mike Arning said in a statement. "Any team in this garage would do the same."

"From the moment Stewart-Haas Racing was formed, becoming a four-car team is something it's been striving for. They have the infrastructure to accommodate a fourth team, and if everything aligns properly, it's something they'll do. So, if a driver the caliber of Kevin Harvick is available, it's something they would pursue."

Harvick's statement said: "Once I know what my future plans are I will make sure everyone is brought up to speed, but as of right now I am focused on finishing this season on a strong note, and continuing to build our program going into the 2013 season at RCR with the ultimate goal of winning a championship."

In his weekly "behind-the hauler-interview" Stewart said "I'll tell you this: When we have something to tell you guys, we'll tell you," he said. "I've always said that, so you guys can throw darts - and when we've got something to tell you that's different than what we've got going on, we'll obviously tell you."

History/Description: With a high size-to-price ratio, a flexible interior, available all-wheel drive (AWD) and a slew of different options and trim levels, Dodge made sure there was a Caliber for any need or budget. The entry-level model in the automaker's lineup replaced the Neon when it hit lots for model year 2007, and has since been replaced by the Dart.

Look for Caliber with options like a premium stereo, flip-down tailgate speakers, a built-in flashlight, cruise, power accessories and a chilled glove box for keeping your road-trip drinks and snacks cold. Fog lamps, alloy wheels and various cosmetic styling tweaks helped set the Caliber apart on the road. And up-level features like a heated power driver's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror and satellite radio could be specified, too.

All models were five-door hatchbacks that featured 4-cylinder power and either a manual or Continually Variable Transmission (CVT).

Photo: Justin Pritchard

What Owners Like: Flexibility, versatility and a slew of thoughtful touches were all highly rated by Caliber owners. This is a machine that's easily set up for a wide range of activities from passenger-hauling to camping to shopping and anything in between. Generous at-hand storage, a commanding driving position and confident AWD traction were also highly rated.

What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for a more pleasing engine note, a more high-quality feel to the Caliber's cabin, and better fuel economy on models with the larger engines. Additionally, some owners report high wind noise levels and “floaty” handling.

Common Issues: Start your test drive of a used Caliber by “feeling” its suspension. Numerous owners reported premature wear from ball joints, control arms, bushings, tie-rods and struts. The Caliber should track straight down the road, and rebound gently but firmly after hitting a bump or dip. Any clunking or popping noises in the process, or any “slop” in the ride or steering, is likely a sign of a problem. Have a Dodge mechanic inspect the suspension on the model you're considering to be sure it's safe, and not in need of expensive repair.

Watch for any “Check Engine” lights in the instrument cluster, which could be the result of a faulty engine control sensor, or a problem with the electronic throttle. Additionally, ensure the model you're considering pulls smoothly while accelerating both moderately and at full throttle. A “scan” of the Caliber's computer network by a mechanic can reveal any potentially hidden problems.

No major issues were apparent with the relatively unproven CVT transmission, though shoppers are advised to be sure the factory maintenance schedule was adhered to for maximum long-term reliability.

Finally, on models with a sunroof triple-check for water leaks, noting any moisture in the footwells, ceiling liner or around the dome light. This may be accompanied by a mildew-like smell, and is typically caused by plugged sunroof drain tubes.

The Verdict: Lower-than-average resale values, decent reliability and higher-than-average size for the money make the Caliber a worthy choice for a used-car shopper after plenty of flexibility, space and selection.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

A few timely adjustments by his crew chief and a cooling track helped Kyle Busch win the pole in Phoenix at a record speed.

"Dave (Rogers, crew chief) made some really good adjustments there from qualifying practice to now and the car drove exactly like it needed to for those two laps," said Busch after notching his  10th career pole, second of the season and second at PIR.

Busch averaged  138.766 mph at the reconfigured one-mile oval topping Martin Truex Jr. at 138.217 mph. Denny Hamlin completed a top-three sweep by Toyotas at 137.578mph.

In the all-important Chase Brad Keselowski qualified 14th, ten spots ahead of series points leader Jimmie Johnson who is down in 24th. This was the third time, out of the eight previous Chase races, that Keselowski out qualified the five-time champion.

Johnson went out fairly early in the line of qualifiers when the sun was out and the track was hotter and slicker.

"Wasn't so good but we've been fighting a little bit in qualifying trim," Johnson said.

"But, we've got a great baseline race setup to go off of. For me it was really turn one.  The glare was pretty bad getting into the turn then getting the power down was tough for me up off of (turn) two.  (Turns) three and four were pretty good I felt like on both of my laps, but I struggled oddly enough down there this time."

Keselowski said that his job was "running to win, whatever that means," he said. "Win the race and things become a lot easier. You don't have to worry about those things."

"It was good lap -- definitely a good lap for our NAPA Toyota," said the second-place Truex.  "We had a really good practice today.  We had good speed all day long.  Obviously, the late draw was something that we knew was going to be big.

"We were fortunate enough to be able to get that and go out late, put down a good lap.  It wasn't good enough, obviously, but nonetheless a good starting spot for Sunday and hopefully we'll be able to turn that into something big."

Hamlin agreed that the later a driver went the better chance a driver had.

"It was treacherous, for sure.  It seemed like if you went later it was definitely an advantage to qualifying.  But -- just really the track and tire combination -- it's really hard.  So, it takes a long time for it to get going."

According to reports, the IndyCar Series and Lotus are on the verge of an agreement that would allowed both parties to go their separate ways without having to go thru a long and difficult judicial battle.

Lotus has had its shares of problems in its first year of IndyCar competition, having being plagued by numerous issues both financially and performance wise.

Along with Chevrolet and Honda, Lotus had entered the series as an official engine supplier and it had, at one point, signed agreements with four different teams for the 2012 season.

Right on the outset, Lotus was underprepared, underpowered and underfunded. Such a situation led to more and more problems on the track, so much so that all Lotus teams asked the series officials to release them from their contracts with Lotus.

Only HVM Racing remained as a Lotus-powered team but the team's owner Keith Wiggins paid the price for being unable to get out of this alliance.

If everything gets resolved to the satisfaction of everyone involved, an announcement is expected to be made in December.

Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing maintains its financial backing

Good news for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing as its main sponsor, Quaker Chemical Corporation, has renewed its sponsorship for 2013 IZOD IndyCar season.

This will allow the team not only to focus on keeping the young and talented Josef Newgarden on board, but also to try and figure out a way of putting a second entry on the starting grid.

Sebastian Bourdais confirmed at Dragon Racing

Jay Penske, owner of the Dragon Racing squad, was pleased to confirm that he had re-signed for a full-time effort Champ Car champion Sebastian Bourdais who will be back this time to drive the team' Chevy-powered car.  


Herbie, the popular VW Beetle from a series of Disney movies, has inspired the German automaker to launch a special Edition 53 model featuring the signature stripes, colours and number.

Of course, don't expect its performance to match that of the Hollywood star. Still, the Volkswagen Beetle Edition 53 rides on 17'' wheels and is available with a six-speed DSG. Engine choices include a 1.2L TSI, 1.6L TDI, and 2.0L TDI.

Unfortunately, the car will remain exclusive to Spanish customers for now. Keep your fingers crossed just in case!

Source: Autoblog

Photo: Volkswagen

From GMM

Martin Whitmarsh says he suspects Lewis Hamilton already regrets accepting a bigger-money offer to switch to Mercedes next year.

The McLaren chief answered "I don't know" when asked why he thinks the 2008 world champion decided to leave his boyhood team, but thinks a big factor is Hamilton's desire to spread his wings after six years with the famous British outfit.

But Whitmarsh told F1's official website that money was probably another factor.

"We made Lewis an offer -- an offer which I believe is more money than any other driver at the moment is being paid," said Whitmarsh.

"That leads us to suspect that our competitor and our partner Mercedes-Benz offered a bit more money."

Whitmarsh said he is also concerned for Hamilton that he may have made his decision hastily, after retiring from the lead in Singapore recently.

"I think it is always bad to make a decision in the aftermath of a bad race," he insisted.

"He was pretty sure that he was going to win that race and it was a disappointment and as I just said it is never good to make a decision in such a situation."

Whitmarsh also said he thinks Hamilton has already regretted his decision "on occasions", but doesn't think the 27-year-old will admit it.

"He is not going to say 'hey, they offered me more money'. He is also not going to say that he's made an awful mistake.

"I hope he thinks today that he's made an awful mistake and I hope he thinks that next year," said Whitmarsh. "He's made that decision and he has to live with that decision."

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg has left open the door to the 2014 season, intensifying rumours he could be paving a road to Ferrari.

Some have interpreted the German's move from Force India to Sauber for next year as a sideways step, while others think Hulkenberg is laying down a path to his future with the small Ferrari-powered Swiss team.

Indeed, the 25-year-old was linked with Ferrari's works team before Maranello decided to keep Felipe Massa in 2013, but the Brazilian - like Hulkenberg - has only been signed up for a single season.

"I cannot tell you where I'm going in 2014," Hulkenberg told Germany's Auto Bild Motorsport.  "Formula one is a fast-moving business."

He did admit: "In the long term I want to drive for podiums and race wins and become world champion.

"Which team it will be with is located in the stars," added Hulkenberg.

Ally Financial is nearing a deal to sell its auto financing operations in Europe and Latin America for around $4 billion, with GM emerging as the lead bidder if the company decides to sell those operations as a whole, two sources familiar with the...