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From GMM

Martin Whitmarsh on Tuesday threw a new spanner in the 'silly season' works, refusing to rule out a return to McLaren for Kimi Raikkonen.

Off the back of the Finn's rumoured moves to Red Bull or Ferrari, it actually now seemed more likely the 2007 world champion will simply stay at Lotus.

But McLaren boss Whitmarsh on Tuesday admitted he has considered making a move to bring Raikkonen, who drove for the British team between 2002 and 2006, back to McLaren.

"Yes, we have (considered it)," he told F1's official website. "Kimi has always been great and I am a big fan of him. There is a lot of speculation out there at the moment, so let's see what happens."

Kimi Raikkonen. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Whitmarsh's comments on Tuesday are a surprise, as the latest reports suggest Jenson Button will certainly stay in 2014, while the McLaren boss said at Spa at the weekend that Mexican Sergio Perez deserves another chance in a better car.

"I probably shouldn't be, but I'm completely open," Whitmarsh said. "Last year we had talks with him (Raikkonen), but for various reasons it didn't happen. This year we've had no talks -- yet."

Asked if an approach may be made to Raikkonen, or vice versa, he admitted: "Yes, could be. Obviously Kimi is determined to go somewhere else and I sense that he will not succeed in that goal, so let's see how he gets on there."

Whitmarsh hinted that if there is a place for Raikkonen in 2014, it would be alongside Button. He was asked if an all-champion lineup would give McLaren positive media mileage in the season before the switch to Honda power.

"Yes, it might do," he said. "We'll see. We are not talking to Kimi at the moment, so let's see what happens in the drivers market."

Ford, in collaboration with St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in Russia, has launched a three-year project to study the way space robots communicate with Earth stations. The information gathered from the study will be used to improve safety and reduce traffic jams.

Ford hopes to improve cloud-based, vehicle to infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications, and find ways to transmit urgent messages when experiencing outages.

“We're analyzing the data to discover which networks are the most robust and trustworthy for certain types of messages, as well as serving as emergency communication options when systems crash in certain specific circumstances,'' explains Oleg Gusikhin, technical leader in systems analytics for Ford.

“In a crash, for example, a vehicle could have the option to communicate an emergency through a DSRC, LTE or a mesh network based on the type of signal, speed and robustness required to reach emergency responders as quickly as possible.”

Few can argue with the wholesome handiness or utility that comes with owning a pickup truck. Whether you need a little truck for a year to build a new house or complete a list of renovations or you're a diehard enthusiast with a lifestyle that demands parking a pickup in the driveway, the used marketplace offers plenty of selection to meet virtually any need.

If you're planning to shop out a used pickup, consider the following list: we've assembled some of the most popular used truck buys on the market, highlighted what their owners love, and listed the most common issues and pre-purchase checks you'll want to look into.

Remember: A trip to your favourite mechanic with the truck in question can affordably provide added purchase confidence and peace of mind via the pre-purchase inspection. In an hour or less, your mechanic can give the truck you're after a two-thumbs-up or, conversely, advise that you may want to select another model.

1996 to 2004 Toyota Tacoma

1996 Toyota Tacoma (Photo: Toyota)

The Draw: Owners of this last-generation Tacoma typically rave about styling, off-road capability, long-term reliability, and a relatively smooth powertrain. Decent mileage, ground clearance and adequate power, even from the 4-cylinder engine, are also praised. Many owners share stories online of how their older Tacoma's are “ultra reliable,” always fire up, and get them where they need to go. Look for 4- or 6-cylinder power, two- or four-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions, and a selection of body configurations.

The Common Issues: Be sure you're able to get comfortable in the seats, and check the body extensively for rust, paint chips and dents beyond those expected given the truck's age and mileage. Double-check for confident brake-system performance and 4x4 system engagement into its various modes. Listen to the suspension for signs of clunking or popping, which could be evidence of a worn-out busing, ball-joint or strut. Also, look for signs of oil splatter visible from the inside of the rear wheels. This could indicate leaky axle seals, which may adversely affect the vehicle's ability to brake.

Having the Tacoma you're considering inspected for rust should be considered absolutely mandatory. Though no worrisome drivetrain or electronic-related issues present themselves in checks of online forums, some earlier Tacoma models in this generation were actually recalled due to a heavy rust problem that could see the frame perforate, compromising safety.

2004 Toyota Tacoma (Photo: Toyota)

Continue reading Used Pickups at a Glance

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has admitted his championship hopes would get a boost if Sebastian Vettel crashes at the start of a grand prix.

Many see Vettel's dominance in Belgium as a sure sign the Red Bull driver will now canter to his fourth consecutive drivers' title.

"Vettel has the world title in the bag," said Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport after the race at Spa-Francorchamps.

Corriere dello Sport agreed: "Vettel remains out of reach; invincible in his Red Bull with which no one can find fault. He is on track to break all of Michael Schumacher's records."

Ferrari, however, showed at Spa signs of recovery after a miserable July, but Spaniard Alonso acknowledged that he needs Vettel to run into trouble.

"I left Monza last year with 41 points more than Vettel," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace. "It shows how quickly things can change. But for this, we need to win three or four races in a row and have someone run over him at the start, as happened to me, or technical problems."

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, at the arrival of the Belgian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Fernando Alonso is undoubtedly referring to his Belgian grand prix of a year ago, when Romain Grosjean's flying Lotus ended his race in a shower of carbon fibre.

"It happened to me last year and it could happen again," added Alonso.

But with just eight races left in 2013, some of Vettel's rivals are beginning to be written off.

Kimi Raikkonen, for example, lost his runner-up place in the drivers' standings at Spa, where he retired with brake failure.

"You would probably have to say that the three (Vettel, Alonso, Lewis Hamilton) who finished on the podium in Belgium are likely to be the major rivals to the end of the year," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

Marc Surer, a former driver turned pundit, sees another problem for Raikkonen's Lotus.

"If you lack the money to try everything you can think of," he told Der Spiegel, "you have no chance."

Questions about Mercedes are also being asked.

"Do they still have reserves in their development to catch Red Bull in this season?" former driver Patrick Tambay told France's RMC Sport. "In Belgium they were clearly beaten."

So perhaps the final question is to wonder if anyone can beat Vettel now. "Probably, only himself," acknowledged Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn.

The 2014 Acura RLX is the flagship model from Honda's luxury division, Acura. As an Acura, it's sensible and likely to turn in years of reliable, no-nonsense ownership for its owners. As a flagship, the RLX is packed with a suite of new technologies that showcase what the Japanese brand has been working on.

For the 2014 model year, the RLX has officially replaced the RL in Acura's lineup -- and despite discreet styling and execution, it is the most advanced vehicle Honda has ever built for the road.


What is an Acura RLX?
By and large, the Acura RLX is a rolling sensory array disguised as a leather-lined luxury sedan. Using information gathered by radar and camera systems, the top-dog Acura continually scans the world around it for potential hazards, warns drivers of them, and autonomously takes corrective action if those warnings aren't heeded.

Without your help, the Acura RLX can slow down and speed up automatically based on traffic conditions, steer you back between the lines if you're heading off the road or apply its brakes to prevent or minimize a collision. Any more self-aware, and they'd have to ship it with a name and a birth certificate.

For the 2014 model year, the RLX has officially replaced the RL in Acura's lineup. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

2014 Acura RLX Price and Specs
Acura's new V6 engine powers up the RLX driving experience. A cutting-edge 3.5L unit with cylinder deactivation and direct injection technology, the RLX engine was exhaustively engineered for pleasing performance and great fuel mileage.

Mission accomplished.

Though the 310 horsepower output level is hardly aiming for the top of the pack, the RLX hustles along urgently when called upon, and gets by slower traffic in a jiffy when drivers prod the throttle. The engine is pleasing to put through its paces, but drive the 2014 Acura RLX like a responsible adult and it's mostly quiet and laid-back.

Fuel mileage, additionally, is excellent. Your writer was delighted at an overall consumption of 8.8L/100km, which puts the big RLX in mid-sized, four-cylinder family sedan territory.

Pricing from $49,990.

A cutting-edge 3.5L unit with cylinder deactivation and direct injection technology, the RLX engine was exhaustively engineered for pleasing performance and great fuel mileage. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Driving the 2014 Acura RLX
Overall, the driving experience in the 2014 Acura RLX is easygoing to the max. While you relax and let the RLX handle nearly everything for you, you'll enjoy the leather that lines the seats, dash, doors, and nearly everything else. Two full-colour display screens are stacked in the centre console for a distinctively hi-tech look, while space galore in both seating rows and a laundry list of fully automatic or motorized features add to a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.

The 2014 Acura RLX's cabin isn't big on stimulation, but its' relaxing, comfortable, and formal. It's also easy to board and exit, packs plenty of at-hand storage and keeps road and wind noise nicely in check at speed.

Suspension calibration sees a slight firmness dialed in to make the 2014 RLX a bit more engaging to drive. Though many cross-shopping the market's offerings will find a comparable Lexus or Mercedes to have a more all-out comfortable ride, the RLX likely won't disappoint where long-haul comfort is concerned.

Currently, all of Acura's RLX models are front-drive, though an AWD hybrid is on the way. The tester did pack a new Precision All Wheel Steering (PAWS) system, which sharpens up handling at high speeds by calling upon the rear wheels for steering assist which rotates the RLX on its axis. Translation? As the Acura RLX approaches understeer in fast corners, the rear swings out slightly as a countermeasure. The PAWS system also enhances maneuverability at low speeds.

Driver relaxation in the 2014 Acura RLX is furthered by fully automatic lighting, wipers, and climate control. If you'd rather take in some music, the great big Krell audio system is happy to help.

Two full-colour display screens are stacked in the centre console for a distinctively hi-tech look. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Ins and Outs of the 2014 Acura RLX
The RLX is a machine of many strengths, and a few weaknesses. For fuel efficiency, comfort, and discreet-looking delivery of flagship sedan amenities, it hits the mark. Performance and handling are appreciable if not mind-blowing, and the cabin -- though short on excitement -- supports drivers on long distance travels by fading from attention as the scenery floats by. Even for larger drivers and passengers, it'll prove generously large.

Complaints? The infotainment system comes with a learning curve before intuitive operation is possible, and I missed some of the secretly sporty flare that characterized the last-generation Acura RL. Further, the paddle-activated shifts in the 2014 Acura RLX are executed after a notable delay that makes their use largely irrelevant.

The RLX is a machine of many strengths, and a few weaknesses. For fuel efficiency, comfort, and discreet-looking delivery of flagship sedan amenities, it hits the mark. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Comparing the 2014 Acura RLX
Compared to the RLX, the new Lexus GS350 is a more athletic all-around performer and packs a more striking, upscale cabin execution. An Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series with similar power output figures will make drivers feel more of a rush when pushed hard. Finally, a Chrysler 300 can provide more affordable access to a similarly hi-tech, luxuriously appointed experience for less money.

The 2014 Acura RLX will appeal most strongly to a shopper after a machine that flies under the radar and doesn't beg for attention. Add in Acura's lustrous reputation for reliability, resale value, and owner satisfaction and it makes a smart choice for a shopper after a discreet luxury flagship experience.

From GMM

The fate of the inaugural 2014 New Jersey race is still uncertain, despite Bernie Ecclestone saying just days ago that it's "not on the cards".

The F1 chief executive told CNN that organisers of the street race "haven't got any money", but a race spokesman hit back by insisting preparations are "on track".

Ecclestone has now muddied the picture even further by answering "no, no" when asked if he is ruling out adding New Jersey to the 2014 calendar.

"They have a contract," he told Reuters, "so if they comply with the contract the race will take place.

"We would be very, very happy if it does," Ecclestone added.

An unnamed team boss suggested Ecclestone is playing his typical political games.

"It's not the first time we've heard words like these," the boss is quoted by Speed Week. "I would not write off the race in New Jersey."

Day two of our cross-country Corvette trek ended in North Platte, Neb., where we encountered a couple of C2 Sting Rays in the parking lot of our Holiday Inn.

Day two of our cross-country Corvette trek ended in North Platte, Neb., where we encountered a couple of C2 Sting Rays in the parking lot of our Holiday Inn.

Each Ferrari that rolls out of the factory in Maranello has an original story that is unique to its chassis. Some go racing, others go to garages, and some go to police forces.

Each Ferrari that rolls out of the factory in Maranello has an original story that is unique to its chassis. Some go racing, others go to garages, and some go to police forces.

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least.

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least. Shortly after its arrival, it was sent on the road to serve as a support vehicle for a series of photographic shoots. After a week away from our offices, it returned, but it didn't stay all that long: by the end of the month, the X1 was shipped out to our staff in New York.

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least.

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least. Shortly after its arrival, it was sent on the road to serve as a support vehicle for a series of photographic shoots. After a week away from our offices, it returned, but it didn't stay all that long: by the end of the month, the X1 was shipped out to our staff in New York.

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Consumer Reports magazine rates the 2014 Chevrolet Impala as the most improved redesigned or re-engineered vehicle it has recently tested.

Chevrolet, aiming to give a boost to the launch of the redesigned 2014 Silverado, has signed a multi-year marketing partnership with the University of Texas' athletics programs. Financial terms of the pact were not released.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is expected next week to announce the appointment of Nigel Francis, a former vice president at Mercedes-Benz AG and defunct Bright Automotive, as an automotive adviser to the state.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Examining the Interior

It's what's on the inside that counts.

After eight months with our 2013 Dodge Dart, there's one part of the car staffers have seen plenty of: the interior. All those hours spent commuting and road-tripping have given us ample time to discover just how many clever details are packed into the Dart's cabin.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Examining the Interior | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least.

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least. Shortly after its arrival, it was sent on the road to serve as a support vehicle for a series of photographic shoots. After a week away from our offices, it returned, but it didn't stay all that long: by the end of the month, the X1 was shipped out to our staff in New York.

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least.

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least. Shortly after its arrival, it was sent on the road to serve as a support vehicle for a series of photographic shoots. After a week away from our offices, it returned, but it didn't stay all that long: by the end of the month, the X1 was shipped out to our staff in New York.

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least.

Our first month with the Four Seasons 2013 BMW X1 was short, to say the least. Shortly after its arrival, it was sent on the road to serve as a support vehicle for a series of photographic shoots. After a week away from our offices, it returned, but it didn't stay all that long: by the end of the month, the X1 was shipped out to our staff in New York.

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i - A Fleeting First Month In Michigan | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Examining the Interior

It's what's on the inside that counts.

After eight months with our 2013 Dodge Dart, there's one part of the car staffers have seen plenty of: the interior. All those hours spent commuting and road-tripping have given us ample time to discover just how many clever details are packed into the Dart's cabin.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Four Seasons Update - August 2013 - Automobile Magazine

2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Examining the Interior | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us