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From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he is working hard to ensure the last Brazilian driver does not drop out of F1.

Currently, Felipe Massa is the only Brazilian on the grid, but he has lost his Ferrari seat.

Manager Nicolas Todt is working hard to tap into the Brazilian sponsor market to ensure Massa is in contention for the rides at Lotus, Williams, Force India and Sauber.

It is rumoured the Brazilian broadcaster Globo could also play a vital role.

Brazil and South America are important markets for F1, and so the sport's chief executive Ecclestone told O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper: "I am trying to help; it's not easy, but we're working on it."

Felipe Massa, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

The 82-year-old Briton admitted Massa's career could depend on his ability to take an attractive sponsorship package to his next F1 team.

"If Felipe gets some sponsors, everything will change and Brazil should have a driver on the grid in 2014. A strong economy like the one in Brazil is in a good position to invest in a driver," Bernie Ecclestone said.

Also in the running to tap into that support is the GP2 frontrunner Felipe Nasr, but Toro Rosso recently quelled speculation he might replace the Red Bull-bound Daniel Ricciardo.

"It will be difficult to sign as a race driver in 2014," Felipe Nasr, who is managed by Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson, said in Singapore.

"So I see it (the opportunity) more as third driver, driving the car in practice on Fridays and some of the private testing," he added.

The new and improved 2014 Toyota Tundra is making its way to Canadian dealers starting at $28,665 in 4x2 configuration, and $32,740 in 4x4 configuration.

Photo: Toyota

Entirely designed and built in North America, the 2014 Toyota Tundra features a segment-exclusive standard backup camera and Bluetooth on all grades.

The bold and powerful exterior includes a taller front grille that visually connects the upper intake to the lower bumper. In addition, the fenders and wheel wells have been squared off for a wide and sturdy stance.

Buyers of the 2014 Toyota Tundra have a choice of three cab styles: two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab, and the super-sized four-door CrewMax. Tundra Regular Cab is offered in Long Bed 2,480 mm, and Double Cab models are offered in standard bed 2,000 mm or long bed 2,480 mm configurations, while the CrewMax comes with a 1,695 mm bed.

Inside, ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to the various controls, while large knobs remain so they can be operated with or without work gloves. There's also a new instrument panel with a centre-mounted multi-information LCD screen, not to mention more comfortable seats.

The 2014 Toyota Tundra can be equipped with a 4.6L i-Force V8 rated at 310 horsepower, or a 5.7L i-Force V8 producing 381 horsepower. The only transmission available is a 6-speed automatic.

Photo: Toyota

Honda Motor Company Ltd. was incorporated on September 24th, 1948, two years after Soichiro Honda founded the Honda Technical Research Institute, which developed and built internal combustion engines and tools.

Initially a bike manufacturer, Honda started automobile production in 1963 with the S500 sports car and T360 small pickup. The following year, Honda entered Formula 1; its first Grand Prix victory occurred in Mexico in 1965.

Honda quickly grew in popularity across North America, selling its one millionth motorcycle on U.S. soil in 1968. Canadian Honda Motor Ltd. (now known as Honda Canada Inc.) was established in Toronto a year later.

Currently active in various industries (automobiles, motorcycles, water sports, racing, gardening, and aeronautics), Honda's largest markets are Asia and North America.

Honda Performance Development has decided to put his upcoming 2.2L V6 twin-turbo engines, which will be mandatory for 2014, into service for the first time during Tuesday's official IndyCar Series test at Fontana.

Most of the series' teams will be on hand to run on the 2.0-mile southern California oval in preparation for the season finale event on October 19th.

According to reports, Schmidt Hamilton Racing's Simon Pagenaud will be ask as well as spending time in his primary No. 77 Hewlett Packard single-turbo Honda to test the new engine in a spare DW12.

Meanwhile, Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage announced that the Texas IndyCar event, the Firestone 550, has been retitled the Firestone 600.

The event, which will take place on June 7th two weeks after the Indianapolis 500, will have an extra 20 lap for a total of 248.

Practice and qualifying will be held June 6, followed by the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

Photo: Honda Racing

Those who think Kia doesn't make quality cars need a serious reality check. The all-new 2014 Kia Cadenza impressed me with its luxury, comfort, and wide array of amenities. What's more, people came to me with envious stares, thumbs up, and many nice things to say about it throughout my test week.

What is the Kia Cadenza?
Simply put, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is a brand new and luxurious full-size sedan from Korea. Slotted above the popular Optima, it will inevitably help Kia attract a new generation of buyers.

While it may not have sporty aspirations, the 2014 Kia Cadenza offers tremendous value, especially the base model which starts under $40K.


2014 Kia Cadenza Price and Specs
A 3.3L V6 engine rated at 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque propels the 2014 Kia Cadenza with enthusiasm. Featuring direct injection, this mill pairs up with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and, on my watch, burned a combined 11.2L/100km (30% city, 70% highway).

Two trim levels are available: The one priced at $37,795 is very well equipped, while the Cadenza Premium at $44,995 adds keyless entry, heated rear seats, many extra safety features, and a panoramic sunroof -- basically everything consumers look for in this price range.

A 3.3L V6 engine rated at 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque propels the 2014 Kia Cadenza with enthusiasm. (Photo: Kia)

Driving the 2014 Kia Cadenza
Comfortable, yet not too relaxed, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is quite pleasant to drive. With nearly 300 horses under the hood, acceleration is convincing, and handling manages to surprise.

Engineers integrated a remarkable number of modern technologies. In addition to safety systems like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart Cruise Control, you'll find in the Cadenza Premium goodies such as a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, adaptive HID headlights, and a driver's seat with memory.

The wide A-pillars and large side mirrors of the 2014 Kia Cadenza reduce forward visibility. As for the rear, the backup camera and parking sensors are quite useful. Elsewhere, the 8-way power adjustable seat helps in finding a proper driving position, although the seat may not drop low enough for taller drivers.

On a more negative note, Kia's navigation system is pretty frustrating. You can't zoom easily or enter an intersection as a destination. Fortunately, the rest of the Cadenza is so good that you will quickly forget about it.

Comfortable, yet not too relaxed, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is quite pleasant to drive. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Cadenza
From the outside, the new 2014 Kia Cadenza looks just as stylish as most competitors. Larger than the Optima, it sports fluid lines and a sharp-looking set of headlights. The unmistakable grille nicely fits into the whole picture -- kudos to Peter Schreyer, the former Audi designer who now oversees design operations at both Kia and Hyundai. On the other hand, the two-tone alloy wheels look somewhat cheap despite being 19” in size.

The big, panoramic sunroof certainly boosts the appeal of the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Fit and finish, both inside and out, deserve praise.

From a practical standpoint, I soon realized that the rear seatbacks do not fold down. Instead, there's a centre pass-through for long objects, such as skis -- too bad. Other than that, the rear seats prove roomy and comfortable.

Up front, the 2014 Kia Cadenza's dashboard is clean and modern, in large part thanks to the digital speedometer and tachometer. The various wood trim pieces will likely turn off some younger buyers; however, everything else has been well thought out. The analogue clock adds a touch of prestige that evokes renowned luxury brands.

The unmistakable grille nicely fits into the whole picture. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Comparing the 2014 Kia Cadenza
This Korean import offers plenty of bang for your buck, and could give more expensive German sedans a run for their money. Of course, the ride and handling don't quite match those of Audi or BMW, but if you're looking for a classy and contemporary full-size car, you should totally check it out.

The front-wheel-drive 2014 Kia Cadenza appears a bit more refined than most American rivals including the new Chevrolet Impala, Buick Lacrosse, and Dodge Charger. As for Japan, expect the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima to form a nice opposition.

In the end, the Cadenza stands out with its modern approach, sophisticated looks, plethora of technologies, and Kia's excellent warranty.

The new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet will make their world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. They will go on sale across Canada in early 2014 starting at $183,400 and $221,200, respectively.

Equipped with a 3.8L, 6-cylinder engine that produces 520 horsepower, the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, while the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet generates 560 horsepower and shaves 0.3 second off that time - all while achieving fuel consumption figures of 9.9L/100km on the New European Drive Cycle.

When compared with their respective predecessors, the new cars deliver an extra 30 horsepower, yet burn 15% less fuel.

Photo: Porsche

From GMM

Giedo van der Garde has not been ruled out of the running to stay at Caterham beyond 2013.

That is the claim of team 'supremo' Tony Fernandes, who is keen to bring Heikki Kovalainen back into a race seat next season.

"I do not want to start another season with two 'pay drivers'," the Malaysian entrepreneur told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"Kovalainen has a good chance of getting one of the two seats," Tony Fernandes revealed.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Currently, Caterham's drivers are van der Garde, who has struggled at times in 2013, and Frenchman Charles Pic, whose 2014 seat was considered safe due to his strong backing and existing contract.

But Fernandes said van der Garde is also in the running.

"He's come back well after a difficult start. Canada was the low point, when I was thinking I had made a big mistake. But he's had a good recovery; the two times he got through to Q2 were the highlights. And with his sixteenth place in Singapore he performed optimally again.

"We'll have to see how the situation evolves," added Tony Fernandes.

Napa Valley, CA - Perhaps one of the most important vehicles in the hot hatch segment, the recently redesigned MKVII Volkswagen Golf GTI has Vdub fanboys the globe over salivating at the bit to get behind the wheel. They have every right to be excited.

I got the chance for a quick romp in the seventh generation VW GTI, and I was left wanting much, much more. Sometimes, when something is done right the first time, so few changes need to be made along the way to keep it up to date; such is the case with the latest iteration of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Full disclosure: The particular GTI I drove in California was a European-spec model currently on sale in Europe. However, we won't see the GTI on North American shores till 2014 as a 2015 model year car.


What is the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Essentially, the GTI is a pumped up version of the Golf (not as beefed up as the R, but just enough to get the juices flowing). With more horsepower and a racier suspension and handling set-up, the GTI is the granddaddy of hot hatches, and with good reason. In the mid-1970s when the first GTI emerged -- an MKI GTI to be exact -- the idea of a hotted up hatchback with fire under the hood and a need for speed was unheard of. Practical and fun to drive? Who knew? Volkswagen did.

This, now seventh, generation of the Volkswagen GTI furthers the hot-hatch status with plenty of power under the hood and practicality throughout. VW stayed true to its roots and engineered a vehicle that will appeal to enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.

Essentially, the GTI is a pumped up version of the Golf (not as beefed up as the R, but just enough to get the juices flowing). (Photo: Volkswagen)

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI Price and Specs
As this was a European-spec model, I wasn't provided pricing for the new GTI. As the launch date approaches in North America, we'll be sure to announce pricing.

Now, the fun bits: specs for the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Again, while this was a Euro version, the model that ends up on our shores will no doubt carry the same engine specs and performance numbers, which are as follows.

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque delivered at 1,500 rpm. Handles via a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GTI's grunt is superb for a vehicle its size and stature.

The Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Driving the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI
I can't say it enough: This is one hot hatch. Sure, it's larger than the previous generation, but it's also lighter thanks to the ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steel used in 28% of the unibody construction. Yes, it's wider and longer, but it also sits lower for added aerodynamics, which I was sure to test out.

How can you not push a GTI? It's always so happy to comply, and with the quick-to-respond DSG transmission, swapping gears is such a joy. The torque in the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is palpable, in a good way (I love a little bit of torque steer in a hot hatch, gives the car a bit of ‘tude, of which the GTI has plenty).

My only niggle with the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI was this: The steering wheel is humongous. It makes the car feel like it's large to drive, but it's just the bus-like steering wheel that throws you off. Otherwise, driving position is stellar, cornering is spectacular and acceleration and braking are effortless.

Oh, and the sound of that 2.0L TSI and exhaust burble is enough to make anyone smile.

Yes, it's wider and longer, but it also sits lower for added aerodynamics, which I was sure to test out. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Inside and out of the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI
As mentioned above, the Mk VII Golf got a bit bigger, but not fatter, and that's OK in my books. The new look is one of sophistication and class. I love the clean front end and mean-looking front grill. The pinched grille (with that subtle GTI red line) and angular headlights are exactly what you'd expect a hot hatch fascia to look like.

Inside, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is all grown up. Shades of Audi have trickled into VW, and it's easy to see in the seventh generation of the Golf. As I mentioned in my Golf TDI review, this interior is roomy and classy; a great place to be.

Inside, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is all grown up. Shades of Audi have trickled into VW, and it's easy to see in the seventh generation of the Golf. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI
While it may be the granddaddy of hot hatches, the GTI has some serious competition at the moment. Ford's Focus ST is steeling hearts and dollars at the dealerships, and the MINI Cooper S continues to do so despite a lack of a major facelift in quite some time. Despite that, Volkswagen has a loyal fan base and the GTI has built much of that. This latest generation will not disappoint the diehards or the newbies.

2013 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab

A Swiss army knife on wheels.

With modern pickup trucks, the label "full-size" seems increasingly like a polite way of saying "obese," or at least "gargantuan." There are undoubtedly many pickup buyers who need all that width, length, and height, but for those who don't, the 2013 Nissan Frontier serves as a reminder that a pickup truck can come in a size other than XXL. Despite its less-prodigious footprint and less-towering height, the 2013 Nissan Frontier packs a lot of utility into a moderately sized package.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab - Automobile Magazine

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Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

Ultimate Fantasy Number One.

Editor's Note: This is the first of eight automotive fantasies from our November 2013 print issue. We'll be publishing the fantasies over the next few weeks on automobilemag.com. Look for the issue on newsstands soon or download our iPad issue on September 26th to read them all.

Photo Gallery: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - Automobile Magazine

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

Ultimate Fantasy Number One.

Editor's Note: This is the first of eight automotive fantasies from our November 2013 print issue. We'll be publishing the fantasies over the next few weeks on automobilemag.com. Look for the issue on newsstands soon or download our iPad issue on September 26th to read them all.

Photo Gallery: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - Automobile Magazine

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The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is

Fiat is planning to take full control of diesel engine manufacturer VM Motori by buying out the half of the company owned by joint venture partner General Motors, the automaker said at the weekend.

Fiat is planning to take full control of diesel engine manufacturer VM Motori by buying out the half of the company owned by joint venture partner General Motors, the automaker said at the weekend.

Both sides in South Africa's latest automotive strike are due to meet this Wednesday (25 September), as the walkout involving up to 100,000 workers enters its third week.

Both sides in South Africa's latest automotive strike are due to meet this Wednesday (25 September), as the walkout involving up to 100,000 workers enters its third week.

Bermaz Motor, the authorised dealer for Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, aims to increase its total sales volume by about 16% to 8,000 units this year.

Ford introduced their newly redesigned 2014 Transit Taxi, which features increased passenger and cargo space, claimed and#8220;livery-duty durability,and#8221; and lower operating costs.

Honda delivered nine high-definition projectors to drive-in theaters around the country for its Project Drive-In initiative. The latest four were in Monetta, S.C., Ocala, Fla.

Dyer Consequences: Bold Predictions

Since this is the New-Car issue, I think it makes sense for me to spend a little time divulging the confidential information that I've accrued in the course of my travels around the world.

Since this is the New-Car issue, I think it makes sense for me to spend a little time divulging the confidential information that I've accrued in the course of my travels around the world. You see, wherever I go, car-company insiders feel compelled to tell me important secrets about their business, secrets that I swear to uphold because they are strictly off the record and could cause a lot of trouble. What my industry moles don't know, however, is that I cross my toes whenever I swear to keep a secret, thus nullifying the promise. Probably lots of people will get fired for what I'm about to reveal, but as far as I'm concerned that's their fault for not checking to see if my toes were crossed.

Photo Gallery: Dyer Consequences: Bold Predictions - Automobile Magazine

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