Auto News 5

The C4 Cactus, which goes on sale next year, will be the first car in Citroen's new C-Line range aimed at emphasizing practicality, fuel efficiency and low ownership costs.

Mercedes-Benz will snatch the U.S. luxury-sales crown from BMW in 2013, said Steve Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.

Chevrolet puts viewers right in the driver seat of the 2014 Camaro Z/28 in the latest spot from the brand.

Richard Petty Motorsports said to day that Todd Parrott, formerly the crew chief of Aric Almirola's Sprint Cup ride was “no longer with the organization.”

Last week the 1999 champion's (Dale Jarrett) crew chief was suspended indefinitely due to violation of NASCAR's substance abuse policy. NASCAR has confirmed that the Parrott has been accepted into its' Road to Recovery Program (much like driver, AJ Allmendinger, successfully completed last year).

Todd Parrott. (Photo: NASCAR)

RPM also announced, Tuesday, that Greg Ebert will serve as the interim crew chief for the No. 43 Ford and driver Aric Almirola starting this weekend at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. Ebert will fulfill this role on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

Ebert has served in the role of car chief of the No. 43 Ford for the past two seasons and has been a car chief with RPM since its inception. Before joining RPM, Ebert spent nine years at Roush Fenway Racing serving the last five of those seasons as the car chief for Matt Kenseth.

"We are confident in Greg's leadership abilities and we will give him the resources he needs to be successful," explained Sammy Johns, Vice President of Operations and Competition. "He is very familiar with our race program and gives us a more seamless transition. More importantly, he gives Aric the best opportunity to finish the season strong."

From GMM

Reaping the fruits of the collaboration with Qatar is Sir Frank Wiliams' "last big wish", he admitted on Tuesday.

A couple of years ago, the British team partnered with the soverign Arab state to establish the Williams Technology Centre in Qatar, to develop and commercialise F1-bred technologies.

Williams, 71, is still the Grove based team's boss, but he has handed over many of his responsibilities to his new deputy Claire, his daughter.

But Frank Williams told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport that he still deals primarily with the political side of F1, and liaising with the likes of the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone.

Sir Frank Williams always at work with his team. (Photo: WRi2)

And "My last big wish is to bring our partnership with Qatar to fruition," he said.

He likened the Qatar link to the late 70s, when Williams rose to the front of the grid powered by Arab-linked sponsors including Saudia, TAG and Albilad.

"I would like to do the same now with Qatar," said Williams. "I've been working on it for three years. From my experience with the Saudis. I know that patience plays an important role."

From Inside Track Motorsport News

On Saturday, February 8, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup star Ryan Newman will be the headline star at the Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News.

During his appearance, the versatile racer will sign autographs for the fans and participate in an on-stage Q&A session. The CME takes place February 7-9, 2014 at Toronto's International Centre.

Ryan Newman is one of the most popular and successful racers in NASCAR. Currently a contender in The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup alongside stock car racing's elite competitors, Newman recently announced his plans to drive for Richard Childress Racing in 2014, piloting the team's No. 31 Quicken Loans Chevrolet.

Ryan Newman. (Photo: Inside Track magazine)

The Indiana native was the NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year in 2002 and has been a series front-runner ever since. Known as ‘Rocket Man' for his qualifying prowess, some of Newman's career highlights include winning the Daytona 500 (in 2008), the Winston All-Star race (in 2003) and the Brickyard 400 (2013).

Newman, 35, has 17 career Cup victories to his credit and has earned 51 poles in just over 430 starts.

Prior to his NASCAR career, Newman was a successful USAC Midget racer, earning the Silver Crown Series championship in 1999.

One week after his appearance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, Newman will be at Daytona International Speedway in his first outing with Richard Childress Racing. His goal, in the Daytona 500, will be to kick off his season on a winning note with the legendary racing team, with the ultimate aim of capturing his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup title.

Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon and his team were awarded with a $1 million championship bonus check and with Astor Challenge Cup at the IndyCar Championship Celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood.

In addition to the championship bonus, Dixon accepted the Jostens Champions Award, a ring valued at $10,000.

Scott Dixon, 2013 Champion IndyCar. (Photo: IndyCar)

Tristan Vautier of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports accepted the $50,000 IZOD IndyCar Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award, while Josef Newgarden won the Tony Renna Rising Star Award.

Helio Castroneves of Team Penske was honored as the second-place finisher in the championship while Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports was honored for finishing third.

Sage Karam accepted the mini Firestone Firehawk Cup, the Firestone Indy Lights Rookie of the Year, a Jostens Champions Award valued at $5,000.

On October 22nd, 1980, the MG Motors assembly plant in Abingdon, U.K., produced its final units. The decision to end production stemmed from the company's financial struggles in the 1970s.

More than any other MG plant, the closure of Abingdon had a big impact on the auto industry.

The first MG 14/28 was launched way back in 1924, followed by the MG 18/80 in 1928, and the Midget series starting a year later. Then came the MG TC, TD, TF, and MGB models.

Sold to British Aerospace in 1988 and BMW in 1994, MG filed for bankruptcy in 2005. Since 2007, MG has been owned by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), which plans to resurrect the brand in Europe.

Sources: Vintage European Automobiles, Vosges Alsace Classic and Wikipedia.

MG F 1.8i. (Photo: MG)

That new-to-you car, crossover or minivan has a shiny body suspended on top of four wheels by a sophisticated array of springs, bushings, rods, and struts.

These components are specified, calibrated, and linked to one another to create the unique ride and handling principles intended by engineers for the ride in question. Like any other part of a used vehicle, they will eventually wear down and require attention and replacement.

In order to ensure your used-ride candidate's suspension is in good working order, a mechanical inspection of its various components is in order. A mechanic can assess the condition of your used ride's suspension system in a matter of minutes and determine if the seller is trying to pass an expensive repair off to you.

Remember: A properly functioning suspension will turn in better ride quality along with optimal tire life, safety, and handling in all situations. A suspension in need of repair can be noisy, uncomfortable, and even dangerous.

Here are some checks drivers can make on a test drive before visiting a mechanic for a full inspection.

Photo: Matt St-Pierre

Shock Absorbers
Many shock absorbers are filled with a fluid that can leak out if the part is failing or has failed. Get down low and look into the vehicle's wheel-wells for the shock absorber, which is likely located above and behind each wheel. Any obvious signs of an oily fluid leaking down the shock absorber assembly should be addressed.

Strut Mounts
Depending on the type and age of the vehicle in question, a check of its strut mounts is in order. This component lets the front struts "rotate" in relation to the body of the car, allowing the wheels to steer. When strut mounts wear out, the bearings inside of them typically fail which makes it harder to steer the vehicle and puts additional strain on the steering system.

From the driver's seat (while parked) turn the wheel fully from lock to lock, noting any binding sensation through the wheel along the way. This may be accompanied by a clicking or popping noise. If you notice any unwelcome sounds, have someone steer the wheel while you stand in front of the car with the hood popped. If the sound comes from the top of the "shock tower" area, tell your mechanic you suspect the strut mounts are worn out.

Check the Alignment
Inspect all four tires for signs of uneven wear across their treads. If one or more tire is worn more heavily at the inside or outside of its treads, the vehicle's alignment is off, which could be evidence of a suspension-related issue. Vehicles with out-of-whack alignment can wear their tires out more quickly and burn excessive fuel. Ask your mechanic to have a closer look.

Modifications
Especially on used trucks and sports cars, there's a fairly high likelihood that the suspension system has been modified. Ask the owner if they've lowered the suspension on that sports model or lifted the suspension on that truck or SUV. If they have, you'll want to make sure that the quality of the parts, and their installation, is top-notch. Suspension modifications can add a degree of visual flare and fun factor to the ride you're considering, though they can also create suspension-related problems, and may even be illegal. Be sure to have a mechanic approve any suspension system modifications on the model you're considering or opt for a model with original suspension if you have any concerns.

Bushings
Numerous rubber or polyurethane bushings are used to isolate suspension components from each other without metal-on-metal contact. As bushings age, they can crack, dry up and fall out which results in noisy contact between suspension components. Any unwelcome sounds from the vehicle's suspension could be caused by worn-out bushings.

Ride Quality
One fantastic way to determine the condition of a used ride's suspension system is to simply note is ride quality. A car with a healthy suspension will absorb bumps without much fuss, and fairly quietly, while rebounding once and settling back to its normal ride height. A vehicle that makes noise, feels unstable or bounces excessively after going over a bump likely has some suspension repairs in its near future.

From GMM

2014 could be the prelude to Carlos Sainz Jr's formula one career.

That is the claim of the 19-year-old Spaniard's namesake and father, hot on the heels of news another Red Bull-backed teen, Russian Daniil Kvyat, has secured the second Toro Rosso seat for 2014.

Sainz jr was also in the running to succeed Daniel Ricciardo at the Red Bull-owned team, and might now be considered the frontrunner for a 2015 debut.

World rally legend Sainz admitted 2014 will be a "very important" season for his son's F1 aspirations.

Carlos Sainz said his son will surely complete a second season in the Formula Renault 3.5 series next year.

Carlos Sainz father and son, during the Toro Rosso's testing in July. (Photo: WRi2)

"This year has been a race to catch up experience. He is only 19 years old, but if he is in the championship fight hopefully it will be the eve to formula one for him," added Sainz snr.

Asked if his son might combine his racing next year with a F1 test role, Sainz snr answered: "I know nothing of that.

But "It would be ideal," he is quoted by EFE news agency, "because it would mean he is getting the maximum possible experience in formula one. But I have no idea.

"I know that if something in the rules should be changed it is this, because three days a year for young drivers is nothing," Carlos Sainz snr insisted.

Green Car Journal recently unveiled the finalists for its 2014 Green Car of the Year award.

They are:
• Audi A6 TDI;
• BMW 328d;
• Honda Accord;
• Mazda3;
• Toyota Corolla.

The 2014 Green Car of the Year will be crowned during the Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days (Nov. 20 and 21).

“The diversity of this field of finalists illustrates not only that 'green' has gone mainstream, but also that there is no single approach to achieving ever higher levels of fuel efficiency and environmental performance,” says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal. “There's something for everyone in this year's field of finalists, including clean diesel, high efficiency gasoline, and hybrid/plug-in hybrid power featured in mainstream, sporty, and executive models.”

Source: PR Newswire

Actor Patrick Dempsey' race organization, Dempsey Racing, has revealed its plans ahead of the 2014 season. They include the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the inaugural United SportsCar championship and a customer program in the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge.

The Atlanta outfit also confirmed it would continue working with Porsche, in an "expanded and formalized" relationship, a press release stated.

In 2013, Dempsey himself placed fourth in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, on top of his many appearances in a TV series called "Grey's Anatomy".

Patrick Dempsey. (Photo: Dempsey Del Piero Racing)

Co-driving his team's 911 GTC Cup car with Andy Lally in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), he also racked up a total of three podium finishes, at Laguna Seca, Austin and Petit Le Mans, the last ALMS race before the merger with Grand-Am.

"We are looking forward to the new season and to many more successful years partnering Porsche," commented Dempsey.

The AJAC's annual TestFest is taking place this week in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Over 80 auto journalists from across the country will start the evaluation process for the 2014 Canadian Car and Truck of the Year awards.

Auto123.com's Matt St-Pierre and Miranda Lightstone are part of the group that will test every new vehicle's performance, safety, comfort, and convenience.

The winners in each category will be announced on December 3rd. In the meantime, you can follow Matt and Miranda on Instagram.

From GMM

McLaren on Tuesday said it understands Red Bull's reluctance to release aerodynamics chief Peter Prodromou from his contract.

McLaren has already signed Prodromou, who works closely with Adrian Newey, but it is believed he remains under contract to Red Bull for at least one more year.

"I can't see any incentive for Red Bull to release him early," McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale told reporters during the Vodafone teleconference. "We'd be happy if he was starting first thing tomorrow morning, but we do fully respect Red Bull's position as we do when we're recruiting anybody from another organisation."

It is believed Prodromou's deputy has also been signed by McLaren, but he too could also be under contract for some time.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko was quoted as saying last week: "We'll see in a year where the two men are working."

Peter Prodromou and Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

F1's governing body is in a race against time to ensure teams obey the radical new rules next year.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that sensors designed to ensure teams are sticking by the new maximum fuel flow rate next year have proved not accurate enough in initial testing.

Next year, with the arrival of the new turbo V6 regulations, fuel will only be allowed to flow into the engine at a prescribed speed.

Correspondent Tobias Gruner said a British company called Gill HySpeed was awarded the contract by the FIA to supply the fuel flow rate sensors, which were tested at the young drivers test earlier this year.

F1 fuel flow sensor. (Photo: Gill sensors)

"The result was worrying," Gruner revealed. "Instead of the maximum permitted deviation of 0.5 per cent for the specified flow rate, the error (margin) was actually up to 1.5 per cent."

The British company has been working to fix the problem, but if the solution is ultimately deemed not good enough, the FIA would have to rely on information provided only by F1's engine suppliers.

And accusations of cheating would surely follow.

Gill HySpeed's fix is expected shortly, and could be tested either at the Pirelli tire test at Vallelunga, or in a forthcoming Friday practice session, because as Gruner explains, "bench testing alone is not enough".

The sensors will then be supplied to the manufacturers a few weeks before the opening winter test.

Like thousands of Canadians, you might drive a four-wheel drive (4x4) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) equipped car, wagon, crossover or truck for its added confidence, capability, and all-season, all-terrain traction.

Whether it's a Ford F-150, GMC Acadia, Subaru Legacy, Mitsubishi Evolution, Audi Quattro or other four-wheel driven ride you call your own, a few maintenance tips will help ensure its powertrain is in tip-top shape for its busiest season: winter.

Here are some tips to consider ahead of the cold-weather travel season that'll soon be upon us. Your mechanic or dealer service department has more details.


Visual Inspection
In minutes, your favourite mechanic or dealer technician can put your 4x4 or AWD ride into the air on a hoist for a visual check of its components. By examining for leaks, driveshaft issues, CV joint and axle wear or issues with the differentials, a mechanic can quickly address problems or give your ride's powertrain a clean bill of health which means you can rest assured your high-traction travels will be worry-free.

Unusual Sounds
Has your 4x4 or AWD system been making any unusual sounds or sensations when engaging? Most systems of this type, especially in newer rides, engage smoothly and with virtually no noise. If you've experienced any slamming sensations, strange vibrations or unusual noises, now's the time to have the system checked. Remember: Extreme cold and added stress of winter driving has a way of making un-maintained issues rear their heads, and the side of the road isn't where you want to be in the middle of February.

Switch it Up
Have you engaged the Auto or 4-HI setting from your four-wheel drive truck or SUV lately? If not, be sure to give it a try. Be sure the 4x4 system switches between its various modes as outlined in your owner's manual. Any issues, unwelcome sounds or failures to engage should be brought to the attention of your mechanic for a closer look.

Fluids
The four- or all-wheel drive system in your ride has a fluid-change schedule intended to maintain optimal fuel efficiency, durability, operational smoothness, and system effectiveness. Sticking to the service schedule for all fluids related to your AWD/4x4 system will help ensure worry-free travels, long-lasting component life, and can even help improve fuel mileage. If you're unclear on the service requirements of your vehicle's 4x4 or AWD system, talk to your vehicle's dealer service advisor. Note that most Canadians should follow the "severe" duty maintenance schedule, if applicable.

Computer Check
A quick computer system scan by a technician can look for issues with the sophisticated network of computers and sensors that control and regulate your ride's 4x4 or AWD system, as well as its engine and transmission. Not all electronics-related issues pertaining to your ride's powertrain will cause a "Check Engine" light to illuminate, so this check adds additional peace of mind that there are no issues waiting to present themselves.

From Toro Rosso

Scuderia Toro Rosso announced Tuesday that Daniil Kvyat will drive for the team from the start of the 2014 Formula 1 season, as the replacement for Daniel Ricciardo.

Ricciardo moves to Infiniti Red Bull Racing to take the place of the departing Mark Webber.

Kvyat, another product of the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme, will therefore partner Jean-Eric Vergne in the team's driver line-up. This year, the 19 year old Russian, who is based in Rome, has been competing in GP3 and the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.

Daniil Kvyat with Toro Rosso during the youngs drivers days. (Photo: Red Bull/Getty Images)

“We are pleased to continue our policy of bringing on drivers from the Red Bull Junior Programme,” said team boss, Franz Tost.

“Daniil is a very talented driver, which can be seen from his results in all the junior categories. He was a very successful kart driver and, in 2012 he took the Formula Renault 2.0 Championship title with 7 wins. This year, he competed in six rounds of the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, taking one win, 5 poles and 5 podiums. In addition to this, he is still in a position to win the GP 3 Championship, as he is only 7 points behind the leader. He impressed our team with a strong performance and very informative technical feedback at the young driver test in Silverstone. This suggests that the basic qualities from which he can progress are all in place. Daniil can be sure that we will use all our experience of training youngsters to give him the best possible start to his Formula 1 career,” Tost explained.

“I had a brief taste of working with the Toro Rosso team, when I drove for them at the Silverstone test and I enjoyed the experience very much. The fact I am based in Italy and speak Italian will, I am sure, help me to become part of the team very quickly,” said Daniil Kvyat.

The latest model participating in the battle for American pickup supremacy comes with numerous promises including fantastic mileage and the most refined ">Chevrolet Silverado driving experience, ever. For model-year 2014, designers, planners, and engineers put in the overtime on this rig and the result of their work recently landed at dealer lots across the continent.


What is a Chevrolet Silverado?
The new Chevrolet Silverado is the most recent iteration of one of the most popular trucks on the road. With selection, a solid reputation, and droves of fiercely loyal owners, Chevrolet has a strong sales leader with the Silverado.

Machines like this are a seriously big deal in northern locales and popping the hood on the latest bit of Chevy truck engineering instantly gathered a crowd at my local coffee shop hangout.

The new Chevrolet Silverado is the most recent iteration of one of the most popular trucks on the road. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Price and Specs
Other than a handful of parts, the new Silverado engine lineup is all new. At writing, shoppers could specify a 4.3L V6, or one of two V8s, with either 5.3L or 6.2L of displacement. All of these engine options use cylinder deactivation, direct injection, variable-valve timing, and plenty more to turn in more power using less fuel. They all come teamed to a 6-speed automatic.

My tester got the 5.3L, which sends 355 horsepower (up from last year's 315) to the ground through a four-wheel-drive system bolted away under some skid plates thanks to the Z71 off-road package. Beefed up shocks, tow hooks, and aggressive tires were fitted too. A dial lets drivers choose between various 4x4 modes, and the rear diff locks automatically if the ground beneath gets sloppy.

Towing capacity, depending on the model and selected hardware, tops out at 12,000 lbs.

Starting price for the new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is $32,245; however, my Z71 trimmed pickup starts in the $40k range.

My tester got the 5.3L, which sends 355 horsepower (up from last year's 315). (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
The driving experience stood out the most when visiting the open highway with the Chevy Silverado, as well as my local off-road trail system.

The suspension's heavy-duty shocks turn in a bit of a jiggle-y, busy ride on the off-road rough stuff -- though it largely feels pure tough, the way a truck should. Drivers visiting rough terrain in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado should expect to feel well backed-up with a vehicle that feels like it belongs there. Though the truck's size and massive hood make it difficult to place on tight trails, the four-wheel drive system and auto-locking rear-differential mean traction never proved an issue -- even through trail segments that made your writer grimace.

On smooth highways, the beefy suspension is a bit stiff, but comfortable overall. Most notable on the highway were the noise levels. After some 12 hours worth of driving at speed, I left the Silverado impressed with the lack of outside noise allowed into the cabin thanks, in no small part, to an exhaustive aerodynamic assault on offending sounds. Even at higher speeds, I could have a conversation without raising my voice. A good number of high-dollar luxury sedans I've recently visited were noisier at similar speeds.

With voice commanded systems, a fantastic forward view, above-average headlamp performance and numerous automatic or self-activating features in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, you're well set up for a confident and laid-back road trip experience that's conducive to relaxation and socializing.

I returned the tester after 1,800 kilometres having achieved an overall, measured-by-hand average consumption of 13.2L/100km. For where and how I drive, that's just about small-truck mileage in a big truck with a big V8.

The suspension's heavy-duty shocks turn in a bit of a jiggle-y, busy ride on the off-road rough stuff -- though it largely feels pure tough, the way a truck should. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
On board, much of the switchgear and controls are familiar, too. It's mostly new and fresh, but those familiar with the interior of an older Silverado will feel right at home. The new cabin's layout is more dynamic, detailed and daring than the outgoing model, though the hard plastic lining the entire thing will let soft-touch buffs down, slightly.

I loved the abundance of clever, well-thought-out storage compartments and cubbies all around the front seats in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Ditto for the presence of no fewer than three 12-Volt outlets, four USB power points, and one household outlet just inches from my fingertips. On one jaunt with some pals, four cell phones, one MP3 player, and my camera battery pack were all plugged in for recharging.

Complaints included the somewhat-cheesy application of a slivery spray-paint like finish on some interior panels, and the massive hood, long body, and relatively lazy turning circle eating away at my ability to look like I know how to park a big truck.

On board, much of the switchgear and controls are familiar, too. It's mostly new and fresh, but those familiar with the interior of an older Silverado will feel right at home. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
Ultimately, the new Silverado (with Z71 package) should appeal strongly to pickup shoppers who frequently visit off-road situations, but who also enjoy a comfortable and quiet highway and around-town experience. With good fuel consumption figures (which will get better after engine break-in is complete), the high-efficiency V8 should also connect strongly with shoppers who aren't interested in the added cost of running a diesel or turbocharged gas engine in comparable models from Dodge and Ford, respectively.

Ram pickups stirred up some controversy a couple years ago when they replaced the traditional pickup truck's leaf-spring rear suspension with multilink coils. That setup has proved a winner for the brand formerly known as Dodge, and when they released the segment's first air suspension last year it garnered Ram multiple industry awards -- not to mention a 30% market share, up from 13% in 2009.

For 2014, Ram's done it again by producing the industry's first light-duty pickup with a diesel.


What is a 2014 Ram 1500?
Ram is Canada's longest running line of pickup trucks, established in 1917 with an estimated 79% of vehicles sold since 1987 still on the road today. Model designations refer to tow ratings, hence Ram 1500 (half-ton), 2500 (three-quarter ton) and 3500 (one ton).

While other companies have chosen to turbocharge their powerplants to achieve optimum fuel efficiency, Ram developed several technologies that lower consumption: reducing parasitic load on the engine, fuel-saving start/stop, improved aerodynamics (including active grill shuttering), and now the segment-exclusive EcoDiesel.

Although official fuel numbers for the diesel have yet to be released, the V6 Pentastar pickups are claiming a Best in Class fuel economy of up to 7.8L/100 km highway.

Ram is Canada's longest running line of pickup trucks, established in 1917 with an estimated 79% of vehicles sold since 1987 still on the road today. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

2014 Ram 1500 Price and Specs
The 2014 Ram is claiming an awful lot of "Best in Class" titles, including the segment first 8-speed transmission, active grill shutters, EcoDiesel engine, Multi-link coil rear suspension, 7" Display screen, and cargo-box management system.

There are nine trim levels from base ST to the range-topping Laramie Limited. The three lowest trim levels are available in Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab, while Outdoorsman, Big Horn, Sport, and Laramie are available in Quad and Crew Cab only. Top-spec Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited come only in Crew Cab.

There are three powertrains: 3.0L EcoDiesel with 240 hp/420 lb-ft with an 8-speed transmission, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 305 hp/269 lb-ft and an 8-speed automatic transmission, and 5.7L Hemi V8 with 395 hp/410 lb-ft mated to either a 6-speed or 8-speed transmission. Prices start at $26,995 for a Reg. Cab ST and will travel up to $57,595 for a Laramie Limited Crew Cab 4x4. Diesel is available, but adds about $4,500. There are many additional equipment options for the 2014 Ram: RamBox cargo management ($1,195), four-corner air suspension ($1,500), power sunroof ($1,295), trailer tow group ($350), just to name a few.

The 2014 Ram is claiming an awful lot of "Best in Class" titles, including the segment first 8-speed transmission, active grill shutters, EcoDiesel engine, etc. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Driving the 2014 Ram 1500
Of course, the big news here is the available 3.0L EcoDiesel. Although we drove all configurations, the diesel is bound to be the one that generates the most buzz for the Ram 1500, being the only one in its segment. It's an idea that is long overdue, especially given the current price of fuel.

The 2014 Ram EcoDiesel is light-years beyond the oil-burners of my youth with their stench and clatter. Beautifully refined, smooth and powerful, it will banish any preconceived notions you may ever have held about diesel pickups. Chrysler has yet to release any official ratings on this engine, but claims it will better the consumption of its Pentastar V6.

Our drive was limited to about 20km of rolling Halton Hills country roads, but was enough to convince us that the 420 lb-ft of torque was enough power to have us wondering why anyone would opt for the Hemi. It's perfectly matched to the 8-speed transmission, which makes efficient use of the engine's abundant low-end torque.

Beautifully refined, smooth and powerful, it will banish any preconceived notions you may ever have held about diesel pickups. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Ram 1500
The Ram retains its rugged "big rig" appearance, updated with content and a signature grille to suit each trim level. There are now 12 paint choices, available in single or two-tone, depending on the model.

We drove a Hemi-powered Crew Cab Laramie 4x4, resplendent in cherry red with grey trim, and chrome brightwork; as wells as the EcoDiesel version in a Quad cab Sport.

Both interiors are roomy and comfortable, and if they don't boast the almost ludicrously rich hand-tooled embellishments of the Longhorn, they feature quality materials with tight-fitting panel gaps. There's plenty of legroom in both configurations, although the Crew Cab is extraordinarily accommodating. All 8-speed-transmission equipped vehicles feature a dash-mounted rotary shift knob.

The multimedia U-Connect interface features a huge 8.4" touchscreen, voice recognition, real-time fuel price display, Wi-Fi hot-spot recognition, satellite and navigation, and iPod and other media compatibility. There's a slick new 7” integrated gauge cluster with a different start-up theme for each trim level. Steering wheel controls allow the driver to display information in a variety of configurations, including: fuel economy, speed, trailer tow information, compass direction, and vehicle info.

If the cabins don't boast the almost ludicrously rich hand-tooled embellishments of the Longhorn, they feature quality materials with tight-fitting panel gaps. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Comparing the 2014 Ram 1500
Since the 2014 Ram is the only light-duty pickup to offer diesel (until Nissan's Titan, predicted to arrive next year), the competition just got tougher.

Ford's F-150 with the EcoBoost V6 has a towing capacity of 11,000lb to the Ram EcoDiesel's 9,200lb. Toyota's Tundra is rated at 10,000lb, but the soon-to-arrive 2014 Chevrolet Silverado trumps them all with 12,000lb.

There's stiff competition for ever-decreasing fuel economy too, with the 2014 Silverado/Sierra boasting 13.0L/100km city and 8.7L highway from the 5.3L V8, better than Ford's F-150 V8 by 1L and Ram's V8 by 1.5L. The Ram EcoDiesel's estimated 7.8L/100 km highway comes out the winner.

From GMM

Porsche has denied the very latest suggestions it might be gearing up for a formula one foray.

Exactly a year ago, the Volkswagen-linked carmaker denied that its sports car programme - to feature Mark Webber at the wheel in 2014 - was a mere warmup to F1.

Alongside grand prix winner Webber, who has been poached directly from F1's world champion team, Porsche has also been busily signing up F1 personnel including Fritz Enzinger, Alex Hitzinger, Mike Krack and Urs Kuratle.

The Weissach facility has also been set up as a world-class motor sport factory complete with wind tunnel.

Now, the correspondent for Auto Motor und Sport, Tobias Gruner, suggests that Porsche has managed to attract those high-calibre personnel "on the prospect of a formula one comeback" in the near future.

Porsche has consistently denied the regular speculation. A spokesman said this week that the marque is "fully committed" to its 2014 Le Mans project, as well as GT racing.

"There are no plans to enter formula one," the spokesman added.

However, a subtle hint may have been dropped in the latest edition of Porsche's employee magazine.

In it, an article says that because F1 is returning to a turbo era from 2014, Porsche engineers got in contact with Hans Mezger, who developed McLaren's title-winning TAG-Porsche engines in the 80s.

"This (magazine) article was surprising, to say the least," said Tobias Gruner.

Alain Prost aboard the McLaren-TAG-Porsche. (Photo: WRi2)