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Joe Lencki built a DOHC straight six in 1939 that made an astounding (for the time) 417 hp. The engine was in cars that raced, qualified or tried to qualify at Indianapolis all the way up to 1963.

Mitsubishi will sell a Renault-based mid-sized car in the U.S. under a new strategic tie-up between Mitsubishi and Renault-Nissan. The companies will also jointly develop a small electric car and a compact car for global markets.

Mitsubishi will sell a Renault-based mid-sized sedan in the U.S. under a new strategic tie-up between Mitsubishi and Renault-Nissan. The companies will also jointly develop a small electric car and a compact car for global markets.

BMW said operating profit at its key automotive division decline in the third quarter due to the cost of new technology and price discounts in core European markets.

BMW said operating profit at its key automotive division declined in the third quarter due to the cost of new technology and price discounts in core European markets.

AvtoVAZ has appointed Bo Andersson, a former top purchasing manager at GM, as CEO. He is the first non-Russian to lead the maker of Lada cars as it deepens ties with the Renault-Nissan alliance.

AvtoVAZ has appointed Bo Andersson, a former top purchasing manager at GM, as CEO. He is the first non-Russian to lead the maker of Lada cars as it deepens ties with the Renault-Nissan alliance.

Fiat aims to win back customers to its core brand with the likely expansion of its Panda and 500 model lines to 12 derivatives that will cover the minicar, subcompact and compact segments.

Honda newest spot stars couple Mairead and Kevin, who asked their local Honda dealer to loan them 3 Honda CR-Vs for their wedding but ended up getting so much more.

From GMM

F1 stragglers should consider moving over for the next generation of teams if they cannot afford formula one.

That is the message of Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, who owns two F1 teams including Red Bull Racing, the dominant clean-sweep world champions since 2010.

It is believed many teams on the grid are struggling financially at present, notably Lotus and Sauber.

But the Swiss newspaper Blick claims Force India could be about to lose the crucial backing of the Sahara Group, and if Pastor Maldonado leaves Williams, he could take EUR 40 million in annual backing with him.

Sauber, meanwhile, looked to have solved its crisis recently with a Russian rescue deal and Sergey Sirotkin, but that deal is rumoured to have collapsed.

Blick correspondent Roger Benoit said the survival of the Swiss team might now rest on rumours of backers from Dubai.

Photo: WRi2

Years ago, Minardi team owner Paul Stoddart complained loudly about the costs in F1, earning him a stinging rebuke from McLaren's Ron Dennis.

"This is a tough, competitive sport and, if you can't take the heat, get out the bloody kitchen, Formula one has a place for everybody, but we do not have a soup kitchen," Dennis said.

Red Bull's Mateschitz has now issued a similar smack against those pleading with the sport's authorities about their financial problems.

"If there are financial problems, they can be solved only through financial means," he told Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

The German report said Mateschitz was referring to private funding and sponsors, rather than cost cuts or restrictive regulations.

"If a team is unable to resolve the problem, they should question their commitment (to F1). There may be others who are interested in their licence," he added.

Chevrolet yesterday unveiled the Silverado Cheyenne Concept at the 2013 SEMA Show. Beyond its understated looks is a pickup truck with sports-car performance.

This 2014 Silverado Regular Cab combines a 90-kg lower curb weight with the grunt of a new 420-horsepower 6.2L V8 engine. Moreover, numerous upgrades were either sourced or inspired from the Camaro Z/28 including:

• Extractor vent on the hood;
• 19'' aluminum wheels;
• Brembo carbon ceramic brakes;
• Flat-bottom steering wheel (Camaro ZL1).

The Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne Concept uses carbon fibre replacements for the bumpers, tailgate, and bedliner. Designers also removed the trailer hitch, spare tire, centre console, and some of the sound-deadening material.

Other highlights include standard Recaro sports seats and available safety features such as lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, and a rearview camera.

Photo: Chevrolet

Photo: Chevrolet

From press release

Hyundai Motorsport confirms rising WRC star Thierry Neuville as its lead driver starting from the 2014 season.

25-year-old Neuville, who is playing a key role in this year's championship, has signed a multi-year agreement with Hyundai Motorsport that represents a serious commitment by both parties to build towards long-term success in the competitive WRC series.

“I am thrilled to announce Thierry Neuville as the lead driver to our new WRC team,” says Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal, Michel Nandan. “Thierry is having a fantastic 2013 season and is proving himself to be one of the most exciting young drivers in WRC. His raw speed, driving skill and dynamic approach to rallying make him the ideal lead driver for Hyundai.”

“By signing a driver of Thierry's talent, we can show that Hyundai's WRC engagement is serious and focussed on long-term success after signing with the talented young driver, Thierry. It is also great recognition for the work that the entire team has carried out in such a short time. We both share similar values and objectives to win the championship in the long-term so we are proud to have Thierry in the team and as an ambassador for the Hyundai Motorsport brand.”

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

Neuville, along with his co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul, will join Hyundai Motorsport behind the wheel of the new i20 WRC rally car in all 13 WRC events in 2014, beginning with the team's debut at the Monte-Carlo Rally in January, signalling the start of the Belgian driver's third consecutive WRC season.

“I am pleased to be joining Hyundai Motorsport for the 2014 World Rally Championship,” comments Thierry Neuville. “I believe Hyundai Motorsport is the perfect fit for me because it is a young, emerging and ambitious manufacturer team with long-term objectives for championship success and I have long held aspirations of driving for a manufacturer team. I was impressed with the team's facility, their approach to the rally programme and their clear potential. I hope my two years of experience in WRC will be beneficial to the team as we build a harmonious working partnership. We know we have a steep learning curve ahead of us in our first season but I am convinced we will have a successful future together.”

In two competing seasons in the World Rally Championship, Neuville has contested a total of 32 rallies. He finished seventh in the 2012 championship, which acted as a prelude to a championship challenging 2013 season in which he has so far claimed four consecutive runner-up results (Italy, Finland, Germany and Australia), in addition to two third-place finishes (Mexico, Greece), leaving him second in the WRC standings with one rally left to run.

November 5th, 1893 marked the birth of French designer Raymond Loewy, who helped several companies across a variety of industries develop their brand image.

He's responsible for designing the Shell and BP logos, the Greyhound Scenicruiser bus, and even the Air Force One and Air France Concord liveries. As for cars, Loewy penned the nose of Studebaker models from 1950-1951.

He died on July 14th, 1986 at his home in Monaco.

Source: Wikipedia

From GMM

Neither of Caterham's current race drivers have been confirmed for the 2014 season.

Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic, both heavily sponsored, were new to the team this season, but Caterham has struggled at times and so the experienced Heikki Kovalainen is back on the radar for a possible 2014 return.

The 2013 Caterham's drivers, Giedo Van der Garde and Charles Pic. (Photo: WRi2)

Widely regarded as the most secure of the pair is Frenchman Pic, who has the solid backing of the Lagardere Group and, it is believed, a longer contract.

But Pic's manager Olivier Panis admitted to French television Canal Plus that: "You are never 100 per cent sure. In any case, stability is important for Charles, but we have been approached by other teams.

"I think that decisions will take longer than last year, so it will not be until the end of the season that we know about Charles in F1 next year," the former F1 driver added.

Caterham's other race driver this year is Dutchman van der Garde.

His manager Jan Paul ten Hoopen told De Telegraaf newspaper: "We have spoken with four teams who have serious interest in Giedo."

It is believed those teams are Caterham, Williams, Force India and Sauber, and ten Hoopen said "follow-up appointments" will "definitely" take place.

"I think everyone has seen his development," ten Hoopen said in Abu Dhabi, "but the musical chairs in F1 is like playing in a casino."

We auto journalists are privileged enough to test drive a new car every week, many of them fully equipped models. Of course, you know how I love sports cars, so I was very excited at the prospect of spending a week with the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP. On the other hand, now that I'm getting a bit older and have driven all these luxurious vehicles, I've come to appreciate the value of comfort.

There you have it, the classic conundrum: sporty handling vs. a smooth ride.


What is the Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP?
Take the standard Civic Coupe, increase the displacement, add several high-tech features, and you get the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si.

Wait, there's more. With the Honda Factory Performance (HFP) kit, you also get 18” alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, an HFP suspension, a body kit, and specific badges.

Take the standard Civic Coupe, increase the displacement, add several high-tech features, and you get the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP Price and Specs
The 2.4L, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is rated at 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The only configuration available is front-wheel drive with a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission.

Officially, fuel consumption amounts to 10.0L/100km in the city and 6.4L/100km on the highway. I recorded 8.3L/100km in mostly highway driving -- as much as the V6-powered Honda Accord Sedan I tested a while back.

The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP retails for $28,890. If you're looking for a more affordable version, the regular Civic Coupe starts at $18,645.

The 2.4L, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is rated at 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
There's no denying that the various performance parts make a difference in terms of driving dynamics. Heck, I even considered bringing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP to my local track!

You can feel the 201 horsepower at work, but acceleration is not quite as forceful as I expected. Unlike some 6-speed units whose final gear ratio aims to improve fuel economy on the highway, the manual in the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is responsive and dynamic in all six gears. At 60 km/h, with the box in third gear, the engine almost reaches 4,000 rpm -- great for power delivery, not so much for your gas bill.

While supportive, the seats are firm, and so is the suspension. What's more, the cabin is pretty noisy at speed. Of course, you don't buy a car like the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP for its quiet demeanour.

You can feel the 201 horsepower at work, but acceleration is not quite as forceful as I expected. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
The sporty, aerodynamic silhouette of the two-door 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is arguably designed to appeal to young driving enthusiasts -- even more so when you factor in the rear decklid spoiler, 18” wheels, and body kit: this is the sort of look you either love or hate.

Inside, I liked the driver-oriented centre stack, as well as the sharply raked windshield that makes the cockpit feel roomier because it stretches the top of the dashboard.

Closest to the driver is the multifunction steering wheel, and behind it is the tachometer where about another foot away sits the digital speedometer, not to mention the i-VTEC indicator that lights up when you hit the right rev range. The problem is that I had to break from my ideal driving position to see the second row of data.

There's an intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) to the right of the speedometer, and another display in the middle of the centre stack for navigation and infotainment purposes. The small audio buttons frustrated me and I wished for a more user-friendly interface. On a related note, Bluetooth disappointed me yet again: I had to repeat half the words I spoke on the phone, and the device could not understand any of my voice commands.

On the flip side, the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP proves surprisingly spacious for all occupants, although the car's sporty design hinders cargo capacity.

Inside, I liked the driver-oriented centre stack, as well as the sharply raked windshield that makes the cockpit feel roomier because it stretches the top of the dashboard. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
If you want a more refined sports car with rear-wheel drive, consider the Scion FR-S. A curvier, more powerful alternative is the Ford Focus ST, while the Volkswagen GTI is more versatile and comfortable for everyday life, but also more expensive.

The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP has the edge when it comes to content, reputation, and reliability, so it's a great deal when you buy, and when and if you decide to sell.

From GMM

Mark Webber has admitted fading motivation prompted his decision to retire from formula one.

Austin and Brazil will be the Australian veteran's last two grands prix in a career spanning more than a decade, and netting 9 wins and 40 podiums.

Mark Webber, 37, is switching to Le Mans sports cars, to head Porsche's new prototype foray.

But he admits he was already starting to think about retirement last year.

"Porsche wanted me for 2013, but I said that I wasn't ready yet," revealed Webber.

"But during that year (2012) I started to think about a change. I had already been at Red Bull for a very long time, so you do think about doing something else. That's human nature," he explained.

Mark Webber admits he courted a move to Ferrari, but ultimately decided last Christmas to quit F1.

Mark Webber, Red Bull RB9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Another factor, he said, was his fitness.

"A lot of people have trained with me," Webber told Speed Week, "but most are gone after less than two years. I never had to be motivated to keep fit. But over the past year the urge went away. So I had to ask myself why. Then it becomes clear - 'Mark, you're not 19 anymore!'

He admitted that, increasingly, the desire to do things other than F1 crept in.

"In my case, the reasons are very personal," said Webber. "I want to spend more time with my family, my partner, my friends. Suddenly there are things on the radar that weren't there before. I had often heard other sportsmen and woman talk about the problem of their motivation going away, but I always thought to myself, 'What?'

"But the fact is that it does go away!" he admitted.

"Also, when you're 36, you think differently to when you're 25, and that doesn't just go for drivers. As an athlete, you put so much into your career.

"I wouldn't say that we make sacrifices, but if you start thinking that, then maybe it is time to do something else. You have to believe that it's all worth it.

"I'm enjoying the summer in Australia and then suddenly you have to go to Jerez for winter testing and you think, 'Hmm...'

"But I also knew that I wouldn't be happy if I stopped racing completely. You have to find a balance, something that stimulates you and I've found that with Porsche.

"I know we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but it will not be like formula one. Next year there will be 20 grands prix again and if you're in a top team, it's pretty exhausting," he said.

"I want a different balance in my life and the timing is right, and that (finding the right time to retire) is not easy for an athlete. Look at Roger Federer, look at Valentino Rossi. I have the feeling I'm going pretty well at the moment, even if I don't have the results to prove it, for reasons that we both know," he told correspondent Mathias Bruner.

According to a report Forbes, a respected business publication, Juan Pablo Montoya is in civil Tax Court arguing with the Internal Revenue service over claims of $2.7 million in unpaid taxes and penalties.

The complicated lawsuit has many issues including that as a foreign resident (in the US) the Colombian driver was allowed to defer income and to legally avoid taxes on monies which are paid overseas rather than in the United States - even though Montoya and his wife, Connie, and children mostly live in the Miami, Florida area now.

When Montoya moved over to NASCAR, after his tenure with McLaren-Mercedes he set up a new company to handle the marketing of his image.

According to the Forbes article the Federal authorities claim that the Columbian driver earned $9 million in the years 2007 and 2008. The Montoyas reported income of $2.4 million. The IRS also disallowed deductions based on Montoya's changing residence to depreciate of an $8.7 million Lear Jet.

This case is not a criminal case but a civil one where Montoya is challenging the IRS' calculation of taxes owed.

Juan-Pablo Montoya. (Photo: NASCAR)

Coincidentally, Brazil's Helio Castroneves who will be Montoya's teammate at Penske Racing in IndyCar in 2014, was acquitted of tax fraud charges arising out of similar issues of resident “aliens” (foreigners in US legalese). Castroneves was later pursued in Tax Court by the IRS and compromised with the US government paying more taxes.

The article also pointed out that there are IRS challenges to golfers Sergio Garcia and Retief Goosen and are an issue in Spain's current pursuit of Barcelona football star Lionel Messi.

Ford came to the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas with over 50 custom vehicles, from subcompact cars to Super Duty trucks. As previously announced, there's also a 1965 Mustang Blizzard by Ring Brothers that produces 710 horsepower.

Tuning enthusiasts are in for quite a treat!

The current draft of the 2014 calendar for the FIA World Touring Car Championship will see the series begin on the African continent for the first time in Marrakech.

German web site Motorsport-Total published the draft made of 12 rounds held in Morocco, France, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Russia, Belgium, Argentina, the USA, China, Japan and Macau.

Two races are new: Paul Ricard in France and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

Photo: FIA WTCC

2014 FIA World Touring Car Championship draft calendar

Apr 6th - Marrakech, Morocco
Apr 20th - Paul Ricard, France
May 4th - Budapest, Hungary
May 11th - Slovakiaring, Slovakia
May 25th - Salzburg, Austria
Jun 8th - Moscow Raceway, Russia
Jun 22nd - Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Aug 3rd - Termas de Río Hondo - Argentina
Sept 14th - Sonoma Raceway, USA
Oct 12th - Shanghai, China
Oct 26th - Suzuka, Japan
Nov 16th - Macau, China

From GMM

The international press is running out of superlatives to describe Sebastian Vettel's meteoric rise to F1 greatness.

With memories of podium booing still fresh, the jury had been out on the 26-year-old's recent successes in Adrian Newey-inked Red Bulls.

But his dominance in the second half of 2013, culminating in his near-unprecedented seventh win on the trot in Abu Dhabi last Sunday, has finally won German Vettel an undoubted wave of respect.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

"Like Schumacher, Vettel is insatiable," said the respected Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Perfect, unassailable, invincible. It's as though he's in another category."

Another major sports daily, Corriere dello Sport, agreed: "Although he has conquered his fourth title, Vettel shows no signs of fatigue or a lack of motivation."

Italy's biggest daily La Repubblica added: "For Vettel, the track seems shorter, the corners smoother -- he drives like a prima ballerina dances, with elegance and strength."

Corriere della Sera continued: "Vettel is a voracious master, using a racetrack created just for him, with an enemy badly under pressure from such a phenomenon."

Red Bull team owner Dietrich Mateschitz said this week: "Sebastian is a talent of the century.

"But the extreme cohesion and outstanding performance of the whole team was also exceptional," he told Austrian television Servus TV.