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From GMM

Peter Sauber should return to the F1 paddock next year, following some minor health problems in 2013.

That is the news of the Swiss team's team boss Monisha Kaltenborn, who was asked by the Russian website f1news.ru to explain the recent absence of the Sauber founder.

"He's alright," Kaltenborn answered. "There have been a few small problems, he has some difficulty with walking, but generally he is fine."

"He is not planning any more visits to the races this year," added Kaltenborn, referring to Peter Sauber, who is 70. "But next year, I think he will definitely come back to the paddock."

Monisha Kaltenborn and Beat Zehnder. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Muskoka, ON - The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 is the worthy successor to the sporty and competent G37 Sedan. Unlike the G37, the new Q50 is available as a hybrid model.

In the Q50's case, “hybrid” is more about increased performance than a huge fuel-economy leap, though there is a decent one. The Q50 also delivers its performance in a hybrid way, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. Ultimately, the hybridization builds on what the Q50 already excels at: sporty driving and technological leadership.

What is the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD?
The Q50 Hybrid utilizes a hybrid system that was first seen on its big brother sedan, the former Infiniti M, now rechristened the Q70.


2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD Price and Specs
Going front to back, the drivetrain looks like this:

• 3.5L V6 with 302 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque;
• Special clutch that can deactivate the V6 any time electric driving is possible;
• Electric motor rated at 67 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque;
• 7-speed automatic transmission with no torque converter;
• Another clutch to smooth the transition whenever either power unit engages or disengages (this clutch also eliminates the need for the torque converter).

A lithium-ion 50 kW battery is located to the rear of the right rear passenger. Regenerative “braking” also helps recharging.

The hybrid system adds about 70 kg to the 2014 Infiniti Q50's weight, and reduces trunk capacity by 17 litres.

There are three hybrid models: RWD Premium $47,000, AWD Premium $49,500, and ">AWD Sport $56,450. They're all high-end models, and ask about $5,000 more than equally highly equipped non-hybrid Q50s.

Our tester was the high-flying Sport model, in classy Black Obsidian, with a fetching brown saddle leather interior. There are so many high-tech features on this vehicle we don't even know where to start...

The 3.5L V6 with 302 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque can be deactivated any time electric driving is possible. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD
But how about with “drive by wire steering?” The Q50 is the world's first production vehicle available with the technology, which Infiniti calls Direct Adaptive Steering.

Sensors, software, two electric motors, some other bits, and lots of wire make it all happen and replace a conventional direct mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering rack. As such, and as advertised, the steering wheel of our AWD Hybrid was almost vibration-free.

The system opens up the door for lots of additional spin-off technologies, like the ability to select different steering weights and ratios, and Active Lane Control, which is another step beyond Lane Departure Warning because it automatically makes minute steering adjusts to keep you in the centre of the lane!

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is all about making life easy for the driver if you want to go that way, but it's also ready with a sport setting if you want to go the other way. The Q50 is an extremely versatile sports luxury sedan that can suit many driving styles, moods, and conditions.

It's “hybridness” is low-key when it comes to visual badging and instrument displays, but not when using your right foot.

You need a lighter or more sensitive foot than mine to keep the 2014 Infiniti Q50 in electric mode from a full stop for any longer than a few seconds. If you want to just go from a dead stop, the manner in which it all comes together never felt all that smooth.

At higher speeds, the integration is almost unnoticeable, except when you want to make haste quickly. Punching the gas pedal while cruising virtually makes this Infiniti Q50 jump out of its skin -- wow. Infiniti says the combined horsepower of the gas and electric units is 360, but with all that torque from the electric motor (214 lb-ft) instantly added to the fire, it feels like way more.

You don't have to feel guilty about goosing the accelerator, either when you know a lot of the extra motivation comes from all that nice, clean, and free electricity.

Our AWD tester is rated at an excellent 6.3L/100 km highway; 7.5L city and 7.0L combined. On our driving route from Toronto to cottage country, we actually averaged that highway number of 6.3L/100km -- and we had fun!

The Q50 is an extremely versatile sports luxury sedan that can suit many driving styles, moods, and conditions. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Inside and Out the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid AWD
Our hybrid obviously shares the same interior and exterior as the regular Q50, which is to say both offer that fine and signature Infiniti blend of technology and elegance.

The showpiece of the new cabin is the novel twin-screen. The top 8” screen is primarily for driving-related information, operated by the touch and steering-wheel switches or the big Infiniti Controller. The lower 7” touchscreen is primarily for infotainment systems.

The showpiece of the new cabin is the novel twin-screen. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid AWD
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 and Lexus ES 300h might be its closest competitors; all three are designed as “performance luxury hybrids.” The Infiniti Q50 is in a good space: larger and more powerful than the BMW, and smaller and less expensive than the similarly powered Lexus. Although, more “performance hybrids” are also on the way.

Jimmie Johnson virtually shamed the competition with a dominating victory Texas Motor Speedway. With his third victory at the mile and one-half oval the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion took a seven point lead over Matt Kenseth who finished fourth behind Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Joey Logano.

Johnson, who led 255 laps of the 334-lap race, mentioned that a recent test at the track gave his team a good base and added “we came back had a smooth qualifying and put more speed in the car. Just a dominant day. Great car, great engine.” It was his sixth win of the year.

Even though Johnson took over the points lead again he wasn't overconfident in Victory Lane.

"I have been watching a lot of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting lately, and you'll fall into a rhythm and think that somebody has got the fight won and it doesn't end that way," Johnson said. "That's how this is going to be. Matt didn't have maybe the best day and still finished fourth. This thing is going to go to the last lap at Homestead, and it is going to come down to mistakes. I'm very excited about our performance and what we did here. We'll enjoy this, but there is still two weeks of very hard racing ahead of us."

Photo: NASCAR

Earnhardt Jr., a Hendrick Motorsport teammate who finished 4.39 seconds behind Johnson, said “we gambled a little bit in the late stages of this race short pitting and getting a lot of track position, and we had a fast enough car to keep it, but the 48 was in another class and nobody had anything for him.”

It was his fifth runner-up of the year and Dale Jr. added “you know, it's not ‑‑ we're not running second by making mistakes. We're not giving away wins. So I feel like we're just really getting close to cracking through and just trying to maintain the momentum with two races to go is going to be tough. But that's what we're focusing on.”

Joey Logano said “Jimmie is running ridiculously fast.”

A rare pit road speeding penalty cost Kenseth some track position and a few points. “I'm still confident,” the 2003 champion said his title hopes. “I wish I was seven points ahead, but, at the end of the day it's in our hands. If you win both of the last two races and the math works out where you still win it, so it's still in our hands. I have to think and we're going to go here, work as hard as we can and try to get the best finishes we can and see where it ends up.”

Kevin Harvick, who finished eighth, is now 40 points back in third place.

Pole winner, Carl Edwards, went out on lap 187 with a blown engine. Parker Kligerman, who drives in the Nationwide Series for Kyle Busch had an impressive Cup debut in 18th place for Swan Racing.

Even though Johnson dominated the day and now leads the points one TV reporter reminded him that he left Texas last year with a seven point lead only to lose it Brad Keselowski last year

Jimmie Johnson smiled and said “hope history doesn't repeat itself.”

A key victory for victims' lawyers in late October may give plaintiffs extra ammunition in their fight against Toyota Motor Sales USA when lawyers head to federal court in Santa Ana in March to argue claims that Toyota vehicles accelerate without...

Berlin prosecutors are investigating ex-German state minister Eckart von Klaeden over a potential conflict of interest after he joined Daimler as a lobbyist.

When Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups recently began shopping for a tough-to-find Range Rover Autobiography SUV with red interior, the five-time NBA All-Star did what more than 100 other NBA players have done: He called Conor Delaney

From WRC.com

Robert Kubica is about to make his first outing in a world rally car, but has warned against unrealistic expectations.

The Pole and his co-driver Maciek Baran will debut at the WRC level at the upcoming Wales Rally GB (13-17 November) when they drive a full works spec DS3 WRC as part of the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team.

Citroën DS3 WRC (Photo: Citroën Racing)

The pair secured the FIA WRC 2 Championship with victory in Spain last week at the wheel of a Citroën DS3 RRC. The result capped a remarkable debut season, during which they also took wins at the rounds in Greece, Sardinia, Germany and France. 

After the rally, the Kubica admitted he had received offers to progress to the top-flight world rally car class in 2014. 

“It's not a secret that I have some opportunities to drive next year in a WRC car, but with whom or if I will drive or if it's the right moment, to be honest I don't know,” he said. 

Kubica confirmed that he hadn't given up on his dream of returning to single seater racing, a career that was put on hold following his crash in Italy in February 2011.

“I'm here in the WRC for recovery and I used this year to gain experience in case my goal will not happen,” he said. 

“If I commit to an important role in the WRC I need to be sure I am able to do it.

“For sure if after three years I am not able to fight at the top it means I have made a mistake and I am not good enough. But it's too early to say this,” he added.

Timo Glock (BMW) hopes to carry the momentum of his maiden DTM win into next year.

The German driver entered the 2013 season as a refugee from Formula One, and carried the pressure of the "F1 driver curse" throughout the year. In Hockenheim, at the season finale, he managed to lift the curse.

Timo Glock, Marussia MR01 (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

He became the first former F1 driver to win a DTM race since Mika Hakkinen, at Mugello in 2007.

"It is very nice, and an honour, that people are making this comparison," Glock said in a interview with the series official website. "I am just incredibly happy that my victory in Hockenheim has, to a certain degree, lifted the curse of the F1 drivers."

As it happens, he had not won a race since the year Hakkinen won at Mugello, since he last stood on the top step of the podium at the last race of the 2007 GP2 season in Valencia.

But the timing couldn't have been better as the series heads into preseason.

"It is nice for the entire team to head into the winter break on the back of a win. That gives you a real boost! 2014 is a new year, in which we want to be consistently in the points right from the word go."

Timo Glock, BMW M3 DTM (Photo: René Fagnan)

Kimi Raikkonen has agreed to race until the end of the season, British magazine Autosport reports.

The dispute over the Finn's unpaid salary intensified going into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to a point where the 2007 world champion threatened to sit out the remaining two races on the 2013 calendar, Austin and Sao Paulo.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and former champion Jacques Villeneuve backed Raikkonen's threats.

"He has signed a contract with somebody and they need to pay him," Ecclestone told the Mirror.

"People are saying he should be doing it for the passion alone but he is a professional racing driver. It's his job," said the French Canadian.

KImi Raikkonen, Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2)

But now it appears Raikkonen and Lotus agreed on a solution, after a whole weekend of intense negotiations in the Yas Marina paddock.

"Following more than two days of talks, (Lotus owner Gerard) Lopez and Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson laid out a framework for moving forward that both parties are happy with," wrote Autosport journalist Jonathan Noble.

"As long as the deal is formally signed off by lawyers, and Lotus sticks to the points of the agreement laid out, then Raikkonen will compete in the final two races of the campaign."

UPDATE
As Auto123.com understands, Raikkonen agreed to race for Lotus because the team finally reached an agreement with 'Quantum', the investment group that has been trying to buy 35% of the team.

This would be good news for Nico Hulkenberg, because Lotus could only afford him if it completed the deal with Quantum.

Mark Webber (Red Bull) beat teammate Sebastian Vettel, Saturday during qualifying ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But it didn't even take a race lap for the German to get back on top.

The four-time world champion overtook Webber going into the first turn of the grand prix, and went on to win by some 30 seconds over the Australian.

German Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) completed the podium, which will help its team in the fight for second place in the manufacturers' championship. Romain Grosjean (Lotus) finished fourth, just ahead of Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), who went from eighth to fifth in the last 11 laps with a late stop for soft tires.

This inspiring surge almost led to a crash with Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso).

To avoid contact while overtaking the Frenchman, Alonso had to drive over a kerb, and hurt his back. He would later be cleared to race in Austin after a trip the the nearby hospital. The stewards also cleared the two-time champion from any penalty for passing Vergne outside the track, because he had no other choice.

An inspired one-stop strategy helped Paul di Resta (Force India) score his best result since Bahrain, as the Scot crossed the line sixth. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Felipe Massa (Ferrari), Sergio Perez (McLaren) and Adrian Sutil (Force India) rounded out the top 10.

Kimi Raikkonen's exclusion from qualifying for failing the floor deflection test ruined his race, as he broke his Lotus E21 against Giedo van der Garde's Caterham going into the first corner at the back of the field.

Race results* - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina Circuit)
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 55 laps 1.38'06"106
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 30"829
3 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 33"650
4 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 34"802
5 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'07"181
6 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'18"174
7 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'19"267
8 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'22"886
9 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'31"198
10 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'33"257
11 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'35"989
12 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'43"767
13 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'44"295
14 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
15 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
16 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
17 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
18 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 lap
19 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 lap
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 2 laps
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 2 laps

Fastest lap of the race: 1'43"434 by Fernando Alonso

Retirements
Lap 1 - Kimi Raikkonen

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 347; 2.Alonso 217; 3.Raikkonen 183; 4.Hamilton 175; 5.Webber 166;  6.Rosberg 159; 7.Grosjean 114; 8.Massa 106; 9.Button 60; 10.Di Resta 48; 11.Hulkenberg 39; 12.Perez 35; 13.Sutil 29; 14.Ricciardo 19; 15.Vergne 13; 16.Gutierrez 6; 17.Maldonado 1.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 513; 2.Mercedes 334; 3.Ferrari 323; 4.Lotus-Renault 297; 5.McLaren-Mercedes 95; 6.Force India-Mercedes 77; 7.Sauber-Ferrari 45; 8.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 32; 9.Williams-Renault 1.

*Unofficial results

Co-driven by Welshman Craig Parry, Antoine L'Estage won this weekend's Rocky Mountain Rally, penultimate round of the 2013 Canadian Rally Championship (CRC), to take the lead in the standings.

L'Estage, a six-time Rocky Mountain Rally winner, also clinched the North American title with his latest success in British Columbia.

"It's really what we could call a perfect weekend," commented L'Estage.

Craig Parry, Antoine L'Estage (Photo: Aaron Kathman)

"(But) it wasn't as easy as our result makes it look. We had to attack hard at the beginning and then manage the lead we had built up, all the while being really careful in the snow and ice covered roads," he added.

L'Estage and the Rockstar team now only need a sixth-place finish in the last rally of the season, the Rally of the Tall Pines, to clinch the title.

Championship rival Pat Richard made it hard for him with a DNF in Invermere, the host town of this year's redesigned Rocky Mountain Rally.

From GMM

F1's bustling 2014 calendar looks set to shed at least a couple of races.

The German-language Speed Week reports that the new grands prix scheduled for New Jersey and Mexico will in fact not take place next season.

The 2014 schedule should then shrink from an unprecedented 22 to a still-hectic 20 races.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone was quoted as saying the construction of a new pit building in Mexico is "virtually impossible" for a November 2014 race date.

And New Jersey, he added, is "not going to happen because they haven't got their finances in place."

Ecclestone is quoted by SID news agency in Abu Dhabi: "I only put it (New Jersey) on the calendar because they assured me again and again that everything will work out."

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel could marry his long-term girlfriend Hanna Prater.

The Cologne tabloid Express quoted the German, who last weekend dedicated his fourth title to his girlfriend, as admitting that wedding bells might soon chime.

"We'll think about it," Vettel reportedly said.

It is believed the 26-year-old Red Bull driver, who returned home to Switzerland after winning in India, has brought Hanna with him to Abu Dhabi, even though he is rarely accompanied to grands prix by his girlfriend.

The pair met at school in their native Heppenheim.

From GMM

McLaren is racing towards confirming that Sergio Perez will join Jenson Button in the British team's driver lineup for a second consecutive season in 2014.

It was earlier rumoured that Nico Hulkenberg, McLaren junior Kevin Magnussen or even Fernando Alonso could replace the Mexican, who only joined McLaren from Sauber at the beginning of the year.

But Perez finished a season-best fifth in India last Sunday, and paddock whispers are growing louder that the 23-year-old has secured a new deal for 2014.

"When will we make our driver announcement? I expect we will be making it quite shortly," team boss Martin Whitmarsh told reporters in Abu Dhabi.

"I think Sergio did a great race last week and that's the sort of thing that we love to see," he added.

Jenson Button, Sergio Perez (Photo: WRi2)

It could be that Perez's new deal will be shortly followed by news that a Mexican company like Claro will succeed the departing Vodafone as title sponsor.

However, there has also been speculation that a brand not linked directly to Perez, like the US razor company Gillette, has secured the deal for 2014 and beyond.

Whitmarsh on Sunday said the driver and sponsor announcements will be made separately.

"That will be beyond the end of the season," he said, when asked about the sponsor announcement, "because obviously we're respectful of the partnerships we have at the moment."

Model: 2007 to 2013 BMW X5

Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV

The Verdict: Many BMW X5 owners from this generation say they enjoyed a remarkable driving machine that's big on luxury, confidence and exclusivity.

Due to the numerous powertrain configurations, extensive use of computer-controlled systems and relatively patchy reliability data available online, shoppers set on a used BMW X5 are strongly advised to opt for a model sold as part of a BMW Certified Pre-Owned program or have their candidate, and its electronics systems, thoroughly inspected by a BMW mechanic ahead of purchase. We would strongly advise against buying a used X5 without a thumbs-up from a BMW mechanic.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Price: Low-mileage 2013 BMW X5s with all the toys can command upwards of $75,000, while older, higher-mileage units can be had for under $20,000. There's plenty of selection between $35,000 and $60,000.

What Owners Like: Styling, exclusivity, all-season driving confidence and a sense of space and flexibility are all highly rated with this generation of X5. Handling and performance are also highly rated. Seat comfort and a solid feel round out the package.

What Owners Dislike: Common complaints centre around the lack of a spare tire, limited rear-seat legroom, poor quality from the standard audio system, and the learning curve for the iDrive system. Some owners complain of a tall step-in height, too.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

History/Description: This generation of X5, also called the E70 hit the scene for model-year 2007 packing a 3.0L straight-six engine or a 4.8L V8. Look for xDrive all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic on all early models. Later models offered new powertrains, namely in the form of a straight-six turbo engine, a 4.4L turbocharged V8, and a new 8-speed automatic.

A diesel-powered ">X5 xDrive35d model became available, too. Available horsepower on standard X5 models with the turbo V8 peaked at 400.

Feature content included all of the world-class luxury SUV must-haves, including premium audio, Bluetooth, navigation, power everything, a panoramic sunroof, wood trim, push-button start, xenon lights, and more.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Common Issues: Since a computer controls virtually everything in this generation X5, shoppers are advised to check all on-board electronics extensively, testing all systems for proper operation. Ensure no warning lights or messages are present in the instrument cluster and triple-check the navigation, Bluetooth and climate control systems for functionality.

A BMW technician or service advisor should also confirm that all software updates relating to the iDrive system and transmission have been applied to the model in question, and that no recall work is outstanding.

Shoppers are advised to have a BMW technician ensure their used X5 candidate has a healthy battery and charging system to help prevent low-voltage related issues with the computer-controlled parts. Trickle-charge your X5's battery if you won't be driving it for an extended period.

Check the ceiling liner and footwell carpeting for signs of moisture from a leaky sunroof and/or dome-light, and confirm proper operation from all door locks, windows, remote keyfobs, and the tailgate.

While travelling on a variety of surfaces, be sure to "listen" to the suspension for any unwanted sounds, which could indicate an issue.

Finally, have a technician confirm the BMW X5 you're considering isn't suffering from any coolant leaks from the radiator or electric water pump. A check of all fluid levels and conditions is important, too. Note that if your X5 candidate is running a turbocharged engine that regular, quality oil changes are the key to long-term turbocharger life.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

From GMM

Adrian Sutil has announced in Abu Dhabi that his formula one career will race on beyond this month's Brazil finale.

It is believed that, thanks to his solid return to F1 this year and the backing of the German computer company Medion, Force India has elected to retain the 30-year-old.

"I know where I'll be," the German is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace, "but I can't talk about it right now.

"It should not take too long," Sutil added, "I can say in a week or two.

"But the important thing is that I know," he said.

Asked if he is happy with his plans for 2014, Sutil smiled broadly and added: "Look at my face."

Adrian Sutil, Sahara Force India VJM06 (Photo: WRi2)

At the same time, the future of Sutil's current teammate Paul di Resta is much more uncertain, amid reports Max Chilton could switch his lucrative Aon backing from Marussia.

"I don't think I'm worried about it," Scot di Resta is quoted by the PA Sport news agency.

"At the end of the day I think I have had some remarkable results this year but I think it is just unfortunately a difficult time at the moment.

"I think they (Force India) said they would give an impression after India. I would certainly like to think there would be a decision before (December)," he added.

Honda said it will recall about 344,000 Odyssey minivans in the United States to fix a software defect that may lead the vehicle to suddenly and harshly brake without the driver pressing the brake pedal.

Kia plans to launch a performance sedan based on the widely praised GT concept car displayed at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show.

I'm averse to debt, so I paid cash for the cleanest Ford Taurus SHO I could find, a 1995 green-over-gray car with just 76,000 one-owner miles.

From GMM

Friday in Abu Dhabi was Heikki Kovalainen's last appearance at the wheel of a Caterham in 2013.

Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper reports that the Finn, who has made several practice appearances for the green team this season, will defer to the race drivers for the final two grands prix in Austin and Brazil.

However, the 32-year-old - who raced for the team between 2010 and 2012 but was replaced for 2013 by pay-drivers - is in the running to return to the grid in 2014.

Caterham has admitted it has missed Kovalainen's experienced input this year; a factor that will be all-important for dealing with the radical new regulations for 2014.

"Next season will be a totally different ball game," team boss Cyril Abiteboul said in Abu Dhabi.

"We will have to adapt ourselves, the drivers will have to adapt themselves, so experience might be something that is interesting.

"But more important than anything I think is (to have in the car) someone who is capable of being almost transparent and providing the most accurate feedback as possible," he added.