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From GMM

Toro Rosso has tweaked its approach to formula one because it wants to take a step up in the pecking order.

That is the claim of the Faenza based team's Jean-Eric Vergne, who after missing out on the Red Bull vacancy for 2014 has been retained by Toro Rosso.

That surprised many in the paddock, who have seen drivers like Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari perform solidly, but nonetheless lose their places as team owner Red Bull pushes a new generation of youngsters into the seats.

The latest energy drink-sponsored youngster to get his chance is the Russian teen Daniil Kvyat, but for Frenchman Vergne, 2014 will be his third consecutive season with Toro Rosso.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR8 (Photo: Getty Images)

"The picture with Toro Rosso is that it was a team that has drivers for a year or two but then they have to move on, so it's like a stepping stone team," Vergne, 23, told the Spanish sports daily Marca.

"But I think the philosophy has changed lately because Toro Rosso wants to go a step higher.

"Now, the feeling is that you can spend more time with them, developing for some years together. So I think that if I'm still with them, it's because they believe I can give them something that other drivers cannot," said Vergne.

Meanwhile, Vergne said he believes Red Bull remains the favourite for the 2014 season, despite some tipping an advantage for Ferrari and Mercedes in the new turbo V6 era.

"Aerodynamics is always the key," he said.

"I think Red Bull is still the favourite. They've been working on the new car for a while and I think it will be very strong -- but it will be an interesting year," added Vergne.

The compact crossover market is growing at an almost alarming rate. What was once a niche product is now a must-have model in every lineup. Trendy isn't even the right word here because we feel like it's going to be more than just a passing fad, these functional well-proportioned vehicles are here to stay.

Some might see the results as predictable once they know the lineup, but our group were surprised by a few of the players and their final placement. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

With a bevy of compact crossovers to choose from, we decided to look at the “Other Guys;” the ones you might not consider because of quirky looks or a possibly-too-small trunk. We wanted to see how these AWD compact crossover outsiders stacked up against one another on snowy country roads on a cold, February day. Some might see the results as predictable once they know the lineup, but our group were surprised by a few of the players and their final placement.

From cornering on slick, snow-covered roads to fitting a stroller in the back and an unscientific 0-25m AWD acceleration test on a questionably icy surface, our compact crossover alternatives did their very best to impress, no matter what we threw their way. And with the marked absence of the Jeep Compass, we saw one vehicle rise to the top of the pack almost immediately, while the others scrambled to hold ground for second and third, while the remainder lagged behind without a chance.

Of course, all six vehicles on our comparison drive were equipped with winter tires (six different brands/types), and each had available AWD. All sported automatic transmissions and half featured turbocharged powerplants. The same baby seat and stroller were mounted in each vehicle for consistency.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Continue reading 2013 Compact Crossover Alternatives Comparison Test

From GMM

Heikki Kovalainen expects to eat his Christmas lunch without knowing if he has a formula one seat for 2014.

Throughout this year, the experienced Finn has been considered a favourite to return to the grid next season with Caterham.

But as the 2013 season ended, and 32-year-old Kovalainen struggled while replacing the hurriedly-departed Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus, Caterham looked increasingly likely to field a pair of sponsored drivers, such as Giedo van der Garde and rookie Marcus Ericsson, in 2014.

Heikki Kovalainen, Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2)

Kovalainen has travelled from his home in Switzerland to his native Finland for Christmas.

He is already planning ahead for 2014.

"I have been maintaining my training programme for formula one as much as possible," the Finn is quoted by the broadcaster MTV3. "I will have a normal F1 driver's winter.

"The only difference to previous years is that I do not currently have a contract for next season.

"But this has happened more than once in my career, when I didn't know what awaited me for the future but eventually I had something.

"The most serious negotiations are with Caterham," revealed Kovalainen. "But all the different factors need to come together.

"In any case, it should be clarified by the end of January, when the tests begin. But I am not going to end my career," he insisted.

Pros: Riding a tidal-wave of success for its powertrain, styling, features, and value, the 2014 Cadillac CTS Coupe represents the most passionate and personal model in the CTS lineup. For shoppers after a striking-looking, elegant and world-class two-door model, the CTS Coupe hits the mark. Offering generous room for two adults, the industry's latest in safety and connectivity systems and a competitive warranty, the 2014 Cadillac CTS Coupe is a solid all-around value.

Cons: CTS Coupe drivers sometimes complain of limited rearward visibility, and this low-slung CTS variant may compromise headroom for taller drivers, passengers, and rear-seat occupants. It's short on cargo space compared to the CTS sedan and CTS Sport Wagon, too.


2014 Cadillac CTS Coupe Price: Cadillac CTS Coupe starts at $43,045 for model-year 2014 -- though numerous options packages, standalone features, and trim grades give shoppers plenty of opportunity to inflate that figure considerably.

2014 Cadillac CTS Coupe Fuel Economy: Combined fuel efficiency ratings land at 9.7L/100km in the 2014 Cadillac CTS Coupe, with highway cruising mileage rated at just 7.3L/100km.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 Cadillac CTS Coupe is largely carried over from last year, although designers devised a new Sport Blue interior package with special seat and trim configurations, as well as a new list of exterior colours.

Don't Miss: Magnetic Ride Control: A signature Cadillac technology, it actively monitors and regulates shock-absorber damping characteristics in real time, ensuring drivers benefit from that signature Cadillac ride on any surface. With the ability to change ride characteristics in response to any road or driving style, Magnetic Ride Control simultaneously increases both performance and comfort.

2014 Cadillac CTS Coupe Powertrain: All models get a 3.6L, all-aluminum V6 engine generating a SAE-certified 318 horsepower. Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) work to keep fuel consumption to a minimum, and the engine was recently revisited by the engineering team and reduced in weight to enhance handling, performance, and fuel efficiency. A Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models for an optimal blend of performance and fuel efficiency. Shoppers can specify an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for added all-season performance, though rear-wheel drive is standard.

Safety: The CTS Coupe is the only coupe on the market with award-winning OnStar technology, which uses an integrated cellular connection to connect drivers instantly with real-life assistance at the touch of a button. OnStar can diagnose vehicle problems, shut off the fuel supply of a stolen vehicle while it's in operation, and summon emergency help in an accident -- even if the driver can't. A full-function traction and stability control system is standard on all models as well, while xenon lighting and rain-sensing wipers contribute to improved visibility and safety in all weather conditions.

Comparables: Shopping the luxury coupe market? Be sure to consider the Cadillac CTS Coupe alongside similar models like the Infiniti G37/Q50 Coupe, Mercedes C-Class Coupe, Audi A5, and new BMW 4 Series.

Photo: Cadillac

From press release

John Gaw is the new managing director of Prodrive Motorsport.

The former race car driver will oversee all Prodrive's motorsport operations, including the company's MINI rally and rallycross programmes and its expansion into new series.

Gaw joined Prodrive at the beginning of 2011 as managing director for the Aston Martin Racing team and has since overseen significant growth in the racing business. Under his leadership, Aston Martin Racing won nine World Endurance Championship (WEC) rounds in 2013.

In 2014, Prodrive is looking to expand its activities in the US-based Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) and enter the new FIA World Rallycross Championship, with the new MINI RX, which proved its competitiveness this year.

The company is also looking to move into new motorsport series, including Dakar and Formula E.

"These are exciting times for the business," said Gaw.

Prodrive MINI (Photo: WRC Team MINI Portugal)

From GMM

Gerard Lopez, the owner of the Lotus outfit, believes the vast majority of the teams in formula one are struggling financially.

Lotus' problems have had a high profile in 2013, as the Enstone based team thrived with a competitive car but tackled rumours it was struggling to pay its drivers, employees and suppliers.

But the Russian website f1news.ru quoted Lopez as insisting: "For 80 per cent of the teams, their financial situation is no better than ours.

"If half of those teams say they are leaving formula one, it would lead to the collapse of the championship," he claimed.

Lopez said it is extraordinarily difficult for a team to raise money through investment or traditional sponsorship at present.

"I can go to potential investors and say 'I want to sell millions of cars running on renewable energy and hybrid technology' and they tell me 'Wow! Let's see what we can do!'

"But if I say that I want money for formula one, to participate in one of the biggest sporting events in the world, you don't get the same answer," he added.

From IMSA.com

The 10-kilometre and 10-mile speed runs by Colin Braun in the Michael Shank Racing Ford EcoBoost/Riley Daytona Prototype at Daytona International Speedway in October have been homologated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Land Speed Records Commission as official world records.

Braun established fastest-lap standards for 10 kilometres (203.010 mph) and 10 miles (210.017 mph) - both from a standing start. The record runs were overseen by officials of the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) in conjunction with the FIA.

Michael Shank Racing was the first team to utilize Ford's new 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine in its Daytona Prototype. It will be joined by a pair of similar cars fielded by Chip Ganassi in the 2014 debut of the United SportsCar Championship (USCC).

Photo: Ford

"It is pretty cool to have the record run be homologated by the FIA," said Braun. "It was exciting to be right on the edge, and it was much tougher than I expected it was going to be to go break these records. The FIA has incredibly high standards."

"Getting the FIA homologation for the record run is great news for everyone who was involved in this program," said team owner Mike Shank. "It was a big effort."

Toyota Canada has just released pricing for the 2014 Toyota Highlander, which will arrive at dealerships across the country early next year.

All trim levels are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine and offer 34% more cargo room behind the third row. They also come with a 6.1'' audio display and the new Easy Speak system, which facilitates conversation between passengers in the front and rear seats.

2014 Toyota Highlander prices:

• Highlander LE: $31,680
• Highlander LE AWD: $34,180
• Highlander XLE AWD: $39,900
• Highlander Limited AWD: $45,100

Photo: Toyota

From GMM

James Allison is Ferrari's best technical director since Ross Brawn.

That is the view of the Italian team's president Luca di Montezemolo, after a subtle reshuffle of responsibilities took place recently at Maranello.

Until then, Briton Pat Fry was Ferrari's leading technical name, having joined from McLaren in 2010.

But Lotus chief James Allison arrived from Lotus late this year, and is now being openly referred to by Ferrari as the technical director.

Fry is still in a prominent technical and engineering role, but Montezemolo is quoted by Finland's Turun Sanomat: "Since Ross Brawn left us, Ferrari did not have a really good technical director.

"Now we have one," he added. "Allison is very good," said Montezemolo.

Mercedes-Benz is heading for an annual production total of more than 1.49m units this year, a new record.

Saab, a year out of bankruptcy and with just two cars a day rolling off its production line, is betting on an as yet unbuilt electric version of a decade old car to bring the iconic Swedish marque back from the dead.

Nissan's newly created New York advertising shop, called Nissan United, has a lofty mission called "brand positioning." But the office's real mission is to influence virtually every aspect of the automaker's marketing.

Saab's new owner, National Electric Vehicle Sweden, is targeting its home market of China and betting on an electric version of the 9-3 to bring the marque back from the dead.

The Scuderia Ferrari's engineers will not get to pick the name of the next F1 car to come out of Maranello. Fans will.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo confirmed fans are getting, via internet, the chance to name the Scuderia's 2014 car.

"(The name) will be chosen this coming January by millions of Ferrari fans from around the globe through the Internet," reads a press release from the Maranello outfit.

Indeed, the internet proves very popular with Ferrari fans. The Scuderia's website racked up 10 million hits in 2013, and the Twitter account 670,000 followers.

Interestingly, since Kimi Räikkönen returned, traffic from Finland has gone up by 554%.

2013 runner up in the GP2 series, Sam Bird has signed a deal with Starworks Motorsport to race in the United Sports Car Championship next year.

Even as member of Mercedes' F1 team, the 26-year-old is running out of option to race in Europe. With the Florida based Starworks outfit, the Brit will get a chance to pursue his racing career in America.

He is expected to enter the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans in the spec PC category.

Sam Bird (Photo: Clément Marin)

"We follow the GP2 series and Formula 1 young driver tests and I was stunned to learn Sam's available and was looking to North America for new opportunities," team owner Peter Baron told Racer magazine.

"I'm looking forward to working with a driver like Sam who brings a lot of experience with him from some big teams and can contribute heavily to our program," Baron is also quoted saying by Motorsport.com.

Organizers of the GP3 Series have confirmed the names of the nine teams entering the 2014 season.

France's ART Grand Prix has been allotted numbers 1, 2 and 3 for winning the team's championship in 2013.

Great Britain's Arden International, the team for which Red Bull protege Daniil Kvyat won the drivers' title, will have numbers 4, 5 and 6.

The season starts May 9-11, at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Spain.


Team entry list
ART Grand Prix (France) - 1, 2, 3
Arden International (UK) - 4, 5, 6
Koiranen GP (Finland) - 7, 8, 9
Carlin (UK) - 10, 11, 12
Marussia Manor Racing (UK) - 14, 15, 16
Russian Time (Russia) - 17, 18, 19
Jenzer Motorsport (Switzerland) - 20, 21, 22
Trident (Italy) - 23, 24, 25
Status Grand Prix (Canada) - 26, 27, 28

Jean-Philippe Dayraut swept another meeting of the Trophée Andros, this weekend in Alpe d'Huez.

In the first round, Dayraut (MINI Countryman) outmuscled Franck Lagorce's Renault Clio III and Hervé Knapick's BMW 1-series. Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Renault Clio III) and Bertrand Balas (MINI Countryman) finished fourth and fifth.

Jean-Philippe Dayrault, MINI Countryman (Photo: Trophée Andros)

Dayraut won again in the second round, this time leading Balas and Lagorce, with Dubourg and Gerald Fontanel (MINI Countryman) in fourth and fifth places.

In championship classification, Dayraut, who has racked up five wins in six races this season, now stands 34 points ahead of Dubourg, and 35 ahead of Lagorce.

Next rounds will be presented in Isola 2000, on January 10th and 11th.

31-year-old Martin Prokop has put together a 12-rally programme ahead of the 2014 World Rally Championship.

The Czech is fielding his own Fiesta RS WRC and his team, Jipocar Czech, will be eligible to score points towards the manufacturers championship.

While Prokop plans to attend all events on the 2014 WRC calendar except Rally Australia, his teammate Jaroslav Melichárek is expected to contest only six rallies in the team's second Fiesta.

Martin Prokop (Photo: martinprokop.com)

"In the last three races of the season 2013 we made significant progress in the car set-up and driving style," he told WRC.com.

"That would be a fantastic result for us as privateers among the four factory teams," he added.

From GMM

The days of the highly controversial new 'double points' rule for the season finale appear numbered.

Many fans and drivers have made clear they are not happy with the change, designed to keep the title alive right to the end by offering twice as many points in Abu Dhabi next November.

"I think it's wrong," Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne told Italy's Corriere dello Sport, "because it devalues the work a driver has done throughout the whole season.

"As drivers we are not excited about it," added the Frenchman.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, who has the power to veto key decisions in F1, has also emerged as an opponent of the rule.

"I would not be surprised if the rule is soon abolished," said the Italian.

To discuss this and other matters, Montezemolo has invited chiefs of the other F1 teams to a meeting at Maranello next month.

"There should be more dialogue between the teams when it comes to discussing the problems affecting formula one," he said.

And the latest development is that F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone is also re-thinking the double points idea.

"It may well be that the rule is cancelled altogether at the next (strategy group) meeting in January," he revealed to the Telegraph newspaper.

But Ecclestone said that his preference is actually for the concept to be extended, with not just Abu Dhabi but also the preceding two grands prix attracting twice as many points for a thrilling end of season battle.

"I think it should be the final three races or nothing," he said.

Daimler AG has hedged its holding in Tesla Motors against a decline in value over the next three years, as it seeks to broaden its alliance with the U.S. electric-car maker.