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Audi has released design sketches for a subcompact crossover concept that it plans to unveil at the Detroit auto show, giving another hint of the automaker's ideas for the smaller end of its growing crossover lineup.

Automotive News Europe needs your help to find the Rising Stars in the European automotive industry.

The Ford Mustang is all about the visceral driving thrills of the open road, not the newest electronic gizmos.

Four years ago, General Motors' tumble into Chapter 11 bankruptcy was both a humiliating setback for an American icon and a fresh start that paved the way for a robust recovery.

The Mustang's formula for success for 50 years has been basically this: good looks coupled with low-tech powertrains and suspension systems and an attractive starting price.

If November's seasonally adjusted annualized selling rate of 16.4 million -- the best in nearly seven years -- sounded good, this month should look even better.

Acura has taken its RLX sedan, strapped to a three-motor hybrid system that gooses horsepower to 377 from 310 with the added benefit of all-wheel drive, and transformed its vanilla full-sized luxury sedan into a stronger competitor.

Lexus boss Jeff Bracken concedes that Mercedes-Benz's low-priced CLA sedan is off to a flying start, but he vows not to follow Mercedes down the price ladder.

Why would Ford go to so much trouble and expense to redesign and globalize its only remaining rear-wheel-drive car when it hasn't even cracked the 100,000 sales mark since 2007? There are a few reasons.

As the world goes digital, it's clear: Videos sell cars.

Kia's best monthly sales gain of the year came with an 11th-hour push from the factory, one that could leave dealers with thousands of "sold" cars that will have to be sold again.

Ford Motor Co. expects the redesigned 2015 Mustang to boost its image in Europe, even though sales won't be huge.

Diesel-powered vehicles, hybrids, and EVs are surging in popularity due to the high cost of gas and growing environmental concerns. Could our green obsession one day lead to alternative versions of some iconic sports cars, like the Ford Mustang?

"We're not looking at diesel at the moment, but given where we need to go with fuel consumption we are looking at all our options," Ford's powertrain chief Bob Fascetti told GoAuto. He even mentioned a hybrid or electric variant.

What about you? Would you buy, say, a Ford Mustang Energi?

Source: Autoblog

Photo: Ford

In order to boost sales from its Opel and Vauxhall divisions, General Motors will stop selling most of its Chevrolet vehicles in Europe starting in 2016. However, “select iconic” models, such as the Corvette Stingray, will remain on sale across the Atlantic.

“Vette and some other iconic Chevrolets (to be named later) will still be sold thru Opel or Cadillac dealers. They will be marketed as Chevrolets,” assured Mike Albano, Chevrolet's chief spokesman in the U.S.

Available in Europe since 2005, the Chevy brand has never been a strong seller there, so the impact of the move could be negligible.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

The world of rallying was convinced that former Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica was to become a member of the Citroen Racing team in 2014. It may not be the case after all.

The former winner of the Canadian F1 Grand Prix this season competed in the WRC2 category of the World Rally Championship with Citroen, claiming five wins as well as the title.

He made his (impressive) WRC debut at Wales Rally GB, but crashed following a pace note error.

Autosport learned that M-Sport's Malcolm Wilson is currently trying to sign Robert Kubica to lead his WRC team in the 2014 World Rally Championship.

Wilson lost its lead driver, Thierry Neuville to Hyundai and needs a replacement.

Wilson is yet to announce any drivers for next season.

Thierry Neuville aboard the M-Sport Ford this season. (Photo: WRC)

From press release

Venturi Automobiles announced a joint venture with award-winning actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio to enter a team in the new FIA Formula E Championship.

Based in Monaco, the new Venturi Grand Prix Formula E Team has been co-founded by DiCaprio and Gildo Pallanca Pastor, founder of pioneering EV manufacturer Venturi Automobiles, together with Bert Hedaya and Francesco Costa.

Photo: Venturi Formula E Team

Formula E is a new FIA Championship using electric single-seater race cars capable of speeds in excess of 225km/h.

The series will compete in the heart of 10 of the world's leading cities including Beijing, Los Angeles and London.

Ten teams, each with two drivers, will go head-to-head to create a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fan whilst accelerating the electric vehicle market and promoting sustainability.

“The future of our planet depends on our ability to embrace fuel-efficient, clean-energy vehicles,” DiCaprio said.

“Venturi Grand Prix has shown tremendous foresight in their decision to create an environmentally friendly racing team, and I am happy to be a part of this effort.”

Venturi Grand Prix will now be put forward to the FIA for approval as the tenth and final team to enter the new zero emission series.

They join international names from around the globe with IndyCar outfits Andretti Autosport and Dragon Racing, Asia's China Racing, Super Aguri and Mahindra Racing, and European squads Drayson Racing, e.dams, Audi Sport ABT and Virgin Racing.

The team is centred around the award-winning Venturi Automobiles, a leader in high performance electric vehicles developing a range of sports, urban and utilitarian cars, as well as being the current holders of the world land speed record for an electric vehicle with 495kph (307mph).

The team also plans to become a constructor from the second season, building its own Formula E car using a powertrain based on the one used in its 3,000hp electric streamliner - Venturi VBB-3 - unveiled earlier this year in Wendover, Utah, by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso hopes F1 drivers have a bigger role to play next year, as the wave of radical new regulations hit the 2014 grid.

This year, as Pirelli's heavily degrading tyres set the tone, drivers often had to take a back seat to full throttle as they nursed their cars through race strategies, at the beck and call of engineers' informed advice.

But Ferrari's Alonso thinks the new rules for 2014, featuring the introduction of turbo V6s and fuel limitations, could play in favour of the smartest drivers.

"Let's see what kind of driving style will be needed," he told Brazil's Totalrace.

"I hope that the decisions of the drivers becomes more important and the engineers have less control," Alonso added.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

World champion Sebastian Vettel agrees that the drivers will have a big role to play in 2014.

"Imagine having only 100 kilos of fuel available for a race!" he exclaimed to F1's official website. "That might require looking for completely different techniques that allow you to go as quick as normal but also save fuel."

On the other hand, with the formula changing so much, 2014 could be a good season for a rookie to arrive freshly on the scene -- like McLaren's Kevin Magnussen.

"It'll be a new challenge for everyone, not just for me," he said.

"The fact that I won't have as much experience as some of the other drivers actually counts a little bit less," the Dane added.

German driver Nico Hulkenberg, however, thinks the actual truth won't be known until the racing gets underway next year.

"Nobody knows," German media quote him as saying at the Essen Motor Show. "It's a new era in formula one.

"You would have to say that Red Bull and the other big teams have the money and the resources to still be at the top," Hulkenberg, who is switching midfield teams from Sauber to Force India for 2014, added.

A little rest for the weary. Due to rain in the Charlotte area NASCAR has postponed a scheduled eight-hour test, Monday, of some proposed 2014 Sprint Cup regulations. The test has been rescheduled for Wednesday.

Series officials expected approximately 30 teams to participate in tests to make racing more interesting on the intermediate (1.5 mile) tracks. Key points include aerodynamic modifications affecting downforce and engine rules which might limit horsepower.

“We're after some interesting changes to the rules packages,” NASCAR Chairman Brian France said at the NASCAR Awards Banquet Week. “I'm liking what I'm seeing. It's tightening up competition, and that's hallmark. We wake up every day and try to do that.”

From press release

For the first time in the history of the Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News, the 8th annual edition will feature a hot rod and classic car component.

Coordinated by respected auto enthusiast and veteran show promoter Gary Challice, the inaugural 'Hot Rods & Kustom Kars' display will spotlight two of the most famous and celebrated vehicles in history; the 'Deuce' ('32 Ford) and the 'Merc' ('49 - '51 Mercury).

The large, 'gallery style' exhibit will feature almost three dozen immaculately prepared vehicles in a unique setting, amidst the wide assortment of racing vehicles and exhibits that traditionally fill the bulk of the Canadian Motorsports Expo floor space.

The show takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 in Hall 5 of Toronto's International Centre, across from Pearson Airport.

In addition to the large display on the CME floor, there will be an on-stage discussion about hot rods, featuring industry experts and some of the participating car owners. As a memento of participating in the show, car owners will receive a limited edition jacket created especially for this inaugural event, as well as other gifts.

Anyone interested in having their car considered for inclusion in the exhibit should contact Gary Challice at (905) 404-7860. Companies interested in participating as a sponsor of this feature should contact David Weber at (416) 938-7223, or email the show at info@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

There will be a major change in the Formula 1's sporting regulations in 2014 as double points will be awarded for the final round in Abu Dhabi.

During their meeting in Paris Monday, the F1 Strategy Group and the Formula One Commission agreed on certain changes, including this one for double points in hopes to maintain the championship battles open longer.

The statement of the FIA mentions that the change had been agreed "in order to maximise focus on the championship until the end of the campaign."

It applies to both the drivers' and constructors' championships, meaning that the winner of the final Grand Prix of 2014 will get 50 points, with 36 for second place and so on through the top 10.

In other news, drivers will now select a race number that they will keep during their career. No. 1 will be awarded to the reigning World Champion, as long as he likes to carry it. Other drivers will select a race number between 2 and 99.

The FIA has also confirmed that a special Pirelli tire test will be performed in Bahrain, December 17 to 19 with the 2013 F1 cars.

All teams were invited to participate but only six will be present: Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Sahara Force India and Toro Rosso.