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From press release

Announced today Monday, Formula 1600 racing will once again be showcased on the streets of Toronto.

Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports (promoters of both the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship and Formula 1600 Super Series) and Charlie Johnstone (President, Honda Indy Toronto) have reached an agreement to add the entry-level formula car series to the July event for 2014.

The weekend will be the fourth event on the Ontario-based Toyo Tires F1600 Championship schedule and will also be the third of four events on the new F1600 Super Series schedule, an interprovincial initiative between Move Motorsports and Quebec-based Formula Tour.

"As part of our commitment to grow motorsports in Canada, we welcome the opportunity to host these exciting and talented young drivers who will no doubt be the stars of tomorrow," said Charlie Johnstone, President of the Honda Indy Toronto.

“I am thrilled to be able to make this announcement today," said Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports.

"The Honda Indy Toronto has helped launch the careers so many great Canadian racing stars in its history and is one of the best events on the IndyCar Series calendar. Formula 1600 used to be an integral part of that history. The resurgence in Formula 1600 over the last couple of years is largely based on the new Honda powerplant so the fact that we get a chance to support a Honda sponsored event with some homegrown talent is great for the sport.”

Formula 1600 has long been known globally as the logical first step for young racing stars to learn their craft right out of karts. The cars are sleek, fast and provide the ideal balance of power and aerodynamics that encourage wheel-to-wheel action at an affordable price. The cars will take to the track during all three days of the Toronto event and will have the chance to race twice in front of the hometown crowd, once each on Saturday and Sunday.

From Citroen Racing

Citroen Racing announced its line-up for the 2014 World Rally Championship. Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle and Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson will be the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team's driver/co-driver pairings in the DS3 WRC cars next season.

Kris Meeke came through the ranks of Citroen Racing's promotional formulas, before driving a C2 Super 1600 for the brand in the Junior WRC.

In 2014, he is awarded a full programme, as he becomes the first British driver to race a full season since Colin McRae's 2003 swansong with Citroen.

Twenty-six-year-old Mads Østberg has already taken part in 65 WRC rallies and won the Norwegian Championship four times. With seven podium finishes to his name at world level, he notched up his first WRC victory at the Rally of Portugal in 2012.

Like last year, Khalid Al Qassimi will take part in a selection of World Championship rallies. The driver from Abu Dhabi will line up for the races in Sweden, Portugal, Italy and Spain and will concentrate on taking part in the entire Middle East rally Championship.

Citroen Racing will unveil its entire rally and track racing programme for 2014 Monday December 16 during a press conference in Versailles.

From Williams F1 Team

Williams F1 Team announced Monday a strengthened aerodynamics line-up as it gears up for the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship season.

As part of the on-going work to improve key areas of the business, Williams announced that Dave Wheater will join from the Lotus F1 Team to become Head of Aerodynamic Performance, reporting to existing Head of Aerodynamics Jason Somerville.

Also supporting Jason as we move forward will be Shaun Whitehead, previously of Red Bull Racing, who joins as Head of Aerodynamic Process.

"I'm very pleased to have secured the first class talents of Dave and Shaun, both of whom have enviable track records within F1,” said Jason Somerville.

“With the exciting challenges ahead for 2014, I am confident they will both add strength and experience to the team here at Grove."

Photo: Williams F1 Team

"These two appointments show our commitment to both improving the process of aerodynamic development while focussing on the application of that development to true on-track performance,” said Pat Symonds, Williams F1 Team Chief Technical Officer.

“Dave and Shaun bring a wealth of experience to our team and I welcome them both to Grove and fully expect them to make significant contributions to the renewed competitiveness that we are all working so hard to achieve. With Dave and Shaun on board, and under Jason's stewardship, we will be well positioned to make gains in this important area and support the continuing task of developing the FW36 in what promises to be an exciting year for the sport in 2014,” Pat Symonds added.

Next month at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Infiniti will unveil the Q50 Eau Rouge concept. Based on the upcoming Q50 Hybrid, this model refers to the world-famous corner at the Formula One track in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.

While no technical specs have been provided, Infiniti said the Q50 Eau Rouge is an extreme performance version of the Q50. It features aerodynamic styling treatments and design elements which are influenced by Infiniti's partnership with Formula One world championship-winning team Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge. (Photo: Infiniti)

On December 9th, 1963, Studebaker ceased production in the U.S. and focused exclusively on the Canadian market.

Founded in 1852 as a horse-drawn carriage builder, the company had been manufacturing cars since 1902. Despite the launch of new models in 1964, the bell tolled just two years later.

Studebaker history:
1902: First electric car;
1913: First gasoline-powered truck;
1928: Alliance with Pierce-Arrow (until 1935);
1954: Merger with Packard (they broke up in 1956);
1963: Closure of South Bend, Indiana plant and transfer to Canada
1964: End of production.

Sources: Wikipedia and The truth about cars

1964 Studebaker Hawk GT (Photo: Wikipedia)

From press release

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park announced its 2014 major event schedule, headlined by the return of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, August 29-31 and the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, July 10-13.

The Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend will get Canadian Tire Motorsport Park's 2014 season underway, May 16-18, with the thundering stock cars of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series highlighting the unofficial kick-off to the summer.

Also in action is the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series, the return of the Pirelli World Challenge Championship after a one year absence (Touring and B-Spec), Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin, Canadian Touring Car Championship and the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship.

The Canadian Historic Grand Prix, featuring beautifully restored race cars from the past 50+ years of motorsport will take to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park's legendary circuit on June 13-15. The Triumph versus MG Canadian-American Showdown will headline the action.

Canada's biggest sports car race of the year will showcase the new TUDOR United SportsCar Championship on July 10-13. The top sports car drivers in the world will be joined by other top series such as the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Cooper Tire Prototype Lites, IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America and the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup.

Canada's top motorcycle riders will return on August 15-17 for the Canadian Superbike Doubleheader Weekend. National classes such as Mopar Pro Superbike, Pro Sport Bike, Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup, Amateur Superbike, Amateur Sport Bike and the Honda CBR250R Series will all be in action.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin and the Canadian Touring Car Championship will join the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for the final major event of the season.

2014 Major Event Schedule

May 16-18 Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series; Pirelli World Challenge (Touring & B-Spec); SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series; Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin; Canadian Touring Car Championship; Toyo Tires F1600 Championship

June 13-15 Canadian Historic Grand Prix
Triumph vs. MG Canadian-American Showdown; Regular classes include Historic & Vintage Production; Sports Racers; Group 70+; Open Wheel

July 10-13 SportsCar Grand Prix
Tudor United SportsCar Championship; Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge; Cooper Tires Prototype Lites; IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge; Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America; SCCA Pro Racing Playboy MX-5 Cup

Aug. 15-17 Superbike Doubleheader Weekend
Mopar Pro Superbike; Pro Sport Bike; Amateur Superbike; Amateur Sport Bike; Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup; Honda CBR250R Series

Aug. 29-31 Chevrolet Silverado 250
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series; NASCAR Canadian Tire Series; Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin; Canadian Touring Car Championship

For more information, or to purchase tickets and holiday gift certificates, call the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm ET), visit online, www.CanadianTireMotorsportsPark.com or email info@ctmpark.com.

Sekisui Chemical last week announced the development of a high-capacity, film-type, lithium-ion battery that uses a special coating process to triple its capacity.

The results will be announced at Eco-Products 2013 in Tokyo (December 12-14).

New organic polymer electrolyte materials such as gel-type electrolytes provide approximately 10 times the ion conductivity while taking up less space and weight. They're also flexible and can be fitted anywhere on the vehicle, which would alleviate the problem of cargo capacity that results from conventional batteries. Sekisui Chemical's battery is reportedly 200cm long, 30cm wide, and 0.3-5mm thick.

Sekisui Chemical plans to sell these long-range batteries by 2015 after conducting trials next year.

Source: Sekisui Chemical

The name Katzkin is bar none, one of the best-known brands when it comes to tailoring your car's cabin to your personal tastes.

Their story starts in 1983 when the founders, brother and sister Mitch and Lesley Katz, started a leather goods manufacturing company. By 1986, they broke new ground in the car business by retriming the interior of a Honda Accord. The rest of the story reads like a who's who of top-line customers, namely Chrysler, Rawlings, and Ford.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

Over the years, Katzkin purchased their own automated cutting machines and now hold production and design capabilities. In other words, they've grown into the reference as far as custom car interiors are concerned.

On the topic of design, Katzkin is taking it to a whole other level. Two and half years ago, they recruited David O'Connell as their Chief Designer. With 25 years as a Designer for Mitsubishi Motors Research and Design of America, he brings not only his experience but also passion for design to what could be viewed, in vulgar terms, as simply reupholstering some seats.

I sat down with Mr. O'Connell in his comfy seats at Katzkin's booth at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for a little chat.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso's frustration in 2013 triggered Ferrari's push for Kimi Raikkonen.

That is the view of the Italian team's former driver Mario Andretti.

"In my opinion, Alonso became frustrated this season, and what he said offended Ferrari," the 1978 world champion told the Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Andretti is referring to the arguably disparaging comments made by the Spanish driver, after which Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo revealed he "tweaked" Alonso's ear.

"Otherwise," Andretti added, "they never would have hired someone who could challenge him and even beat him."

After four years alongside the often underperforming Felipe Massa, Alonso's new teammate for 2014 is the former team champion Kimi Raikkonen.

"You have to know how to behave," Andretti, still referring to Alonso's attitude of 2013, continued. "He always had a proper behaviour, but that 1 per cent ... we saw what was Montezemolo's reaction. It will be interesting to see what happens next, because Kimi is not arriving to help; he is going to try to win. It will be a great battle that will be fun to watch."

Fernando Alonso and Mario Andretti on Austin's podium in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Mark Webber has admitted Red Bull's desire to please his former teammate Sebastian Vettel contributed to his decision to quit F1.

The pair shared a fractious relationship at the team, where they duelled for the 2010 title before German Vettel began his four-title winning streak.

This year, after the 'Multi-21' team orders affair, 37-year-old Australian Webber decided to leave F1 and join Porsche's new Le Mans foray for 2014, despite interest from other grand prix teams.

"Teams like Lotus and Ferrari - and even Red Bull to a degree, once they couldn't get Kimi (Raikkonen) - were on the radar so to speak," Webber told BT Sport.

But he admits that the Vettel factor ultimately coloured his decision to quit altogether.

"The future has been Sebastian, they want to keep him happy as much as they can, and things come onto the radar and you think 'this is probably not how I would like it', so it does go into the decision," said Webber.

Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel on the Malaysian podium, in 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

The newly re-elected Jean Todt says he supports moves to reinstate permanent race numbers in formula one.

In an earlier era, F1 fans became accustomed to associating a number with their favourite driver -- like Gilles Villeneuve's fabled 27, or the 'red 5' of Nigel Mansell.

But in more recent years, race numbers have simply been assigned by the FIA on the basis of teams' finishing positions in the constructors' world championship.

It emerged recently, however, that a push is on to bring back permanent race numbers, with the obvious exception being the '1' of the reigning world champion.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

"I am very supportive of that," Frenchman Todt, the continuing FIA president, is quoted by France's L'Equipe.

"I think it would be nice if the drivers keep the same race number, with the exception of the world champion who always displays the number 1. When I watch a grand prix now, I cannot see the name or the number of the driver," he complained.

"I know they need the space on the cars for the sponsors, but I think that there are solutions -- for example we could put a number on the helmet."

Meanwhile, Todt admitted he is "a little concerned" ahead of the FIA's new electronically-powered Formula E championship.

"I am surprised about the interest and this is promising," he said, "and I look forward to going to the races in the major cities. But I'm also a little concerned because when expectations are too high there may be disappointment. So I am cautious.

"I think the Formula E drivers are well known and very talented, but if a team wants to bring a F1 driver for one or two races, why not?" added Jean Todt.

From GMM

Pirelli will try to solve the problem of trackside 'marbles' ahead of the 2014 season.

That is the vow of the official supplier's F1 chief Paul Hembery, amid complaints the heavily degrading tyres of the past few seasons left too much slippery debris alongside the racing line.

"The drivers have of course spoken about it, we understand that and will try to do something about it," the Briton is quoted by Speed Week.

Photo: Pirelli

You know that family member who's always the loudest, always the centre of attention, , talking at the top of their lungs to get everyone to listen in? Yeah, that's the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio: just imagine that family member yammering on with a heavy Italian accent as they tell each sordid, long-winded tale.

Loud, in-your-face motoring is what this hot little cabrio hatch is all about, and it makes no apologies for its brash attitude on the road.


What is a FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio?
The Fiat has existed in Europe since the mid-‘50s, only a handful made their way to our shores. FIAT revived the car in 2007 but it wasn't until 2011 that the little Italian made debutin North American showroom. Based on the original compact car, the new FIAT 500 features a front-mounted engine (as opposed to the original rear-mounted one) as well as a much larger, heavier body.

The cabriolet version of the hot hatch offers a rag-top roof that retracts at the touch of a button.

What about that Abarth bit? Well, that's the fun part. FIAT and Abarth have been partners in crime since 1952, and they've been making fast, performance-enhanced Fiats since then. All FIAT Abarth models are built in Turin, Italy and undergo rigorous quality checks and testing there.

The Fiat has existed in Europe since the mid-‘50s, only a handful made their way to our shores. FIAT revived the car in 2007 but it wasn't until 2011 that the little Italian made debutin North American showroom. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio Price and Specs
Keeping in mind that the FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio is a “special edition” of the little corner-hugger, the starting price shouldn't be too shocking: $27,995. With just a few options (including a few cosmetic bits including 17”rims) the price jumps above the $30k mark. At that price the competition becomes a bit more enticing.

For all that coin, you get a 2+2 seating arrangement, a 1.4L 16V MultiAir turbocharged engine good for 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque as well as an Abarth-tuned powertrain control module. The only transmission available is a 5-speed manual (bless you, FIAT).

The 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio is equiped with a 1.4L 16V MultiAir turbocharged engine good for 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Fiat)

Driving the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
I've never hid the fact that I'm an avid MINI fan. The moment I got behind the wheel of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio the comparisons began.

First off, make no mistake this hot hatch is loaded to the top of its cabrio roofline with fun. You will most definitely enjoy your time behind the wheel. That being said, I wasn't completely impressed with the ride.

With a ridiculously long clutch and equally long throws behind gears, it was hard to feel like sporty driving was possible. The large, cumbersome shift knob also plays into that “lazy” feel. I wished for more torque off the line as the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio did not feel as fast as it should have.

Of course, with a car designed like the FIAT 500 Abarth, with the wheels pushed to the four corners, cornering should be the most fun. Truthfully, it was quite impressive, but not as tight and controlled as I've known behind the wheel of a MINI. There was something sloppy about its technique, steering felt disconnected sometimes and it almost felt a bit top-heavy.

And that exhaust... Even at idle, it's as if they did it on purpose to make up for the FIAT's diminutive stature. Even if you try and shift at lower rpms, heads will still turn. Push the hot hatch a bit and get those revs up and you'll have a popping, back-firing good time that'll have the neighbours giving you dirty looks.

First off, make no mistake this hot hatch is loaded to the top of its cabrio roofline with fun. You will most definitely enjoy your time behind the wheel. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
There's not a whole lot to say about the interior of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio other than: Dear God, add some knobs! Everything is button that requires clicking. Horribly irritating. Otherwise it's business as usual in a diminutive space.

From the exterior, I'd hoped the Abarth version of the FIAT 500 would be a bit more aggressive. It's still very cutesy, but then again I suppose the MINI Cooper S is as well. More aggressive bumpers and side skirts ensure the Abarth version is distinguishable from the base 500 -- as do the scorpion Abarth logos.

While my son's baby seat fit in the back seat without too much trouble, I was not able to put anything larger than an umbrella stroller in the rear thanks to the cabriolet rooftop and the Beats Audio sub.

Of note: Once the electronically retractable roof is completely down, your rearview mirror is moot. It is rendered useless by the folded roof that sits squarely in the way of your rearward vision.

There's not a whole lot to say about the interior of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio other than: Dear God, add some knobs! Everything is button that requires clicking. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
The obvious immediate competitor for this hot drop-top hatch is the MINI Cooper S Convertible. While the Cooper's starting price is much higher than that of the FIAT, I'd be inclined to choose the MINI in terms of 20-more horsepower and a few more torques, build quality, and handling prowess.

Jean-Philippe Dayraut (MINI) secured victory in the second race of the opening round of the 2013-2014 Andros Trophy's in Val Thorens.

Four-time Andry Trophy champion, Jean-Philippe Dayraut, who already won Saturday's race in Val Thorens, was again dominant Sunday, leading Franck Lagorce (Renault Clio III) and Olivier Panis who gave the Mazda3 its first podium in the championship.

Jean-Philippe Dayraut, Franck Lagorce and Olivier Panis. (Photo: Trophée Andros)

Dayraut leads ahead of Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Renault Clio III), who took 2nd place on Saturday, and 4th on Sunday, Franck Lagorce and Olivier Panis on the points's table.

In the electric trophy, Louis Gervoson and Christophe Ferrier won the two races of the weekend in Val Thorens, with Ferrier taking the lead in championship.

Christophe Ferrier, Electric trophy. (Photo: Trophée Andros)

PSA is set to decide early in the new year whether to close assembly lines at two French car factories.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen is set to decide early in the new year whether to close assembly lines at two French car factories.

Chevrolet sells more performance cars than any U.S. brand. But until recently, it ceded a lucrative slice of the market -- rear-wheel-drive sports sedans -- almost entirely to Chrysler Group's Charger and 300 SRT models.

A battle is raging among Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz that goes beyond unit sales and global expansion. They're constantly trying to out-engineer one another with their high-performance subbrands.

With the battle for market share growing tighter, automakers continue the time-tested tradition of recruiting titans of sports and Hollywood for their ad campaigns.

Jean-Philippe Dayraut (MINI) was dominant in the first day of the Andros Trophy's opening round in Val Thorens.

The reigning champion, who is already a four-time winner of the series, concluded the first day in Val Thorens in first position ahead of Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Renault Clio III) and Franck Lagorce (Renault Clio III) who makes his return in the main category after having competed the electric trophy last year.

Olivier Panis put his new Mazda 3 in fourth position overall, the Japanese manufacturer making its debuts in the Andros Trophy this year.

Photo: B.Bade