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From press release

Move Motorsports and Formula Tour jointly launch the new Formula 1600 Super Series, an inter-provincial series to be comprises of four doubleheader weekends.

In a move to re-establish Formula 1600 as the single most important step in launching young Canadian racing drivers' careers, Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports (promoters of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship based in Ontario) and Marcel Lafontaine of Formula Tour (promoters of the Formula Tour F1600 Championship based in Quebec) have reached an agreement to jointly promote a new, inter-provincial championship named “The Formula 1600 Super Series.”

The Super Series will be comprised of four premiere events, two each from the Toyo Tires F1600 Series and the Formula Tour F1600 Series. The Super Series will have its own points system and will have a prize package for the champion worthy of the level of competition it is sure to generate.

Jason Sharpe and Marcel Lafontaine (Photo: Move Motorsports)

Marcel Lafontaine of Formula Tour said, “Since 2008 Formula Tour 1600 has made a lot of progress but 2014 will be the beginning of new era in entry level open wheel racing. When I met Jason and got to know him I realized how much he has helped Formula 1600 in Ontario and we quickly got to work discussing how we could work together to bring F1600 back to the top. We have spent a lot of time working on the calendars to avoid conflicts, looked for similar needs in the sport and today the Launch of The Super Series...this is just awesome.”

Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports said, “I am incredibly enthused about this announcement today. Marcel and I started these discussions in April of last year. He and I got along very well and I could see he shared not only the same vision for the junior formula car ranks as we do but more importantly he shared the same passion and willingness to make it work for the betterment of the sport and it's competitors. I could not have asked for a better partner.”

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.

Additional announcements including the schedule, sponsorships, regulations and registration will be forthcoming in the next few months.

From GMM

The Nurburgring has moved one step closer to a saviour, as a potential buyer for the fabled German circuit emerged.

The well-connected Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper (FAZ) said the automobile club ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) has submitted a non-binding offer.

ADAC, usually linked only to Germany's other F1 host Hockenheim, stepped in this year amid the Nurburgring's financial troubles to host the 2013 race.

The FAZ newspaper estimated the value of the venue, including the fabled Nordschleife loop, at EUR 100 million.

"With the non-binding offer," confirmed ADAC spokesman Lars Soutschka, "we hope to gain access to the numbers and then we will decide how to proceed."

Aerial view of the Nurburgring.

From GMM

Martin Whitmarsh has not denied mounting speculation that Sergio Perez will be ousted by McLaren after Brazil's 2013 season finale.

Team sources are being cited by a growing number of authoritative publications as having revealed that Mexican Perez will be replaced by the McLaren-backed youngster and new Formula Renault 3.5 champion, Kevin Magnussen.

"Lots of people are being considered," team boss Whitmarsh, when asked about the rumours, said during the regular Vodafone teleconference on Monday.

23-year-old Perez's chances of keeping his seat appeared to have risen after a strong result in India, but he then struggled in Abu Dhabi.

"He's done a pretty good job throughout the whole year," said Whitmarsh. "Abu Dhabi was difficult. It was not quite the result that we wanted and he wanted but difficult weekends happen.

"I think overall he's done a good job and we're still talking to him."

Sergio Perez, McLaren. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

He acknowledged the media speculation about Magnussen, the son of former F1 driver Jan, but insisted that McLaren's decision is not yet made.

"The fact is at the moment we haven't confirmed our driver lineup, we haven't signed contracts with drivers, and we're still talking about that," said Whitmarsh.

The mounting rumours about the identity of Jenson Button's 2014 teammate, and Whitmarsh's vague comments, coincided with Perez admitting in Mexico that 2013 has been "the most disappointing season in my career".

"It's my third year in formula one and has been my most difficult year, the most disappointing season in my career," he is quoted by EFE news agency in Toluca, about 50 kilometres from Mexico City.

Perez added that the season was also "very frustrating" and "probably the worst season in history" for the successful McLaren team.

He said he has felt a "heavy responsibility" this year but argued that his contribution was limited "with a car that bad".

From GMM

Gerard Lopez, the head of Lotus' team owner Genii, might be among the cynics after news broke that Kimi Raikkonen will sit out the rest of the season.

The Finnish driver and his management say Raikkonen must undergo back surgery to end a run of worsening pain and ensure he is ready to return fighting fit for the start of his Ferrari return in 2014.

The cynics, however, might wonder if the timing of the surgery is related to Raikkonen's pay dispute with the financially-struggling Lotus outfit.

The timing is also interesting, given the fact Ferrari is locked in a battle with Lotus in the lucrative constructors' world championship with just two races to go.

"Primarily this is about Raikkonen's health, and I wish him a speedy recovery," Lopez told the German newspaper Die Welt.

"But the operation comes at a very unfortunate and unsuitable time for Lotus. And I also know what sport we are in," he added, in an obvious reference to the sceptics' doubts.

Kimi Raikkonen and Gerard Lopez, Lotus, discussing with Mika Salo. (Photo: WRi2)

Lopez's frustration is perhaps understandable, given that despite Lotus having one of the very fastest cars on the grid, every headline is focused on the team's money problems.

"Again and again I read these negative headlines," he said, "while no one seems to care that we decided to save a company and about 500 employees.

"Of course we know that formula one is not a charitable organisation, but there are huge differences in how the teams are financially supported by formula one.

"It is not about the other (top) teams managing to get more investment, but the fact that they simply get more money," argued Lopez.

"And not because they are better, but because they are apparently more important. We begin our 100 metre race at the 200 metre point," he added, "and still we make it to the podium."

Trevor Bayne, one of the more popular winners of the Daytona 500, has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis according to a Roush Fenway Racing report. However, 22-year old has been cleared by doctors and NASCAR to continue to compete.

The examination and diagnostic testing was performed at famed Mayo Clinic.

“I've never been more driven to compete,” said Bayne. “My goals are the same as they've been since I started racing. I want to compete at the highest level and I want to win races and championships. I am in the best shape I've ever been in and I feel good,” added Bayne. “There are currently no symptoms and I'm committed to continuing to take the best care of my body as possible. I will continue to trust in God daily and know that His plan for me is what is best.

“As for now, I want to close out the season strong this weekend at Homestead and then shift my focus on getting ready to compete for the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Championship in 2014. I have a great team, a great family and great people all around me. I have been truly blessed in life and I look forward to what my future holds.”

Trevor Bayne, Ford Fusion. (Photo: NASCAR)

Two years ago in February Bayne became the youngest driver in NASCAR history to win the Daytona 500 driving for the Wood Brothers. A short while afterwards he was temporarily sidelined with a mysterious ailment which, at the time, was attributed to an insect bite. And subsequently he said the illness might not have been related to that bite.

He is currently sixth in the Nationwide Series standings, having accumulated one win, six top-five and 20 top-10 finishes in 2013. He will compete again full-time for the NNS championship in 2014, driving the No. 6 AdvoCare Ford Mustang.

“We are 100 percent supportive of Trevor and his ability to compete in a race car,” said Roush Fenway team owner Jack Roush. “I have full confidence in Trevor and his partners have all expressed that same confidence and support. As with all of our drivers, we look forward to standing behind Trevor and providing him with all of the tools he needs as he continues to develop in his young career.”

Overall, the Knoxville, Tenn. native has 53 top-10 finishes, 19 top-five's, six poles and three wins in combined NASCAR races in the Sprint Cup and NNS.

This announcement comes on the day following his teammate, Travis Pastrana's statement that the extreme sports star would retire from NASCAR because of lack of sponsorship.

The legendary Corvette has just received the hybrid treatment. However, instead of Chevrolet, it's replacement parts specialist Quanta that did all the work.

Codenamed ''QHP770,'' this hybrid Corvette produces 773 horsepower and goes from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.3 seconds, according to Quanta.

Using a Corvette Z06 equipped with a 505-horsepower, 7.0L V8 engine, the company incorporated a pair of electric motors rated at 100 kW (134 horsepower) apiece, as well as an 11.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The Corvette QHP770 was unveiled last week at the 2013 SEMA Show to gauge public interest in a hybrid conversion kit and/or a production version.

Stay tuned...

Source: Green Car Reports

Here is some footage of Robert Kubica's first tests aboard the Citroën DS3 WRC ahead of the Rally Wales Great Britain presented this week end.

The Pole claimed the WRC2 title this season, driving a Citroën DS3 RRC ran by PH Sport for his first year in the world championship.

He was promoted to the rank of a Citroën works drive for rally Great Britain in a DS3 WRC by Yves Matton, head of Citroën Racing. Kubica will run alongside a new codriver, Michele Ferrara, who replaces Maciek Baran.

Robert Kubica still did not confirm his plans for 2014.

Daimler-Benz AG and Chrysler Corporation officially merged on November 12th, 1998, to form DaimlerChrysler. The new entity went on to integrate elements from both sides of the company, including the Chrysler Crossfire, which was based on the Mercedes SLK platform, and the Dodge Sprinter, a re-badged Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Crossfire. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

In what was initially called a "Merger of Equals," Daimler spent $36 billion USD to acquire 92% of Chrysler. However, as time passed, shareholders agreed that the deal was one-sided and took legal action to settle the dispute.

On May 14th, 2007, Cerberus Capital Management purchased 80.1% of Chrysler for $6 billion USD, leaving the newly named Daimler AG with the remaining 19.9%.

Source: Wikipedia

From GMM

Fernando Alonso and Ferrari have ended the fevered speculation about the Spaniard's participation in this weekend's US grand prix.

Since Abu Dhabi, Alonso has been reportedly struggling with back pain as a result of his harsh impact over the kerbs in a duel with Jean-Eric Vergne.

It was rumoured Ferrari was lining up Jules Bianchi or Pedro de la Rosa as last-minute substitutes for the injured 'number 1'.

But Fernando Alonso told his millions of Twitter and Facebook fans late on Monday that he is getting on a plane bound for Texas.

"Packing the bag for Austin," he wrote from his home in Spain. "(I have) some pain still, but eager and confident to help the team. I will try to give 100 per cent as always!"

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) on the US GP podium in 2012 alongside Mario Andretti. (Photo: WRi2)

Welcoming the news, Ferrari said in a report on its official website that anyone doubting Alonso's dedication to the Maranello based team "should think again".

The fabled Italian outfit confirmed Alonso had suffered a "compression injury" in Abu Dhabi, and will not be "in perfect shape" this weekend in Austin.

"I am pleased to see that Fernando is so keen to give it his all, even when he's not at his best," president Luca di Montezemolo is quoted as saying. "It shows how attached he is to us and I am sure that his example will be a further boost for the whole team in its efforts to end this season in the best way possible."

Citing a lack of sponsorship X-Games super-star, Travis Pastrana, is ending his NASCAR career after next Saturday's Nationwide Series race at Miami Homestead Speedway.

The 30-year old motocross gold medalist announced, on his Facebook page that he can not find the funding to continue racing with Roush Fenway Racing next year. Travis Pastrana also distinguished himself in rallying.

Racing 41 times in NASCAR's top junior series Pastrana managed only four top-ten finishes with a career best of ninth at Richmond International Raceway in April. He won one pole, at the 2.66 mile Talladega Super Speedway in May. But he always didn't finish six races, out the 32 events he ran this year.

Travis Pastrana. (Photo: NASCAR)

After thanking his team and fans Pastrana said “It's tough to step back now and prove the critics were right, but unfortunately my results were not good enough to get the sponsors I needed to appropriately fund next season.

"My wife Lyn-z has been more then supportive of my foray into NASCAR, often times being my biggest source of encouragement and support. But as my wife had to take a step back from being a professional skater to let me chase my goals in racing, I too need to take a step back and look at my situation as a father and husband. The NASCAR schedule is grueling and takes enormous sacrifices from those you love to make work. With a lack of funding next year, now is my opportunity to sit back and offer support as she chases her goals.”

From GMM

The heat of the 2014 'silly season' is now squarely on McLaren, amid rumours the British team has decided to replace Sergio Perez with rookie Kevin Magnussen.

From a commercial point of view, the shift of focus on the driver side would be interesting -- it was believed Mexican Perez's arrival at Woking would precede by a year his backer, Telmex, succeeding Vodafone as the title sponsor.

Indeed, an announcement of Vodafone's unnamed successor had already been scheduled by McLaren for December 2.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

Coming a week after this month's Brazil season finale, many thought that date had been chosen so as not to interfere with the currently Telmex-backed Sauber's racing season.

But, suddenly, that date may no longer be relevant, according to McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

When asked about the December 2 announcement by reporters this week, he said: "There will be some new sponsors, but I think probably - and I don't know because I haven't talked to our PR function - there will be more of a fanfare at the car launch rather than an announcement on December 2."

McLaren's 2014 car will likely be revealed shortly before winter testing in January.

"My own view is that (by announcing on December 2) we would be taking away from what I hope will be an exciting car launch next year, but we will see," said Whitmarsh.

What's so special about this hot hatch? Well, it's got a great body that you'll never get tired of looking at, a front fascia full of character, a superbly crafted and comfortable interior, and of course the sort of driving dynamics that make pretty much every competitor green with envy.

With Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), a 6-speed, dual-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), and a turbocharged engine, I enjoyed every moment behind the wheel of the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Too bad it drinks premium gas and costs a good deal of money at the pump...

What is the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
This German icon offers all the benefits of a compact hatchback on top of a wonderful combination of ride and handling. It's a fun little sports car that's easy to drive and comfortable enough to put a smile on your face during long trips -- unlike the Honda Civic Coupe Si I recently reviewed.


2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Price and Specs
The award-winning 2.0L 4-cylinder TSI engine under the hood of the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque via a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or the aforementioned 6-speed DSG (which comes with paddle shifters, by the way). What a wonderful performer!

Pricing starts at $29,275 for the base GTI 3-Door model and rises to $32,775 for the top-of-the-line 5-Door Wolfsburg Edition. While that puts the latter into luxury-car territory, I can assure you that it's worth every penny.

On the flip side, I recorded an average fuel consumption of 9.5L/100km despite driving mostly on the highway. Granted, I took full advantage of the exciting powertrain, but how could I resist?

The award-winning 2.0L 4-cylinder TSI engine under the hood of the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Wolfsburg Edition
What do I have to tell you about the drive? The sound of the engine, the lively differential that allows spirited acceleration, the sharp steering, the fabulous DSG: What a treat! The gearshifts are lightning-quick, especially in sport mode, and the paddle shifters are mounted on the steering wheel (not the steering column), which keeps them within reach no matter what. Braking, meanwhile, proves linear and convincing.

Life on the road with the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Wolfsburg Edition isn't all sunshine and rainbows, mind you. While the human-machine interface is quite user-friendly overall, with a decently sized main display and conveniently located controls, there is no back-up camera, and the navigation system managed to confuse me.

What's more, synchronizing my smartphone with the car through the Bluetooth device turned out to be pretty complicated. I eventually realized that the way to do it is by following the tiny instructions on the instrument cluster instead of the centre screen. To top it all off, the voice recognition system had a few problems understanding what I said.

The sound of the engine, the lively differential that allows spirited acceleration, the sharp steering, the fabulous DSG: What a treat! (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI 5-Door Wolfsburg Edition
The 18” wheels, black grille with red striping, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, and aerodynamic rear spoiler integrated into the hatch make the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI look so dynamic and attractive.

Interior fit and finish seem to be just as sharp as the exterior. The Wolfsburg Edition's Jacky cloth sports seats, contrasting stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and red stripes on the seat belts add to the car's refinement. Even though Volkswagen is not a luxury brand per se, you definitely feel like you're in a premium environment with the great attention to detail.

Beyond their trendy look, the seats prove comfortable and supportive. The rear ones also provide an impressive amount of room, and when you fold them down, the hatchback configuration boosts cargo versatility.

The Wolfsburg Edition's Jacky cloth sports seats, contrasting stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and red stripes on the seat belts add to the car's refinement. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ offer a sportier driving experience. The Honda Civic Coupe Si is another great alternative, although it's not as upscale as the GTI. Let's not forget the 252-horsepower Ford Focus ST, which retails for about the same price.

Ultimately, the sophisticated drive and superb build quality of the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI make it hard to beat; however, reliability issues continue to affect its reputation.

Flying Lizard has become the first team to field an Audi R8 in the new United SportsCar Racing (USCR) championship.

The former Porsche factory team will race two V10-powered R8 LMS in the GTD category, which is for GT cars from the defunct Grand-Am championship.

“We're delighted that such a renowned team has opted for the Audi R8 LMS,” says Romolo Liebchen, Head of Audi Sport customer racing.

“Our aim is to increase our presence in U.S. motorsport. I'm convinced that Flying Lizard won't be the only team in United SportsCar Championship to rely on the Audi R8 LMS in 2014. Other teams will follow.”

In 11 years so far, Flying Lizard won a total of six championships in the American Le Mans Series days before switching to Audi, which claimed over 100 wins through its customer sport program since 2009.

2014 kicks off in January at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where the Ingolstadt manufacturer returns as reigning champion after a 1-2 victory in 2013.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Review

The nicest evolution yet of the Impreza.

Reykjavik, Iceland -- “In Iceland, sometimes the plow gets stuck.” This is not what you want to hear as darkness descends on your expedition. Certainly not if you’re driving something considerably smaller than a snowplow, like, say a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Review - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Review - Automobile Magazine

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Honda revealed a sketch of its fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Concept on Nov. 11 ahead of the upcoming LA Auto Show.

2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale Review

Successful excess.

BOLOGNA, ITALY -- I’ve spent the afternoon roaring up and down a series of switchbacks scything through the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna. The view out my windshield – postcard blue sky and picturesquely dilapidated farmhouses dotting improbably green pastures – looks like a Baroque Carracci landscape. Lunch was homemade tagliatelle at a roadside trattoria, and I’m heading to what promises to be a three-hour, 10,000-calorie dinner in Maranello. Frankly, I’d be having a hell of a time even if I were behind the wheel of a pipsqueak Fiat Panda. As it happens, I’m driving a Ferrari. And not just any Ferrari, but a 458. And not just any 458, but a brand-new 2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale .

Photo Gallery: 2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale Review - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale Review - Automobile Magazine

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Kia is targeting a 120-mile driving range on a single charge for the electric version of its Soul subcompact arriving next year in the United States.

The third season of and#8220;Nissan GT Academyand#8221; starts Monday on Spike TV at 10:30 p.m. EST. The and#8220;

Volkswagen Group of America has hired Vinay Shahani as vice president of marketing, bolstering the brand's executive team as it prepares for its most important American debut since the launch of the redesigned Passat in 2011.

Subaru's 2015 WRX model is slated to make its world debut at the