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From GMM

McLaren on Tuesday said it understands Red Bull's reluctance to release aerodynamics chief Peter Prodromou from his contract.

McLaren has already signed Prodromou, who works closely with Adrian Newey, but it is believed he remains under contract to Red Bull for at least one more year.

"I can't see any incentive for Red Bull to release him early," McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale told reporters during the Vodafone teleconference. "We'd be happy if he was starting first thing tomorrow morning, but we do fully respect Red Bull's position as we do when we're recruiting anybody from another organisation."

It is believed Prodromou's deputy has also been signed by McLaren, but he too could also be under contract for some time.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko was quoted as saying last week: "We'll see in a year where the two men are working."

Peter Prodromou and Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

F1's governing body is in a race against time to ensure teams obey the radical new rules next year.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that sensors designed to ensure teams are sticking by the new maximum fuel flow rate next year have proved not accurate enough in initial testing.

Next year, with the arrival of the new turbo V6 regulations, fuel will only be allowed to flow into the engine at a prescribed speed.

Correspondent Tobias Gruner said a British company called Gill HySpeed was awarded the contract by the FIA to supply the fuel flow rate sensors, which were tested at the young drivers test earlier this year.

F1 fuel flow sensor. (Photo: Gill sensors)

"The result was worrying," Gruner revealed. "Instead of the maximum permitted deviation of 0.5 per cent for the specified flow rate, the error (margin) was actually up to 1.5 per cent."

The British company has been working to fix the problem, but if the solution is ultimately deemed not good enough, the FIA would have to rely on information provided only by F1's engine suppliers.

And accusations of cheating would surely follow.

Gill HySpeed's fix is expected shortly, and could be tested either at the Pirelli tire test at Vallelunga, or in a forthcoming Friday practice session, because as Gruner explains, "bench testing alone is not enough".

The sensors will then be supplied to the manufacturers a few weeks before the opening winter test.

Like thousands of Canadians, you might drive a four-wheel drive (4x4) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) equipped car, wagon, crossover or truck for its added confidence, capability, and all-season, all-terrain traction.

Whether it's a Ford F-150, GMC Acadia, Subaru Legacy, Mitsubishi Evolution, Audi Quattro or other four-wheel driven ride you call your own, a few maintenance tips will help ensure its powertrain is in tip-top shape for its busiest season: winter.

Here are some tips to consider ahead of the cold-weather travel season that'll soon be upon us. Your mechanic or dealer service department has more details.


Visual Inspection
In minutes, your favourite mechanic or dealer technician can put your 4x4 or AWD ride into the air on a hoist for a visual check of its components. By examining for leaks, driveshaft issues, CV joint and axle wear or issues with the differentials, a mechanic can quickly address problems or give your ride's powertrain a clean bill of health which means you can rest assured your high-traction travels will be worry-free.

Unusual Sounds
Has your 4x4 or AWD system been making any unusual sounds or sensations when engaging? Most systems of this type, especially in newer rides, engage smoothly and with virtually no noise. If you've experienced any slamming sensations, strange vibrations or unusual noises, now's the time to have the system checked. Remember: Extreme cold and added stress of winter driving has a way of making un-maintained issues rear their heads, and the side of the road isn't where you want to be in the middle of February.

Switch it Up
Have you engaged the Auto or 4-HI setting from your four-wheel drive truck or SUV lately? If not, be sure to give it a try. Be sure the 4x4 system switches between its various modes as outlined in your owner's manual. Any issues, unwelcome sounds or failures to engage should be brought to the attention of your mechanic for a closer look.

Fluids
The four- or all-wheel drive system in your ride has a fluid-change schedule intended to maintain optimal fuel efficiency, durability, operational smoothness, and system effectiveness. Sticking to the service schedule for all fluids related to your AWD/4x4 system will help ensure worry-free travels, long-lasting component life, and can even help improve fuel mileage. If you're unclear on the service requirements of your vehicle's 4x4 or AWD system, talk to your vehicle's dealer service advisor. Note that most Canadians should follow the "severe" duty maintenance schedule, if applicable.

Computer Check
A quick computer system scan by a technician can look for issues with the sophisticated network of computers and sensors that control and regulate your ride's 4x4 or AWD system, as well as its engine and transmission. Not all electronics-related issues pertaining to your ride's powertrain will cause a "Check Engine" light to illuminate, so this check adds additional peace of mind that there are no issues waiting to present themselves.

From Toro Rosso

Scuderia Toro Rosso announced Tuesday that Daniil Kvyat will drive for the team from the start of the 2014 Formula 1 season, as the replacement for Daniel Ricciardo.

Ricciardo moves to Infiniti Red Bull Racing to take the place of the departing Mark Webber.

Kvyat, another product of the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme, will therefore partner Jean-Eric Vergne in the team's driver line-up. This year, the 19 year old Russian, who is based in Rome, has been competing in GP3 and the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.

Daniil Kvyat with Toro Rosso during the youngs drivers days. (Photo: Red Bull/Getty Images)

“We are pleased to continue our policy of bringing on drivers from the Red Bull Junior Programme,” said team boss, Franz Tost.

“Daniil is a very talented driver, which can be seen from his results in all the junior categories. He was a very successful kart driver and, in 2012 he took the Formula Renault 2.0 Championship title with 7 wins. This year, he competed in six rounds of the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, taking one win, 5 poles and 5 podiums. In addition to this, he is still in a position to win the GP 3 Championship, as he is only 7 points behind the leader. He impressed our team with a strong performance and very informative technical feedback at the young driver test in Silverstone. This suggests that the basic qualities from which he can progress are all in place. Daniil can be sure that we will use all our experience of training youngsters to give him the best possible start to his Formula 1 career,” Tost explained.

“I had a brief taste of working with the Toro Rosso team, when I drove for them at the Silverstone test and I enjoyed the experience very much. The fact I am based in Italy and speak Italian will, I am sure, help me to become part of the team very quickly,” said Daniil Kvyat.

The latest model participating in the battle for American pickup supremacy comes with numerous promises including fantastic mileage and the most refined ">Chevrolet Silverado driving experience, ever. For model-year 2014, designers, planners, and engineers put in the overtime on this rig and the result of their work recently landed at dealer lots across the continent.


What is a Chevrolet Silverado?
The new Chevrolet Silverado is the most recent iteration of one of the most popular trucks on the road. With selection, a solid reputation, and droves of fiercely loyal owners, Chevrolet has a strong sales leader with the Silverado.

Machines like this are a seriously big deal in northern locales and popping the hood on the latest bit of Chevy truck engineering instantly gathered a crowd at my local coffee shop hangout.

The new Chevrolet Silverado is the most recent iteration of one of the most popular trucks on the road. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Price and Specs
Other than a handful of parts, the new Silverado engine lineup is all new. At writing, shoppers could specify a 4.3L V6, or one of two V8s, with either 5.3L or 6.2L of displacement. All of these engine options use cylinder deactivation, direct injection, variable-valve timing, and plenty more to turn in more power using less fuel. They all come teamed to a 6-speed automatic.

My tester got the 5.3L, which sends 355 horsepower (up from last year's 315) to the ground through a four-wheel-drive system bolted away under some skid plates thanks to the Z71 off-road package. Beefed up shocks, tow hooks, and aggressive tires were fitted too. A dial lets drivers choose between various 4x4 modes, and the rear diff locks automatically if the ground beneath gets sloppy.

Towing capacity, depending on the model and selected hardware, tops out at 12,000 lbs.

Starting price for the new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is $32,245; however, my Z71 trimmed pickup starts in the $40k range.

My tester got the 5.3L, which sends 355 horsepower (up from last year's 315). (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
The driving experience stood out the most when visiting the open highway with the Chevy Silverado, as well as my local off-road trail system.

The suspension's heavy-duty shocks turn in a bit of a jiggle-y, busy ride on the off-road rough stuff -- though it largely feels pure tough, the way a truck should. Drivers visiting rough terrain in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado should expect to feel well backed-up with a vehicle that feels like it belongs there. Though the truck's size and massive hood make it difficult to place on tight trails, the four-wheel drive system and auto-locking rear-differential mean traction never proved an issue -- even through trail segments that made your writer grimace.

On smooth highways, the beefy suspension is a bit stiff, but comfortable overall. Most notable on the highway were the noise levels. After some 12 hours worth of driving at speed, I left the Silverado impressed with the lack of outside noise allowed into the cabin thanks, in no small part, to an exhaustive aerodynamic assault on offending sounds. Even at higher speeds, I could have a conversation without raising my voice. A good number of high-dollar luxury sedans I've recently visited were noisier at similar speeds.

With voice commanded systems, a fantastic forward view, above-average headlamp performance and numerous automatic or self-activating features in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, you're well set up for a confident and laid-back road trip experience that's conducive to relaxation and socializing.

I returned the tester after 1,800 kilometres having achieved an overall, measured-by-hand average consumption of 13.2L/100km. For where and how I drive, that's just about small-truck mileage in a big truck with a big V8.

The suspension's heavy-duty shocks turn in a bit of a jiggle-y, busy ride on the off-road rough stuff -- though it largely feels pure tough, the way a truck should. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
On board, much of the switchgear and controls are familiar, too. It's mostly new and fresh, but those familiar with the interior of an older Silverado will feel right at home. The new cabin's layout is more dynamic, detailed and daring than the outgoing model, though the hard plastic lining the entire thing will let soft-touch buffs down, slightly.

I loved the abundance of clever, well-thought-out storage compartments and cubbies all around the front seats in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Ditto for the presence of no fewer than three 12-Volt outlets, four USB power points, and one household outlet just inches from my fingertips. On one jaunt with some pals, four cell phones, one MP3 player, and my camera battery pack were all plugged in for recharging.

Complaints included the somewhat-cheesy application of a slivery spray-paint like finish on some interior panels, and the massive hood, long body, and relatively lazy turning circle eating away at my ability to look like I know how to park a big truck.

On board, much of the switchgear and controls are familiar, too. It's mostly new and fresh, but those familiar with the interior of an older Silverado will feel right at home. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
Ultimately, the new Silverado (with Z71 package) should appeal strongly to pickup shoppers who frequently visit off-road situations, but who also enjoy a comfortable and quiet highway and around-town experience. With good fuel consumption figures (which will get better after engine break-in is complete), the high-efficiency V8 should also connect strongly with shoppers who aren't interested in the added cost of running a diesel or turbocharged gas engine in comparable models from Dodge and Ford, respectively.

Ram pickups stirred up some controversy a couple years ago when they replaced the traditional pickup truck's leaf-spring rear suspension with multilink coils. That setup has proved a winner for the brand formerly known as Dodge, and when they released the segment's first air suspension last year it garnered Ram multiple industry awards -- not to mention a 30% market share, up from 13% in 2009.

For 2014, Ram's done it again by producing the industry's first light-duty pickup with a diesel.


What is a 2014 Ram 1500?
Ram is Canada's longest running line of pickup trucks, established in 1917 with an estimated 79% of vehicles sold since 1987 still on the road today. Model designations refer to tow ratings, hence Ram 1500 (half-ton), 2500 (three-quarter ton) and 3500 (one ton).

While other companies have chosen to turbocharge their powerplants to achieve optimum fuel efficiency, Ram developed several technologies that lower consumption: reducing parasitic load on the engine, fuel-saving start/stop, improved aerodynamics (including active grill shuttering), and now the segment-exclusive EcoDiesel.

Although official fuel numbers for the diesel have yet to be released, the V6 Pentastar pickups are claiming a Best in Class fuel economy of up to 7.8L/100 km highway.

Ram is Canada's longest running line of pickup trucks, established in 1917 with an estimated 79% of vehicles sold since 1987 still on the road today. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

2014 Ram 1500 Price and Specs
The 2014 Ram is claiming an awful lot of "Best in Class" titles, including the segment first 8-speed transmission, active grill shutters, EcoDiesel engine, Multi-link coil rear suspension, 7" Display screen, and cargo-box management system.

There are nine trim levels from base ST to the range-topping Laramie Limited. The three lowest trim levels are available in Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab, while Outdoorsman, Big Horn, Sport, and Laramie are available in Quad and Crew Cab only. Top-spec Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited come only in Crew Cab.

There are three powertrains: 3.0L EcoDiesel with 240 hp/420 lb-ft with an 8-speed transmission, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 305 hp/269 lb-ft and an 8-speed automatic transmission, and 5.7L Hemi V8 with 395 hp/410 lb-ft mated to either a 6-speed or 8-speed transmission. Prices start at $26,995 for a Reg. Cab ST and will travel up to $57,595 for a Laramie Limited Crew Cab 4x4. Diesel is available, but adds about $4,500. There are many additional equipment options for the 2014 Ram: RamBox cargo management ($1,195), four-corner air suspension ($1,500), power sunroof ($1,295), trailer tow group ($350), just to name a few.

The 2014 Ram is claiming an awful lot of "Best in Class" titles, including the segment first 8-speed transmission, active grill shutters, EcoDiesel engine, etc. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Driving the 2014 Ram 1500
Of course, the big news here is the available 3.0L EcoDiesel. Although we drove all configurations, the diesel is bound to be the one that generates the most buzz for the Ram 1500, being the only one in its segment. It's an idea that is long overdue, especially given the current price of fuel.

The 2014 Ram EcoDiesel is light-years beyond the oil-burners of my youth with their stench and clatter. Beautifully refined, smooth and powerful, it will banish any preconceived notions you may ever have held about diesel pickups. Chrysler has yet to release any official ratings on this engine, but claims it will better the consumption of its Pentastar V6.

Our drive was limited to about 20km of rolling Halton Hills country roads, but was enough to convince us that the 420 lb-ft of torque was enough power to have us wondering why anyone would opt for the Hemi. It's perfectly matched to the 8-speed transmission, which makes efficient use of the engine's abundant low-end torque.

Beautifully refined, smooth and powerful, it will banish any preconceived notions you may ever have held about diesel pickups. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Ram 1500
The Ram retains its rugged "big rig" appearance, updated with content and a signature grille to suit each trim level. There are now 12 paint choices, available in single or two-tone, depending on the model.

We drove a Hemi-powered Crew Cab Laramie 4x4, resplendent in cherry red with grey trim, and chrome brightwork; as wells as the EcoDiesel version in a Quad cab Sport.

Both interiors are roomy and comfortable, and if they don't boast the almost ludicrously rich hand-tooled embellishments of the Longhorn, they feature quality materials with tight-fitting panel gaps. There's plenty of legroom in both configurations, although the Crew Cab is extraordinarily accommodating. All 8-speed-transmission equipped vehicles feature a dash-mounted rotary shift knob.

The multimedia U-Connect interface features a huge 8.4" touchscreen, voice recognition, real-time fuel price display, Wi-Fi hot-spot recognition, satellite and navigation, and iPod and other media compatibility. There's a slick new 7” integrated gauge cluster with a different start-up theme for each trim level. Steering wheel controls allow the driver to display information in a variety of configurations, including: fuel economy, speed, trailer tow information, compass direction, and vehicle info.

If the cabins don't boast the almost ludicrously rich hand-tooled embellishments of the Longhorn, they feature quality materials with tight-fitting panel gaps. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Comparing the 2014 Ram 1500
Since the 2014 Ram is the only light-duty pickup to offer diesel (until Nissan's Titan, predicted to arrive next year), the competition just got tougher.

Ford's F-150 with the EcoBoost V6 has a towing capacity of 11,000lb to the Ram EcoDiesel's 9,200lb. Toyota's Tundra is rated at 10,000lb, but the soon-to-arrive 2014 Chevrolet Silverado trumps them all with 12,000lb.

There's stiff competition for ever-decreasing fuel economy too, with the 2014 Silverado/Sierra boasting 13.0L/100km city and 8.7L highway from the 5.3L V8, better than Ford's F-150 V8 by 1L and Ram's V8 by 1.5L. The Ram EcoDiesel's estimated 7.8L/100 km highway comes out the winner.

From GMM

Porsche has denied the very latest suggestions it might be gearing up for a formula one foray.

Exactly a year ago, the Volkswagen-linked carmaker denied that its sports car programme - to feature Mark Webber at the wheel in 2014 - was a mere warmup to F1.

Alongside grand prix winner Webber, who has been poached directly from F1's world champion team, Porsche has also been busily signing up F1 personnel including Fritz Enzinger, Alex Hitzinger, Mike Krack and Urs Kuratle.

The Weissach facility has also been set up as a world-class motor sport factory complete with wind tunnel.

Now, the correspondent for Auto Motor und Sport, Tobias Gruner, suggests that Porsche has managed to attract those high-calibre personnel "on the prospect of a formula one comeback" in the near future.

Porsche has consistently denied the regular speculation. A spokesman said this week that the marque is "fully committed" to its 2014 Le Mans project, as well as GT racing.

"There are no plans to enter formula one," the spokesman added.

However, a subtle hint may have been dropped in the latest edition of Porsche's employee magazine.

In it, an article says that because F1 is returning to a turbo era from 2014, Porsche engineers got in contact with Hans Mezger, who developed McLaren's title-winning TAG-Porsche engines in the 80s.

"This (magazine) article was surprising, to say the least," said Tobias Gruner.

Alain Prost aboard the McLaren-TAG-Porsche. (Photo: WRi2)

Both Volkswagen management and the UAW want to see history play out differently in Tennessee from the last time the German automaker had an American assembly plant.

Both Volkswagen and the United Auto Workers union want to see history play out differently in Tennessee from the last time the German automaker had a U.S. assembly plant.

Car haulers loaded with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee stick out on the flat farmland like elephants on the savannah -- lumbering behemoths easy to spot, even from miles away.

We dove deep into the

If you were concerned that Toyota Land Cruisers of all vintages are rapidly becoming unaffordable... you're correct.

Ford is taking World War T(axi) to Nissan with its Transit Connect Taxi, which added Hong Kong to its list of cities served on Monday.

A significant French PSA Peugeot Citroen union says it looks likely the automaker will secure virtual majority backing for its cost reduction plan, envisaging a salary freeze among other measures.

Sonic Automotive, the nation's third-largest retailer of new vehicles is getting ready to take on the largest U.S. retailer of used vehicles.

Freeway construction in the San Francisco Bay Area often takes place at a maddeningly deliberate pace, and

Self-driving cars being planned by Google and global automakers may help counter slumping demand from younger customers by tapping the fastest-growing demographic in the world's largest vehicle markets: the elderly.

Take Dad and His 1980 Mazda RX-7 to Road America

Ultimate Fantasy Number Six.

Editor's Note: This is the sixth of eight automotive fantasies from our November 2013 print issue. We'll be publishing the fantasies over the next few weeks on automobilemag.com. Look for the issue on newsstands now or download our iPad issue to read them all.

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Nissan announced prices for its 2014 Juke and Juke Nismo vehicles, which are on sale now in U.S. dealerships. Buyers will be able to get into the little

The recent surge in auto production in the United States is hurting vehicle quality because automotive parts suppliers have less time to fix problems that emerge on the line, Ford's new global purchasing chief told reporters today.