Auto News 5

Porsche will open its largest Porsche Experience Center next year in Los Angeles to allow Porsche owners and potential customers to test the automaker's sports cars.

BMW has released images and details of the 4-series convertible, which will launch in Europe early next year, after debuting at the LA auto show in November.

The BMW i3 is a big Web winner. The electric car's Frankfurt auto show debut led to huge increases in coverage via online news stories, Twitter posts and blog mentions.

According to reports, James Hinchcliffe is on the verge of signing a multi-year contract with Andretti Autosport, which is expected to switch its allegiance and become a full-fledged Honda team for 2014.

When Ganassi recently announced that it was to team-up with Chevrolet, that left Honda without a premier IndyCar team to motorize, but Auto123.com has learned that Michael Andretti's team has had close contact with Honda Performance Development to become the top program for the manufacturer.

Photo: Honda Racing

We believe that official announcement concerning drivers and sponsors for Andretti could be made as early as this week-end, during the IndyCar finale at Fontana.

Assistance from Honda Canada, which has also been mentioned as a possible source of funding to keep Hinchcliffe at Andretti, is also expected to be confirmed.

In related news, Andretti Autosport confirmed EJ Viso would not race in Fontana because he has the flue. Indy Lights frontrunner Carlos Munoz, who finished second for the team at the Indy 500 in May, is expected to fill the seat.

Wouldn't it be great if cargo capacity were no longer affected by EV batteries?

After three and a half years of research, Volvo is now ready to start testing a revolutionary battery concept that could eventually replace existing EV batteries, which are often criticized as being too big, too heavy, and too costly.

A Volvo S80 will serve as the test subject.

The idea is to combine carbon fibres with a polymer resin to create a very advanced nanomaterial, and mix it up with structural super capacitors. The reinforced carbon fibres sandwich the new battery and are moulded and formed to fit around the car's body, such as the door panels, fenders and rear hatch. The result is substantial space saving.

The material is recharged by the use of brake energy regeneration in the car or by plugging into a power grid. It then transfers the energy to the electric motor.

The all-new 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid will start arriving in showrooms in late November with a base MSRP of $29,995 and a city rating of 6.9L/100km.

Based on the already popular XV Crosstrek crossover, this hybrid variant benefits from a re-engineered chassis and suspension. It uses the same 148 horsepower, 2.0L, 4-cylinder BOXER engine as the rest of the lineup, but integrates a specific Lineartronic CVT that attaches to a 13.5 horsepower electric motor within its symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive system to create the new Subaru Hybrid Drive system.

The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid offers exclusive features such as silver raised-profile roof rails, lightweight, aerodynamic aluminum alloy wheels, and keyless access with push-button start.

Photo: Subaru

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly using the demise of Valencia's F1 project to give organizers of next year's provisional New Jersey race a boost.

We reported this week that F1 chief executive Ecclestone has agreed to terminate Valencia's contract without financially penalising the Spanish hosts.

It means the Valencian government is avoiding a reported EUR 54 million in break costs.

"What we have agreed," said president Alberto Fabra, "is that we will not use any equipment in other circuits."

The Spanish sports newspaper Marca has now revealed more details of Ecclestone's termination deal with Valencia.

"Everything in formula one has a price," wrote correspondent Paul Juanarena.

He said Ecclestone has negotiated to take possession of Valencia's street circuit equipment, including more than 10 kilometres of fencing and barriers, worth several million euros.

The beneficiary, Juanarena explained, would be organisers of the financially-pressed inaugural New Jersey grand prix, whose place on the 2014 calendar is conditional upon "circuit approval".

From GMM

McLaren protege Stoffel Vandoorne has revealed he was in the running to replace Daniel Ricciardo at Toro Rosso next year -- until he said no to the Red Bull junior team.

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has said he is trying to find seats in formula one for the 21-year-old Belgian as well as his 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 rival Kevin Magnussen.

Vandoorne told the Belgian newspaper Le Soir: "Yes, Dr Helmut Marko contacted me in September."

He confirmed that the conversation was about 2014, because Australian Ricciardo was set to be announced as Mark Webber's replacement at Red Bull.

"As (Antonio Felix) da Costa was not doing an exceptional season, they began to question him and contacted me," said Vandoorne.

Antonio Felix da Costa (Photo: Renault)

"I talked with my management, they are of course very close to McLaren, and they advised me to continue (with McLaren).

"The proposal for Red Bull (Toro Rosso) covered only one year, but here (with McLaren) we see it for the longer term," he added.

Magnussen, poised to secure the Formula Renault 3.5 title ahead of Vandoorne this weekend in Spain, has been linked with Force India and Marussia for 2014.

Vandoorne admitted he is second in line behind the Dane.

"They (McLaren) are looking out for me too," he said, "but at this point, I would give myself a 20-25 per cent chance to go to F1 in 2014."

Stoffel Vandoorne (Photo: McLaren)

He said another season in Formula Renault 3.5 is the "most likely option" for next year, partly because McLaren does not rate the GP2 series.

Vandoorne also said the McLaren reserve role is a possibility.

Germany's Auto Bild is reporting that Portuguese da Costa will be announced next week as Ricciardo's Toro Rosso successor for 2014.

Todd Parrott, the crew chief best known for guiding Dale Jarrett to a NASCAR Cup Championship in 1999, has been suspended indefinitely for violation of the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy.

In a brief release NASCAR public relations stated:

“On Oct. 17, Parrott was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.”

Typically NASCAR does not disclose the identity of the forbidden substance, but, offers the “NASCAR Road to Recovery Program” where the person may be rehabilitated. The most famous graduate of that program is driver A.J. Allmendinger who has return to a full-time drive for next year.

Parrott is currently the crew chief for Aric Almirola's No.43 which is owned by Richard Petty Motorsports.

As a crew chief he's credited with 31 victories including two Daytona 500 wins with Dale Jarrett (1996 and 2000) at Robert Yates Racing. His last win was in 2012 at Watkins Glen with Australia's Marcos Ambrose at the wheel. He was also the crew chief for Matt Kenseth.

Parrott with Ambrose (Photo: NASCAR)

Parrott joined the predecessor Richard Petty Motorsports in 2006 and is the son of Buddy Parrott who was a one-time crew chief for Petty the seven-time NASCAR champion.

Statement from Richard Petty Motorsports:

“Sammy Johns, Vice President of Operations and Competition, will handle crew chief duties on the No. 43 Ford this weekend at Talladega. He will also handle these duties on an interim basis until further notice.

"We have an expectation of all RPM employees to conduct themselves at the highest level of professionalism and within the competitive confines as set forth by NASCAR," said Johns.

"We are very disappointed that one of our employees did not meet our expectations and we completely support NASCAR, their policies and final decisions when it comes to the substance abuse policy."

From press release

After three years of absence, Dean Stoneman will make his single seaters return when he will race the last rounds of the GP3 championship with Koiranen GP on circuit of Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, on November 2nd and 3rd.

Dean Stoneman commented: “I can't wait to get back to this type of racing. The last time I was in a single-seater was in the Williams F1 car in 2010 for the rookie test in Abu Dhabi. It will be special to be part of the F1 race weekend and the atmosphere that goes with it.

“I really want to thank Koiranen for the chance and its something I'm going to grab with both hands.”

The young driver had seen his racing life stopped in 2010 when he was diagnosed with Advanced Testicular Cancer.

Stoneman continued: “In 2010 I had the world at my feet. I was FIA F2 Champion and enjoyed a successful test with Williams and life couldn't be better.

“I had just signed to be Daniel Ricciardo's teammate in Renault World Series when I received the hammer blow and my racing and life was put on hold for two tough years. Returning to Abu Dhabi will be very special indeed.” 

Photo: gp3series.com)

This year has seen Dean Stoneman's full-time return to racing with a win in Carrera Cup GP Championship at Brands Hatch last weekend, followed by three days competing in the Middle East Radical Cup in Yas Marina, in preparation to his return in GP3 series.

Dean Stoneman will take part to a two-days testing programme with Koiranen GP immediately after the race weekend, in Yas Marina circuit.

The date is set, Dean Stoneman will be back on track in two weeks at the wheel of a Koiranen GP's car along with his weekend's teammates Kevin Korjus and Patrick Kujala. 

When GM first told us of its “3 Series contender” the ATS, we laughed our pants off right up until the moment we drove the vehicle. Yes, Cadillac made us believers in a world jammed full of so-called 3 Series competitors.

Not content with this shock to the system, the company now seems hell-bent on upsetting the German giant again with the launch of its new CTS, as it is marketing this model as a rival to the BMW 5 Series.

Well, this sets me giggling again, but for a somewhat different reason. You see, I've now driven the CTS and I have a lot of buddies with BMWs, so I'm about to place a few bets with them because Cadillac has just pulled off the double-play!


What is a Cadillac CTS?
You don't have to go too far back to recall the days when a Cadillac was simply the comfy cruise ship your grandfather chose to pilot around town. In fact, that's a pretty good description of the brand back then, as Cadillac sales were sinking like a holed rubber dinghy. Something had to be done, as the arthritic hands of its aging customers couldn't bail water fast enough to keep the company afloat.

Then in 2002 (2003 MY), a dramatic transformation took place with the launch of the Cadillac CTS. It was modern, it was edgy, it was sporty, and as un-Caddy-like as you could possible get. A risky move perhaps, but it has since paid off handsomely and planted the company firmly back in the thick of the luxury automobile market.

In 2002 (2003 MY), a dramatic transformation took place with the launch of the Cadillac CTS. It was modern, it was edgy, it was sporty, and as un-Caddy-like as you could possible get. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

2014 Cadillac CTS Price and Specs
The 2014 CTS range consists of five levels (Standard/Luxury/Performance/Premium, and the ultimate V-Sport Premium) with something in the lineup to suit all tastes and budgets.

Pricing starts at $50,895 for the pleasing base 2.0L turbo. Having driven this model (which I very much like), I have to remark on a couple of minor bugbears; No GPS (there is On-Star guidance) does not sound good on a $50k automobile, and why would GM push its starting price just over the $50k mark anyway? $49,999.99 would've sounded so much better!

Moving up, we have the Luxury edition ($54,035, and perhaps the best deal of all) adding 17” wheels, HD headlamps, GM's Driver Awareness Package, and the option of the 3.6L V6. The Performance model adds substantially more to this and starts at $61,650, with the Premium rising to $66,665. Of course, the all-new V-Sport Premium (V6 twin-turbo model) should prove itself popular with the sporty crowd, but it's going to cost them $74,495 to play in this high-performance league.

AWD is available on most models, although the V-Sport only comes in RWD (which should at least allow Audi to breathe a bit easier).

The all-new V-Sport Premium (V6 twin-turbo model) should prove itself popular with the sporty crowd. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Driving the 2014 Cadillac CTS
Well, GM certainly didn't lie about this being a 5 Series contender. It's comfy yet tight, with an almost German-like feel, and it looks simply sensational. In fact, as far as cockpit appeal goes, I'd actually hand the award to the Americans right now!

The new 2014 Cadillac CTS is longer, lower and leaner than the outgoing model, which is noticeable in the handling characteristics. The CTS loves twists and turns, and you can hammer on the throttle or brakes without overly upsetting the vehicle's composure.

Power-wise, the little 2.0L turbo is a true gem. It performs well, yet sounds nice while doing so (not all companies manage to achieve this with smaller powerplants).

The 3.6L V6 allows for slightly more smoothness, and the twin-turbo V-Sport (420 hp) is rip-roaring fun. If the form-hugging seats and chunky race-like steering wheel doesn't get your blood moving, then the roar of its exhaust certainly will. The V-Sport also comes with Magnetic Ride Control, front Brembo brakes and an Electronic limited Slip Differential as standard.

It's comfy yet tight, with an almost German-like feel, and it looks simply sensational. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Cadillac CTS
Cadillac has certainly turned up the heat regarding quality on the CTS, which is both noticeable outside and inside the vehicle. This is an automobile worthy of close inspection because simple items like the exterior mirrors and lighting units positively scream “attention to detail.” I particularly like the interior's open-pore wood treatment (one of eight unique interior environments), and the contrasting stitching on the seats. Perhaps slightly more in-your-face than its German counterparts but, in my opinion, a vehicle carrying the Cadillac nameplate ought to be a tad more glamorous!

Cadillac has certainly turned up the heat regarding quality on the CTS, which is both noticeable outside and inside the vehicle. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

Comparing the 2014 Cadillac CTS
GM is not shy in telling who it's targeting with the CTS (BMW must have upset them at some time), but other luxury brands (Mercedes-Benz, Audi) were also mentioned during the media presentation. Personally, I can't see many diehard German car fans switching over to an American automobile manufacturer (just yet). However, those now working their way up life's ladder finally have a seriously tempting alternative to the products of the fatherland.

From ALMS

After three days of testing under ideal conditions at Road Atlanta, light rain greeted competitors for the opening round of official practice for Saturday's 16th Petit Le Mans Powered By Mazda, the last ever race of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

Lucas Luhr topped the time sheets in the first session with  1:26.407 aboard the No. 6 Muscle Milk Pickett Racing HPD ARX-03c co-driven by Klaus Graf and Romain Dumas. Graf led the 18 teams choosing to participate in the day's second practice session, also held in a light rain shower.

Second in the morning was the No. 0 DeltaWing LM12 coupe of Andy Meyrick, 1:28.531. Co-driver Katherine Legge was also second in the afternoon.

Jan Magnussen, looking to wrap up the GT championship along with co-driver Antonio Garcia, led the class and was third overall with a lap of 1:29.499 in the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6 ZR1. GRAND-AM DP champ Jordan Taylor will also co-drive in Saturday's race.

Corvette Racing was 1-2 in the morning session, with Tommy Milner turning a lap of 1:29.829 in the No. 4 entry shared with Oliver Gavin and Richard Westbrook.

There were several spins on the slippery track, with the lone damage sustained when Stefan Johannson impacted the Turn 5 barrier and damaged the rear suspension of the No. 8 BAR1 Motorsports Merchant Services LTD/Evident Capital/MBRP Performance Exhaust ORECA LLM09 co-driven by Chris Cumming and Kyle Marcelli.

A two-hour night practice session will begin at 7 p.m.

I'll be the first to admit that technology has made our lives easier -- just think about all the medical breakthroughs or revolutions of the industrial era. In fact, we have made more technological advancements in the past 25 years than during the entire 20th century. Is that a good thing? Probably. However, there's something scary about progressing at such a rapid pace.

Always on the cutting edge
Back in the 1950s, few cars had HVAC systems; nowadays, this piece of equipment has become an integral part of automobiles, much like steering wheels and brake pedals. Technology has also contributed to the development of advanced safety and entertainment systems that sounded sci-fi not so long ago.

Remember, when you were a kid you dreamed of playing your Atari or Nintendo games while on a road trip with the family? Well, now it's possible thanks to the latest infotainment systems. Today's cars can even turn into mobile theatres!

When cars do all the thinking
No need for paper maps anymore: Most vehicles offer built-in navigation systems (or you can use a navigation app on your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone). You don't even need to use a phone book since modern GPS devices will list various points of interest which you can easily select using the touchscreen interface.

No wonder 21st-Century kids don't see the point of opening a book or doing research at the library...

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stay in touch on the go, automatic braking systems compensate for driver inattention, and rearview cameras make perfect parking manoeuvres a breeze (not to mention that some cars can park themselves!). A few years from now, autonomous vehicles will even become a reality.

Autonomy, but at what cost?
This word alone gives me goose bumps. While driverless cars have shown that they can be safer than conventional vehicles, I think we've gone a bit too far.

Have you seen the 2008 animation movie Wall-e? The characters are totally dependent on technology, they can't perform the slightest physical task, and they spend their entire days moving around like rolling couch potatoes -- literally. Heck, they even use a screen to talk to people who are right in front of them! I fear we're starting to look a lot like these dystopian weirdos...

If you ask me, moderation is always the solution, and like all the finer things in life, I believe technology is better in small doses. That's why I'll always carry my paper maps even though my phone has GPS.

From GMM

Felipe Nasr, whose name rhymes with that of his Ferrari-racing countryman, is hopeful of breaking into formula one in 2014.

Earlier, the 21-year-old was linked with the vacant Toro Rosso seat, but it is now believed more likely he will sign a test and reserve contract.

Nasr, third in the GP2 standings and backed by Sky Brasil and Banco do Brasil, is managed by Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson.

He is also said to have the support of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, who is worried Felipe Massa's potential exit would leave the important Brazilian market unrepresented on the grid.

Nasr told Brazil's Globo he is still in the running to make his grand prix debut next season.

Felipe Nasr, GP2 (Photo: Paolo Pellegrini/FelipeNasr.com)

"I am keeping the goal.  We are looking for it," he said.

But he admitted that becoming a reserve driver is "undoubtedly something that is also in the plans".

"You can see the examples of Hulkenberg and Bottas, who did the Fridays (practice sessions for a season) before coming in as race drivers.

"For me it would be good," he added, "because I don't know all the tracks.  So to get this sort of mileage would be very important."

The fourth-generation Acura TL launched for model-year 2009, and is due to be replaced any time by a new, fifth-generation machine. It's far from the freshest or newest model in its segment, but the current Acura TL is, however, one of the most established.

That's thanks in no small part to its delivery of performance, technology and everyday sensibility alongside two things premium shoppers love: an honest price tag, and the promise of reliable, no-nonsense ownership thanks to Acura's gleaming reputation for reliability.

The TL is getting old, but it remains a staple product in its segment that's well-deserving of a test drive.


What is an Acura TL?
The looks might still be controversial, but the Acura TL remains a great machine to drive, and a car special to the Acura brand. The current-generation TL put Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) technology into the mainstream luxury sedan market. Although it was late to the game, it pushed Acura sedans past the 300-horsepower mark, finally.

All of this exists in a highly usable package. There's generous room for four adults, plenty of at-hand storage, and a great, three-dimensional look to the instrument cluster, dashboard and controls. In all, you get unique styling that very much does its own thing while creating a distinctively upscale, tech-y atmosphere. Proper cup holders, deep door bins, and a sense of always having a place for your stuff help round out the package.

Key competitors include the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Infiniti G37.

The looks might still be controversial, but the Acura TL remains a great machine to drive, and a car special to the Acura brand. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

2013 Acura TL Elite Price and Specs
All Acura TL models get a VTEC V6 engine displacing either 3.5L or 3.7L. My tester had the larger unit, which sent 305 horsepower optionally to all four corners via the trick SH-AWD system through a 6-speed automatic. A manual transmission/AWD combination is, thankfully, available. Standard models get the 3.5L powerplant and front-wheel drive.

All Acura TL models get a VTEC V6 engine displacing either 3.5L or 3.7L. (Photo: Acura)

Driving the 2013 Acura TL Elite
Though not pack-leading where output is concerned, the big V6 in the 2013 Acura TL is pleasing to listen to and really piles the juice on at high revs as the VTEC power cam kicks in. The 6-speed automatic works well with the engine for smoothness and response, supporting a sporty but very refined character.

The SH-AWD system, as noted on numerous other test drives, has benefits that are twofold. First, on slippery stuff, it finds surprising levels of traction using sophisticated computer controls and fast-acting magnetic clutch packs to extract the most forward momentum from the ground beneath. Second, when drivers push the 2013 Acura TL's limits a little, the system overdrives the inside rear wheel, which slightly slides the tail out and points the nose inwards in a sort of mini-drift.

Translation? You get playful agility and locked-on confidence, depending on what your right foot is up to on the surface in question.

That's all directed by a heavyset steering system that confidently transmits a sense of agility and playfulness to the driver, too. At the end of the day, few sedans are this all-out confident and discreetly entertaining when pushed hard.

Powerful and fairly communicative brakes back up the performance capabilities. When you're on a relaxing drive, wind and road noise levels are kept adequately in check -- so is fuel consumption. This engine might not have all the latest fuel-saving gadgets, but I still averaged under 10L/100km over the course of a week.

The xenon projector lights are fantastic, and the big doors and comfy seats make this an easy car to get in and out of. Finally, blind-spot monitoring and a slew of fully automatic or voice-commanded features on the Elite grade tester added a sense of effortless relaxation on lengthy road trips.

The 6-speed automatic works well with the engine for smoothness and response, supporting a sporty but very refined character. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Acura TL Elite
Key strengths of the Acura TL are that it flies discreetly under the radar with its premium sedan execution. This isn't a machine that begs for attention, but rather focuses on sensibility and a quiet, confident demeanor. Though high-tech and sporty, the 2013 Acura TL is easy to drive, easy to learn, and requires nothing of the driver when they'd prefer to relax and enjoy a peaceful drive.

Key complaints? Simply, it's getting old. The navigation and infotainment read-outs are due for an overhaul, and so are many of the controls and interfaces on board. More power would help the 2013 Acura TL earn driving enthusiast dollars, and the lack of folding rear seats limits cargo-carrying capacity.

The navigation and infotainment read-outs are due for an overhaul, and so are many of the controls and interfaces on board. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Comparing the 2013 Acura TL
Numerous competitors are more modern-looking, both inside and out. A comparable Audi or Lexus will boast a more striking cabin, and a comparable BMW or Mercedes will likely prove more all-out comfortable.

Without a “new” Acura TL shoppers after a car that's discreetly sporty, offers a proven reputation, delivers plenty of character, and delivers a pleasing overall driving experience should add the current TL to their “to test drive” list.

From GMM

Ross Brawn has admitted F1's works teams will have an engine advantage in the new turbo V6 era.

That is because the rules forbid the engine manufacturers to supply more than a single specification, despite Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari all having customer teams.

So Mercedes team boss Brawn told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport that the single specification will be specifically tailored to the works teams -- Mercedes (Mercedes), Red Bull (Renault) and Ferrari (Ferrari).

"We will work together as one team at Brackley and Brixworth to get the best result from the complete car," he said. "Engine and chassis."

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

So that will mean the customer teams will have to make the most of engines that are tailored to the rival cars of the works teams.

"We will help our customers as far as we can, in terms of information," said Brawn. "But if I'm honest, they won't have a big say.

"We have developed a solution for us, so the others will have to adapt."

2014 Mercedes customer Williams' new technical boss Pat Symonds confirmed that, "In practice, we will have to go with the Mercedes package as it is delivered".

Meanwhile, Honda on Friday released an audio clip of the sound of its turbo V6 engine, which was recently fired up for the first time.

The engine will not be raced until 2015, when the works collaboration with McLaren begins.

Team figures have denied 2014 is a sort of 'gap year' for McLaren.

It is therefore expecting equal treatment from Mercedes, who while having its own Brackley based works team, will also sell engines to Force India and Williams next year.

"I know Mercedes very well, having worked with them for years," managing director Jonathan Neale is quoted by the Austrian website Laola1.

He said that with drivers needing to make do with just five V6 engines for the entire 2014 season, "all parts must be of the highest quality".

"So there can be no A, B or C equipment," Neale insisted.

From GMM

Pastor Maldonado's exit at Williams could pave the way for Felipe Massa, the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo is reporting.

Correspondent Livio Oricchio claims talks between Venezuelan Maldonado's management and sponsors, and bosses of the Grove based team, are taking place now.

The 28-year-old has reportedly run out of patience at Williams, despite the fact his powerful sponsors PDVSA remain under contract to the British team.

Williams admits it has a problem.

"I've never seen a racing car that reacts so little to modifications," veteran team manager Dickie Stanford told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, referring to the FW35 that has powered Maldonado to just a single point in 2013.

One unnamed team member, however, said 2012 Spanish grand prix winner Maldonado has also been part of the problem.

"He still makes too many mistakes," the team member is quoted as saying.

"In Korea, we told him repeatedly in the last stint to take care of the right front and, if possible, stay out of the battles.

"But what did he do? Drives like a madman and ruins his tires within three laps."

Maldonado also reportedly infuriated team bosses when he forced past teammate Valtteri Bottas in the final corner of the last lap in Japan, for a mere 16th place.

Both Germany's Auto Motor und Sport and O Estado de S.Paulo say Maldonado is eyeing departing Kimi Raikkonen's seat at Lotus.

Lotus would apparently prefer to sign Nico Hulkenberg, but that depends on the team finalising its 35 per cent sale to a group of investors known as Quantum.

"They (Quantum) are always saying 'We're coming, we're coming', but nothing happens," a Lotus source told Oricchio.

That is where Maldonado could come in. His sponsor PDVSA, bringing EUR 35 million a year to Williams, remains under contract to Williams for two more years.

But Oricchio said exit talks between the Maldonado camp and Williams are taking place.

Auto Motor und Sport's Michael Schmidt said deputy team boss Claire Williams was in Caracus recently, amid rumours PDVSA could pay millions to buy its way out of the deal.

Oricchio agreed that the exit talks have intensified since Suzuka.

The Venezuelan state oil company would then back Maldonado's switch to Lotus.

Felipe Massa (Photo: WRi2)

It is said Maldonado's manager, Nicolas Todt, is pushing for the deal to happen because it would open Williams' door to his other charge, Felipe Massa.

The Brazilian, who has reportedly put together a sponsor package worth about EUR 6 million, including Petrobras, is looking for a drive for 2014 after losing his seat at Ferrari.

Todt said: "Yes, it's been difficult for Pastor this year, with a car that does not allow the drivers to score points.

"They have to react and they have been hiring new people. Next year it (Williams) would be an excellent option for Felipe."

Hasbro's upcoming “Monopoly Empire” game will feature world-renowned brands such as Ducati and Chevrolet, offering players a whole new gaming experience in which they buy and sell prestigious companies instead of real estate.

Interestingly, Ducati will occupy the same square previously assigned in the classic versions to the most expensive icon of the Monopoly world: Boardwalk.

Meanwhile, players will move around the board using tokens that represent six of the brands: a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a Ducati 1199 Panigale, a bottle of Coca-Cola, an Xbox controller, a Paramount Pictures clapperboard, and the world-famous McDonald's French fries.

Here is the complete list of brands featured in the “Monopoly Empire” game:

• Beats by Dr. Dre;
• Carnival;
• Chevrolet;
• Coca-Cola;
• Ducati;
• eBay;
• Electronic Arts;
• Fender;
• Hasbro;
• Intel;
• JetBlue;
• McDonald's;
• Nerf;
• Nestlé;
• Paramount Pictures;
• Samsung;
• Spotify;
• Transformers;
• Under Armour;
• Xbox;
• X Games;
• Yahoo!.

An investor group led by Hong Kong tycoon Richard Li is the likely winner of a government loan owed by Fisker Automotive, the now-dormant maker of plug-in hybrid sports cars, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

Friendship Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram of Bristol, a Tennessee auto dealership that puts an emphasis on serving the needs of others, has won the top ranking on the second Automotive News list of the 100 Best Dealerships To Work For.