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Vehicle sales in Turkey may rise to 860,000 units this year from 777,761 in 2012, an industry body predicted.

Mercedes-Benz hypes stabilization technology by showcasing chickens bopping to the beat of "Upside Down" by Diana Ross.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel's dominance is being powered by a clever post-'exhaust blowing' solution, a specialist Italian magazine claims.

After the reigning world champion extended his 2013 points lead with a dominant performance in Singapore, former F1 team boss Giancarlo Minardi raised doubts about the legality of Vettel's Red Bull.

Minardi, watching trackside at Marina Bay, said Vettel's car displayed worryingly good handling, while his Renault engine "sounded similar to past seasons when traction control went into action".

Indeed, Autosprint has now revealed an exclusive video that depicts the odd mid-corner sound of Vettel's car in Singapore.

It can be seen at here.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB9, Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

The cover of the latest edition of Autosprint reads 'Il segreto di Vettel' (Vettel's secret), and reveals reportedly "confidential information" about the German's recent dominance.

Autosprint, however, doubts Red Bull is using some kind of 'traction control', but rather a clever engine mapping that mimics the behaviour of exhaust-blown diffusers in the wake of the FIA's clampdown in that area.

British journalist James Allen, writing on his blog, agrees: "Rather than traction control, some kind of mapping to blow into the exhaust within the rules is more likely".

Toto Wolff, Mercedes' competition boss, is quoted by Speed Week: "In this form, Sebastian could win all the remaining races of the season."

That could lead to more booing on the podium.

Pirelli boss Paul Hembery told the German newspaper Bild: "Sebastian will only be popular again when he loses. He will have to stand up in defeat, laugh and be humble. Nobody likes a bad loser.

"Maybe we can help him out by supplying him with only three tyres?" he joked.

From GMM

Vitaly Petrov could be set to burst back into F1 as a powerful pay-driver, it has emerged.

Once racing for Renault and Caterham, the Russian's former manager, Oksana Kosachenko, claimed last week that Petrov has managed to come up with an impressive EUR 25 million in sponsorship to offer a 2014 team.

Speaking to Russia's Championat, 29-year-old Petrov did not deny Kosachenko's claim.

"I think Oksana always knows more about everyone, in all the projects," he said sarcastically.

"There is nothing to comment on. I don't know what to say," added Petrov.

Vitaly Petrov. (Photo: WRi2)

He hinted, however, that he might now be well placed to secure a seat in 2014, after a season on the sidelines.

"We know that some teams have money worries," said Petrov, "so there is the chance for drivers who can help in this area."

With Sauber already preparing to field a Russian driver next year in the form of Sergey Sirotkin, the big rumour is that Petrov could line up for the Russian supercar maker-owned team, Marussia.

"At the moment there is nothing new to say," Petrov answered, "but it is not a disadvantage for me if some teams wait a little while before deciding their drivers."

The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has launched its annual campaign to increase pedestrian awareness about the importance of being vigilant.

Using the slogan “Distraction, carelessness and impatience can leave marks,” the SAAQ wants pedestrians to remember to obey traffic signs and signals, cross at intersections, and beware of heavy vehicle blind spots.

What's more, law enforcement agencies in several municipalities across the province will lead operations on pedestrian safety. These initiatives encourage obeying traffic rules with special emphasis on the importance of vigilance and courtesy on the road for both pedestrians and drivers.

Mercedes-Benz has recently launched a new ad featuring... chickens! With Diana Ross' Upside Down playing in the background, our feathery friends help promote the German automaker's Magic Body Control technology in unique and surprisingly clever fashion.

Jean Todt's rival FIA presidential candidate has announced he would consider dropping the highly controversial Bahrain grand prix.

David Ward told the BBC that current president Todt is guilty of "poor decision-making" over green-lighting recent editions of the race amid continuing civil unrest.

"If it looks like the situation is deteriorating or not improving, what there should be - because this could happen tomorrow in another part of the world - is a standard process to handle this, that is immune from suggestions that one place is being treated differently from another," he said.

David Ward, however, denied that his close links to former FIA president Max Mosley are powering his push to dethrone Todt.

"I am doing this entirely for my own reasons," he said. "The reasons I'm running is I can see failures going on in terms of governance that I think are quite serious."

Straight line of Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

The days where grands prix are spiced-up by deliberately heavily-degrading tires could be over.

Since the tire-exploding crisis earlier this season, and the mid-year shift from steel to kevlar-belted tires, Pirelli has also been taking more conservative compound choices to the races.

Very recently, it has culminated in less exiting grands prix, and runaway championship leader Sebastian Vettel's now tight grip on the second half of the season.

And for 2014, despite the radical engine rules shift, little will change on the tire front.

"We will take a very conservative strategy," Pirelli boss Paul Hembery told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. "We will take the worst-case simulation as the basis for the development of the tire structure."

Paul Hembery argues Pirelli has been pushed in that direction by the teams, who are not overly willing to help with tire development for 2014.

Indeed, even the attempt to test with a representative car - Mercedes' current W04 - ended spectacularly badly for both the German team and F1's tire supplier.

Photo: Pirelli

Now, Pirelli is having to conduct 1000 kilometre tests with two-year old cars, such as the one with Red Bull in Barcelona recently.

"It went well, as far as we can tell," said Paul Hembery. "The car is three seconds faster than our Lotus test car. But we are still expecting a journey into the unknown with the new 2014 cars."

Even a post-race test in Brazil after the 2013 season finale has now been cancelled.

"It (the tire development situation) is because of the paranoia of the teams," said Hembery. "What we need in order to do our job, unfortunately doesn't fit with what the teams want. And nobody is coming up with a solution."

There is also uncertainty about Pirelli's longer-term future in F1.

The FIA has finally rubber-stamped the marque's presence on the grid beyond 2013, but a statement said that it is just a "transition period" because Bernie Ecclestone and the teams had already agreed deals with Pirelli.

"Pirelli has five year agreements signed with Ecclestone and the teams and expects that these are respected," said La Gazzetta dello Sport's Andrea Cremonesi.

The iconic and ground-breaking Ford Model T went on sale on October 1st, 1908 at a price of $850. It was Henry Ford's ninth production model, but the first built for mass market (most cars at the time cost $2,000 or more).

The original Model T had a 20-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine allowing a top speed of approximately 45 mph (72 km/h). It achieved about 13-21 mpg (equivalent to 11-18L/100km).

Nine body styles were available, all on the same chassis. Thanks to the savings from Ford's production innovations, the Model T eventually dropped to just $260.

From 1908 to 1927, 16.5 million units were sold across the globe. It still is the eighth-best selling car of all time.

Photo: Ford

Owners of 2013-2014 Audi A8, S6, and S7 models should be aware of a new recall that affects 61 vehicles in Canada. The sunroof may have been manufactured incorrectly and could eventually break, unsettling the driver and potentially leading to injuries or a crash. Dealers will therefore replace the sunroof glass panel.

Moreover, on 372 Audi S6 and S7 models from the same model years, a fuel line can become damaged over time due to a manufacturing defect. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Audi dealers will inspect and replace the fuel line if necessary.

Source: Transports Canada

Longtime IndyCar Series partner IZOD will end its run as title sponsor at the end of the current 2013 season, officials have announced.

Izod joined the IndyCar Series in 2008 as its official apparel provider and became the series title sponsor in 2010.

IndyCar officials are looking at possible replacements for the apparel company but according to sources, there is still a long way to go before the series could find another company that would be willing to take over.

Photo: IndyCar

The new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country will go on sale this fall starting at $53,315, plus $1,650 destination charge.

This upscale version of the new Silverado boasts a standard 355-horsepower 5.3L V8 engine and available 420-horsepower 6.2L V8 -- both of which seamlessly switch to 4-cylinder mode to save fuel during light-load driving.

The crew cab body is exclusive to the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country, along with a 5'8” or 6'6” cargo box. Unique content includes:

• Chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars;
• Body-coloured bumpers -- including Chevrolet's CornerStep rear bumper;
• Specific 20'' chrome wheels with P275/55R20 all-season tires.

The exclusive saddle brown interior of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country features heated and cooled perforated premium leather front bucket seats with High Country logos on the headrests, as well as Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8'' touch screen, Bose premium audio, and front and rear park assist.

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

F1's major teams reportedly oppose moves to appoint a single fuel supplier.

Last week after the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, it emerged that the new Concorde Agreement paves the way for a single supplier of fuel in future.

The FIA will be "in charge of conducting the tender process", the governing body's media statement said, with Bernie Ecclestone "entitled to run the commercial negotiations with potential suppliers".

Lotus' fuel at Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

But according to Germany's Sport Bild on Wednesday, the big teams are not happy about this development.

That's because they all have separate and lucrative deals in place with major oil corporations: Ferrari with Shell, Renault with Total, Mercedes with Petronas, McLaren with Mobil.

But if, for example, Total is selected as F1's sole fuel supplier, that would cost Ferrari its EUR 25 million deal with Shell, Mercedes its 30m Petronas deal, and so on.

The FIA announced last Friday that it has now signed up to the new Concorde Agreement with the commercial rights holder, led by Ecclestone.

And separately, the teams - even Marussia, according to The Times newspaper - all now have financial deals in place with the F1 chief executive.

But before the actual tripartite Concorde Agreement is in force, the teams have to sign up, and Sport Bild said the new fuel issue could be a fly in the ointment.

From GMM

Bruno Senna has admitted his formula one career is probably over.

The nephew of F1 great Ayrton Senna, Brazilian Bruno Senna, now 29, raced until last year with HRT, Renault and Williams, scoring 33 career points.

He now drives for Aston Martin in the FIA's world endurance sports car championship, and has left the door open to a switch to Indy or NASCAR in 2014.

Felipe Massa (Ferrari) and Bruno Senna (Williams) in Spa-Francorchamps, in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Bruno Senna said he would "never close the door" on a return to F1 either.

"But the chance of getting a competitive car there is low," he told Brazil's Globo, "so I'm not too worried about that (F1).

"I do hope that Brazil will not be without a driver in formula one," added Senna, referring to Felipe Massa's push to stay in the sport after losing his Ferrari seat.

"It is difficult to know what will happen, the teams are always in negotiation, but he is a fighter," said Bruno Senna. "His results this year have been good; much more consistent than a year or two ago. I'm hoping he can represent Brazil next year."

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg's weight could dent his chances of securing a McLaren seat in 2014.

Earlier this year, it emerged that the tall German's feet were a squeeze in the footwell of the Sauber.

Now, with Sergio Perez's place in doubt, Hulkenberg's candidature could end simply because he weighs in at 74 kg.

Amid rumours Perez's Mexican sponsors are behind in their payments to McLaren, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that yet another problem for Perez is the possible identity of the Woking based team's next title sponsor.

It had been expected the departing Vodafone's successor would be a Mexican company, but the latest news is that the razor company Gillette is in fact in pole position.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

However, Germany's Sport Bild reports that McLaren is concerned Hulkenberg - a logical candidate to replace Perez - weighs too much for its 2014 car, which due to the radical new powertrain regulations will weigh almost 50 kilograms more than this year's single seaters.

The mandatory minimum weight of the cars is being increased, but not by as much as the expected weight increases of the new technology.

Even last year, the tall Mark Webber had complained: "(I) haven't eaten for the last 5 years! Minimum weight has been too low for ages. Perfect driver weight now 60-65kg."

Nico Hulkenberg is also in contention for the Lotus seat being vacated by Kimi Raikkonen, but another contender is the newly Brazilian sponsor-backed Felipe Massa.

It is believed Hulkenberg sees Sahara Force India - his 2012 employer - as a fallback option, and that the Silverstone based team is prepared to replace the underperforming Paul di Resta.

But another candidate for a Force India seat next year is the McLaren-backed rookie Kevin Magnussen, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Respected correspondent Michael Schmidt said the young Dane could even be the frontrunner, because Sahara Force India apparently owes McLaren money for past supplies of transmissions and hydraulics.

2014 Kia Cadenza

It might seem this way, but the Cadenza is not a flagship model.

New For 2014

The 2014 Kia Cadenza is a new model.

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2014 Kia Optima

With bold, sharp lines, the Optima looks almost as sporty as the Mazda 6. Unfortunately for Kia, the Mazda 6 is actually sporty.

New For 2014

The 2014 Kia Optima receives a mild refresh that includes redesigned front and rear ends. The instrument cluster and the aluminum wheels are redesigned, too.

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2014 Kia Forte

The compact Kia Forte is all-new for 2014. It comes in three styles: Forte, Forte5, and Forte Koup.

New For 2014

The 2014 Kia Forte sedan, the Forte5 hatchback, and the sporty Forte Koup are all-new.

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2014 Kia Rio

All new last year, the 2014 Kia Rio destroys the idea that a Korean subcompact has to be a crappy, dowdy econobox.

New For 2014

Nothing.

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2014 Kia Sedona

There's really only one reason to buy a Kia Sedona: price.

New For 2014

Not as much as we'd hoped. The 2014 Kia Sedona receives new front fascia, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a full leather interior are the most notable updates.

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