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The small town of Normal, Illinois, gets bragging rights when it comes to the state's greenest city. Considerable efforts were made by local authorities and businesses to encourage the adoption of electric cars. There are now over 300 of them... despite a population of just 53,837.

In addition to Federal and state incentives, new plug-in hybrid and electric cars registered in Normal are eligible for a tax rebate equivalent to 1% of the town's 7.75% sales tax. The local Mitsubishi dealer even offered a lease of $69 a month for 24 months instead of the automaker's official lease of $249 a month for 36 months on their i-Miev.

Normal also purchased 48 240V Level 2 charging stations and one DC quick-charging station, while leasing four of Supercharger stations from Tesla Motors. These public stations are all currently free to access.

Considering all that, why would you not buy a EV?

Source : greencarreports.com

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

As his legal troubles continue to mount, Bernie Ecclestone has vowed to keep fighting.

F1's embattled chief executive is already tackling the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption scandal against German prosecutors and the media group Constantin.

And it now emerges that the state Munich bank BayernLB is also preparing a mammoth lawsuit against the 83-year-old, whose long reign as the sport's supremo appears endangered.

Ecclestone might be tempted to try to settle the cases out of court, and according to a report by Reuters, his lawyers agree.

But, referring to the looming BayernLB case, the diminutive Briton vowed to fight it in court, insisting: "They picked the wrong person with me."

Meanwhile, amid earlier reports the UK tax office Revenue and Customs was looking into Ecclestone's affairs, shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry has also called on the Serious Fraud Office to launch a probe.

"What is the Serious Fraud Office for if not for investigating cases like this?" she told BBC Newsnight. "All I can say is that from what we've seen in the German courts and the British civil courts, there are questions to be answered."

The first-generation Ford Thunderbird, which hit the market in 1955 aiming to rival the Chevrolet Corvette, ceased to be built on December 13th, 1957.

Company executives felt that the car's position as a two-seater restricted its sales potential, so the T-Bird was redesigned as a four-seater for 1958, and immediately enjoyed a lot of success.

Overall, 53,166 copies of the original version were manufactured. Other than a lack of rear seats, many lamented its excessively hot cabin, poor visibility with the top up, and limited trunk space.

Source: automotivemileposts.com

Photo: Wikipedia

Alex Tagliani has now confirmed that he won't be Target Chip Ganassi Racing team new driver, leaving the door wide open for Ryan Briscoe to fill-in the seat left vacant with the departure of Dario Franchitti.

Tagliani had replaced the Scot at the IndyCar grand finale at Fontana and was called upon recently to do further tests with the team at Sebring.

The Dallara-Honda of Chip Ganassi Racing. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

The Canadian has already confirmed that he is in talks with both KV Racing Technology and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the 2014 season.

Ryan Briscoe is at the top of the list to replace Franchitti. The Australian was set to join Panther Racing in 2014 but the team is in danger of losing the hefty National Guard deal and had to let Briscoe pursue other options.

The Chip Ganassi organisation is set to announce its final choice today at Indianapolis.

As part of its “Blueprint for Mobility” program, which envisions a future of autonomous functionality and advanced technologies after 2025, Ford today revealed a Fusion Hybrid automated research vehicle that uses current and future sensing systems and driver-assist technologies.

These include four infrared light sensors that scan the road 2.5 million times per second and can track anything dense enough to redirect light. The car is therefore able to create a 3D map of the driving environment and avoid obstacles on its own.

“The Ford Fusion Hybrid automated vehicle represents a vital step toward our vision for the future of mobility,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “We see a future of connected cars that communicate with each other and the world around them to make driving safer, ease traffic congestion and sustain the environment. By doing this, Ford is set to have an even greater impact in our next 100 years than we did in our first 100.”

From GMM

Esteban Gutierrez says his "priority" is to stay at Sauber in 2014, even though the Mexican does not appear first in line for a seat with the Swiss team.

Despite its financial troubles this season, Sauber's two vacancies would appear the most attractive of the few remaining places on the 2014 grid.

The Mexico-backed, 22-year-old Gutierrez had a troubled start to his F1 career last year, but he made progress as Sauber improved its car in the second half of the season.

He told Brazil's Totalrace that he would give himself a mark of 7 out of 10 for the season.

Esteban Gutierrez in the Sauber-Ferrari cockpit. (Photo: WRi2)

Nonetheless, it is believed that Force India refugee Adrian Sutil, and the Dutch-backed Caterham driver Giedo van der Garde, are first in line for Sauber's 2014 seats.

It is even rumoured that Van der Garde visited Sauber's Hinwil headquarters this week.

Asked about his own negotiations for 2014, Gutierrez answered: "We're working hard. I think there are good opportunities for me to continue in formula one -- I hope things work out. For me, the priority has to be Sauber. I think it is important in formula one to have continuity, but it is always good to leave all the doors open."

Summary
The wraps are now off the new 2015 Subaru WRX, and while there were one or two surprises (it's not quite the same as the concept we were previously shown, and it now features something called a CVT), it is nevertheless a stunningly attractive vehicle. As the company produces the best CVT transmission I've ever driven (Subaru Forester), I'm prepared to hold my comments until I actually drive one.


Price
No word on pricing yet, but Subaru has been playing in this arena for decades so I'm not expecting any colossal mistakes to be made here. Expect numbers to fall somewhere around the current pricing and well in keeping with its competition.

Fuel economy
Manufacturer estimated fuel economy:

• 6-speed manual: 11.2L/8.4L/100km (City/Hwy)
• Sport Lineartronic: 12.3L/9.4L/100km (City/Hwy)
• Note: I converted these from the U.S. mpg figures handed out at the show. However, I did hear lower numbers mentioned when utilizing the Eco mode on the highway (High 7L).

Latest Improvements
The WRX boasts a brand new platform for 2015, which the company claims is stiffer and will help to create a more agile vehicle. Subaru also added a torque-vectoring system to reduce understeer.

The new CVT transmission, if it's as good as I expect it to be, could be a vast improvement over the old auto box.

With a whole host of interior improvements, the 2015 Subaru WRX now looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside.

Exterior Styling
As I've previously mentioned, the new WRX doesn't exactly match up to the concept we were shown in New York; but concepts are like supermodels: they appear drop dead gorgeous on the cover of a glossy magazine, yet wake up next to one in all her morning glory and it's a whole different story. A shade disappointing perhaps, but she's still a supermodel nonetheless! And that's exactly how I view the new WRX.

The hood, front fenders, rear doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters are all unique to the 2015 WRX and it's a look that's hard not to like.

The new model will only be available in sedan form and some may be questioning the reason behind this. However, there is logic here, as the company simply wishes to further differentiate the 2015 Subaru WRX from its more basic Impreza range.

Interior Design
The interior of the 2015 Subaru WRX receives special attention for 2015. The 1” longer wheelbase provides for more interior room, and lower side sills and wider-opening doors make ingress/egress easier. Passengers in the 60/40 split fold-down rear seat gain nearly 2” of legroom, and the trunk capacity has increased.

The front seats now feature separate tilt and height-adjustable head restraints, rather than the integrated head restraints used in the previous model. Leather is available, as is an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat.

The 2015 Subaru WRX also receives a new central display with a 4.3” LCD screen. This unit provides a wealth of information for the driver including access to the rear camera, boost gauge display, audio, Bluetooth, and climate control settings, plus a VDC screen showing traction-control operation.

There's also, for the first time, a new Harman-Kardon premium audio system on offer.

Drivetrain
The 2015 Subaru WRX will be powered by a new 2.0L direct-injection turbo BOXER engine, which produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual will be offered, plus the new Sport Lineartronic® transmission with its paddle-shift controlled manual modes. Models with the CVT will feature Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), a system that allows the driver to choose the vehicle's driving characteristics from among three selectable modes -- Intelligent, Sport and Sport #Sharp -- using a switch on the flat-bottom steering wheel.

Comparable Models
The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is probably the closest true competitor to the 2015 Subaru WRX although others, such as the MAZDASPEED3 and Volkswagen's GTI might also be considered. Then, of course, there's Ford with its Focus ST stepping rapidly into this territory.

However, in my opinion, there's a huge difference between an AWD and FWD performance vehicle, so the true tussle is still between the Mits and the Subie.

Photo: Subaru

The IndyCar series has revealed that both engine manufacturers Honda and Chevrolet will produce the first round of aero kits for 2015, with the possibility of additional manufacturers or third-party vendors supplying kits in '16.

Those kits had been delayed several times in the past due mainly to costs and ongoing discussions about the final regulations.

IndyCar officials are saying that the kits, which will be mounted onto the current Dallara chassis, will allow for greater visual differentiation between the cars as well as providing a platform for the achievement of higher speeds.

Photo: IndyCar

The rules will allow for the addition of kits from any further engine manufacturers that might join the series, as well as any third party vendors that become eligible to become an approved supplier.

Both of the existing manufacturers will be able to upgrade their kits at the same time, with any modifications to be approved through homologation.

Entrants will be limited to no more than two aero kits during a season and their costs will be limited to $75,000, inclusive of all components, but excluding fasteners. An update kit for 2016 will cost no more than $15,000.

On-track testing of the kits is scheduled to begin on October 6 2014, and will end on January 18 2015.

From press release

Team M-Sport will run three Ford Fiesta RS WRC for Mikko Hirvonen, Robert Kubica and Elfyn Evans for all 13 rounds of next season's World Rally Championship.

Having started his WRC career with the Ford / M-Sport operation in 2003, Mikko Hirvonen enjoyed eight years behind the wheel of M-Sport machinery and was instrumental in securing Ford's back-to-back manufacturers' titles in 2006 and 2007. With fourteen of his fifteen victories claimed with M-Sport's range of award-winning rally cars, Hirvonen's return, after two years as a Citroën Racing driver, also provides the team with a real contender for rally wins.

Mikko Hirvonen. (Photo: M-Sport)

Occupying the seat of the sister M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC, is one of rallying's most promising up-and-coming young talents. Evans' breakthrough performance in 2013 saw him elevated to the top of WRC competition. The Welshman showcased some impressive pace in the WRC 2 category, but it was arguably his performance at Rally Italia Sardegna which saw him stamp his authority on the world stage.

Robert Kubica and his long-term partner, Lotos also announced their plans for the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The Pole, who secured the WRC2 in 2013 driving a Citroën DS3 RRC before moving up to a DS3 WRC car for the last round of the season in Wales, will contest all 13 rounds of next season's championship with a Lotos-supported Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Robert Kubica. (Photo: M-Sport)

From GMM

Both of Sahara Force India's race drivers this year are now looking for new jobs.

The Silverstone based team is heading into 2014 with Nico Hulkenberg alongside Sergio Perez, ousting both Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta.

Of the axed pair, German Sutil's prospects look the brightest.

He is backed by the German technology company Medion and now strongly linked with one of the best remaining seats on the 2014 grid, at the Swiss team Sauber.

"We will announce the new employer most likely in the coming week," DPA news agency quotes 30-year-old Sutil's manager Manfred Zimmermann as saying on Thursday.

Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil. (Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team)

Scot Di Resta, on the other hand, is likely to leave formula one, although he admitted earlier this week that Sauber was a remote possibility.

After the news of Perez's signing broke on Thursday, the 27-year-old di Resta told his 300,000 Twitter followers "it's now time for a new challenge for me in the next phase of my career".

His most likely move is back to the German touring car series with Mercedes, but he has also been linked with the Indycar seat recently vacated by his cousin Dario Franchitti.

Sahara Force India team boss Vijay Mallya defended his decision to oust both Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil.

"Every team needs to move on," he told reporters in London.

"We gave Paul a good stint with us, we gave him the opportunity, he delivered for us. I have nothing against him or Adrian for that matter. I consulted my other team members and they all said 'new car, new regulations, let's get a new set of drivers who have got fire in their belly and are really hungry'," added Vijay Mallya.

The Nissan LEAF is the most popular electric car on the market right now. Some will argue that this type of vehicle is not suited for our rough Canadian winters, especially with a standard range of 160 kilometres that melts like snow under the sun during the cold season. Let's be real: If you travel 20,000 kilometres annually, your daily average is less than 60 kilometres. The LEAF can easily meet your needs all year long while saving you anywhere between $1,500-$3,000 of gas over a 12-month period.


What is a Nissan LEAF?
Similar to its closest competitor, the Ford Focus Electric, which is another 5-door, 5-passenger compact hatchback with front-wheel drive, the 2013 Nissan LEAF has no engine/generator, making it a fully electric, zero-emissions car -- unlike, say, the Chevrolet Volt.

The LEAF boasts a slightly futuristic cabin you should still feel right at home in, and a quiet operation that will leave you speechless.

2013 Nissan LEAF Price and Specs
There are three trim levels to choose from: the S at $31,698, SV at $34,998, and the SL at $38,398. However, 2013 Nissan LEAF buyers and leasers get up to $8,600 in provincial rebates (in Quebec), dropping its actual entry fee to under $24,000. Residents of other provinces will have to check rebate levels at their local Nissan dealer.

Powering the 2013 Nissan LEAF is a high-response, 80kW AC synchronous electric motor rated at 107 horsepower. This may sound quite modest, but it's all backed by 187 lb-ft of readily accessible torque.

The motor draws energy from a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the rear seat. Thanks to a 6.6kW onboard charger, the 2013 Nissan LEAF fully charges in 15-20 hours through a regular 120V power outlet or just four hours using the available 240V home charging dock.

Similar to its closest competitor, the Ford Focus Electric, the 2013 Nissan LEAF is a 5-door, 5-passenger compact hatchback with front-wheel drive. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Driving the 2013 Nissan LEAF
Just as I experienced with the Ford Focus Electric, driving the 2013 Nissan LEAF proved to be completely silent beyond the inevitable tire noise. You don't hear the electric motor, while the body structure is extremely stiff and well insulated, perhaps even more than its American rival.

The suspension ensures great balance in corners, always keeping body roll under control. In normal driving conditions, like your daily commute to work, the 2013 Nissan LEAF will meet pretty much all your expectations.

There are no major irritants with this car. Even smaller drivers will have an easy time finding an excellent position behind the wheel. Overall, I'd say I enjoyed driving the 2013 Nissan LEAF more than the Focus Electric.

Inside and Out of the 2013 Nissan LEAF
Styling has seen little change a year after its launch. In my eyes, the 2013 Nissan LEAF is not quite as attractive and classy as its main rival.

Inside, you'll find seating for five and virtually every desirable amenity you can think of, including an exceptional Bose audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation -- all accessed and controlled via a very user-friendly touchscreen.

Entering and exiting the 2013 Nissan LEAF is a walk in the park. The location of the battery means that rear passengers sit a bit higher than those in front. Speaking of which, all the seats are heated and quite comfortable. Again, people who claim the LEAF is not made for winter should eat their words... and their scarf!

Inside, you'll find seating for five and virtually every desirable amenity you can think of, all accessed and controlled via a very user-friendly touchscreen. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Comparing the 2013 Nissan LEAF
The 2013 Nissan LEAF currently faces only two direct threats: The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is $1,000 more expensive, yet smaller, less equipped, and definitely not as fun to drive; the Ford Focus Electric is pricier than the LEAF, too, but also more stylish and more spacious. Other than those, you have the upcoming 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV, a subcompact electric car that promises a range of 132 kilometres.

From press release

The Sauber F1 Team is pleased to announce Adrian Sutil as one of its drivers in 2014.

The German driver will embark on his seventh season in Formula 1.

Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal: "We are pleased, that we were able to sign Adrian, particularly as we have been wanting to work together with him for a while. Adrian had already visited the factory at the end of September to have a look at the infrastructure. Adrian is not only very fast, but also brings a lot of experience, which is very important looking at the new regulations for next year. We welcome Adrian to the Sauber F1 Team and look forward to a successful collaboration."

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

Adrian Sutil: "I am very happy that we found common ground. Although I have known for a while where I wanted to go, in the end the negotiations took a bit longer than planned. However, now I will have all the more reason to celebrate during the Christmas season. I've been in contact with Monisha for a while and she always gave me the feeling my qualities are valued. After six good years driving for Force India, with a lot of highlights, it's now time to embark on a new challenge. I am determined to do my part in order to have a successful future together with the Sauber F1 Team. The long and successful tradition in motorsport, combined with an impressive factory and one of the best wind tunnels in F1, have been fascinating me for a long time. Thank you to Peter Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn for your trust in me."

Sauber says the second driver for the 2014 season will be announced at a later date.

From GMM

Sahara Force India has completed its all-new 2014 driver lineup, confirming Sergio Perez as Nico Hulkenberg's teammate.

The Silverstone based team said the McLaren refugee and Mexican Perez has agreed a "multi-year deal".

"Coming here was always my first choice and I'm really happy everything has now been confirmed," the 23-year-old said in a statement.

But CNN quoted him as saying he hopes Force India is actually a springboard to his return to a top team.

"Hopefully we can have a strong car and confirm once again to top teams that I'm the right one for them," said Perez. "Hopefully I can do that and have another chance in a top team in a winning car."

Sergio Perez said his new teammate, the highly rated German Hulkenberg, is in the same situation.

"He's still looking for a great opportunity for his future and it's the same for me," he said.

Sergio Perez and Vijay Mallya. (Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team)

Team supremo Vijay Mallya made Thursday's announcement from the Mexican ambassador's residence in central London, admitting that Mexican sponsors would soon follow.

With his companies United Breweries and Kingfisher in the headlines at present, the Indian magnate revealed that the livery of the 2014 car will be different than in previous seasons.

"Traditionally, the cars and team kit have carried a lot of the brands of the owners of Sahara Force India, but that's changing," he told reporters.

One new logo is likely to belong to Telmex, Perez's long-time backer.

"It's between Force India and Telmex now to negotiate, but Telmex has been part of my career since a long time ago so I expect them to be with me again," Perez is quoted by Reuters.

By the end of next year, Ford will launch 23 new models worldwide, create 5,000 jobs in the U.S., and open three new plants including two in the Asian-Pacific region and another in South America.

Furthermore, two new engines will expand the EcoBoost family to six, while the Fusion's start/stop system will land in many more vehicles.

Sixteen of those 23 new models will be sold in North America, and some of them have already been introduced: 2015 Ford Mustang, Ford Edge, Ford Transit Connect, and Lincoln MKC, among others.

Stay tuned for more details and announcements.

Photo: Ford

Honda Executive Vice President Tetsuo Iwamura said the Japanese automaker will set pay based on reaching profitability targets, rather than government directives on how fast to increase compensation.

Hyundai, which used Super Bowl commercials in 2009 and 2010 to tout a restyled U.S. lineup, will make a seventh straight appearance on the game broadcast that draws more than 100 million viewers.

Add Ford to the growing list of automakers working to bring driverless cars to the market.

Higher sales of vehicles with smaller engines, gasoline-electric hybrids and diesel powertrains helped boost the average fuel economy of 2012 new vehicles sold in the United States 1.2 mpg to 23.

Diversified parts supplier Federal-Mogul said it hired longtime finance executive Rajesh Shah to senior vice president and CFO. Shah, 62, replaces Alan Haughie, who resigned from the position in August. Haughie later became CFO of ServiceMaster.

A confident Ford Motor said today that it plans to add 5,000 jobs in the United States in 2014, open two plants in Asia Pacific and one in South America, and launch 23 vehicles globally.