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From GMM

Scuderia Ferrari has repeated its denial, as reports Kimi Raikkonen could return to the Italian team in 2014 persist.

Two weeks ago, when the Raikkonen rumours first emerged, a Ferrari spokesman insisted the Maranello outfit "has no interest in the driver market right now".

Now, the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat claims the 2007 world champion has decided to accept Ferrari's offer.

And Ferrari has issued a near-identical denial.

"Right now," the spokesman told the BBC, "we're really not giving any thought to the driver market situation."

Kimi Räikkönen, Ferrari F2007 (Photo: Ferrari)

Interestingly, however, Ferrari seemed to rule out the reported scenario that, if Raikkonen does arrive, it could be to replace the Red Bull-bound Fernando Alonso.

"Drivers are not a problem for us," said the spokesman, "even if we were to change Felipe (Massa)."

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport points out that Raikkonen's management could see the Ferrari rumour as mere leverage amid the more realistic talks about 2014 with Lotus and Red Bull.

"It is important for Raikkonen to keep a third option open," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Cory Joyce is aiming to make his debut just about 20 miles from his home in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Saturday, September 21, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Driving the No. 39 Chevrolet, with backing from the Caplin Family (CF) Charities, the 21-year old will be competing for JMI Motorsports.

"I'm really excited to make my NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut next month," commented Cory Joyce.

"Ever since I was little, my dream has been to race at NASCAR's top level. My family has made a lot of sacrifices to get me to where I'm at today, and I'm very thankful for all their support over the years. To be able to make my NASCAR K&N debut is a dream come true, but to be able to do it at New Hampshire Motor Speedway-- my home track -- makes it an even more special experience. I'm very excited to work with and represent CF Charities and JMI Motorsports in my series' debut -- I'm going to have a great group of people around me for the New Hampshire race. Hopefully we'll be able to put on a great show for everyone."

Joyce will be racing for the Mooresville, N.C.-based JMI Motorsports, which is owned by Ron Faison with veteran crew chief Mark McFarland calling the shots

"We are very excited to have Cory Joyce join JMI Motorsports for the New Hampshire race," commented McFarland. "This will be a great opportunity to show his racing talent. We are looking forward to getting him in a car for a test, and again for the race."

In 2008 Joyce began racing limited late models in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and clinched both the Rookie of the Year title and his first win in a limited late model the following season at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Since 2012, Joyce has been competing in the United Auto Racing Association (UARA) STARS Series where he finished eighth in the 2012 championship point standings.

From GMM

McLaren's 2013 car is "much better" now than it was at the very start of the season, team newcomer Sergio Perez has revealed.

"Driving this car was a real challenge, but it's not the same now as it was in Jerez (for winter testing)," he told the Diario de Mexico newspaper.

"It is much better now than it was."

Perez, 23, was speaking during F1's summer break at the former Mexican grand prix venue in Mexico City, where his older brother Antonio was racing in Mexico's Nascar series.

Despite his comments that the troubled MP4-28 is performing better now, however, Perez is not expecting an easy second half of the season.

"I am motivated to attack in the next nine races," he said, "but it will be very difficult, because we know that we still do not have a competitive car."

Sergio Perez with McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh (Photo: McLaren)

Perez's target, therefore, is simply to attack his benchmark teammate, the highly experienced world champion of 2009, Jenson Button.

"The goal is to beat Jenson, as I have the good luck that he (Button's performance) is a guarantee; a world champion," he said.

"That will be the goal in the remaining races, as I know the potential of the car is difficult."

Perez acknowledged, however, that he is unlikely to be able to challenge Button's actual position in the drivers' championship, as he trails the Briton by 3 places and 21 points.

"I'm about 20 points away," he said, "which is hard with this car.

"It has been a very difficult year, but this is formula one, where my teammate won (in 2009) with the fastest car.

"This is a difficult and inconsistent car, it has not been the year I expected and I do not expect miracles now," he added.

Rallywoman Janina Depping, 34, has succumbed to the injuries she sustained in a crash during the Wartburg Rallye, in central Germany.

Her co-driver, 29-year-old Ina Schaarschmidt, died on the scene of the accident, Saturday.

Depping and Schaarschmidt (Photo: Facebook)

Reports indicate the car bursted into flame after hitting a tree at high speed during stage number five.

The rest of the Wartburg Rallye was understandably called off.

Depping and Schaarschmidt's crash is the third fatal accident at the event. In 2007, Mathias Rohlfs also died after hitting a tree, and in 2000, a car left the road and landed in a pack of spectators

Depping and Schaarschmidt formed an experienced and respected rally pairing.

Auto123.com's sincere condolences go to the family and friends of Depping and Schaarschmidt.

Adapted from GMM

Mercedes could be set to power into F1's new V6 turbo hybrid era with a huge advantage.

With the development-frozen V8 engines to be replaced by radically-different turbo hybrid units in 2014, a new era where power is more important than aerodynamics looks likely.

And Mercedes, already with a slight advantage at the tail end of the long V8-powered era, could be in pole position to usurp Red Bull's position at the very top of the tree.

Hungary winner Lewis Hamilton is now an outside chance for this year's title, but the Briton was actually lured to Mercedes "on the promise that he will be able to take on (Sebastian) Vettel in 2014," wrote Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Tobias Gruner.

Is Mercedes going to be starting 2014 on pole position? (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

So far, F1's three V6 engine makers - Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari - have kept their cards close to their respective chests.

But "There are signs Mercedes is one step ahead", Gruner reported.

"In the paddock, it is said that behind closed doors the silver engine has 100 horsepower more on average than the Renault or Ferrari.

"Mercedes is not confirming that, obviously.  But those in charge are giving an unusually confident impression," he added.

One sign that Mercedes is indeed speeding ahead is an argument about the specification of next year's Pirelli tires.

Mercedes has been pushing hard for a wider rear tire, which would better transfer the power and torque of a superior engine to the track.

Ferrari and Renault, on the other hand, are reportedly happy with the narrower status-quo.

From wrc.com

It's a long shot, but Sebastien Ogier could secure the 2013 FIA WRC drivers' championship title next week at Rallye Deutschland.

If he does, he would have secured a title earlier than his arch rival Sebastien Loeb ever managed.

Ogier heads to Germany with 181 points in the drivers' standings and a lead over joint second placed Jari-Matti Latvala and Thierry Neuville of 90.

If in Germany Ogier increases his lead over his rivals by 22 points to 112 - the number of points available from the last four rallies - he will be guaranteed the title.

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC (Photo: VW Motorsport)

Likely? Ogier isn't getting his hopes up. “I know we'll have a first chance to grab the title, though it's purely mathematic,” he said. “The most important thing is that it happens - I don't care where, if it's Australia, France or even later, I will be very happy for that."

If he was to bag the title in Germany, with four rounds of this season still to come, the speed of his achievement would eclipse the record of reigning champion Loeb.

Loeb secured six of his nine titles before the final round but never more than three rallies early. His standout years were 2005, when he clinched the title on round 13 of 16, and 2010 and 2012 when the battle was won after round 11 of 13.

From GMM

Scuderia Ferrari has repeated its denial, as reports Kimi Raikkonen could return to the Italian team in 2014 persist.

Two weeks ago, when the Raikkonen rumours first emerged, a Ferrari spokesman insisted the Maranello outfit "has no interest in the driver market right now".

Now, the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat claims the 2007 world champion has decided to accept Ferrari's offer.

And Ferrari has issued a near-identical denial.

"Right now," the spokesman told the BBC, "we're really not giving any thought to the driver market situation."

Kimi Räikkönen, Ferrari F2007 (Photo: Ferrari)

Interestingly, however, Ferrari seemed to rule out the reported scenario that, if Raikkonen does arrive, it could be to replace the Red Bull-bound Fernando Alonso.

"Drivers are not a problem for us," said the spokesman, "even if we were to change Felipe (Massa)."

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport points out that Raikkonen's management could see the Ferrari rumour as mere leverage amid the more realistic talks about 2014 with Lotus and Red Bull.

"It is important for Raikkonen to keep a third option open," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

From GMM

With famous alternatives looming large, Daniel Ricciardo has received a vote of confidence as he pushes to secure the Red Bull Racing seat.

As Mark Webber prepares to switch to Le Mans, world champions Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso are reportedly the big-name candidates for the 2014 vacancy alongside Sebastian Vettel.

But also right in the running is Daniel Ricciardo, the in-house candidate who, like Vettel before him, would win his place after serving time at Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso.

Nico Hulkenberg, the Sauber driver who might be first in line to replace Raikkonen should the famous Finn leave Lotus, actually thinks the rising Ricciardo should get the nod.

Nico Hulkenberg (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

"I would pick him," the German is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

"Daniel is a fast guy, and finally a young driver would get the chance to prove himself."

Meanwhile, Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost insists Ricciardo's candidature for the plum Red Bull seat should not reflect badly on Jean-Eric Vergne.

"Jean-Eric is a driver who is very good and has a lot of skill," he told Brazil's Totalrace.

"The only reason Daniel is being tipped for the job and not him is just the question of experience -- he has done 13 races more than Vergne, which is practically a season," Tost insisted.

Volkswagen and Google announced the beta launch of SmileDrive, a new app designed to maximize fun on every trip. Available to download exclusively in the Google Play store, it remains to be seen whether Canadian drivers will be able to take advantage of it.

SmileDrive connects to a user's car -- be it a VW or any other make -- through Bluetooth and runs in the background to track data for both everyday commutes and road trips, including location, distance, time, and weather.

Then, the app delivers a Smile Score and awards users with virtual bumper stickers for unique accomplishments. It has also re-imagined the classic “PunchDub” game, allowing people to collect “punches” each time they encounter another Volkswagen running using the app.

On a longer road trip, SmileDrive offers the ability to create a Smilecast: a dynamic travelogue filled with the captured photos, maps of the trip, status updates, as well as other memories that are collected on a single URL.

Charging the competition
The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is the Japanese maker's latest player, and although the smallest on our market, it should make the biggest impact on the company's market share and sales.

The previous Nissan Versa, introduced in 2007, was quite popular in Canada, particularly in Quebec where small hatchbacks are all the rage. This then explains why the national launch took place in Montreal.

Nissan's hopes are high for this car as the market is ripe for a small, economical and good looking car. More importantly, it's very ready for something affordable.

Nissan has aimed squarely for all of these aspects and on drive day, Matt and Miranda put them all to the test. They didn't buy one though...



The day began with a 5-speed (down one gear from the previous Versa H/B) manual SL Note. The drive took them through downtown Montreal, then to Ile Ste-Hélène. From there, they hit the countryside on to the lunch destination.

The 1.6L engine provided sufficient get-up-and-go on country roads and on the highway. The less than enthusiastic comments relate, more than likely, to the fact that there were three adults on board to go along with a fair amount of camera gear.

After lunch, a CVT-equipped SL was selected for the drive back to the city. It proved to be quite good. Continuously Variable Transmissions have a habit of nailing engine rpms at or near redline, but this is not so with the 2014 Nissan Versa Note.

Upon "kickdown," engine speed rises sharply but holds in the vicinity of 4,250 rpm or at peak torque. This is in sharp contrast to needlessly nailing throttle at or near the engine's 6,500 rpm max speed, or completely out of the powerband.

Throughout the day, both found the ride to be sporty-ish and even European. On some rougher stretches, a more supple suspension setup would have been appreciated, however, the drive was good.

The cabin is cozy, as are the seats. The Versa Note is spacious enough to accommodate four adults with much ease and in relative comfort.

All in all, Matt and Miranda were pleasantly surprised by how well sorted the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is. They fully expect that it will do very well in Canada and especially in Quebec.

And, as a final note, expect the "Versa" to be dropped in the near future, as this world car is simply known as the Note everywhere else.

Enjoy the video -- and try not to make too many negative comments about the video's concept...

Roughly 8 years ago, I bought a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. That purchase may have been the best $65 I've ever spent. Over the years, it has become the most reliable, useful and user-friendly tool I have ever owned.

I've not surveyed anyone, but I'm willing to bet Justin Bieber's attitude problems that those who have purchased a Tacoma have felt pretty much the same about their pickup as I do my Snap-on. As the days and years go by, the truck's utility and reliability (in every sense of the words) become more evident; the more it is used and put to the test, the more indispensible it becomes.

The Tacoma makes no promises on which it cannot deliver. I've driven this highly popular and successful compact pickup a few times over the last decade and regardless of trim or powertrain, I always come away satisfied. The 2013 Toyota Tacoma continues to deliver without fear of disappointing. Its only shortcoming is that it is getting a little long in the tooth.


What is a Toyota Tacoma?
The 2013 Tacoma is Toyota's compact pickup. Actually, I could have added “legendary” as it long ago proved its mettle as being reliable, robust and able to take many beatings and keep on ticking.

This pickup is available in two body styles (access cab and double cab) and has been largely unchanged since 2005. As one of the very few compact pickups on the market, Toyota has little to do but offer it and it sells quite well.

The 2013 Tacoma is Toyota's compact pickup. Actually, I could have added “legendary” as it long ago proved its mettle as being reliable, robust and able to take many beatings and keep on ticking. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 Toyota Tacoma Price and Specs
The 2013 Tacoma can be delivered as either a basic work truck or a full-on family truck with a long list of amenities.

Powered by either a 159 hp 2.7L 4-cylinder or the as-tested 236 hp 4.0L V6, the Tacoma can tow between 3,500 lbs (1,587 kgs) and 6,500 lbs (2,948 kgs) depending on powertrain. Transmission choices reside between a 5- (4-cyl) or 6-speed manual, and a 4- (4-cyl) or 5-speed automatic.

True to form, depending on customer demands, the base “work” truck is a 4x2 whereas the remainder of the lineup features 4x4. Once more, depending on the package, a TRD group version with oversize tires, skid plates, and more can be had for those who like to play in the rough stuff.

Base price for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma is $22,335. My Limited tester topped the price scale at $38,390. The best overall version of this pickup is, in my opinion, the Double Cab V6 6M TRD Sport Package (Bilstein suspension) and it goes for $34,015.

Powered by either a 159 hp 2.7L 4-cylinder or the as-tested 236 hp 4.0L V6, the Tacoma can tow between 3,500 lbs (1,587 kgs) and 6,500 lbs (2,948 kgs) depending on powertrain. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Toyota Tacoma
Despite my 2013 Toyota Tacoma being a top-of-the line Limited, it was far from cushy. The first element to note is that, although the V6 has plenty of grunt, the throttle must be heavily coaxed in order to be exploited.

The autobox is a willing participant in all manners of driving but it remains, like the Tacoma's ride, a rugged pickup truck's transmission. Upshifts are laborious and not especially smooth under mild acceleration. In order to get a kickdown, standing on the go pedal works best.

About the ride: The 2013 Toyota Tacoma's suspension was designed and conceived for work. On one occasion, I helped a family member move, and with the bed loaded with approximately 400 lbs of stuff the springs and dampers compressed somewhat, smoothing out road irregularities.

Steering lacks bite, precision and on-center feel, the typical recipe for a pickup -- at least it was. Recent full-size trucks are blessed with well-judged assistance and a fair amount of precision. My guess is that on the next generation Tacoma, this issue will be addressed. As far as the brakes are concerned, they are up to the task.

The autobox is a willing participant in all manners of driving but it remains, like the Tacoma's ride, a rugged pickup truck's transmission. Upshifts are laborious and not especially smooth under mild acceleration. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the Toyota Tacoma
I've been a fan of the Tacoma's outer shell from the moment I laid eyes on the current generation all those years ago. I still feel the same way, especially when the Toyota is endowed with the TRD package. The Limited trim adds unique chrome wheels, chrome-capped sideview mirrors, as well as a few other touches that ruin its otherwise handsome physique.

Like the sheetmetal, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma's cabin has aged but has not fared as well. The dashboard could be pulled from a late-‘90s Toyota, and no one would be the wiser. The seats, although cozy on short stints, lack all-around support for longer drives.

The rear bench of the double cab is fine for most applications, meaning kids or adults -- so long as it's not for a long time. Most four-door pickups offer some form of storage below the rear bench and the Tacoma is no different. Sadly, most of the compartments are too shallow to swallow anything large.

The dashboard could be pulled from a late-‘90s Toyota, and no one would be the wiser. The seats, although cozy on short stints, lack all-around support for longer drives. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma has but one direct competitor at the moment and it is the Nissan Frontier. A quick glance at the sales figures would have you believe that it really is alone in its segment.

The issue with the Tacoma is its pricing which can easily rival that of a base-trim Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado, to name a few. At this level, the Tacoma cannot compete.

Students at 15 Canadian universities and colleges will have access to a number of vehicles from Kia Canada -- on and off campus -- as part of an important 5-year agreement between the company and a car-sharing organization.

More specifically, the vehicles will include the Kia Soul as well as the Kia Rio sedan and 5-door.

“We are excited about launching this unique program to students across the country as it will allow students a first-hand experience with some of our new and exciting lineup,” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing, Kia Canada Inc. “In addition, this alignment provides a great opportunity to promote driver responsibility in support of our partnership with MADD Canada.”

Further details will be provided when this carsharing program launches on August 20th, 2013.

Photo: Kia

Cory Joyce is aiming to make his debut just about 20 miles from his home in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Saturday, September 21, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Driving the No. 39 Chevrolet, with backing from the Caplin Family (CF) Charities, the 21-year old will be competing for JMI Motorsports.

"I'm really excited to make my NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut next month," commented Cory Joyce.

"Ever since I was little, my dream has been to race at NASCAR's top level. My family has made a lot of sacrifices to get me to where I'm at today, and I'm very thankful for all their support over the years. To be able to make my NASCAR K&N debut is a dream come true, but to be able to do it at New Hampshire Motor Speedway-- my home track -- makes it an even more special experience. I'm very excited to work with and represent CF Charities and JMI Motorsports in my series' debut -- I'm going to have a great group of people around me for the New Hampshire race. Hopefully we'll be able to put on a great show for everyone."

Joyce will be racing for the Mooresville, N.C.-based JMI Motorsports, which is owned by Ron Faison with veteran crew chief Mark McFarland calling the shots

"We are very excited to have Cory Joyce join JMI Motorsports for the New Hampshire race," commented McFarland. "This will be a great opportunity to show his racing talent. We are looking forward to getting him in a car for a test, and again for the race."

In 2008 Joyce began racing limited late models in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and clinched both the Rookie of the Year title and his first win in a limited late model the following season at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Since 2012, Joyce has been competing in the United Auto Racing Association (UARA) STARS Series where he finished eighth in the 2012 championship point standings.

Hyundai and affiliate Kia are recalling nearly 270,000 car and light trucks in the United States due to possible corrosion that can affect rear wheel alignment on the Sonata and Azera, and possible problems with the right front axle on 2014 Hyundai...

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2013 Malibu wasn't a horrid car, but dated styling, an uncomfortable rear seat, and ho-hum fuel-economy figures won it few friends -- especially in the cutthroat mid-size-sedan segment.

New For 2014

Along with some cosmetic updates both inside and out, the 2014 Malibu benefits from a more powerful 2.5-liter I-4, a torque increase for the turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, increased rear legroom, and soft-touch materials within the cabin.

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2014 Chevrolet Impala

The idiom about the ugly duckling matriculating into a beautiful, graceful swan applies perfectly to the new 2014 Impala.

New For 2014

Everything -- the 2014 Impala shares only a name and its emblems with the outgoing car.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette

Don't deny it -- you've been ogling the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray since its momentous launch in January.

New For 2014

Everything -- and we do mean everything. The first 500 2014 Corvette Stingray coupes off the assembly line are Premiere Edition models, which sport unique exterior trim, exclusive exterior and interior badging, and fitted luggage. A 2014 Corvette convertible will launch in the fourth quarter of 2013.

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2014 Chevrolet Impala

The idiom about the ugly duckling matriculating into a beautiful, graceful swan applies perfectly to the new 2014 Impala.

New For 2014

Everything -- the 2014 Impala shares only a name and its emblems with the outgoing car.

2014 Chevrolet Impala | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 Chevrolet Express

The Express may be older than dirt, but as it has since the beginning, Chevrolet's full-size van soldiers on with few changes.

New For 2014

Apart from some minor color changes, the only new addition to the 2014 Express line is a Crew model, which is essentially a cargo van with seating for five passengers.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette

Don't deny it -- you've been ogling the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray since its momentous launch in January.

New For 2014

Everything -- and we do mean everything. The first 500 2014 Corvette Stingray coupes off the assembly line are Premiere Edition models, which sport unique exterior trim, exclusive exterior and interior badging, and fitted luggage. A 2014 Corvette convertible will launch in the fourth quarter of 2013.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us