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Racing teams are already shipping the containers housing all their racing equipment to the United Arab Emirates, in preparation for next month's 2014 24 Hours of Dubai.

The 83-car entry list makes for a very busy time in European ports. In Rotterdam, for instance, 35 containers are being loaded for a total of 262 tons.

Some teams are also shipping from Denmark, England, Italy and New Zealand.

Drivers will only be shipped later, and separately.

But international stars, like Bernd Schneider, Gianmaria Bruni, Stefan Mücke or Darren Turner, are expected, driving the usual fleet of Mercedes SLS AMG, Ferrari 458 Italia, Aston Martin Vantage and the likes.

The entry list also features four Canadians: Jean-Charles Perrin (No. 43 GC Automobile GC 10 V8), and Christian Chia, John and Wayne Shen (No. 216 Renault Clio).

Only a week after wrapping up the 2013 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season in Bahrain, Audi got back on track, this time in Sebring (Florida) to test its new 2014 LMP1 prototype.

The development of this new car around the 2014 Technical Regulations started all the way back in 2012. Following the initial roll-out in fall, Audi now has its hands full with on-track activities.

“We've reached a crucial stage in this project,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

2014 Audi R-18 (Photo: Audi)

“The tests are mainly focused on achieving high mileage, coordinating the highly complex hybrid drive systems and working out an efficiency-optimized total package that has never before been as complex as this one.”

The Ingolstadt manufacturer, which has won both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships for the second consecutive year in 2013, promised more details about the new LMP1 car before the end of the month.

Jean-Philippe Dayraut (MINI) was dominant in the first day of the Andros Trophy's opening round in Val Thorens.

The reigning champion, who is already a four-time winner of the series, concluded the first day in Val Thorens in first position ahead of Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Renault Clio III) and Franck Lagorce (Renault Clio III) who makes his return in the main category after having competed the electric trophy last year.

Olivier Panis put his new Mazda 3 in fourth position overall, the Japanese manufacturer making its debuts in the Andros Trophy this year.

Photo: B.Bade

The 2013 manufacturers', drivers' and co-drivers' title in the World Rally Championship (WRC) are Volkswagen Motorsport' greatest success yet.

That is the claim of the boss of VW Motorsport, Jost Capito himself.

"We are very proud," admitted Capito as he picked up the trophies during the FIA's prize-giving gala last Friday. "Never in our dreams did we think we would achieve such a fantastic result in our debut season in the WRC.

"Every single person has played their part in securing the greatest success in the history of Volkswagen Motorsport."

Aboard his VW Polo R WRC, Sébastien Ogier clinched his first WRC title in 2013, with a total of nine victories in Great Britain, Spain, France, Australia, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Mexico and Sweden.

Julian Ingrassia, Sébastien Ogier (Photo: FIA)

"Before the season started, we would have sent anyone who talked of the world title and nine wins straight to the team doctor," admitted the Frenchman at the FIA gala.

In the second VW entry, Jari-Matti Latvala finished third in the drivers' standings, ahead of his second teammate Andreas Mikkelsen, who completed the championship's top 10.

Model: 2006 to 2012 Toyota RAV4

Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV

The Verdict: Since the RAV4's most worrisome problems are of moderate concern (and easily identified), a pre-purchase inspection from a Toyota mechanic is strongly advised. With two thumbs-up from a mechanic, you can expect your used RAV4 candidate to be a confident, surprisingly flexible, and agile little crossover.

Price: Look for pricing from about $8,000 for a high-mileage base-model unit, with a newer, low-mileage unit climbing well into the thirties. Numerous newer, lower-mileage units can be had in the high $20,000 range.

Photo: Olivier Croteau

History/Description: The Toyota RAV4 is arguably the small SUV that started a now intensely competitive compact crossover scene. Introduced initially in 1996, the RAV4 competes primarily with models like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. The latest-generation, 2013 RAV4 is now on sale.

Four-cylinder power was standard, namely from a 2.4L unit with 166 horsepower early on, and a 2.5L piece, making 179 horsepower from 2009 on. The available 3.5L V6 made just shy of 270 horses, resulting in hot-rod like power output. The RAV4 with V6 power went like bananas, and was also better suited to towing and frequent travel with a full complement of passengers and cargo.

Photo: Olivier Croteau

What Owners Like: RAV4 owners typically praise a “comfy” interior, car-like handling, acceleration performance with the V6, and wintertime traction and confidence on models with the 4WD system. Many owners say they feel “safe” driving their RAV4 in snow. Flexibility and cargo space are highly rated, too.

What Owners Dislike: Some owners reported disappointment with fuel mileage, particularly relating to their inability to achieve the figures claimed by Toyota. Other owners wish for a “richer” feel to the RAV4's cabin, which is largely trimmed with hard, crispy plastic.

Photo: Olivier Croteau

Common Issues: On board, be sure all electronics work as expected, paying special attention to the automatic climate control system (if equipped), all windows, and the power seats and sunroof (if equipped). On models with a sunroof, press your hand or a rag into the front footwell carpeting, under the floor mats, to check for signs of moisture -- which could be the result of a leaky or plugged sunroof drain.

Look for signs of a well-documented issue with the RAV4's steering system, which is likely caused by a faulty steering shaft. Turn moderately, and at fairly low speeds while listening for a clunking, popping or knocking sound. If detected, arrange to have the problem repaired by a Toyota dealer who will be familiar with it. This issue seems to affect mainly 2006 and 2007 models.

Have the rear suspension inspected for signs of excessive rust, which could be caused by an improperly installed bolt. Note that hard starting or poor performance could be the result of a weak battery, and that a battery and charging system check are advised if trouble is detected.

Finally, note that the 3.5L engine had a well-documented problem with external oil lines that like to rupture and break, which could result in anything from a giant mess to a blown engine. Note that this problem applied mainly to earlier models. A Toyota mechanic can check things out for peace of mind.

Photo: Olivier Croteau

From series

Jamie Whincup is a near immortal of Australian motorsport. And he never stops fighting after laying it all on the line in the very last V8 Supercar race of the year, the Sydney NRMA Motoring & Services 500 at Olympic Park.

Right to the last lap in the last race of the year all Whincup had to do was survive. A mistake, accident or car failure would have handed Red Bull team-mate Craig Lowndes the V8 Supercar title on a silver platter. But astoundingly Whincup never stopped racing.

He tangled with Jason Bright, second today, when he didn't need to. He brushed walls, broke mirrors and clipped kerbs, when all he needed to do was play conservative. A racer to the end.

"I was really, really enjoying it to be honest. I had the Championship in the back of my head but all these things are going through my mind during the last 20 laps what should I do," said Whincup.

"It is all about walking away at the end of the day and looking yourself in the mirror, have you been true to yourself, have you done the right thing by everyone and did it plan out the way you wanted it to. That was all part of it for me, to race hard. Sometimes it goes pear-shaped but it didn't today.

Photo: V8Supercars.com

Whincup joined greats Mark Skaife, Dick Johnson and the late Ian 'Pete' Geoghegan with five Championship victories, putting him in illustrious company as the best of the best. Five titles in six years, a feat not matched and only broken by James Courtney in 2010.

Lowndes finished fifth on the day and second for the year, with Will Davison trumping teammate Winterbottom for third by just six points.

The win catapulted van Gisbergen into fifth in the Championship - which was his personal goal for the 2013 season.

Top 10 in the final V8 Supercars race for 2013 was van Gisbergen, Bright, Whincup, Reynolds, Lowndes, Winterbottom, Will and Alex Davison, Mostert and Russell Ingall cracking the top 10 in his final race as a full-time V8 Supercars driver.

Audi aims to gain an edge over premium rivals with computer-controlled headlamp beams that recognize other road users and avoid blinding them.

A promotion between General Motors and Costco's auto sales arm has the warehouse club's members kicking the tires on GM's full-sized pickups far more than in the past.

Mercedes-Benz is laying the groundwork for revisions to its dealership standards, in conjunction with an initiative to reach out to younger buyers. No changes to the brand's U.S.

In a world in which hackers track computer keystrokes to steal credit card numbers and the government snoops on phone calls and e-mails, it's not so hard to imagine a laptop-wielding bad guy remotely wresting control of a car and wreaking havoc.

From GMM

McLaren has denied claims former team boss Ron Dennis is shaping up to take more control of the Woking based company.

Amid the famous British team's woefully bad 2013 season, there have been rumblings Martin Whitmarsh's place as team principal might not be secure.

The rumours suggested Dennis, McLaren's long-time team boss and continuing non-executive chairman of the parent company, was shaping up to grasp back control of the F1 outfit.

This week, the business reporter for British broadcaster Sky, Mark Kleinman, reported that Dennis was considering upping his power by buying out fellow McLaren co-owner Mansour Ojjeh's 25 per cent stake.

"Mr Dennis is said to be distressed at the current performance of the (team)," Kleinman wrote, adding that a power struggle with Whitmarsh might ensue.

He added that Dennis might be looking to China to help finance the deal.

The 66-year-old this week joined UK prime minister David Cameron on an official delegation to the world's most populous country.

"No country is more important to my global vision for McLaren than China," Dennis said in a statement.

A McLaren spokesperson, however, played down Kleinman's claims, denying Ojjeh, who recently had a double lung transplant, has "expressed any desire to sell" his stake.

"It's business as usual," the spokesperson is quoted by the Telegraph.

Organizers of the 2014 Rally Poland, a new stop on the next World Rally Championship's (WRC) calendar, revealed a 21-stage route.

Six stages will be completely new, but the rest of the itinerary was borrowed from the 2009 edition of the Rally Poland.

The resort town of Mikolajki will host the rally's headquarters and the Super Special stages.

The 26 - 29 June event will also be stopping for a service in the Lithuanian spa town of Druskininkai, 47km from the border.

"We have prepared 21 special stages on gravel roads, including four in Lithuania," confirmed clerk of the course Jarosław Noworól.

Robert Kubica, 2013 Rally Poland (Photo: Facebook)

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) has released the entry list ahead of the inaugural season of the United SportsCar Championship (USCC).

The list features a total of 20 prototype entrants to fight for the overall victory, among which Chip Ganassi's two Ford EcoBoost-powered Riley DP, Extreme Speed Motorsports' HPD ARX-03b/Honda, two Mazda Diesel, and a Radical on top of the expected Corvette fleet and the returning DeltaWing.

In the GT ranks, the GTD class attracted the biggest numbers, with 31 entrants in various Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Porsche GT America, Audi R8 LMS, SRT Viper, Ferrari 458 Italia and BMW Z4.

But the GTLM class still boasts five factory teams, thanks to Corvette, BMW, SRT, Aston Martin and Porsche official teams.

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) awarded various trophies, yesterday at a prizing-giving gala in Paris, France.

He are the winners.

FIA Formula One World Championship
Champion Driver: Sebastian Vettel (DEU)
Champion Constructor: Red Bull Racing (AUT)

Formula One Promotional Trophies
Winning Promoter: Brazilian Grand Prix (BRA)
Winning TV: Sky Sports (GBR)

Bernie Ecclestone Trophy
Winner: DMSB (DEU)

FIA World Rally Championship
Champion Driver: Sébastien Ogier (FRA)
Champion Co-Driver: Julien Ingrassia (FRA)
Champion Manufacturer: Volkswagen Motorsport
(DEU)

Photo: FIA

FIA World Endurance Championship
Champion Drivers: Allan McNish (GBR), Loïc Duval (FRA), Tom Kristensen (DAN)
Champion Manufacturer: Audi AG (DEU)

FIA World Endurance Cup for GT Drivers
Winner: Gianmaria Bruni (ITA)

FIA World Endurance Cup for GT Manufacturers
Winning Team: Ferrari (ITA)

FIA Personality of the Year
Robert Kubica (POL)

FIA World Touring Car Championship
Champion Driver: Yvan Muller (FRA)
Champion Manufacturer: Honda (JPN)

CIK-FIA World KZ Championship
Champion: Max Verstappen (NLD)

CIK-FIA World KF Championship
Champion: Tom Joyner (GBR)

FIA Moment of the Year
Winner - Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia

FIA WRC 2 Championship
Champion Driver: Robert Kubica (POL)
Champion Co-Driver: Maciek Baran (POL)

FIA WRC 3 Championship
Champion Driver: Sébastien Chardonnet (FRA)
Champion Co-Driver: Thibault de la Haye (FRA)

FIA Junior WRC Championship
Champion Driver: Pontus Tidemand (SWE)
Champion Co-Driver: Ola Floene (NOR)

FIA World Cup For Cross Country Rally
Champion Driver: Krzysztof Holowczyc (POL)
Champion Co-Driver: Andreas Schulz (GER)
Champion Team: X-Raid Monster Energy (GER)

FIA Middle East Rally Championship
Champion Driver: Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT)
Champion Co-Driver: Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA)

FIA African Rally Championship
Champion Driver: Jassy Singh (ZMB)
Champion Co-Driver: David Sihoka (ZAM)
Champion Manufacturer: SUBARU (JPN)
Champion Manufacturer: Skoda (CZE)

FIA European Rally Championship
Champion Driver: Jan Kopecký (CZE)
Champion Co-Driver: Pavel Dresler (CZE)

FIA Codasur Rally Championship
Champion Driver: Gustavo Saba (PRY)
Champion Co-driver: Victor Aguilera (PRY)

FIA Nacam Rally Championship
Champion Driver: Ricardo Triviño (MEX)
Champion Co-Driver: Eduardo Corrales (CRC)

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship
Champion Driver: Gaurav Gill (IND)
Champion Co-Driver: Glenn Macneall (NZL)

FIA European Formula 3 Championship
Champion Driver: Raffaele Marciello (ITA)
Champion Team: Prema Powerteam (ITA)

FIA Masters Historic Formula One
Stewart/Fittipaldi Classes Champion: John Delane
(USA)
Head/Lauda Classes Champion: Gregory Thornton
(GBR)

FIA World Land Speed Records
Drayson Racing (GBR)

FIA Outstanding Official
Michael Scholz (DEU)

FIA Founding Members Heritage Cup
Martin Pfundner (AUT)

The car that took Sébastien Loeb to a time of 8min13.878s at the famous Pikes Peak, last June in Colorado, USA, just scooped two international awards.

The 208 T16 Pikes Peak has won Autosport's "Rally Car of the Year" and Top Gear's "Race Car of the Year" awards.

"We are obviously highly honoured and very proud to have received these two awards," says Peugeot Sport director Bruno Famin.

"The Pikes Peak hill climb in June was an extraordinary experience and we realize now just how much interest our participation generated in the media, with the public and within the company."

Developed at Peugeot Sports' Vélizy headquarters near Paris, the 208 T16 Pikes Peak features an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 1:1 (875hp, 875kg).

Sébastien Loeb, Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak (Photo: Peugeot Sport)

On December 7th, 1965, Chevrolet became the first individual manufacturer in history to build 3 million cars and trucks in a single calendar year. Chevrolet ended up selling 2,416,419 passenger cars and 574,136 trucks during the whole year.

Chevrolet's general manager at the time, Elliott M. Estes, presided over ceremonies at the Los Angeles assembly plant.

Source: History.com

Photo: General Motors Archive

Toyota has launched production of the 2014 Highlander large crossover in Indiana. The popularity of the Highlander led Toyota to invest $430 million in the plant, creating an additional 600 jobs, the company said in a statement Thursday.

An arrest has been made in an apparent theft of a piece of the destroyed Porsche Carrera GT involved in

Rick the Hippie rode by us on a battleship-grey 1939 Schwinn--thin, wispy long hair waggling in the chilly breeze, wearing board shorts and a grey flannel Hurley jacket over four layers that puffed out and made him resemble a mushroom.

Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and civil rights icon, died Thursday at age 95, and the auto industry joined the rest of the world in remembering him.