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The latest Commodore sedan is almost certain to be the last rear-wheel drive Aussie-built Holden. Glenn Brooks, just back from two weeks in his home city of Sydney, tried the new-ish SSV Redline derivative and was reluctant to give it back.

Turkish auto sales are set to fall 2 percent to 800,000 vehicles next year as a weakening currency makes imported cars more expensive and as the government tries to slow auto loans, the CEO of Renault's Turkish sales unit said.

Chrysler taps the seemingly never-ending well of Detroit hometown heroes in its ad featuring Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

The new Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar have just made their global debut, much to the delight of performance enthusiasts in Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S., who will have the ability to buy either model.

Prices and quantities have yet to be announced, however.

Photo: Volvo

Built on a stiffer chassis and riding on 20'' wheels, the Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar house a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine (T6) rated at 350 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Using a 6-speed automatic transmission, they can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. Both the transmission and AWD system (along with traction control) have been re-calibrated for superior grip.

“It is very satisfying to see how Polestar have been able to combine this level of driving performance in their interpretation of the S60 and V60 with maintained original service program, class leading safety features and certified fuel and emission ratings. Customers buying this car will get the best from both Polestar and Volvo,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales & Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel says he is "sad" the 2013 season, characterised by his history-making dominance, is now over.

But the Red Bull driver does not have much company, made plain by the many visibly empty seats at the usually-bustling Interlagos finale.

"It was the worst it has been in recent years," a woman serving at an official merchandising stand at the Brazilian grand prix admitted to O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

The television figures were also down in 2013, with last year's average of 5.58 million viewers per race in Germany down to 5.28 this season, according to DPA news agency.

And according to 1979 world champion Jody Scheckter, formula one fans should expect more Vettel dominance in the future.

"I think it's hard to believe that he won't beat Michael's record," he told CNN, referring to Schumacher's seven titles.

"I thought nobody would ever beat that record," added Scheckter.

Despite the sweeping rule changes for 2014, Red Bull is also confident it can keep its run going. Bild newspaper reports that the team has signed up two simulator drivers - Sebastien Buemi and Antonio Felix da Costa - for 2014.

"Next year, the simulator will be running virtually around the clock," said Dr Helmut Marko. "Vettel can't do it alone."

Indeed, with his fourth championship firmly in the bag, Vettel said he will be doing "nothing" for the next few weeks.

"First of all I hope that I will not get sick when all the stress goes away, which can easily happen," he is quoted by DPA.

"And I will not be eating much bacon, because the weight next year could be critical."

Sebastian Vettel, winner in Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

Also critical will be the influence of the engine manufacturers, as Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull's supplier Renault grapple with the new turbo V6s.

"It is impossible to know how it's going to be until we are in Melbourne," team boss Christian Horner is quoted by Austria's Der Standard. "Everything else would just be speculation."

From GMM

F1's newest cool cucumber is Daniil Kvyat.

Signed up by team owners Red Bull to replace Daniel Ricciardo at Toro Rosso next year, the Russian teen got an early start with practice outings in Austin and Brazil.

He made an immediate impression, lapping faster than Red Bull-bound Ricciardo and also his new teammate Jean-Eric Vergne in the tricky wet conditions at Interlagos, and eighth overall.

"He has big balls," Dr Helmut Marko observed delightedly.

Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso, in Austin. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, Kvyat sounds cool and relaxed about his looming F1 adventure, despite many paddock insiders worrying the pinnacle of motor racing has arrived too soon.

"The F1 car is much faster than any other category," he told Brazil's Totalrace.

"You need to get used to it and keep your concentration at a high level. But once you understand what you're doing, it is easier to put your technique into practice," added Kvyat, who is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian.

"It is not so very different from the other categories. It's not like it's another planet."

Launched in the midst of the automaker's 40th anniversary, the Lamborghini Gallardo is now bowing out for the 50th. The final unit (chassis number 14022), a red Gallardo LP-570-4 Spyder Performante, has just left the assembly line.

Production started with 250 units annually and increased to around 2,000 units over the years. Nearly half of all Lamborghinis sold have been Gallardos -- either in coupe or cabriolet form.

Photo: Lamborghini

The model will be replaced with the Lamborghini Cabrera, whose prototype is scheduled to be unveiled in 2014.

Formula 1 will enter a new era early next year with the introduction of the turbo hybrid cars, powered by 1.6-litre V6 petrol engines supplied by Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes.

The first session of the new season will be held at the Jerez de la Frontera road circuit in Southern Spain, January 28 to 31, 2014.

Unusual cold weather troubled winter testing last February at Circuit de Barcelona. So, teams decided this time to stage the following two tests of 2014 at Bahrain International Circuit.

The second test will take place February 19 to 22 in Bahrain, and the third and final one is scheduled for February 27 to March 2, again in Bahrain.

The 2014 F1 season is expected to kick off with the Grand Prix of Australia in Melbourne, March 16, 2014. The final version of the 2014 F1 calendar will be approved at the meeting of the World Council of Motorsport December 6.

Bahrain International Circuit.

Let's all take a moment of silence to think back on our fondest M3-inspired memories. I know you each have at least one. Why look back on memories? Well, it'll be rather hard to make new ones as this is the last generation of M3 coupe we'll see on the roads. As the M4 coupe is slotted to take its place, we'll bid the E92 M3 adieu.

Before you get all up-in-arms about it, the sedan (the F80) will still remain. I know, I know, not the same bit it will have to do!

The M3 coupe is more than just a car, it is a brand unto itself. This vehicle deserves its spot in the performance automotive history books, and after my week behind the wheel of the bright orange M3 I have to wholeheartedly agree.




What is the BMW M3?
An easier question might be: what isn't it? This vehicle is so much to so many: sports car, icon, performance vehicle, family car, track star, city slicker, dream car, poster child, The One. The M3 is, perhaps, one of the most well-rounded cars on the road today. Equal parts sporty and practical with great exterior looks and a comfortable interior, the BMW M3 might just be BMW's best-known model -- and rightfully so.

This vehicle is so much to so many: sports car, icon, performance vehicle, family car, track star, city slicker, dream car, poster child, The One. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 BMW M3 Price and Specs
With a starting price of just over $71k, the 2013 BMW M3 doesn't come cheaply. However, it's worth every single one of those 7.10 million pennies it would take to purchase a naked one. You might want to start counting them out now...

For those many pennies, you get a beast of a coupe with a naturally aspirated 4L V8 crouching beneath its bonnet that'll give you 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, all pushed out the rear wheels. Controlling that power is BMW's 7-speed M-DCT, a dual-clutch transmission that's almost as good as Porsche's PDK (yes, I said it).

You get a beast of a coupe with a naturally aspirated 4L V8 crouching beneath its bonnet that'll give you 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 BMW M3
Driving the BMW M3 is bit like I'd imagine bungee jumping to be like: It's thrilling, exciting, scary at times, but you know you've got the right safety equipment so you let loose, maybe even cry out a little with glee, and enjoy every moment.

That's the beauty about this latest (and last) generation of the M3 coupe: Sure, it's gotten bigger, fatter, and heavier, but it's all in the name of safety and keeping the driver (and other occupants) safe no matter what the driver tries to pull.

With a multitude of adjustable bits and bobs with the likes of the M button (for maximum throttle response and gear ratios for performance) EDC control and the like, the 2013 BMW M3 can be as tame or as savage as you want. What kind of drive would you like to have that day? You decide. Brilliant.

The 7-speed M-DCT truly is a pleasure to swap gears with. The steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (large and metallic) are perfectly placed and flicking from gear to gear with them is just fantastic. Downshifting just to hear that exhaust burble and the V8 grumble is an intoxicating habit.

With responsive steering (that did feel a bit light at times), the 2013 BMW M3 seems to know where you want it to go before you've even told it. While one of the only complaints I have about the car is that it feels a bit fat, it still manages to throw itself beautifully around each corner in a well-sorted way.

With a multitude of adjustable bits and bobs, the 2013 BMW M3 can be as tame or as savage as you want. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 BMW M3
With minimal overhang up front and in the rear, the 2013 BMW M3 is a contained beast with bulging bits here and there, as if its savage innards are trying to break free and wreak havoc on the road (because they are).

I adore the hood-vents hugging the vulgar bulge in the middle, as well as the deep air vents behind each front wheel. Add the carbon-fibre roof to the mix along with the oh-so-subtle decklid spoiler and quad exhaust tips and you've got yourself an extremely good looking automobile, no matter what colour you drape it in.

Inside, typical BMW fare is found. I'm not a huge fan of the stunted, gimpy-looking shifter knob that's basically a glorified button, however, it is functional and suits the centre stack.

My favourite part of the 2013 BMW M3's interior? The fat, chunky, fits-perfectly-in-my-hands steering wheel. There's something to be said for a well-made steering wheel, and the M3 has one of the best in the entire industry in my opinion.

Inside, typical BMW fare is found. I'm not a huge fan of the stunted, gimpy-looking shifter knob that's basically a glorified button, however, it is functional and suits the centre stack. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 BMW M3
While the Beemer has some stiff competition in the likes of the RS5 and C 63 AMG, there's something about an M3 that I believe will always make it come out tops. It is, after all, an M3. Storied and glorified, the M3 has every right to have the following it does. It is sad to know the coupe will no longer be, but here's hoping the M4 will bring in a new era of M-love.

From GMM

Circuit owner Red Bull has only just filed its application to allow a sizeable race-day crowd to assemble for the 2014 Austrian grand prix.

The energy drink company, having demolished and rebuilt the former A1-Ring, succeeded in securing the Red Bull Ring's return to the F1 calendar for next June.

But, at the moment, local authorities reportedly allow no more than 40,000 spectators to gather at the facility at any given time.

Red Bull wants that figure to be doubled, but the 100-page application document has only just been filed, the Austrian broadcaster ORF reports.

That is despite tickets for the 2014 race having already gone on sale, sparking so much demand that internet servers strained under the load.

"It (the application) will either be judged positively or negatively," a spokesperson is quoted as saying. "If everything is positive, the decision could come before Christmas."

Red Bull Ring. (Photo: Red Bull)

Slovakian engineer Stephan Klein, who used to work for BMW and Audi, recently unveiled the Aeromobil 2.5, a street-legal car concept that can also fly.

Standing six metres long, the two-passenger Aeromobil 2.5 spreads from 1.6 to 8.2 metres wide when deploying its wings. It weighs just 450 kilograms thanks to a steel and carbon fibre structure.

Equipped with an ultralight aircraft engine, the Aeromobil 2.5 has a driving range of 500 kilometres and a top speed of 160 km/h, with a fuel consumption average of 7.5L/100km. In the air, the machine can cover 700 kilometres at a maximum speed of 200 km/h while burning 15L/h.

No word on when the Aeromobil 2.5 will go on sale or how much it will cost.

Back in May, a Massachusetts-based company called Terrafugia introduced the TF-X flying car, setting a target for 2020.

Source: Citizenpost

From press release

Strakka Racing has agreed a long-term sportscar partnership with DOME, in which it will work together to develop, bring to market and race a brand new ‘cost-capped' LMP2 coupe prototype endurance race car - the Strakka DOME S103.

The first Strakka DOME S103, which will be powered by a Nissan VK45 4.5-litre V8 LMP2 petrol engine, will contest the entire FIA World Endurance Championship next year, pending approval of the Selection Committee.

Photo: Strakka Racing

Silverstone-based Strakka Racing has a rich history in sportscar racing, having contested the Le Mans 24 Hour race for the last six consecutive years - winning the LMP2 trophy (and finishing a record-breaking 5th overall) in 2010 and the LMP1 Privateers' award in 2013.

In 2012 Strakka Racing was runners up in the LMP1 Privateers' class in the FIA World Endurance Championship and finished as LMP2 runners up in 2010 and 2011 in the European Le Mans Series.

DOME was established in 1975 by Minoru Hayashi, and over the last 38 years has become a leading racecar constructor and motorsport competitor. Based in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture in Japan, DOME made its Le Mans 24 Hour race debut in 1979.

From GMM

The final pieces of the 2014 grid are now set to fall into place.

With the possible - albeit unlikely - exception of Caterham and Marussia, the only team with full driver stability heading into next season will be Mercedes.

Top teams Ferrari and McLaren, however, have already decided their 2014 lineups, leaving Lotus, Sahara Force India and Sauber with the most interesting remaining seats to fill.

Until now, despite Nico Hulkenberg's talent, Pastor Maldonado has held the key to unlocking those vacancies, thanks to his EUR 40 million in PDVSA backing.

He has been in talks with Sauber, whose financial struggles in 2013 have been well documented, but ultimately the Swiss team has missed out on the crucial millions.

With Sauber's Sergey Sirotkin-linked Russian rescue deal now in doubt, the Maldonado blow could be costly. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said co-owners Peter Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn may have to sell the Hinwil based team.

"Plan C is a sale, and reputable investors from the USA are said to be interested," said the report.

Sergio Perez, ex-McLaren, is looking for a race seat as well. (Photo: WRi2)

In the end, the similarly-struggling Lotus has also had to acknowledge that its Quantum money may never arrive, and so it has reportedly signed Maldonado.

An announcement of the Venezuelan's contract is said to be imminent.

"I think we are now coming to a final agreement," Maldonado is quoted by Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo, without naming his likely 2014 team.

A Quantum-cashed Lotus would ideally have picked Hulkenberg, but the talented German has been left to decide between staying at Sauber, or returning to Force India.

His decision will be made "in the next two or three days," manager Werner Heinz is quoted by SID news agency.

But paddock insiders know better. Hulkenberg apparently signed his Sahara Force India deal on Sunday, ahead of the Brazilian grand prix.

Heinz hinted at the done deal. "His (Hulkenberg's) heart is at Sauber, but we don't know what their financial situation will look like next year.

"In all probability we will sign at Sahara Force India. It's too dangerous when you don't know if Sauber is going to have the sponsors it needs," he said.

The two Sahara Force India. (Photo: WRi2)

On the other hand, the main backer at Sahara Force India is Dr Vijay Mallya, and he is "a rich man who invests in the team again and again," Heinz is quoted by Der Spiegel.

It is believed Sauber will replace Hulkenberg with Adrian Sutil, making room at Sahara Force India for the McLaren refugee Sergio Perez, who has reunited with Telmex and reportedly has EUR 15 million to offer in sponsorship.

"Obviously it (Force India) is one of the options," the Mexican said. "I hope in the next few days we are going to have some news."

AJ Allmendinger will be driving a Chevrolet in 2014 for JTG/Daugherty after team officials announced the formation of a technical alliance to purchase ECR (Earnhardt Childress Racing ) engines and engineering services.

“We certainly appreciate all the support that TRD (Toyota Racing Development) has provided to JTG Daugherty Racing for five years and we are great fans of their business model,” JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said.

“As a single-car team, we feel that aligning directly with a successful multi-car organization like Richard Childress Racing is what will work best for us in 2014.”

“With our RCR alliance and AJ behind the wheel, we are looking forward to a fresh start in 2014,” Geschickter said.

Photo: JTG/Daugherty PR

From GMM

Jenson Button has played down fears McLaren could be set to enter a Williams-like slide into the bottom half of the formula one grid.

The once-dominant Williams team has now been dwarfed by the superior resources, facilities and budgets of Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren.

McLaren, however, had an awful 2013 season - its worst in decades - and is now losing its title sponsor Vodafone.

But after recording a mere fourth place finish in the Interlagos finale, the team said on Twitter it had been a "great performance", adding the hashtag 'Believe In McLaren'.

Jenson Button defended the Woking based team's optimism.

"There is a good atmosphere and a belief in the team," he is quoted as saying by British newspapers, denying that McLaren could follow Williams into a slide down the grid.

"We have the resources that Williams don't. Money is king in a sport like formula one. The same in football in a way."

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Jenson Button also denied McLaren needs a management shakeup, even though Martin Whitmarsh has presided over a season in which not even a single podium was mounted.

"They've had a tough time of it this year and everybody is quoting figures," he said. "But everyone is excited about next year. (Rule) changes are great for everyone apart from Red Bull," he insisted.

Button's friend and former F1 driver David Coulthard, however, thinks the 2009 world champion's motivation would have taken a big knock in 2013.

But the Scot, who drove for McLaren for years, tips Button and the team to rise again.

"McLaren are a mighty team, they have a great facility and pots of money," he told the Telegraph.

From GMM

Caterham's future remains on track, despite the blow of finishing the 2013 constructors' championship dead last.

Since debuting in 2010, the green-coloured team has always fended off the attacks of its back-of-the-grid rival Marussia.

But in Brazil, Caterham had to face up to the reality of not finishing inside the top ten finishing positions in the teams' points standings for the first time.

It is easy to overlook the battle at the very back.

"Marussia's Max Chilton was the only driver this year to finish every single race," said Die Welt correspondent Simon Pausch.

"Even Sebastian Vettel didn't manage that. But Chilton scored exactly three hundred and ninety seven points less than the world champion," he observed.

The battle was intense at the back, between Marussia and Caterham. (Photo: WRi2)

However, former F1 team owner and boss Eddie Jordan insists that, for Caterham and Marussia, the fight at the back is crucially important.

"The top ten gets gets a fairly significant chunk of the prize money. If you're outside the top 10, you don't," he told the BBC.

For the teams with the smallest budgets, missing the top ten is significant -- particularly ahead of the 2014 season, when the new rules have ramped up the mandatory spending even further.

Caterham boss Cyril Abiteboul, however, insists finishing dead last does not jeapordise the team's future.

"Our shareholders and our partners have continued to support us unequivocally and the investments they continue to make, in infrastructure, resources and, most importantly, people, put us in a good position for the future," he said. "Now we'll regroup, recharge and come back fighting in 2014 in an all new formula one."

From McLaren press release

From today, Formula 1 fans, car nuts and technology buffs can look around the iconic McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, UK.

People can tour the famous MTC Boulevard and explore some of grand prix racing's most iconic and successful cars - including Ayrton Senna's title-winning McLarens, historic CanAm sports cars, the ground-breaking McLaren 12C and the epoch-making McLaren F1 road car.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE MTC!

They can also view the McLaren-engineer Specialized bicycle that Mark Cavendish successfully rode to green-jersey glory in the 2011 Tour De France, and examine the hundreds of motorsport trophies that line the centre's many silverware cabinets.

We haven't opened our Foster + Partners-designed HQ to the public - sadly, there's too much top-secret R&D going on to allow that. But we have allowed Google to bring their Street View cameras inside to thoroughly tour the MTC and give people a unique insight into the usually top-secret facility.

View of the Boulevard inside the MTC. (Photo: McLaren)

Auto123.com enjoyed an exclusive visit of the McLaren Technology Centre a few years ago. Click here to read the article and see the photos.

One of the main attractions of the tour will inevitably be the selection of iconic racing cars on display - fans will be able to see Bruce McLaren's first car - a diminutive, red Austin 7 - before moving further down the boulevard to explore F1 cars from every decade since our first grand prix in 1966, as well as our Can-Am cars and Le Mans-winning McLaren F1.

The MTC itself is an award-winning icon of design, environmental efficiency and high technology.

Using Google Street View, people will be able to see the man-made lake and cooling towers which provide efficient temperature regulation for the building, along with the sweeping glass curves and bright white finish which have won numerous architectural awards.

From the confirmations we have received from several Formula 1 teams, here is the provisional Formula 1 starting grid of 2014.

Today, we are awaiting important news from Lotus and Sauber about their 2014 lineups. Some experts say that we should receive confirmations later this week.

PROVISIONAL LINEUP

RED BULL RACING
Drivers: Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo
Engine: Renault

SCUDERIA FERRARI
Drivers: Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen
Engine: Ferrari

MERCEDES AMG
Drivers: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg (under contract)
Engine: Mercedes

LOTUS F1 TEAM
Drivers: To be announced
Engine: To be announced

McLAREN
Drivers: Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen
Engine: Mercedes

Photo: WRi2

SAUBER
Drivers: To be announced
Engine: Ferrari

SAHARA FORCE INDIA
Drivers: To be announced
Engine: Mercedes

WILLIAMS
Drivers: Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas
Engine: Mercedes

SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO
Drivers: Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat
Engine: Renault

CATERHAM
Drivers: To be announced
Engine: Renault

MARUSSIA
Drivers: Jules Bianchi (confirmed) and second driver to be announced
Engine: Ferrari

From GMM

An announcement about Ross Brawn's departure from Mercedes is now imminent.

Germany's normally-reliable Sport Bild says the news is coming "later this week", at the end of a period of strong speculation that the Brackley based team will install Paddy Lowe as the new boss.

Mercedes, and particularly chairman Niki Lauda, have made efforts to keep 58-year-old Briton Brawn on board in another role.

Ross Brawn. (Photo: WRi2)

But the big rumour is he could be headed back to Ferrari, where as technical director he presided over Michael Schumacher's ultra-dominant cars of last decade.

"Let's see," Brawn told the British broadcaster Sky on Sunday in Brazil, after he was spotted meeting in Stefano Domenicali's Interlagos circuit office.

"We will advise everyone in good time, but it's a pretty exciting year next year, so let's see what happens," he added.

Asked if Brazil was in fact his 'goodbye' to F1 altogether, Brawn smiled as he insisted: "(This is) not an answer."

Juan Pablo Montoya got back to pace fairly quickly on his IndyCar test return, almost equalling the lap times set by his future teammate, Will Power at Sebring yesterday.

Power set his best times in the morning session before handing the Dallara-Chevrolet to Montoya.

The Columbian was impressive in finding his marks around the road course in what was his first outing in a single-seater in more than seven and a half years after his Formula 1 departure.

Juan-Pablo Montoya with the Penske engineers. (Photo: IndyCar)

"He was within a few tenths of Will in the first outing," saidPenske Team president Tim Cindric. "It was pretty impressive really.

"We put him out on old tyres just to learn where the gearshifts were and then put him back on Will's tire and he was within a couple tenths right out of the box."

Montoya rated his performance as "an eight" out of 10.

"The biggest thing is that everything is still happening really fast," he said. I'm surprised the speed has been pretty good. Just a few too many mistakes."

For his last run in the car, Montoya practiced four standing starts near the exit of the pit lane.