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UPDATED: A new

First seen at the Geneva motor show last month, the

Fiat will open a fully-owned dealer network in India almost a year after it ended an unsuccessful partnership with Tata to build and distribute cars in the country.

Fiat will open a fully-owned dealer network in India almost a year after it ended an unsuccessful partnership with Tata to build and distribute cars in the country.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee -- the first Jeep to be built from the wheels up with help from Fiat -- will deliver a 45 percent improvement in fuel economy and will be more capable of off-roading than the Jeep Liberty it replaces.

2014 Jeep Cherokee First Look

An old name for an all-new Jeep.

"We were expecting it to be rather polarizing," admits Mike Manley, Jeep's brand president and CEO -- but Chrysler executives weren't expecting the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee to be this polarizing. Although Jeep hoped to unveil its new D-segment crossover for the very first time at the 2013 New York Auto Show, the automaker was forced to tip its hand weeks ago when photos of the new crossover leaked online, and feedback from press, pundits, and potential customers wasn't exactly as warm and fuzzy as Chrysler would have hoped for.

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2014 Jeep Cherokee - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2014 Jeep Cherokee - Automobile Magazine

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From GMM

New Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg said eighth place in Malaysia last Sunday was "unacceptable".

After moving over the winter from Force India, the German was unable to make his debut as scheduled in Australia when a terminal fuel tank problem developed 90 minutes before the race.

But at Sepang, he finished four places ahead of rookie teammate Esteban Gutierrez, collecting four points and declaring himself "quite happy".

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber C32. (Photo: WRi2)

According to German-language sources Blick (Switzerland) and Auto Motor und Sport (Germany), however, Hulkenberg told his team after crossing the line that the result was "unacceptable".

"Thank you guys," he is quoted as having said by radio, "but we have to improve in many areas. This is not acceptable."

Blick quotes the 25-year-old as adding: "When I go at the speed of Ferrari, Lotus and McLaren, I quickly ruin the tyres. Now we have a lot of data and impressions and I hope we can draw the right conclusions."

Auto Motor und Sport quotes Hulkenberg as saying: "There are still some areas where there are gaps. The car does not fit me like a shoe."

Meanwhile, France's RMC Sport claims Romain Grosjean appeared "visibly reassured" after the chequered flag in Malaysia, having struggled with essentially the same Lotus that powered Kimi Raikkonen to victory a week earlier.

Grosjean finished sixth at Sepang, one place ahead of his Finnish teammate, but French commentator Patrick Tambay concluded: "Romain was on par with him (Raikkonen)" all weekend.

"We have two strong drivers," agreed team boss Eric Boullier.

NASCAR officials answered some questions relating to Sunday's Auto Club 400.

The most pressing question involves the lack of a SAFER barrier where Denny Hamlin's car impacted the wall after a collision with Joey Logano.

Although race tracks have been adopting these “soft walls;” there is not total coverage as was the case with Jeff Gordon hitting an unprotected inside wall at Las Vegas in 2008.

“The part of the wall that Denny his in California, obviously that wall has been there since the racetrack was built,” explained John Darby, Managing Director of Competition and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Director. "But one of the points that they look at is frequency of impacts are, and where the more prevalent points of impact are, and those are addressed first.

"Now, as we go to each racetrack and that same evaluation happens, there's a constant growth of SAFER barriers and closing gates and redesigning gates and wheel fences and the whole project.

"But it's, like I said, it's an evolution. In light of Denny's accident, I'm sure that there will be more investigations done in that area of the racetrack. I also feel very positive about the fact that if a recommendation is made, that the Speedway will be very proactive in helping getting that resolved.”

Photo: NASCAR

Next up why was the incident on the last lap, between Logano and Hamlin, viewed as just a racing incident in light of the trouble between the drivers the previous week in Bristol?

“Probably the simple fact that it was the last lap of the race and the last time they were both going to see turns three and four. They were side‑by‑side. And everything that great competitors do; if somebody was of the mind‑set to retaliate, they probably would have been lined up nose to tail to start with and somebody would have drove into the other car and spun them around.  But in this case, that is so far from the opposite that it never even crossed anybody's mind that I'm aware of that paid attention to the race, that that was part of it."

Explaining why there was no penalty against Tony Stewart for confronting Logano after the race due to Stewart's claim of blocking Darby said "Yeah, all of the post‑race incidents, a few years ago, we backed away from micromanaging drivers' emotions. You would hope in today's world that if somebody didn't win a race, they would be upset about it for whatever reason. That's what our drivers do is they try to win races.

"So the emotions that follow a race sometime, as long as stuff ‑‑ and keep in mind, there's the checks and the balances, but a couple of drivers at the end of the race arguing a little bit doesn't create a foul in our world today.  The crews did a great job of managing their drivers to make sure that it didn't cross the line to where there was physical violence or anything likethat, and that's what you would hope.

"That's just another example of the state of competition in NASCAR racing, and the disappointments that come sometimes when you don't win the race.  I don't see any foul there at all."

And Darby also confirmed that there is no plan for NASCAR to make a rule against blocking.

Buick today unveiled the new 2014 Regal at the New York Auto Show. With redesigned front and rear fascias that include new LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, the car looks more refined and youthful than ever.

In terms of safety, the 2014 Buick Regal comes with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and Collision Mitigation Braking. Adaptive Cruise Control is also offered. This suite of technologies can be found on the new 2014 Buick LaCrosse as well.

Inside, connectivity is enhanced with Buick's next-generation IntelliLink, featuring simpler, more intuitive controls and natural speech recognition.

The 2014 Buick Regal will go on sale in the U.S. this fall. Canadian availability will be announced later.

Photo: Buick

The 2014 Honda Odyssey has just made its world debut at the New York Auto Show, featuring sleeker, more sophisticated exterior styling with a new, more deeply sculpted aluminum hood, new aluminum front fenders, a new bolder twin-bar grille, and a revised lower front fascia with integrated chrome-trimmed fog lights.

Inside, you'll find new, brighter finishes and an all-new centre stack. Keyless Smart Entry with Push Button Start, an SMS text messaging function, and HondaLink featuring the Aha Mobile interface are included, too.

Additionally, the 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring is the first vehicle to offer the HondaVAC vacuum system, whose powerful motor never needs an outlet or recharging. It can be found within a dedicated space on the driver's side bulkhead of the rear cargo area.

“Honda is once again showcasing its reputation for innovation with HondaVAC, and its ability to provide true value to our customers,” said Dave Gardner, vice president of sales and marketing at Honda Canada.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey will hit the market this summer.

Photo: Honda

Question: “Matt, what's your favourite car?” Or, alternatively: “What new car would you buy if you had all the money in the world?”

Answer: “Sit down, order a drink and get comfortable ‘cause the answer is going to be very long.”

Spring is springing up and that should make us all think about summer, car shows, car mods, alloy wheels, washing cars, driving, and road trips -- well, at least it does me.

Many people also think about changing their old, tired jalopies for some new digs; which is why this is one of two times in the year when I get the most questions on new car purchases. Inadvertently, the question of what car I would buy always comes up.

I always answer with questions such as, “Can I pick one car per body style?” Or “Let's say I have $1 million, can I buy as many cars as I can without going over the amount?” The bottom line is: There is no such thing as the perfect car...

At least, that was my official answer until I drove the 2014 Mercedes E 63 S-AMG 4MATIC Wagon. Turbocharged V8, wagon, AWD, fast, semi-exotic, available in white and with carbon-ceramic brakes, big wheels and dat exhaust sound! This AMG wagon truly reduces me to a puddle of mad want and desire like few other cars ever have.

So, this opens up the door to “what other cars?” The only rule that applies to the following list is that the cars cannot be more than two model-years old otherwise, I'd get shot down for writing a book...

So, this is how I see it:

1 car: For the first time ever, I have an answer and it is above.
Convertible: 2013 Mazda MX-5
Performance sedan: 2013 Audi S4
Performance coupe: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Pocket rocket: 2013 Subaru WRX STI
Crossover: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
Pickup: 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch w/Power Stroke
Performance SUV: 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS
Luxury sedan: 2013 Audi S8
Hot hatch: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
SUV: 2012 Range Rover Sport Supercharged
Wagon: 2012 Cadillac CTS-v wagon
Oddity: 2012 Local Motors Rally Fighter
Hybrid: 2012 Lexus CT200h
Micro car: 2012 smart fortwo Brabus
EV: 2013 Nissan LEAF

So, there you have it. Well, in fact, this list is riddled with holes. There's no way I would ever only own these cars. My “rule” was for listing purposes only, as it could easily have held another 10 or 35 cars -- and that's by discounting anything that could be considered classic or plain “older.”

There's now a concrete answer to the question “Which car?” Even then I'd not be happy.

Next time, I'm going to list off the cars I plan to buy before I kick the bucket, divorced or not.

2014 Mercedes E-63 AMG (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

The good news for injured driver Denny Hamlin is that he doesn't require back surgery after slamming the wall at Auto Club Speedway.

The bad news is that he will be out of action for at least six weeks.

According to a Joe Gibbs Racing team release “driver Denny Hamlin was evaluated today by Dr. Jerry Petty of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates after suffering an L1 Compression Fracture during an accident on the final lap of Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway.”

“Dr. Petty determined that Hamlin will not require surgery, but will need time to properly heal, which is estimated around six weeks time. Dr. Petty will make the determination when Hamlin will be able to return to racing this season.

No decision has been made on a replacement driver for Hamlin during his absence from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.”

On Tuesday evening Hamlin tweeted “I wish I got good news today... I didn't.”

Denny Hamlin has suffered previous back injuries sidelining him. No word today if the injury had exacerbated the old injury or was a new one.

Photo: NASCAR

The right time to change tires
Tires wear out at different rates depending on the season and their usage, so it's hard to put a mileage limit on them. For summer, performance tires, all-season tires, and eco-friendly tires all have specific attributes. Come winter, some tires will focus on wet performance, while others are more suited for ice.

To be safe, you must check the level of wear on each of your tires at least a few times per season. Remember that these pieces of rubber are the only part of your vehicle touching the ground, so ensuring your tires are in good shape not only boosts peace of mind, but also your physical safety.

Air pressure affects how quickly a tire wears out. To maintain properly inflated tires, refer to the manufacturer's recommended air pressure (psi) as identified in your owner's manual, as well as on the label inside the driver's doorframe. An under-inflated tire will wear out from the sides in, while an over-inflated tire will mainly deteriorate from the tread centre.

Good wheel alignment and proper tire rotation are also vital to prevent uneven tire wear.


How to calculate tire wear
A tire's tread depth is calculated in millimetres or 32nds of an inch. Every tire manufacturer incorporates wear indicators to the inner grooves. In general, these indicators are1.6-mm tall (or 2/32nds of an inch), and determine the maximum level of wear available to drive safely and legally. In other words, when the wear indicators are flush with the tread, it's high time to change the tire.

Tip: You can either ask a professional, or check for yourself by placing a Canadian quarter by placing it in the grooves (with the caribou's head facing the ground). If you see the tip of the caribou's nose, you need to replace your tires.


What you need to know
The treadwear grade of a tire is the numeric portion of the Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) ratings printed on the sidewall. Higher treadwear numbers indicate that the tread should last longer, which also means the tire will offer less traction. Consequently, a performance tire will have a rating of under 300, while an everyday tire is rated at around 400.

Moreover, the UTQG ratings include a traction grade, from highest to lowest: AA, A, B, and C. Once again, a higher traction grade means the tire will wear out more quickly. “M+S” is another letter designation, essentially reserved for winter and off-road tires; it certifies a tire's performance in mud and deep snow.

The last part of the UTQG ratings is the temperature grade: A, B, or C. It's a measure of how well the tire dissipates heat, and how well it handles the buildup of heat. As such, an A-rated tire is more heat-resistant than a C-rated tire.

Williams could revert to the exhaust of its 2012 car, after struggling for pace and handling with the new FW35 so far this season.

Technical boss Mike Coughlan admitted to ESPN that the main problem has been the 'Coanda' aerodynamic exhaust principle, which Grove based Williams is using for the first time in 2013.

He admitted "We need to go away and get a more consistent platform for the driver".

"We're of the opinion at the moment that a FW34-type of car would be faster," said Coughlan.

"I don't think we'll go back to an FW34, but we might go back to an FW34-style of exhaust system and treat Fridays as tests across cars."

Photo: WRi2

From GMM

Red Bull on Wednesday denied reports Mark Webber will surely leave Red Bull at the end of the season.

Major German daily Bild had reported it has learned the 36-year-old Australian will depart at the end of his 2013 contract.

Mark Webber and Helmut Marko. (Photo: WRi2)

A similar claim was made by Webber's manager Flavio Briatore, who said he is now sure either Webber or Sebastian Vettel will split with the team as a result of the Malaysia team orders saga.

But Red Bull told the BBC on Wednesday that the claims are "pure speculation".

"We are two races into the current season and it's far too early to be talking about 2014," the team said in a statement.

Red Bull said the Vettel/Webber pairing had been highly successful, but also survived periods of "intense rivalry", including their collision in Turkey 2010 and occasion that have seen both drivers "ignoring team orders at different times".

"The team has managed the situation each time in its own way behind closed doors," said the team.

From GMM

Ferrari and Lotus would veto any move to have Pirelli change the compounds of its 2013 tires.

Before the RB9 finished first and second in Malaysia, Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko claimed F1's Italian tire supplier "has promised" to make changes to its controversial 2013 product in the wake of the high degradation seen so far this season.

Red Bull and Mercedes had reportedly complained to Pirelli that, according to their data, the new tires are wearing out faster when fitted to the very best cars.

"I think Pirelli has realised (the situation) and we have been promised that other compounds will come to Bahrain at the latest," Helmut Marko said in Malaysia.

Ironically, those who complained the loudest about tires before the race at Sepang - Red Bull and Mercedes - ultimately monopolised the highest four finishing places, quietening the saga for now.

And, anyway, changing the Pirelli tires on grounds other than safety would require the unanimous agreement of the teams.

Photo: WRi2

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported that Lotus, whose Kimi Raikkonen won in Australia, would "veto" any such move.

And Ferrari principal Stefano Domenicali is quoted as saying: "Pirelli cannot change something without the agreement of the teams unless there is an imminent safety risk.

"It makes no sense to panic after two races," he added.

Canadian driver Robert Wickens (Mercedes) emerged fastest at the end of the first of the four days of collective DTM testing staged in Barcelona, where the DRS has been tested for the first time on DTM cars.

At the end of the day, Wickens was fastest by a margin of 0,052 seconds over BMW driver, Martin Tomczyk, who completed the most laps : 170, for a total mileage of 506,09km.

DTM reigning champion, Canadian driver Bruno Spengler, had a very interesting first day aboard his M3 DTM.

"Being back behind the wheel was big fun, he said. You can feel increased pleasant anticipation of the season everywhere. The day of testing was okay - we successfully completed our scheduled programme. Of course, the new Hankook option tires and the DRS made for extra excitement.

"When it comes to the tires, we took a close look on the impact the new spec makes over a longer distance. And we learned a lot by doing so. The DRS quite obviously is big fun for a racing driver. You clearly feel that you can change up earlier and that the top speed on the straights is higher. That's something you have to accustom to and you have to focus on finding the limit lap by lap. Therefore, the tests here at Barcelona - and the ones in three weeks at Hockenheim too - are so important."

Photo: Audi Motorsport

US based Grand-Am and IMSA announced yesterday during a press conference a formal license cooperation with Germany's ITR, the company behind the DTM, which means we are getting closer to an American version of the German touring car series.

Photo: DTM Media

The already existing ties between the DTM and the Japanese Super GT championship would make it a three-way cooperation.

In fact, the new championship, that could see the day in 2015, would run alongside the American United SportsCar Racing, but using the current DTM and Super GT platforms from Germany and Japan.

The list of the manufacturers involved mirror the international flavour of the series: on top of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Nissan and Toyota, Cadillac, Lincoln and Dodge have showed interest.

To welcome the US DTM initiative, Audi released a special photo of its A5 DTM. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

Three rookie drivers have been invited to a practice session at the daunting Texas Motor Speedway in order to prepare them for the upcoming Indy 500 Rookie Orientation Program at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

AJ Allmendinger, Tristan Vautier and Carlos Munoz will be in action this week to get a feel of driving an IndyCar Dallara DW12 on a high-banked oval such as the one in Texas.

AJ Allmendinger. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

Although the three drivers are rookies, they each have experience on driving on ovals. For Allmendinger, his most recent oval appearance in a single-seater came when he finished fourth in the Champ Car race at Milwaukee in 2006.

Vautier, as well as Munoz, who is scheduled to make his series debut at Indianapolis in May in a fifth Andretti car, have both experienced ovals in the Indy Lights series.

Ed Carpenter, Simon Pagenaud, Takuma Sato, Graham Rahal and James Jakes are scheduled to take part in a private test at Texas later in the day.

From GMM

Former driver and Minardi team co-founder Giancarlo Martini has died.

The news was reported late on Tuesday by Italian media sources and confirmed by Giancarlo Minardi, the former owner and boss of the Faenza based F1 team.

Minardi said Martini, whose nephew was the mid-90s Minardi driver Pierluigi Martini, was "a very generous and kind friend of mine".

Martini, 66, was also a driver himself, having raced some non-championship F1 races in the mid-70s in a Ferrari run privately by Minardi.

Minardi is quoted by Autosprint: "I have lost a friend with whom I shared more than just my passion for racing."

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Martini had been ill for some time.