Auto News 5

Two-time 24 Hours of Daytona winner Jean-François Dumoulin is weighing in a 2014 drive in the World Challenge, aboard a McLaren MP4-12C CAN-AM.

Dumoulin's named popped up as MIA Motorsports, based in St-Eustache, Quebec, started looking for a series to race its MP4-12C CAN-AM, in essence a special edition of a special edition of special car.

The McLaren MP4-12C tested by Dumoulin. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

The NASCAR Canadian Tire driver is a close friend of the owner. It's all still in the pipeline for now, but as the 37-year-old told La Presse, the World Challenge is cheaper than the rival United SportsCar Championship (USCC) and the timing is good.

"MIA wants to built something," Dumoulin explained.

"It's somewhat more expensive than (for example) NASCAR Canadian Tire, but it's still cheaper than USCC racing," he added.

"It would also be the first McLaren in the World Challenge, and coincide with the brand's 50th anniversary."

Former 2010 Formula Renault 3.5 champion Mikhail Aleshin will be the first Russian ever to compete in the IndyCar series after inking a deal with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

Aleshin will replace Tristan Vautier and team-up with regular Simon Pagenaud for the 2014 season. The 26-year-old tested a Schmidt's Dallara-Honda for the first time at Sebring last weekend and the team has been impressed with his performance so far.

"We have already found his driving style to be very similar to Simon's and believe he can contribute immediately to the programme, even as a rookie," said team boss Sam Schmidt.

Aleshin has primarily raced in FR3.5 since 2006, interspersed with partial GP2 campaigns, some sportscar racing and finishing third in the first year of the revived Formula 2 series in 2009.

Simon Pagenaud testing for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports this week at Sebring. (Photo: Schmidt Peterson Motorsports)

From maritimeprostocktour.com

John Flemming of Halifax, Nova Scotia will officially be crowned as the first four-time Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour Champion on Saturday night in Moncton, New Brunswick.

The season will officially come to a close on November 23rd at the Crowne Plaza as the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour will host their annual awards gala in the 'Hub City'.

The ballroom is expected to be packed with Tour teams, drivers, officials, sponsors and fans as they celebrate the accomplishments of the 2013 season. While Flemming will be the driver receiving the big trophy and the $10,000 share of the $50,000 Parts for Trucks point fund, the series will be honoring their 16 full-time teams for their standings finishes.

Drivers will also be recognized through a number of contingency awards and vendor programs they were eligible to compete for during the past season. New this season is the Irving Blending and Packaging Fan Favorite Award, which will see the driver selected by an online vote receive a cash bonus.

One of the most unique trophies in all of stock car racing in Eastern Canada is the Exide Batteries Rookie of the Year "battery" trophy.

Dylan Blenkhorn of Truro, Nova Scotia will officially receive the trophy on Saturday after edging out Cole Butcher (Porter's Lake, NS) and Denver Foran (Edmonton, AB) for the top freshman honor.

Also to be awarded on Saturday is the prestigious Cathy Ledwidge Memorial Trophy. The award is presented to the Most Sportsmanlike Driver in the series, as voted on by their peers. Last season, Flemming was voted as the recipient of the Cathy Ledwidge Memorial Trophy.

The festivities get under way at 7:00pm on Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom with dinner prior to the awards and dance.

Volkswagen came to the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show with a trio of new and exciting vehicles.

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
The fully electric 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf will launch in select U.S. states next fall. Producing 115 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 140 km/h, it provides a range of 110-145 kilometres depending on the driving mode: Normal, Eco, or Eco +. The e-Golf also charges in less than four hours through a 220V power source.

Standard LED headlights (a VW first), exclusive 16'' wheels, and a colour strip on the front grille set this zero-emission model apart from the regular Golf.

e-Golf. (Photo: Volkswagen)

CrossBlue Coupe
This concept, which originally made its global debut in Shanghai back in April, is a five-passenger plug-in hybrid SUV with a total output of 415 horsepower. It combines a gasoline V6 with a pair of electric motors.

The sporty-looking Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe features 22'' wheels, unique headlights and taillights, larger door openings for easy access, and generous cargo room.

On the road, the CrossBlue Coupe can travel about 21 kilometres in full electric mode, and offers a total hybrid range of more than 900 kilometres. Top speed is rated at 237 km/h.

Crossblue Coupe. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Design Vision GT
Also on display at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show is the Volkswagen Design Vision GT concept, a Golf GTI spinoff that made a splash earlier this year at the Wörtherse festival in Germany. Using a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 503 horsepower, the car sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and maxes out at nearly 300 km/h.

The Volkswagen Design Vision GT is equipped with large carbon-ceramic brakes with red callipers, as well as 20'' wheels.

Design Vision GT. (Photo: Volkswagen)

From GMM

Heikki Kovalainen has responded to his former manager Flavio Briatore, after the Italian claimed Lotus should not have signed him.

Drafted in to replace the injured Kimi Raikkonen for the last two races of 2013, fellow Finn Kovalainen initially impressed in Austin last weekend but finished the US grand prix a disappointing 15th.

Briatore, Kovalainen's former manager and Renault team boss, reportedly observed that Lotus clearly got its choice wrong, and should have promoted reserve driver Davide Valsecchi instead.

"The US grand prix showed that Lotus made a very bad choice choosing Kovalainen," Briatore reportedly said.

Heikki Kovalainen, Lotus, in Austin. (Photo: WRi2)

When told about Briatore's remarks, Kovalainen said in Brazil on Thursday: "I don't have any problem with Flavio.

"I don't want to have a fight with him," he told Turun Sanomat newspaper.

"He said what he said and as an Italian, he is clearly of the opinion that Valsecchi should be driving. I can understand that. "Of course it's easy to say something when the race goes bad," added Kovalainen. "But hopefully he also remembers to praise me when the race goes well."

Kovalainen revealed that Lotus engineers initially thought he had struggled in Austin because of a broken wing.

"Only later it became clear that it was a bag stuck in the right front brake duct," he said. "The aerodynamics were affected really badly," he added.

Kovalainen said he has been impressed with the performance of Lotus' 2013 car.

"I'm not surprised that Kimi has had such good results with this car," he said. "You can tell right away that the balance is really good and the package is strong overall."

From GMM

Sergio Perez says he is "95 per cent sure" he will still be on the formula one grid next year.

The Mexican, who has lost his McLaren seat, sounded confident about his future when speaking to reporters in the Interlagos paddock.

There was some doubt the 23-year-old remained on good terms with his backers, but Italian reports during the week claimed Perez is now on the market along with the sponsorship of Claro, a Mexican brand seen on the McLaren in 2013.

"I am pretty convinced that in one year's time I will probably tell you that it was the best thing that could have happened to me to leave McLaren," he was quoted on Thursday by F1's official website.

Asked to nominate his hopes in a percentage, Perez answered: "Ha, 95 per cent that I will remain in F1 next season -- but the remaining five per cent are always the tricky ones.

"From my gut feeling I am pretty sure that I will race in 2014."

Sergio Perez. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

Asked if his options are Sauber and Sahara Force India, he insisted: "It's not only them. There are quite a number of options and I can say right now it is looking better than it was looking one week ago."

A rumour in the Interlagos paddock on Thursday even linked Perez with Lotus.

"There are always rumours around," he responded. "And rumours sometimes go faster than the cars."

The Ford Edge Concept revealed this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show suggests a somewhat sportier-looking, more aerodynamic third generation for the automaker's crossover utility vehicle. It also sports ultra-thin LED headlights and a larger three-bar grille.

Advanced safety features on the Ford Edge Concept include adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support, active park assist, a blind spot information system, and a lane-keeping system.

Photo: Ford

“The rate of change in vehicle technology right now is unprecedented,” noted Raj Nair, Ford group vice president of global product development. “Our engineers around the world are advancing the systems that will ultimately help make drivers smarter, safer and more efficient. From advanced engine systems to collision avoidance and automated driving systems, Ford will continue to lead in delivering the technologies consumers want and need.”

The interior of the Ford Edge Concept presents a hand-sewn Nubuck leather dashboard, a 10'' display with MyFord Touch, as well as a unique steering wheel and shifter. Leather seats are also part of the mix.

Photo: Ford

German driver Nico Rosberg set the pace today in his Mercedes AMG W04 in the initial two wet free practice sessions of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos near Sao Paulo.

Rain fell all day long and prevented the teams to properly test put to the test the 2014 prototype tires Pirelli had brought.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG (Photo: WRI2)

Rosberg set a lap of 1m24.781 to go almost half-a-second faster than his teammate Lewis Hamilton but the times were about 10-second slower than the corresponding P1 session a year ago.

Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing, who is looking to claim a ninth straight victory this weekend, ended the session third fastest with his teammate Mark Webber in sixth place.

Behind Vettel came Jenson Button, fourth fastest for McLaren, and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

Heikki Kovalainen, Lotus (Photo: WRI2)

Button's teammate Sergio Perez was seventh fastest ahead of rookie Daniil Kvyat, who appeared to have no problem coping with the tricky track conditions on what was his second Friday appearance for Toro Rosso.

Rosberg again set the fastest of the wet second session held under grey and black clouds.

Such were the treacherous conditions, that Vettel, Hamilton, Alonso and Massa elected to sit out the worst of the running completely and didn't leave the garage until the final 20 minutes when the rain had eased marginally, but sufficiently, for the drivers to switch back to intermediates.

Vettel held the fastest time until Rosberg beat him in the closing moments of the session.

Webber ranked third in his Red Bull RB9, beating Lotus stand-in Heikki Kovalainen, the Finn putting his E21 at the end of his opening day of driving the car in the wet.

Felipe Massa, Ferrari (Photo: WRI2)

Lewis Hamilton finished 0.8s back on teammate Rosberg in fifth, the Briton spinning in the wet late on for the second successive session, with Jean-Eric Vergne sixth for Toro Rosso ahead of Felipe Massa (Ferrari) and Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber).

2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, Interlagos, 1st practice session*:
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'24"781 - 14 laps
2 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'25"230 - 13
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'25"387 - 17
4 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-28-Mercedes) - 1'25"391 - 25
5 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'25"593 - 13
6 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'25"797 - 17
7 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4-28-Mercedes) - 1'25"946 - 15
8 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'26"064 - 17
9 - Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'26"133 - 31
10 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'26"232 - 17
11 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'26"248 - 15
12 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'26"326 - 28
13 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'26"570 - 28
14 - Jean Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'26"593 - 22
15 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'27"115 - 25
16 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'27"269 - 23
17 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'27"358 - 23
18 - James Calado (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'27"436 - 9
19 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'28"107 - 18
20 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'28"199 - 17
21 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'30"004 - 24
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'32"646 - 19

2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, Interlagos, 12nd practice session*:
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'27"306 - 12 laps
2 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'27"531 - 10
3 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'27"592 - 18
4 - Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'28"129 - 13
5 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'28"147 - 9
6 - Jean Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'28"405 - 11
7 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'28"540 - 9
8 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'28"560 - 20
9 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'28"739 - 20
10 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'28"891 - 12
11 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'28"928 - 10
12 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'29"049 - 17
13 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'29"174 - 11
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'29"717 - 13
15 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'29"783 - 7
16 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'30"425 - 15
17 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'30"748 - 8
18 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'31"061 - 18
19 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'31"118 - 16
20 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'31"165 - 15
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'31"211 - 19
22 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'31"770 - 6
*Unofficial timing

From GMM

Pastor Maldonado and Nico Hulkenberg remain the keys to the last phase of F1's 2014 'silly season'.

PDVSA-backed Maldonado, a grand prix winner, is the powerful 'pay driver' on the move, reportedly with EUR 40 million in tow and on the lookout for a new team after his Williams split.

It is believed that if Lotus' 'Quantum' investment deal falls through, locking the highly-rated Hulkenberg out, Maldonado is in pole position to replace Kimi Raikkonen in 2014.

But Maldonado muddied the waters at Interlagos on Thursday when he told reporters he might not be taking his PDVSA millions to his next team.

"For sure they've been supporting me for a while but maybe they don't want to continue," he said.

"Maybe yes, maybe not."

Maldonado, whose claims he is in the running even in PDVSA's absence raised eyebrows in the paddock, named Lotus but also Sauber and Force India as all "good options" for 2014.

Photo: WRi2

Few, however, believe that, in a straight fight, teams would sign an unsponsored Maldonado over Hulkenberg. Indeed, on Thursday, German Hulkenberg admitted there was a "danger" money matters would leave him without a seat in 2014.

Fernando Alonso, regarded by many as the best driver in F1, said it would be wrong if that happened.

"He (Hulkenberg) is one of the best guys in the field," the Spaniard is quoted by SID news agency, "and not just in the last few weeks.

"He really has a great talent," Alonso added.

TV pundit Eddie Jordan predicted weeks ago that Hulkenberg would eventually be signed by Sahara Force India. On Thursday, rumours that a two-year contract is now on the German's table did the rounds at Interlagos.

Hulkenberg, it seems, would not replace his countryman Adrian Sutil, as the German grinned broadly on Thursday when asked about his future.

Asked by Speed Week to rank his worries about 2014 between 1 and 10, Sutil answered: "Zero. I have no worries. I'm very calm."

It is Paul di Resta who is openly worried, and now more strongly linked with his newly-retired cousin Dario Franchitti's Ganassi seat in Indycar than a future in F1.

"I've openly said I would discuss it with Dario," the Scot is quoted by Britain's Sky. "I wouldn't rule anything out."

Sahara Force India deputy boss Bob Fernley said the Silverstone based team will not decide its 2014 driver lineup until December.

Further down the grid, Frenchman Charles Pic on Thursday admitted his future at Caterham is not assured. "I think there are still many seats available," he said.

The BBC reported that Swedish GP2 driver Marcus Ericsson could make his F1 debut for the green-coloured team in 2014.

The sale of Volvo by Ford to Chinese manufacturer Geely marked the beginning of a radical transformation at Volvo. Henceforth, Volvo is playing the performance and sports-car card, instead of its traditional ‘'safety'' card. The neat part is that the manufacturer remains a top safety pick in consumers' minds.

Volvo/Geely is trying hard to separate itself from the flock. The ConceptCoupe, which premiered at Frankfurt, is living proof. This prototype screams ‘' We've been in the shadow of the Germans long enough. I've got personality too!''

I was pleasantly surprised by the S60 T6. All it needs to do is hang around the big guns for a while longer and next thing you know, the servant will have surpassed the Audi and BMW masters... it's almost there!


What is a 2014 Volvo S60?
The S60, not unlike the soon to be discontinued C30, is Volvo's entry-level model. It has its own unique styling, a combination of luxury and speed. Consumers can choose either the 2.5 liter 5-cylinder T5 or the 3.0 liter V6 powered T60, which are both turbocharged. An R-Design version is available for those seeking even more performance.

The S60, not unlike the soon to be discontinued C30, is Volvo's entry-level model. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 Volvo S60 Price and Specs
The turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft torque. The 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission delivers this power to all four wheels.

Fuel economy ratings range between 8 L/100 km city and 11.7 L/100 highway.

The Volvo S60 T6 starts at $47,550. The Platinum edition which I drove was equipped with the Climate Package at $1,350, the Technology package, which adds $1,500, as well as a number of optional safety features such as blind spot detection and lane assist, as well as active Xenon headlights and exotic wood inlays. This plethora of optional equipment raised the price to $57,350.

The turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Volvo S60 Platinum
There is no doubt as to the available power, which is easily accessible throughout the power band. I still feel that the sporty aspect of this car is undermined by the emphasis Volvo places on luxury.

Awkward delays while both upshifting and downshifting, as well as the hesitant nature of various electronic driving aids, quickly spoil the fun. That being said, this prestigious sedan remains a good compromise between refinement and driving pleasure.

The various steering-mounted controls are great, but there are far too many. Case in point, the distance alert, which, by the way, can be a little irritating, has its own wheel-mounted control. This option needn't be a standalone feature, as it can easily be combined with a number of different systems. On the other hand, there are a number of convenient features, such as the ability to lower the rear headrests in order to improve visibility, that are easily accessed from the instrument panel.

There is no doubt as to the available power, which is easily accessible throughout the power band. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Volvo S60 Platinum
The 2014 Volvo S60 features numerous upgrades and improvements. Its muscular hood panel, sculpted rear fenders, redesigned front grille, narrow LED headlights and rectangular exhaust outlets give it a refined, modern look.

The interior benefits from a combination of new, brighter materials and quartz lighting that make it sumptuous and inviting.

I have to admit that I was quite proud to be at the wheel of this sporty sedan. It has head-turning character and charm.

The addition of numerous active technological safety features confirms Volvo's desire to attract those who are looking for peace of mind. Volvo would do well to simplify the climate-control system, which was designed to resemble the human body, as well as the complicated audio controls. Volvo demographics are not similar to those who are drawn by, let's say, the Chevrolet Spark. They would do well to provide lots of technology without adding unnecessary complexity...

Also, as much as the comfortable leather seats are sophisticated and suave... I couldn't manage to find an ideal, comfortable, seating position.

Although rear passengers are treated to overly firm seats, the amount of room for both passengers and cargo is impressive for this type of vehicle, which is the smallest sedan in the Volvo lineup.

As is always the case, the additional options raise the prestige level of the vehicle.

As much as the comfortable leather seats are sophisticated and suave... I couldn't manage to find an ideal, comfortable, seating position. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD
Most people believe that the Germans (Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class) rule the roost in this category. The Japanese (Acura TL, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS) are also holding their own in this company.

So, where does the Volvo fit in all this? The S60, with all the latest upgrades, has certainly improved its standing. Although it's my humble opinion that the S60 is not leading this class, Volvo fans will certainly not be disappointed.

Let's give Geely some time to settle into their new company. We might get to see Volvo progress even more, to the point that... Stay tuned.

When it comes to high performance, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept unveiled this week at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show delivers big time.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Using a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 360 horsepower, as well as a 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT sports transmission, this small crossover sprints from 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds, according to the automaker.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept is dressed in white with grey and black accents, not to mention the number "45" on the doors. Completing the package are 21'' forged alloy wheels in black finish, a twin-blade front grille, a pair of twin tailpipes, and ''TURBO AMG'' lettering on the front fenders.

Canadian racecar driver, Stephane Proulx, passed away 20 years ago on November 21, 1993, from complications resulting from an HIV-related illness.

He was born December 12, 1965, in Ste. Adele, Quebec. His mother, Monique, was also a racecar driver, and Stephane inherited her love of speed.

Proulx first competed in the Jim Russell School championship in California, sleeping in his car because he was really short on money.

He then became the 1987 Canadian Formula Ford 2000 champion, driving a Reynard 87SF for the Spenard-David Racing School.

In 1989 and 1990, he benefitted from the support of Player's and competed in the FIA Intercontinental Formula 3000 Championship for teams GA Motorsport and Pacific Racing.

I went to see him race at Nogaro, and he told me that both teams collected Player's money, but intentionally put used parts on his car, resulting in him crashing often from mechanical failures.

Proulx then returned to Canada and won the Canadian Formula Atlantic title. The year after, he raced for a half season in the French Formula 3 series for Formula Project Racing. He never brought the money he was supposed to, and the team fired him after the Grand Prix de Pau.

In April 1993, Proulx crashed really hard in an Atlantic car on the Phoenix oval. Proulx was hit on the head by a wheel lost by another competitor. He sustained severe head injuries, but strangely flew back to Montreal a few days later.

I saw him at the Canadian Grand Prix in June. He had escaped from home against the will of the doctors. He recognized me, but spoke like if he was fully drunk.

Proulx sadly died in his home of complications resulting from an HIV-related illness a few months later.

French motorsport web site F1i provided some very valuable details about the financial involvement between the mysterious Quantum Group and the Lotus F1 Team.

Angered by an article the site had posted about him and the strange delays in transferring money after Quantum's takeover of 35% stakes in the Lotus F1 Team, Mansoor Ijaz replied to F1i.

The American businessman claims that that the money had been transferred, but had not been allowed to pass through to Gerard Lopez's Genii.

“The fact is that Luxembourg isn't considered as irreproachable by the US banking system, Ijaz explained.

“That explains why we have had to review the operation and structure the financing differently. The money has been sent back to us and we have to make the payments using a different mechanism. That is not the work of a moment,” he continued.

“We never wanted to communicate the deal in June (when Genii and Lotus announced it), it's Gerard Lopez (Genii boss) who took that initiative. But our investment is real and you (media) will all look bad with all your insinuations, when the deal is concluded with Lotus.”

Masour Ijaz and Eric Boullier in Suzuka. (Photo: WRi2)

Our colleagues at F1i claim that the deal is 120 million euros for a 35% stake in the Lotus F1 team, which values the business at 400 million euros. They say that, currently, Lopez and his partner Eric Lux are putting in 8 million euros per month to fund the team.

From GMM

The next generation of F1 car could be very difficult to drive, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa said on Thursday.

Insiders say the transition between the V8 era and the beginning of the turbo-powered era next year is perhaps the biggest rule change in F1's entire history.

Spaniard Alonso said he has tried an early version of Ferrari's 2014 car in the team's Maranello simulator.

"When I tried it for the first time, it was really difficult to drive," he is quoted in Brazil by the correspondent for Italy's Autosprint.

"But each new simulation changes everything," added Alonso, "so I am sure it will be very different by Melbourne."

Brazilian Massa, despite the fact he is joining Williams for 2014, revealed he too has tried next year's Ferrari in the simulator.

"It's a different world to this year," he said. "There is so little grip, it's like driving in the rain."

Photo: Ferrari

Sahara Force India Formula 1 driver Paul di Resta admits that a chance at securing the empty Chip Ganassi Racing seat could be tempting if his F1 opportunities were to dry up in the coming weeks.

The former DTM champion is still in the blind concerning his future with Sahara Force India and the retirement of his cousin Dario Franchitti on medical grounds from IndyCar racing may provide di Resta with an excellent way to continue racing at a high level with one of the most respectable organization in car racing.

"I wouldn't rule out anything. I've openly said I would discuss it with Dario," he said.

"At this point, I'm still in the running for the seat at Force India. I'm still young; I've got plenty of fire left in me. I've won championships and I hope I'll continue to win races."

After winning the 2006 Formula 3 Euro Series, di Resta moved into the DTM with Mercedes and won the 2010 crown. The Scot has also options to return to the DTM.

Dario Franchitti, Ganassi Racing. (Photo: IndyCar)

From GMM

Mark Webber will waste no time at all before leaping into his new Le Mans career.

News Limited newspapers say the Australian's Porsche era will begin on the day after Sunday's Brazilian grand prix.

Normally, F1 drivers remain under contract until the end of the calendar year, but the reports said Red Bull has given Webber, who has already had a seat fitting at Porsche's Weissach facility, "an early release".

"We are very lucky that Mark will join us one day after the formula one race in Sao Paulo," Porsche chief executive Matthias Muller confirmed.

"I met him last week when he had the seat fitting. We are very happy to have him," he said.

News Limited speculated that Webber's early release could have been helped by a new personal sponsorship deal between the 37-year-old and Red Bull, for whom he drove in F1 for the past seven years.

Matthias Muller said Webber will also get an early start to his Porsche testing duties: "I suppose it is in December," he revealed.

Photo: Porsche Motorsport

But before that, in Brazil, Webber will spend one more race alongside his ultra-successful teammate Sebastian Vettel.

On Thursday, the German ruled out righting the wrongs of the 'Multi-21' team orders affair by gifting Webber a farewell win.

"Mark is a sportsman and he doesn't want a win handed over to him," said Vettel.

"People tend to forget how successful we have been," he added. "We've been one of the strongest pairings in F1.

"Obviously we didn't have the best relationship on a personal level, but both of us have tried very hard to improve the car. The fact that he will not be around next year will surely be a loss for the team and a loss for myself. I've learned a lot from him and I can stand up straight and say that there have been many times and places where I've benefited from him. You could say the same thing the other way round," added Sebastian Vettel.

Zombie fans will be pleased to learn that Hyundai's Special Edition Tucson inspired by The Walking Dead will be available in limited quantity at dealerships starting early next year -- just in time to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the graphic novel series.

Equipped with a 4-cylinder Theta II GDI engine, LED taillights, and dual-zone climate control, this unique Tucson features roof rack cross rails that provide additional room for hauling necessary survival gear. Heck, there's even a custom Zombie Survival Kit inside -- a Walking Dead 72-hour survivalist's backpack, a necessary item for any zombie “prepper.”

The Ash Black exterior sports a subtle red accent graphics package and Special Edition badges.

Hyundai has yet to announce prices and markets for the Special Edition Tucson inspired by The Walking Dead.

Photo: Hyundai

Fifty years ago today, U.S. president John Fitzgerald Kennedy was fatally shot by a sniper while travelling with his wife in a limo that was part of a presidential motorcade through downtown Dallas. A first bullet hit him in the neck, and a second struck his head. Kennedy was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital 30 minutes later.

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States aboard Air Force One on the return trip to the White House.

Lee Harvey Oswald, a former Marine, was arrested and officially charged with the murder. He was assassinated just two days later in the garage of Dallas police as he was being transferred to the county jail.

As America remembers its 35th president, John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated exactly 50 years ago on November 22nd, 1963, we at Auto123.com decided to take a look back at the limousine he was travelling in on that fateful day.

Based on a 1961 Continental 74A convertible, which originally retailed for $7,347, this Lincoln SS-100-X was modified by Ford Motor Company's Advanced Vehicles Group along with Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, bringing its actual cost to more than $200,000.

Specifications
The presidential limo came in a special midnight blue livery, and its wheelbase was stretched by 584 mm for a total of 3,962 mm. It included two radio telephones, flashing red lights and a siren, four retractable side steps for Secret Service agents, two steps on the rear bumper for additional agents, as well as a hydraulic rear seat that could be raised 10.5" to elevate the president.

Under the hood was a 430 cu. in. Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln (MEL) V8 engine rated at 350 hp. During the tragic events of November 1963, the car sported a new grille and ''sombrero''-style wheel covers like those of the 1957 Lincoln Premiere.

There were also steel and transparent plastic roof panels. However, since they often made for a suffocating interior on hot days, they could be removed. That gave Lee Harvey Oswald a direct shot at the president, who was fatally struck by two separate bullets.

After the assassination
You would think that the limo was immediately stored or put on display in a museum following the assassination of JFK, but actually, Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati took it back and made significant changes, including a permanent, non-removable roof, bulletproof glass, titanium armour plating, and special wheels that prevented punctures. An advanced radio communication device that connected with the White House was also fitted.

Work was completed on May 1st, 1964, and the Lincoln SS-100-X went on to serve four other presidents (Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter), logging 80,000 km on the ground and over 1.5 million km being flown to and from its destinations.

It was retired to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. in 1978. Now sitting alongside four other presidential limos, the famous Lincoln is one of the biggest draws among visitors.

Trivia
While it was used by five U.S. presidents, the Lincoln SS-100-X always remained the property of Ford, which leased it to the Secret Service for the nominal price of $500 per year.

Source : thehenryford.org

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