Auto News 5

From press release

Racing dates for the upcoming season have been announced for the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS).

Started in 2005, the PMRA has grown into one of the strongest Pro Modified series in this popular class, presenting a solid contingent of teams at some of the best facilities in Eastern Canada and the United States.

The PMRA has become a major player in the Pro Modified ranks, and has produced some of the best racing of this nature in North America with top cars and drivers doing battle on drag strips in Ontario, Michigan, and Maryland.

Along with its annual regular championship, the PMRA has provided fans with performances at major national drag racing venues, and last year at a special Pro Mod shoot-out in Maryland, took both first and second spots against some of the best teams in the Pro Modified world.

For its 10th season, the PMRA will continue in this manner in 2014. A regular season schedule has been released comprised of racing dates, starting in May. The PMRA's two companion series, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, begins its six year of competition, and the PBSS, presented by Wiseco Performance Products, will enter its fourth year of racing.

All three series will kick off their seasons May 16-18 at the Grand Bend Motorplex for the RPM Magazine/Lucas Oil Blowout.

The Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca competes with its two companion series, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, www.Quick32.ca and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, www.PBSS.ca, travelling and racing together throughout the racing season, offering an exciting and diverse package of drag racing action.

2014 DRAG RACING SERIES SCHEDULE

May 16 - 18:
RPM Magazine / Lucas Oil Spring Blowout
Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)
Grand Bend Motorplex - Grand Bend, Ontario
For more information, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com

May 30 - June 1:
Super Chevy Show
Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)
US 131 Motorsports Park - Martin, MI
For more information, visit www.us131msp.com

June 14 - 15:
Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) ~ Eighth-mile
Empire Dragway - Leicester, NY
For more information, visit www.nyirp.com

June 20 - 22:
IHRA Nitro Jam Nationals
Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA)
Grand Bend Motorplex - Grand Bend, Ontario
For more information, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com

July 11 - 13:
Canadian Nitro Nationals
Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)
Toronto Motorsports Park - Cayuga, Ontario
For more information, visit www.torontomotorsportspark.com

August 8 - 10:
20th Annual Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals
Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)
Grand Bend Motorplex - Grand Bend, Ontario
For more information, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com

August 29 - 31:
"Thunder by the Beach" Weekend
Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS)
Grand Bend Motorplex - Grand Bend, Ontario
For more information, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com
Rain Date: Monday, September 1

September 26 - 27:
International Pro Mod Challenge at the SuperChargers Showdown
Canada vs. USA ~ Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) vs. Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association
Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA)
Maryland International Raceway, Mechanicsville, MD
For more information, visit www.mirdrag.com
Rain Date: Sunday, September 28

From GMM

The mandatory minimum weight of F1 cars will be raised by 1 kilogram for 2014, Italy's Omnicorse reports.

That is because Pirelli, having controversially grappled with failures throughout last season, has advised that their new tyres need more reinforcing kevlar to cope with the higher torque of this year's new turbo V6 engines.

The report tipped the rule tweak, raising the minimum weight to 691kg, to be promptly ratified by the World Motor Sport Council.

Omnicorse also claims that Caterham has followed McLaren and Ferrari's lead in designing its 2014 car around innovative pull-rod front suspension.

Photo: WRi2

VIA Motors last week announced that it has received an $80 million purchase agreement from Sun Country Highway to electrify Best Western hotels and other business as part of a transcontinental electrification project. A total of 1,000 extended-range EVs and more than 100 charging stations will be deployed.

The Best Western Seven Oaks in Regina will be the first Best Western hotel to offer electric shuttle van services in North America.

VIA's VTRUX provides a range of approximately 65 kilometres in fully electric mode, while its solar-powered generator ensures unlimited extended range.

Source : viamotors.com

German car manufacturer, Audi shuffled its lineups in preparation for the 2014 season of the DTM.

In 101 days, the new DTM season will start at the Hockenheimring and the Audi driver teams have now been confirmed.

Timo Scheider and Mike Rockenfeller, Audi 2013 (Photo: Audi)

“Audi has always been committed to continuity with the drivers, as well as to a consistent approach of working with young talents,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

“That's why it's nice that we managed to retain all of our previous DTM drivers for Audi - including our three DTM Champions. In Nico Müller we've got a promising youngster as a new member of our squad, who will probably attract a few fans from Switzerland to the DTM. Plus, we're already very eager to see how Timo (Scheider), Edoardo (Mortara), Miguel (Molina) and Jamie (Green) will be gelling with their new teams,” he added.

Audi Sport Team Phoenix
Mike Rockenfeller (reigning DTM champion)
Timo Scheider (moves from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)

Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline
Miguel Molina (moves from Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
Edoardo Mortara (moves from Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
Mattias Ekström
Adrien Tambay

Audi Sport Team Rosberg
Jamie Green (moves from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
Nico Müller (new to DTM)

Pros: Completely redesigned last year, the 2014 Ford Fusion continues to impress with a very classy and elegant design, numerous cutting-edge technologies, a spacious and quiet interior, dynamic handling (with available all-wheel drive), and fuel-efficient powerplants.

Cons: One of the Fusion's strengths is also a weakness. The MyFord Touch interface is prone to glitches, and many drivers feel frustrated with its use. Moreover, expect to sacrifice a good deal of trunk space when opting for the hybrid or Energi variant.

2014 Ford Fusion Price: This year, Ford offers 9 distinct trim levels including:

• S ($22,499), SE FWD ($24,599), SE AWD ($29,999), and Titanium ($33,999) for the gasoline-powered Fusion;
• S ($28,699), SE ($29,999), and Titanium ($35,499) for the Fusion Hybrid;
• SE ($38,899) and Titanium ($41,399) for the Fusion Energi (plug-in hybrid).

2014 Ford Fusion Fuel Economy: Ratings for the standard Fusion vary from 8.0-9.5L/100km in the city and 5.3-6.3L/100km on the highway. The Fusion Hybrid obviously fares better (4.0 and 4.1L/100km, respectively), but not as much as the Fusion Energi (1.9L/100km equivalent in the city; 4.5L/100km average).

Improvements and Changes: New colours and options are available with the 2014 Ford Fusion. A third, smaller EcoBoost engine (1.5L) can be specified, too, although official performance figures have not been released at the time of writing.

Powertrain: Ford Fusion buyers have a choice of 5 engines for 2014:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine (175 hp, 175 lb-ft);
• 1.5L 4-cylinder, turbocharged EcoBoost engine;
• 1.6L 4-cylinder, turbocharged EcoBoost engine (178 hp, 184 lb-ft);
• 2.0L 4-cylinder, turbocharged EcoBoost engine (240 hp, 270 lb-ft);
• Hybrid system consisting of a 2.0L 4-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor (188 hp, 129 lb-ft total);
• Plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 2.0L 4-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor (188 hp, 129 lb-ft total);

Gasoline models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission (a 6-speed manual is also available with the 1.6L unit), while the Fusion Hybrid and Energi use a CVT. All-wheel drive and paddle shifters are only available with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.

Photo: Ford

Cargo Capacity: The 2014 Ford Fusion has a big, 453-litre trunk. The Fusion Hybrid and Energi offer much less cargo space (340 and 232 litres, respectively) due to the location of the battery.

Safety: Eight airbags come standard with the 2014 Ford Fusion, along with AdvanceTrac stability control. Most trim levels are available with adaptive cruise control, active park assist, a rear camera, cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.

Comparing the 2014 Ford Fusion: Interested in buying an entry-level midsize sedan like the Fusion? Plenty of alternatives exist out there including the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat.

Pros: Known for its bang-for-your-buck status, the Elantra maintains that motto despite seeing engine upgrades and a few exterior tweaks for 2014.

Cons: Despite offering a modern and sleek exterior look, some may find the design of the Hyundai Elantra sedan to be dated already.


2014 Hyundai Elantra Price: Pricing for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe starts at $18,999 for the 2.0L GDI GL model, and runs up the ladder to a top price of $25,599 for the Elantra Coupe SE. There are a few pricing choices in between (automatic vs. manual). 

2014 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy: The 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe's updated engine means new fuel efficiency numbers. The GT's estimated fuel ratings are approximately 9.8L/100km for city driving with the new 2.0L.

Improvements and Changes: Changes made to the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe are minimal. This mid-cycle refresh does, however, ensure new wheel design choices, and LED-trimmed headlights and LED taillights. Inside, sound-deadening material was added in order to improve noise vibration and comfort levels. Slight modifications were made to the gauge cluster, and a new touchscreen was added on high-trim level Hyundai Elantras.

Powertrain: The 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe gets a boost in engine size and is equipped with a new 2.0L direct-injected inline 4-cylinder. This particular engine means a jump in power to 173 horses and 154 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices remain either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC with Manual Shift Mode.

Cargo Capacity: Cargo capacity also remains unchanged in the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe, sitting at 420 litres.

Safety: Safety features include six standard airbags, ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as child-proof rear door locks, and the universal child-seat LATCH system.

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe: The Hyundai Elantra Coupe has steep competition in the Honda Civic and Mazda3, as well as the Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra.

Photo: Hyundai

From press release

Team Williams released today the first images of its 2014 challenger.

"There's a lot more technology on the cars this year," says Williams Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds. "We've had turbo-charged engines in F1 before; what's different this time is that it is much more than just an engine change, it is a completely different system. We've gone from a slightly hybridised normally aspirated engine to a fully integrated hybrid power unit with novel technology at its heart."

Photo: Williams F1 Team

The design phase of the FW36 was completed by mid-September, by which time the team had found solutions to the major challenges presented by the regulations. Cooling, weight, a new gearbox and aerodynamic changes are just some of the areas of focus.

"Overall the cars will need more cooling this year," says Symonds. "The demands on water and oil cooling may be slightly diminished, but the ERS system is significantly more powerful and hence needs more cooling. We also have to cool the charge air from the turbocharger compressor which requires a substantial intercooler."



To meet the challenges of the new power unit, Williams signed the deal with Mercedes Benz High Performance Powertrains midway through last season. The team received the first CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data for the power unit at the end of May, at which point the detailed design of the FW36 could begin to be finalised.

"This is the first time that Williams has worked with Mercedes in F1 and we've been very impressed," says Symonds. "Their professionalism and commitment have been notable and we're as confident as we can be that the power unit will be competitive."


Photo: Williams F1 Team

"F1 is still going to be an aerodynamic formula in 2014," says Symonds. "There are some significant changes: the nose is lower than last year and the front wing is narrower, which means the end plates are now more shrouded by the front tyre. The rear wing isn't as deep as last year and the beam wing below it is no longer permitted, and we've also lost the ability to use the exhaust to enhance aero performance."

"I'm confident that we'll be closer to the front aerodynamically than we were last year," says Symonds. "Our ambition for the year ahead is to have a strong 2014 season."

Former Formula 1 driver, Russian Vitaly Petrov got his first DTM test in a DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé at the Portimão race track in Portugal on Thursday January 23rd.

The 29-year-old Russian got his first taste of a DTM car last year, when he drove one at the Moscow City Race around Red Square and made his DTM debut at the Moscow Raceway in a Mercedes-Benz DTM racing taxi.

Vitaly Petrov. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Vitalty Petrov, who raced in Formula 1 with Renault, Lotus and Caterham, scored 64 championship points and climbed on the podium once, finishing third in Australia in 2011.

"Russia is a highly significant market for the DTM and for Mercedes-Benz,” said Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport in a press release.

“Following the success of the DTM debut at the Moscow Raceway last year, the interest of Russian fans in the series has grown considerably. Vitaly has been aware of these developments and expressed a desire to test drive our DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. We were only too happy to make his wish possible."

The Russian round of the DTM will be held at Moscow Raceway, July 13.

From GMM

As predicted, it was confirmed on Thursday that McLaren and its 2015 engine partner Honda have teamed up with the top GP2 outfit ART.

Media reports had said the British team would work with Nicolas Todt's outfit to house and nurture burgeoning McLaren and Honda-linked young drivers.

Indeed, ART duly announced on Thursday that McLaren junior Stoffel Vandoorne will race for the team this year, as part of "a brand new and exciting partnership agreement with McLaren and Honda".

And McLaren said Belgian 21-year-old Vandoorne will be the F1 reserve driver in 2014.

"The guys at Woking really know how to prepare a driver for formula one," he said, "and I've really enjoyed working with them. I still do."

Stoffel Vandoorne testing for ART GP in Abu Dhabi, in late 2013. (Photo: ART GP)

As expected, Vandoorne's teammate at ART this year is a Honda-linked Japanese, and his name is Takuya Izawa.

The 29-year-old from Tokyo has been plucked straight out of Japan's top Super GT and Formula Nippon series.

"Together with Honda," a statement issued by ART read, "he has built a track record of both car and endurance racing."

Takuya Izawa said: "I will take a new step forward toward global racing as a driver who inherited Honda's challenging spirit. I am grateful for Honda for giving me this opportunity and for all people who supported me to this date."

From GMM

Felipe Massa will not be reuniting with his usual race engineer in 2014.

There has been speculation that, because both Brazilian Massa and his well-known, long-time race engineer Rob Smedley are moving from Ferrari to Williams, they might reunite in their old working relationship at the Grove based team.

But it is believed Briton Smedley, who has been at Ferrari for ten years and is famous for his big-brotherly radio banter with Massa, has accepted an engineering role with greater responsibility at Williams.

Indeed, Williams confirmed that Massa will work directly with Andrew Murdoch this year, who was the Lotus-departed Pastor Maldonado's race engineer in 2013.

"I get on very well with Felipe," Massa's new Williams teammate, Finn Valtteri Bottas, said.

"He's a very nice guy and a great driver."

However, Smedley could well join Williams, but to work in the design office or in the engineering department.

Rob Smedley talking to Felipe Massa. (Photo: Ferrari)

Meanwhile, Brazil's Globo reports that, having failed to find a race seat for 2014, rising Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr is now targeting a reserve and Friday seat at Williams.

"Unfortunately it (finding a race seat) did not work for financial reasons and due to my little experience," said Nasr, who finished last year's GP2 championship in fourth place.

"So the plan now is to try to be third driver in a middle team."

He said a place at Williams, working alongside his countryman Massa, would be "positive".

"With another Brazilian there I think it would make the exchange of information easier, so it is something that could happen. It is open," Felipe Nasr admitted.

Pros: The 2014 Volvo S80 proves supremely comfortable both in terms of seating and ride quality. The interior is remarkably quiet and upscale, while power delivery is always smooth. Add top-notch safety and reliability, and you get an extremely relaxing driving experience.

Cons: The S80's design is getting pretty old now, with the last major revision dating back to 2007. Inside, the layout is bit too simplistic. Also, expect the S80 to lose much of its original value after a few years. This car is in desperate need of a do-over.


2014 Volvo S80 Price: There are 6 trim levels to choose from this year, ranging from the base 3.2 FWD at $48,300 all the way to the luxurious and powerful T6 AWD Platinum at $60,400.

2014 Volvo S80 Fuel Economy: A 3.2 FWD model will burn 10.5L/100km in the city and 6.8L/100km on the highway. These numbers will increase to 11.7 and 8.0L/100km, respectively, with a T6 AWD model.

Improvements and Changes: Beyond a few cosmetic upgrades, the 2014 Volvo S80 gets a new Sensus communication interface, a 7'' display with infrared activation, a heated windshield and steering wheel, a customizable TFT gauge cluster, revised transmission ratios, new ambient lighting, as well as a new pedestrian and cyclist detection feature for the frontal collision mitigation system.

2014 Volvo S80 Powertrain: Volvo offers two inline 6-cylinder engines with the S80. The naturally aspirated 3.2L unit produces 240 horsepower, while the turbocharged 3.0L variant generates 300 horsepower. Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

Cargo Capacity: The S80's trunk will swallow up to 422 litres of cargo, which is a fairly good amount, but not as much as many competitors offer.

Safety: Volvo enjoys a stellar reputation for safety, and it shows in the 2014 S80, which includes ABS, brake assist, stability and traction control, adaptive cruise control, adaptive lighting (headlights that swivel in corners), pedestrian and cyclist detection, distance alert, driver drowsiness alert, lane departure warning, and collision warning with full auto brake. Some of these features are optional, mind you.

Comparing the 2014 Volvo S80: In this luxury sedan segment, you'll also find the Acura RLX, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti Q70, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, Lincoln MKS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Photo: Volvo

NASCAR officials got it right when then decided to go for knock-out qualifying at most races in its' top three series.

As much as this writer feels skeptical about the unannounced changes to the Chase rules, the knockout rules adopted by NASCAR bring it along the lines of Formula One, IndyCar and a number of other series. IndyCar is slightly different as it divides the field into two sessions for round one.

What it means is that you'll see an exciting intense of two or three sessions with implications for the “big” race.

For example qualifying will be completed in about one-hour. With all of the cars on the track for the first 25 minutes session (at all Sprint Cup races but the Daytona 500). What better way for fans to see who's good that weekend, vis-à-vis other drivers, and television will love it as the show wraps up in around one hour.

Photo: NASCAR

Texas Motor Speedway president, Eddie Gossage, said in a statement “I think fans are going to love this because it basically means another race day to race weekend. Qualifying day is going to be a race in and of itself with speed, a lot of competition and a lot of strategy.”

The other wrinkle is that with 42-drivers on the track in the first knock-out session there will be unintended, as well intended, opportunities for the drivers to assist a rival in being knocked out. We'll have to wait and see what NASCAR does to some driver they view as intentionally causing a wreck.

For years this reporter, and many others, likely had trouble getting excited to watch one car on a big track go out for one slow and two fast laps. I'd bet I could hear and see grass growing during Brickyard 400 qualifying.

The only thing this writer doesn't like and still cares about is that there ought to be a one point bonus for winning the pole. Especially in this instance when a driver has to perform in race-like conditions.

Thinking back to Formula One qualifying, even before the knock out system, I recall how thrilling it was to see the late Ayrton Senna carving through the field like a surgeon doing brain surgery. And, of course , the Brazilian was doing it at high speed.

Obviously oval qualifying is nothing like road course qualifying, but, still - we can hope for moments of shear driving brilliance as Gossage said qualifying is going to be a “a race in and of itself.”

Now if only NASCAR would consider it worth more than a picture, a check , and a pit stall selection it would be close to perfect.

Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet SS, 2013 Sprint Cup Champion. (Photo: NASCAR)

The Rules:

At tracks measuring 1.25 miles in length or larger, qualifying for the Coors Light Pole Award will consist of three rounds:
• The first qualifying elimination round will be 25 minutes in duration and includes all cars / trucks. The 24 cars / trucks that post the fastest single lap from the first qualifying round will advance to the second round.
• The remaining cars / trucks will be sorted based on their times posted in the first round of qualifying in descending order.
• The second qualifying elimination round will be 10 minutes in duration and the 12 cars / trucks that post the fastest single lap time will advance to the third and final round. The fastest remaining cars / trucks earn positions 13th through 24th based on their times posted in qualifying in descending order.
• The third and final qualifying round will be five minutes in duration and the fastest single lap time will determine positions 1st through 12th in descending order.
• There will be a five-minute break between each qualifying round.

At tracks measuring less than 1.25 miles, qualifying for the Coors Light Pole Award will consist of two rounds:
• The first qualifying elimination round will be 30 minutes in duration and includes all cars / trucks. The 12 cars / trucks that post the fastest single lap time from the first qualifying round will advance to the second and final round.
• The remaining cars / trucks will be sorted based on their times posted in the first round of qualifying in descending order.
• There will be a 10-minute break between the two qualifying rounds.
• The second and final qualifying round will be 10 minutes in duration and the fastest single lap time posted will determine positions 1st through 12th in descending order.

The new qualifying format does not apply to the Daytona 500, which will preserve its historic and unique qualifying format. Additionally, it does not apply to non-points NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events or the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Eldora Speedway.

Young Canadian race car driver, Mikael Grenier, is still in talks with KV Racing about driving one of their Dallara DW12s in this year's IndyCar series.

Grenier, who raced karts, Formula Star Mazdas and Indy Lights in the past, got a test with KV Racing back in November on the Sebring road course in Florida.

“The test went very well, and I got along really well with the team members,” Grenier told Auto123.com on Wednesday. “Since that day, we've been working hard to put together a program that would see me drive the second car of the team this season. KV Racing has some sponsors that cover part of the budget. I don't have to find the entire budget, but only part of it.”

Mikael Grenier driving KV Racing's Indy car. (Photo: Vanessa DC)

“We are currently in contact with several potential sponsors, but finding money is never easy. I expect to hear back from them within a week and a half,” he continued. “Our goal is to drive the team's second car. However, there's still the possibility of driving the third car. KV Racing has fielded three cars in the past such as when Rubens Barrichello drove for them two years ago.”

The young man from Stoneham, Quebec also mentioned a third option.

“If I only find a certain amount of sponsorship money, I could participate in specific races in 2014,” Grenier explained. “I could do a little more testing and run, for example, just the road course races. But nothing has been decided yet and we're still talking.”

Mikael Grenier (Photo: Vanessa DC)

Pros: The young, 3-year-old Buick Verano already looks like a mature sedan. Of course, like every other Buick, it is smooth, quiet, and upscale. The turbocharged engine and stiff body structure together make for a European-like driving experience. A low entry price is icing on the cake.

Cons: The company had to streamline the standard equipment list to achieve an affordable status, which may not have been such a good idea considering the strong opposition. Rear-seat space is tight, and visibility through the rear window poses a slight problem.

2014 Buick Verano Price: This small sedan can be yours for as little as $23,005 (freight and delivery charges not included). The top-of-the-line Verano with Leather Package 1ST costs $32,250.


2014 Buick Verano Fuel Economy: Depending on the engine and transmission selected, the Verano will burn 8.3-8.5L/100km on average.

Improvements and Changes: For 2014, the Verano offers new camera- and radar-based technologies that help keep drivers aware of potential hazards. Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert are all available for the first time. Other convenient features also pop up on the options menu.

2014 Buick Verano Powertrain: The standard 2.4L 4-cylinder ECOTEC engine produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, while the up-level 2.0L turbocharged unit delivers 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available.

Photo: Buick

Cargo Capacity: As crazy as it sounds, the 2014 Buick Verano has a bigger trunk than the full-size LaCrosse (up to 405 litres vs. just 377).

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. Let's not forget the 10 airbags.

Comparing the 2014 Buick Verano: Compact luxury car buyers with a focus on affordability and fuel economy should consider the Verano along with the Acura ILX, Audi A3, and Mercedes-Benz CLA.

From GMM

Caterham's team boss has tipped its new reserve driver Robin Frijns to rise to the very top of formula one.

Dutchman Frijns' F1 career to date, however, has been a struggle, as although very highly rated he lost his similar role at Sauber last year amid the Swiss team's financial troubles.

But he has been snapped up by Caterham for 2014, with team owner Tony Fernandes admitting 22-year-old rookie Frijns was even considered for a race seat.

"Robin has the pure speed," Caterham team boss Cyril Abiteboul is quoted by the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "He has already made a big impression on our engineers during his hours in the simulator. Robin definitely has the talent to advance to the top of our sport."

Team supremo Fernandes, meanwhile, called Frijns - the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 champion - "the most exciting young driver out there at the moment".

He said the Dutchman was considered for a race seat in 2014 "but in the end we decided to be cautious".

Kamui Kobayashi, Robin Frijns, Marcus Ericsson, 2014 Caterham drivers. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

The U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted a small overlap crash test with 11 sub-compact cars available in North America, and the results were so disastrous that automakers ought to be scrambling for quick solutions.

Only the Chevrolet Spark was deemed ''Acceptable,'' while the Mazda2, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, and Ford Fiesta earned a ''Marginal'' rating.

Models who performed ''poorly'' in this test include the Nissan Versa, Toyota Prius c, Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Mirage, Fiat 500, and Honda Fit.

Source : money.cnn.com

Ford's luxury division today unveiled its all-new 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The model will officially make its global debut in a few weeks at the Chicago Auto Show.

The third-generation Navigator (first one came in 2007) will use a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 rated at 370 horsepower to replace the outgoing 310-horsepower 5.4L V8.

The 2015 Lincoln Navigator will come in standard-wheelbase (207.4'') and long-wheelbase (222.3'') configurations, ride on 20'' wheels (optional 22'' wheels), and feature modern technologies such as the latest-generation MyLincoln Touch and SYNC, a 4.2'' LCD monitor on the dashboard, and a rearview camera.

Look for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator to arrive in showrooms this fall.

Source : motorauthority.com

Photo: Lincoln

Photo: Lincoln

Pros: Known for its bang-for-your-buck status, the Elantra maintains that motto despite seeing engine upgrades and a few exterior tweaks for 2014.

Cons: Despite offering a modern and sleek exterior look, some may find the design of the Hyundai Elantra sedan to be dated already.


2014 Hyundai Elantra Price: Pricing for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT is set between $18,349 and $26,699 base. 

2014 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy: The 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT's updated engine means new fuel efficiency numbers. The GT's estimated fuel ratings are approximately 9.8L/100km for city driving with the new 2.0L.

Improvements and Changes: Changes made to the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT are minimal. This mid-cycle refresh does, however, ensure new wheel design choices, and LED-trimmed headlights and LED taillights. Inside, sound-deadening material was added in order to improve noise vibration and comfort levels. Slight modifications were made to the gauge cluster, and a new touchscreen was added on high-trim level Hyundai Elantras.

Powertrain: The 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT gets a boost in engine size and is equipped with a new 2.0L direct-injected inline 4-cylinder. This particular engine means a jump in power to 173 horses and 154 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices remain either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC with Manual Shift Mode.

Cargo Capacity: Cargo capacity also remains unchanged in the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT, sitting at 651 litres.

Safety: Safety features include six standard airbags, ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as child-proof rear door locks, and the universal child-seat LATCH system.

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT: The Hyundai Elantra GT has steep competition in the Honda Civic and Mazda3, as well as the Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra.

Photo: Hyundai

Rick Hendrick, the iconic car dealer and NASCAR mogul who parlayed a single Chevrolet store into one of the nation's largest dealership groups, was honored here today with the 2014 Keith Crain/Automotive News Lifetime Achievement Award.

Former NFL player and current "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" actor Terry Crews will appear in Toyota's