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From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone's legal woes have eased slightly, as it emerges a $650 millions lawsuit against him has been dismissed.

Late last year, a company called Bluewaters Communications claimed it was the high bidder to buy formula one in 2005.

But it said CVC only won the day because of chief executive Ecclestone's alleged bribes, after Bluewaters gave "no commitment" to keep the 83-year-old in his top job.

F1 business journalist Christian Sylt now reports that the New York supreme court has ruled that it has no jurisdiction to hear the case.

According to Autoweek, the Justice ruled that the "critical events underlying the claims in this lawsuit took place in Germany, England and elsewhere in Europe".

Although still in charge of F1, Ecclestone has stepped down from the board and is facing jail after German prosecutors said the corruption affair would be heard in criminal court this year.

From GMM

McLaren has confirmed it will not announce a replacement for departed title sponsor Vodafone when the 2014 car is officially launched on Friday.

But after the final season of Vodafone's backing passed without a win or even a podium for the great British team, managing director Jonathan Neale insisted McLaren remains in good financial health for 2014.

"We're in good shape financially," he told GMM exclusively, "and we have a lot of fantastic partners -- Mobil 1, Santander, GSK, Johnnie Walker, Hilton, Hugo Boss, TAG Heuer and SAP and quite a few more."

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren MP4-27. (Photo: WRi2)

Jonathan Neale pointed out that because McLaren is not a PLC, it does not have to "show a profit".

"Our shareholders, Ron Dennis, TAG and Mumtalakat, never take a dividend," said Neale.

"No, they're motivated by the desire to see McLaren grow and grow again. So, yes, I can confirm that McLaren will have a bigger operational budget in 2014 than we've had in any previous year," he added.

However, McLaren is in a period of great change, and not just because Honda is arriving as the works engine partner in 2015.

McLaren supremo Dennis is also back in charge, amid speculation Martin Whitmarsh's days as team principal are over.

Claiming that Ross Brawn or Sam Michael could be set to take the reins, Speed Week reports that Martin Whitmarsh will not be at the Jerez test next week.

And Britain's Daily Mail newspaper reports that Ciaron Pilbeam, once Mark Webber's race engineer at Red Bull Racing, has been poached by McLaren from Lotus to be chief race engineer "in the wake of their disastrous 2013 campaign".

Mercedes High Performance Engines has leaked a sneak video preview of their new Formula powerplant.

The team of engineers produced the new 1.6L V6 turbo hybrid engine that will power the 2014 cars of team Mercedes AMG, McLaren, Williams and Sahara Force India.

The new engine is coded PU106A Hybrid.

From GMM

Giedo van der Garde claims he turned down the chance to stay at Caterham this year in order to "move sideways" to Sauber.

Just a year into his grand prix career, the Dutchman will not even be on the 2014 grid, but serving only as Sauber's reserve and occasional Friday driver.

Well backed by his father in law Marcel Boekhoorn's McGregor brand, he told De Telegraaf newspaper that he turned Caterham down.

Giedo Van der Garde, Caterham F1 Team, in Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

"I liken it to Jasper Cillissen," van der Garde said, referring to a Dutch goalkeeper who gambled on a transfer between football teams, sat on the bench for a year but ultimately went on to great success.

De Telegraaf said van der Garde was offered the race seat at Caterham for 2014.

"I didn't do it," the 28-year-old confirmed, "because this is a better option.

"My goal this year is to show what I can do and race for Sauber in 2015. I'm a driver who wants the maximum possible, not to race around at the back."

Van der Garde said he is happy with his 2014 programme.

"It looks good," he said. "There are more test days this year and I can do some of the Friday free practices. And if it is necessary, I am ready to race."

Renault Sport F1 has released a series of photos as well as technical information about its new Power Unit, the new 1.6L turbo hybrid V6 Formula 1 engine called Energy F1.

Renault will supply this engine in 2014 to Red Bull Racing, Lotus, Toro Rosso and Caterham.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

Key elements of the Energy F1 Power Unit:

• 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine

• Direct fuel injection

• Max engine speed of 15,000rpm

• Potent Energy Recovery Systems incorporating two motor generator units - the MGU-H, recovering energy from the exhaust and the MGU-K recovering energy from braking

• Electrical energy recovered stored in a battery

• Combined maximum power output of 760bhp, on a par with previous V8 generation

Photo: Renault Sport F1

• Double restriction on fuel consumption: fuel quantity for the race limited to 100 kg (35% reduction from 2013) with fuel flow rate limited to 100 kg/hr max (unlimited under V8 regulations) - cars will therefore need to use both fuel and electrical energy over one lap

• Engine development is frozen during the season; only changes for fair and equitable reasons are permitted

• 5 Power Units allowed per driver per year

Photo: Renault Sport F1

Photo: Renault Sport F1

From GMM

In a last-ditch effort to move up the grid, Caterham F1 Team overlooked some of the most lucrative 'pay drivers' for the 2014 season.

Although his fans pledged their own money towards his return to F1, the popular and feisty Kamui Kobayashi admitted he is only contributing a modest amount - less than $2 million - to the Tony Fernandes-led team's budget.

"Unfortunately it is not enough to get a seat," the Japanese told Britain's Sky, "but hopefully this is a good indication and a message to Tony Fernandes".

And also in contrast to his main race seat rival Heikki Kovalainen, who needed to be paid a salary in 2014, Kobayashi revealed that he will be driving for nothing this year.

That is despite the fact Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali offered him a new deal to race GT sports cars in 2014, where he would have been paid real money.

"Stefano is not happy I didn't take it," Kobayashi smiled, "but it (racing for free) is my decision, my approach and this appeals to Tony, this was my message to Tony."

Indeed, Fernandes said that while the contribution of Kobayashi's fans is appreciated, the less than $2 million offering "makes no difference" in the context of massive F1 budgets.

Kamui Kobayashi and Stefano Domenicali. (Photo: Ferrari)

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg hopes the cars of F1's all-new era are not too slow.

At the end of the long V12 and V10-powered era of normally aspirated power, the sport is switching to 'greener' V6 turbo engines from 2014, bolstered by sophisticated energy recovery systems.

But some fear the cars, at least in 2014, will be three or four seconds slower than the field of 2013, bringing them within the range of the support series GP2.

Asked if that kind of performance would be a disappointment, German Hulkenberg admitted: "It would be a step in the wrong direction.

"Formula one must remain the ultimate. If we lose four seconds, then the GP2 cars would be very close to formula one, and the difference between them is no longer clear enough," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

But Hulkenberg, who drove for Sauber in 2013, admits he doesn't have much data to base his fears upon, as he has not tried a 2014 car in Sahara Force India's simulator.

"Force India does have a simulator," he said, "but the software and the models are not yet for 2014 and so it makes no sense to try to test it. We are in a wait and see period."

He has, however, at least seen Sahara Force India's new car, the VJM07, and is not sure what to think of it.

"Naturally the narrow front wing and the distinctive nose looks a bit strange to the eye. Not so pretty," said the 26-year-old.

VJM07. (Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team)

And once linked with moves to Ferrari, McLaren or Lotus for 2014, Nico Hulkenberg admits that the bigger teams could have an advantage over their smaller rivals this year.

"It is more open than in previous years," he said.

"The big teams with their big budgets have an advantage with how quickly they can develop. But the new rules are also a chance for smaller teams to come up with something better than the rest -- you only have to think about 2009 and Brawn GP. On the other hand you can also get it wrong as well, so it could go either way," Nico Hulkenberg concluded.

From GMM

Paul di Resta has admitted his aim is to combine his return to DTM this year with a role in formula one.

Having lost his Force India seat, Scot di Resta, 27, is returning to the German touring car series with Mercedes, for whom he won the 2010 title.

And although the media announcement made no mention of F1, authoritative reports suggested it is likely he will be called up as a test and reserve driver for the German carmaker's works Brackley based team.

"Everyone knows I didn't leave F1 because I didn't perform," he is quoted by The Scotsman newspaper. "There were other issues.

"If the opportunity comes up, I'm still young enough that I can get back in there. Racing in the DTM makes sense and it lets me combine something with F1 and keep my foot in the door should something come up," di Resta added.

Paul di Resta. (Photo: Mercedes AMG)

Importantly, none of the ten races on the DTM calendar this year clash with F1's 19 grands prix, meaning di Resta would in theory be able to seamlessly combine the two roles.

"First, though, I need to concentrate on DTM," he insisted.

"Once we get this rolling the way we want, then we'll explore whatever other opportunities are on the table.

"Do I feel my F1 career is over? No, definitely not," di Resta continued.

"As is the case with any championship, I am now fully committed to winning the DTM title again with Mercedes.

"But they also know I want to remain in the F1 paddock. They are well aware of the fact that's where I want to be, and I know I have their full support. That's hugely important for me," he concluded.

Consistency is a good thing. Familiarity is something we humans thrive on; we don't like change or at least we don't often welcome it with open arms. In the auto industry, change is often a necessary evil, but is also something (I've come to notice this) few do often.

Take, for example, Jaguar's XF. Having just stepped out of the 2013 model, I looked back on the first 2008 Jaguar XF and very little has changed. I'm as undecided with the XF as I was with the 2013 Jaguar XKR. I have a soft spot for Jags and Land Rovers, but I've got to say their “stay the same” policy is wearing a bit thin.


What is a Jaguar XF?
For starters, the XF came about as a replacement for the Jaguar S-Type. Designed by Ian Callum, the XF was the first Jaguar to sport the more modern feline face we've come to know and recognize today.

A midsize luxury sedan, the XF offers power and prestige as well as AWD. As the “baby” of the Jaguar family, the XF offers a stellar way to enter the sophisticated British brand with a vehicle that's not only dynamic to drive but can also be a practical everyday drive.

2013 Jaguar XF Price and Specs
The engine found in the brand new 2014 Jaguar F-Type V6 is the same found in the 2013 Jaguar XF: a supercharged 3.0L V6 that pushes out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power is controlled via an 8-speed electronic automatic transmission. Jaguar's Instinctive All-Wheel Drive system is also on board.

That's the starting point, and it'll set you back $61,500. Should you wish to travel further up the Jaguar XF ladder, you can grab on to the XFR or XFR-S rungs, but you better be ready to hang on. The XFR and XFR-S get a supercharged 5.0L V8. The latter gets 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft while the other makes due with 510. Pricing on the XFR starts just below $90k.

A midsize luxury sedan, the XF offers power and prestige as well as AWD. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Jaguar XF
Sumptuous is supposed to be the name of the game here; performance with style. Yet, I was definitely left wanting more from the 2013 Jaguar XF. There's nothing inherently wrong with the way the big cat drives, just that I feel it could do so much more.

Everything about the 2013 Jaguar XF was a bit dated, from the steering feel to the transmission; it felt old. I wanted so much more from the V6. I continually popped it into “S” and Dynamic mode, just to get a bit of a rise out of it. The Jag XF can be a blast to drive, but you have to be willing to push it to get it to that point.

With over 10,000 clicks on the odometer, the Jaguar XF's suspension seemed to be showing signs of fatigue. Un-luxury-car-like clunks were often heard on rougher surfaces, and the steering's on-centre numbness left me shaking my head.

The supercharged V6 is always a pleasure. I do wish, at times, that it was more growly, but then I supposed that's when you'd spring for the adrenaline-pumped XFR to get your kicks.

Sumptuous is supposed to be the name of the game here; performance with style. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Jaguar XF
Jaguar lines are some of the most sensual in the auto industry. They've made it their business to design vehicles with slopping, feminine touches. The Jaguar XF is no exception, and the latest iteration isn't far off from Callum's original design.

I'm a huge fan of the chunky front end, muscled hood and stubby rear. I think the 2013 Jaguar XF is one of the better looking Jaguars on the road today (and look at it in XFR-S trim and be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor).

The 2013 Jaguar XF is a picturesque vehicle that's rather impressive to behold. The new LED signature daytime running lights add a somewhat sinister and playful look to the XF that I quite like, too.

Inside, however, I feel Jaguar need to do a serious update. What was cool five years ago just isn't going to fly anymore. While I appreciate the simplicity of the gauge cluster, I feel they could do so much more with it -- the graphics in the middle aren't retro, they're old. I am also quite sick of complaining about Jag's HMI system, so I won't.

Where the 2013 Jaguar XF had me nodding my head was in the area of comfort. For long hauls, the XF is sublime thanks to its spacious and welcoming cabin.

The 2013 Jaguar XF is a picturesque vehicle that's rather impressive to behold. The new LED signature daytime running lights add a somewhat sinister and playful look to the XF. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Jaguar XF
Here's where Jaguar's age starts to show, despite being a brand new model. It competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan all of which are loaded to the gills with uber-modern bits and pieces and have seen some major aesthetic changes over the years.

Relying on its heritage alone will only get Jaguar so far, me thinks.

From GMM

Former F1 driver Jan Magnussen has revealed he is considering ending his own career in order to support his son's move into motor sport's highest category.

Although his own grand prix career flopped in the late 90s when he was sacked by then team owner Sir Jackie Stewart, the 40-year-old Dane still races sports cars, and is a perennial contender at fabled Le Mans.

But now his 21-year-old son is moving into F1 with the British grandee McLaren, who gave the then chaotic Jan Magnussen a one-off F1 drive back in 1995.

He is keen for Kevin to avoid his mistakes.

"I wish I'd had another chance," Jan told the Guardian, "but Kevin is where he is today because of what happened to me.

"In fact there are no similarities," Magnussen explained. "He's super hardworking and much more organised than I ever was. I was a smoker, I didn't train properly and was not at all organised."

Jan and Kevin Magnussen, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

Magnussen Snr will not be in Melbourne for his son's grand prix debut in March, because it clashes with his own driving duties.

"But I will get to eight or nine races, about half," he said. "Now Kevin is in formula one I've thought a lot about how long my career will go on. I've got to decide whether I can focus on what I'm doing or whether I'd rather be with Kevin. But I don't want to be his manager. I want to be his dad, and that's it."

"Kevin used to be the son of Jan Magnussen," he smiled. "Now, suddenly, I am the father of Kevin Magnussen."

Pros: Since its reintroduction to the automotive world in 2002, the MINI Cooper has been loved for its quirky styling and go-kart-like handling abilities. Unique looks and a great personality behind the wheel ensure the MINI's continued to be a popular model over the years.

Cons: Since BMW took over the brand and launched the new MINI in 2002, the price of the little hatch has reflected the German influence. Considered a premium brand, the higher-priced MINIs offer up little in terms of cargo space and passenger room. However, models like the Countryman and Clubman serve to address those issues along the way.


2014 MINI Cooper Price: Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models, however, should be available mid-February of 2014.

2014 MINI Cooper Fuel Economy: Fuel economy numbers are as of yet unknown in the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models.

Improvements and Changes: Some would say there was very little to improve and change in the MINI Cooper models and that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Well, MINI didn't “fix” anything per se, but they did update an already well-loved machine to make it that much more appealing. On the outside, the new original MINIs (as they are being dubbed) have grown in size and length, but not by much. Wider and longer, the new original MINIs have a more grown-up exterior look. LED headlamps are optional as are LED fog lights, and the rear lights come as LED units. Inside, the much-talked-about centre-mounted speedometer now has a home behind the steering wheel, while MINI's HMI takes precedent over the centre display. A bright red toggle switch is now the ignition “key” and key insertion is no longer necessary. The most interesting change in the 2014 MINI Cooper lineup is, of course, the introduction of two new turbo engines across the board.

Powertrain: That's right, whether you order yourself a base MINI Cooper or the sportier MINI Cooper S, you'll get MINI's twin-scroll TwinPower Turbo Technology. In base trim (MINI Cooper), you'll now get a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Slap an “S” on the back and you get MINI's new 4-cyl turbocharged mill that'll push out 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Both Cooper and Cooper S have a choice of updated, optimized transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Power is, as always, sent to the front wheels.

Cargo Capacity: The new original MINI Cooper's cargo capacity jumps from 160 litres to 211 for the 2014 model (with the rear seats up). Flip those rear seats down and the cargo room jumps to 1,076 litres (up from the previous gen's 680 litres).

Safety: As in the previous model, the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S come equipped with a host of safety features including ABS, brake standby, drying and fade support, as well as cornering brake control (CBC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DTC); eight airbags, SMART Airbag Deployment, Advanced Head Protection System (AHPS); crash sensor, fuel pump cutoff, and runflat tires.

Comparing the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S: The MINI Cooper has always kind of been in a category all its own, but the Volkswagen Golf, Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta stack up well against it.

From press release

Sahara Force India revealed its dynamic new look today, offering a first impression of the new VJM07, which will be presented next week à Jerez.

The new livery brings a fresh trackside image for the team with the introduction of black alongside the traditional colours of saffron, white and green.

“The VJM07 looks stunning and the new livery reflects the way Sahara Force India is evolving,” says Vijay Mallya. “I've always believed our cars have been the most eye-catching, but adding black as a main colour gives us a fierce new look.”

VJM07. (Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team)

Key to the new look is the introduction of several commercial partners. The logo of telecommunications brand, Claro, appears on the engine cover and signals the start of a multi-year deal with the famous Mexican brand. There will be prominent Claro branding on the drivers' suits and team kit.

The rear wing end plate now includes branding from Roshfrans, the lubricant oils specialists, following last week's announcement of a multi-year partnership with the team.

The new livery also sees branding from Astana, a foundation that supports sporting initiatives by promoting the capital city of Kazakhstan. The Astana logo is positioned on the side of the VJM07's nose.

“It's been a busy winter for us on the technical and commercial front,” explains Vijay. “When I founded the team my first ambition was to launch the first Indian team on the grid, but the next stage in our evolution is to develop a global brand. I think that ambition is reflected in the partners we are working with and our world class driver line-up. It certainly feels as though there is the potential for 2014 to be our strongest season yet.”

As well as new colours, the changes beneath the skin of the VJM07 are even more extensive due to the new technical regulations. “The new rules have presented us with a huge challenge, but I'm very proud of the approach we have taken and the direction of the technical team,” says Vijay. “It will be fascinating to see how different teams have interpreted the rules and at this stage it's impossible to predict who has done the best job.”

Technical Director, Andrew Green, is quick to emphasise just how different the VJM07 is compared to its predecessor: “Almost every single part is a new design, from the front wing right back to the diffuser. The genetics of the VJM07 still lie in the 2013 car, but we've had to achieve the same results in a slightly different way.”

Andrew says accommodating the power unit was the biggest challenge: “It's been a massive job to accommodate all the changes to the power unit - it's the biggest change I've witnessed in the sport since I started in 1990. Cooling has been the biggest challenge with most of last summer taken up trying to understand the cooling requirements of the power unit, and how best to optimise it in the chassis.”

COMPARING THE 2013 AND THE 2014 CARS

We here compare the 2013 VJM06 to the 2014 VJM07 (the photo of the 2013 car needed to be flopped so both cars looked in the same direction).

2013 VJM06 (Photo: Force India)

2014 VJM07 (Photo: Force India)

Billionaire Elon Musk has a point in complaining about the word "recall" being used to describe fixes to Tesla Motors' Model S, said David Strickland, who left last week as the top U.S. auto-safety regulator.

Toyota is teaming up with Disney to promote the launch of its redesigned Highlander mid-sized crossover, starting with a 60-second Super Bowl spot featuring the Muppets.

The Chrysler Group is now wholly owned by Italian carmaker Fiat. The company announced on Jan.

One of the things that's fun about online "build and price" tools is picking a car, choosing all the most expensive options, then standing back in stunned amazement at the price of the car you've built. "HOLY COW! A $280,000

Henniges Automotive Holdings completed the acquisition of the remaining 40 percent of joint venture Beijing Wanyuan-Henniges Sealing Systems.

Toyota and Honda set production records at their North American auto-assembly plants last year even as the yen weakened against the dollar for a second consecutive year.

Electric carmaker Tesla Motors and German rail operator Deutsche Bahn opened four new charging stations along key autobahn routes to help make electric cars viable for long-distance commuting.

Electric carmaker Tesla Motors and rail operator Deutsche Bahn opened four new charging stations along key autobahn routes today to help make electric cars viable for long-distance commuting in Germany.