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Carlos Ghosn expects it will take two people to fill his shoes when he leaves his position as CEO of both Renault and Nissan. He says he only took the combined job of managing both companies because there was no other option at the time.

The vehicles unveiled during the 2014 North American International Auto Show are certain to sport even higher levels of technology than their predecessors.

Valeo says it will boost its position in the global automotive lighting sector by taking full ownership in its North America-based lighting joint venture.

From GMM

Toro Rosso will be among the teams at the Jerez test later this month.

Lotus boss Eric Boullier insisted on Thursday that the Enstone based team will not be the only F1 outfit missing in action when the all-new cars and turbo V6s burst into action in southern Spain late in January.

One of the missing teams, however, will not be Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso.

The Faenza based team's new recruit, rookie Daniil Kvyat, told the Russian publication Championat he is currently training ahead of his first 2014 duties.

"I have already done the seat fitting for the new car in late December," said the 19-year-old.

"I will come back to our factory in January to meet with the engineers and talk about all the new things the driver needs to know. Before Jerez I will probably be in the simulator. And once we are in Jerez then the time (before Melbourne) will go very quickly," Kvyat added.

Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

When asked about his schedule at the wheel of the new Toro Rosso at Jerez, Kvyat admitted he is not sure how the track time will be divided between himself and experienced teammate Jean-Eric Vergne.

"The order of the testing can be seen different ways. Some fans think that because someone is the first (to drive) means something, but that's nonsense. Actually I would like to drive on the second day, but the team will decide and anyway it is not so important," he said.

Daniil Kvyat also responded to claims the new regulations, particularly those relating to the front nose, has resulted in most 2014 cars looking "ugly".

"An F1 car is always a work of art," he insisted. "Yes, there are a couple of details you have to get used to and that even I don't really like, but in six months time no one will pay any attention to it anymore. The nose? It will be interesting, let's see, but I don't care what the car looks like -- what is important is that it is quick."

From GMM

The manufacturer of a crucial fuel flow sensor is now ready for F1's 2014 season.

We reported last October that the governing FIA was in a race against time to ensure teams obey the all-new fuel limits for the radical turbo V6 rules.

The reports said the company awarded the contract to supply the mandatory fuel flow rate sensors was struggling to improve on an error rate of 1.5 per cent.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said that error result was "worrying", and that the company Gill Sensors was working hard to improve the sensor ahead of the winter testing season.

Gill has now confirmed that its fuel sensor "has been homologated by the FIA" for the 2014 season.

The sensor "fulfils the FIA's accuracy requirements", the company added.

"We are delighted that the FIA is confident in the performance and durability of the ultrasonic fuel flow meter," said chairman Mike Gill.

Photo: Gill Sensors

Pros: Comfortable on a track, a highway drive or a cruise down the strip, the Infiniti Q60 Convertible, formerly known as the G37 Convertible, hits 2014 with a new name and plenty of selection to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. Powered by an award-winning standard V6 engine and offering up a world-class list of features and technologies, this machine delivers push-button access to the open air, thanks to a fully-motorized roof. When the weather doesn't co-operate the fully hard top offers plenty of insulation from the elements and a clean, coupe-like look.

Cons: Limited trunk space and limited rearward visibility are among the key ‘cons' of the Q60 Convertible. Further, though the 2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible offers four seats, the rear perches will be tight for full-grown adults.


2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible Pricing: For model-year 2014, $58,400 opens the bidding on this striking convertible though numerous options and packages allow owners to raise that figure well north of the $60,000 range. A Q60 Convertible Premier Edition Red model is available with exclusive feature content and added hardware, with pricing from $61,700.

2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible Fuel Economy: Look for fuel economy to land between 12.1 and 12.7 L / 100km during city driving, and between 7.8 and 8.3 L / 100km during highway cruising, depending on the transmission selected.

Improvements and Changes: Improvements on this new model are minor for 2014, though new paint colors are available.

Don't Miss: BOSE Open Air stereo system. Capitalizing on a long-time partnership between Infiniti and Bose, this revolutionary stereo system automatically adjusts its calibrations when the roof is dispatched to ensure optimal clarity and noise reduction via AudioPilot 2.0 technology. By taking active control over the amplifier and equalizer in response to roof position, speed and ambient noise levels, a world-class listening experience is ensured at all times.

2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible Powertrain: All models are powered by Infiniti's acclaimed 3.7 litre VQ-series V6 engine, which generates 325 horsepower. Revving to 7,500 RPM thanks to the free-breathing VVEL cam timing system, the 2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible ensures exhilarating high-rpm pull alongside respectable mileage figures. Microfinished surfaces on key engine internals and numerous friction-reducing efforts further increase refinement and fuel efficiency. Two transmission options are available: namely in the form of a six-speed manual with short-throw shifter, or a highly responsive 7-speed automatic with lightning-fast paddle-shifting.

Safety: Though it's exhaustively engineered for driving pleasure, the Q60 Convertible is no slouch in the safety department. Notable safety features include standard rollover-deployable roll bars, numerous structural reinforcements and the Infiniti Advanced Airbag System. Powerful antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) ensure fuss-free stopping power, while the rear-view monitor system enhances safety in and around the vehicle during reversing. Further, a Bluetooth hands-free phone interface supports drivers in maintaining their full attention on the road ahead even during phone calls.

Comparables: Shoppers checking out the convertible market are advised to investigate the 2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible alongside the Mercedes E-Class Convertible, Audi A5 Cabrio, BMW 4-Series Convertible and Lexus IS-C.

Photo: Infiniti

From GMM

India has moved a step towards securing its return to the formula one calendar.

New Delhi hosted three races between 2011 and last year, but the grand prix will be absent from the Buddh circuit this season.

Many believe the unsupportive government's strict import laws, meaning cars and equipment are mandatorily held up in customs and subject to hefty duties, contributed to the demise of F1 in India.

But news this week indicates that the country may be paving the road for the return of the grand prix.

Buddh International Circuit. (Photo: WRi2)

The Times of India reports that race equipment will no longer be treated as normal imported cargo, so long as the equipment leaves the country within 30 days.

The foreign trade department confirmed the news.

"The decision will be music to the ears of (race promoter) Jaypee ... who have been struggling to deal with rising import duties while organising the Indian grand prix over the last three years," read the Times of India report.

Jaypee chief Sameer Gaur confirmed: "It appears to be a positive development for automobile racing in India. We cannot, however, say more without studying the (department's) order."

And Indian motor sport federation chief Vicky Chandhok added: "I welcome this decision to modify the import policy for cars and bikes for racing events. This will pave the way for India to host many more world class international motor sport events."

"After 21 years, the Nissan Micra is returning to Canada to change the automotive landscape," announced Christian Meunier, President of Nissan Canada. "Micra will provide Canadians with the unbeatable value, Japanese quality, European bold styling and fun driving experience that they deserve in a small car."

Exclusive to Canada (not available in the U.S.), the 2015 Nissan Micra will make its official debut at the Montreal Auto Show next week with a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, as well as a standard 5-speed manual transmission and optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Our very own Matt St-Pierre got the opportunity to test-drive the new Nissan Micra last summer. While there have been a few modifications to the European-spec model, he says the Micra should remain just as pleasant to drive.

More details will be provided at the Montreal Auto Show on January 16th.

Photo: Nissan

Just a few months after winning its first world rally title, Volkswagen has unveiled the 2014 Polo R WRC, ahead of its debut at the Rally Monte Carlo on January 14th.

Looking instantly recognizable, the 315-horsepower Polo R has an updated livery with familiar grey and blue stripes.

Photo: Volkswagen

Volkswagen doesn't say much about the technical changes, but engineers confirmed the car was equipped with an upgraded engine and optimized chassis components. Engineers also improved the stability of the car and installed new software for the on-board electronics.

Photo: Volkswagen

"When it comes to technical development, you simply cannot afford to let up for a single second. Although we won some laurels in 2013, we have certainly not rested on them,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director, Jost Capito.

Photo: Volkswagen

Photo: Volkswagen

From GMM

Former Grand Prix winner and Toro Rosso team owner, Austrian Gerhard Berger says he thinks Sebastian Vettel overtook Fernando Alonso as the very best driver in Formula 1 last year.

Berger, a former Ferrari driver, also admitted that the style of German Vettel's domination in 2013 was a questionable spectacle.

"I didn't turn the television off, but sometimes I fell asleep in front of it," the inimitable Austrian legend told Auto Motor und Sport.

For many, Vettel's nine grands prix wins on the trot in the second half of 2013 ended the debate about whether the 26-year-old is a true great.

But many still regard Ferrari's Spaniard Fernando Alonso as better.

"That's not fair," Gerhard Berger told the German magazine.

"Mark Webber is a very good racing driver, and he was also sitting in a Red Bull," he said.

"Until a year ago, I still saw Alonso as the most complete driver, but after this year I would put Vettel in first place for the first time."

Gerhard Berger and Sebastian Vettel, in Monza, in 2008. (Photo: WRi2)

Berger thinks Alonso's outbursts against Ferrari revealed a chink in his armour, while in contrast Vettel redoubled his efforts when things were not going right early on.

As for Lewis Hamilton, Berger thinks the Briton is now lagging behind the very best.

"For me, just behind Vettel and Alonso comes Raikkonen, although with Alonso (at Ferrari) he might now reach his limits.

"Hamilton is also not as complete as those two (Alonso and Vettel), who are in a league of their own. Hamilton's speed is enormous, but he has too many distractions.

"I am impressed by Nico Rosberg," said Berger, "who is underestimated. He did an unbelievable performance against Michael Schumacher, and now he's doing the same with Hamilton.

"Step by step he is bringing the (Mercedes) team to his side. It was like that with Schumacher and now he's turning the tables for a second time."

As for Nico Hulkenberg, Berger thinks the German is "good" but "too hyped up" by the media.

"He is (going to be) driving for Ferrari, then Lotus, then McLaren, and all the trains departed," he said.

Sebastian Vettel and Gerhard Berger, Formula BMW, Norisring, 2003 (Photo: BMW)

Berger is also not shy to be honest about the new 'double points' innovation for the 2014 finale, brusquely dismissing the rule as "nonsense".

Perhaps more than any, Berger is a purist. Asked to diagnose F1's biggest problem, the former Ferrari and McLaren driver thinks the sport has become too sterile.

"My gut tells me that 650 or 750 horse power for a F1 car is not enough. Together with perfect aerodynamics, huge run-off areas and the electronic aids, the good are not different enough than the less good.

"In my time, when you did a perfect qualifying lap, you were a second faster than your teammate. Because you were riding a cannon ball.

"Safety comes first, and rightly so, but the cars and the tracks are now incredibly safe. So I think we could have engines with 1000 horse power again.

"The fans should watch and say 'I couldn't do that', like they do with MotoGP."

Berger acknowledges, however, that he is simply of a different generation. Now, in the 'green' and computer era, the FIA's new and silent Formula E series might be set to take over.

"Could be," he admitted. "I was asked if I wanted to be involved in Formula E, but I refused. This is not my kind of motor sport.

"I come from a generation that was proud of your car. You gave it wider tyres, tuned the engine, put a big wing on it.

"Modern cars are now so perfect that they are worse if you try to touch it. And if you bring a flash one to a disco, the women think you are a show off."

From GMM

Rumours Ferrari is already testing its all-new turbo V6 engine have only gained in strength in the last days and weeks.

Citing video evidence, we reported last month that a LaFerrari supercar had lapped the Maranello marque's private Fiorano circuit amid the distinct tones of a turbo engine.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport now has more details.

It has published detailed photos that depict the supercar, with a camouflaged livery, also featuring a "suspiciously large" air intake on the roof.

The car also had a "giant wing" at the rear.

Correspondent Tobias Gruner said it is obvious the car was not powered by its usual V12 engine, but a "small-volume turbo engine".

And on the livery was a triangular, yellow warning sticker, indicating that complex electric technology lurked beneath -- perhaps the sort of sophisticated energy-recovery systems that will power the team's 2014 F1 car?

"Ferrari will not publicly comment on the test," Gruner said, adding that it is also possible Ferrari was testing in preparation for a potential Le Mans project.

But the heavily-modified LaFerrari also featured a F1 2014-style, single and central exhaust outlet at the rear, while the car "sounded suspiciously like" the audio clips that have been released depicting this year's turbo V6s in development.

Video from last month:

From press release

Since its launch in 2011, the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin has grown into one of this country's most competitive and entertaining, single-marque racing divisions.

Determined to build on the series' momentum, Porsche Cars Canada is bringing the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada series to the Canadian Motorsports Expo - for the first time ever - with an eye to enticing and educating drivers, teams and spectators about this fast growing Canadian series.

Based on the production, 450 horsepower 911 GT3 RS road car, the Porsche Cup car has become a standard-bearer in worldwide competition, and has enjoyed similar status in Canada.

Photo: ColourTechSouth

In 2013, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada series raced ten times over five race weekends on four of the country's most storied circuits. From May to September, the series made appearances at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, and the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres before concluding the campaign at Calabogie Motorsports Park.

“We have yet to finalize our schedule for 2014, but of course we'd like to return to those venues,” says Saint-Pierre. “We're very open to suggestions from the drivers about where they'd like to run. We will try to accommodate them and find an event that will work for everyone, from the drivers and teams to the fans,” said Patrick Saint-Pierre, Public Relations Director for Porsche Cars Canada Ltd.

Visitors to the 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo will have the opportunity to see a 2014 Gold Class car courtesy of Woodbridge, Ontario's Pfaff Motors. Showgoers will also be able to meet and chat with several of the Porsche series' competitors.

Concludes Saint-Pierre, “We've enjoyed a lot of local support from the Toronto-based teams and drivers. Their response, as well as the one from the dedicated fans has been tremendous... We are eager to see what the new season has in store as it promises to be the best yet.”

On January 13th, Porsche will celebrate two world premieres at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, including the Porsche 911 Targa and Cayenne Platinum Edition.

The introduction of the 911 Targa will be streamed live via www.porsche.com/detroit at 11:45 a.m. EST.

Combining the design of the original 1965 Porsche 911 Targa with innovative technical solutions that make it a true modern classic, the new model features the distinctive Targa bar, a movable centre roof section, and a wrap-around rear window.

Photo: Porsche

Meanwhile, the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition offers both a 300-horsepower 3.6L gasoline V6 and a 240-horsepower 3.0L turbodiesel V6. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes around 7.5 seconds. Many of the Cayenne's most requested options come standard here. Sales have already begun at Porsche dealers.

Also on display in Detroit will be the all-new Porsche Macan compact SUV, which made its global debut in Los Angeles back in November.

Photo: Porsche

Following his win in the fifth stage of the 2014 Dakar rally, Juan Roma (MINI) is now back in the overall lead after mistakes and misfortunes from his main rivals.

The Spaniard is the first to linch two stage wins in the 2014 Dakar, after being quickest on Tuesday's stage.

Thursday, between Chilecito and San Miguel de Tucuman in Northern Argentina, Juan Roma clicnhed victory ahead of Giniel de Villiers (Toyota) and American Robby Gordon (buggy Hummer).

Juan Roma, Mini ALL4 Racing. (Photo: BMW Sports Communications)

But the major news was the tough day the other main contenders endured, with several of them getting lost.

Carlos Sainz, who was the leader of the race Thursday morning, lost half an hour trying to find the right direction, then again several minutes for electronical issues on his buggy.

He dropped down to sixth position in overall classification, almost one hour behind Roma, who tookthe lead back.

Roma enjoyed a very good day, as now holds a 26-minute lead ahead of teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah, two other MINI drivers, Orlando Terranova and Stéphane Peterhansel, 4th and 5th, and then Giniel de Villiers and Carlos Sainz.

Former NASCAR driver, Robby Gordon moved up to 19th position, after a very difficult start in the first days.

Friday, the cars will continue heading North, towards the city of Salta, with 424 km of special stage, and 242 km of road section, before the rest day on Saturday.

Dale Earnhardt's crew chief, Steve Letarte, will be switching to broadcasting in 2015.

The 34-year old had worked in racing for Hendrick Motorsports for 18-years.

And although the duo has not produced a championship in three previous years nor a win since their only win, in June 2012, their team seems to be steadily improving. Earnhardt was fifth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings last year.

Letarte was four-time NASCAR champ, Jeff Gordon's crew chief from 2005-2010 where they collaborated for ten victories. And Letarte was with Gordon as a crew member for all four titles.

Earnhardt was disappointed at the loss of the opportunity work with a crew chief who became a friend.

“It was hard because we are such good friends, and I really do enjoy working with him a lot. But at the same time I'm happy for him because it gives him the opportunity to spend time with his family,” said Earnhardt.

He added” I'm not worried about this season and how focused we may be. I know that he's really good at separating things and keeping things compartmentalized, as Jeff Gordon likes to say about Steve.”

And for his part Letarte said he'd miss his driver after they part ways.

“To do what we've tried to do the last three years and hopefully will do this year and win a bunch of races and contend for a championship is more than just coming to work and saying hello. We spend a lot of time away from the track together. Not just time, we're very involved in each other's lives, and I hope for that to continue past the end of 2014,” said Letarte.

“I want to thank Rick Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for the opportunities they have given me over the last 18 years, and I want to reaffirm my commitment to Dale Jr. and the entire 88 team to go win races and challenge for the championship in 2014,” said Letarte, who joined Hendrick Motorsports in 1995 at age 16.

At the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Mercedes-Benz introduced an advanced navigation system that can predict a driver's destination with 80% accuracy, anticipate their route, and suggest possible alternatives.

How does it work? By taking into account the driver's starting location, the weather, day of the week, time of day, and who's in the car, the predictive system generates a set of options based on historical data and even determines the final destination.

The driver could choose to accept these proposals which significantly reduce opportunities for distraction and frustration, and over time these proposals get better, more accurate, and more personalized.

For example, if one or more kids sit in the back on a Thursday, the system understands that the driver likely wants to stop by the school.

It can also recognize the desires, moods, and preferences of the driver and passengers, and proactively predict and simplify the next operating steps, like adjusting the cabin temperature or selecting a certain type of music.

No release date has been announced for Mercedes' predictive navigation system.

Source : techno-car.fr

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Speaking at the annual Autosport International on Friday, FIA safety delegate, Charlie Whiting revealed that the FIA has moved forward to improve track workers safety in Formula 1.

In June 2013, volunteer track marshal Mark Robinson was tragically killed after the end of the Grand Prix of Canada at circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

Mark Robinson died after tripping and falling under the wheels of a mobile crane while the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez was recovered from the Senna corner.

Last fall, Quebec's commission for the health and safety of workers blamed the organisers for a series of safety errors.

One of the key factors to the accident was the fact that Robinson and a colleague were walking directly in front of the mobile crane, holding tethers that were stabilising the Sauber while it was being craned back to the pits.

Track marshals at work in Japan, in 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

"Since that accident, we have briefed everyone to, if you are using one of those JCB-like vehicles to lift a car, you should never walk in front of it,” said Whiting during his speech.

"The Brazilian ASN has a system which will attach two ropes to the car to hold it level [while being recovered] and it stops it twisting so you don't need people to stabilise it”.

"We are trying to make everyone aware of this sort of system in order to minimise the amount of people needed to recover a car,” Whiting added.

Hopefully, Robinson's tragic death will not go unnoticed. Race organisers must now take steps to avoiding putting marshals in the position where they could have a similar accident.

From press release

The Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada (VARAC) is gearing up for what promises to be the biggest, most exciting and best-attended event in its history.

The Canadian Historic Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious events on the Vintage and Historic Racing Calendar in North America and it is the largest and most popular event of its kind in Canada and counted as a "Major Spectator Event" at Mosport since 1999.

Racers from across Canada and the United States will descend on Canadian Tire Motorsport Park just north of Bowmanville, Ontario with their MGs, Triumphs, Jaguars, Porsches, Alfa Romeos, Lotus, Minis and more to challenge the world famous Mosport Grand Prix Circuit.

Mosport is one of only three true historic Grand Prix tracks in North America, along with Le Circuit Mont Tremblant in Quebec and Watkins Glen in upstate New York. Mosport is an awesome, technically demanding, fast 2.459 mile track with challenging corners and impressive elevation changes. It is the current and former host to world-class racing such as ALMS, the NASCAR Truck Series and the Formula One Grand Prix of Canada, Can-Am, Trans-Am and Formula 5000.

Moreover, it is a place for cars and drivers to come home to.

Triumph and MG Racers will be the "Featured Marques" for 2014 as VARAC steps back in time to in time to recreate the epic battle for sportscar supremacy between British manufacturers - Standard Triumph and MG Cars. Mosport's tarmac has seen that battle play out decade after decade and now, VARAC is staging what promises to be the largest ever such contest in its 2014 Triumph vs MG Can-Am Challenge.

This year, racing fans will once again be thrilled to witness a huge grid of swarming, fast Triumphs and MGs piloted by cunning and experienced drivers from across Canada and the US, returning back to claim victory as they challenge the Mosport tarmac and each other once again.

In addition to the featured Triumphs and MGs, there will be three full days of exciting racing involving full grids for all Vintage and Historic racing machines from Minis to Mustangs and Canada Class open wheelers to Can-Am cars.

There will be racing for six groups of cars including Monoposto (single seat open-wheel vintage & historic race cars), Small Bore Vintage & Historic Cars (under 2000cc), Big Bore Vintage & Historic Cars (over 2000cc), Wings & Slicks (very fast purpose-built racing cars running on slick tires), G70+ Cars (cars dating from 1973 to 1989 including all kinds of Alfas, Corvettes, Porsches, Mustangs and a host of others.

The Canadian Historic Grand Prix is about more than on-track racing! Spectators and car enthusiasts of all stripes will enjoy the scope and scale of experiences open to their participation on the weekend such as:

- The "Historic Grand Prix Tribute" hosting the "Checkered Flag Cruise" this year for the first time in Downtown Bowmanville from noon to nine on Friday, just like the world-famous street party at Watkins Glen. You don't want to miss this!

- Track Touring Sessions - On-track sessions are offered twice daily.

- Road Rally/Tour - a 100 mile rally/tour throughout the hills and dales and quaint villages of the local area, including a lunch stop on Saturday.

- "Legends of Mosport Racer's Reunion" - Canadian Champion, Gary Magwood hosts this "Meet the Fans & Press" session Sunday morning with other champions and greats like Bill Brack, Eppie Wietzes, Ludwig Heimrath, Craig Fisher, Walt Mackay and others. Open to all at no cost. Mix with old friends, racers and champions.

- "Legends of the Autobahn" Concours d'Elegance conducted by the Mercedes Benz Club of America , the Porsche Club of America and the BMW Drivers Club on Sunday

- "Mini Meet North" all weekend - Canada's largest Mini gathering,

- "Field of Dreams Car Show" - welcoming hundreds of sports cars, classics and hot-rods, owners and car clubs from far and wide featuring Canada's largest on-track parade open to car show participants and featuring discounted park admission for entrants.

- Free weekend camping courtesy Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

- Advance tickets available at: http://store.mosport.com/index.php?crn=242

Courtesy Auto Group of Massachusetts denied accusations by the Federal Trade Commission that it engaged in deceptive advertising.

American automakers on Thursday pushed for rules against currency manipulation to be included in an ambitious trade pact being negotiated between the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries.