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From GMM

Michael Schumacher's manager on Monday denied reports doctors have stopped trying to end the seven time world champion's long coma.

The latest edition of the German newsmagazine Focus, which is said to be close to Schumacher's inner circle, said "complications" had led the doctors at the Grenoble hospital to abandon efforts - which began almost four weeks ago - to wake the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver.

"This (awakening) phase can take a long time, which much to our regret can lead to many misinterpretations," Schumacher's manager Kehm told the German news agency DPA.

Sabine Kehm, insisting that only official medical updates could be trusted, clarified that the status of 45-year-old Schumacher's recovery was "unchanged".

From Renault

Romain Grosjean moved from the desert sands of Bahrain to the sub-zero temperatures of the Russian capital, Moscow, this weekend as he competed in the Race of Stars, a special event co-organised by Renault.

Grosjean came straight from the Bahrain pre-season test where he debuted the Renault-powered Lotus F1 Team E22 to race on a track covered entirely with ice within Moscow's Hippodrome.

The Race of Stars is one of the longest-running motorsports events staged in Russia, with more than 20 editions to date.

The concept of the race is simple ; drivers (selected from various motorsport disciplines in Russia and beyond) race in teams of two drivers in a three-hour endurance race on the oval ice track before competing in a short superfinal.

Grosjean was pitted against Timur Tymerzianov, the European rallycross champion.

Romain Grosjean, Logan Renault Duster (Photo: Renault)

The race, organized in conjunction with Za Rulem, one of Russia's most popular automotive magazines, sees local stars race in specially adapted Renault Duster, the all-terrain, lightweight 4x4 cars from the French marque, and Logan cars.

“That was a bit of change from Bahrain! It's the second time I've been here and every time I enjoy it more and more”, said Romain Grosjean after the event.

“You get to know the style of how to drive on ice, how to be even smoother on the throttle and carry more speed through the corners. It's really good fun and very well supported from local fans and media so the atmosphere is always fantastic. Now it's back to work for us at the next test - back in Bahrain - but this has been a good way to spend the break!”

From GMM

F1's potential next F1 chief, Californian and Nascar team co-owner Gene Haas, will this week travel to Europe.

Foreign language reports said that during coverage of the Daytona 500, Fox Sports revealed that Haas is scheduled to meet with representatives of F1's governing FIA.

Earlier, Haas responded to the FIA's invitation to fill the vacant F1 team slot in 2015, and reportedly met the full application deadline of February 10.

This week, the 2015 team selection process is reaching an even more serious stage, when it is believed Gene Haas will formally present his plans and proposed budget to the FIA.

The Paris-based federation is expected to announce its decision by the end of the week.

Hitting the open road for a long trip -- and I mean more than a few days -- is a desire I've held near and dear to my heart for longer than I've held a driver's license. Cruising the Wrong Coast southbound, crossing over to the West Coast along the Gulf, and down the Mexican boarder to then climb right back up to north of the 49th and finally return home. I plan to do that one day soon.

Such epic road trips conjure images of a dilapidated VW Bus, camping and smoke of all kinds (snack time...), but I'll admit that I'm not tough enough for that kind of road trip. However, I am capable of imagining myself and a partner (or more) behind the wheel of a Volkswagen product. In this case, a range-killing Touareg TDI.

With great handling, gobs of torque, and tons of room to spare, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is simply German and handsome to boot.


What is a Volkswagen Touareg?
The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg is the People's Car's largest family vehicle, at least for the next 18 months or so until the arrival of the three-row midsize SUV promised for North America by the Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.

As the current midsize SUV, the Touareg somewhat fills the gap left by the demise of the Passat wagon and of the Routan (thank goodness for that).

2014 Volkswagen Touareg Price and Specs
The 2014 Touareg happens to be the most expensive product line in Volkswagen's North American arsenal. In many ways, it makes sense as it features all of the brand's technology, and the most potent powertrains along with standard AWD.

The base Touareg Comfortline with the 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 sports a $50,975 sticker price. The top Execline trim requires exactly $10k more. In any of the three trims, $4,300 must be added in order to get the excellent 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque turbo-diesel 3.0L V6 TDI engine wedged under the bonnet. With the V6s come an 8-speed autobox and VW's 4MOTION AWD system.

My Deep Black Pearl with Saddle Brown Vienna leather Execline TDI with R-Line package tipped the pricing scale at $67,750.

The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg is the People's Car's largest family vehicle, at least for the next 18 months or so until the arrival of the three-row midsize SUV promised for North America by the Prof. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Driving the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
Any vehicle selected for a long road trip, and the long run for that matter, needs to keep the driver and its passengers cozy and entertained.

Despite being large, the Touareg managed to demonstrate some serious apex-clipping abilities along with grip, good turn-in, and appreciable stability. The R-Line package group includes the all-important sport suspension, which played a large roll on the entertainment front.

My test week was peppered with blissful snowstorms and hard core cold temperatures mixed in with black ice and other winter unpleasanteries. The entire time, the 2014 Touareg never skipped a beat. In fact, it was so predictable thanks to 4MOTION that I, on at least three occasions, forgot I was test-driving the Touareg and that it was not actually mine. This has only ever happened once or twice in my 15-year career. One of them was with a 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata...

This then is a result of the immediate sense of comfort and confidence felt while with the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg. Beyond the handling and ride quality, it is the TDI mill that really brings the entire driving experience together. With all 406 torques available as of 1,750 rpm, the rush put upon the 2,227 kg (4,899.4 lb) truck immediately puts a smile on everybody's face.

The smile is furthered by how smoothly and quietly the power is delivered. One short trip I took with the Touareg involved a boarder crossing. The agents are always intrigued by my line of work and ask questions. When I informed him that my VW was an oil-burner, he could not believe his ears...

The 8-speed tranny was just as efficient as the engine, aiding it in consuming only 9.5L/100 km over 1,000 km. Factor out -25-degree temperatures and 30 cm of snow, and you can likely knock an easy 10-12% off that result.

Despite being large, the Touareg managed to demonstrate some serious apex-clipping abilities along with grip, good turn-in, and appreciable stability. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Inside and out of the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
The outer shell of the Touareg is pleasant but for it to be truly handsome, as I've stated, it must rock the R-Line package. The 20” wheels, front and rear revised bumpers, and other touches elevate the otherwise stern and somewhat bland-looking SUV.

The vast cabin in the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is comfortable and ergonomically arranged, as one would expect from a German carmaker.

All controls are clear and precise in their functionality. I would complain that the touchscreen is slow on the uptake. My 2012 Tiguan suffers the same delayed responsiveness when onscreen commands are selected. Fit and finish are beyond reproach and dignify a portion of the asking price.

Seats are firm and therefore comfortable for the long hauls. The rear bench is roomy enough for three adults width-wise, which is great especially if a child seat needs to be affixed. As expected, the trunk is quite large, an aspect that avid golfers will immediately take to.

The vast cabin in the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is comfortable and ergonomically arranged, as one would expect from a German carmaker. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
The Volkswagen Touareg hits above and below its price range. From the likes of the Acura RDX and MDX, all the way to the Range Rover Sport, the Touareg is equipped on numerous levels to tango with them all. The TDI engine and excellent road manners are huge points in its favour.

From GMM

Pirelli's calamitous 2013 season appears to be firmly in the past.

After a sometimes explosive 2013 on inconsistent and heavily-degrading tires, drivers have so far celebrated a better and more durable product supplied by Pirelli at the recent Jerez and Bahrain tests.

"As a result," the Italian marque's Paul Hembery said at the end of the first week of testing in Bahrain, "we are also seeing fewer 'marbles' on the circuit."

He is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "We are also not seeing the blisters or the breaking off of large pieces of rubber from the surface.

"We have achieved some of our development goals," the Briton added.

However, it has also been feared that after all the criticism in 2013, Pirelli had decided to abandon the idea of spicing up the races with tires designed not to last.

But Hembery said: "We are expecting a two or three stop race (in Bahrain). Last year we were between three and four stops."

Photo: WRi2

If you love to shop online, get this: Volvo is set to unveil a new service called ''Roam Delivery'' at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

While the current Volvo on Call application allows owners to remotely control and monitor their vehicle, Roam Delivery will let them choose their car as a delivery option when ordering products online.

Via a smartphone or tablet, owners will be informed when a delivery requires dropping off -- or picking up -- from the car. Having accepted the delivery, a digital key will be activated which tracks when the car is opened and then locked again. Once the delivery is completed, the digital key ceases to exist.

Source : techno-car.fr

Photo: Volvo

From GMM

F1's eleven teams have agreed on a revised qualifying format for 2014.

Recently, we reported that at a meeting at the first Bahrain test, the sport's major players would move to ensure qualifying is exciting in the new V6 era.

Among other tweaks, we said bosses would be presented with a proposal for an extra set of soft tyres for those in the final 'Q3' hitout, while drivers only in Q2 would get an extra set for the race.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that after the teams gave the proposal the green light, it will now be sent to the World Motor Sport Council for the rubber stamp.

"It could be fixed in black and white by the end of the week," said veteran correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Schmidt said the new format will undoubtedly survive the final throes of the approval process, because it was devised by none other than CVC bigwig Donald Mackenzie.

Williams and Pirelli engineers monitoring the car during a flying lap. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone wants the Russian grand prix to be held at night.

The inaugural event at winter olympics venue Sochi this year, however, will be a normal day race.

But The Times said F1's chief executive wants the floodlit roofs of the olympic stadium and ice rinks to provide the backdrop for the race in future.

"The idea is a clever one," said correspondent Kevin Eason, "given that the olympic park looks more like a vast car park than a picturesque sports arena in daylight."

Bernie Ecclestone confirmed: "I think they would go for the idea. At night the stadiums are very colourful with lots of lights and the backdrop to a race would be fantastic.

"It (the surrounding area) was a bit of dump, quite honestly," he admitted. "But they have spent a lot of money and there is a lot going on and the place is changing all the time."

Photo: Formula Sochi

Jon Spallino is leasing his third Honda hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and says he hasn't had to make any changes to his life or driving habits.

Supercars will play a large role at this year's Geneva auto show as Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren unveil their latest high-performance models.

A rare mechanical problem forced six-time Canadian rally champion Antoine L'Estage to give up on a good result at this weekend's 100 Acre Wood Rally, in Salem, MO, round two of the Rally America season.

The event was dominated by no other than the famous Ken Block, who clinched his seventh 100 Acre Wood win at the finish, driving his Hoonigan Racing's Ford Fiesta.

Ken Block, Ford Fiesta (Photo: Alex Haugen)

L'Estage was fighting for second place with David Higgins until an engine failure forced the Brit to retire on stage 9, ending the Subaru Rally Team USA driver's run of 22 consecutive podium finishes.

But L'Estage's run in second position was short-lived, as the engine of his Mitsubishi Evo X terminally overheated four stages later. The French Canadian's unlucky break allowed the returning Travis Pastrana to take home second in his first rally in three years.

Antoine L'Estage, Mitsubishi Evo X (Photo: Facebook)

Event winner Block was sorry to lose Higgins and L'Estage so soon: "Unfortunately, my top competition fell out on day two and I was able to extend my lead. It took some pressure off, which I don't like, because I like to push hard.  Instead, I was able to just enjoy these roads and put on a good show for the fans," he said.

Canadian Andrew Comrie-Picard won the Two-Wheel Drive category aboard his Team O'Neil Ford Fiesta.

Andrew Comrie-Picard, Ford Fiesta (Photo: Alex Haugen)

From WRC

Hyundai Motorsport driver Chris Atkinson is aiming to win himself more outings in the Korean manufacturer's i20 WRC by putting in a strong performance at next month's Rally Mexico (March 6-9).

The Australian's impressive record on Mexico's gravel stages - he finished second in 2008 and 6th last year - meant he was the logical choice to partner team leader Thierry Neuville at the first gravel rally of the 2014 season.

And having spent the last 12 months on the WRC sidelines, the one-time Subaru World Rally Team driver - pictured (right) alongside co-driver Stephane Prevot - is determined to make the most of his opportunity with Hyundai.



Stéphane Prévot, Chris Atkinson (Photo: WRC)

“I've still got a lot of years - and good years - left in me and I'm massively motivated,” Atkinson told WRC.com. “Having a break makes you realise what you want and I know that I really want the WRC.

“We've got Mexico coming up and then Rally Australia towards the end of the year. I'd love to get some more events in between and hopefully a good performance in Mexico will increase the chances.”


Atkinson successfully completed his preparations for Mexico with a test in southern Spain earlier this week. The 34-year-old says he continues to be impressed with the progress that the i20 WRC has made in such a short space of time.



“The car keeps improving all the time, which is great,” he explained. “The team is working flat out to make improvements and keep learning. We've made some big steps forward after only two rallies and I think if we can get both cars to the finish, score some points and get some good gravel data in Mexico, that will be really cool.”

From Pirelli

After a difficult first winter test in Jerez, F1 teams got to turn some laps that were more representative of their form, this past week en Bahrain. They got to know the 2014 Pirelli tires a bit better as well.

Many teams had a chance to do both race simulations and qualifying runs, partially because the weather was dry and warm in Bahrain, partially because they were more familiar with their cars than in Spain.

Kevin Magnussen, McLaren MP4-29 (Photo: WRi2)

Teams also had a chance to test a special "winter" tire got up to temperature faster than a normal race tire would.

The facts
The 34 rivers taking part in the four-day test in Bahrain covered 2,322 laps between themselves for a grand total of 12,566 kilometres. That's 428 laps on day 1, 676 on day 2, 695 on day 3 and 469 on day 4.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05 (Photo: WRi2)

Combined with the Jerez test, the total mileage becomes 19,074 kilometres. After two tests last year, the F1 paddock had already racked up 31,640 kilometres.

Each team had a total of 30 sets to use in Bahrain.

"Thanks to the weather, which was very close to perfect this past week, teams got to really know the tires, which wasn't the case in Jerez," explains Pirelli motorsport boss Paul Hembery.

Felipe Massa, Williams FW36 (Photo: WRi2)

"We haven't reached a final conclusion yet, but it looks like our 2014 tire is a lot more consistent and durable than last year's spec.

"We also had less graining than usual on this track, and that was one of our goal for the pre-season. As they continue to understand their car and the tires better, the teams should get quicker and quicker at the next winter test, also in Bahrain."

Kamui Kobayashi, Caterham CT05 (Photo: WRi2)

From press release

Jacques Villeneuve today conducted his first proper test aboard the 600bhp #25 Albatec Racing Peugeot 208 in which he will contest the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy.

The former F1 and Indycar World Series Champion completed ten 4-lap stints around the Lydden Hill circuit in preparation for his World RX debut in May, when he will race alongside Team Principal Andy Scott.

After a first ever run in the team's Supercar at Dreux in France last month Villeneuve joined British Rallycross Championship teams for the one-day test at the Kent venue. This was to give the French-Canadian vital track time on a circuit at which the Dumfries-based team has comprehensive set-up knowledge and experience.

Jacques Villeneuve, Albatec Racing Peugeot 208 (Photo: Albatec Racing)

A power steering issue early in the day was traced to a faulty component in the power steering pump, and once resolved, the car ran faultlessly completing around 45 miles, with Villeneuve immediately setting an impressive pace.

"To come to Lydden Hill is great, it's fast, a real fun track, quite high speed and after testing in Dreux it's great to finally drive on a proper FIA World Rallycross Championship track with a combination of asphalt and graveI. It's a nice track, it's how tracks used to be made, and follows the lay of the land," said Villeneuve.

From DTM

DTM ace Bruno Spengler had the honour to test the latest campaign-vehicle of the initiative ‘TUNE IT! SAFE!' At the wheel of the BMW 428i Coupé by AC Schnitzer, the Canadian BMW works driver completed several laps at the Circuit de Catalunya.

The initiative ‘TUNE IT! SAFE!' was founded in 2005 to put the brakes on the business of providers of illegal and unsafe tuning methods and components.

Bruno Spengler, BMW 428i Coupé (Photo: DTM.com)

The coupé by AC Schnitzer - incidentally, back in 1987, Herbert Schnitzer, the owner of Team Schnitzer Motorsport, was one of the AC Schnitzer co-founders - was showcased in late 2013 at the Essen Motor Show as example for safe tuning.

The BMW 428i Coupé provided by the Bayerische Motoren Werke was turned by Aachen based luxury-class tuner AC Schnitzer into a unique emergency car in police-vehicle guise.

Spengler, the 2012 DTM champion, races for BMW Team Schnitzer in the German touring car series.

Model: 2007 to 2013 Jeep Patriot

Vehicle Type: SUV

The Verdict: Lower-than-average resale values and good bang-for-the-buck will make the Patriot an appealing buy for budget-minded 4x4 shoppers. The most likely problems and issues should be easy for a test-driver to identify, and even easier for a mechanic to dig up in a pre-purchase inspection. Opt for a model with the five-speed manual gearbox for maximum long-term confidence.

Price: Look for basic, older, high-mileage units to be available in the used market from about $4,500, with newer, low-mileage units or demos commanding upwards of $24,000. Look for plenty of selection between about $10,000 and $15,000.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

History/Description: The Jeep Patriot's job was to bring the brand's big, capable and handsome styling language to a value-minded shopper after an affordable and adventurous ride that provided low-cost access to four-wheel drive adventure seekers. With a launch for model-year 2007, Patriot arrived as Canadian shoppers were getting into fuel-efficient little SUV models in a serious way.

Jeep made sure there was a Patriot for just about any shopper. Bluetooth, premium audio, heated seats, a driver computer, auto climate control, a household power outlet and plenty more features were all available. Folding rear seats? Check. Lots of storage spaces? Check. Trunk mounted rechargeable flashlight? Check. Chill-box lifted from the Dodge Caliber? Check, check and check.

From 2009 and on, Patriot got an interior refresh to brighten and soften up the cabin. It had earned a reputation for being boxy and bland and made of melted-down margarine containers finished in fifty-shades-of-grey-plastic.

Most used units will be powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts good for 172 horsepower. That's available teamed up with either a five-speed manual or a Continually Variable Transmission (CVT) with either front or four-wheel drive available. A 4x4 / manual transmission combination was, delightfully, available.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

What Owners Like: Typically, owners like the overall value presented by these machines, as well as the confidence enabled by the slick 4WD system in slippery conditions. The clever and unique features, on-board flexibility and even all-around visibility are also rated highly.

What Owners Dislike: Earlier models got plenty of complaints about interior design and materials selection, and a decent number of owners wish for a more powerful engine. A louder-than-expected highway ride is often griped about, too.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

The Test Drive: Once you've confirmed that the stereo and climate control system work properly, turn both off and head to a rough road to listen to the suspension for clunking, popping or grinding sounds while steering or traveling over bumps. Unwanted sounds likely indicate the presence of one or more worn-out suspension components. Numerous owners have reported premature wear of these parts, with sway bar links, ball joints, tie-rods and bushings listed as the usual culprits. These parts are easy for a mechanic to inspect and replace.

Drivability issues with Patriot's Japanese-outsourced CVT transmission, including reduced or sluggish acceleration could be the result of a computer-related problem fixed by rebooting or re-flashing the computer brain that controls the transmission. Some droning and a strange, shift-less feeling to the power delivery is normal. Grinding sounds from the CVT transmission, or a bucking or ‘jerking' sensation when decelerating are not. Opt for a manual transmission where possible—as the technology is considerably more proven.

Check the headliner around the map lights, as well as carpeting in the front footwells, for signs of moisture-- which could indicate a leaky sunroof or drain tubes.

Other checks include a visual scan of the power steering reservoir and pump to ensure no fluid is leaking, and listening for a high-pitched whine at speed on models with the CVT, which could be caused by a bad transmission mount.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

The next-generation Ford Sync system will be based on BlackBerry's QNX and no longer use Microsoft Windows, following the automaker' struggles with in-car technology glitches, according to people briefed on the matter.

Honda is considering diversifying its all-Japanese, all-male board by appointing a foreigner and could move as early as Monday, when it unveils its next slate of directors, sources close to the company told Reuters.

The next-generation Chevrolet Cruze will get a more swept-back silhouette and sleeker headlights and taillights, based on recent spy photos.

From Washington to Wolfsburg, the UAW's failed organizing drive at VW made for exciting political theater. But on the grounds of the Volkswagen plant in Tennessee, it was about as friendly as it gets.