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News 21 Oct, 2014

The first Hyundai ix35 Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles have been delivered to customers in the UK, and are available to order now.

Britain's prime minister, David Cameron, has told just-auto that he believes Britain is better off inside a reformed European Union (EU).

News 21 Oct, 2014

Ford has unveiled a car seat that can detect when the driver is having a heart attack, allowing the vehicle to come to a safe stop

Jaguar Land Rover aims to capture 10 percent of China's premium SUV market as its first local plant allows the UK luxury marque to cut prices and boost sales in the world's largest auto market.

Nissan's redesigned Maxima sedan may be getting back to its '4DSC' roots. Recent spy photos show an early prototype of the 2016 Maxima.

Geely's GC9, the Chinese brand's flagship sedan set to debut at the Guangzhou auto show next month, is being touted as the first Geely developed under former Ford and Volvo designer Peter Horbury.

From GMM

More alarming news about the health of the ailing F1 backmarker Caterham has emerged.

The posts have now been deleted, but race driver Kamui Kobayashi reportedly admitted on Facebook recently that he considered pulling out of the Russian grand prix when Caterham ran out of spare parts.

He posted a photo of broken suspension on his car at Sochi that was repaired rather than replaced.

"It's checked all the time but, even so, being asked to race like this is too scary! I want to go home already," the Japanese said, according to the BBC.

The 28-year-old driver's manager Chikara Funada confirmed that Kobayashi had written the posts, which were at his private Facebook page and not a public profile.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Earlier this month, bailiffs seized items from Caterham's Leafield headquarters, in the wake of founder Tony Fernandes' exit and the arrival of Swiss-Middle Eastern owners represented by new team advisor Colin Kolles.

Now, it emerges that the company that designs and builds the team's F1 cars, Caterham Sports Limited, has been placed into a process of insolvency.

Finbarr O'Connell, working for the firm Smith and Williamson, told the Telegraph: "As administrator I control the machines they are working on, the computers, the factory, the intellectual property.

"If I don't do a deal with 1MRT (the Caterham F1 team) then they (staff) will have nothing to work on and their jobs could be at risk," he revealed.

It is believed the plan of Caterham's new management is to relocate the entire operation, possibly to Kolles' Greding facility in Germany, where the Romanian based his F3 and Le Mans projects.

"For avoidance of any doubt," team boss Manfredi Ravetto said last week, "I'd like to add that Leafield remains the team's base, even though it's no secret that we are looking for a more suitable alternative. We look forward to the final three races of the season, we will keep fighting, we will keep improving and we will introduce some positive surprises."

From GMM

It appears Carlos Sainz jr's quest for the vacant Toro Rosso seat for 2015 may stumble at the sponsorship hurdle.

Although a prominent Red Bull junior and the newly-crowned Formula Renault 3.5 champion, Spain's Marca reports that the 20-year-old's future may depend on Cepsa.

Cepsa on Toro Rosso STR9. (Photo: WRi2)

Cepsa is a Spanish oil company and mutual sponsor of the Toro Rosso team and Sainz Jr. Marca reports that Cepsa and the Faenza-based team, however, are on the verge of a split.

"Maybe I need more than results," Carlos Sainz Jr is quoted as saying.

Cepsa, personal sponsor of Carlos Sainz Jr. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

The president of F1 sponsor Total has been killed in a plane crash, the Russian news agency Ria Novosti reports.

The French oil multinational is closely aligned in formula one with Renault-powered teams Red Bull and Lotus and the French driver Romain Grosjean.

Russia's Lifenews service also reports that Total's president, Christophe de Margerie, died in a plane crash at the Vnukovo airport in Moscow early on Tuesday.

"Together with the head of Total, all three crew members were killed," the news agency said, revealing that the Paris-bound jet crashed into a snow machine on the runway.

The airport confirmed that a Falcon 50 - a French-built, mid-sized corporate jet - had crashed.

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen is suffering psychologically alongside his Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso this year.

That is the view of Felipe Massa, who although still friends with Alonso failed to regularly match the Spaniard's pace before he lost his race seat at the end of last year.

The Maranello team replaced Massa with Finn Raikkonen, his old Ferrari teammate and the 2007 world champion, who has notably struggled in red in 2014.

"I think Kimi's problem is psychological," Massa, now a Williams driver, told Lance!, a Brazilian sports daily.

"I also suffered a lot when Alonso arrived. Kimi is undoubtedly a lot better than he is showing, just based on what he has done in the past.

"But with Alonso in the team, he (Raikkonen) lost his head a little and is not doing the job he is capable of," he said.

Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

"We live in a world of details, and if it's not working psychologically, you are unable to do a perfect job.

"It's easy to say Kimi is unmotivated, just as with me they said it was because of my accident.

"But in my opinion, Alonso is the strongest driver on the grid, so if you're not perfect, it is very difficult to be in front of him.

"He (Alonso) is also very intelligent and is able to get the team on his side. That's what makes the other driver suffer.

"Then when you see the other driver getting more attention from the team, the situation becomes very difficult to turn around," Felipe Massa added.

As Fernando Alonso departs, Kimi Raikkonen is expected to be joined at Ferrari next year by the quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is his closest friend in the F1 paddock.

From Renault Sport

The Renault Sport R.S. 01 made its first laps in public on October 18 at the Jerez track in Spain, for the last race of the World Series By Renault.

At the wheel, Alain Prost was impressed by its performance.

“The Renault Sport R.S. 01 is magnificent, and that's important in terms of image. This is a new step forward for Renault, since it is launching what is actually a typical Endurance car. It's a real race car, while being closely linked to the product since its design was largely inspired by the new production models,” Prost explained.

Alain Prost, Renault Sport R.S. 01 (Photo: Renault Sport)

Jean Ragnotti, who needs no introduction, and former Formula 1 driver Sebastien Buemi were, for once, in the passenger seat.

Overall, 58,000 spectators were able to appreciate the elegant lines, distinctive sound and dynamic qualities of this R.S. 01 during its first public demonstration. The first customers will be able to take delivery in March 2015.

R.S. 01 has already been test-driven for 3,000 km on various tracks with different drivers. Development work is continuing in order to optimise this race car, which already meets high standards of performance.

First race of the R.S. 01: mid-2015 at Spa-Francorchamps.

The FIA Formula E Championship - the world's first fully-electric racing series - has Monday revealed the circuit location and layout for the Miami ePrix, taking place on March 14, 2015.

The 8-turn, 2.17km circuit is located in Downtown Miami, Florida, along Biscayne Bay around the streets of the AmericanAirlines Arena, home to the Miami Heat NBA basketball team.

Produced by leading track design company Ayesa, it is the setting for the fifth race in the inaugural Formula E season and the first of two events in the US.

All Formula E events take place in one-day in order to minimise disruption to the city.

The race will be organised in collaboration with experienced event company Andretti Sports Marketing.

Image: Formula E

From GMM

Plans are afoot for a F1 street race in the heart of Madrid, Spain's El Confidencial reports.

It is claimed Bernie Ecclestone is in talks with a group of Spanish businessmen who want the sport to race on the streets of the large capital city.

El Confidencial claims the project is so well advanced that Ecclestone, the F1 chief executive, is already in possession of a detailed business plan and bank guarantees.

The report said the race would have an annual budget of EUR 50 million, funded privately, but "institutional, political and social support" is also necessary.

Spain already hosts an annual grand prix at the permanent Montmelo circuit in Barcelona, but its contract runs only until 2016.

With Mexico's return, the race calendar for 2015 currently features 20 races, which according to most teams is the logistical maximum.

Azerbaijan is then joining the schedule in 2016, and there are reports Ecclestone is in talks for a race along the famous Las Vegas 'Strip'.

Bernie Ecclestone told Forbes' Christian Sylt last week that it's "more likely it (the calendar) will go over 20 (races) with Baku than we lose a race".

Russia's Moscow Raceway has had its licence upgraded to an FIA Grade 1.

This means that the 3.955km, 15-turn road course can now stage a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The circuit, located some 100km away from Moscow, opened in July 2012. Over the past two years, it has staged World Touring Car Championship, World Superbikes, DTM and World Series by Renault races.

“Moscow Raceway now has a new FIA Grade 1 license,” a statement on the circuits website read.

“Since its opening in 2012 the track was approved by the highest sporting authorities and received T1 license which allowed to host world racing races and F1 tests and rides. After three successful international seasons Moscow Raceway has upgraded its status and now can host all kind of races including Formula 1.”

DTM race at Moscow Raceway in 2013. (Photo: DTM)

2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch will compete at this year's Race Of Champions in Barbados.

In May, Busch became only the fourth driver in motor sport history to attempt a very special double-header. On the same day in May, he raced both in NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 at North Carolina's Charlotte Motor Speedway and the world-famous Indianapolis 500.

His run to 6th place on his debut at the IndyCar classic earned him the prestigious Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award.

Busch will partner this year's Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay for Team USA in the ROC Nations Cup.

Monday, ROC organisers confirmed that Williams Formula 1 test driver, Susie Wolff would become the first female driver ever to compete in the Race Of Champions.

Susie Wolff (Photo: ROC)

Originally from Oban in Scotland, Wolff spent seven years racing in Germany's DTM touring car series before taking over as development driver for the Williams F1 team in April 2012.

She made her first Formula 1 race weekend appearances earlier this year, taking part in free practice sessions at Silverstone and Hockenheim.

The directors of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, home of the Belgian Grand Prix, declare they will take legal action against Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti.

Business publication Bloomberg Monday reported that the Belgian race track will contest Nissan's trademark application for the name “Eau Rouge”, having intended to name an Infiniti road car after the famed corner at the popular Formula 1 road course.

Infiniti's Q50 Eau Rouge prototype may cost as much as $100,000 if produced.

"It's like they want to steal the brand from the circuit. We consider it exactly the opposite of fair play," Spa-Francorchamps director Pierre-Alain Thibaut told Bloomberg.

Stefann Weinmann, an Infiniti spokesman in Hong Kong, declared August 22 that Infiniti is testing components for the car and hasn't made a final decision on whether to produce the so-called super sedan, or on its name.

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge. (Photo: Infiniti)

From GMM

Nico Rosberg needs to relax if he wants to get back into the world championship fight.

That is the advice of German countryman Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who at the peak of his career fifteen years ago was the title dark horse in 1999.

Now 47, Frentzen told Germany's Auto Bild he thinks Rosberg - the former runaway championship leader in 2014 - is letting Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton run away with the title as the Briton hits a run of top form.

Lewis Hamilton, once well behind Rosberg but now 17 points clear with just three races to go, has won the last four grands prix on the trot.

"Nico is making mistakes because he is not free in the head," said Frentzen.

"He needs to pretend that the world championship fight is already over," the former Williams driver advised. "Only by not thinking about it can he begin to relax again."

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Frentzen said it is precisely this kind of calmness that is contributing to Hamilton's increasing dominance at the pointy end of the intense 2014 battle.

"He's mentally strong and totally relaxed," he said. "You can see it in the little things -- the way he gets into the car, the way he puts on his gloves," added Frentzen.

However, with the unpopular 'double points' finale looming next month, it remains highly likely the title will go right down to the wire -- even if Hamilton's run of superiority continues.

With 50 points on offer in Abu Dhabi, it is mathematically possible that Rosberg will be 49 points behind just before the chequer waves but win the title if Hamilton suffers a breakdown.

Lewis Hamilton said at the DTM finale at Hockenheim last weekend: "There are so many points in the last race -- the championship will be decided there."

But he insists he is not worried.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

"There is no need to be concerned," said Hamilton. "You never know what is ahead and we will deal with it as it comes.

"It is no good thinking, 'if this happens or if that happens', or even thinking about what happens if I win.

"I am just going to enjoy this moment and make sure that in these last three races, I am stronger than Nico," he added.

Caterham have dismissed reports that Caterham Sports Limited entering administration will impact the future of the Formula 1 team.

The fate of Caterham Sports Limited (CSL), which is a supplier to the F1 team, has been in doubt for a few weeks after bailiffs seized items from its UK base to recover debts the company owed.

Both are based in Leafield, but the F1 team is operated by 1 Malaysia Racing Team (1MRT), which is a separate entity from CSL.

The division of the businesses, which was pivotal to a dispute over who owned items taken from Leafield by bailiffs, means that what happens to CSL will not impact directly on Caterham's F1 plans.

A spokesperson for the F1 squad told Sky Sports F1 “the administration does not threaten the racing team”.

However, it is evident that there have been mounting frustrations in recent weeks from 1MRT's new owners about having inherited problems they were not expecting.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

When General Motors decided to add yet another engine option to the CTS lineup -- a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L V6 that's fitted to almost everything built by the General -- I yawned a great yawn.

Then I saw the specs: 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.

That's all you need to know about this car.

OK, maybe not...


What is the Cadillac CTS Vsport?
For 2014, the CTS Vsport is the most powerful CTS currently available -- until the full-blown supercharged V8 CTS-V sedan shows up.

While the base model CTS starts at $50,895, the Vsport is significantly more: $74,495 before options, taxes, and destination.

That said, the Vsport does get significantly more equipment than your basic CTS, and the options list is fairly short. My tester, which stickered for $76,550, was equipped with two inexpensive options: performance brake linings ($110) and premium all-weather floor mats ($145).

Driving the 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport
Let's start with the important bit: the engine.

General Motors has a knack for repurposing components and making them seem like all-new pieces. The 3.6L V6 engine is so commonplace in the massive GM stable it's even used by the Equinox, one of the most boring SUVs you can buy anywhere.

But, the addition of two turbochargers, and some fiddling with other internal pieces, has turned the mundane into the magnificent.

Thanks to some staggered rear rubber (245/40R18 up front, 275/35R18 in back), the Vsport is able to make solid use of the full 430 lb-ft of torque without significant drama. Sure, if you turn off all the traction control and put it in Track Mode, the big Caddy will get a little squirrelly during launches, but that makes it fun!

Yet, the acceleration from a stop isn't the story here. Instead, the Cadillac accelerates from cruising speeds with enough verve to still put you back in your seat. This is why you buy a car such as the Vsport.

With its four driving mode selections, you can also turn the CTS Vsport into a fairly competent cruiser around town, or even put it in Snow mode for those especially slippery mornings to the office. From a power-delivery standpoint, it's an all-rounder, unlike the CTS-V's decidedly more hardcore output to the rear wheels.

But, power does not a good car make, and the CTS Vsport delivers on two other key areas: ride and handling.

Underneath all that gorgeous sheetmetal sits General Motors' Magnetic Ride Control, smoothing out the bumps on those under-maintained roads. While the ride is far from svelte, it does provide a fair amount of damping and never once bottomed out over some of the larger humps and potholes.

However, it's the handling that sets the Vsport apart. For such a big car to be so well sorted is nothing short of magic. Carving corners is a treat, and the Vsport gives you the equipment to traverse the bends a fair bit quicker than the speed of traffic.

If there's one downside to the Vsport's incredible handling, it's that the car doesn't communicate this capability well to the meat-bag behind the steering wheel. There was never a point where I said, “I feel like I can go much faster around this tight corner.” If anything, my inner monologue shouted, “This is a big car! Sure, it might make it, but for heaven's sake would you please slow down?!?”

It's this “bigness” that holds the CTS back, and it makes me pine (ever so slightly) for the previous generation CTS-V.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport
While I can totally understand if someone looked at this car and exclaimed: “This is not for me,” I certainly wouldn't agree. The exterior is fairly brash, extroverted, and unrestrained.
This is Art and Science on a weekend bender bachelor party.

At the same time, the CTS in general is still quite classy. Its lines are clean, like a form-fitting suit, and the paint finish gives it an expensive appearance. It's sharp and fashionable without being trendy. This is the automotive embodiment of George Clooney.


Climbing inside shows off a brilliantly designed interior only rivaled by Audi, the de facto leader in automotive interior design at this point. From a purely aesthetic and tactile point of view, the interior of the Vsport is a glorious place to be.

Then you have to start using the controls and all the options associated with the Cadillac CUE infotainment system, and your dreams are shattered. This is also the first vehicle I would much rather use the steering wheel controls for volume adjustment because the volume control on the centre stack is so terrifyingly bad.

Actually, aside from looking pretty, almost all the controls on the centre console are relatively useless, especially the buttons bordering each side of the CUE touchscreen. Their embedded LED lights are so dim and awkwardly aimed that you can barely tell if pressing said button has done anything at all.

Yet, it's a small price to pay for the comfortability and performance provided by such an athletic, dapper, and devilishly charming car.

Comparing the 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport
The CTS Vsport was tuned on the Nurburgring. Why? Because that's where all its competition comes from.

Cadillac's performance luxury sedan is America's answer to Germany's BMW 535i xDrive, Audi A6 3.0T, and Mercedes-Benz E 500 4MATIC.

With the fate of Tesla's sales in Michigan on the desk of Gov. Rick Snyder, the electric carmaker is looking for support from its supply base in the state.