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Toronto's IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe started off this week in a new role as a test driver for Road & Track magazine.

The three-time Verizon IndyCar Series race winner was tasked by magazine editors to test drive a Porsche 962, one of the most legendary sports cars on the planet, alongside Porsche's new 918, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an upcoming issue.

Using the 2.4-mile road course as a proving ground to pit the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning factory 962 against the 887-horsepower hybrid 918, Hinchcliffe was asked to extract the maximum performance from both cars to compare and contrast the modern technology against one of the last great sports car prototypes.

The works Porsche 962 (Photo: IndyCar)

“I'm a big fan of the history of the sport, so getting the call to drive one of the greatest sports cars in history -- that just so happens to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans the same year I was born -- was beyond cool,” Hinchcliffe said.

“It's one of the cars I've seen at museums and always wondered what it was like to drive. To be able to not only drive it, but to get to thrash it ... at Indianapolis, no less, and then compare it wheel-to-wheel, with the fastest production car to lap the Nürburgring ... it makes for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a pretty awesome day. You know you've arrived when you get invited to test cars like these, and it's humbling, trust me.”

Hinchcliffe said he was surprised by the performance of the Porsches.

“It's old race car versus new road car, but with the advances in road car technology it got me excited and interested to see how close they'd be,” he said.

“They both have strengths and weaknesses, but it wasn't a clear case where one was way ahead or behind the other one. I think readers will enjoy the data and feedback we gathered on how they performed, and I can tell you I wasn't taking it easy on either of them.

“They both make a lot of power, they deliver that power in very different ways, and where one has all of the modern tricks and technology poured into it, the other reminded you why it was unbeatable during its era. They're very different creatures, but don't let the age or where they were designed to perform fool you. We did a lot of filming, too, so I can't wait for people to see them in action and to read about the test.”

In a recent interview with CNN, Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen said he wanted to finish his career at Ferrari.

The Finn, who's had a difficult season behind the wheel of the underpowered Ferrari F14 T so far this season, declared he plans to finish his career with the prestigious Italian car constructor.

However, Raikkonen did not mention when his career would end.

Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, currently with Red Bull Racing, is expected to move to Ferrari next year, taking the place of Fernando Alonso who is tipped to move to McLaren.

"I have a contract for next year and probably for one more year," Raikkonen told CNN.

"But I'm not a young guy anymore.

"I want to do something more with my life than just Formula 1. I will finish my career with Ferrari.

"I never lost the passion. I will stop the day when I feel I don't enjoy it anymore."

Raikkonen said he would continue to race after his Formula 1 career.

"I really enjoy the whole NASCAR thing," Raikkonen declared. "It's just completely different and fun. It was a good experience.

"Hopefully I can do more (races) some day. I've said I'd like to do some more rallies in the future."

From wrc.com

Former world rally champion Petter Solberg will return to the wheel of a World Rally Car when he tackles Rallye du Condroz-Huy in Belgium, November 1-2.

The Norwegian, recently crowned inaugural FIA World Rallycross champion, will drive a Citroen C4 WRC prepared by Marc VDS Racing Team. He will be partnered by Phil Mills, with whom he won the 2003 FIA World Rally Championship for Subaru.

Petter Solberg (Photo: wrc.com)

Solberg's rivals include Citroen's Kris Meeke, who will pilot a DS3 R5, and Citroen Racing director Yves Matton, who will also drive a C4 WRC. Matton will be co-driven by Daniel Elena, the man who guided Sebastien Loeb to nine world titles.

“I have great memories of the C4 in the World Rally Championship. But it's important not to forget that I haven't competed in a rally for two years,” said Solberg, whose last World Rally Car outing was at Rally de España in 2012 in a Ford Fiesta RS.

“It will take some time to find my bearings again. That will also be the case with Phil. Our last event together was in 2010 and we're going to have to relearn how to write pace notes!” he added.

The asphalt rally comprises 22 stages covering almost 243km in two days.

Our colleagues at endurance-info.com posted some news, information and rumours about the new Nissan GT-R LM NISMO sports car that will compete in endurance racing next season.

In 2015, Nissan will join three other major car manufacturers - Audi, Toyota and Porsche - in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The facts. The shakedown of the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO sports car will take place at Nissan's private test facility in Arizona; a huge 3,050 acres ground with a 9.2km super oval.

The first test will be held at Sebring International Raceway in Florida at the beginning of December.

“It is no longer a secret that the engine of the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO will be located at the front of the car, and not at the rear like all other LMP1 cars”, wrote the web site. Now, that's revolutionary.

“According to our sources, the Nissan engine has been running on the dyno for quite a along time now. Apparently, it is a twin turbo V6 petrol engine,” they added.

Now, the rumours. Not a single word from Nissan in regards to its drivers. However, names are mentioned in conversations, such as Olivier Pla, Nick Heidfeld, Stephane Sarrazin, Jann Mardenborough, Lucas Ordonez, Ronnie Quintarelli, Masataka Yanagida and Tsugio Matsuda.

On a final note, Nissan could decide to enter three cars in every round of the 2015 WEC.

Photo: Nissan

In an effort to redefine the brand's image and become more competitive, Acura is planning to follow Subaru's lead by making all-wheel drive standard on all of its models.

Offering more powerful engines is another possibility.

"I think that's the way we should go," said Koichi Fukuo, Acura's top global executive.

Half of all Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. this year featured AWD, and other premium makes are posting similar numbers (BMW: 58%; Audi 90%).

AWD is currently available with the TLX midsize sedan and will be standard on the upcoming RLX Sport Hybrid full-size sedan.

Source : autonews

Photo: Acura

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has admitted Fernando Alonso is leaving Ferrari.

The Spaniard's falling out with the Maranello team and recent dissolving of his contract is an open secret in F1 circles, but it is yet to be officially confirmed.

Also not yet announced is Sebastian Vettel's impending arrival to replace him, but countryman Nico Rosberg insists: "This is great news for our sport.

"It's interesting for all the fans when the four-time world champion changes teams and they wonder 'Can he take his new team back to the front?'" the Mercedes driver told Bild.

Insiders believe Ferrari's confirmation of the Alonso-Vettel news must now be imminent, although talks between the Spanish driver and McLaren-Honda are believed still to be taking place.

However, Italy's Autosprint believes a deal between Alonso and McLaren's new works engine supplier Honda is essentially agreed, and the last detail is the driver's desire for an exit clause.

Fernando Alonso out of Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

"Fernando is leaving (Ferrari) for two reasons," Montezemolo, who was officially replaced as Ferrari president by Sergio Marchionne on Monday, told Italian television Rai on Wednesday.

"One because he wants to cement himself in another environment. And two because he's at an age where he cannot wait to win again. He has been disappointed not to have won (a title) in these years and he needs a new stimulus," Montezemolo added.

Luca di Montezemolo only confirmed what is already widely known in the F1 paddock, and even his likely destination - McLaren-Honda - is no secret.

The bigger question is how arguably the sport's biggest name and best talent found himself playing contract poker with his old nemesis Ron Dennis in possession of a clearly inferior set of cards.

"He has been released from one contract without having another in place," said David Coulthard, "and that does have implications for his negotiations, however badly McLaren want him.

"What will happen to Alonso? Will he take a year out? Race a year in sports cars?" wondered the former McLaren driver, who now commentates for British television BBC.

"From controlling the market, he appears now to be left with a choice between McLaren and a year out," Coulthard added.

Coulthard's former McLaren teammate, the double world champion Mika Hakkinen, doubts a move to Woking will result in immediate success for Alonso.

"During my own career, I worked with many engine manufacturers. There was never success in the first year," the Finn said in his latest interview for sponsor Hermes.

"Based on my own experience, I would consider it to be a small miracle if Honda can go straight to the top," Hakkinen added, "although they do have extensive experience with the world of motor sport."

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has hit back at suggestions he was ousted as Ferrari president because of the Italian team's struggles.

"A lack of results?" the 67-year-old, who was replaced by Fiat's Sergio Marchionne on Monday, reportedly told Italian television Rai on Wednesday.

"Remember that since 1999 we won 14 titles in 15 years.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, sport is not an exact science, and in formula one there are cycles. Ours was very long.

"In the last years we are the team that won the most. In 2008 and in 2010 and 2012 we lost the championship in the last race. The most disappointing was the last one, but that's sport.

"Renault had its cycle for two years, we're coming out of Red Bull's and into Mercedes'.

"Now Ferrari opens a new cycle with a lot of work and investment, taking into account that today's cars are hybrids," he said.

Sergio Marchionne and Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Montezemolo said the most disappointing thing about his departure was the manner in which it took place.

"I've always had a very strong relationship with the Agnelli family," he said, "and I think I did something important in 2004, when I agreed to be chairman of Fiat in extremely dramatic circumstances.

"Perhaps a 'thank you' in the least would have been expected.

"I do not hide that I was not very pleased about how, but it is part of life and it is right that it is the owner who can make decisions," Montezemolo added.

He explained that his removal as president was related to parent group Fiat-Chrysler's debut on the New York stock exchange.

"Everything happened a little fast in relation to the listing of Fiat-Chrysler on the American stock exchange," said Montezemolo, "which happened two days ago.

"There was a need to have Ferrari in a large group and I think this accelerated time a little."

Finally, Montezemolo commented on the accident suffered recently by the critically injured Jules Bianchi.

"We have made tremendous progress with safety. Unfortunately some accidents still happen as was the case with Jules Bianchi, our boy, but the tractor should not have been there," he said.

From GMM

Stefano Domenicali has accepted an offer to work for the German manufacturer Audi.

Earlier this week, we reported that the former Ferrari team boss could be moving to the Ingolstadt-based marque to replace Le Mans team chief Wolfgang Ullrich.

It appears that was wide of the mark.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Italian Domenicali, 49, will instead start in a non motor racing role on 1 November.

But the news, reportedly confirmed by Audi, will almost certainly trigger a new round of speculation about Alonso's future.

Prior to his ousting by Ferrari, Domenicali was known to be close to Fernando Alonso, who according to Luca di Montezemolo is also leaving the Maranello team.

Stefano Domenicali and Fernando Alonso at Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Alonso's next stop is not known, but when he visited the fabled 24 hour Le Mans race in June, he stopped by the Audi garage.

"It's a very attractive category for sure," said Alonso before officially starting the 2014 edition in June. "Definitely I will race here (one day)."

Whilst clearly negotiating with McLaren-Honda about 2015, Alonso has obviously also coveted a seat at the dominant F1 team, Mercedes.

Team bosses have consistently ruled that out.

Indeed, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff told Austria's Sportwoche this week: "Maybe he (Alonso) will leave formula one, take a break. This year he went to see his friend Mark Webber at Le Mans -- it is obviously a race that fascinates him."

From GMM

F1's governing body has formed an 'accident panel' in the wake of Jules Bianchi's life threatening crash.

The news, confirmed in a letter from the FIA to "all F1 teams" this week, follows Marussia angrily hitting back at media reports the team and its French driver were to blame for Bianchi's crash into a recovery vehicle at Suzuka 11 days ago.

The FIA letter asked teams to forward to the Paris federation "any information which you may have regarding the circumstances of this accident, and to keep all documents, testimonies and any pertinent information which may be of interest to the accident panel".

The publication that revealed the disputed and highly controversial information about Bianchi's crash was Germany's Sport Bild, claiming Marussia told the now critically ill Frenchman to speed up to keep Caterham's Marcus Ericsson behind him in the moments before the crash.

Marussia also strenuously denied claims Jules Bianchi did not slow down for the yellow flags.

Jules Bianchi's crash at Suzuka. (Photo: WRi2)

But in the wake of the team's angry denials, Sport Bild has published even more new information.

It claims Bianchi went through the high-speed Dunlop corner at 217kph on the lap before he crashed. Next time around, he was reportedly recorded at 212kph.

The information is reportedly based on an official FIA document.

When asked about the document's existence, FIA spokesman Matteo Bonciani told Germany's Sport1 that "all relevant information about Jules Bianchi's accident was reported by race director Charlie Whiting at Suzuka."

He also would not confirm the existence of the radio messages from Marussia to Bianchi, as originally alleged by Sport Bild.

"This (not commenting on speculation) is a principle of the FIA -- especially in the case of Bianchi," Matteo Bonciani insisted.

Honda is being accused by a watchdog group of underreporting injuries and fatalities from defective airbags, hampering a federal government system designed to spot patterns in automotive flaws.

Audi will introduce a new design direction with a concept car debuting next month at the Los Angeles auto show.

Audi will introduce a new design direction with a concept car debuting next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

General Motors was hit with its biggest lawsuit so far over serial recalls, brought on behalf of drivers of 27 million vehicles seeking more than $10 billion in compensation for fallen car prices.

GM has emerged as a heavyweight ally of the wireless carriers battling against stricter Internet traffic rules, with a new letter that linked the issue to wirelessly connected cars.

Legislation that would prevent Tesla Motors from directly selling its EV lineup in Michigan has cleared the state's legislative chambers and is awaiting the signature of Republican Governor Rick Snyder. The deadline to sign the bill is October 21.

General Motors sold 2,449,595 vehicles around the world in the third quarter of 2014, up 2% year on year but the company's best third quarter since 1980. In the first nine months, sales were also up 2% to 7,371,743 units.

TrueCar, bidding to increase transparency of vehicle transaction costs, said its 9,000 dealer franchisees agreed to reveal all vehicle accessory and nongovernmental document fees when guaranteeing prices to TrueCar shoppers

In its effort to bring autonomous-driving technology to the streets, Audi is testing unmanned vehicles at speeds as fast as 305kph (190 mph).

In its effort to bring autonomous-driving technology to the streets, Audi is testing unmanned vehicles at speeds as fast as 305 kilometers (190 miles) per hour.

General Motors' global sales rose 2 percent in the third quarter, driven by strong demand in the two largest auto markets in the world, China and the United States.