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From GMM

Pastor Maldonado has admitted he is looking forward to Lotus' switch from Renault to Mercedes power for 2015.

The Venezuelan has said consistently this year he does not regret moving last winter from Williams to the Enstone-based team.

But almost a full season on, while Williams made an impressive leap from the rear of the midfield to the upper grid hatchings in 2014, Lotus' reverse in fortunes has been just as dramatic.

It means Maldonado's best hope now is that Lotus can perform a similar turnaround as it also moves from Renault to Mercedes power.

"Our goal is to come to Williams' level," he admitted to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Lotus E22-Renault at Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

The German publication claims Lotus' engine switch will cost owner Gerard Lopez a two-digit sum -- the cost of the Mercedes deal plus a separation payment to Renault.

Pastor Maldonado thinks it is worth it.

"We will automatically win half a second compared to the situation now," he said, "and we will also benefit aerodynamically, because the (Mercedes) power unit takes up less space."

The PDVSA-sponsored 29-year-old driver is also expecting "not only more power but more reliability" from the Mercedes, as well as more development options for "cooling".

Ford's F-150 is the brand's staple. In fact, the F-150 is a brand unto its own. This explains why Ford invests so much time, money, and effort into each iteration of the bestselling truck in North America.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Here are 15 of the most important points to remember about the 2015 F-150:

1- Variety is the spice of life. The 2015 F-150 features four engine choices:

• 3.5L V6 that develops 283 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque;
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (more below);
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that generates 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque;
• 5.0L V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque.

2- The new 2.7L EcoBoost V6, good for 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, is the latest addition to the F-150's arsenal of powerplants. Its block is made from compacted graphite iron block, the same material used in the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel's engine block. It includes Auto Start-Stop technology, a variable-displacement oil pump and oil cooler. It is built to last and perform. It is aimed at the over-buyer, the one that buys a pickup without really needing one. It is for the person looking to tow on occasion without needing max tow or max payload. Also, It will end up in the next Edge Sport, which is promising.

3- All 2015 F-150s are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission that, depending on trim, includes a sport mode. It's well worth it if you like to drive your truck a little harder than most...

4- The F-150's body is made of military-grade aluminum alloys. This will help the truck resist corrosion and facilitate recycling. Also, weight-loss...

5- The 2015 F-150 has lost no less than 700lbs increasing its load capacities, improving fuel economy, braking, and overall performance. The Ford is the biggest loser, in the best possible way.

6- The 2015 F-150's price range goes from $21,399 to at least $67,000. That base price lines it up with a number of current compact pickups. Tough to justify needing a Ranger replacement...

7- For 2015, Ford has endowed the F-150 with the latest technology, much of which is common to cars but that had yet to be seen on a truck. LED head and taillights are available as is a 360-degree surround view camera system. Brilliant (in both senses of the word) in-bed LED lights, for those who use tonneau covers, are also offered.

8- The 2015 F-150 is currently the most capable full-size light-duty pickup. When properly equipped, it will tow up to 12,200lbs and carry up to a 3,300lbs payload.

9- You probably know this but it's always good to remind truck buyers that the F-Series has been the bestselling truck in the US for 37 years and 46 in Canada. The title is not likely to change hands any time soon.

10- With the reduction in weight, improved engine efficiency and the advent of the EcoBoost 2.7L V6, fuel economy is expected to improve by 5% to 20% over the previous generation of the F-150.

11- Without increasing existing engine output, the power-to-weight ratio is actually up 5% to 16% on all trims thanks to the reduction in weight. This means the trucks are quicker... I smell drag races.

12- Ford went all out with testing the new truck. In the course of its development, F-150 engineers put no less than 10 million miles on various test mules.

13- The 2015 F-150's frame is made of 78% high-strength steel compared to only 22% in the last one. This has cut 70lbs, however, it is the strongest and biggest ever slapped under an F-150. It features a fully boxed design. Some parts of the frame are no longer hydroformed, as was the case with the previous F-150's. The explanation lies in the fact that the old frame was of a single thickness, while now there are differences in the levels of thickness as portions are now welded. An additional cross-member (8th) has been added to further improve torsional rigidity.

14- A new Boxlink system provides buyers and users the ability to customize tie-down options to secure almost anything thanks to a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats. It's quite clever.

15- The new cab is 2” wider than previous generations. The beltline has dropped 1” and the signature kink in the door is down 2”. All of this improves interior room, comfort and outward visibility.

Bonus: The more capable off-road the truck is, the better it'll get stuck. Better get a winch installed up front if you plan on going off the beaten path on a regular basis.

Double Bonus: The 2015 Ford F-150 shows up in showrooms in a few months, by the beginning of 2015.

Marussia Formula 1 Team on Wednesday hit back at media reports suggesting the team and Jules Bianchi were to blame for the Frenchman's life threatening crash at Suzuka.

The small team issued the following press release:

“During the course of Tuesday 14 October, a number of media reports emerged suggesting:

1) that Jules Bianchi did not slow down under the double waved yellow flags shown after Adrian Sutil had spun off in the wet conditions
and;

2) that the team urged Jules to go faster during the double waved yellow flag period in order to keep Marcus Ericsson behind.

The Marussia F1 Team is shocked and angered by these allegations. At a time when its driver is critically ill in hospital, and the team has made clear that its highest priority is consideration for Jules and his family, it is distressed to have to respond to deeply upsetting rumours and inaccuracies in respect of the circumstances of Jules' accident. However, given that these allegations are entirely false, the team has no alternative but to address these.

Regarding point 1, Jules did slow down under the double waved yellow flags. That is an irrefutable fact, as proven by the telemetry data, which the team has provided to the FIA. In the FIA press conference, which took place in Sochi on Friday 10 October, Charlie Whiting, the FIA's Race Director, confirmed that the team had provided such data, that he himself had examined this data and that Jules did slow.

Regarding point 2, an audio copy of the full radio transmission between Jules and the team, and also a written transcript thereof, were provided to the FIA. It is quite clear from the transmission and the transcript that at no point during the period leading up to Jules' accident did the team urge Jules to drive faster or make any comments suggesting that he should do so.

The team sincerely hopes that, having clarified these facts, it can now avoid any further distractions to its primary focus at this time, which is providing support for Jules and his family.

Toyota Canada has released pricing for the 2015 Sienna minivan, which is now on sale at dealerships across the country. Equipped with more standard features than the outgoing model, the new Sienna is also available with the Driver Easy Speak system that was first offered with the 2014 Highlander, allowing drivers to communicate more easily with rear-seat occupants.

Other upgrades to the standard equipment list include:

• A back-up camera - including a wide-angle camera on XLE and Limited grades;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• A fourth anchor point for child protection seats;
• A passenger seat cushion airbag has been added;
• A pull-down conversation mirror.

Optionally, buyers can add the aforementioned Driver Easy Speak system, a customizable 7” touchscreen, a dual-view, Blu-Ray rear-seat entertainment system with 16.4” wide dual-screen monitor, and a black leather interior with white contrast stitching.

Once again, all Sienna models are built around a powerful and proven 3.5L V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

2015 Toyota Sienna prices:

• Sienna: $30,690
• Sienna LE FWD: $33,950
• Sienna LE AWD: $36,775
• Sienna SE: $37,495
• Sienna XLE AWD: $41,380

From GMM

It is possible Fernando Alonso will take a sabbatical in 2015, according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

It is the burning question of the F1 driver 'silly season' at present -- now that Sebastian Vettel has left Red Bull apparently to replace Alonso at Ferrari, what will the talented but temperamental Spaniard do next?

"I appreciate your curiosity," Alonso told his more than 2 million Twitter followers this week, "whatever rumours you hear, you know (my) priority is on the track now.

"Enjoy, trust. The best is yet to come," he added.

F1's dominant force, Mercedes, has now consistently and repeatedly ruled out speculation Alonso is angling for a silver seat in 2015.

Toto Wolff thinks Alonso's most likely option is McLaren-Honda.

But "He will go there only if he gets a get-out clause," the Austrian speculated to Sportwoche magazine.

"Maybe he 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," said Wolff.

The Italian newspaper La Stampa has published a new poll showing that 70 per cent believe Alonso will be a works Honda driver in 2015.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve thinks Alonso was clearly caught short by Vettel's shock switch and the fact Red Bull so rapidly confirmed Daniil Kvyat as his successor.

"It is not good poker by Alonso," the outspoken French Canadian told Spain's AS. "I think we can all agree that Alonso is the best on the track. But sometimes in F1 you also have to know how to pull the strings and he doesn't always do that as well."

Like many, Villeneuve thinks Alonso is destined to return to McLaren in 2015.

"McLaren is a good team," he said, "but I know Honda well and I don't think they will have success quickly."

He said a sabbatical for Fernando Alonso is not likely.

"I think not," said Jacques Villeneuve. "After two months he wouldn't know what to do. He's a racing animal."

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen will race a new chassis in Austin and beyond, the Italian publication Omnicorse reports.

After finishing ninth in Russia, the Finn was quoted in Ferrari's post-race statement as saing: "(Austin) is very demanding and interesting and I hope I don't have the same problems I had here".

Omnicorse claims that the normally phlegmatic Raikkonen, who has struggled alongside Fernando Alonso in 2014, "raised his tone of voice" with boss Marco Mattiacci at Sochi.

"He made it clear that he is 110 per cent committed but that he is not able to get the best from the car because something is not working properly," read the report.

Omnicorse said Mattiacci agreed that Raikkonen should switch to a new 2014 chassis for the US grand prix.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

Peugeot Sport has released the first official photos of its new 2008 DKR buggy that will contest the next edition of the Dakar rally raid.

Peugeot 2008 DKR (Photo: Peugeot Sport)

The press release mentions that the muscular, thoroughbred yet beastlike forms of the Peugeot 2008 DKR provide a vivid indication of the new car's serious desire for success.

It is behind the wheel of this purpose-designed machine that Carlos Sainz, Cyril Despres and most likely Stephane Peterhansel will defend the colours of Team Peugeot Total on next January's Dakar in South America.

The 2008 DKR shares an unmistakable family resemblance with Peugeot's road-going crossover, albeit with more muscular forms and more imposing overall proportions that have been honed to meet the challenge that lies ahead.

The 208 DKR may take part in one of two rally raids this fall to check all systems.

Peugeot 2008 DKR (Photo: Peugeot Sport)

Peugeot 2008 DKR (Photo: Peugeot Sport)

IndyCar officials have decided that there would stage another post-qualifying practice for the upcoming Indianapolis 500 and it will be held Monday, May 19.

The availability was needed after series' officials changed the qualifying format for next month's event.

Qualifying will be held over two days, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18.

All cars will qualify on Saturday, although there will be also be a session on Sunday. Those drivers will only be eligible for a last-row starting position in the May 25-race.

The new format will be as follow:

Group 1 qualifying will determine starting positions 10-30;

Group 2 qualifying will determine starting positions 31-33;

The Fast Nine Shootout to determine the first nine starting positions will be from 2-2:45 p.m.

There will still be a one-hour practice on Carburetion Day, which is Friday, May 23

The media preview days of the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show were 28 & 29 October. Here follows a list of vehicle and concept global debuts.

Various world premieres for the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show have been announced and ongoing updates are being made to the list. Media preview days were 28 & 29 October.

Various world premieres for the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show have been announced and ongoing updates are being made to the list. Media preview days were 28 & 29 October.

Various world premieres for the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show have been announced and ongoing updates are being made to the list. Media preview days are 28 & 29 October.

Various world premieres for the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show have been announced and ongoing updates are being made to the list. Media preview days are 28 & 29 October.

The press preview day of the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show is 28 October. Nissan and VW are the first manufacturers to have announced world premieres.

The press preview day of the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show is 28 October. Nissan and VW are the first manufacturers to have announced world premieres.

The press preview day of the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show is 28 October. Nissan and VW are the first manufacturers to have announced world premieres.

The press preview day of the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show is 28 October. Nissan and VW are the first manufacturers to have announced world premieres.

The press preview day of the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show is 28 October. Nissan is the first manufacturer to have announced a world premiere.

The National Automobile Dealers Association chose Colorado dealer Jeff Carlson as its next vice chairman, putting him in line to become chairman after Bill Fox of New York, who -- as expected -- will be NADA's 2015 chairman.

News 14 Oct, 2014

Order an i8 in the UK now and you won’t receive it until the end of 2015, says BMW