Auto News 5

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve set the pace on the first day of the Speedcar Series test session at the Dubai Autodrome. This 2-day test is the final one before the start of Season 2 on 5-6 December, 2008. Full story...

Volvo's next-generation S60 concept is set to be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show early next year as a fairly clear indication of what the 2010 production model will look like. A photo has been released, showcasing a daring, sleek and exciting silhouette. A tapered 'double-wave' beltline runs the length of the car from the headlight to taillight, rising slightly to accommodate the large turbine-shaped wheels and fenders surrounding them. Full story...

David Coulthard will turn to television punditry for his first year of formula one race retirement in 2009. Full story...

Porsche has just released photos of their new four-seat Panamera grand touring car, which will join the Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman and 911 models next year. The German performance automaker says that the model combines sporting driving dynamics, a spacious interior, and the supreme comfort of a Gran Turismo. Full story...

Nine months after announcing the end of his 22-year marriage, McLaren boss Ron Dennis is reportedly dating again. Full story...

A proposal for a new qualifying format for formula one in 2009 could be tabled at the forthcoming meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council. Full story...

Neel Jani (Switzerland) and Adam Carroll (Ireland) are the winners at Sepang, Malaisia. Ireland takes the lead in provisional classification. Full story...

Romain Grosjean, the first GP2 Asia Series champion and fourth in this year's main GP2 series, looks likely to return to the support category in 2009. Full story...

Another official of China's annual formula one race has played down suggestions the grand prix in Shanghai might be in doubt beyond 2010. Full story...

Installing an Indian driver at the wheel of one of Force India's formula one cars is in the team's five year plan. Full story...

Since Honda decided a few years back that their mid-size Accord in North America should be different (read: bigger) than the one sold in the rest of the world, its rivals don't have much choice but to follow the same path. Full story...

President-elect Barack Obama backs congressional demands that U.S. automakers provide a game plan for long-term survival before lawmakers approve a taxpayer funded bailout, a senior adviser said today. Full story...

While many fans can't wait for the return of the NASCAR Sprint Cup in February 2009, things are shaping up for next season. Unfortunately, though TV ratings have increased lately, many teams are still struggling to get full-time sponsorship, economy being as slow as it is in the Unites States. Full story...

BMW's 7-Series was always more about satisfying the senses than electrifying them. For 2009, the German premium car manufacturer has deployed some updates to give the rolling luxury flat an updated look and added features. Full story...

The 37-year-old Scot's fiancee Karen Minier, a Belgian who was formerly a F1 reporter for the French broadcaster TF1, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Friday. Full story...

The 37-year-old Scot's fiancee Karen Minier, a Belgian who was formerly a F1 reporter for the French broadcaster TF1, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Friday. Full story...

Mark Webber will likely miss the winter testing period, but should be back in action when the formula one race action resumes in Melbourne for the start of the 2009 season. Full story...

While many fans can't wait for the return of the NASCAR Sprint Cup in February 2009, things are shaping up for next season. Unfortunately, though TV ratings have increased lately, many teams are still struggling to get full-time sponsorship, economy being as slow as it is in the Unites States. Full story...

The 37-year-old Scot's fiancee Karen Minier, a Belgian who was formerly a F1 reporter for the French broadcaster TF1, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Friday. Full story...

Mark Webber will likely miss the winter testing period, but should be back in action when the formula one race action resumes in Melbourne for the start of the 2009 season. Full story...