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Toyota is recalling 1.67 million vehicles globally to address three separate defects including a faulty brake master cylinder that could hinder the brake's performance.

Toyota today said it is recalling 1.67 million vehicles globally in a voluntary move to address three separate defects including a faulty brake master cylinder that could hinder the brake's performance.

Holger Engelmann, the CEO of German roof specialist Webasto, believes a drop in demand for convertible cars will lead to consolidation in the sector, but he sees potential growth opportunities in China.

Once valued as a highly profitable vehicle niche, buyers have turned away from convertibles, hurting the business of roof systems suppliers such as Webasto, Magna CTS and Valmet.

Bentley named Robert Engstler as its regional director for Europe. Austrian-born Engstler joins Bentley from the dealer group Porsche Holding Salzburg.

Nissan will begin receiving some technology from the product-sharing partnership between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance, a senior Nissan executive says.

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

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)

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)

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."

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

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.

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.

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".

The Volkswagen Jetta is the German company's best-selling product here in Canada. Yes, we Canadians love the Jetta, which is basically a Golf with an added trunk. We're not alone, as Volkswagen has sold over 14 million Jettas worldwide since its introduction back in 1979.

Even a mid-cycle refresh like the one we're getting for 2015 is worth getting excited about. However, as they say, “it's all in the details,” and that's exactly where one needs to look to discover what's new for 2015.


2015 Volkswagen Jetta Prices & Specs
Pricing starts at a staggeringly low $14,990 for the base model, and even if you plump for the top-of-the-range (Highline), you'll still have loose change left over from $30k. However, the big news for 2015 is the introduction of a new 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel unit (now 150 hp, 236 lb-ft) which will be available across the range. Yes, you read that right! This means Volkswagen now offers the cheapest diesel-powered vehicle in Canada (the entry-level Trendline: $23,890).

Available in three trim levels (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline), the 2015 Jetta comes with a choice of three powerplants.

• Standard: 2.0L 4-cylinder (115 hp, 125 lb-ft, 5-speed manual or 6-speed auto with Tiptronic);
• Optional: 1.8L turbo 4-cyl (170 hp, 184 lb-ft, 5-speed manual or 6-speed auto with Tiptronic);
• Optional: 2.0L turbo-diesel (150 hp, 236 lb-ft, 5- or 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic DSG with Tiptronic)..

There's also a new 150-hp Turbo Hybrid model coming later in the year.

• Fuel economy (city/highway/combined):
• 2.0L manual/automatic: 9.5/6.9/8.4L/100km, 10.4/7.0/8.9L/100km
• 1.8L TSI manual/automatic: 9.3/6.3/8.0L/100km, 9.3/6.3/7.9L/100km
• 2.0L TDI manual automatic: 7.7/5.2/6.5L/100km, 7.5/5.3/6.5L/100km

Driving the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
I'm going to concentrate on the new diesel unit here as, in my opinion, it's the smartest choice.

If you've driven Volkswagen diesels before, then you don't need me to explain just how good they are. However, this new unit takes things one step further -- more power (10 extra hp over previous version), smoother, and even quieter. When I say this, I truly mean it. You can feel the added power and, in many ways, the refinement of this new diesel units puts some modern gasoline engines to shame.

With 236 lb-ft of torque on hand, there's not much pedal pressure required to get the new TDI Jetta up and running, and from there on, this number simply supplies bonus fun!

The Jetta feels nicely planted on the road, like a German car should, yet is light and nimble enough to enjoy, especially when one pours on that TDI torque while exiting a corner. This is something which can rather quickly become addictive, but there are so many people out there who simply can't see past the rather low horsepower figures which sit alongside the diesel torque numbers. To them I say, “Try a modern diesel, you'll be pleasantly surprised.”

Inside & Out of the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta gets a freshly designed grille/face for 2015 which gives it the appearance of a wider car. It's a little different, but I like it as it adds to the stateliness of the vehicle, almost approaching that of the higher-priced Passat. The rear also receives a mild makeover in the way of a redesigned bumper.

New for 2015, there's an available active radiator shutter system which is said to improve aerodynamics and overall fuel economy.

Stepping inside, the improvements are somewhat less noticeable. A touch of Piano Black here, some brushed aluminum/chrome where we haven't seen it before, but that's about all. However, things have changed quite considerably, you simply need to dig a little deeper. Bluetooth is now standard across the range, and even the base Jetta comes well equipped (SiriusXM® touchscreen satellite radio, backup camera, vehicle immobiliser, multifunction steering wheel, tilt and telescopic steering column, trip computer, 60/40 split rear seat).

As nicely appointed as the Jetta is, it should be noted that in order to get A/C, heated seats/mirrors, and iPod connectivity, you will need to step up to the slightly more expensive Trendline Plus.

Also new on the Jetta are a host of available safety features including blind spot monitoring/rear-traffic alert systems, and even a forward collision warning system available on top models.

Like I said, the improvements for 2015 are there, you just need to look for them!

Comparing the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta operates in a very busy playground and has several potential competitors (Mazda3, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla, Dodge Dart, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, and Volkswagen Golf).

However, with the exception of the Cruze, not one, bar its own stable-mate (the Golf), offers the option of diesel, so this pares those numbers down pretty well and my vote would still go to Volkswagen's established history in oil burners.

McLaren Formula 1 team's director of racing, Frenchman Eric Boullier talked about the tough challenge of choosing the right drivers for next season.

Talking to Formula1.com, Boullier said there was still no decision taken yet about the 2015 driver line-up.

“We need a mix of experience and eagerness. In this time of recovery for McLaren I need a boost, so our driver line-up needs to be boosting the team's morale and team's determination to reach as quickly as possible the level where we should be,” Boullier explained.

Kevin Magnussen and Jenson Button, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

What would be the benefits of hiring a big name for next season versus those of staying low key in 2015 and then making a big splash in 2016 when the Honda ‘transition year' is over?

“I always said that we are working on the strategy for the coming years - plural - which means we could take on a big name now, or even two big names for next year, or we could stay the same and go for a big name - or again two big names - for 2016.

“We are still assessing what we should do, as it is a big decision that will obviously be driving our success for the medium term. If we take the wrong decision we could be successful in the short term but maybe not in the long term. And we are in the comfortable position of being able to wait. I know that doesn't make it comfortable for Jenson [Button] and Kevin [Magnussen], but I have to think about McLaren first. We also have to see who is on the market in 2015, but also who would be available in 2016 - maybe quite different names would come up then!” Boullier replied.

Eric Boullier admitted that hiring a big name, such as Fernando Alonso, could not be the greatest idea.

“Let's assume we will have a big name next year - or two big names - but do we have the right technical team behind them, the right leadership? Is everything in place? Can we make sure that everything is in place in six months? It's like Russian roulette: you only have one shot! If you bring the big name now and are not ready enough then you start to deliver too late and burn his determination - then what? So what we actually need is a massive boost for the whole system, and if we miss the momentum we will kill everything,” Boullier admitted.

There's some confusion at Caterham F1 Team as to why Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi retired on lap 21 of the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom last Sunday.

Interviewed by BBC 5 Live just after he climbed out of the car, Kobayashi claimed there was nothing wrong with his Renault-powered CT05.

“Nothing wrong with the car. The team asked me to stop the car to save mileage,” Kobayashi declared.

"We have a lot of mileage limitation to avoid things going wrong with the parts. This is why I get message from top management."

Moments later, Caterham F1 team tweeted: "The reason for @kamui_kobayashi's retirement was that his brakes were overheating and it was too dangerous for him to carry on racing."

Kamui Kobayashi, Caterham CT05-Renault, Sochi. (Photo: WRi2)

Three days later, team boss Manfredi Ravetto said to be confused by his driver's comments.

“Actually, I was very surprised to hear Kamui referring to some mileage-saving instruction coming from the team's management,” Ravetto declared.

“We saw via telemetry that there was a potential issue with the brakes and we decided to avoid any risks; Kamui officially confirmed this as well and I'd like to add that he had also asked us to change the previous set before qualifying because he felt some vibration. To be clear: yes, we instructed Kamui to retire because the safety of our drivers is our first concern!” he added.

“Regarding Kamui's comment, all I can say - and again, I'm answering with facts - is that the team has continuously made progress since the British Grand Prix, we've managed to qualify very well in the last two races, getting very close to Q2, and in Suzuka we repaired Kamui's heavily damaged car in time for the next session without any problems, so I cannot understand his comment,” Ravetto explained.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel will not be able to make his test debut for Ferrari in the days immediately after next month's Abu Dhabi grand prix finale.

Italy's Omnicorse claims that, even though the Maranello team is yet to officially confirm that the German will be wearing red in 2015, it wanted Vettel to drive the F14 T at the post-Abu Dhabi test.

It is at the Yas Marina circuit that Ferrari would have been able to directly compare Vettel in the same car raced just days earlier by the departing Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.

Also in Abu Dhabi, Pirelli will test its proposed 2015 tires for the first time.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

But when asked by Speed Week when Vettel will be released, Red Bull team owner Dietrich Mateschitz answered: "Five days after the last race, he is free."

That will be November 28 -- immediately after the end of the Abu Dhabi test.

Not only that, reigning quadruple world champion Vettel is already being frozen out by the team and energy drink company that groomed him from boyhood.

"In every way concerning development for next year, Vettel is no longer involved and is receiving no information," Dr Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung newspaper.

And the Austrian also told Bild newspaper: "That goes from cockpit design to the aerodynamic configurations of the car for next season."

This weekend brings the DTM's 30th anniversary season to a close with the home race of Mercedes-Benz in Hockenheim.

With one race to go, Canadian Robert Wickens lies 10th in the point standings with a total of 41 points, one less than his fellow countryman Bruno Spengler.

Wickens, the 25-year-old driver of the FREE MAN'S WORLD Mercedes AMG C-Coupé will complete his third DTM season in Hockenheim.

"It's been a difficult year for Mercedes, but the second half of the season has gone pretty well for me, having scored points in the last three races,” said Wickens.

“Hopefully, we can finish the season in the same way we've been doing in the last few rounds and continue to score points. We have a new car for Hockenheim and with a bit of luck, we can challenge for strong points and maybe a podium."

Robert Wickens, Mercedes AMG C-Coupé (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)