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Pros: Known for its bang-for-your-buck status, the Elantra maintains that motto despite seeing engine upgrades and a few exterior tweaks for 2014.

Cons: Despite offering a modern and sleek exterior look, some may find the design of the Hyundai Elantra sedan to be dated already.


2014 Hyundai Elantra Price: Pricing for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT is set between $18,349 and $26,699 base. 

2014 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy: The 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT's updated engine means new fuel efficiency numbers. The GT's estimated fuel ratings are approximately 9.8L/100km for city driving with the new 2.0L.

Improvements and Changes: Changes made to the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT are minimal. This mid-cycle refresh does, however, ensure new wheel design choices, and LED-trimmed headlights and LED taillights. Inside, sound-deadening material was added in order to improve noise vibration and comfort levels. Slight modifications were made to the gauge cluster, and a new touchscreen was added on high-trim level Hyundai Elantras.

Powertrain: The 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT gets a boost in engine size and is equipped with a new 2.0L direct-injected inline 4-cylinder. This particular engine means a jump in power to 173 horses and 154 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices remain either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC with Manual Shift Mode.

Cargo Capacity: Cargo capacity also remains unchanged in the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT, sitting at 651 litres.

Safety: Safety features include six standard airbags, ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as child-proof rear door locks, and the universal child-seat LATCH system.

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT: The Hyundai Elantra GT has steep competition in the Honda Civic and Mazda3, as well as the Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra.

Photo: Hyundai

From GMM

Marcus Ericsson is bringing more than EUR 11 million in Swedish sponsorship to Caterham this year, the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat claims.

While the popular, experienced and feisty Kamui Kobayashi can put just $1 million of his fans' money on the table, and agree to drive for free in 2014, the little-known Ericsson has been referred to as a fully-fledged 'pay driver'.

But until now, the source of his backing has not been clear.

Finnish correspondent Heikki Kulta cited 'sources' in reporting that Ericsson is bringing 100 million Swedish Krona, or just over EUR 11 million, to Caterham.

Kulta said Ericsson, 23, has compiled the backing with the aid of well-known former Indy driver and fellow Swede Kenny Brack.

Caterham's head quarter in Leafield, UK. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

General Motors is taking the midsize truck market seriously again. The new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado (to be later joined by the GMC Canyon) will offer improved capability, more mature styling, and a range of gas and diesel engines to suit every need.


Price
No pricing information has been announced, but expect Colorado pricing to start below the Silverado, and hopefully below $20,000.

Fuel Economy
No fuel economy numbers have been announced. Though, with the addition of a 2.8L Duramax I-4 diesel engine, expect it to be best in class.

Improvements and changes
The Chevrolet Colorado is loosely based on the global Chevrolet pickup wearing the same nameplate, but with styling and other changes made specifically for the North American market. Don't think it is just a reengineered, older Colorado previously sold in North America, as the two share nothing in terms of platform.

Exterior styling
Chevrolet's new midsize truck will be available in extended and crew cab models. Extended cab trucks will get a standard 6'2” bed, while crew cab models can be equipped with either 5'2” or 6'2” beds.

Overall proportions are similar to the global Colorado -- available in Australia and Asian markets -- but the North American Colorado tries to blend this size with design from the newly released Chevrolet Silverado.

Interior styling
The Colorado interior layout is influenced even more so by the Silverado. Sitting front and centre will be the latest Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and associated knobs and buttons. Below that, climate controls are also very similar to those found in the ½-ton truck. However, unlike the Silverado, the Colorado will feature a floor-mounted gear shifter.

Cargo/towing/payload capacity
Official numbers will be available closer to launch (December 2014), but being a newly engineered truck, the Colorado should outperform its competitors -- Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.

Powertrain
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado will be available with two engines at launch: a 2.5L DOHC I-4 developing 193 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque along with a 3.6L direct-injected V6 with 302 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engines will be mated to 6-speed automatic transmissions. Work truck models equipped with the 2.5L engine can be optioned with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Going into its second year of production, the Colorado will be gifted a 2.8L VM Motori-sourced Duramax diesel engine cranking out 200 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque.

Safety
The new Colorado will be equipped with six airbags, available forward collision alert, available lane departure warning, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and many other features to keep you between the ditches or trees.

Comparables
Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and GMC Canyon (soon to be released)

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

Caterham's team boss has tipped its new reserve driver Robin Frijns to rise to the very top of formula one.

Dutchman Frijns' F1 career to date, however, has been a struggle, as although very highly rated he lost his similar role at Sauber last year amid the Swiss team's financial troubles.

But he has been snapped up by Caterham for 2014, with team owner Tony Fernandes admitting 22-year-old rookie Frijns was even considered for a race seat.

"Robin has the pure speed," Caterham team boss Cyril Abiteboul is quoted by the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "He has already made a big impression on our engineers during his hours in the simulator. Robin definitely has the talent to advance to the top of our sport."

Team supremo Fernandes, meanwhile, called Frijns - the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 champion - "the most exciting young driver out there at the moment".

He said the Dutchman was considered for a race seat in 2014 "but in the end we decided to be cautious".

Kamui Kobayashi, Robin Frijns, Marcus Ericsson, 2014 Caterham drivers. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

Pros: The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle will continue to please with a decidedly modern interpretation of an automotive classic, more masculine and rugged looks than its predecessor, a unique character, good ride and handling, as well as a selection of engines and transmissions that make it either frugal or feisty. 


Cons: The Beetle suffers from above-average prices, cramped rear seats, slow throttle response and disappointing fuel economy from the base engine, not to mention a ''chick car'' label that just won't go away.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Price: The lineup consists of five trim levels starting with the Comfortline ($22,675). This one features 16” alloy wheels, a media interface with iPod connectivity, heated front seats, and Bluetooth. Then you have the Comfortline TDI ($24,675), Highline ($25,275), Highline TDI ($27,275), and Sportline ($30,275). Freight and delivery charges are not included.


2014 Volkswagen Beetle Fuel Economy: Ratings for the 2.5L engine are 7.1L/100km highway and 9.5L/100km city. The acclaimed TDI is the king of efficiency with 5.0L and 7.0L/100km, respectively. As for the most powerful Beetle (TSI), it achieves 6.5L and 9.0L/100km.

Improvements and Changes: Reflex Silver has been replaced with Toffee Brown as a colour option. The TSI's output is up by 10 horsepower, and the Fender Edition is no longer available. Most importantly, the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is about to gain a brand new entry-level engine: It's a 1.8L 4-cylinder turbo unit that promises increased performance (+14 lb-ft of torque) and fuel economy (+17%). Let's not forget the new Beetle GSR, either.

Powertrain: The 2.5L inline 5-cylinder engine produces 177 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The popular 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with direct injection (TDI) is rated at 140 horsepower only, but makes up for it with 236 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the other 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged mill (TSI) now generates 210 horsepower.

Transmission choices include 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes, a 6-speed autobox with Tiptronic mode, and a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with Tiptronic mode.

Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo Capacity: The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle can fit 436 litres of cargo in its trunk.

Safety: Four airbags, electronic stability and traction control, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and antitheft alarm come standard.

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle: Potential Beetle customers may also want to consider other small coupes and hatchbacks such as the Hyundai Veloster, MINI Cooper S, Fiat 500 Abarth, Toyota Matrix, and Mazda3 Sport.

The U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted a small overlap crash test with 11 sub-compact cars available in North America, and the results were so disastrous that automakers ought to be scrambling for quick solutions.

Only the Chevrolet Spark was deemed ''Acceptable,'' while the Mazda2, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, and Ford Fiesta earned a ''Marginal'' rating.

Models who performed ''poorly'' in this test include the Nissan Versa, Toyota Prius c, Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Mirage, Fiat 500, and Honda Fit.

Source : money.cnn.com

Pros: The young, 3-year-old Buick Verano already looks like a mature sedan. Of course, like every other Buick, it is smooth, quiet, and upscale. The turbocharged engine and stiff body structure together make for a European-like driving experience. A low entry price is icing on the cake.

Cons: The company had to streamline the standard equipment list to achieve an affordable status, which may not have been such a good idea considering the strong opposition. Rear-seat space is tight, and visibility through the rear window poses a slight problem.

2014 Buick Verano Price: This small sedan can be yours for as little as $23,005 (freight and delivery charges not included). The top-of-the-line Verano with Leather Package 1ST costs $32,250.


2014 Buick Verano Fuel Economy: Depending on the engine and transmission selected, the Verano will burn 8.3-8.5L/100km on average.

Improvements and Changes: For 2014, the Verano offers new camera- and radar-based technologies that help keep drivers aware of potential hazards. Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert are all available for the first time. Other convenient features also pop up on the options menu.

2014 Buick Verano Powertrain: The standard 2.4L 4-cylinder ECOTEC engine produces 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, while the up-level 2.0L turbocharged unit delivers 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available.

Photo: Buick

Cargo Capacity: As crazy as it sounds, the 2014 Buick Verano has a bigger trunk than the full-size LaCrosse (up to 405 litres vs. just 377).

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. Let's not forget the 10 airbags.

Comparing the 2014 Buick Verano: Compact luxury car buyers with a focus on affordability and fuel economy should consider the Verano along with the Acura ILX, Audi A3, and Mercedes-Benz CLA.

From GMM

As predicted, it was confirmed on Thursday that McLaren and its 2015 engine partner Honda have teamed up with the top GP2 outfit ART.

Media reports had said the British team would work with Nicolas Todt's outfit to house and nurture burgeoning McLaren and Honda-linked young drivers.

Indeed, ART duly announced on Thursday that McLaren junior Stoffel Vandoorne will race for the team this year, as part of "a brand new and exciting partnership agreement with McLaren and Honda".

And McLaren said Belgian 21-year-old Vandoorne will be the F1 reserve driver in 2014.

"The guys at Woking really know how to prepare a driver for formula one," he said, "and I've really enjoyed working with them. I still do."

Stoffel Vandoorne testing for ART GP in Abu Dhabi, in late 2013. (Photo: ART GP)

As expected, Vandoorne's teammate at ART this year is a Honda-linked Japanese, and his name is Takuya Izawa.

The 29-year-old from Tokyo has been plucked straight out of Japan's top Super GT and Formula Nippon series.

"Together with Honda," a statement issued by ART read, "he has built a track record of both car and endurance racing."

Takuya Izawa said: "I will take a new step forward toward global racing as a driver who inherited Honda's challenging spirit. I am grateful for Honda for giving me this opportunity and for all people who supported me to this date."

Toyota is teaming up with Disney's Muppets to promote the launch of its all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander and the release of the upcoming Muppets Most Wanted movie. Titled ''Joyride,'' the 60-second ad will air during Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2nd.

Photo: Toyota

Former NFL linebacker turned actor Terry Crews has been cast along with a few members of the legendary Muppet Show including Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Animal.

From GMM

Felipe Massa will not be reuniting with his usual race engineer in 2014.

There has been speculation that, because both Brazilian Massa and his well-known, long-time race engineer Rob Smedley are moving from Ferrari to Williams, they might reunite in their old working relationship at the Grove based team.

But it is believed Briton Smedley, who has been at Ferrari for ten years and is famous for his big-brotherly radio banter with Massa, has accepted an engineering role with greater responsibility at Williams.

Indeed, Williams confirmed that Massa will work directly with Andrew Murdoch this year, who was the Lotus-departed Pastor Maldonado's race engineer in 2013.

"I get on very well with Felipe," Massa's new Williams teammate, Finn Valtteri Bottas, said.

"He's a very nice guy and a great driver."

However, Smedley could well join Williams, but to work in the design office or in the engineering department.

Rob Smedley talking to Felipe Massa. (Photo: Ferrari)

Meanwhile, Brazil's Globo reports that, having failed to find a race seat for 2014, rising Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr is now targeting a reserve and Friday seat at Williams.

"Unfortunately it (finding a race seat) did not work for financial reasons and due to my little experience," said Nasr, who finished last year's GP2 championship in fourth place.

"So the plan now is to try to be third driver in a middle team."

He said a place at Williams, working alongside his countryman Massa, would be "positive".

"With another Brazilian there I think it would make the exchange of information easier, so it is something that could happen. It is open," Felipe Nasr admitted.

Rick Hendrick, the iconic car dealer and NASCAR mogul who parlayed a single Chevrolet store into one of the nation's largest dealership groups, was honored here today with the 2014 Keith Crain/Automotive News Lifetime Achievement Award.

Former NFL player and current "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" actor Terry Crews will appear in Toyota's

Professional rally driver Ken Block is at it again, modifying yet another performance beast by adding a set of Mattracks.

The Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to propose the New York Stock Exchange as the primary market for shares of the company created from a merger with Chrysler, sources said. Marchionne also aims to have a fiscal domicile in the U.K. for tax purposes.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to propose to the company's board that the New York Stock Exchange be the primary market for shares of the company created from a merger with Chrysler, people familiar with the matter said.

The top labour representative at Volkswagen AG sees chairman Ferdinand Piech and CEO Martin Winterkorn staying at least until 2018 to push forward a growth plan, a media report said.

Ford said today it is launching a new research project into automated driving technology with two top universities in the United States.

Despite the second snowpocalypse of the year and the reappearance of the polar vortex, the American Midwest and Northeast are not the coldest places in the world right now.

News 23 Jan, 2014

British car production is up 3.1 per cent and tops 1.5 million, the highest since 2007