Auto News 5

Four major car manufacturers will be betting for supremacy in this year's FIA World Rally Championship.

Volkswagen Motorsport
Based: Germany
Established: 2011
Principal: Jost Capito
Drivers:
Sebastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala
Car: Polo R WRC
Website: www.volkswagen-motorsport.com

Volkswagen Polo R WRC (Photo: WRi2)

Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team
Based: France
Established: 2000
Principal: Yves Matton
Drivers:
Kris Meeke, Mads Ostberg, Khalid Al Qassimi
Car: DS3 WRC
Website: www.citroen-wrc.com

Citroen DS3 WRC (Photo: WRi2)

M-Sport World Rally Team
Based: Great Britain
Established: 2006
Principal: Malcolm Wilson
Drivers:
Mikko Hirvonen, Elfyn Evans
Car: Fiesta RS WRC
Website: http://www.qatarmsportwrt.com/

Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Photo: WRi2)

Hyundai Shell World Rally Team
Based: Germany
Established: 2012
Principal: Michel Nandan
Drivers:
Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo, Juho Hanninen, Chris Atkinson
Car: i20 WRC
Website: http://motorsport.hyundai.com/en/main

Hyundai i20 WRC (Photo: WRi2)

Barack Obama originally took delivery of his presidential limousine, nicknamed ''The Beast'' and worth approximately $1.5 million, on January 20th, 2009.

Photo: Wikipedia

The 7-passenger Cadillac One features 8'' thick armour and 5'' thick bulletproof windows. The interior is sealed off against chemical attacks.

Naturally, all this plating and hardware has a significant impact on weight and fuel consumption. The vehicle tips the scales at 6.8 tons and burns a whopping 63.5L/100km!

Photo: Wikipedia

Source : turbo.fr

From press release

Calgary, Alberta's Matt Campbell, leader of the team El Martillo Racing, and is teammates, Luis Ramirez Jr and Nicolas Ambriz from Mexico made it to the end of the 2013-14 Dakar rally.

Driving for El Martillo Racing, the crew faced a stiff challenge this year in Argentina and Chile, but their impressive Dodge Durango made it to the finish in 52nd place overall.

Photo: Matt Campbell

The mechanics worked hard every night to keep the JIMCO Dodger alive, despite some serious mechanical problems.

The No. 348 Durango was also classified second in the OP1 category reserve for SCORE vehicles competing in Baja events in North and Central Americas.

Matt Campbell, Luis Ramirez, Carlos Olmoz (assistance-truck driver) et Nicolas Ambriz. (Photo: El Martillo Racing)

Later this month, Chevrolet will start taking orders for the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, which will go on sale this spring with a suggested retail price of $77,400 -- further proof that this is no ordinary muscle car.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is motivated by a 7.0L LS7 V8 engine that produces 505 horsepower. It managed to complete the Nürburgring four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and ahead of powerful sports cars such as the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and Porsche 911 Carrera S.

Photo: Chevrolet

Other highlights include a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, 20'' aluminum wheels, and a 22.5kg weight reduction from SS and ZL1 models.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 will be available in five exterior colours: Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Grey Metallic, and Summit White. Meanwhile, the cabin features Recaro seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a distinctive, matte-metallic finish called Octane. Air conditioning is not included as standard equipment to maximize weight savings.

Photo: Chevrolet

From press release

Scotia Speedworld is gearing up for its 27th season and the 2014 schedule has been released.

The 3/10 mile asphalt oval located just outside of Halifax, NS offers on track action every week May through September. The Weekly Racing Series is featured every Friday night and the 2014 track schedule is packed with highlights.

Scotia Speedworld will host four Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour events, including the season opener on May 24, a 150-lap feature on June 21, the 15th Annual Atlantic CAT 250 on August 9 and the 200-lap finale on September 13.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the ACE Lumbermart Thunder and Lightning cars will appear as the undercard for a Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour event, running 25-lap features on Saturday, June 21.

The annual ACE Lumbermart Twin 50s will take place on Friday, July 18 and Friday, August 15.

The 20th Annual Shriner's Classic for Sportsman will take place on Friday, July 25.

The 15th Annual Atlantic CAT 250 weekend will go green on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9. Friday will feature a 100-lap Sportsman race, which will serve as the final leg in the Maritime Sportsman Challenge for 2014. A region-high 37 cars attempted to qualify for the race in 2013.

Truck fans will get to cheer on their favorite drivers on August 22 as a 50-lap Truck feature will be on the card, along with a 50-lap Legends feature.

The season concludes for Scotia Speedworld and the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour on Friday, September 12 with the Weekly Racing Series Finale and on Saturday, September 13 for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour and Dartmouth Dodge Sportsman.

Grave Digger and the Maple Leaf Monster Jam Tour returns to Scotia Speedworld on May 31/ June 1st.

Scotia Speedworld 2014 Schedule

Date  Time  Event  Divisions
Sunday, May 18   Noon Scotia Speedworld Tech 'n Tune ALL
Saturday, May 24   4pm Pro Stock Tour Season Opener PST, LT
Sunday, May 25  2pm Weekly Racing Series Opener ALL
May 30/ Jun 1  Maple Leaf Monster Jam MONSTER JAM
Friday, Jun 6  7pm Sponsor Night BN, TH, TR, LG, SP
Friday, Jun 13   7pm Sponsor Night BN, LI, TR, LG, SP
Friday, Jun 20   7pm Sponsor Night BN 25, LG50, SP50
Saturday, Jun 21  6pm Pro Stock Tour PST, TH, LI, TR
Friday, Jun 27  7pm Kiddie Rides LI, TH, TR, LG, SP
Friday, Jul 4   7pm Sponsor Night BN, TH, TR, LG, SP
Friday, Jul 11   7pm Sponsor Night BN, TH, LI, LG, SP
Friday, Jul 18   7pm Twin 50s BN, LI50, TH50, TR
Friday, Jul 25  7pm 20th Annual Shriner's Classic BN, LI, TR, LG, SP50
Friday, Aug 1  7pm Canadian Autism Foundation BN, TH, TR, LG, SP
Friday, Aug 8  7pm Sportsman 100 TH, LI, TR, SP100
Saturday, Aug 9  6pm Atlantic CAT 250 PST, BN, LT
Friday, Aug 15  7pm Twin 50s BN, LI50, TH50, TR
Friday, Aug 22  7pm Sponsor Night TH, LI, TR50, LG50
Friday, Aug 29  7pm Kiddie Rides BN, TH, LI, LG, SP
Friday, Sept 5  7pm Sponsor Night BN, LI, TR, LG, SP
Friday, Sept 12  7pm Weekly Racing Series Finale BN, TH, LI, TR, LG
Saturday, Sept 13  4pm Pro Stock Tour Season Finale PST, SP

Tickets for this are on sale now at Ticket Atlantic.

Visitors at the 2014 Montreal Auto Show, which ends on Sunday, will get to see the new 2015 GMC Yukon and Sierra HD for the first time in Canada. Both will arrive at dealers across the country during the first quarter of this year.

The 2015 GMC Yukon comes with a 5.3L V8 (base and XL models) or a 6.2L V8 (Denali). The quieter interior features new fold-flat rear seats, 50 mm extra legroom for second-row occupants, and a standard 8'' colour touchscreen.

Photo: GMC

Photo: GMC

Meanwhile, the 2015 GMC Sierra HD comes in 2500, 3500, and Denali variants with a choice of three engines including:

• 6.0L Vortec V8 ranging from 322-360 horsepower;
• 6.0L flex-fuel V8 (gasoline or natural gas);
• 6.6L Duramax diesel V8.

Expect class-leading payload (3,508 kg) and towing capacity (8,890 kg, or 10,523 kg when using a fifth-wheel trailer) with the 2015 GMC Sierra HD.

Photo: GMC

Photo: GMC

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel insists he is not afraid to go head-to-head with one of F1's very best drivers, hinting his next move could be to Ferrari.

Red Bull's reigning world champion is under contract for the next couple of years, but some continue to question his talent compared to a driver like Fernando Alonso.

Kimi Raikkonen, after a two-year sabbatical and then two comeback years with Lotus, has joined Ferrari for 2014, demonstrating he is not put off by Spaniard Alonso's perceived position of dominance at the Italian marque.

But German Vettel insists he is not afraid to go head-to-head.

"Maybe someday I will be on the same team with Kimi or Fernando," he told Sport Bild magazine.

"You always want to beat the strongest opponents, so I'm not afraid," Vettel, who this year will be paired at Red Bull with Daniel Ricciardo, added.

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari). (Photo: WRi2)

Assessing Vettel's character, 1996 world champion Damon Hill said the German is nothing like his countryman, mentor and friend Michael Schumacher.

"That's what makes F1 interesting," he is quoted by the Times of India. "Vettel is like a puppy, so much enthusiasm, it seems the track is his school playground."

But Hill thinks Vettel could be in for a much tougher fight this year, having utterly dominated the second part of the 2013 season, winning nine races on the trot.

"The championship is likely to go down the wire this time," he said. "It's going to be unpredictable with double points proposed in the final race of the season."

Many believe it is Vettel's dominance that motivated Bernie Ecclestone to push so hard for the controversial double points concept.

"It will make things exciting," said Hill. "I've heard a lot of people say it's stupid but why isn't it a good idea? Maybe it's a great idea."

Not surprisingly, Vettel has slammed double points as "absurd" because it unfairly penalises dominant drivers like himself.

But F1 chief executive Ecclestone told Autoweek: "I said (to him) 'don't be too sure that you are going to have an easy year next year'. There is nothing wrong with it for anybody."

Particularly, Bernie Ecclestone added, for the fans and the media.

"The press and television have got a story. (Double points means) the championship is not over. They (other drivers) still have a chance," he told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt.

Ecclestone also revealed that no one, not even powerful Ferrari, can veto the rule change now, as it has been approved by the World Motor Sport Council.

"It is what it is," a relaxed Raikkonen said during his visit to Ferrari's Maranello headquarters last week. "It's the rule and, like it or not, it isn't going to change."

The Finn is also laid back about the radical 2014 rules, despite many drivers predicting a huge challenge with the extreme torque of the new V6 engines.

"my feeling is that it's not going to be as different as people think," he said. "I might be wrong but hopefully we find out that it's pretty simple."

Meanwhile, Raikkonen showed that his recent back surgery appears to have been a complete success, leaping from the drivers' seat of a Ferrari road car over a puddle.

Pros: Like most full-size sedans, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse proves very comfortable and roomy. It also drives silently, and with class. The availability of all-wheel drive makes it appealing to Canadians during winter.

Cons: While the cabin is spacious, the trunk is not. In fact, it's much smaller than average. Moreover, the sloping roofline and rear window limit rearward visibility. As for driving excitement, don't expect to find much, if any.


2014 Buick LaCrosse Price: In front-wheel drive configuration, the LaCrosse comes in four trim levels including base ($37,745), Leather ($40,700), Premium I ($44,475), and Premium II ($45,045). With all-wheel drive, you can choose between Leather ($43,845) and Premium I ($45,605).

2014 Buick LaCrosse Fuel Economy: The average rating for a 4-cylinder, FWD LaCrosse is under 7.0L/100km. Opting for the V6 pushes that number to 9.6L/100km or 10.1L/100km with AWD.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 Buick LaCrosse benefits from exterior and interior upgrades and cosmetic changes. Most importantly, it now features an 8'' touchscreen.

2014 Buick LaCrosse Powertrain: The 2.4L 4-cylinder ECOTEC engine features direct injection and GM's eAssist light electrification technology (including a 115-volt lithium-ion battery pack); it produces 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the 3.6L V6 -- also with direct injection -- is rated at 304 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

Cargo Capacity: As mentioned earlier, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse's trunk can only hold 377 litres of luggage. By comparison, the Chrysler 300 offers a third more cargo room.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. Options include Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, plus the Safety Alert Seat which generates vibrations on the left or right side of the driver's seat to signal which side a vehicle is approaching.

Comparing the 2014 Buick LaCrosse: The full-size sedan category is rich in selection. In this price range, you'll find the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Kia Cadenza, Lincoln MKS, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon.

Photo: Buick

Référence : L'Annuel de l'automobile 2014

From GMM

A returning Kamui Kobayashi looks set to join rookie Marcus Ericsson, marking a second consecutive all-new driver lineup for Caterham in 2014.

We reported recently that, having lost his Sauber seat and spending 2013 racing a Ferrari sports car, the popular Japanese Kobayashi had moved into prime contention to return to formula one with Caterham this season.

Italy's Autosprint reports that 27-year-old Kobayashi's deal is now effectively done.

Kamui Kobayashi on the Japanese podium in 2012, with Sauber. (Photo: WRi2)

Caterham is the last team in the 2014 pitlane to announce its race driver lineup, having competed last year with the all-new pairing of Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic.

Both were regarded as 'pay drivers', but the team admitted it missed the input of a more seasoned racer, even though Heikki Kovalainen looks to have missed out on his 2014 return.

That is because Caterham, set to bank the comeback millions loyally pledged by Kobayashi's fans, looks to be turning to a rookie to fill the second race seat this year.

Autosprint correspondent Roberto Chinchero reports that 23-year-old Swede Marcus Ericsson, a GP2 driver for the past four years with mixed success, appears "increasingly likely" to make his F1 debut for Caterham in 2014.

Chinchero said Ericsson's "financial support played a crucial role in the negotiations" with the Tony Fernandes-led backmarker.

From GMM

The low-cost Romanian carmaker Dacia has denied reports linking it with formula one.

The unlikely name was mentioned in connection with Romanian former Force India and HRT boss Colin Kolles, who has reportedly expressed interest in entering a team to fill the vacant twelfth pitlane slot in 2015.

But Dacia, known for its unspectacular Logan and Duster models, and owned since 1999 by Renault, denied the news.

"We know nothing about these rumours," a spokesperson is quoted by the Dutch website Racexpress. "There has been no mention of interest, and time is much too short."

Los Angeles, CA -- The Porsche Cayenne has been called many things from an aberration to a saviour. To put the debate to bed, it is the farthest thing from an abnormality, and yes, an absolute rescuer. Consider for a moment an automotive landscape without the Carrera GT and the insanely mental 918 Spyder. I can't either. Thank the Cayenne.

The 2014 Cayenne is Porsche's Swiss Army knife. One cannot very well go off-roading in a 911 or carry four people in comfort in a Cayman. Although I've done both in a Panamera, the Cayenne remains the German brand's tool for that particular trade.

In diesel form, the Cayenne loses nothing if the number of litres per 100 km required to get around. It remains as handsome as always, seriously fast, and an incredible on- and off-road machine. Whether spending minutes or days at the wheel, this truck's mettle is immediately appreciable.


What is a Porsche Cayenne?
The 2014 Porsche Cayenne is Stuttgart's famous performance brand's SUV. Until recently, it was the only one in the lineup, now it's joined by the Macan. The Cayenne first saw the light of day back in 2003.

In its most basic trim, it also currently serves as one of the entry-level products offered by Porsche. The appeal of this midsize luxury performance SUV is its ability to fit in any given surrounding thanks to any one of its nine trims.

2014 Porsche Cayenne Price and Specs
The 2014 Porsche Cayenne is like all other Porsches where they can be heavily optioned out in any trim. For starters, the base Cayenne V6 trips the price scale at $57,500. With enough conviction and time, I was able to more than double the price by adding a few choice options. At the other end, in Turbo S territory, for a paltry $166,600, you can destroy supercars.

My tester was a well-dressed U.S.-spec diesel. In Canada, it starts at $65,500. South of the boarder, one can be had for $55,750 USD. With options such as air suspension, Premium Package Plus, 20” Cayenne SportDesign wheels, and the two-tone leather interior, the bottom line worked out to $92,450 USD.

The 2014 Porsche Cayenne can be had with one of five different powertrains: 300 hp 3.6L V6; 400 hp (S), 420 hp (GTS) 4.8L V8; 380 hp (hybrid) supercharged 3.0L V6; 500 hp (Turbo), 550 hp (Turbo S) twin-turbo 4.8L V8. The base V6 can be had with a 6-speed manual box. All others get a standard 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission.

The Cayenne that carried team Auto123.com to SEMA from Los Angeles was shod with the 240 hp turbo diesel 3.0L V6. Its 406 lb-ft of torque are the kicker.

The 2014 Porsche Cayenne is like all other Porsches where they can be heavily optioned out in any trim. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the Porsche Cayenne
I covered 1,000 miles (1,600 km) in a week's time with this performance SUV, and I loved every minute of it.

Let's get the boring out of the way: The Cayenne Diesel's range remained impressive. After trudging through L.A. traffic on the 405, climbing through the mountains between Lake Arrowhead and Mt. San Antonio, and covering roughly 700 km, we filled the tank up for fear the gauge was lying. With an indicated 25 MPG (9.2L/100 km) with three adults, luggage, and camera gear in the boot (as well as crossing the California Mountains into Nevada), this was a staggering number. Believe in diesel.

We were already sold on the idea; we didn't pick the fuel-burner randomly. At no time was I wanting for more power despite the not inconsiderable load. Passing in an uphill climb (damn Corollas!) was a breeze. Torque builds up seamlessly from 1,750 rpm and the swell of boost carries the Cayenne forward with gusto. Be mindful that the big diesel Porsche will not blow the doors off an Infiniti QX70 3.7L, but it'll outlast it in the long run.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is phenomenal. In “normal” mode, it glides from gear to gear almost unperceptively and would hold or downshift without coaxing. With “Sport” on every manner of the drive sharpens and is crisper. Note to those addicted to “Sport Plus:” throttle response can become far too sharp for normal driving -- best to reserve this for the track.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is phenomenal. In “normal” mode, it glides from gear to gear almost unperceptively and would hold or downshift without coaxing. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Steering and brakes especially were up to Porsche standards in the 2014 Cayenne, which remain some of the standards by which all are measured.

Equipped with the optional air suspension, our 2014 Cayenne Diesel was ready for anything. As you can see in the gallery, we trampled through the desert because we could. Another option on this Porsche was an under-body offroad protection package. Hence, its ability to “fit in any given surrounding.”

As we cruised along The Strip in L.V., although covered in dust, it looked just right. As we pulled into the Aria's valet reception area, we felt like kings. Unfortunately for the valet, I'm still a poor auto journo and his tip was pretty pathetic...

Inside and Out of the 2014 Porsche Cayenne
Climbing aboard to what is now a very familiar sight with all Porsche vehicles is rewarding. The opulence mixed in with craftsmanship and the two-tone Umber and Light Tartufo leather interior practically took my breath away.

All occupants were treated to firm yet supportive perches that kept everyone happy and comfortable on our long journey. The large trunk managed our luggage with little difficulty; we did not pack lightly for this trip.

The opulence mixed in with craftsmanship and the two-tone Umber and Light Tartufo leather interior practically took my breath away. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Porsche Cayenne
The 2014 Porsche Cayenne plays in a league littered with numerous luxury SUVs. Its main rivals come in the shape of the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Range Rover Sport, and Infiniti QX70 to name a few.

Of the lot, the Cayenne is the only to offer such a wide range of powertrains and from a purely brand perception point of view, only the Range Rover comes close to the Porsche's level of distinction.

From GMM (Updated, see below)

McLaren's 2014 car will not be orange, Italy's Omnicorse reports.

With Honda arriving in 2015, the long Mercedes partnership entering the final straight and title sponsor Vodafone now departed, it had been rumoured the Woking based team could revert to its traditional colours.

"I really like the idea (of an orange livery)," Martin Whitmarsh, whose position as team boss is in serious doubt following Ron Dennis' return, said last year.

"If we're lucky enough to find a sponsor who likes orange, you could see that colour again in formula one," Martin Whitmarsh had said in 2013.

But Omnicorse claims the MP4-29 will in fact retain the chrome finish of past seasons, given that it is not clear a new title sponsor has been signed.

That would leave the door open for a full change of identity for the new Honda era in 2015.

Whitmarsh's proposal for orange, therefore, might have been dismissed by the newly all-powerful and famously meticulous Dennis.

Photo: McLaren Group

Reports say his 20-minute speech to McLaren staff last week, just before it was announced publicly that he is replacing Whitmarsh as chief executive, was followed by a standing ovation.

Ron Dennis, 66, had promised "changes", and after the disastrous 2013 season, that was welcomed by team staff.

"It's safe to say today's news was received well!" race and test coordinator Clare Martin said on Twitter.

McLaren design engineer Giovanni Banzola added: "So inspired by Ron's speech yesterday!"

Former team driver and long-time F1 pundit John Watson, however, warned that it should not be expected that Dennis' return will lead to immediate success.

"They were subjugated by Ferrari at the turn of the century, then for two years by Renault, four seasons by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull and Mercedes are now looking very strong for 2014," he wrote in the Daily Mail.

"It is a difficult route to get back to the top, and it won't be a walk in the park just because Ron is coming back. It will be a building process, and that process in part is going to start with this new engine formula and working towards 2015 with Honda and then beyond," he added.

UDPATE
McLaren looks set to enter the 2014 season without an orange livery, and without a replacement for departed title sponsor Vodafone.

The British team has launched a range of new official replica teamwear, and it is a predictable, Ron Dennis-style grey and white.

Moreover, the main lettering on the shirts and caps is simply 'McLaren', while the full team name now reads as 'McLaren Mercedes', suggesting a successor for departed Vodafone will not be announced.

(Image: McLaren)

This weekend the Charlotte Observer published a story suggesting that NASCAR would be revising its' Chase for the Sprint Cup points system again.

The idea is to further NASCAR Chairman and CEO, Brian Z. France's, goal of making the finale like a “seventh game” in the World Series-like event.

The key component would be a second reset of the points after the ninth race to make the series finale, likely remaining at the Homestead Miami Speedway, available as a one-race shoot-out among the top-four points drivers.

The basic changes would:
• Increase the number of Chase seeded drivers to 16 from 12. One victory would assure a seed with the drivers with the most points break any ties.
• Knockout eliminations after the third sixth and ninth rounds.
• As stated above the season finale would be a shoot out for the top four drivers in points.

NASCAR declined to comment on the story, but is consulting with teams about new rules which will likely be announced within two weeks at the annual Media Tour in Charlotte.

Photo: NASCAR

The genesis of the NASCAR Chase goes back to the 2003 season when Matt Kenseth won his only title to date based on consistency rather than wins. The old system was designed to reward consistency - versus points for wins - so as to reward smaller teams which needed season ending bonuses to survive. But the lack of drama was too much for NASCAR officials who try to model their series after the NFL. Thus the Chase was born in 2004.

With Jimmie Johnson taking six out of the last eight championships, in Michael Schumacher-like Formula One dominance, NASCAR officials feel compelled to change the points system much like what happened in Formula One when the German-born driver was so dominant.

Looking at the some of the changes; item number two is a distinction without a difference as drivers are already mathematically eliminated when they don't score points.

Ironically, the ten-race Chase will reward a what is derisively known as a “points racer,” because all you need to do to get a ticket to the championship lottery is to be consistent to be within the top four in points and then lay it all-on-the-line in the finale.

Three years ago NASCAR revamped the points system to a more simplified 43 to the winner, 42 to second place, and one less point for each position finishing below. That's less than a 2.5 per cent awarded to the winner. And that's where the issue lies

If the four driver shootout is adopted then the championship could be called a gimmick.

A season championship in a sport where everyone competes all year should be based on a season performance not a chance in the last event of the year.

This writer proposes that the one point for leading a lap and most laps led bonus be eliminated. The only points should be a 10 percent point increment for a win and a one-point bonus for a pole. Anyone finishing 35th or lower gets no points.

It's simpler and that's no gimmick.

Created just three years ago as Infiniti's European-competing performance subbrand, IPL might no longer cut it for the company's bolder future product plans.

Michael Horn's offensive has begun. And for VW's chief of U.S. operations, it is not just about winning over the U.S. market, where Volkswagen wants to be a major player on a par with Toyota or Honda.

The BMW i3 has gotten considerable attention for its electric powertrain and carbon fiber body structure. But more groundbreaking innovations -- BMW's vision of eco-friendly urban transportation -- can be found in the cockpit.

From WRC.com

Sébastien Ogier kicked off the defence of his World Rally Championship title in style after winning rally Monte Carlo, winning seven out of 15 stages to take victory by 51s from privateer Bryan Bouffier.


But Ogier was forced to draw on all of his world championship-winning experience to make it to the head of the field after suffering a nightmare first day. Running first on the road, he encountered the worst of the weather conditions and an altercation with a bridge didn't help his cause either.

Partway through day one he was languishing in 9th place. However, he bounced back on day two to take what would prove to be an unassailable lead. His victory proved to be his first on the Monte Carlo stages as a World Rally Championship driver.

Sébastien Ogier, VW Polo R WRC (Photo: VW Motorsport)

Bouffier impressed with an assured drive to second in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC. The Frenchman led the rally for seven stages but gave way to Ogier after he spun on SS9. Citroen's Kris Meeke completed the top-three and was only 35s slower than Bouffier after 15 stages. The Briton battled with Robert Kubica early on but the pressure dropped when the ex-F1 driver crashed into a ditch on SS9.

Mads Ostberg completed a memorable weekend for Citroen as he finished fourth, just under a minute behind Meeke, and Jari-Matti Latvala was fifth in his VW Polo. The Finn didn't have the best of starts after stopping to change a puncture on day one, but he ended the rally well by taking maximum points on the rally-ending ‘Power Stage'.

Elfyn Evans was another debutant to emerge unscathed from the perilous Rallye Monte-Carlo in sixth. Andreas Mikkelsen was the final manufacturer finisher in seventh, while privateer Jaroslav Melicharek completed the top eight in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Ukrainian driver Yurii Protasov has taken his first victory in the WRC2 category after winning by almost eight minutes, driving his Ford Fiesta.

From GMM

An unlikely name is being linked with a potential F1 foray for 2015.

Earlier, it emerged that former Force India and HRT boss Colin Kolles was among the bidders for pitlane's final 2015 spot.

The Caradisiac publication reports that Kolles has the backing of "Romanian entities", with the aim "to promote the country's image and businesses".

Dacia in Formula 1? (Photo: Facebook)

Enter the name Dacia.

It is a Romanian carmaker, renowned for its unspectacular Logan and Duster models.

Since 1999, it has been owned by Renault, the French marque and F1 engine supplier.

From GMM

The ever-wily Niki Lauda caused a stir last week when he appeared on the red carpet.

F1's great Austrian was in Hollywood to introduce the award candidature for the movie Rush, the biopic based on the legendary 1976 season.

Keen-eyed observers will notice that the lettering on Lauda's ever-present red cap has changed since the last race of the 2013 season.

Indeed, the Golden Globes signalled the world debut of his new sponsor.

"You could hardly have a better start than that," the 64-year-old was quoted as saying.



But Welt newspaper reports that, within Lauda's native Austria, the company is a highly controversial gambling giant.

"I think the airplanes and formula one cars have adjusted Mr Lauda's view of reality," said Peter Pilz, an Austrian parliamentarian.

Lauda is the chairman of Mercedes' F1 team, and yet the German carmaker is renowned today for its approach to ethics.

"The team plays no role in the choice of Niki Lauda's sponsor," Mercedes told Die Welt.

From GMM

The Hungaroring needs an urgent cash injection of more than 3 million euros.

That is the claim of the Budapest track's boss Zsolt Gyulay, despite the fact the F1 circuit renewed its contract to annually host the Hungarian grand prix last year.

But Gyulay told Hungarian television and the state news agency MTI that the Hungaroring needs money immediately in order to comply with its modernisation plan, beginning in 2014.

"The Hungaroring was built in 1985, so the modernisation can no longer be postponed," he said.

Gyulay said the necessary works are to the electrical and drainage systems, and the quality of the asphalt.