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Although he's been retired from racing for eight years Rusty Wallace will be driving again in a No. 2 Blue Deuce for Penske Racing this week at Daytona International Speedway.

He won't be racing for points it's just a guest appearance - homage to his former sponsor, Miller's 40th anniversary in the sport - during the two-day NASCAR test session.

Wallace, 57, a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and television analyst will be wearing a firesuit with the original Miller Lite logo during the test.

The Miller Lite car. (Photo: Penske)

This retro fire suit will also be worn by Brad Keselowski and the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford team crew members at the upcoming Daytona 500 as well. The Miller Lite Ford Fusion will also feature a commemorative white Miller Lite paint scheme for the event television calls “Great American Race”

“I am pretty pumped up about this,” said Wallace.

“This is a big deal, and I can't wait to get the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford up to speed - especially at Daytona. This will be my first time driving the new Gen-6 car, and I think it will give me a better perspective on how I cover the races for ESPN as an analyst. This is going to be a lot of fun, yet there is also a business component too. I can't thank Miller Lite, ESPN and Team Penske enough for giving me this opportunity. Man, what a fantastic way to start the year.”

The last time Wallace piloted the storied No. 2 Penske machine was at the season ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway November 20, 2005.

“This is a terrific way to pay homage to the heritage and prestige of the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford,” said Keselowski. “To have Rusty Wallace, a NASCAR champion and a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, assist Miller Lite in recognizing the long association they have had with Team Penske and NASCAR is something special. I feel privileged to be a part of it.”

Miller Lite and Team Penske began their over two decade long relationship with Rusty Wallace driving the storied No. 2 car. During his time behind the wheel of the Miller Lite machine, Wallace earned 39 victories.

"Miller Lite is proud of our heritage and partnership with Team Penske,” said Ryan Reis, senior director of marketing for Miller Lite. “Having Rusty Wallace on board to celebrate the original light beer and our rich tradition with NASCAR is something our fans are excited about."

Through World Car Fans, we now have the first allegedly official pictures of the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI, which will make its official appearance at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Based on the redesigned WRX, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI on these pics sports a blue exterior with golden alloy wheels. Some sources claim that a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged BOXER engine producing around 300 horsepower lies under the hood, but that remains to be confirmed.

Come back next week for further information.

Source : worldcarfans.com

Volvo today unveiled the XC Coupé concept ahead of its official debut at Detroit's NAIAS on January 13th. This model foreshadows the next-generation XC90, which will go on sale by the end of 2014.

The Volvo XC Coupé is based on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which will underpin the brand's future midsize and full-size vehicles. As a 2-door, 4-passenger CUV, it features large 21'' wheels, more accentuated wheel arches, T-shaped DRL lights, ultra-thin LED taillights, and a front-end look emulating the Coupé concept unveiled in Frankfurt.

Additional details and pictures will come next week.

Photo: Volvo

Formula 1 drivers are currently sending their suggestions for a permanent race number to the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile.

Drivers are sending the FIA three choices for a permanent number, one they will carry during their entire career in F1. The FIA will then decide which of the three their car will be sporting from 2014.

McLaren rookie driver, Dane Kevin Magnussen has chosen race number 20, the number his Formula Renault 3.5 car carried last year when he won the title.

Here are the suggestions sent by the F1 drivers so far:

Red Bull
Sebastian Vettel: Yet to be announced
Daniel Ricciardo: Yet to be announced

Ferrari
Fernando Alonso: 14
Kimi Raikkonen: 7

Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton: Yet to be announced
Nico Rosberg: 6, 5 or 9

Lotus
Romain Grosjean: 8, 29 or 11
Pastor Maldonado: Yet to be announced

McLaren
Jenson Button: Yet to be announced
Kevin Magnussen: 20

Force India
Sergio Perez: 11
Nico Hulkenberg: Yet to be announced

Sauber
Adrian Sutil: Yet to be announced
Esteban Gutierrez: Yet to be announced

Toro Rosso
Jean-Eric Vergne: 25, 21 or 27
Daniil Kvyat: Yet to be announced

Williams
Felipe Massa: 19
Valtteri Bottas: 77, 17 or 11

Marussia
Jules Bianchi: 7, 27 or 77
Driver still to be confirmed

Caterham
Driver still to be confirmed
Driver still to be confirmed

Kimi Raikkonen would like to keep the number 7. (Photo: WRi2)

Together with Pebble Technology, Daimler launched a smart watch that acts as a "second screen" for your smartphone at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Photo: Daimler

When away from their Mercedes-Benz, drivers can review important vehicle information at a glance like fuel level, or receive weather forecasts and traffic updates. Moreover, air conditioning will start as soon as the watch is detected nearby.

Then, when hopping into their car, the companion Pebble smart watch app magically transforms, alerting drivers to real-time hazards (through V2V technology) like accidents, road construction, or stalled vehicles by vibrating the watch. Certain audio and communication functions can be controlled through programmable buttons on the watch, too.

After leaving the car, users can switch the navigation system to pedestrian mode and lock the doors from farther away than with the standard keyfob.

Photo: Daimler

After Stephane Peterhansel (MINI) lost about thirty minutes after when he suffered six punctures on the third stage of the Dakar, his teammate Juan Roma emerged quickest and moved up to the lead.

Peterhansel had a great day on the second stage Sunday, taking the lead enduring no less than six punctures, and finishing the stage 28 minutes behind Juan Roma.

Juan "Nani" Roma, Mini ALL4 Racing. (Photo: BMW Sport Communications)

The Spaniard was quickest Tuesday, as the cars travelled from San Rafael to San Juan, Argentina. The second quickest driver of the day was another X-Raid MINI driver, Pole Krzysztof Holowczyk, as South African driver, Howie Poulter (Toyota) completed the top 3 of the day.

Juan Roma enjoys a 9m06 overall lead over Orlando Terranova (MINI) as Nasser Al-Attiyah (MINI) and Carlos Sainz (buggy SMG) now stand third and fourth respectively. Stephane Peterhansel dropped down to fifth overall.

In a stunning bit of news, the first hydrogen-powered Toyota vehicles will hit the market as early as next year.

“We aren't trying to re-invent the wheel; just everything necessary to make them turn,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., at the opening of the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. “Fuel cell electric vehicles will be in our future sooner than many people believe, and in much greater numbers than anyone expected.”

Photo: Toyota

During the press conference, Toyota showcased the FCV midsize sedan concept in Radiant Blue, as well as the camouflage-taped engineering prototype that's been used for extensive and extreme on-road testing in North America for more than a year.

Hydrogen-fuelled Toyotas will initially be sold in California, where state authorities have approved more than $200 million in funding to build about 20 new stations by 2015, a total of 40 by 2016, and as many as 100 by 2024.

French prosecutors investigating Michael Schumacher's skiing accident in Meribel, France Wednesday gave a press conference in Alberville to provide details of their enquiry.

Using carefully chosen words, Chief Prosecutor Patrick Quincy did not make any spectacular revelations.

He told the press that the investigation was "progressing well" and had spoken to various witnesses to the accident as well as the medical staff at CHU Grenoble were Schumacher is taken care.

The Chief Prosecutor confirmed that his team had the footage of the camera Schumacher was wearing on his helmet at the time of the accident, and said that the seven-time World Champions was apparently well aware of what he was doing.

“On December 29, M. Schumacher was skiing down a slope when he arrived at a junction. He followed the edge of the red slope, he crossed the markers and was now off-piste. His skis then hit a rock [which was hidden in a deep, powdery snow]. He lost control, fell and his head hit another rock located three meters down”, Quincy explained.

“We can't really estimate the speed in km/h, we can't really work out a figure, but he was a good skier on terrain that was slightly curved. It was off-piste, and it made it difficult to slow down. He needed to remain in the line of the slope,” said Chief Gendarme Stephane Bozon.

Relevant to any prosecution is the question of whether the skis slopes were properly marked. However, police are denying that was the case and say they conform to French regulations.

"As you are well aware, there are some French norms or standards that regard signalling, warning information and so on and what we were able to note was that those standards had been respected," M. Quincy explained.

He also added they the two-minute footage of Michael Schumacher's camera doesn't show the German giving attention to the daughter of one of his friend - a story that has leaked in the press.

“There is no one in the field of view of the camera. We are still analyzing the footage of his camera, but I really think that it was his own decision to cut across the slopes”, Quincy added.

He also mentioned that he never saw the film taken by a German skier that would show Schumacher's fall in the background. Prosecutors expressed "reservations" and "feel quite dubious" about its veracity.

From GMM

2014 could be a big chance for "middle" teams to show up their bigger rivals.

That is the claim of Daniil Kvyat, the confident 19-year-old Russian who has been promoted straight from GP3 to Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso for 2014.

When asked about his plans for his rookie season, Kvyat told Russian television TV Rain: "I do not like to make such plans. I think you should always push to the maximum and see what comes of it.

"But I do believe that we have a good chance to fight for top positions, especially in a year when the regulations are changing so much. The middle teams will have the chance to get ahead, and I really hope they do," he added.

Daniil Kvyat driving the Toro Rosso in Austin, Texas. (Photo: WRi2)

Some have linked Kvyat's promotion by Red Bull - over the arguably more experienced Antonio Felix da Costa - as an obvious nod to his Russian nationality, on the eve of the country's inaugural grand prix in 2014.

Daniil Kvyat admitted that he would welcome Russian backers to the Faenza-based team.

"It is a long process and not so easy, but of course we are always open to negotiations with any sponsors. If there are interesting proposals we would consider them, as sponsors from Russia are very welcome," he explained.

Officials of Daytona International Speedway have released the start times of the races held during the famous 2014 Speedweeks.

Start times for the events of Budweiser Speedweeks 2014 at Daytona International Speedway are as follows:

• The 52nd anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona TUDOR United SportsCar Championship race, Jan. 25-26, 2:30 p.m. (FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2)

• The Lucas Oil 200 Presented By American Real MAV TV ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, Saturday, Feb. 15, 4:15 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)

• The Sprint Unlimited, Saturday, Feb. 15, 8p.m. (FOX Sports 1)

• Daytona Beach Half Marathon, Sunday, Feb. 16, 6 a.m.

• Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, Sunday, Feb. 16, 1p.m. (FOX)

• UNOH Battle At The Beach, Tuesday, Feb. 18, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at 7 p.m. followed by the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at approximately 8:45 p.m.

• Budweiser Duel At Daytona, Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)

• NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, Friday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. (FOX Sports 1)

• DRIVE4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Saturday, Feb. 22, 1:15 p.m. (ESPN)

The 56th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. (TV - FOX Sports, Radio - MRN Radio, SiriusXM).

From GMM

Davide Valsecchi has admitted he is likely to vacate his role as Lotus' reserve driver ahead of the 2014 season.

As reigning GP2 champion, but having failed to secure a race seat, Italian Valsecchi, 26, served as Lotus' official reserve driver last year.

But he admitted to being "angry" when, at the tail end of the season, Lotus overlooked him as the replacement for surgery-bound regular Kimi Raikkonen.

"Perhaps I lack experience but what chance do you have to gain any?" he said at the time.

Several media reported early this week that Lotus looks set to replace the departing Valsecchi with the Eric Boullier-managed, 23-year-old Danish driver Marco Sorensen for 2014.

Davide Valsecchi, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

Davide Valsecchi told Italy's Autosprint: "I have a meeting with Lotus planned for the short term.

"But after a 2013 season in which I travelled a lot but did not get on the track, I want to go back to wearing overalls and a helmet," he insisted.

"I have had several contacts in different categories, but at the moment I have decided nothing definite. I realise it is not easy to find something without a big budget, but we are working in this direction," added Valsecchi.

Hyundai is one of those manufacturers having had a very good run recently. Why? Because they're releasing well-made, well-designed and well-priced products appealing to a wide audience and for all the right reasons.

As Hyundai makes their way through their lineup of vehicles, the latest to receive a facelift and new engine option is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson.

Armed with a new look and a host of features, the new 2014 Hyundai Tucson is priced to kill the competition and actually oodles of fun to drive.

What is a Hyundai Tucson?
First off, I think it's important to note that in Japan the Hyundai Tucson is known as the Hyundai JM, and JM stands for “Joyful Mover.” Yup. We totally need to adopt that name in North America, just saying.

Otherwise, the Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover or CUV. In the same realm as the RAV4, CR-V and new Ford Escape, the Tucson has had some stiff competitors over the years who've matched and often surpassed it. However, this latest version stands to push it to the front of the pack, and with good reason.


2014 Hyundai Tucson Price and Specs
With two engine choices, two drivetrains, two transmissions, and six models to choose from, there is essentially a Hyundai Tucson for every need and every customer. And with a starting price of $21,499 it's also highly affordable in base trim, which will get you the 2.0L GL with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission.

My particular 2014 Hyundai Tucson tester was the near-top model, a 2.4 GLS with AWD and a 6-speed automatic, starting at $28,899. The 4-cylinder 2.4L is good for 182 horsepower, and the AWD system offers a 50/50 torque split lock option.

Sitting at the top of the pack is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson 2.4 Limited AWD with a 6-speed automatic as well, starting at $33,599.

The 4-cylinder 2.4L is good for 182 horsepower, and the AWD system offers a 50/50 torque split lock option. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
I thoroughly enjoyed my week behind the wheel of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson. I wasn't entirely sure I would, and went in with no expectations. Immediately I was impressed with the engine's willingness to play and perform, as well as the 6-speed SHIFTRONIC transmission's confidence in gear selection and play. While the temperature did drop a bit throughout the week, making for jerky gear shifts when the Tucson was still cold, it was otherwise an extremely pleasant vehicle to drive.

Power is spot on for the size and girth of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson, and I never felt like I wanted or needed more. This CUV can boogie when asked, and handling is also quite enjoyable. Steering is precise with a good on-centre feel.

While Hyundai claims the 2014 Tucson can achieve a combined fuel rating of 9.1L/100km, I produced a final reading of 12.2L/100km by the end of the week. With mostly highway miles (in traffic) and a bit of city dwelling, I was a bit shocked at how much higher the reading was.

I was impressed with the engine's willingness to play and perform, as well as the 6-speed SHIFTRONIC transmission's confidence in gear selection and play. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
The face-lifted '14 Tucson is a real looker. I absolutely adore the front fascia complete with revised headlights with white eyebrows and LED accent lights, along with the dual grill and shapely fog lights. The hood and sides are just angular enough to suggest a more aggressive nature and a bit of a sportier character.

While I'm not a huge fan of the mix of brushed aluminum and shiny chrome on the exterior of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson, my particular tester's Laguna Blue Metallic paint colour looked fabulous, especially atop Hyundai's 17” aluminum alloy wheels.

Inside, I'm quite fond of Hyundai's centre stack design. I also think they have one of the best radio systems. Tuning is so quick with satellite radio; the station, artist and song playing display immediately (no delay) and no button-pushing or selecting is required when you find something you like, simply stop touching the dial and it will tune to the station. Perfection.

Heated seats all around (including the rear exterior seats) is a huge, huge bonus especially as the colder weather approaches. My passengers much appreciated this feature in the 2014 Hyundai Tucson.

I was able to find a perfect driving position with great visibility and was very comfortable throughout the week. My son's baby seat also fit on the back bench without trouble. Though I did wish the rear door opening wasn't so angled, as ensuring he didn't bang his head each time I put him in became tiring.

Inside, I'm quite fond of Hyundai's centre stack design. I also think they have one of the best radio systems. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Tucson
As I mentioned above, the Tucson has some serious competition in the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape -- there's also Mazda's CX-5. These vehicles all mean business, but the 2014 Hyundai Tucson is suited up and ready to duke it out with the best of them with a host of features and amenities, as well as attractive looks and a great drive; all necessary skills in the cutthroat crossover segment.

From GMM

Footage from a camera mounted on Michael Schumacher's helmet proves the seven time world champion was skiing slowly when he fell on rocks recently.

That is the claim of France's RMC radio and also BFMTV television, after authorities reportedly extracted the footage as they investigate the incident at Meribel resort late last month that left Schumacher, 45, in a coma.

The information contradicts reports the former Mercedes and Ferrari driver was at speed in the rock-strewn 'off-piste' section between two slopes.

It could also spell legal trouble for Meribel, a major ski resort in the French alps, with lawyers already circling.

"The (safety) standard has not been met, as the signs and markings were inadequate and non-compliant. It cannot be that a resort collects the skiers' money, but does not ensure their right to safety," lawyer Edouard Bourgin told Le Figaro newspaper.

Germany's Welt newspaper reports that Meribel has already retained the services of a top ski industry-specific lawyer.

A top former ski racer and Olympic gold medallist, however, has leapt to Meribel's defence.

Markus Wasmeier said areas such as the one Schumacher fell in "are quite normal".

"The problem is unsolvable, short of lining the entire slope with guardrails," he is quoted by the Sport Bild magazine.

And a witness to the Schumacher rescue scene said the two slopes to either side of the rocky area were clearly marked with signs, according to Brazil's Globo.

"Even a professional can fall on a rock," Markus Wasmeier added.

Winter sucks. It's cold, miserable, grey, depressing, and makes thousands of Canadians head south and avoid our nasty climate until springtime re-arrives.

Driving in winter can be depressing, with slipping, sliding, salt spray, and reduced hours of daylight wearing away at the well-being and confidence of drivers. Difficulty starting on cold mornings, scraping pesky ice from your ride, and the fact that you'll likely freeze your tootsies until you're a block away from work on your morning commute doesn't help either.

What you need, my fellow Canuck, is a winter-busting ride. Thankfully, the used-car marketplace is full of affordable options for curing the above -- many of them for less money than you might think.

Listen closely. Hear that? It's the sound of a high-output engine driving all four wheels while you powerslide through conditions that leave lesser rides stuck. And it's closer than you think.

Here's a look at some fantastic sedans that can help turn your yucky wintertime commute into one of the most entertaining drives of the year.

Criteria to make this list of winter-ready rocket-sleds is simple: All sedans listed below can be bought for around $30,000, combine AWD with a powerful engine, and you'll be finding excuses to hit the road the next time the weather man says you probably shouldn't.

2004 to 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

2004 Subaru WRX STI (Photo: Subaru)

The Gist: Turbocharged BOXER power? Some 300 available horsepower? Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with available driver-controlled centre differential? Check, check, and check. Look for sedan and hatchback body styles to fit your needs, and AWD as standard across the board. Wintertime sideways nincompoopery is in your immediate future if you decide on one of these beauties.

The Test Drive: If you're an enthusiast after one of Subaru's rally rockets, you probably know someone that owns one (or more). Bring him/her along for the test drive for a second opinion. Ask the seller to ensure the unit you'll be test driving isn't pre-warmed ahead of your arrival, as you'll want to watch the tailpipes for smoke as the engine heats up to operating temperature, but before you drive it. White, oily smoke could indicate a bad turbocharger, and sellers may pre-warm the unit to conceal other issues, too.

Be sure the model is stock in its engine tuning, and have a Subaru mechanic do a compression test to ensure all cylinders are healthy and gas-tight. A pre-purchase mechanical inspection on a hoist can go a long way to reveal potential problems with leaky differentials, excessive rust, and the condition of the suspension system. Be sure to ask your favourite technician to look for signs of a bad serpentine belt pulley, too. Confirm proper operation of the automatic climate control, wiper de-icer system and seat heaters, too.

2006 Subaru WRX STI (Photo: Subaru)

Continue reading Used Sports Sedans

From GMM

McLaren will launch its 2014 car on 24 January.

We reported recently that the Woking based team was planning to reveal the MP4-29 on the 25th, a Saturday.

But it is believed Ferrari would prefer the 25th for the Maranello launch of its unnamed new car, as Enzo Ferrari always avoided running cars on Fridays for superstitious reasons.

Indeed, McLaren announced officially on Tuesday that it will launch its new car live on the internet on Friday, January 24.

Long-time title sponsor Vodafone has now departed the British team, which will be powered by works Honda engines from 2015.

It is rumoured Sony, the Japanese multinational, could become McLaren's new main backer, possibly complementing a new orange livery as the team prepares to put its Mercedes era in the past.

Official testing kicks off at Jerez a few days after the McLaren launch, and it is there in Spain that several teams, including Mercedes and Red Bull, will roll their 2014 cars onto the tarmac for the world's press.

Unveiling of the MP4-28 on January 31, 2013. (Photo: McLaren)

From press release

The FIA Formula E Championship has today (January, 8) revealed the first eight drivers to show their support for the new fully-electric race series by signing up to its official Formula E Drivers' Club. 

Sebastien Buemi, Marco Andretti, Karun Chandhok, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Adrien Tambay, Ma Qing Hua, Lucas di Grassi and Takuma Sato have all committed to the new scheme, giving their official endorsement to the championship together with their willingness to race in the future. The new scheme will also give them the opportunity to experience track time in new Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E car, designed by Spark Racing Technologies together with a consortium of the leading names in motorsport including Dallara, McLaren, Williams, Renault and Michelin.

Sebastien Buemi. (Photo: WRi2)

Of the first eight names, Switzerland's Sebastien Buemi, Indian driver Karun Chandhok, Italy's Vitantonio Liuzzi, Lucas di Grassi from Brazil and Japanese driver Takuma Sato have all previously raced in Formula One, while China's Ma Qing Hua has been a test driver for both HRT and Caterham F1. Meanwhile, USA racer Marco Andretti - son of the legendary Michael Andretti - is one of IndyCar's top drivers finishing fifth this season, while Frenchman Adrien Tambay has raced in Formula 3, GP3, Formula Renault 3.5 and more recently DTM.

Marco Andretti. (Photo: FIA Formule E)

A further 10 drivers will be revealed over the coming weeks via the championship's official website.

Today's announcement also means that Lucas di Grassi will no longer act as the only official Formula E test driver.

December brought a strong finish to the year for Western Europe's car market with sales in the month up 11.8% on 2012's pace, according to data issued by LMC Automotive.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally, ending months of speculation, will not take a job at software giant Microsoft and will remain at the automaker through at least this year, the 68-year-old executive told the Associated Press in an interview Tuesday.

Chrysler Group is scheduled to start building its first salable 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickups this month, several months later than originally expected.

The 2014 Volkswagen Passat Sport will start at $27,295 including destination when it goes on sale early next year.