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From GMM

Niki Lauda says Mercedes is on track for the start of official 2014 testing, despite the huge challenge of the all-new turbo rules.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports rumours that world champion team Red Bull's boss Christian Horner had floated the idea of delaying for a week the start of winter testing late this month.

"Nothing is being moved," Mercedes team chairman Lauda insisted. "The plans are going ahead for late January. The task of big for everybody."

The report said the German squad is currently testing its new V6 engine, energy recovery technology, gearbox and cooling systems in a hybrid chassis on the test bench.

Niki Lauda admitted that cooling the 2014 package is one of the greatest challenges.

"We are constantly learning new things," he said. "Suddenly you are managing things like water pressure and intercooling.

"Oil and water must be in a precise temperature window," added Lauda. "Once you go just a few degrees above a certain limit, everything stops (working)."

Mercedes W04. (Photo: WRi2)

The triple world champion said he sympathises with the customer teams, who unlike the full works teams like Mercedes and Ferrari are unable to do "any comparison testing".

"They are doing their cooling (development) only on the basis of information provided by the engine partner," said Lauda.

And he thinks Mercedes and Renault, each with three non-works customer teams, have a slight advantage over Ferrari, who are only supplying customer engines to Sauber and Marussia in 2014.

"Four teams is four sources of information," said Niki Lauda. "Everyone is having their individual problems, so we can learn faster and respond sooner."

Strategies are born with intentions to improve future endeavours. Roughly 25 years ago, Nissan developed a strategy to enter the luxury car market and did so with Infiniti. With mild to major success, the heads of the company devised a new strategy, one that would unify the brand.

With stars like the G and flops like the M, Nissan decided to leverage the brand and use it as the selling point as opposed to the model or car itself. In time, I suspect it'll work out. The idea is far from new, being used by the likes of Mazda and Audi with much success.

There is little new about the 2014 Infiniti QX70 over the “outgoing” 2013 FX, but then there isn't much to fix on the QX70. It is and has been since its inception the sportiest of the Japanese luxury CUVs and for those wanting this type of vehicle, the only other options are pricier German products. The QX70 drives with purpose and in a lap of distinctively sporty luxury. This sporty aspect may be what's keeping this vehicle away from mass appeal.


What is an Infiniti QX70?
The 2014 Infiniti QX70 is a “compact” midsize high-end crossover vehicle aimed at the prosperous couple looking to blend the practical aspects of a utility vehicle and a sporty sedan.

The FX did find favour with some tuners early on when it arrived for the 2003 model year and with reason. It was styled like nothing else, sounded incredible out of the box, and with the V8 was positively a rocket.

The QX70, now in its 2nd generation since the 2009 model year, retains all of the original's attributes now in an even more striking package.

2014 Infiniti QX70 Price and Specs
The newly re-baptized 2014 Infiniti QX70 3.7 starting price is of $53,350. This sum entitles you to a 325 horsepower 3.7L V6. Moving up to the 5.0 with the 390 horsepower 5.0L V8 will set you back $65,100. My fully loaded 3.7 with navigation and Deluxe Touring and Tech packages tipped the price scale at $62,500.

Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS AWD system is standard on the QX as is a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC).

The 2014 Infiniti QX70 is a “compact” midsize high-end crossover vehicle aimed at the prosperous couple looking to blend the practical aspects of a utility vehicle and a sporty sedan. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Infiniti QX70
The 2014 Infiniti QX70's drive reflects its outer shell; it delivers.

First set of thumbs up go to the V6 that, for the most part, is more than adequate, that is if a 0-100 km/h time of just under 6 seconds is quick enough. If not, the 5.0 will do it in a second faster.

An aspect I always appreciate about Infiniti cars is how the mechanicals interact with each other. The transmission feels exceptionally involved with the engine's revs, like Gretzky and Messier skating toward the opposing team's net. Both the V6 and 7-speed swap back and forth with amazing precision.

The next accolade goes to steering: Heavy at first, the weight of the assistance quickly reveals precision and dynamism. The large P265/50R20 rubbers obey with rewarding alacrity, encouraging the driver to press on. Through some mountain passes during my drive, I revelled at this fairly tall and bulky CUV's agility and surprising grip.

Said grip comes courtesy of a suspension setup ideally suited to the Autobahn or principally smooth roads. On some uneven surfaces, the ride was downright unpleasant. As good as the QX is on freshly paved surfaces, it punishes one and all aboard when it is not.

I was able to take a 2014 QX70S 30d for a quick spin at the 2013 Nissan 360, and although I was enthralled with the low-end torque, my diesel powertrain refinement level expectations were barely met. I thought the engine to be noisier than the last BlueTEC or TDI I'd recently driven. Power specs are on par with the Germans at 238 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

The 2014 Infiniti QX70's drive reflects its outer shell; it delivers. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the Infiniti QX70
The QX70's design is a hit. Its unique and aggressive styling differentiates it from the other Japanese offerings and gives it an edge when alongside the Germans.

With the right set of wheels, and draped in the proper shade, the chrome accents, wheel-well flares and huge front haunches look poised to pounce.

I've also grown accustomed to Infiniti's dash design and layout, and have come to like it. Control ergonomics are functional as well as good looking. I'm always drawn to the buttons set at a near 45-degree angle below the multi-purpose screen; this is another distinct Infiniti touch.

The front seats are comfortable, the rear bench almost equally so, but the 2014 QX70's major flaw is interior space. The rear quarters can be cramped even with only two occupants, and the high load floor trunk requires some fancy footwork to get a weekend's worth of gear to fit.

Control ergonomics are functional as well as good looking. I'm always drawn to the buttons set at a near 45-degree angle below the multi-purpose screen; this is another distinct Infiniti touch. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Infiniti QX70
The 2014 Infiniti QX70's size and price range put it in the middle of other manufacturer's offerings. It's most direct matches lie between the Lexus RX, BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class, and Cadillac SRX. It can also play along with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 mostly on interior volume.

The QX is a fine product, if unique, however most will find their wants and needs fulfilled by another.

From press release

The 12th annual NAPA KNOW HOW Atlantic City Indoor Races on January 24 and 25, and the first ever Battle Of Trenton Indoor races indoor races on February 7 and 8 will feature a pair of talented Canadian driving champions in Mack DeMan and Rob Neely and the reigning and three-time TQMRA outdoor TQ champion Ryan Tidman.

DeMan of Mississauga, Ontario and Neely, of Rockwood, Ontario, have dominated the Can Am Three Quarter Midget Series in recent years. Neely was the 2010 and 2012 Can Am kingpin until displaced by DeMan in the final race of the 2013 season to claim his first title by just seven points.

Tidman, of Levittown, Pa., easily drove his third straight ATQMRA Midget championship by winning more than half of the circuit's races.

DeMan, Neely and Tidman are among nearly 100 TQ Midget participants ready for Atlantic City action. Collectively, they hail from a dozen states and one Canadian province.

The pair of indoor events are produced and promoted by Len Sammons Motorsports Productions events and make up the Fatheadz Eyewear Indoor Series.

NAPA AUTO PARTS, the nation's leader in automotive supplies, has signed on for the second consecutive year as the title sponsor for the Atlantic City Indoor Auto Races. PRC Industries/Angela House Charity have come aboard to sponsor the first Battle Of Trenton Indoor events.

Fatheadz Eyewear will pay bonuses to the top three overall TQ Midget drivers from the two event, four feature race series. Drivers will receive points based on their qualifying efforts and feature finishes from Friday and Saturday night at both events towards the overall series crown.

Anthony Sesely of Matawan, N.J., is the defending champion of the NAPA KNOW HOW Gamblers' Classic Saturday night Atlantic City Indoor race.

The indoor racing inside Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall will be preceded by a closed to the public, practice session on Thursday, January 23.

The Sun National Bank Center schedule calls for Twin 20 lap features for the TQ Midgets and compete program of Slingshots on Friday, February 8 and a compete program for TQ Midgets and Champ Karts on Saturday, February 9.

The always exciting, identically prepared, built Slingshot division's roster for both the Atlantic City and Trenton races and has been boosted dramatically in the past two weeks by the entries of Modified star Anthony Perrego of Montgomery, N.Y., and established Modified driving talent Kevin Bates of Lake Ariel, PA.

Perrego and Bates are among more than forty entries for Atlantic City, where the field has reached capacity. Entries are still being accepted for Trenton.

The blindingly fast and exceedingly nimble Champ Kart class has filled the entry list at the Alantic City Indoor event though slots still do still exist to be part of the Trenton action. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Justin Bonsignore of West Islip, NY will be one of the favorites to win the event, after setting fast time for last year's event.

Let's address the elephant in the room first, shall we? This vehicle has gone through a bit of an identity crisis in terms of finding its name. Like the Empress Child in The Neverending Story, it desperately needed a name to give it grounds to stand in the auto industry. From G35 to G37 to Q50, I think it's safe to say that this Infiniti has found its place in the world, and can finally call its name its own.

Names aside, this latest iteration of the Infiniti luxury sedan I'd already come to know and rather like is impressive on so many levels. This was more than just a name change; this was a physical, mental, and emotional overhaul for the 2014 Infiniti Q50.


What is an Infiniti Q50?
Well, I've already touched on that briefly. Its history is littered with past identities and began with the Infiniti G20 in the '90s in North America. The G20 lasted into the 2000s, until the rear-wheel drive G35 appeared.

Essentially, the Infiniti Q50 is the company's "entry level" vehicle. There is also a hybrid version of the Q50.



2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD Price and Specs
There are four Q50 models available (not counting the hybrid version I just mentioned). The starting price of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7 is $37,500. That price can rise all the way to $47,450 for the Q50S 3.7. The two available hybrid models (Premium and AWD Premium) are priced at $47,000 and $49,500 respectively.

All four non-hybrid models come equipped with the same 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 engine and 269 lb-ft of torque, as well as the same electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission. If you don't opt for the AWD version, the 2014 Infiniti Q50s's power is spat out the rear wheels.

My particular 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7 AWD Premium model was sitting pretty at a starting price of $43,400.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 come equipped with a 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 engine and 269 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD
I got into the Infiniti Q50 with an open mind. I was immediately intrigued by the interior design, but most excited about experiencing Infiniti's brand new direct adaptive steering feature. This is the first vehicle of its kind to sport such a feature. To simplify, the system steers the front wheels without a direct mechanical link to said wheels.

I honestly felt a bit like I was driving a simulator the first few times I got behind the wheel. And with the ability to change the steering ratio and input (quick/heavy, standard/light, etc.), that videogame feel continues. However, after a few days I came to really appreciate the quick/heavy setting and how responsive the 2104 Infiniti Q50's steering and handling truly was. It made the next car I drove feel sloppy, uncontrolled, and disconnected (and it was German).

Steering aside, I really enjoyed the 3.7L performance. The 2014 Infiniti Q50 feels fast, and that's thanks in no small part to the 7-speed transmission's ability to properly select gears and play along when asked. I did wish for paddle shifters (something that's available in the S model), but otherwise felt nothing was lacking in the drive experience.

A rear-wheel bias (despite my tester's AWD abilities) meant a sportier feel. With Infiniti Drive Mode selection, I could cycle between Standard/Sport/Snow/Eco or a personal setting to fiddle with throttle and engine response depending on the driving mood I was in.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 feels fast, and that's thanks in no small part to the 7-speed transmission's ability to properly select gears and play along when asked. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Inside and Out the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium
This vehicle is loaded with gadgets and hi-tech stuff. So much so that I can't even get into it all without breaking my word count by a ridiculous amount. So, I'll have to get by simply by saying: It's all quite impressive and all done very well.

Infiniti's new InTouch and InTuition system is stellar to use. I absolutely adore the centre stack layout. It is, perhaps, one of the most modernly elegant layouts I've ever seen. The dual screens are in precisely the right spots and navigation is a breeze.

Technology aside, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 is extremely comfortable up front and in the backseat. Legroom is quite good in the back, and fitting a baby seat was a breeze. The trunk also offers up plenty of space for stroller/groceries/bags.

Moving to the outside of the 2014 Infiniti Q50, something I usually look at before the interior which says something about the impact that interior actually has, it's hard not to be impressed by the fluid lines and look of the new Q50. Infiniti's design language has evolved over the years to include some seriously aggressive lines housed in sensual creases and edges. I like the look, a lot.

Legroom is quite good in the back, and fitting a baby seat was a breeze. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium
It's a good thing the Infiniti Q50 is such an impressive product straight out of the gates because it has some steep competitors in the Lexus IS (which has just undergone a serious makeover), as well as the Cadillac CTS and Audi A4.

What's in a name? Well, it's a fitting name as the new Q is so loaded with gadgets and bits and bobs that I think that may just make it a solid choice over the competition based on what today's society really places value on.

From press release

After sitting silent for all but a pair of dates on the 2013 calendar, Ontario's Kawartha Speedway has released a tentative schedule of eight events to be run during 2014.

Operating under the promotional umbrella of Lindsay, Ontario's Andrew McFadden, the track will split the agenda equally between Friday night and Sunday afternoon shows. McFadden says putting things back on 'track' for the popular 3/8th mile Fraserville, Ontario oval has been a little overwhelming.

"The internet rumour mill was unavoidable. Once word got out that we were working with the Kawartha Downs people, everyone started talking," said McFadden.

"We read all of the comments and tried to come up with the best possible combinations. You're never going to make everyone happy, but I think by taking a step back and looking at what we're calling a 'Grassroots Racing' operation, we'll help bring the facility back to what made it so popular with drivers, teams and spectators in the first place."

Fans will get their first chance to meet the new promotional team at the annual Canadian Motorsports Expo - February 7, 8 & 9 - at the International Centre in Toronto.

A spring driver's meeting and race team registration session will take place Sunday, February 23. There will also be an operational overview, race procedure and team marketing presentation at the same meeting. Further details, including a location and time will be announced at a later date.

Although the announced schedule is tentative and subject to revisions, on-track activity is set to get underway with registration and an open practice session for all classes Friday, May 16.

The first Friday of racing - with Late Model, Thunder Car, Mini Stock, 4-Fun and Legend divisions - is June 6. The first of three consecutive Sunday afternoon events - with the same classes - is scheduled for Father's Day, June 15 and highlighted by a unique Call of the Wild 'Animal Run' run what you brung exhibition.

All shows will include open classic car cruise nights and Kawartha-Durham Kart Club demonstrations will be part of the program on a number of occasions.

Andrew McFadden says he is pleased to have a number of Kawartha Speedway staff returning to the track's latest incarnation and hopes to have a solid team of enthusiastic personnel on hand for the entire campaign.

"This track earned its positive reputation in the motorsports community by having the best possible people staffing every position," said McFadden. "I've been in touch with as many of the former line-up as possible and I think we'll have an excellent team in place for when the first green flag flies."

Nick Chester, technical director of Lotus Formula 1 Team confirmed Monday the team would not run the new E22 turbo car at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain late January.

In an interview published by Lotus, Chester confirmed that the development programme of the turbocharged E22 has been ongoing for over two years.

The engineer who took over the development of the E22 after James Allisson' departure to Ferrari, said “There are certain concepts from the E21 which are still valid for the E22, but in particular our development methodology and synchronisation with our various simulations is especially relevant and promising.”

He added that the various homologation tests which took place before Christmas including chassis squeeze and side impact loading tests as well as the rear crash structure. “We just have the nose test to complete the car's homologation. We've undertaken chassis fits for Romain (Grosjean) and Pastor (Maldonado)”.

However, Chester revealed that the E22 would be launched later than most other big teams, sort of confirming that the team is running behind schedule.

“We're going to keep our car under wraps a little longer than some other teams”, he said.

“We've decided that attending the Jerez test isn't ideal for our build and development programme. We are likely to unveil the car before attending the Bahrain tests, and in Bahrain we should really be able to put the car through its paces in representative conditions,” he added.

On January 14th, the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit will feature the premiere of the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI, the company announced.

No other details have been provided, however.

Look for the 2015 Subaru WRX STI to arrive in Canadian showrooms a few months from now.

Photo: Subaru

In a joint press release published Monday, January 6th, the authorities of CHU Grenoble and Sabine Kehm say that the seven-time World Champion remains in a “stable, but critical” condition after his skiing accident.

Sabine Kehm, Michael Schumacher's veteran spokeswoman, and the medical staff declared: "The privacy of the statement demands that we are not going into details of his treatment, and this is why we do not plan any press conferences, nor give out written press releases, anymore for the time being”.

Kehm had to go public Saturday after a series of inaccurate reports over Schumacher's conditions were published.

"We again insistently ask you to... stick to the information given by the medical team in charge of the patient or his management, as this is the only valid information,” she clearly said.

The medical staff in Grenoble also made clear that no further updates on Schumacher would be delivered "for the time being" and that when they were only reports from the hospital and the ex-driver's management were valid.

Additionally, French prosecutors investigating the skiing accident confirmed on Monday that they will stage a press conference in Albertville, France on Wednesday at 11am to provide an update into their findings into the incident.

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Chevrolet unveiled a new performance recorder that will be available with the 2015 Corvette Stingray.

Developed through a partnership with Cosworth, it allows drivers to track and record various data such as braking power, engine speed, and steering angle.

The system also includes a high-definition camera mounted in the windshield-header trim that records the driver's point of view through the windshield.

Chevrolet has yet to announce pricing details.

Source: Automotive News

Car manufacturers Audi, GM, Honda, and Hyundai have joined technology leaders Google and Nvidia to form the Open Automotive Alliance and accelerate in-car innovation, starting with expanded integration of the Android platform.

“Millions of people are already familiar with Android and use it everyday,” said Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps at Google. “The expansion of the Android platform into automotive will allow our industry partners to more easily integrate mobile technology into cars and offer drivers a familiar, seamless experience so they can focus on the road.”

The plan is to bring the Android platform to vehicles by the end of this year while reducing driving distractions. The technology could be paired with 4G connectivity.

Source : engadget.com

Hyundai took advantage of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to unveil a new Google Glass option that will allow 2015 Hyundai Genesis owners to remotely unlock the doors and even start the engine.

Customers will first need to download a Blue Link Glassware app to manage their new Genesis. After that, they will have access to a host of vehicle information and services in real time.

Hyundai is becoming a technology leader, having also equipped its new Equus luxury sedan with iPads instead of traditional owner's manuals.

Source : autoblog.com

Photo: Wikipedia

In an interview published by Autoweek, Bernie Ecclestone says New Jersey Formula 1 Grand Prix organizers are in breach of contract.

Business journalist, Christian Silk reveals that the organizers have not paid Ecclestone since signing the agreement in 2011. Ecclestone also added that several groups are considering whether to take over the race from the current management to ensure that it goes ahead.

The race, known as the Grand Prix of America, is planned to run on 3.2 miles of public roads in Port Imperial near New York City.

The maiden race was supposed to be staged in 2013, but was cancelled due to a lack of funding.

“What is amazing with New Jersey is that the people signed a contract,” declared Ecclestone. “You have got to assume they knew what they had signed. They should have never made the commitment. We could sue them. They are in breach.”

The race organizers are Port Imperial Racing Associates (PIRA), led by Leo Hindery Jr.

According to the article, Hindery is understood to have put more than $10 million of his own money into the New Jersey race project. However, another $100 million is needed to complete work on the track and finally receive the green light.

Ecclestone said he did not sue the organizers to keep the prospect of the race alive as other groups are considering taking over the contract from Hindery.

“I've kept it going because somebody might come up and there have been two or three people who are interested and are looking into it. If anyone comes in today, they can have it.”

In January 1914, Henry Ford startled the world by announcing that Ford Motor Company would pay $5 a day to its workers -- more than double the average autoworker's wage -- and shorten workdays from nine to eight hours.

Pretty soon, thousands of prospective workers from the American South and even Europe showed up at the Ford Motor Company employment office.

Henry Ford's primary objective was to reduce worker attrition, because labour turnover from monotonous assembly line work was high. Employees became more loyal to the company, and by running three shifts instead of two, productivity increased in the process.

Photo: Ford

Former race car driver and engine builder, Briton Brian Hart has sadly died at the age of 77.

Hart started in club meetings before moving up to Formula Junior, Formula 3 and Formula 2.

He founded Brian Hart Limited in 1969, and specialized in preparing Ford motors.

After supplying the engine of several championship winning F2 teams, Hart moved up to Formula 1 with the Toleman team in 1981 with a four cylinder, 1.5L turbo engine.

Hart turbo engines then powered the Toleman F1 car of rookie Ayrton Senna in 1984 who claimed a stunning second place on the streets of Monaco plus two other podium finishes.

Ayrton Senna aboard the Toleman-Hart in Monaco, in 1984. (Photo: WRi2)

After the turbo era, Hart produced a normally aspirated 3.5L V10 engine for the Jordan team.

Hart engine also powered Footwork/Arrows machinery, as well as the Minardis.

Hart's new V10 design then became the Arrows unit used by Tom Walkinshaw's F1 team in '98 and '99. Walkinshaw acquired Brian Hart Ltd, which led to Brian Hart's departure from the sport.

In the land of the pickup, supremacy comes at a price. The manufacturers pay this price as the last four (or so) decades have belonged to Ford and its F-150. By price, I mean that regardless of the latest technological advances, powertrain improvements or design enhancements, the Blue Oval always wins.

It would seem that Toyota has chosen to go a different direction altogether. For the 2014 Tundra, Toyota decided to keep it simple and give the pickup buyer a real pickup, with little fluff and a lot of ruff...

The new Tundra is a back-to-basics work-truck that does little if not make noise, go fast, and carry a bunch of anything your heart desires -- both in the bed and in the cabin. It's difficult to fault Toyota's full-size pickup as it has the will to please but lacks refinement, comfort, and more refinement. As its competition moves away from the traditional work truck, the Tundra stays behind for the right and possibly the wrong reasons.


What is the Toyota Tundra?
As the most capable work vehicle in their lineup, the 2014 Tundra has been unable to capture the attention of large pickup buyers, as has the Tacoma in the compact pickup segment.

The Toyota Tundra is built in San Antonio, TX. It was first introduced as a 2000 model year truck. At the time, it took over from the T100, which you would be excused for never having heard of as it was sold in limited numbers.

2014 Toyota Tundra Price and Specs
The 2014 Toyota Tundra sports a base price of $26,750. As with all pickup offerings, the Tundra is available in countless versions, with various cab and bed configurations, and a pair of engines and drivetrain options. At the top of the Tundra heap is the Crewmax Platinum 5.7L with the 1794 Edition package for an even $54,000.

As tested, my 2014 Tundra double Cab Limited 5.7L tipped the pricing scale at $47,935.

The 5.7L i-Force V8 is the powerhouse behind the Tundra's capabilities. It produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. The other V8 on the menu is a 4.6L V8 that's good for 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Depending on the body configuration, engine and drivetrain selections, towing capacity rises to 4,760 kg (10,500 lbs). The same goes for payload that reaches a maximum of 855 kg or 1,895 lb.

The 5.7L i-Force V8 is the powerhouse behind the Tundra's capabilities. It produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Toyota Tundra
The 2014 Toyota Tundra is, as mentioned, a real pickup -- but from 10 years ago. There is nothing inherently wrong with it; however, where countless families in North America call upon their pickup as both a work truck and family car, the Tundra's lack of good manners makes it a less convivial choice.

The ride is the first issue: harsh and choppy, it does not forgive. The rear heavy-duty multi-leaf springs are mostly at fault as they're far too high-strung for daily usage. Our tester's 640 kg (1,420 lb) payload capacity was lightly tested with a 227 kg (500 lb) cargo of hay, but the ride did not improve. The basic suspension setup is designed for the heaviest of loads, but the cost is unpleasantness whenever the truck has only its weight to carry.

I can forgive the 2014 Toyota Tundra's steering that lacks in all facets save for turning the front wheels because of its powertrain. The 5.7L V8 is a monster, in both power and presence. Its roar can practically be heard from miles around when the pedal hits the metal. From that moment on, the Tundra leaps forward and the transmission is right there, knocking back gears with glee.

The autobox is just as comfortable slipping back and forth in town, and it will drop a cog or two at the slightest drop of the hammer. This makes the 2014 Toyota Tundra loads of fun. Unfortunately, the absence of ride refinement spoils everything, not to mention that fuel consumption takes a hit in the process.

The 2014 Toyota Tundra is, as mentioned, a real pickup -- but from 10 years ago. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and out of the 2014 Toyota Tundra
In our recent full-size pickup comparison test, the 2014 Toyota Tundra also fell short because of its less-than-stellar exterior styling. Sure, a massive grille sends a message, but if there's nothing behind the message, what is it good for?

The Tundra is typically bland and with little character. A few chrome touches do little more than attempt to distract the eye from what is otherwise slab sided and undefined.

The big Toyota's cabin had a whole other effect. Its ergonomics and styling are in tune with the times, despite the lesser plastics that abound. The fit is good and the overall impression is that the dashboard will wear well with time.

With every 4-door pickup, passenger room is generous which also means that every occupant finds their ease once in their seat. Said perches are cozy and the driving position is good. I would have liked a few more (and deeper) front storage bins for various pocket junk, but what's on-hand is manageable.

Its ergonomics and styling are in tune with the times, despite the lesser plastics that abound. The fit is good and the overall impression is that the dashboard will wear well with time. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Toyota Tundra
2013 was a huge year pickup-wise. With the arrival of the latest versions of such heavy hitters such as the 2014 GM trucks, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, and a revised RAM 1500, both of which are superior and then there's the omnipresent Ford F-150 that continues to tower over its segment in nearly every aspect hence the incredible and continued success. The Tundra had to be good. It's good, but sadly nowhere near good enough.

From GMM

Ferrari is edging close to having its 2014 car ready for the start of winter testing.

Reports in the Marca sports newspaper (Spain) and the authoritative Autosprint (Italy) say the Maranello-built single seater is set to be launched on either the 23rd, 24th or 25th of January, a few days ahead of the opening test at Jerez.

Marca correspondent Marco Canseco said the car, whose official name will be decided by fans via an internet poll, will "almost certainly" undergo its mandatory FIA crash tests this week at the CSI technical facility in Bollate, Italy.

He added that Ferrari has already been testing the all-new 2014 electrical and energy recovery systems in a 2011 chassis, although the turbo V6 engine will not be run at an actual circuit until Jerez late this month.

F138 ceremony. (Caption: Ferrari.com)

But Alessandro Stefanini, the Autosprint correspondent, said the 2014 package will be run over a couple of "filming days" prior to its official debut.

He said the most likely car launch date is Thursday 23 January or Saturday 25 January, with Friday less likely for Enzo Ferrari-linked "superstitious" reasons.

Giorgio Piola, the well-known F1 technical illustrator, believes Ferrari has decided to revert to a more conventional pushrod layout for its front suspension this year, after the innovative 'pullrod' cars of 2012 and 2013, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Carlos Sousa offers an historical first win to Chinese manufacturer Great Wall on Dakar rally, as the Portuguese driver was quickest on Sunday aboard his GW Haval on the opening stage from Rosario to San Luis, Argentina.

At the end of this 405 km-long opening stage (including 180 km special stage), Sousa was quickest ahead of the three X-Raid's Mini All4 Racing of Orlando Terranova, Nasser Al-Attiyah and Juan Roma. Carlos Sainz (buggy SMG) was fifth ahead of last year winner Stéphane Peterhansel (Mini All4 Racing) who suffered a puncture on this opening day.

Carlos Sousa abord the Haval. (Photo: Dakar.com)

Robby Gordon had a very bad start of the race as his Hummer remained stopped for about four minutes at the start of the special stage. The NASCAR driver then stopped again on the road section to San Luis.

Concerning the Canadian drivers, Matt Campbell, from Calgary, concluded the first day in 51st position driving his Dodge Durango, while David Bensadoun, from Montreal, was 59th aboard his Range Rover Desert Warrior.

Monday's stage will see the drivers heading to San Rafael, still in Argentina.

From GMM

Media interest remains at fever pitch as Michael Schumacher's coma after his skiing crash in France enters a second week.

Philippe Streiff, a former F1 driver paralysed in a 1989 testing crash, caused the biggest stir at the weekend when he visited the hospital in Grenoble.

The Frenchman told reporters after his visit that he had spoken with doctor and mutual friend Gerard Saillant who said Schumacher, now 45, is "out of danger".

"He (Saillant) said it is a serious condition but his life is not in danger any more, thankfully," Streiff said.

He also provided new details of the German's injuries, including the apparent risk that the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver could be left "hemiplegic", or paralysed on one side of the body.

He also said the nature of the bleeding on the sides of Schumacher's brain endangers Schumacher's speech and motor skills, but Streiff's comments were dismissed by manager Sabine Kehm as "pure speculation".

Sabine Kehm insisted her boss remains in a "critical but stable" condition, and Streiff later told France's RMC that Schumacher is in fact in "a stable but serious condition without deterioration or improvement".

It is believed that the doctors in charge of Schumacher's recovery could give a full medical update to the media on Monday.

At the same time, French authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Schumacher's skiing fall, which was reportedly captured by video on an eyewitness' mobile phone, who said the German was travelling at no more than 20kph when he hit rocks and struck his head.

The authorities issued a statement urging the media against "spreading false information" about the investigation, according to France's L'Equipe.

Nonetheless, the respected Sunday newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche cited hospital sources in claiming the most recent brain scan undergone by Schumacher had "very bad" results.

And Kehm denied that the Schumacher family only reluctantly gave up the 'Gopro' camera that was attached to his helmet. It is not known if the camera was recording at the time of the crash.

"The family gave the camera to the investigating authorities voluntarily. That this was done against the wishes of the family is untrue," Kehm is quoted by Bild newspaper.

Finally, Dr Johannes Peil, who treated Schumacher in 2009, revealed that an artery in the driver's brain was damaged in that serious motorcycle crash.

He said the old injury should not affect Schumacher's recovery now.

From GMM

Lotus looks to have made its choice of official reserve driver for 2014.

It appears unlikely the Enstone based team will keep Davide Valsecchi on board, particularly after the Italian admitted he was "angry" when bosses overlooked him as the surgery-bound Kimi Raikkonen's replacement late last season.

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

According to the Italiaracing publication, Lotus looks set to turn to the similarly Eric Boullier-managed, 23-year-old Danish driver Marco Sorensen for 2014.

He raced in Lotus' black and gold colours in the Formula Renault 3.5 series last year, finishing seventh, and in September made his F1 test debut in a two-year-old car at the Paul Ricard track.

Davide Valsecchi, Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2)

Chevrolet, marrying racing with real life, will roll out high-tech video technology that will make Corvette fans think they were on the Speed channel.