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From GMM

A member of Felipe Massa's management team has denied as "fantasy" reports the Brazilian has penned a five-year Williams contract.

Alessandro Aluni Bravi, who according to O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper works with Massa's manager Nicolas Todt, denied the report that appeared on a Brazilian website on Thursday.

"Felipe has already expressed that racing with Williams in 2014 would be a good option," he said, "but still there is nothing certain.

"Firstly," Bravi added, "who signs a five year contract today in formula one?

"Sebastian renewed for two seasons, Lewis has a three-year commitment with Mercedes. But this (report about Massa) is information without origin and it could only (adversely) affect the negotiations."

Bravi continued: "Williams is just one of the scenarios for us. We have talked with Lotus, Force India and Sauber as well.

"But we have not got to the level of discussing the contract term and details of how our relationship with the team would be," he added.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

However, the rumour goes that if Massa does arrive at Williams, his sponsor Petrobras would replace PDVSA, the Venezuelan oil company, as well as Pastor Maldonado.

Speaking in India, Maldonado did little to quell the speculation.

"If I decide to leave," he is quoted by Spain's EFE news agency, "someone has to come to the team and I would wish Felipe well, to continue (in F1).

"It is not yet decided, so let's see what happens in this final part of the season," Maldonado added.

Williams' deputy team boss Claire Williams, however, played down the Massa link.

"We are not in a position to announce our driver lineup, so I can't comment on these rumours," she told Brazil's Totalrace.

"It is pure speculation," added Williams, who did acknowledge Massa's skills, history and experience.

"Felipe has a great history in the sport," she said. "He is an experienced driver and Williams is always interested in talents such as Felipe.

"But at the moment we have two drivers under contract who are doing a great job for us," Williams added, also referring to Finnish rookie Valtteri Bottas.

But she fanned the flames when she referred to Williams' own great history of working with Brazilian drivers, such as Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna and Rubens Barrichello.

"Historically, we've had some great Brazilian drivers and we always get on well with them," said Williams.

"I think it has to do with the passion that the two sides have for the sport -- it makes a good fit."

Meanwhile, Williams played down a sporting corruption scandal in Venezuela that some say could affect Maldonado's sponsorship backing.

"We have a contract with PDVSA," she said, "and to our knowledge, this investigation has nothing to do with us."

From wrc.com

The battle for Thierry Neuville's signature for the 2014 WRC season is down to a straight fight between newcomers Hyundai and current team M-Sport after the Belgian driver ended negotiations with Citroen.

Neuville is expected to make his decision shortly after this weekend's Rally de España and although rumours suggest he has already agreed a deal with the Korean manufacturer, M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson believes Neuville's future is not settled.

Thierry Neuville, Ford Fiesta M-Sport. (Photo: WRC)

Twenty-five-year-old Neuville left Citroen at the start of this year after being offered a full programme in a Ford Fiesta RS by Wilson's Qatar-funded squad. A string of five consecutive podiums, including four second place finishes, has made him the hottest property in the end-of-season transfer market.

Citroen boss Yves Matton was keen on Neuville returning to the French squad but admitted talks had halted. “We were talking with Thierry but now we have stopped the negotiations. Thierry stopped them,” said Matton.

Neuville remains tight-lipped but Wilson said M-Sport was still talking to him. “I think it's quite clear it's between us and Hyundai, but I can't give an answer because I don't know,” said Wilson. “It's got to be 50-50 in view of what's happened this season because he can see how competitive our car and the team are.

“But obviously I can also see the appeal to Thierry in view of the long term situation with a new manufacturer. He has got to weigh up whether it would be better to stay with a car he knows will win, or switch to a team where everything is new,” he added.

From GMM

Antonio Felix da Costa has not been dropped by Red Bull, despite failing to impress enough to secure the Toro Rosso seat for 2014.

Portuguese da Costa, 22, was the hot favourite all season to move into the energy drink company's second formula one team next year.

But, with Daniel Ricciardo moving to Red Bull, the F1 paddock was surprised to learn that 19-year-old GP3 driver Daniil Kvyat ultimately got his job.

Is it because Russian Kvyat - although arguably the most impressive compared to fellow Red Bull juniors da Costa and Carlos Sainz jr - is bringing sponsor backing to the seat?

Dr Helmut Marko, the Red Bull driver supremo, insists "performance" was the only criteria.

Antonio Felix da Costa, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

He did admit to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, however, that "two Russian companies have already contacted us".

"Kvyat provides us with the best overall package," the Austrian insisted.

"He has proved that he can handle the pressure, which is something we missed in da Costa. If he is already faltering in the junior categories, how will it be in formula one?" Helmut Marko asked rhetorically. "I can't tell you how many drivers were sold as a huge talent before they failed at the very top. But Kvyat's curve has been all uphill. Da Costa's was flat, or it went down."

Coming from Marko's blunt mouth, that sounds like the death knell for da Costa, in the wake of a long line of Red Bull juniors who didn't make the grade and were ruthlessly dropped.

But Marko insists: "We have not executed da Costa; he is staying in our family. Now we have to think about his future programme.

"First of all, he remains the simulator and reserve driver for Red Bull Racing," he revealed.

Marko also stamped out speculation the McLaren-groomed Stoffel Vandoorne was considered by Red Bull for Ricciardo's seat.

"I have never spoken with Herr Vandoorne," he insisted. "There was no offer -- I don't even know what he looks like."

The 2014 Toyota Prius v is now on sale at Toyota dealers across Canada, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $27,480. Offering 50% more interior room than the regular 5-door Prius, the Prius v can comfortably sit five adults and swallow a very generous amount of cargo.

Under the hood of the 2014 Toyota Prius v is a highly efficient, Atkinson-cycle, 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, a high-torque electric motor, a high-capacity storage battery, and a sophisticated power management system. This combination delivers 134 net horsepower while achieving 4.5L/100km.

Four driver-selectable modes are available: Normal, Power, ECO, and EV.

Toyota Prius v 2014. (Photo: Toyota)

The 2014 Toyota Prius v may be enhanced with a choice of three upgrade packages:
• Luxury;
• Touring;
• Touring + Technology

Source: Toyota Canada

When you're this versatile, you can get away with having a mug like Homer Simpson. Looks aside, the working cargo van is a growing segment here in North America, having long been a European commercial mainstay.


What is the 2014 Ram ProMaster?
The ProMaster is built on Fiat's Ducato platform, which has been one of the most successful European commercial vehicles for over 30 years, with over 4.5 million sold. The first collaboration between the Fiat Professional and Chrysler Ram teams, the ProMaster is adapted to meet our safety and emissions standards. With class-exclusive front-wheel drive configuration, the ProMaster's lack of driveshaft and differential give it the segment's lowest load floor.

2014 Ram ProMaster Price and Specs
Available in regular and heavy duty, the 2014 ProMaster offers two roof heights, three wheelbase lengths, and four body lengths. Chassis cab or cutaway can also be specified.

Ram ProMaster 1500 prices range from $32,495 - $40,495; ProMaster 2500 from $35,495 to $42,495; and ProMaster 3500 $31,495 - $38,495.

There are two powertrains: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 280 hp and 258 lb-ft paired with a 6-speed auto, and the all-new 3.0L EcoDiesel with 174 hp and 295 lb-ft paired with an automated manual transmission.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for the V6 is 5,216kg (11,500lb) and 5,670kg (12,500lb) for diesel-equipped vehicles.

The ProMaster is built on Fiat's Ducato platform, which has been one of the most successful European commercial vehicles for over 30 years, with over 4.5 million sold. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Driving the 2014 Ram ProMaster
This is a decidedly odd vehicle. There's much to recommend, yet there are several factors against, as well. For a working vehicle, presumably to be used by large men, the leg space is really quite restrictive. Several colleagues found their legs pressed against the console area, and one tall fellow's head actually pressed against the ceiling of the 2014 Ram ProMaster.

The 36.3-foot turning radius of the short wheelbase is amazing, rivalling a car's manoeuvrability. The V6 we drove is instantly responsive, surprisingly light on its wheels, and has a backup camera, huge mirrors, and windows in both partition and rear doors to aid visibility.

Neither my tall driving partner nor I could adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable position in the 2014 Ram ProMaster. Telescoping, but not tilting, it's rather flat, plate-like awkwardness is magnified by the spokes which make the proper 9-and-3 hand position impossible.

However, the ProMaster handles very well with none of the ponderousness usually associated with a commercial vehicle. The tiny little Navigation system works well, and is an unexpected bonus in the segment.

The cargo area is positively voluminous in height, thanks to a frame that doesn't have to sit on top of the transmission, driveline and differential. The 2014 Ram ProMaster's load floor is 7" lower than its nearest competitor, and it's the only one in its segment to accommodate a loaded pallet from either side or rear doors.

With its tight turning ability, the Ram ProMaster is the most at home on busy streets - an important factor for the busy contractor with multiple deliveries.

Fuel economy ratings aren't available yet, but Ram claims the ProMaster will be "best in segment." U.S. estimates put it in the 20mpg range or 11.7L/100km.

There's much to recommend, yet there are several factors against, as well. For a working vehicle, presumably to be used by large men, the leg space is really quite restrictive. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Ram ProMaster
The ProMaster adheres to the slab-sided form-over-function school of style, but then none of its competitors is a beauty contestant, either. Any front-end components that could be expensive to replace are located high above the bumper, out of harm's way. The front fascia features indented steps, making it easier to clean the windshield, change wipers or access headlights. The front bumper's three-piece design allows for individual repair or replacement in case of damage.

Rear doors open 260-degrees to fold almost flat against its sides.

Inside is basic utilitarian, designed as a workspace. Chairs are wide and flat, there is cubby space overhead, and the cabin boasts an astounding nine cup holders. Unlike the Sprinter's totally flat dash featuring several partitioned spaces, the 2014 Ram ProMaster's slopes steeply away, rendering it useless for clipboards, cellphones, and such.

The Ram ProMaster's cargo area is designed to be "upfitter friendly" with available partitions, storage cabinetry, and up to 17 tie-downs.

Inside is basic utilitarian, designed as a workspace. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Comparing the 2014 Ram ProMaster
This has become a popular segment with the ProMaster priced mid-pack in a group that includes the Ford Transit ($29,199), Nissan NV Cargo ($32,728), Chevy Express/GMC Savana ($33,635), and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at the top ($45,895).

From GMM

Ferrari is planning to build a new F1 factory at its Maranello headquarters, the German newspaper Bild is reporting.

Correspondent Frank Schneider said it is a "major project", designed to end Ferrari's six-year drought since last winning the championship in 2007.

Bild said the new factory will boast three storeys to accommodate Ferrari's 700 staff who work exclusively for the formula one team.

The development would be in addition to Ferrari's totally renovated wind tunnel, and new driver simulator.

Schneider said the new factory will be ready in a year.

Bild also said Ferrari's new facilities could convince Sebastian Vettel to move from Red Bull.

But Dr Helmut Marko thinks the German will stay put.

"Sebastian's contract runs for quite a long time," he is quoted by Speed Week. "And as long as we give him a competitive car, he has no reason to change teams. Sebastian wants to win, not just be in a team because it is famous."

Maranello's main entrance. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Last week's tragic death of Porsche Cup driver, Sean Edwards, in Australia has cast a sad, dark cloud over auto racing. Sitting in the passenger's seat of a Porsche 996, Edwards was coaching a young racer when the car violently hit a tire barrier.

Sadly, there's been an increase in fatal accidents on the racing scene over the past few months. The top series have been spared, though (Ayrton Senna was the last F1 driver to die during a Grand Prix in 1994, NASCAR hasn't seen a death since Dale Earnhardt Sr. crashed at the Daytona 500 in 2001, and IndyCar's Dan Wheldon was the last to suffer a deadly fate in Las Vegas two years ago).

Of course, these three series have made major improvements to their cars and tracks in terms of active and passive safety when compared with a decade ago.

However, tragedies are multiplying in other series: Henry Surtees in Formula 2; Allan Simonsen at Le Mans; Wolf Silvester in VLN; Jason Leffler in Midgets; Andrea Antonelli and Marco Simoncelli in a motorcycle race; Scott Kalitta in Funny Car NHRA, and many more in Sedan and GT national championships around the world, not to mention the small American speedways. Let's not forget how close Robert Kubica came to dying in a rally event.

It's hard to explain, because like I said, race cars are much safer now than they were in the past. Racing venues also offer increased protection including larger run-off areas.

The only logical explanation, as far as I'm concerned, is the growing number of amateur or semi-professional drivers (including the so-called gentlemen drivers). More cars on the track obviously means more risks of an accident.

These racers often are not in great physical shape and lack experience, and track time. They also want to emulate the pros and therefore behave too recklessly at times.

Auto racing's various governing bodies must quickly find solutions to prevent tragic accidents like the ones that keep piling up at the moment. Motor sports will always be dangerous in some way, but certain measures need to be taken to boost safety.

Sean Edwards (Photo: Porsche)

From GMM

Monisha Kaltenborn has admitted she recently met with Vitaly Petrov.

It emerged on Thursday that Russian Petrov, reportedly with EUR 30 million in Gazprom sponsorship in his pocket, could return to F1 next year in the place of Sauber's intended 2014 race driver Sergey Sirotkin.

Team boss Kaltenborn told the Russian website f1news.ru: "We saw Vitaly in Sochi (for a F1 demonstration) in September and, as we know, we talked.

"No more than that," she insisted.

Vitaly Petrov. (Photo: WRi2)

However, Sauber's rhetoric about Sirotkin appears to have changed. While recently the team was obviously pushing hard to ready the 18-year-old for his 2014 debut, Kaltenborn now sounds open to the idea of a change of plans.

"Of course, no one will put pressure on him if something does not add up," she said. "But we still believe in Sergey, even if it is true that if our plans for him cannot be achieved, then there are other elements of the cooperation."

Asked if a more experienced driver could race in 2014 while Sirotkin learns the ropes in a reserve role, Kaltenborn answered: "We have thought about that, and we have a number of options associated with different drivers."

She insisted, however, that her talks with Petrov last month were not serious.

"We didn't talk about the extent to which he is available," Kaltenborn smiled. "I asked him what he's doing now, and Vitaly told me about his ascent of Mount Everest!"

Team founder Peter Sauber, meanwhile, sounded happy to simply keep Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez at the wheel in 2014.

"We are pleased with both drivers. I would actually like to keep them," he is quoted by Blick newspaper.

U.S. auto safety regulators decided against opening a formal investigation into a Tesla car fire that started after the vehicle ran over debris on a Washington state highway.

Toyota must pay $3 million in a lawsuit claiming a defect in a Camry caused the vehicle to unintentionally accelerate, leading to an accident that left one woman dead and another injured, an Oklahoma jury said.

News 25 Oct, 2013

A new Alfa Romeo Giulietta could use the all-aluminium engine from the 4C coupe

The 2014 BMW 2 series coupe will have a base price of $33,025 for the 228i and $44,025 for the M235i, including shipping.

Audi of America's A3 sedan will start at $29,900, plus shipping, when it goes on sale next year -- the exact same as the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look

The larger, more powerful 1 Series.

BMW's influx of even-numbered models continues with the 2014 2 Series coupe. The 2 Series replaces the BMW 1 Series coupe in the U.S. market as part of BMW's strategy to reserve odd-numbered model names for vehicles with more than two doors. (The BMW 3 Series sedan begat the 4 Series coupe, for instance.) The 2014 BMW 228i and M235i coupes will be making their public debut at the 2014 Detroit auto show before going on sale in the U.S. in March 2014.

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look - Automobile Magazine

2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

AutoNation Chairman Mike Jackson blasted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau today for being 'bound and determined' to find discrimination in auto lending whether or not it exists, at least in his company's case.

Tesla Motors said it hired an Apple executive and former Ford engineer to lead development of new vehicles.

The governors of California and seven other states said today that they intend to get 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles onto their roads by 2025, showing a determination to keep their electric vehicle mandates despite automakers' complaints.

Subaru has axed the ailing mid-sized Tribeca crossover, with production slated to end in January.

We know there are legions of fans of classic and not-so-classic American station wagons bearing the same footprint as a modern SUV out there, and

Renault said third-quarter revenue fell 3 percent as Iran sanctions and weaker emerging market currencies more than offset gains in pricing and sales volumes.