Auto News 5

Contradicting media reports, Renault technical director Bob Bell insists the French team is on course to record a strong start to the 2009 season next month. Full story...

In a few months, Europeans will have a brand-new model at their disposal that will be the envy of the rest of the world. Following the indisputable success of the diminutive 500 subcompact, Fiat will launch a soft-top version this spring. The small master of the road pays homage to the 1957 model but with a decidedly contemporary attitude. Full story...

After selling over 26 million units worldwide, including 400,000 in Canada, the Volkswagen Golf is back for a sixth generation. While executives of the German automaker talk about an evolution rather than a complete transformation, they did have a few surprises in store for journalists during the model's North American premiere at the CIAS in Toronto. Full story...

For many race fans, the unveiling of the Peugeot line-up for the endurance series last week was not welcomed news. Jacques Villeneuve and Ricardo Zonta, the former teammates at BAR F1 in 1999, would not be back this season. Full story...

Matt Kenseth wins the rain-shortened Daytona 500, opening round of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup. Full story...

The Audi Allroad quattro sauntered off of the North American playing field some years back, though Audi is now officially building a new A4-based Allroad model for Europe. With European availability announced from this summer, the new Allroad would do battle with the likes of elemental off-road wagons like the Subaru Outback, Volvo XC70 and the upcoming Saab 9-3x. Full story...

This week, Auto123.com features the following road tests: The Volkswagen Passat wagon, a car that proves that luxury and flexibility can indeed coexist. The Honda Pilot, a spacious SUV that's as fun to drive as it is to ride in. The Mazda6 GT, a sedan that combines elegance and performance. Check out our video dedicated to the 2009 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the biggest auto show in the country. Full story...

Rumours that Bruno Senna has inked a contract to make his formula one debut with the team currently known as Honda next year are untrue. Full story...

Team Williams will not deploy KERS technology until after at least the first six races of 2009, according to team driver Nico Rosberg. Full story...

Think about water-slides, toboggans and snowboarding, and it's apparent that in the early years of everyone's life, a loss of traction was something to be looked forward to. Eventually, slipping and sliding is outgrown-- or even feared in one's adult life as a motorist. The same principle that amuses us as kids can be downright scary to grown-ups behind the wheel. Full story...

Ken Anderson, one of the principals behind the prospective Formula 1 team USF1, has confirmed interest in signing Danica Patrick. Full story...

The Dutch bank and insurance company ING on Monday announced that it would end its formula one-sponsorship activities at the end of 2009. Full story...

Matt Kenseth wins the rain-shortened Daytona 500, opening round of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup. Full story...

We like trucks, but unlike our southern neighbours, we don't feel the need to drive big ones. Let's face it, an SUV is practical, offers a higher view of the road and benefits from all-weather traction. Still, spending big bucks at the gas pump is not in our best interest. Full story...

Negotiators for General Motors and the United Auto Workers union were set to resume talks on how to fund retiree health care on Sunday, restarting high-stake negotiations that broke off on Friday. Full story...

A top adviser to President Barack Obama today left open the possibility that bankruptcy could be the method by which an automaker restructures in order to be eligible for federal aid. Full story...

Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez clinched night-victory this week-end in Qatar. Full story...

Frenchman Sebastien Loeb held his nerve through the final stage this afternoon to take a sensational debut victory for the Citroen Total team on Rally Norway. Full story...

Frenchman Sebastien Loeb held his nerve through the final stage this afternoon to take a sensational debut victory for the Citroen Total team on Rally Norway. Full story...

The NASCAR governing body has decided to modify the rules regarding restarts during a race in the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series ahead of the 2009 season. Full story...