Auto News 5

French car orders fell 3 percent last month, led by declines at Renault and U.S. automakers, according to a dealership survey. The French auto market is expected to decline by up to 5 percent this year.

Viktor Mizo is all smiles and speaks fluent English as he explains why the Republic of Macedonia would be an excellent spot to build an auto parts plant. Mizo can rattle off his country's virtues faster than you can take his business card.

Mini executives admit they're not sure of their target customer for the new three-door Paceman, which is based on the Countryman SUV.

Sebastien Loeb (Citroen DS3) extended his domination of the Rally Monte Carlo After Day 3, he now holds a 1m40 advantage over the VW Polo R of Sebastien Ogier.

Sebastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R. (Photo: WRi2)

It was a short day today with only three special stages to run. Loeb maintained his lead, posting the fastest time in ESS11 and 13, while Mads Ostberg wafastest in the ESS12.

Evgeny Novikov, Ford Fiesta RS. (Photo: WRi2)

There was nothing Ogier could do to stop the nine- time World Rally Champion. The VW driver finished the day 1m47 behind Loeb.

Far behind, Evgeny Novikov (Ford Fiesta) and Dani Sordo (Citroen DS3) are having a great battle over third place.

For now, Novikov has the advantage, but he is only two seconds in front of Sordo before the fourth and final day in Monte Carlo.

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R. (Photo: WRi2)

There was another fight going on for fifth place between Latvala (VW Polo R) and Hirvonen (Citroen DS3).

Latvala had the advantage on Friday, as Hirvonen continued to drop down the order. Behind Juho Hanninen, Mads Ostberg was back to 8th position, after Byan Bouffier lost time with a spin in ESS11.

Mikko Hirvonen, Citroen DS3. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

The fourth and last day of Rally Monte Carlo will feature four special stages, including the final one crossing the famous Col du Turini on Saturday evening.

Classification after day 4:
1. Loeb / Elena (Citroën DS3 WRC) 4h16'41''9
2. Ogier / Ingrassia (VW Polo R WRC) +1'47''4
3. Novikov / Minor (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +3'19''9
4. Sordo / Del Barrio (Citroën DS3 WRC) +3'21''6
5. Latvala / Anttila (VW Polo R WRC) +4'04''9
6. Hirvonen / Lehtinen (Citroën DS3 WRC) +4'19''9
7. Hanninen / Tuominen (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +5'15''5
8. Ostberg / Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +6'18''2

9. Bouffier / Panseri (Citroën DS3 WRC) +8'20''7
etc.

Toyota will enter just one TS030 Hybrid LMP1 car in this year's World Endurance Championship of the FIA.

Reports in Europe reveal that the Japanese car manufacturer has decided to race just one car this year to limit of costs.

The No. 7 TS030 will be driven in all rounds of the WEC by Alexander Wurz and Nicolas Lapierre.

The TS030 Hybrid Toyota won in Brazil, in 2012. (Photo: Toyota Racing)

Toyota will enter two cars at the 6 Hours of Spa and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Kazuki Nakajima will then by driving alongside Wurz and Lapierre. Toyota has yet to confirm the drivers of the second TS030.

Toyota will race an updated car this season, to be built around a new monocoque that eliminates the compromises in the 2012 carbon fibre tub, which was designed to allow the TS030 to retrieve kinetic energy via either the front or rear axle.

Check out our team's press day photo gallery of Montreal International Auto Show which takes place at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal from January 18th to the 27th.

Photo: Colin Styker/Auto123.TV

Honda Canada issued a voluntary recall on 29,000 Honda Pilot (2009-2013) and Honda Odyssey (2011-2013) vehicles due to a potentially faulty driver's airbag.

Honda Pilot 2012. (Photo: Honda)

The driver's airbag may have been assembled without some of the rivets that secure its plastic cover. If the rivets are missing, the airbag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Honda insists that no crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue so far.

Honda Odyssey 2012. (Photo: Honda)

All affected owners are encouraged to take their vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. They can also visit www.honda.ca/recalls for more information.

Shelby American, a division of Carroll Shelby International, unveiled a pair of models at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The first is a Shelby GT500 Super Snake Wide Body. Based on the stock 2013 GT500, the car gets a performance boost from 662 to a street-legal 850 horsepower. It also meets the emission standards in 50 U.S. states.

Shelby GT500 Super Snake. (Photo: Shelby American)

The second model is a Shelby Focus ST. Tested extensively at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this pocket rocket boasts a lower ride height thanks to a new Ford Racing suspension. Meanwhile, special wheels and tires improve grip and traction.

Shelby Focus ST. (Photo: Shelby American)

How much for these bad boys? Well, the post-title package for the 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake starts at $28,995 (662 hp) and $39,995 (850 hp). The wide body option adds another $17,995, not including the base GT500, of course. The 2013 Shelby Focus ST post-title package begins at $14,995 (again, not including the base car) and will be limited to 500 per model year.

Canadian stock car driver Andrew Ranger will be back in the United States this season after coming to an agreement with its former team, NDS to take part in races in the K&N Pro West, ARCA and Nationwide series.

The two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series' champion had a similar program back in 2011 where he had some success.

Ranger is also expected to take part in at least a couple of NASCAR Canadian Tire events this year; one at the ICAR road circuit and in the streets of Trois-Rivieres.

Andrew Ranger. (Photo: NASCAR)

If the right team and sponsors package is found, the Roxton Pond, Quebec native could also be contesting the first ever Canadian stop of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series September 1st at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

His racing program will start on May 26th with the running of the K&N Pro West Series at the Brainerd road course in Minnesota.

He will also take part in three different NASCAR Nationwide events. First at Road America, where he will work double shift also taking part in the ARCA event and then at Watkins Glen and, a week later at Mid-Ohio.

Mitsubishi used the 2013 Montreal Auto Show to debut its all-new subcompact car, which doesn't have a North American name yet (Mirage in other parts of the globe) but will go on sale in the fall.

This friendly-looking, five-door hatchback is based on the Global Small concept car unveiled by Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada president and CEO Shin Fujioka a year ago. It will become the fifth model in the automaker's Canadian lineup.

Photo: Mitsubishi

The car is 3,780 mm long and 1,665 mm wide, with a 1.2L three-cylinder MIVEC engine under the hood. A five-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT handles its 74 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque.

Talking about an ''ultra-efficient vehicle,'' Mitsubishi expects the new car's fuel economy to be among the best for gasoline-powered models in Canada.

Pricing will be announced closer to the sale date, but look for an MSRP in the low $10K range.

Source : Mitsubishi

After months of negociations between the IndyCar Series, the team owners and Dallara, an agreement has been reached to allow a reduction of the price of spare parts.

Dallara has also agreed to re-write portions of its supply contracts that will officialised an estimated 14% reduction in prices as well as a 15-month freeze of that rate.

Some of the owners were not pleased with the outcome, some expecting that the estimated $50,000 to $60,000 in annual savings is a smaller sum than they desired, but in the end achieving closure on this hotly debated topic is in the best interest of all involved.

Dennis Reinbold, co-owner of the Panther DRR squad and the owners' appointed representative on the spare parts negotiations was much more philosophical.

“Personally, I'm happy to move on," he confirmed. "We have bigger things we need to focus our attention on. It's never going to be perfect, but it's better than no decision like we had all last year. The in-fighting is hopefully now a thing of the past.”

Photo: LAT for IndyCar

The FIA has finally named a successor for F1's ousted doctor Gary Hartstein.

We reported last week that, with American Hartstein's contract not renewed for 2013, the F1 governing had picked a successor.

He is UK-based Dr Ian Roberts, a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care best known as the chief medical officer of the British grand prix venue Silverstone.

Whether you like it or not, dark clouds are looming over the global auto racing scene. Contrary to what you might think, I'm not talking about environmentalists who pressure governments to ban the sport, which is said to be a major (yet totally useless) cause of pollution.

No, the most serious threat might just be the increasing detachment by racing fans in general. And when you take a closer look at it, you'll see that today's youth don't seem to care about motor sports.

Could this lack of interest be the result of their green conscience? I don't think so. More than anything, I believe it has to do with the fact that auto racing hasn't really evolved since the mid-20th Century. Sure, cars are faster and more technologically advanced now, but the show is basically the same: one track, a number of cars, and may the fastest win.

Consider NASCAR's Sprint Cup: It's long been recognized that the first 490 miles of a 500-mile race are a mere appetizer with gentle passing manoeuvres, multiple pit stops, and a couple of accidents. The real action only lasts for about 10-15 minutes, and takes place during the last few laps.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

With ever-increasing ticket prices (Formula 1 spectators will tell you all about it), attending a race is harder and harder to justify, especially in the struggling global economy we live in.

So, like I said, disinterested young fans are threatening the sport like never before. They're more into extreme sports, which barely even existed 20 years ago, and entertainment. As proud members of the Facebook and Twitter generation, they have zero patience and a short attention span. How could they even sit still for a three-hour race?

Another key point is that today's under-30 crowd wants to be a part of the action, not just innocent bystanders. They try new sports and activities without any hesitation, and then they rush to YouTube to post their accomplishments.

For them, the idea of sitting in the bleachers for long hours to watch cars going round in circles is ridiculous. However, they will stay glued to their computer screen to marvel at the feats of drift icon Ken Block in his Gymkhana series. It sure helps that Mr. Block is sponsored by their favourite energy drink company.

Next to him, the Jeff Gordons, Fernando Alonsos and Sebastian Vettels of this world have a pretty hard time exciting young fans who prefer hot-headed, off-the-wall Joes over cool, calm and collected pros.

Who exactly will make a conscious effort to attend auto races 15 years from now? The current crowd is ageing fast, with young boys and girls looking for their adrenaline rush elsewhere.

Auto racing as we know it is seriously endangered.

From GMM

Sahara Force India "is in crisis" and it is possible the Silverstone based team "could collapse".

That is the claim of the Italiaracing magazine, who correctly reported some years ago that Pirelli would become the sport's new tire supplier.

Now, the Italian publication is reporting from sources that Vijay Mallya - Force India's embattled owner who has lost his billionaire status - is experiencing "severe economic difficulties with his companies".

Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

Mallya's troubles with Kingfisher, his grounded Indian airline, are well known, but the 57-year-old also controls United Breweries, and F1 team Sahara Force India.

Italiaracing claims that, in recent days, F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has "activated a plan to save the (Force India) team."

The sources mentioned the possibility of a return to F1 for Colin Kolles, the team boss who in the wake of the Silverstone based team Jordan's demise some years ago led the subsequent incarnations Spyker and Midland, and finally Force India.

As head of HRT, Colin Kolles left F1 at the end of 2011, a year before the Spanish team's collapse under new management.

Italiaracing also mentioned the former Renault chief and well-known Ecclestone ally Flavio Briatore, who has been out of F1 since the 'crashgate' scandal.

UPDATE
Sahara Force India Formula 1 Team has rubbished suggestions that it faces an uncertain future following rumours of severe financial problems.

"There is absolutely no substance to it. Our shareholder Vijay and Sahara are incredibly strong. They don't need partners,” said Bob Fernley, deputy team boss.

“As we speak, we are putting together and implementing an expansion programme that Vijay talked about at the end of last year. And all that is going ahead and moving forward. For the last four years, coming now to our fifth year, the team has been financed without any dependence on the shareholders' companies that they own. There is absolutely no substance to it anywhere and that's the thing that's very distressing."

At the Paris Auto Show last fall, the public was graced with the presence of a Porsche that sets out to prove function and fun can live as one in a vehicle. How so? Enter the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo.


While the name may be long, the departure from everything that is Porsche is not - which is a fabulous thing. First of all, anyone who took issue with the Panamera's rear will delight in the fact that the Sport Turismo sports a new rear that, may we say, is quite becoming. Beefier and bigger, the rear swings the Panamera into wagon-looking territory, something we wholeheartedly encourage.

And, of course, the most noticeable difference is the fact that this Porsche has no sideview mirrors. Nope, none at all. How is that possible, you ask? Well, instead Porsche has outfitted the Panamera Sport Turismo with cameras in each of its side air outlets and their images are displayed in digital gauges behind the steering wheel.

Jumping on the plug-in hybrid bandwagon (but in a way only Porsche can) the Panamera Sport Turismo features a supercharged 3.0L V6 engine as well as a high-torque electric motor. Combined, the two push out 416 hp and will push the Panamera from 0 to 100 km in under 6 seconds. The Sport Turismo can travel up to 30km on battery power alone. And with the Panamera's compact universal charging device, the fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery can be charged in 2.5 hours or less.

The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo can be driven in three different modes: full electric, full gas or a combination of the two. On battery alone, the Sport Turismo can reach speeds of 130km/h. When driving in hybrid mode, the battery acts as an extra boost for more power, and the Panamera Sport Turismo will switch its gas engine off in “coasting” mode to help conserve gas and lower emissions. The Panamera Sport Turismo recovers energy to recharge its own battery when driving.

Technology aside, from a design standpoint, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept is undeniably a product of the Stuttgart powerhouse. Traditional Porsche lines abound, as does the familiar-looking Panamera mug, save for brand new 4-point LED headlights. With an updated rear, the Sport Turismo is quite the looker.

Inside, Porsche has taken futuristic to a new level with the Panamera Sport Turismo's TFT (thin-film transistor) display in place of traditional gauges. All information pertaining to the car is accessible, from navigation to rev counter. Touching the TFT screen will activate the e-hybrid system and the display and surrounding gauges will turn green.

While the middle console in the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept follows the traditional shape and layout we've come to recognize in the German make, that's where the similarities end. Replacing buttons is a touchscreen where drivers control everything from climate control to the PCM (Porsche Communication Management) functions.

Futuristic, functional and sure to be fun to pilot, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is a study in design and automotive engineering, and we can't wait to see it in on the road, should it come...

Photo: Porsche

The Williams F1 Team will present its 2013 car, the FW35, on Tuesday February 19 in Barcelona, after the first winter test session.

The new Renault-powered car will be unwrapped by team drivers Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas in the paddock of the Circuit Catalunya.

For the earlier Jerez test starting on February 5, the team will run one of last year's FW34-Renault in order to test a number of key development parts in preparation for the launch of the new FW35.

However, the FW34 will display 2013 sponsors' livery.

Pastor Maldonado, Wiliams FW34. (Photo: WRi2)

The completely redesigned 2014 Subaru Forester makes its Canadian debut at the Montreal Auto Show on Friday.

Virtually identical in size to the outgoing model, the 2014 Subaru Forester offers more room for five and additional safety features, such as anti-whiplash front seats, a driver's knee airbag, Brake Override, and an impact-sensing fuel system cutoff.

Photo: Subaru

Trim levels include 2.5i, Convenience, Touring, and Limited. All of them use a naturally aspirated, 2.5L boxer engine rated at 170 horsepower. Then there's the 2.0XT model with a new 2.0L turbocharged boxer engine producing 250 horsepower.

The 2014 Subaru Forester starts at $25,995 and is set to arrive in dealerships in early spring.

The 2013 Nissan NV200 compact cargo van made its first Canadian appearance Thursday at the Montreal Auto Show.

As the third model in Nissan Canada's commercial vehicle lineup (along with the NV Cargo and NV Touring), the NV200 stands out with a low clearance height for easy indoor parking, and best-in-class fuel economy (8.7L/100km city, 7.1L/100km highway).

"The NV200 provides small business owners with what they need most: thoughtful technology, best-in-class fuel economy, comfort, manoeuvrability and functional design at an affordable price,'' said Christian Meunier, President of Nissan Canada Inc. ''We look forward to announcing pricing in February and welcoming it to our 44 certified NV dealers across Canada this spring."

The 2013 Nissan NV200 is already sold in more than 40 countries around the world, and was chosen as the exclusive New York City ''Taxi of Tomorrow.''

Christian Meunier, President of Nissan Canada Inc. (Photo: Nissan)

Honda Canada hosted the world premiere of the new GEAR Concept Study Model at the 2013 Montreal Auto Show. This subcompact car is aimed at hip, young, urban customers from Generation Y.

Photo: Honda

"Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "GEAR Concept tears down those walls -- it's practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable."

Okay, but does it have a future? Honda did not comment on production plans, so we'll have to wait to find out.

Also on display at the Montreal Auto Show is the 2013 Honda Accord HFP Coupe, a performance model exclusively available in Canada.

From GMM

Charles Pic has joined Sergio Perez in hitting back at the perception a growing number on the formula one grid can be best described as 'pay drivers'.

Some believe drivers like Mexican Perez, backed by billionaire Carlos Slim and making the move to top team McLaren in 2013, and Frenchman Pic moved to the front of the queue due to the size of their backers' wallets.

Charles Pic, 22, has moved from Marussia to Caterham for 2013 and beyond, presumably in the place of the highly rated but unsponsored Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen.

Charles Pic. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

Asked how long the deal is for, he told French daily Le Monde: "It's a contract for several years -- I will not be on the team only for one season. But I cannot disclose the details."

Surely, say the cynics, the size of his backing was a key consideration as team owner Tony Fernandes and boss Cyril Abiteboul signed the paperwork.

"This is a favourite question of journalists," said Pic. "Frankly, I don't think it can be the only thing (that is reported). A driver gets an offer from a team due to his performance. Priority is given to driver qualities; speed and racing skills. Only then is attention paid to the sponsors, and so this factor should be treated differently."

Charles Pic admitted, however, that money is important in F1.

"This is a part of our sport; formula one has gained in popularity through the media and is used by large companies who need to promote their brands," he said.