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Videos 10 May, 2013

Check out how the concept of the BMW 3 Series Touring came about as an after-hours project

Videos 10 May, 2013

Take a look at this clever Micro Machines stop-motion animation involving a car, a truck, and a deer

Hyundai Motor is considering building a fourth car plant in China, its vice chairman said today, as the company seeks to increase production overseas to counter the effect of a firm local currency, a falling yen, and labor issues.

Infiniti has named powertrain specialist Toshihiro Hirai as global head of product planning as it tries to strengthen the marque's identity.

Audi of America President Scott Keogh is presiding over a brand with momentum, with U.S. sales up 16 percent through April and a batch of new vehicles launched or on tap.

Longtime auto supplier executive Charles "Chip" McClure has departed as chairman, CEO and president of commercial truck supplier Meritor.

A major warehouse supplying parts to a Renault-Nissan plant in India was almost destroyed by fire early on Thursday, but the incident is unlikely to affect alliance operations in the country, Nissan said today.

Strong April UK car sales and a solid rebound in Germany last month will help western Europe end 18 consecutive months of year-on-year declines, analysts predict.

According to reports, long-time open wheel team owner, Derrick Walker is about to become IndyCar's new president of racing operations, and a formal announcement is expected next week.

Although the news is not yet official, we know that Ed Carpenter has already informed his crew that his team manager would be moving to pursue other opportunities.

The Scott has always been well respected for his abilities to be competitive with a small budget, foster good relationships with sponsors and call smart races as a strategist.

Walker has been in racing for quite a long time; having managed first Roger Penske's Formula 1 effort in the late 1970s. Then, he stayed with Penske to become his team manager in the CART series in the ‘80s. He then took over the Porsche IndyCar programme.

In 1991, he started his own team -- Walker Racing -- and ran it for 18 years before shutting it down in 2008 after he could not find sponsorship.

Since then, Walker has worked in both ALMS and in IndyCar racing, running Ed Carpenter Racing.

Summary
Chevrolet will be launching a diesel-engine version of its popular Cruze this summer. This will be the first North-American diesel launch in the last 20 years. European diesel-power Cruze sales amount to 40% of total sales, but Europeans have the luxury of choosing between two diesel-engine options, a 1.7-litre or 2.0-litre, while only the 2.0-litre will be offered in Canada.

GM is confident that the Cruze Diesel will rival the German diesel models, which presently dominate the market in North America. The engines will be built in Europe, while final assembly will be in Ohio.

(Photo: General Motors)

Price
You'll be required to drop $24,945 (plus shipping and pre-delivery) in order to get your hands on the Diesel version, which is $4,000 more than a Cruze Eco...and more than $10,000 more than the base Cruze.

Fuel Economy
GM tests show the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel consuming approximately 4.6 L/100 km during highway testing. The new diesel engine emits 90% less emissions than previous generation diesel engines thus surpassing Canadian environmental standards

Exterior and Interior Features
Besides a few aerodynamic tweaks that were applied to improve fuel economy*, the Cruze Diesel is very similar to its gasoline-powered twin. It will be equipped with standard 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, optional aerodynamic package and leather seats. The MyLink system is also standard equipment.

Cargo Capacity
There is 376 litres of available cargo room, which is 50 litres less than the 2013 gasoline-engined models. It is also inferior to the 440 litres of the Jetta TDI.

Drivetrain
A standard 148 hp 258 lb-ft 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine powers this Cruze. The engine is equipped with a supercharger-like function that provides extra power for up to 10 seconds and raises torque to 280 lb-ft (according to GM) and helps acceleration during passing manoeuvers.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission which is the only available gearbox. The 8.6 second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) performance makes it better than the Jetta TDI automatic.

Comparable Models
The only competition for the Cruze Diesel comes from the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, as diesel-powered engines are not popular in this category. The 2014 Mazda6 will also offer a diesel option, and will be worth watching out for these next few months.

(Photo: General Motors)

References and Testimonials:
*auto.sympatico.ca
media.gm.com

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Numerous affordable options, quality materials, an outstanding warranty and elegant design that will surely stand the test of time are just a few of the attributes of the 2013 Kia Forte.

Cons
Lack of adequate driver seat adjustments for optimal driving conditions, tight rear seats, imprecise manual transmission, lacklustre interior and small trunk opening hurt its overall appeal.


Price
LX, LX Plus and EX versions are equipped with standard 2.0 litre engine. The LX version starts at $17,450. It comes with standard 15-inch wheels, heated/electric rear-view mirrors, AUX and USB ports, Bluetooth compatibility and steering-mounted audio controls.

The LX Plus is delivered with standard automatic transmission, remote entry, theft alarm and Active ECO-System for a MSRP of $20,150.

Standard equipment on the EX includes air conditioning, heated seats, speed control, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome door handles. Active ECO and automatic transmission bring the MSRP to $21,250. The total climbs to $22,150 when adding the sun roof.

The SX version is powered by a 2.4 litre engine and starts at $24,550. 17-inch alloy wheels, sun roof, paddle shifters, leather seats and sport suspension are in addition to the EX standard equipment.

The 2.4 litre engine, start/stop button, SmartKey, self-dimming mirrors and navigation system are all standard equipment in the SX Luxury version, which starts at $27,050.

Fuel Economy
The manual-transmission equipped Kia Fortes consume 8.1 L/100 km city and 5.7 L/100 km highway in comparison to 8 L/100 km city and 5.5 L/100 km highway for automatic transmission versions.

The 2.4 engine with manual transmission consumes 9.2/ 6.2 L/100 km city/highway while the automatic transmission consumes no more than the manual version in city driving and 0.2 L/100 km less in highway tests.

Exterior Styling
This stylish compact sedan has a youthful and exuberant style that is very appealing. A sporty honeycomb grille envelops the corporate logo and is neatly surrounded by horizontal headlights that reach up into the fenders. The rakish rear end perfectly integrates the attractive taillights.

Drivetrain
The base 2.0 litre engine produces 156 hp and 144 lb-ft torque. It comes with available 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine in the SX and LX versions produces 173 hp and 168 lb-ft torque. A 6-speed Steptronic transmission is the only available transmission.

Cargo Capacity
The trunk can hold up to 415 litres.

Safety
Six airbags, 4-wheel disc ABS brakes, steering-mounted controls and active headrests are all standard safety equipment on this model.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta

Photo: Kia

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.338
Charette Daniel, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.332
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.358
http://www.kia.ca

Former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch, completed the Indy 500 Rookie Orientation Program during a test Thursday, May 9 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, reaching a top speed of 218.210 mph in an Andretti Autosport car.

However, Busch is still taking a cautious approach toward any thoughts of participating in “The Double” of racing in the 97th Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.

(Photo: Chris Jones)

“I need to get more comfortable in the Indy car because on a day like today, I'm white-knuckle, my hands were tense and firm, and that was only after 10 laps,” Busch said. “And so then it started to settle in.

“So there's the mental side of it, there's the physical side, there's the sponsorship side that has to come together, and right now with Kyle Moyer (general manager, Andretti Autosport) looking sideways at Michael, Michael wants to do it, but they've already got five cars committed to trying to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 this year.

“To crawl, then walk, and then walk and then run, I think the proper thing is to go out and experience this car at another oval track and get into a race and experience what the buffeting is and the movement of the car when all the downforce changes.”

(Photo: Chris Jones)

Busch completed the Rookie Orientation Program in which all drivers must participate to compete in Indianapolis 500 practice and qualifying, under the supervision of INDYCAR officials. Busch fulfilled all three phases of the program: 10 laps at 200-205 mph, 15 laps at 205-209 mph and 15 laps at 210-plus mph.

The Las Vegas native totaled 83 laps in the Chevrolet-powered Dallara that reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay will drive in the Indianapolis 500.

(Photo: Chris Jones)

Busch entered into the test knowing that driving into Turn 1 at IMS in an open-wheel Indy car would provide different challenges from what he's experienced in a Sprint Cup stock car.

“Today, that was the biggest transition,” Busch said. “When you want to step into the real world, that's to hold it wide open, and when you do that, your brain says, ‘Wait a minute, you're not supposed to do that because in the stock car how heavy it is and the lack of downforce.' So, when I did hold it wide open, I was off on my line, actually apexed too early, had a little extra wheel input on exit, and it changed the game. But then once I left it on the floor, the car started to come back to me and the pace started to slow down in my mind, even though the pace kept getting quicker with lap time.”

(Photo: Chris Jones)

In an effort to expand the use of renewable energy and take measures to help reduce pollution, Hyundai will install South Korea's largest rooftop photovoltaic power plant at its manufacturing factory in Asan, where vehicles like the Sonata Hybrid are built.

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) will purchase the electricity generated by the solar modules and sell it to nearby areas. Nearly 40,000 such modules will be installed on the rooftop by the end of this year, covering as much as 68% of total roof space.

This photovoltaic field will result in a peak power generation capacity of 10 megawatts. The completed plant will be capable of supplying 11.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, or enough to power about 3,200 households.

Consider this: To produce the same amount of electricity, a thermoelectric power plant releases 5,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Eliminating these emissions is the same as planting 1.12 million pine trees. Moreover, the sprinklers used to cool down the solar modules will also help the plant save energy by lowering indoor temperatures during the warmer months.

Photo: Hyundai

On 34 Ram 1500 pickup trucks in Canada, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant flow to the heater core.

Any loss of windshield defrosting and defogging functions may, under certain conditions, compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash.

Dealers will therefore inspect and, if necessary, replace the coolant bypass valve while reprogramming the powertrain control module with updated software.

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

Starting this fall, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country will bolster the brand's premium truck lineup which currently includes the Silverado LTZ and Z71 models.

It stands out with a unique grille featuring horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, exclusive 20'' chrome wheels, as well as chrome body-side moldings, door handles and mirrors.

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country's cab boasts an exclusive saddle brown upholstery, heated and cooled perforated premium leather seats up front (with High Country logos on the headrests), Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8'' touch screen, Bose premium audio, and park assist.

Under the hood of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country is a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and achieves 9.0L/100km on the highway. A 6.2L V8 will be optional.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

Photo: Chevrolet

Similar to Alfa Romeo with the Giulietta, Dodge created three new TV commercials to promote its cars and the upcoming Fast & Furious 6 movie.

One of them, titled “How to Make Your Car Fast and Furious,” stars the 2013 Dodge Dart and includes high-octane sequences from the movie. The goal is to emphasize not only the Dart's speed and performance, but also its killer looks.

Many Dodge products will be featured in Fast & Furious 6 including a 2012 Charger SRT8 and Challenger SRT8, as well as a 1969 Dodge Daytona.

As a tribute to Bentley's six victories at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans (1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 2003), the British automaker is launching six new Le Mans Limited Edition specifications available on the flagship Mulsanne and the Continental family, exclusively for North America.

Each one is inspired by a driver from those six victories and will have a production run of 48 units.

Features include a unique Le Mans Edition numbered badge, a Le Mans Edition clock face, a Le Mans badge embroidered to each headrest, tread plates with the limited edition name, unique Le Mans Edition wheels, as well as specific interior wood trim and exterior colours.

Continental GT Le Mans Limited Edition models will be available in the second quarter of 2013, and Mulsanne Le Mans Limited Edition models will arrive in the third quarter.

Photo: Bentley

From GMM

Barcelona's F1 circuit chief has played down reports a deal whereby the city and Valencia will alternate the annual hosting of the Spanish grand prix is now close.

After Catalunya president Artur Mas said recently that "If Valencia can host the grand prix in 2014, there will be the alternation", it was reported that the contract details could be finalised this weekend.

But Barcelona's track boss Salvador Servia thinks that sort of deal would be "a mistake".

He also told local Rac1 radio that he thinks rushing to a deal this weekend is not possible.

"These contracts are 200 pages and, if we must change, it should be thorough," said Servia.

"For now, we have not received any notification," he said, adding that he thinks many race sponsors "would disagree" with the alternation plans.

What was Texan A.J. Foyt thinking when he hired Takuma Sato to drive his IndyCar in this year's IZOD IndyCar Series? A.J. must have been particularly inspired that day because after four rounds this year, Sato-San is leading the series' point standings!

Don't imagine the ever-smiling Japanese driver is leading the championship by just pure luck or because he benefitted from the leaders' misfortunes. No, no; Takuma is there because of his great driving skills, and because of the professionalism and dedication of the crewmembers at Foyt Racing.

I think the Sato/Foyt combination has what's lacking at Penske Racing this season: a perfect package. Salot is a fast driver who is well supported by a drilled team that can execute slick pit stops and plan great race strategies.

However, things have not been that easy for the likeable Japanese. Most IndyCar fans and experts were fully aware that Sato carried a strong reputation as a wild driver from his Formula 1 days, and from his beginnings in North America.

Sato is undoubtedly fast, but he was also capable of the worst. His propensity to wreck cars at great speed made the team owners go crazy!

It seemed last year that a change started to operate within Sato. He went off the track less often, and he slowly began to run with the leaders, surprisingly on both the road courses and the ovals.

Most people will sadly remember his crash at the end of last year's Indy 500; the most prestigious race of all in IndyCar racing. However, that day Sato made a mistake that most drivers -- even the most talented -- will do one day during their career when the stakes are extremely high. I think on that occasion he made the right decision in trying to pass race leader Dario Franchitti in Corner 1.

For me, a new Sato has arrived: He now knows to control his feelings and to make the right calls. He now knows that it is better to settle down in certain sitatuations and to finish the race and score valuable points.

This is what differentiates great champions from other good drivers. Maybe that's what the legendary A.J. Foyt managed to pass on to his new driver from the Rising Sun.

Photo: LAT/IndyCar

From Formula1.com

Lotus Formula 1 driver, Kimi Raikkonen proved that driving is not his only talent on Thursday, when he tried his hand at spray painting as part of a Lotus team sponsor event in Barcelona.

In fact, Raikkonen's work was surprisingly impressive said the onlookers.

Photo: Coca-Cola

As part of the inaugural ‘burn yard live', the Finn helped to ‘re-livery' a Lotus race car under the guidance of world-renowned street artist, M-City. It was the first of a series of such workshops designed to bring together leading innovators from the worlds of youth art, music and sport.

“It looks cool,” proclaimed Raikkonen of his work.

“And it fits perfectly with the team's philosophy of being that extra bit creative. Would I like to race a car designed like this? To be honest, the livery or the colour is the least of my concerns. It has to be fast - that is all that matters.”

Photo: Coca-Cola

The location for Raikkonen's master class was the regenerated Astilleros shipyards on the shores of Barcelona's Mediterranean coast. But his artistic education will not stop there - future burn yard live events are planned for locations including Hungary, Korea and Brazil, with the former champion getting a lesson in a new field at each.