Auto News 5

The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, is thinking about making changes to the current qualifying format to spice things up during the final, third round, known as Q3.

Today, several drivers elect to sit out of Q3 to save a set of fresh tires for the start of the race. This turns Q3 into a rather quiet session, with very few cars battling out on the race track, fighting to set the best lap time.

British motorsport publication, Autosport writes Thursday that members of the FIA will meet with the team principals of the F1 teams February 21 during the four-day winter test session in Bahrain.

A variety of options are going to be discussed at the meeting, such as this one that would force the ten fastest drivers to start the race on the tires they ran on during Q2 instead of Q3.

Another plan would allow drivers to use an extra set of fresh tires for Q3. These tires would not be used during the race, and would need to be returned to Pirelli once qualifying is over.

A final idea would be to make Q3 a little longer. It is currently just 10 minutes long. It is said that drivers would make two qualifying attempts if they had more time.

From press release

Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Andretti Sports Marketing Thursday announced the details of its 2014 rallycross program at the Chicago Auto Show.

Volkswagen will partner with Andretti Autosport to form the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team, running two cars in the series for drivers Tanner Foust and Scott Speed.

The team will initially compete this season with modified Polo rally cars, built on the chassis that won the 2013 World Rally Championship for drivers and manufacturers, and will switch during the season to the fearsome GRC Beetle.

This all-wheel-drive rallycross car is the ultimate expression of the third-generation Beetle and will feature some 540 horsepower from its turbocharged and direct-injection EA888 TSI engine.

Andretti Autosport's VW Beetle (Photo: VW)

Rallycross is the fastest growing form of motorsports in the U.S., attracting big crowds at venues across the country as well as live TV coverage. Cars are pitted against each other and the clock in a series of heats on a closed course that's usually a mixture of dirt and pavement, with a 70-foot jump.

Tanner Foust, GRC champion in 2011 and 2012 and runner-up in 2013 will drive the Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle.

Scott Speed will be racing the 7UP entry for the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team.

The Global Rallycross series opens in May. The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team will attend with a pair of Polo cars driven by Foust and Speed. The definitive GRC Beetle will appear at the X Games in June in Austin, TX.

Las Vegas, NV -- Volvo: The not-so-hip brand, perhaps? Maybe, however, the winds of coolness are a changin'. Sure, I'm biased as if it were up to me, everyone would drive station wagons and, as an alternative, Mazda MX-5s on weekends for track purposes, of course.

Don't think station wagons are cool or can be good looking? Scroll through the gallery of pictures I took in the Nevadan desert and tell me I'm out to lunch. The best part about this book that can be judged by its cover is that the pages beneath its outer shell are just as appealing.

The 2015 Volvo V60 is a delightful rarity in North America where styling, luxury, class, and performance come together in a package that is equally utilitarian. Depending on how the car is spec'd out, you may not need a Miata for weekend fun. The wagon may suffice.


What is a Volvo V60?
The 2015 Volvo V60 marks the return of a mass-appeal station wagon for the Swedish brand. My beloved XC70, more of a niche product, was Volvo's last remaining wagon with the demise of the V70 after 2008.

The V60 has been available for a few years is Europe, and is only now making its way to our shores as part of Volvo's quest to reconquer its current largest market in the world.

The sport wagon (as they refer to it, with reason) will be a pivotal point in the rebirth of Volvo. Its draw as an alternative to the German brands, for less money, may do wonders for the Swedes.

2015 Volvo V60 Price and Specs
The all-new 2015 Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E FWD sports a base price of $39,800. This car, which will be available as of this summer, features the first of the new line of engines. The T5 will be a 2.0L turbocharged 4-pot good for 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque (280 lbs in overboost). It will include an equally new 8-speed automatic transmission. In time, a 302-horsepower 2.0L 4-cyl mill will be part of the next T6.

No word yet on the exact amount the addition of AWD will bring to this MSRP, however, expect it to hover in the $2,000 range. AWD will be offered later on when the new platform on which all 60, 70, 80, ad 90 Volvos will be built, arrives. The XC90 will be first, and will break cover later on this year.

As of right now, a current T5 AWD (meaning a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.5L 5-cylinder) can be ordered for $41,800. Moving up to a T6 AWD with the turbo 300-horsepower 3.0L inline-6 takes $46,050. For those looking for a little more juice -- including 325 horsepower -- they can opt for the R-Design for $50,950. All utilize a 6-speed autobox.

The 2015 Volvo V60 marks the return of a mass-appeal station wagon for the Swedish brand. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the 2015 Volvo V60 T5
When something looks this fab, it's difficult not to expect it to perform at least as well. Good news, it does.

The best news comes from the Drive-E T5 engine. It is as refined, smooth, and powerful as any other high-end make's smaller engines. Throttle application is met with instantaneous response. Power delivery is linear and more impressive to watch take place on the speedo than experienceed by the seat of your pants. This is finesse.

The autobox glides from one gear to another without hesitation and to make things more interesting, the shifter can be positioned in “S” for sharper engine and gearbox mapping. To be honest, the transmission lends itself well to spirited driving, however, is not as quick to kick through cogs as would be a double-clutch job.

The 2015 Volvo V60's ride is superb, well balanced with a penchant for sport rather than comfort. Thank you, Volvo. With the Sport Chassis option, suspension setting changes are possible from comfort to sport. Steering is electric and adjustable. Weight and precision are quite good and on equal footing with the competition.

Overall, this car is as entertaining to drive as it is to stare at. What's more, fuel consumption numbers should impress. It is probable that in reasonable driving an average hovering below 7L/100km is attainable.

When something looks this fab, it's difficult not to expect it to perform at least as well. Good news, it does. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the 2015 Volvo V60 T5
I'm likely to never stop praising the new V60's styling. From any and all angles, this sport wagon takes dynamic and elegant and makes “dynalegant” with them. The rear quarters are reminiscent of the defunct C30, but that's a serious complement. It's gorgeous, I tell you!

My tester's colour, Power Blue, adds emphasis to every crease and fold and, as per the usual, the larger the wheels, the greater my smile. I know that tires are expensive, but go ahead and tell me these 19 inchers are not hot.

The cabin is familiar Volvo territory, lifted directly from its non-hatch twin, the S60. For the 2014 model year, all Volvos got a new instrument cluster and a few other interior upgrades including a 7” sensus HMI screen.

Fit and finish are on par with what one would expect from a luxury brand. Ergonomics are typical Scandinavian-fare, so unusual yet original. Then we have the seats: Supportive and comfortable, they are some of the best in the business. Let's not forget the trunk: It offers up 430 litres of space, perfect for the average family trip to Costco.

The cabin is familiar Volvo territory, lifted directly from its non-hatch twin, the S60. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the 2015 Volvo V60 T5
The 2015 Volvo V60 mixes it up with a number of players. Off the cuff, the likes of the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi Allroad pop up as competitors. On a lesser scale, the Honda Crosstour and Subaru Outback lurk.

A number of well-equipped regular CUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan also compete. On a higher pay scale, the Audi Q5 and Infiniti QX50 come to mind.

From press release

Racing in the second round of the Florida Winter Series was very close all the way to the end yesterday at the Palm Beach International Raceway, with six drivers featuring on the podium over the two races.

Victory in Race 2 of the meeting went to Toronto, Canada's Nicholas Latifi, who beat Italy's Raffaele Marciello and Montrealer Lance Stroll.

Podium of Race 2 (left to right) Stroll, Latifi and Marciello. (Photo: Ferrari)

Race 3 was brought forward by the organisers, as the weather looked threatening and it was won by the Dutchman Max Verstappen, from England's Edward Jones and another Dutch driver Dennis van de Laar.

“This weekend confirmed our expectations from the Sebring weekend,” commented Luca Baldisserri, the head of the Maranello Ferrari Driver Academy.

“This track is less complex and demanding than Sebring and it closed the performance gap between the drivers, which made for very exciting and closely contested action in the two qualifying sessions and three races.”

Now there's just one day's rest in this short championship. Starting tomorrow, competitors will begin a four-day workshop, in preparation for the third meeting of the series at Homestead which starts February 12.

I've recently tested Meguiar's DA (Dual-Action) Power System, which is mainly aimed at do-it-yourselfers. It attaches to a regular drill, and comes with a comfortable handle for effective, precise polishing.

The foam pad allows you to easily apply wax or a light compound to refresh specific areas of your car's body. The DA Power System is designed to produce even better results than manual application by spinning and moving up and down at the same time -- hence why it's called ''dual-action.'' This feature gives it a definitive edge over other, smaller polishers.

The aforementioned handle helps you control the polisher and keep it exactly where you want to work. Plus, it's cushioned so there won't be any damage to your finish if you accidentally make contact.

Since it attaches to a drill (cordless or not), you don't have to purchase an extra tool that you would later store for several months. However, if your drill is easy, manipulating the Meguiar DA Power System will quickly prove tiresome, even with the convenient handle.

Once you're done, the device is easy to clean using tepid water and soft soap. The foam pad also regains all its flexibility.

Meguiar's DA Power System

Officials of the NASCAR Canadian Tire stock car series have released the 2014 schedule which will start on Victoria Day weekend as part of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park's popular Speedfest weekend and culminate at its traditional Kawartha Speedway date in September.

The schedule announcement is highlighted by the return of the late summer companion date with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at CTMP, as well as the additions of a pair of short tracks.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series has added an early June trip to Quebec to take on the quarter-mile track at Autodrome Chaudiére and a mid-July visit to another short track at Alberta's Edmonton International Raceway.

Fans have access to the starting grids. (Photo: Matthew Manor/NASCAR)

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park - The Canadian Tire Series' eighth season kicks off at the Victoria Day SpeedFest on May 18 and joins the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on an Aug. 31 return to the legendary Ontario road course.

Autodrome Chaudiere - The series makes it inaugural visit to the high-banked asphalt oval situated just south of Quebec City on June 14 in the first of four Quebec dates this year. The track opened in 1992 as a dirt track and was paved in 2005.

Circuit ICAR - A July 6 date at the challenging 2.113-mile road course in Mirabel, Que., is in store as the series make its fourth appearance at the airport circuit. The tight turns and concrete surface provides plenty of excitement for the drivers and fans.

Edmonton International Raceway - The annual Western Canadian swing gets underway with the inaugural visit on July 11 to the Alberta quarter-mile that has been a long-standing member of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

Auto Clearing Speedway - The western swing concludes on July 16 at the racy .333-mile Saskatchewan oval. Capacity crowds have been on hand in each of the series' five visits to the track.

Autodrome St. Eustache - After a successful return in 2013 to the .4-mile flat oval located just minutes from Montreal, a July 26 date is on the books in front of the passionate Quebec fans.

Circuit de Trois-Rivieres - The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres is one of the highlights of every Canadian Tire Series season. This year a longer 200-kilometer race is scheduled for Aug. 10.

Riverside International Speedway - Series competitors always circle the annual visit - slated for Aug. 16 - to the Canadian Maritimes to battle on the high-banked oval located in Antigonish, N.S.

Barrie Speedway - The .333-mile tri-oval never fails to provide excitement. This season's trip to the cozy Ontario oval is scheduled for Sept. 6.

Kawartha Speedway - The traditional crowning of the new NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champion at the .375-mile track in Ontario is on tap for Sept. 20.

2014 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES SCHEDULE*

Date	Track (Length)	Location
Sun., May 18	Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile road course)	Bowmanville, Ont.
Sat., June 14	Autodrome Chaudiere (.25-mile)	Vallee-Jonction, Que.
Sun., July 6	Circuit ICAR (2.113-mile road course)	Mirabel, Que.
Fri., July 11	Edmonton International Raceway (.25-mile)	Wetaskiwin, Alta.
Wed., July 16	Auto Clearing Motor Speedway (.333-mile)	Saskatoon, Sask.
Sat., July 26	Autodrome St. Eustache (.4-mile)	St. Eustache, Que.
Sun., Aug. 10	Circuit de Trois-Rivieres (1.53-mile road course)	Trois-Rivieres, Que.
Sat., Aug, 16	Riverside International Speedway (.333-mile)	Antigonish, N.S.
Sun., Aug. 31	Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile road course)	Bowmanville, Ont.
Sat., Sept 6	Barrie Speedway (.333-mile)	Barrie, Ont.
Sat., Sept. 20	Kawartha Speedway (.375-mile)	Peterborough, Ont.

Subject to change*

Kia will present the all-new 2015 Soul EV at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show along with the Niro concept and a more advanced version of the Optima Hybrid.

The Kia Niro concept will appear in Chicago after debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show back in September. This 2+2 compact SUV could directly and seriously rival the Nissan JUKE. Riding on 20'' wheels, it uses a 1.6L turbo engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to generate 160 horsepower. The rear wheels are driven by a 45-horsepower electric motor.

Photo: Kia

Meanwhile, the 2015 Kia Soul EV, which is set to go on sale in the U.S. and Canada during the third quarter of this year, can be fully charged in five hours via a 240V outlet or as little as 33 minutes when using 480V power. Range is estimated at 80-100 miles (128-160 kilometres). What's more, 12% of kinetic energy will be converted into electricity and stored in the battery by the regenerative braking system.

Photo: Kia

Source: thedetroitbureau.com

Reports indicate that counterfeit plastic has been used for a gas pedal supplied to Aston Martin. The part could break, increasing the risk of a crash.

As a result, all of Aston Martin's left-hand-drive models built since November 2007 and all right-hand-drive models built since May 2012 -- roughly 75% of all vehicles built in that period -- are now being recalled. The list doesn't include the Vanquish, however.

No word yet on the exact number of Aston Martin units affected in Canada.

Source : autonews.com

From GMM

FIA president Jean Todt remains an almost ever-present figure in Grenoble.

It is there, almost 600 kilometres from Todt's Paris office, that the great Michael Schumacher - one of the former Ferrari boss' closest friends - lies grievously injured after a late December skiing fall.

Ever since Schumacher's coma began just after Christmas, the diminutive 67-year-old Todt has fought through the crowds of reporters in order to be with the German.

He is one of very few Schumacher friends that has been welcomed to Grenoble by the sorrowful family.

Indeed, the mutual admiration is obvious on the wall of Todt's office, where only one photo is present -- featuring his wife Michelle Yeoh, his son Nicolas, and seven time world champion Schumacher.

Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt, Ferrari, in 2004. (Photo: WRi2)

Now more than a week ago, doctors began to try to wake the 45-year-old from his long coma.

"Michael and his family are very close friends of mine," Todt told the German newspaper Die Welt.

"He is an important part of my life. And now he is seriously injured."

Frenchman Todt said he has tried to give the Schumacher family "every conceivable type of assistance" during these most trying of weeks.

"Often that is just to be there for them," he explained.

Regularly, Todt has made the almost 600 kilometre journey to Grenoble, just to be with his unconscious friend and his family.

"I think he would do it for me, if I had an accident like that," he said. "I am sure Michael would be here for me."

BMW today revealed the completely redesigned X3 crossover ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Photo: BMW

The new BMW X3 features revised front and rear fascias, new twin circular headlights, new body colours and alloy wheels, as well as mirror-integrated turn signals.

At the time of launch, the X3 will offer a choice of four diesel engines and three gasoline engines, with output ranging from 150 to 313 horsepower. Obviously, selection will be limited in North America, as was the case in previous years.

Photo: BMW

BMW ConnectedDrive has been enhanced with functionalities such as head-up display, active cruise control with stop & go function, an iDrive controller with integrated touchpad, a parking assistant, and intelligent emergency call.

Pricing details and release dates will be announced later.

Photo: BMW

From GMM

Jenson Button thinks GP2, F1's second-tier support series, will run the premier category close for pace in 2014.

As the sport's all-new energy-recovery and V6 turbo-powered era kicked off at Jerez last week, drivers were impressed with the torque but concerned that the big reduction in downforce had slowed the cars too much in the corners.

The initial laptime gap compared to the same Jerez test last winter was a disastrous 10 seconds, but McLaren rookie Kevin Magnussen ultimately got the gap down to under 6 seconds.

Nonetheless, GP2 - with unchanged technical specifications - will come close in 2014.

"They will be a lot closer on certain circuits," 2009 world champion Button agreed.

"We'll be quicker, but not that much quicker."

Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-29. (Photo: WRi2)

However, the McLaren driver thinks that with F1 set to embark on a steep and speedy development curve with the clean-sheet regulations, the Jerez cars will be substantially faster by the time the season begins in Australia.

"And three races in there will be another chunk in terms of laptime," said Button.

"By the end of the year we might not be that far off (2013 pace), maybe a couple of seconds, which will be pretty good when we get a real handle on where we are."

Some of the extra laptime, Button explained, is due to Pirelli's new, harder and more durable tyres.

"We think they are half a second slower," he said.

"The cars are also heavier, about one to 1.2 seconds through weight, so that's 1.6, 1.8 seconds already from those two changes."

Mitsubishi Motors North America named a new CEO to head the automaker's operations as it plots a comeback in the U.S. market.

Nissan North America said today it has switched managers for marketing the company's multibillion dollar initiative to sell electric vehicles.

The average fuel economy of new trucks, cars, SUVs and vans sold in January in the United States rose 0.1 mpg from December, to 24.9 mpg, according to a monthly report from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

News 5 Feb, 2014

Aston Martin recalls three-quarters of the cars built since 2008 due to fake plastic in the pedal assembly

DMAX, a diesel engine joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu, will spend US$60m to make design changes that meet future emissions requirements, retaining around 500 jobs, the US partner said in a statement.

Mercedes-Benz car sales in January rose 15.4% to 109,477 vehicles worldwide.

Ford will halt production at its Romanian B-Max factory for four days in February because of low demand, officials were quoted as saying on Wednesday.

News 6 Feb, 2014

Best pictures yet of the MG CS 4x4 spied testing in Scandinavia, likely to debut at the Beijing Motor Show

Pictures See all 6 pictures 5 Feb, 2014