Auto News 5

Daimler's investment vehicle has cut its shareholding in Tesla Motors after shifting 40 percent of its stake to an Abu Dhabi sovereign-wealth fund.

Renault plans to sell more than 50 percent of its vehicles outside Europe by next year, from the current 48 percent, chief operating officer Carlos Tavares said.

Opel dismissed as speculation a report that it will build Peugeot and Citroen midsized cars at its Ruesselsheim, Germany, factory.

Daimler's investment vehicle has cut its shareholding in Tesla Motors after shifting 40 percent of its stake to an Abu Dhabi sovereign-wealth fund.

Citroën Racing and World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb are preparing to take part in the exciting X Games Los Angeles 2012.

Photo: Citroën Racing

The eight-time champion will drive a Citroën DS3 ‘XL' sponsored by Red Bull and Total.

Photo: Citroën Racing

Loeb will be fighting for victory against the best drivers from the American Global Rallycross Championship, inlcuding his long-time rally rival Marcus Gronholm.

Photo: Citroën Racing

The DS3 ‘XL' has been specially prepared for the X Games.

Photo: Citroën Racing

Photo: Citroën Racing

Statement from President and CEO Tom Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb regarding the 2012 Pikes Peak event.

“We are cautiously optimistic concerning the running of the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 8 after an informative and thorough meeting this morning with Mayor Steve Bach and officials from the City of Colorado Springs. We are in consistent touch with these officials, and monitoring the constantly-developing situation related to the wildfires.”

“We are grateful for the support of the City and for the efforts of the agencies involved in protecting our community from the fire. Our constant thoughts are with the hundreds of men and women who are in the air and on the ground giving us their best, and with our residents and neighbors.”

“In the meantime, our systems for the staging of the race and the ancillary events connected to it are fully operative.”

From GMM

German prosecutors on Wednesday appeared likely to press ahead with a corruption case against Bernie Ecclestone.

Until now, the F1 chief executive has been implicated in the Gerhard Gribkowsky scandal but only as the subject of an investigation into the money he paid to the jailed banker.

Bernie Ecclestone, 81, has also appeared as a witness in the trial to give evidence protected by immunity, but on Wednesday it sounded likely he will be separately charged and pursued by the Munich prosecutors.

As prosecutor Christoph Rodler wrapped up Gribkowsky's trial on Wednesday, he described Ecclestone as an "accomplice".

He said the diminutive Briton's explanation of the $44 million payments to Gribkowsky was a "nebulous story", arguing Ecclestone was "not the victim of an extortion but the accomplice in an act of bribery".

According to the Financial Times, Rodler said Ecclestone had an "existential interest" in paying the money to Gribkowsky because his "life's work" was at risk.

Bernie Ecclestone has not yet been charged.


UPDATE:

Gerhard Gribkowsky was sentenced to eight and a half years in jail for crimes including bribery, for the $44 million received from Ecclestone.

The guilty verdict could have serious implications for F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

I was cruising on the highway and the late great Michael Jackson's hit The way you make me feel was blaring through the A6's Bose audio system. The sun was out on this Saturday morning. Everything seemed right with the world.


Behind the wheel of the 2012 Audi A6, my wife and I were headed to Costco. The pinnacle symbol of the land of plenty, this store robs us of many hundreds of dollars every month. And we like it. Finding a parking spot is always a challenge, but the wife and I have developed a nearly flawless system that always gets us choice locations near the front door. As I walked away from the car, I could not help but stare back at it.

Sheetmetal and leather
The current A6 is, excuse the visual, a middle finger to most other midsize luxury cars. Save for the very seductive 2012 BMW 5 Series, the A6 puts to shame most other competitors without even trying. Its subtle, sensual lines create no feelings of aggression or put forth any in-your-face aspects. It leaves others in awe with its “uber coolness without even trying.”

As LED lighting pioneers and with one of the most distinctive fascias in the car business, Audi cars exude confidence and it's that strong, powerful feeling that draws customers in droves to dealerships.

Its subtle, sensual lines create no feelings of aggression or put forth any in-your-face aspects. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Once out of Costco, the trunk filled with 25% of stuff we need and 75% of junk we don't, we slide aboard the A6, onto the welcoming seats and take a deep breath. The madness and frustration brought on by navigating hectares of bits and pieces at a Costco store on a weekend quickly dissipate.

As a driver or any of the four possible passengers, the 2012 Audi A6 surrounds each individual in materials that are typically as good as or better than what we find in our formal living rooms. The front occupants are especially well treated with plenty of room for all appendages. At the helm of the A6, I get to grasp a perfectly crafted steering wheel and am served by a centre stack that is slightly angled towards me.

I start up the car and in less than an instant; the navigation/user interface screen rises out of its hiding place, posts the rear-view camera's images and we pull out of our spot. The driving position leaves no doubt in my mind that this car, like most German automobiles, was designed for the open road. That's where we're headed.

With the Audi Drive Select system set to Auto (Comfort and Dynamic are the other options), we get back on the highway and in no time, have reached our 35,000-foot cruising altitude.

I start up the car and in less than an instant; the navigation/user interface screen rises out of its hiding place. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Powerfully velvety
The 2012 Audi A6's 3.0L TFSI V6 is as creamy as it powerful. The supercharged 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque are brilliant. Mated to a silky-smooth 8-speed autobox, the big sedan can reach 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

Throughout the test week, I was repeatedly reminded how well sorted the A6's powertrain was. The refined V6 and seamless transmission constantly brought me to above legal-limit speeds before I would become conscientious of it. This is why many of these cars are equipped with programmable speed warnings. The build quality, noise/vibration/harshness control and muffled mechanicals played tricks on me.

The supercharged 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque are brilliant. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

As I merge onto the freeway, no time passes before we are flowing with the surrounding traffic. The V6 is barely above tick-over at 100 km/h and is all but inaudible. Making plans for our Saturday afternoon is easy: we can practically whisper to each other and we have a fantastic set of wheels to take us wherever we want.

We opt for a drive in the countryside. After dropping off our stash at home, we head north. The 2012 Audi A6's multi-link suspension and speed-dependent electromechanical steering entice me to fling the car from one flowing apex to another. The A6's high-strength hybrid aluminum construction plays a huge role in making the car as nimble and tossable as it is. The wife is enjoying the ride and the tunes from satellite radio.

I pay little attention to where we were going as I know that, should I lose my bearings, Audi's navigation system will quickly and painlessly point us back in the right direction. We stop for a snack at a small diner in the centre of the middle of nowhere. I once again find myself admiring the car. Of the available colors, not one will fail to highlight its sculpted body. The impressive 20” 10-spoke wheels are spectacular.

Feeling good
Our brief getaway turned into a mini vacation from the norm. The entire experience was refreshing and when it came time to fuel up, I noted a 10L/100km fuel consumption. Not only had we had a blast enjoying the car on some great roads, but we had no reason to feel guilty about driving a large luxury sedan.

The 2012 Audi A6 has a starting price of $58,800. My Premium Plus (like the crackers) version wrung it at just under $70,000 with a number of options. Shortly, Audi will be offering the A6 with their excellent 2.0T engine. Pricing has not yet been announced, but expect it to hover around $50,000.

My Premium Plus version wrung it at just under $70,000 with a number of options. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Let's face it. We buy nice expensive things to feel good or better about ourselves and currently, it is difficult to outdo what an Audi can do for your mood.

Toyota announced that its 2013 Avalon sedan will offer the choice of a gasoline engine and the company's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, making it the first full hybrid in the premium midsize segment.

With a fresh new design, improved dynamic performance, high levels of refinement, and a roomier interior featuring a large number of advanced technologies, the 2013 Toyota Avalon looks ripe for success.

The standard model uses a 3.5L DOHC V6 that produces 268 horsepower and offers three driving modes - ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT. Meanwhile, the Avalon Hybrid gets a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a pair of electric motor/generators to deliver a net output of 200 horsepower. Once again, three driving modes are available - EV, ECO, and SPORT.

The EPA ratings stand at 25 mpg (9.4L/100km) for the V6 model and 40 mpg (5.9L/100km) for the hybrid variant.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon is scheduled to hit the market later this year. Stay tuned for Canadian pricing and specifications.

Photo: Toyota

Photo: Toyota

From GMM

Having left F1 in shame three years ago, Nelson Piquet Jr hopes his time has finally arrived.

As the son of a triple world champion, the Brazilian entered formula one with high hopes: managed by Flavio Briatore and at Renault's title-winning works team.

But he got caught up in Renault and Briatore's demise, right at the centre of the 'crashgate' affair.

Since 2010, Piquet has been rebuilding his name in the lower tiers of American Nascar racing.

Last weekend, he finally broke through with victory in the second-tier Nationwide category, ensuring the Brazilian's name is back in the headlines for the right reasons.

Photo: NASCAR

In the wake of his Road America win, reporters asked the now 26-year-old to reflect on his disastrous F1 career, and the idea of what might have been.

"What could have happened (in F1)?" Piquet said. "I don't know. Anything could have happened."

"It's just timing, being in the right place at the right time. There is a lot of drivers that are there right now that have won races and championships that I raced with before that I've won championships on before. But it's just being the right place at the right time and it didn't happen for me, but maybe it's happening now (in Nascar)," Piquet added.

From Brembo

The No. 50 Corvette of Larbre Competition took first place in the GTE Am category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans using Brembo RB 340 pads.

The brake pads on the Corvette driven by Patrice Bornhauser, Pedro Lamy and Julien Canal were not changed even once throughout the entire duration of the famous race, and the car maintained a gap of between 10 and 40 seconds over its nearest pursuer for almost 20 hours.

This is the first time that a GTE car equipped with Brembo pads has completed and won the Le Mans event: 329 laps covering 4,423 km, and not a single change of brake pads.

Photo: Brembo

The drivers were particularly appreciative of the RB 340, which delivered stable levels of performance throughout the race, especially during the colder night hours.

Significantly, Pedro Lamy, a former Formula 1 driver, set his best lap of 3m58.534 during the latter stages of the race, proving that even under the least advantageous conditions.

The Le Mans 2012 race was characterized by the domination of Brembo equipment, both in the general classification, with the two Audi R18 e-tron quattros and the Audi R18 Ultra; and in other categories too: victory in the GTE Pro class with the success of the Ferrari 458 raced by AF Corse, and second and third place in the LMP2 category.

From GMM

Written off beforehand as a 'boring' race, Valencia in fact hosted a frenzy of overtaking manoeuvres last Sunday.

Before the race, Jenson Button and Mark Webber wrote off their chances of climbing through the field on the basis that passing is always almost impossible between the Spanish street layout's concrete barriers.

But the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat has counted up the genuine passing moves in Sunday's race, and the tally is 58 -- second only to China in 2012.

Last year in Valencia, and with twice as many DRS overtaking zones, there were only 29 overtakes.

Start of the 2012 Grand Prix of Valencia. (Photo: WRi2)

Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton made the most passes on Sunday - 6 each - while Fernando Alonso, Vitaly Petrov and Michael Schumacher all successfully overtook 5 rivals.

"It was a crazy day," Australian Webber said after climbing up from 19th on the grid to fourth at the finish.

The 2012 record for overtaking is Shanghai's 72, followed by Valencia (58), Bahrain (43), Malaysia (40), Barcelona (38), Canada (35), Australia (30) and Monaco (9).

The founder of the Williams Formula 1 team, Frank Williams recently turned 70. His team recently endured some pretty tough times, but the 2012 season - marked by the return of Renault power - has proved altogether different.

Frank Williams created Williams Grand Prix Engineering and entered the first FW-badged car in 1975. Thimgs were very different back then, especially the amount of money needed to contest a full season.

“In the old days the price of running in F1 was probably one tenth or at most 15 percent of what it is now. It is very expensive to be in F1,” said Williams in an interview posted on Formula1.com.

“The manufacturers have taken over - correct? So if you wish to participate you have to find the money. A little bit of this and a little bit of that - money that is honest. You have to make a budget that gives you the chance to truly compete and not just participate. And it might happen that you take on a driver who brings along some money. There is no shame in that whatsoever,” he added.

Alan Jones drivinig the Williams FW06 in the streets of Long Beach. (Photo: LAT/Williams)

Williams also paid tribute to Adam Parr who has worked at rebuilding the team. “Adam Parr - to his credit - played a significant role in his all too short time with the team. I am very sad that he left as he is a terribly clever man who took on two or three key people, like Mike Coughlan for instance, and some key people in engineering, and that makes all the difference. We do see that,” Frank Williams said.

Williams does not agree that some sort of Resource Restriction Agreement (RRA) whould be reintroduced in F1.

“There are 12 teams and each operates in different circumstances. We have several manufacturer teams. One of them is Ferrari, who seem to have a great deal of money and who are in effect subsidized. But that is fine - they are Ferrari. They are the core of F1 and that is how it should be. That is fine with me,” he said.

“However, I am against any kind of interference. I don't want any third-party interference with one's business, to have people sneaking around wanting to check this and that. It's just like waiting for the taxman every day. Williams is not pleading for more restrictions. But I have said many times that we have to control driver costs,” Williams explained.

Frank Williams and his daughter Claire. (Photo: WRI2)

Frank Williams launched another another attack on Ferrari and its immense financial resources... “F1 is very expensive. To keep a team running is always a struggle - finding sponsors, finding funds - for almost every team except probably Ferrari, but they have Marlboro in something that is called subliminal advertising in marketing terms. And even if the FIA say you can't do it, they can't prove it. (smiles),” he declared.

But Frank Williams says he's a real racer in heart, and he's ready to fight for the good of his team.

“I love speed, I love noise, I love competition and if I wasn't still a fan I wouldn't be here,” he added.

From GMM

Red Bull has called for a clarification about how the DRS overtaking system can be used whilst yellow flags are being waved.

The stewards conducted a three-hour investigation after Mark Webber spotted Mercedes' Michael Schumacher using his 'DRS' inside a yellow flag zone at Valencia late last Sunday.

Ultimately, the officials let Schumacher keep his first podium for more than 2000 days, Charlie Whiting arguing that "the decisive element" is not whether the DRS flap is open but "whether the driver has slowed or not".

The FIA race director added that there is "no rule" specifically forbidding the use of DRS under yellows.

Michael Schumacher, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

But Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told Austrian Servus TV: "There was a meeting where it was said that DRS and KERS may not be used under yellow flags. For this reason we told Mark not to enable DRS and so I was surprised that Michael did."

Peter Sauber admitted: "From past experience we know that the FIA applies different standards from time to time."

The Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper wondered if the fact it was Schumacher's first podium of his comeback, and in the presence of his friend and FIA president Jean Todt, that influenced the stewards' ruling.

Mika Salo, one of the stewards at Valencia, said: "I am not allowed to talk about our decision."

Christian Horner said: "I think it is important for the teams that we clarify the situation for Silverstone."

''Being quick and agile are highly valued qualities in the compact luxury sport sedan segment,'' claims David Masch, chief engineer of the new 2013 Cadillac ATS.

That's why its lightweight construction combines with sleek aerodynamics and other efficient engineering techniques to deliver outstanding accelerations and fuel economy.

The ATS uses an aluminum hood and front suspension parts, magnesium engine mount brackets and natural-fibre door trim panels.

The laminated windshield and side windows are lighter and more effective at cancelling noise than standard tempered glass, making for a quieter cabin with almost double the amount of UV ray protection.

At the end of the day, the 3.6L V6-powered 2013 Cadillac ATS can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. With the base 2.5L four-cylinder engine, city and highway fuel ratings are estimated by GM at 10.7 and 7.4L/100km, respectively.

Canadian prices have yet to be disclosed. Look for the ATS in GM showrooms this summer.

Photo: Cadillac

Photo: Cadillac

From GMM

F1's bribery scandal could cost the sport the involvement of German carmaker Mercedes.

Mercedes, with its own Brackley based works team and also a major engine supplier, is watching the Gerhard Gribkowsky affair with particular attention, according to the business newspaper Handelsblatt.

The report said the affair, and particularly the implication of F1's chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, would have "serious consequences" with regards to Mercedes' involvement in the sport.

Senior Daimler officials are reportedly very concerned that, in the event the corruption is proved, Mercedes' continuing involvement would be disallowed due to the Stuttgart marque's strict anti-corruption statutes.

Namely, Daimler "does not tolerate the immoral or corrupt practices of its employees or its business partners", the statutes read.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

Laurenz Schmitt, a corporate lawyer for Linklaters in Munich, confirmed that "Ecclestone's bribery payments would fall under this company guideline".

Another legal expert agrees that "If Ecclestone is charged with bribery, Daimler would have to withdraw from F1".

A Mercedes spokesperson told Bild newspaper: "We welcome the evaluation of the recent allegations in formula one and now await the clarification of the authorities."

DPA news agency said closing arguments in the Gribkowsky trial are being given now.

Canadian Andrew Ranger will be back in the ARCA series this weekend to try to repeat his win of last year on the 2.25-mile Thunderbolt Raceway road course in New Jersey.

Last year, Ranger won one of the most memorable and exciting road races in ARCA history.

"It's something I've always been very proud of, winning in my first ARCA start," Ranger said. "I'm just so proud to be back with the same team and the same car. New Jersey's such a great track, a lot of fun."

Andrew Ranger driving in ARCA. (Photo: ARCA)

Last year, Ranger overcame a string of challenges to capture the top spot on the Victory Lane podium, including a blown engine late in the final practice and having to start the race from the back of the pack as a result.

The Roxton Pond, Quebec native made two additional starts in the ARCA Racing Series in 2011, finishing fifth at both Chicagoland Speedway and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds dirt mile.

ARCA Racing Series teams will practice twice Saturday at New Jersey Motorsports Park's Thunderbolt Raceway with Menards Pole Qualifying at 4:30 (ET). The 67-lap, 150-mile race will start at 1 p.m. Sunday.

I fondly recall the first time my father took me to a major car show. It was the 1967 British International Motor Show, which was then held at Earls Court in London. We spent hours wandering around eyeing up all the new products. In fact, I think I slid behind the wheel of just about every vehicle before finally being dragged off home, clutching my five carrier bags of goodies which had kindly been supplied by the car companies in attendance.

Oh yes, times were quite different back then! Seeing as I was only seven years of age at the time, the swimsuit-clad girls did very little for me personally. However, they probably played a huge part in staving off my father's grunts & groans as I tugged him from car to car so, for that, I must thank them.

Of course, the instant I arrived back home, I set about the task of covering my bedroom walls with all the posters I'd amassed during my visit. Those were the days when the car companies went all out to entice the youngsters, as opposed to now where kids are often banished from the stands for fear of sticky fingerprints on highly polished paintwork.

Yes, the old saying of “get ‘em while they're young” still rang true back then, and brand loyalty meant a young guy/girl was groomed at an early age to follow in their parents' footprints regarding vehicle choice. Today, it's more a case of looking for the credit card or the university entrance papers before you give them the time of day!

Much of this I blame on leasing. After all, the car companies have, for many years now, gone for instant gratification over long-term brand loyalty and I've always believed this to be a little short-sighted of them.

However, the auto show circuit has changed quite dramatically over the years, too. Much of this has the Internet to thank. After all, whereas you used to have to wait for the yearly show to come around to view the latest & greatest, they're now instantly available online the moment someone spies them.

Venues have also changed. In fact, these are now popping up all over the place and, in many ways, overshadowing the traditional auto shows. An example of this would be the hugely successful MotorExpo events which are staged in and around the world's financial districts.

MotorExpo (Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

What started out as a smart idea in the UK has now spread to North America, including here in Toronto. It's a clever idea when you think about it, as the people working in these areas often have bulging checkbooks but little time to shop around for a vehicle, so why not bring the products directly to them?

Then of course, we have the younger buyers who are, perhaps, even less likely to visit the more traditional shows. For these folks, we have the University & College events, like the one held annually at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. Known for its automotive programs, the college puts on its own auto show in collaboration with the manufacturers. It's always a well-attended event, and is perhaps the perfect example of the changing ways in which car companies are attempting to get their message across.

Of course, being a professional automotive journalist, I still attend the traditional events which, on media days, allow us access to all sorts of promotional material. Yes, I still leave the halls clutching carrier bags full of goodies!

Naturally, I no longer plaster this bounty all over my bedroom wall (Her indoors rather objects to that sort of behaviour), but one day you really should take a peek at how I'm decorating my basement!

Come on now, you didn't think I got into this game for the money, did you? The truth is, Jeremy Clarkson is the only one of us who makes any real cash from mouthing off about cars!

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull should tread carefully in accusing the FIA of a conspiracy to enliven last weekend's Valencia race.

That is the view of Hans-Joachim Stuck, the president of the German motor sport association DMSB.

After Vettel retired at Valencia from a commanding lead, the reigning world champion and his team's Dr Helmut Marko suggested the FIA called the safety car period chiefly to close up the field.

"Vettel was too far ahead and so the field was brought back together," said Marko, doubting the safety car was needed to clear the track of debris.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: Pirelli)

Stuck however warned "Herr Vettel" to think in future before making accusations that could be interpreted as "unsportsmanlike conduct" -- behaviour that could draw the ire of the governing FIA.

"Sebastian Vettel should learn to be a good loser," he told Germany's Yahoo Eurosport. "It was clear there was debris on the circuit, representing a danger of puncture to the other cars. For that reason, the safety car was justified."

Hans-Joachim Stuck also scotched Vettel's claim that the safety car period caused his Red Bull to fail.

"I don't think driving slowly behind a pace car can be the cause of a failure, otherwise all the other cars would fail also. If the Red Bull car overheats because of the safety car then it is designed wrong," the former F1 driver insists.

With over 500,000 applications available through the App Store, iPhone users can spend endless hours finding what they're looking for. Don't worry, we're here to help! Whether you want to make your road trips more enjoyable or your daily commutes less stressful, these five car apps will definitely come in handy:

Honk ($0.99)
Parking tickets are a thing of the past with Honk, which helps you keep an eye on your parking meter. In addition to a programmable alarm (2, 5 or 10 minutes remaining), Honk can refresh your memory if you forgot where you left your car. This precious app will ensure that your future downtown stints don't leave a sour taste in your month.

Photo: Honk

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