Stop-start technology has been a mainstay of hybrids and in Asia and Europe. Now it's going mainstream in Detroit. The 2013 Ford Fusion and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have stop-start systems.
Carmakers are giving Chinese dealers no relief in their effort to reduce a glut of unsold automobiles in a slowing economy, as factories pump passenger vehicles into showrooms faster than distributors can sell them.
Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, has been on the job only two years, but the German automaker's U.S. sales have made tremendous progress, climbing 23 percent last year to 443,840 vehicles. But there is more work to do.
Land Rover, including their more premium Range Rover line, is renowned for building exceptionally capable off-road vehicles, but just as important is their reputation for prestige, cachet and charming traditionalism.
That “old world” fundamentalism is undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts, and the renewal is daring, if not audacious.
Nothing reinforced this “new world” creationism for me more than a week spent behind the wheel of a 2012 Range Rover Evoque. How this masterpiece of automotive art came to life under the auspices of Land Rover is beyond my scope of rationalization.
2012 Range Rover Evoque (Photo: Rob Rothwell)
Perhaps my perceptions are skewed through ownership of a Series II Land Rover Discovery. And why not? I once asked a Land Rover mechanic about the clunking that emanates from somewhere within the drivetrain. “You have to worry when they don't clunk,” he wryly replied.
It's that gestation that predisposes me to the wonderment of the Evoque and the future of Land Rover. The Evoque started life as the LRX concept vehicle, which was intended to fill a gap that had been identified in the Range Rover lineup.
Identifying and filling a gap in a manufacturer's lineup is quite normal, especially after suitable research has defined an adequate market for the proposed vehicle. But here's the left turn.
Land Rover - the staid leather and wood upper-crust Brit - produced a design that would be ground-breaking for Porsche, Audi and other bold, voguish manufacturers. This incongruity is like the time my brother got an afro. Shocking!
Fortunately, Land Rover's uninhibited wild side has produced something far more appealing and sustainable than an afro on a white dude.
When the LRX concept vehicle hit auto-show floors worldwide, it became an instant sensation. To say that it blew audiences away is an understatement. The response was overwhelming but every journalist surely questioned just how faithful the production vehicle would be to the concept.
Marc-Antoine Camirand (BMW 330i) took away both Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) rounds held at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve during the F1 weekend.
Saturday, Camirand bested reigning American F2000 champion Rémy Audette (Acura RSX) off the line, and never looked behind afterwards.
Audette, who was making his series debut in his brother Mathieu's car, finished second, ahead of Sasha Anis (Hyundai Genesis).
Sunday, Camirand applied the same strategy at the start, but slowed down near the end because of alternator problems. Nevertheless, he went on to win.
"Sunday was a bit more difficult because," admitted the Grand Prix de Pau veteran. "Even though I took the lead at turn 1, four or five laps from the end I started having alternator problems. Because I lost my power-steering, I was pretty happy when the race ended."
Behind him, former champions were hit by some more serious bad luck. 2011 title holder Étienne Borgeat (Pontiac Solstice) ended the race on the grass and 2008 winner Andre Rapone (MINI Cooper), in the famous champions' wall, after his car rolled over on the curbing.
Audette and Anis repeated their podium-finish performances.
The McLaren driver drove beautifully, scoring his much-needed win on the day that he officially drove one more race for the team than his idol Ayrton Senna. The victory also put him back in the lead of the world championship after some great teamwork and strategy, and made history as he became the seventh winner in the first seven races of a season.
Photos: Philippe Champoux
Big names such as Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) were forced to gamble on strategy - and lost - while rising stars like Romain Grosjean of Lotus and Sergio Pérez (Sauber) shone once more.
Driving a Via4One Racing's BMW Z4, Yelmer Buurman and Michael Bartels took the GT1 world championship lead after they claimed their maiden win on the Slovakia Ring.
Frederic Makowiecki clinched pole position in his Hexis' McLaren MP4/12C, but the Frenchman was passed during the opening laps of the qualifying race by Toni Vilander in the Salaquadra's AF Corse Ferrari F458.
The Ferrari claimed its maiden win of 2012 ahead of Von Thurn und Taxis and Enge's Lamborghini Gallardo, and the BMW Z4 driven by Buurman and Bartels.
The AF Corse Ferrari maintained its lead during the opening laps of the championship race, but it was passed by Makowiecki and Dusseldorp's McLaren a bit later.
Finally, that was the BMW Z4 that emerged in first position after the mandatory pit stops to take victory and the championship lead.
Slovakia Ring - Qualifying race: 1 - Vilander/Salaquarda (Ferrari 458) - AF Corse - 25 laps in 1h01'26"548
2 - Von Thurn&Taxis/Enge (Lamborghini Gallardo) - Reiter - 4"568
3 - Buurman/Bartels (BMW Z4) - Vita4One - 16"106
4 - Basseng/Winkelhock (Mercedes SLS) - Munnich - 19"777
5 - Parisy/Halliday (Porsche 997) - Exim - 26"693
etc.
I was watching TV the other night, and this commercial comes on featuring the new 2013 Scion FR-S. It was an exciting array of camera shifts and engine-revving noises and words like “BOXER ENGINE” and “REAR-WHEEL DRIVE” in big, screen-filling all-caps.
Watching and hearing the new sports coupe from Toyota's sub-brand, ripping up a winding road, was making the car-nerd side of my brain salivate.
This looks like a seriously exciting car. The commercial was sexy, too - but the message at the end of it made me laugh.
It said “DRIVING IS BACK”.
LOL. Seriously, Toyota?
I guess I missed the press release, or something. In recent years, I thought DRIVING was very much alive and well. It's not like it went anywhere after Toyota ditched the sports car scene. People wanted sports cars, whether Toyota was building them or not. There were always options for DRIVING all along.
2013 Scion FR-S (Photo: Scion)
So, yeah, this new FR-S should be pretty hot - but it's not like the market didn't have options after Toyota gave all their enthusiast cars the axe to focus on the cardigan crowd.
Maybe “WE'RE REJOINING DRIVING” would have been a more accurate conclusion for the FR-S commercial.
Toyota used to build some pretty hot sports models back in the day. I own one of them - so I was just as upset as anyone when I watched one of my favorite performance carmakers become a go-to brand for folks after hybrids and Camrys.
Supra? Dead. AE86? Dead. Celica? Sayonara. MR2? Resurrected with questionable results, then killed off yet again. Oh, the pain. Now, throttle requests were filtered through the electronic fun police, side airbags were all the rage, and the coupes, hood scoops and turbochargers were gone. And there wasn't a rear differential in sight.
I'm sure the FR-S will be something of a rocket-propelled asphalt scalpel. Early reviews suggest perfect handling, a fantastic level of overall balance, and a true sports-car cockpit.
But really? DRIVING IS BACK?
I wondered if the people responsible for this FR-S commercial had ever driven a Honda S2000. Or a Volkswagen GTI. What about a MINI Cooper S? A Volvo C30 T5? A Mazda RX-8 or MX-5? Virtually anything with a BMW badge on the hood?
All of the above are great DRIVING cars. Many are even affordable. All have (or had) character, charisma and appeal. And all were around during that period where Toyota showroom floors were devoid of an exciting performance model.
What about the Hyundai Genesis Coupe? Hell, that car basically brought the rear-drive Japanese sports car back to market, and it's not even Japanese. Genesis might be from a brand with near-nil history in racing, but it filled the hole left in many enthusiasts' hearts left by machines like the RX-7, Supra and MR2. Mine included.
I'm excited for the FR-S. I can't wait to drive one and see what all the hype is about. I will, later this summer.
In the meantime, I have a message for Toyota: WELCOME BACK TO DRIVING. WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU.
The Jeep Wrangler definitely has become a cult vehicle. Mainly responsible for making the brand a household name, the Wrangler is gaining more and more followers with age. Sales of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler have skyrocketed in Canada this past year, partly because the SUV is becoming slightly more refined while retaining its rugged looks and stellar off-road capabilities.
Don't forget to wave at other Wrangler owners on the road, 'cause they'll wave at you. Consider it the cult's secret handshake. Just so you don't look like a novice, you shouldn't wave at Compass or Patriot drivers.
As before, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is available in two- or four-door configurations, the latter benefiting from a longer wheelbase, and a more comfortable on-road ride. In addition, Chrysler fitted its refined new 3.6L V6 under the clamped hood of the Wrangler, and it's even tuned to sound like it should in such a tough-guy SUV.
What's new for 2012
First and foremost, the engine. For duty in the Wrangler, it develops 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It's available with a 6-speed manual (a first for Pentastar V6) or optional 5-speed automatic transmission; our tester's got the manual, and besides being a little rough engaging reverse, it's easy to manipulate despite the long shift lever. For inching over rough terrain, the clutch allows very cautious throttle application without stalling.
With 40% more firepower, this Jeep is quicker and not as strained to merge into traffic. The on-road experience is better in the Sahara than in the Rubicon, which is the last Wrangler I tested a while back; if your off-road adventures are limited to dirt roads heading up to the cabin, the Sahara edition will do just fine.
With the engine swap comes improved fuel economy, although in the Unlimited model, it's only marginally better. Rated at 13.4 and 9.6L/100km city/highway, my average over the course of the week is 14.7L/100km. I didn't do much highway, and I'd probably have netted a better result with the automatic. Still, you can't expect miracles in an SUV this un-aerodynamic.
The other noticeable change this year is a colour-coordinated hardtop for the Rubicon model, a feature the Sahara exclusively featured in 2011.
An off-road champ
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler's Command-Trac I four-wheel drive system uses a simple yet effective setup. When you pull the lever from 2H to 4H, the transfer case splits torque 50:50 to front and rear axles. In 4WD mode, though, the Wrangler scrubs its front tires when you turn a tight diameter; you can't really leave it in 4H all the time.
No explanation necessary here to justify why the Wrangler is so good in the boonies. The transfer case low range, its excellent approach and departure angles, the high ground clearance as well as the front and rear axles assure that there's always wheels with traction that are touching the ground.
Our tester is equipped with the MOPAR Chrome Edition Group, which includes tubular side steps; I'd pass on this for two reasons: they could be bothersome during off-road excursions, and they're so high that they actually are in the way as you climb in and out. I don't care too much for the chromed grille either.
When you pull the lever from 2H to 4H, the transfer case splits torque 50:50 to front and rear axles. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)
Modern interior
You can still unpin the doors, lower the windshield and hose out the interior as before, but since last year, the Wrangler gets a much nicer cabin to spend time in. The new steering wheel is upscale and includes audio, trip computer and cruise controls. The climate control knobs are an improvement over the old ones. And the overall quality of the materials is on the rise as well.
The large front seats are firm yet supportive, while the rear bench includes a 60/40-split seatback for hauling more cargo. Unfortunately, in the back, the crumpled soft top prevents from inserting larger objects.
The new steering wheel is upscale and includes audio, trip computer and cruise controls. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)
Attractive base price
A base Wrangler Sport starts at $22,695; for that price, you get very few comfort and convenience features, but hardcore Jeep owners probably don't need stuff like that. Our nicely equipped Unlimited Sahara tester, with options such as a tow hitch, the aforementioned chrome trimmings and a navigation system, costs more than $37K.
Competitors include nemesis the Toyota FJ Cruiser ($33K to $41K), the Nissan Xterra ($34K to $38K) and a dozen other SUVs or crossovers that aren't nearly as capable off-road as the Wrangler.
It may offer limited practicality as a daily driver, but that isn't stopping it from exponentially increasing sales since 2011. It's more refined than ever, but doesn't betray its Jeep roots. The loyal Wrangler fan can rest assured that he or she isn't part of some dwindling cult that will leave them spiritually and financially stranded. As long as the new followers learn to wave while they're behind the wheel.
Those who have been craving for the brand's latest model will be happy to hear that as early as next month, the new 2013 Veloster Turbo will be available in Canada, starting at $25,999.
The only version available boasts a very impressive list standard equipment.
Photo: Hyundai
Exterior looks feature an hexagonal grill, chrome centre exhausts, 18-inch wheels and headlight LED accents. On the inside, two-tone leather bucket seats, supporting the Turbo logo, were fitted and the dash received some new lighting.
For $1,000 more, you can get your Veloster Turbo painted matte grey - a colour Hyundai is offering for the first time.
The standard transmission is a six-speed manual. For automatic takers, the optional six-speed auto gearbox is worth an extra $1,250.
Hyundai estimated fuel consumption figures for the Veloster Turbo at 7.5L/100km.
Formula Tour series' reigning and former champions Nathan Blok and Olivier Bonnet split wins at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
Blok and Bonnet were neck and neck practically the whole weekend.
Saturday, Blok had the edge, crossing the finishing line in first place, but barely; his two closest opponents - Bonnet and Garett Grist - right up his gearbox.
Sunday it was Bonnet's turn to grab the win - on the track.
The end results were somewhat different however; a penalty for passing under yellow to Blok rewarded Bonnet with the win Saturday, and because of another penalty - to Bonnet this time - for unsportsmanlike conduct, Blok ended up on top Sunday.
Other main protagonists of this thrilling race included Matthew Di Leo and Robert Boyer, respectively second and third on Sunday.
The Chrysler group has started taking orders for the new 2013 Dodget Dart, according to Automotive News.
The Caliber substitute will make his way into the dealerships near the end of July or the start of August. The very first Dart came off the production line on May 7th, in Belvidere, Illinois.
Photo: Chrysler
Chrysler confirmed the first Dart would appear in the showrooms near the end of June, but only as a display car. CEO Sergio Marchionne admitted a few issues during assembling of the Dart, "but no more than with any other model."
Dodge also put on on its website a "build your Dart" page Dodge.com, for consumers to create their own model.
Starting price for the 2013 Dart is $16,790, figures range up to $27,000 depending on the options picked.
No news as to when and for how much the Dart will be sold in Canada.
Ron Dennis has hinted the hold-up regarding a new contract for Lewis Hamilton is a disagreement about money.
The Montreal winner and new championship leader's existing long-term deal runs out this year, but so far the two sides have been coy about the likelihood of a new contract for 2013 and beyond.
McLaren, however, has hinted it definitely wants to keep the 2008 world champion, while 27-year-old Hamilton has hinted he wants to stay, triggering speculation the dispute is over the details of the new contract.
Will Lewis Hamilton stay with McLaren? (Photo: WRi2)
Dennis, McLaren's executive chairman who was in Montreal on Sunday, suggested to Sky Sports that money is indeed a factor.
"He's on the end of a contract which was signed at a time when the economy was somewhat different and now there has to be a balance," he said.
Asked if that means a pay-cut for Hamilton, Dennis answered: "He's very highly paid. He's certainly paid more than I am!"
Lewis Hamilton has been linked with moves to Red Bull and Mercedes, and Ron Dennis confirmed that McLaren also needs to look at its options on the driver market.
"You're obviously going to look at what's available; where can he go - he's going to look at that - (and) we're going to look at who's available," he said.
"At the end of the day, hopefully, the fact that he's been part of this team from the beginning of his career will pay a significant role in whatever decisions both sides make."
The Jeep Wrangler is considered by many as the ultimate off-road vehicle. This affordable yet capable SUV is synonymous with freedom, adventure, nature and open skies.
This year, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler gets a new engine. Chrysler's 3.6L V6, called the Pentastar, provides the iconic off-road with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler is more refined than ever, but has lost nothing of its unbeaten-path capability.
Former championship favourite Jenson Button is being swallowed up by F1's fascinating 2012 season.
The first winner this year, Briton Button's form has been sliding recently and it hit rock bottom in Canada, where he finished sixteenth whilst Lewis Hamilton won in the sister McLaren.
He admitted afterwards that he leaves Montreal "confused and very lost".
He has qualified tenth or lower throughout May and June, and has only half of championship leader Hamilton's points tally, and is just eighth in the title standings.
"There was nothing there," Button told reporters after Sunday's race. "It has been the same at the last couple of races. I don't know why that is."
Button, the 2011 championship runner-up, also admitted he is at a loss to explain how his celebrated skill of looking after his tyres is proving no benefit this season.
Compounding the mystery is that Hamilton, actually the more aggressive driver, is making the heavily-degrading Pirellis work for him.
"I haven't got a clue at the moment," Button said when asked what he and his engineers will do to rectify the situation between now and Valencia in two weeks.
"Driving around one and half seconds slower than the leaders, one of whom is my teammate ... I don't know why because I can't push the car any quicker. It is not the tyres. I cannot be the only person who can't drive the tyres. It's impossible. That felt like the limit of the car. I am leaving here confused and very lost," he said.
British driver Lewis Hamilton became on Sunday the seventh different race winner so far this year when he won the highly exciting Grand Prix of Canada in Montreal.
Lewis Hamilton and Romain Grosjean. (Photo: WRI2)
Hamilton, driving a McLaren-Mercedes ran a two-stop strategy and managed to pass Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) for second place and then race leader Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) to take victory.
Vettel and Alonso only stopped once for tires, and tried to reach the end of the race on worn rubber. But Hamilton was much quicker in his newer tires, and he passed them both using his DRS on the main straighaway.
Romain Grosjean, Lotus F1 Team (Photo: WRI2)
Romain Grosjean finished a brilliant second for Lotus, and Sergio Pérez, driving for Sauber, arrived home in third.
Vettel crossed the line in fourth place ahead of Alonso. Nico Rosberg took sixth place for Mercedes in front of Mark Webber (Red Bull), Kimi Räikkönen (Lotus), Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) and Alonso's teammate at Ferrari, Felipe Massa.
Grand Prix of Canada, Montreal, race*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 70 laps in 1h32m29.586
2 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 2"513
3 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 5"260
4 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 7"295
5 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 13"411
6 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 13"842
7 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 15"085
8 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 15"567
9 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 24"432
10 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 25"272
11 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 37"693
12 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 46"236
13 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 47"052
14 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'04"475
15 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1 lap
16 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1 lap
17 - Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1 lap
18 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1 lap
19 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1 lap
20 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 3 laps
Retirements
Narain Karthikeyan (HRT)
Pedro De La Rosa (HRT)
Michael Schumacher (Mercedes)
Timo Glock (Marussia)
*Unofficial results
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