Auto News 5

Full-size pickup trucks like the Ram 1500 always sell extremely well in North America. Even though some smaller alternatives have been or are being phased out, like the Ford Ranger and Ram Dakota, Volkswagen believes there's still a number of consumers interested in such vehicles.

Autoblog just learned that the German manufacturer is seriously planning to bring its Amarok pickup to the Canadian market. "We are very interested, but are proceeding very slowly and very cautiously," said Thomas Tetzlaff, Media Relations Manager at Volkswagen of Canada.

Photo: Volkswagen

VW dealers across the country have lately been gauging customer interest. Apparently, the feedback is very positive, enough to consider selling the Amarok in Canada. However, crossing the US border is not in the cards, at least not with the current version.

Tetzlaff would not confirm which cab styles and powertrain options are under consideration, but he claims the Amarok ''would certainly give Canadian buyers a real alternative in the light pickup market." Reading between the lines, we should probably expect a TDI model.

The Volkswagen Amarok is currently sold in South America, Europe, Russia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. No words yet on a potential arrival date in Canada.


_{Source: Autoblog}

New Pescarolo's LMP1 prototype, based on the Aston Martin AMR-One, hit the track for the first time at Magny-Cours.

Emmmanuel Collard and Jean-Christophe Boullion were at the wheel of the new race car for this first test session, after a quick shakedown at the Chateauroux airfield earlier this week.

Photo: ACO

The Pescarolo 03 will take part in the test day before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Collard and Boullion will be joined by former Aston Martin driver Stuart Hall, who will replace Julien Jousse at Le Mans. Howver, the, Frenchman will be back with the team after the 24-hour race.

The construction of the Pescarolo 03 had been delayed due to financial problems, which forced Henri Pescarolo's team to withdraw from the Six Hours of Spa in May, Round 2 of the World Endurance Championship.

After the intended alliance with team Luxury Racing failed, sports car collector Roald Goethe finally decided to support the project financially.

The introduction of the new 2013 ES 350 and all-new ES 300h marks the sixth generation of Lexus' popular luxury sedan since its introduction over 20 years ago. Featuring the signature Lexus spindle grille, a progressive new design and enhanced handling, the ES brings new levels of refinement and quality to the entry luxury segment. Now available with Lexus Hybrid Drive, the ES is sure to impress new and loyal consumers.

“Since its introduction to Canada in 1990, the ES has been a core model for the Lexus brand and has been a top selling Lexus passenger car in the last five years,” said Larry Hutchinson, Senior Executive Director of Lexus in Canada. “The new ES inherits the ES DNA for comfort and elegance and builds its success with a revitalized smart design and class-leading efficiency that reflect Lexus' new chapter of progressive luxury.

Photo: Toyota

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
For the first time, the Lexus ES will be available with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, the ES 300h is expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy. The ES 300h generates 200 total system horsepower.

The new, low friction engine utilizes a sophisticated power management system and high compression ratio (12.5:1) to increase overall efficiency. Equipped with an electric water pump, and electric power steering, and an integrated hybrid electric motor/generator, this engine does not require any accessory belts. The beltless design helps improve fuel economy, and overall reliability.

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine with Dual VVT-i that delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700. The six-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides enhanced driving performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. Low friction materials further improve efficiency.

Both the ES 350 and ES 300h feature a Drive Mode selector. Normal mode provides a blend of performance and efficiency that is suited to everyday driving, while Eco mode favors fuel economy. Sport mode increases powertrain and steering responsiveness, and for the ES 300h, the IP changes from the hybrid power monitor to a tachometer. The ES 300h adds an EV mode which allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
Suspension changes, a stiffer body and a quicker steering gear ratio deliver more precise handling in the new 2013 Lexus ES.

The front suspension employs opposite-wound coil springs to help enhance straight-line stability. Revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort. The steering gear ratio has been reduced from 16.1:1 to 14.8:1 to help deliver a more responsive and direct steering feel. Increased body rigidity is achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and more spot welds. Airflow is smoothed beneath the vehicle, improving stability and fuel economy, and reducing drag.

The ES will be equipped with standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. The ES 350 will offer optional 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels while the ES 300h will offer a 17” high-gloss alloy wheel.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed to help reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as is semi-aniline leather for a more refined look and feel. Interiors are available in Black, Light Gray, and Parchment. Trim colors and materials include Piano Black, Espresso Bird's-eye Maple.

The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice command, an integrated backup camera and an eight-inch screen.

The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight-speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), in-dash CD player, USB/iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® and an integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver with a 90-day trial subscription. The available Display Audio and backup camera package adds a seven-inch screen, HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, and a vehicle information display.

An available 15-speaker 835 watt Mark Levinson® audio system features an eight-inch display screen, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, DVD audio/video and a Sirius XM Satellite Radio receiver. Exclusive GreenEdge technology from Mark Levinson doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing energy consumption by fifty percent.

Exterior Design
The new ES features a lower profile, and clean styling lines from front to rear. All four corners are pulled tightly inward to the wheel arches, creating distinctive proportions.

The wheelbase of the new ES has been lengthened by 45.7 mm, while the overall length of the vehicle has grown by one inch, resulting in shorter overhangs and a more spacious interior.

The new ES bears the new face of Lexus with its distinctive, spindle grille. The “L” design motif is reflected in the LED daytime running lights and combination rear lamps. Fog lamps are integrated into the sculpted lower front bumper fascia. The ES 350 sports dual exhaust pipes, while the ES 300h features an exclusive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated rear spoiler. Other details specific to the hybrid include unique blue badging and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Design
The ES features enhanced sightlines and visibility, logically placed controls, and new cabin materials that express a high level of craftsmanship. The modern interior has been designed to provide a sense of openness and security.

Greater rear seat legroom and knee room are the hallmark of the redesigned, more spacious passenger cabin. Rear headroom is increased by 18 mm, knee room is increased by 71.1 mm and legroom is lengthened by 104 mm. Additional foot room below the front seats enhances rear passenger comfort.

A newly sculptured 10-way adjustable power seat is standard on all ES models. An available 12-way power seat allows the seat cushion to extend by 35.6 mm for better leg support. Seat height adjustment extends capabilities the downward range by an additional 15.2 mm. In addition, the steering wheel angle has been reduced from 24 degrees to 22 degrees for a more natural control position.

The cockpit features separate display and operation zones to help keep the driver's eyes on the road. The instrument panel, with its long, layered look, places the main information display directly in the driver's line of sight, supplemented by a center-mounted 3.5-inch color TFT multi-information display screen or available navigation and multimedia system. Below the center display is a self-illuminating LED analog clock.

The second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller located on the center console. RTI also reduces eye and hand movement, helping to decrease effort and distraction.


_{As reported by Toyota Canada}

Adapted from GMM

The 2012 field is so even because the rules are so restrictive, according to Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard admitted to worrying about the "credibility" of the sport, in light of the common view that the tyres supplied by Pirelli this year are making winning and losing grands prix akin to a "lottery".

But Ferrari driver Alonso has another theory.

Photo: Ferrari

Asked by the Spanish news agency EFE why he thinks the championship is so closely contested, he said it is "partly because of the restrictions that occur each year in the rules".

"When someone discovers a double diffuser, the following year it is banned. When someone does the 'F-duct', the next year's it's banned. Last year there were the exhausts blowing into the diffuser, and this year they are gone," said Alonso at an event in Madrid.

"Every year there are more and more limits on creativity and the potential development of a car. We are seeing more and more similar cars, all the time (F1) becoming closer to GP2."

The 30-year-old insisted, however, that the cream always finds a way of rising to the top.

"Despite it being an incredibly tight championship, the first (placed) constructor is Red Bull, and then McLaren and Ferrari. And the first six or seven in the drivers' championship are the same names from last year," added Alonso.

Auto Motor und Sport journalist Michael Schmidt said: "With Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel or Lewis Hamilton in the cockpit, Williams or Sauber would probably be leading the championship."

Red Bull's Marko responded: "They have good cars, but no one knows why. They are not as highly bred as a Red Bull and McLaren, but apparently easy to drive and understand. In the present situation, anything is possible."

The Tennessee factory has something to be proud of today.

Their 100,000th Passat has just come off the production line - just ninth month after the model was put in sale in the United States.

The keys of the 100,000th Passet were handed over by Frank Fischer, CEO of Volkswagen Chattanooga, to Joanne Benante - the proud new owner - who came all the way down from Atlanta to pick up her new ride.

Photo: Volkswagen

The car has reached the platinum level of LEED rating system, aimed at reducing waste production and encouraging recycling.

Mrs. Benante's Passat SEL Premium is night blue metallic and has a Moonrock leather interior. It also has a 2.0L TDI engine coupled to a double-clutch six-speed automatic gearbox.

The very first unit came out of the Chattanooga Volkswagen factory on April 18th, 2011. On september 8th, the same people celebrated the 10,000 car marker, and on February 7th of this year, they reached the 50,000 cars.

More and more car drivers rely on a portable navigation system instead of keeping their door pockets full of road maps. However, few people know about the potential hazards of leaving the device in their car. And we're not just talking about thefts, here; this thing could explode!

With summer comes hot weather, and entering a car that's been left under the sun for hours often feels like stepping into an oven. Your abandoned GPS - or any other electronic device, for that matter - certainly doesn't like it, either.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

It's Physics 101: The dangerous sun rays that hit the windshield and windows cause a greenhouse effect that overheats the interior all the way to the batteries, which can eventually catch fire and explode. Just imagine the damage.

The frigid temperatures of winter can be equally harmful to your navigation system, by the way. It's no wonder that manufacturers include warnings in their owner's manuals.

So, if you don't want to lose your GPS to a thief or the sun, keep it out of the car when left unused. Why take a risk, no matter how small it is?

Have a great summer!

German driver Timo Bernhard from the Audi team will not take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year.

In close coordination with the physicians and with Audi Sport the Audi factory driver attaches major importance to making a complete recovery after his accident.

Following the testing accident in March in which he was not at fault Timo Bernhard started a rehabilitation program with his personal trainer and received comprehensive medical care. Unfortunately, there's not enough time before Le Mans for Bernhard to become 100 percent fit again.

Audi R18. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

His place in the No. 3 Audi R18 ultra will now be taken by Audi's reserve driver Marc Gené. The Spaniard drove his first race for Audi in early May at the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC where together with Romain Dumas and Loïc Duval he clinched overall victory.

Gené will take Bernhard's place as early as on the test day at Le Mans this weekend.

Unlike last year, there will be just one DRS zone on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit for the Grand Prix of Canada in Montreal next weekend.

Last year, there were two Drag Reduction Zones, but the second zone, located on the pit straight, did not produce that many passing manoeuvres.

The detection zone (blue dot) will be located at the Jacques Cartier bridge hairpin and the activation zone (that runs between the green and the yellow lines) will be located along the basin - the fastest section of the circuit.