Auto News 5

South Korea's notoriously militant trade unions could start flexing their muscles again next week with workers at GM's plants threatening a three-day partial strike as annual wage talks stumble over working conditions, according to news reports in the capital Seoul.

Volvo Trucks says it has produced an engine for the tough Euro 6 environmental standards, claiming nitrogen oxide emissions have dropped by 77% and particulate emissions halved.

PSA denied that it is seeking a loan from the French government, as the company announced that its global first-half vehicle sales tumbled 13 percent after Europe's debt crisis hit demand.

PSA has begun full-scale production of the Peugeot 408 sedan in Kaluga, Russia, at its joint venture with Mitsubishi as it seeks to meet local demand in one of its fastest-growing overseas markets.

Citroen has launched its upscale DS3 subcompact in Brazil as part of parent PSA's goal of reducing its dependence on the weak European market.

High demand from wealthy buyers in Russia and China has given the Mercedes-Benz G class a healthy future.

When Ferdinand Piech took charge of Volkswagen 20 years ago, the automaker was losing almost $1.24 billion.

One reason electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have hit the market with a thud is that there are strings attached. Models such as the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf are tethered. Drivers need to plug in to recharge the battery.

Ford opened an 11.6 million euro ($14.5 million) expansion of its design studios at Merkenich-Cologne, Germany.

DEARBORN, Michigan - With fuel prices skyrocketing, auto manufacturers have been under the gun to produce viable alternatives to the gas-guzzling powerplants of yesteryear. And while full-on electrification just isn't feasible for everyone - yet - internal combustion engine technology has evolved to a level that was simply unimaginable a few years ago. In the halcyon days of big-block horsepower, who'd have predicted the current reverse cachet of ever-shrinking displacement?


During a recent 2013 line-up preview in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford's president of the Americas, Mark Fields, boasted that Ford had seven vehicles with the "smallest displacement in their segments."

Through lightweight materials, compact design, better turbo management and fuel delivery refinement, Ford's line of EcoBoost engines are delivering high fuel economy, and now, the type of performance once limited to V6 or even V8 mills.

Over a drive route of approximately an hour, consisting of urban freeway, suburban construction and winding rural roadways of south western Michigan, we had a chance to experience the latest 2013 Ford Taurus - equipped with a 2.0L, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

Although we were thoroughly impressed with the new chocolate-brown paint scheme, we were fully prepared to be underwhelmed. After all, at over 3,950 lbs (or 1,800 kg), the Taurus is a portly beast to be driven by a four-banger. Expecting some degree of thrashiness, if not sleep-inducing lethargy, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the 2.0L engine had no problem moving the full-size sedan around.

Through lightweight materials, compact design, better turbo management and fuel delivery refinement, Ford's line of EcoBoost engines are delivering high fuel economy. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Although the throttle response couldn't be called quick or sporty, there's little sign of any turbo lag from the EcoBoost. At 240 hp, the engine's output is less than the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 or Chevrolet Impala, but its 270 lb-ft of torque tops all three.

Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, there's none of the noisiness inherent in many four-cylinder engines, although it's not quite as smooth as the V6.

The big sedan handled well over some of the pockmarked country roads, the lighter engine bay contributing to its sense of balance. The electrically-assisted power steering has a nice feel to it, with the added bonus of contributing to fuel economy by reducing its dependency on engine power.

But the big news is that the 2.0L powered Taurus claims US highway fuel ratings of 32 mpg, or 26 mpg combined - which converts to 7.4 and 9.0L/100km, respectively. These numbers give it the edge over its segment competitors, and in fact, puts it on par with some of the luxury diesel and hybrid brands costing thousands more.

The big news is that the 2.0L powered Taurus claims US highway fuel ratings of 32 mpg, or 26 mpg combined - which converts to 7.4 and 9.0L/100km, respectively. (Photo: Ford)

Although the 2.0L EcoBoost Taurus probably won't appeal to the driving enthusiast, neither should it be dismissed as merely adequate. For those who love big, fully-loaded sedans, the 2.0L EcoBoost's impressive fuel economy might prove that bigger isn't necessarily better.

It doesn't mean cheaper, however. While no concrete Canadian prices are available yet, the 2.0L EcoBoost Taurus should cost roughly $1,000 more than the base V6 model.

Adapted from GMM

Three days after her horror testing crash, Maria de Villota remains in a "critical but stable condition", her sister Isabel has revealed.

Spaniard de Villota, 32, suffered severe facial and head injuries and lost her right eye after the accident, and underwent a long surgery in a Cambridge (UK) hospital.

"I hope she can recover as much as possible to have a normal life," reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel said at Silverstone on Thursday, according to Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

"We don't know what happened, whether it was a mechanical failure or a mistake -- I have talked with Timo Glock and even the team doesn't know what happened. The most important thing is that she recovers," added the German.

The Daily Mail newspaper said doctors are relieved that de Villota has no swelling on her brain.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said she is currently in an artificial coma but has suffered "no new complications" in the wake of the surgery.

"On Friday, she will be operated once again," the report added.

Marussia racer Glock admitted the team is in a sombre mood ahead of its home race.

"Especially for the people who were there (at Duxford)," he said, "it is difficult, but it is not normal for any of the team at Silverstone."

Maria de Villota. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

Maria's sister, Isabel de Villota, releases the following statement on Thursday night:

“Maria remains in a critical but stable condition here at Addenbrooke's Hospital. While there is no further news than that at present, we have at least been able to take encouragement from the fact that Maria has remained stable throughout since the accident, particularly during the first night following such a lengthy surgical procedure as she experienced yesterday.

We, the family, are supporting each other here at Maria's side and we take great comfort from the remarkable medical care she has been receiving. We remain positive and this is due, in no small part, to the overwhelming expression of love and support for Maria from every corner of the world. We would also wish to thank everyone at the Marussia F1 Team for all the care and attention they have shown us over the past few days.

With our sincere gratitude.”

From GMM

Renault has reverted to an older specification of its alternator for the use of customers Red Bull, Lotus, Williams and Caterham this weekend at Silverstone.

The decision follows the French supplier's struggles to get to the bottom of the problems that caused Sebastian Vettel and Romain Grosjean to retire last time out at Valencia.

A similar issue was also reportedly linked to a problem suffered by Vitaly Petrov at Monaco.

"This (problem) is a great puzzle," Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports. "Not even Renault knows exactly what went wrong."

Remi Taffin, Renault's track boss, confirmed that factory tests after Valencia showed "signs" of the problem recurring, but no definitive "conclusions".

He confirmed that 2011-specification alternators have therefore been supplied to Renault's customers for the British grand prix.

"We are confident that it will not happen again, even though at the moment we cannot identify the causes of the problems 100 per cent."

Taffin added that Renault has also made tweaks to the engine maps.

"In our opinion, the countermeasures are sufficient," he said.

Romain Grosjean top the very wet first practice session and Lewis Hamilton was the fastest on Friday afternoon, while the weather got even worse at Silverstone.

Not really much to say this day. A sodden track combined to a limited number of wet and intermediate tires, the action was really limited on this Friday.

Romain Grosjean waiting in the Lotus garage. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Romain Grosjean placed his Lotus on top in the morning, ahead Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) and Lewis Hamilton (McLaren). In the afternoon, the conditions got worse and Kobayashi was the most spectacular to watch when he sets the fastest lap. Only Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), in front of his public, was able to go faster.

Fernando Alonso taking the track. (Photo: Ferrari)

Frustrating day for the Friday drivers, who were not able to fully enjoy their drives and only covered some laps.

As a thought for the injured Maria de Villota, several drivers are wearing a star on their cars or their helmets.

Maria de Villota's star on Sergio Perez' helmet. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

British Grand Prix, Silverstone
Friday, July 6, 2012

Free practice session 1 - results*
1 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'56"552 - 13 laps
2 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'56"827 - 10
3 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'57"174 - 6
4 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'57"664 - 11
5 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'58"119 - 7
6 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'58"463 - 7
7 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'58"483 - 19
8 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'58"493 - 10
9 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'58"942 - 8
10 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'59"076 - 12
11 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'59"414 - 11
12 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'59"614 - 9
13 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'59"733 - 7
14 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'59"787 - 10
15 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 2'00"125 - 5
16 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 2'00"253 - 6
17 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 2'01"834 - 6
18 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 2'01"835 - 6
19 - Pedro de la Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2'04"341 - 9
20 - Dani Clos (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2'05"022 - 11
21 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 2'11"760 - 6
22 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - no time - 4
23 - Paul di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - no time - 3
24 - Jules Bianchi (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - no time - 1

Kamui Kobayashi. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Free practice session 2 - results*
1 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'56"345 - 8 laps
2 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'56"474 - 16
3 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'56"545 - 12
4 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'56"567 - 9
5 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'57"493 - 13
6 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'57"948 - 9
7 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'58"580 - 10
8 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'58"897 - 8
9 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'58"943 - 12
10 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'59"015 - 14
11 - Paul di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'59"429 - 9
12 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'58"472 - 6
13 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'58"476 - 10
14 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'58"854 - 7
15 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 2'00"565 - 7
16 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 2'00"820 - 11
17 - Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 2'01"099 - 6
18 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 2'01"348 - 12
19 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 2'03"719 - 8
20 - Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2'04"774 - 8
21 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - no time - 1
22 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - no time - 2
23 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - no time - 1
24 - Pedro de la Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - no time - 0

* Un-official results

The 2013 Cadillac ATS compact luxury sedan will start at $35,195 (plus destination charges) when it arrives in showrooms this summer. In addition to the affordable price, customers will no doubt appreciate the savings that come from a highway fuel consumption rating of only 6.0L/100km.

Photo: General Motors

A mid-level model, with a lightweight and powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine, will retail for $36,985.

As for the range-topping, V6-powered ATS, whose 321 horsepower allow 0-100km/h accelerations in 5.4 seconds, the MSRP is set at $43,935 and includes Cadillac's all-new infotainment system called CUE.

''The ATS enters a vehicle segment this year that's one of the most competitive in the market, from both a price and performance standpoint,'' said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. ''ATS will bring a distinctive presence and compelling value while offering quick, nimble, fun-to-drive dynamics that will appeal to the lifestyles of modern luxury buyers and challenge the segment's status quo.''

Detailed pricing and available equipment will be announced closer to the model's arrival.

Eight lucky customers in Asia will be able to say that they own one of the exclusive Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Hong Kong 20th Anniversary Edition (HK20) models. As the name suggests, the exotic automaker from Sant'Agata, Italy launched in Hong Kong two decades ago.

The HK20 retains the 550-horsepower V10 engine but features a number of cosmetic upgrades. The Bianco Monocerus (white) exterior is decorated with matte gold stripes on the hood and roof. Gold Cordelia wheels as well as special HK20 logos on the front spoilers, rear bumper and seats are part of the mix, too.

While pricing is set at around $475,000, expect the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 HK20 to sell out faster than it goes from 0 to 100 km/h.

Photo: Lamborghini

Photo: Lamborghini

Source: AutoGuide

Get your ear plugs ready: the all-new Nissan Juke Box is the world's most powerful mobile sound system. Thanks to the unique partnership between Nissan, Ministry of Sound and renowned audio engineers Martin Audio, it's capable of generating 18,900 watts of audio power and more than 150 decibels.

That, by the way, is louder than a jumbo jet in take-off!

Throughout the summer, Nissan will host the Juke Box Summer Sessions across Europe, and special radio shows will be broadcast fortnightly on Mondays via Ministry of Sound's digital radio channel as well as the Juke's official Facebook page.

Fortunately, or unfortunately for some, the Nissan Juke Box won't be heard in North America.

 

A recent highway racing incident has sparked another debate. It's more of the same every time; do we limit the speed at which cars can travel or do we go straight to the source and neuter those that are caught doing stupid things with cars?

A few days ago, a trio of retards onboard a Mazdaspeed3 filmed themselves racing with a BMW X1 on one of the busiest freeways north of Montreal.

Thankfully for those that will prosecute the idiots, parts of the video clearly show how fast they were travelling (190 km/h) as well, it is undeniable that they used the shoulder to pass countless cars going at least 50 km/h over the posted limit.  




The driver was an 18 year-old boy and certainly felt invincible, smart and cocky while performing this stunt. Unfortunately for him, the power of YouTube burned and scarred him, possibly for life.

As you read these lines, he has pleaded not guilty. This guy is a genius. Should he be found guilty, he will most likely be sentenced to pay a hefty fine, have his license suspended, possibly even revoked. The worst case scenario, for him, might be jail time. This is not enough.

Here are a few ideas : Sentence the kid to stand idly by while his precious car gets flattened in a crusher. Once the fact that the car is gone sinks in, why not throw him in jail for at least 30 days, without telling him how long he'll be behind bars. I've got another suggestion: Further penalties for his actions would be no driving until he turns 30 (at which time he will undergo the license acquiring process all over again), a $10,000 fine and some community service. The next 10 years of this kid's life would have been the best years of his life. Not anymore.

Now, what do we do about all the other morons like this one?

Do we put speed-limiters on each and every car sold in North America? Never! Chaos would ensue! Trust me.

Do we limit access to cars to people under the age of 25? In other words, do we introduce a law that says that people under the age of 25 cannot own/drive cars with more than, say, 125 hp? Won't work.

Do we educate these people? Yes! Education is a word that we're all more or less tired of hearing and reading about but the fact is that we all need to learn things throughout our lives.

It all starts with driver's ed. North America has it all wrong. This is a debate unto its own. The other “issue” is that issuing tickets is a huge cash-grab for each government and having smarter better drivers on the road would severely cut into this important source of revenue. This is another debate.

Fact is that Idiots behind the wheel will always be. Fact is that in countries like Germany, drivers and people in general have respect for their cars, the rules of the road, for each other and recognize driving as a privilege and not a right. Fact is, penalizing this one individual and making an “example” of him is not enough. We all think we are “better” than this one idiot.

I really REALLY enjoy going fast... on a track. Track time should be a mandatory step in the driver's education program. Put the kids behind the wheel of a car with a roll-cage and other safety features and let them go nuts on the track. Best thing that could take place is that the student loses control of the car or better yet, rolls it. I say make them face their inner demons right off the cuff. Experience is priceless.

Until we nip the issue in the butt, these incidents will always be. They will always be. Let's try and lower the number of episodes by scaring sense into 18 year-old kids at the very beginning of their driving careers.

Who knows, in the process, we may find the next Bruno Spengler or Paul Tracy!

From GMM

Martin Whitmarsh has backed McLaren's under-fire sporting director Sam Michael.

Australian Michael joined the team this year after being ousted at Williams, at the end of that famous British team's worst season in memory.

Some have linked McLaren's repeated tactical and pitstop errors with Michael's arrival, but boss Whitmarsh insists that, in fact, some of the team's recent pitstops have been the fastest in history.

Telegraph journalist Tom Cary said that is "like saying you have scored the most beautiful goal in (soccer) but let in five at the other end".

Martin Whitmarsh, however, said 41-year-old Michael has time.

"He's doing a good job," said the Briton. "I think if we're not the best race team in the world this time next year the fingers can be pointed a bit more strongly".

Martin Whitmarsh supervising a qualifying session. (Photo: McLaren)

Actually, rounding on Michael could have been a way for Whitmarsh to lift some of the pressure on his own shoulders. Not since taking over from Ron Dennis for 2009 has McLaren won a title.

But Whitmarsh insisted that "I can say to you, honestly, that I don't feel I have a monkey on my back but when - and I stress when - we win the championship I might reflect differently."

Rumours persist that it may never happen under his reign.

"Ron and I have an interesting relationship," he said when asked about Dennis, who has been an increasing presence at recent races.

"It's not always a positive one. And if there's one person who wants to be team principal it's him. But there is no pressure from Ron whatsoever. No pressure from outside really," Whitmarsh said.

"Ultimately the pressure is from inside me. I'm very aware of the fact that it's the 50th anniversary of the team next year and there have only ever been four team principals -- Bruce (McLaren), Teddy Mayer, Ron and myself."

Auto123.com had an exclusive interview with Tristan Vautier, who currently stands second in provisional championship classification.

Tristan, tell us about the last round of the championship, presented in the Iowa Speedway?
That was another great week end in terms of performances. The car was fantastic and I could set a second pole position in-a-row. I could lead the race for 70 laps, but I had a drive-through for blocking another driver while defending my position and that dropped me down one lap behind the new leader. I could get back in the leading lap, in fifth position, and take advantage of a yellow flag in the last part of the race to take fourth at the finish line.

Photo: Sam Schmidt Motorsports

Are you now comfortable with the oval tracks?
Yes, I've been comfortable on the three oval tracks we ran on this season, with two pole positions, and leading each race.

What are the main specificities of this kind of race, how do you have to set the car up, and how do you have to manage the race itself?
We try to have a car with the lowest understeering possible, to have to turn the wheel as little as possible in the corners, and to not slow the car down too much. It is difficult to find the limit between a car which has a lot of grip at the front, but does not sleep too much from the back. Another difficulty is the qualifying, where we have only one warm-up lap before two flying laps. You have to be quickly in the pace, and comfortable with cold tires.

Talking about the season from the begining, how did you manage your move from Star Mazda to Indylight?
The transition went well. I have a great team around me that has learned me very well the style of driving this car. But I still have much to learn.

Did you expect to perform so well from your very first race?
I didn't have a particular target, I had no particular expectations. I focused on my work more than on the result I wanted to achieve, and worked a lot with my engineer Chris to learn quickly.

Photo: Sam Schmidt Motorsports

Can you tell us about your most serious rivals?
I think they are quite simple to indentify ! Esteban Guerrieri, Sebastien Saavedra and myself have been very close since the begining of the season. They are very fast, experienced and do not make mistkes, but many drivers are able to fight in front every week end. All the drivers are very competitive this season.

A word about your team Sam Schmidt Motorsport?
This is an incredible team. They know the car by heart, but they keep on working very hard and try to learn even more, to keep an advantage on our rivals. This is a real luxury to run for them, each weekend I know that the only thing I have to do is to focus on my job, and if I make the job, the result will be there.

Do you have any plan for a move to the Indycar championship next season?
I do not think about it for now. I really focus on my work this year because I know that my future will depend in part on my place in the final championship classification this year.

The Canadian driver spent his four practice sessions to re-aquatinting himself with the art of changing gears with his left hand.

"It was a tough day, but there is a lot to learn; the track, the cars, using my left hand to shift, working on the seat, plus a lot going on today,” Jacques Villeneuve said.

"The Pepsi Max Crew are all working really hard. Right now is the hard bit, hopefully we will get better throughout the weekend. But racing here this weekend, coming here this weekend, is mainly to learn how things work out here. The Townsville track is quite fun, it's quite busy, you are doing something all the time. It's a tough track to get used to the car because there is no margin for error. That makes the first day of driving the car quite difficult but it's fun and I'm having a blast out there."

Photo: Australian V8 Supercars

Jacques Villeneuve will be back in action on Saturday morning the qualifying session, at 10:30 am, local time.