Auto News 5

From WEC press release

BMW president, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, announced the expansion of technology collaboration with Toyota, in the presence of Akio Toyoda, his Japanese counterpart.

After an initial agreement in December 2011, both companies had already entered into a partnership last March on research in the field of fuel cells and the supply of BMW diesel engines for the European market. Now the cooperation is extended to research on electric vehicles, reducing vehicle weight and the design of future vehicles, including a sports car.

Toyota TS030 Hybrid. (Photo: WRi2)

Toyota, who has lost global leadership in 2011 in favour of General Motors, was a pioneer of hybrid cars with the Prius.

The Japanese manufacturer has used knowledge and experience of hybridization to develop the new TS030 Hybrid, seen for the first time at the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, in which Toyota is registered as a manufacturer. Neither of the two cars crossed the finish line, the first having retired due to an accident and the second with an engine problem, but they have shown a clear potential with the highest top speed on the grid.

The all-new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition aims to pay tribute to former and current members of the US Army. It offers a choice of three exterior colours based on the American flag including Deep Cherry Red, Bright White, and True Blue.

Outside, you'll notice a military-inspired star decal on the hood and rear quarter panels, a prominent “Oscar Mike” (military jargon for “on the move”) fender badge as well as Mineral Gray-painted grille and bumper inserts, among other highlights.

Meanwhile, the interior features black fabric seats with silver stitching and “Oscar Mike” logos embroidered on the seatbacks.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition is motivated by a 285-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine with a fuel consumption rating of 11.2L/100km.

Pricing is set at $28,165 for Wrangler two-door models and $30,670 for Wrangler Unlimited four-door models. Jeep will donate $250 from each unit sold to charities that benefit US military members and their families.

Photo: Chrysler

Photo: Chrysler

With a Mustang Boss 302 engine, a design inspired from the 1965 Shelby Cobra and classic Italian character, the new Puritalia 427 from the Naples-based manufacturer will try to make its presence felt in the glamourous world of exotic cars.

This two-seat roadster is hand-built on a semi-unibody architecture made of aluminum and carbon fibre, which explains its amazingly light weight of 1,090 kilograms.

Two engines are available including a 5.0L V8 that produces 445 horsepower and a supercharged variant that generates 605 horsepower. Both are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

"We decided to design and engineer the 427 simply because a similar car doesn't exist,'' claims Paolo Parente, founder of Puritalia.

No details about pricing, but we know that the car will be sold only through direct orders.

Photo: Puritalia

Photo: Puritalia

Photo: Puritalia

Photo: Puritalia

The world's first premium compact delivery van is a MINI, and it's coming our way in time for Christmas. Based on the MINI Clubman, the MINI Cooper Clubvan will use the same 121-horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine.

With two seats, five doors, great fuel economy and exceptional handling, the Clubvan fills a void in the light-duty commercial vehicle segment. It will appeal to entrepreneurs and professionals alike thanks to a host of functional features such as the six tie-down loops in the cargo floor and 12-volt sockets throughout the cabin.

MINI will release detailed specifications, including pricing and available options, closer to the model's market debut.

Photo: MINI

How many fresh engines are still available to each driver is an important matter since there are only six races remaining on the schedule. And the series has published the complete list.

Newsworthy is that IndyCar championship leader Will Power has only one fresh Chevrolet engine remaining, while Ryan Hunter-Reay who is right behind him has still two engines left. Third-ranked Scott Dixon is on his fifth and final Honda engine.

Photo: IndyCar

Car No.   Team    Driver   Engine(s) remaining
No. 2, Team Penske, Ryan Briscoe, one engine remaining
No. 3, Team Penske, Helio Castroneves, one
No. 4, Panther Racing, J.R. Hildebrand, two
No. 5, KV Racing Technology, E.J. Viso, two
No. 6/7, Dragon Racing, Katherine Legge/Sébastien Bourdais, two
No. 8, KV Racing Technology, Rubens Barrichello, one
No. 9, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Scott Dixon, none remaining
No. 10, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Dario Franchitti, one
No. 11, KV Racing Technology, Tony Kanaan, one
No. 12, Team Penske, Will Power, one
No. 14, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Mike Conway, none
No. 15, Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Takuma Sato, none
No. 18, Dale Coyne Racing, Justin Wilson, one
No. 19, Dale Coyne Racing, James Jakes, two
No. 20, Ed Carpenter Racing, Ed Carpenter, one
No. 22, Panther/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Oriol Servia, two
No. 26, Andretti Autosport, Marco Andretti, two
No. 27, Andretti Autosport, James Hinchcliffe, two
No. 28, Andretti Autosport, Ryan Hunter-Reay, two
No. 38, Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing, Graham Rahal, one
No. 67, Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, Josef Newgarden, one
No. 77, Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports, Simon Pagenaud, none
No. 78, Lotus-HVM Racing, Simona De Silvestro, none
No. 83, Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing, Charlie Kimball, one
No. 98, Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian Alex Tagliani, two

The new Fiat 500L just became the first production car in the world to offer a true espresso coffee machine, which was created in collaboration with Lavazza.

Photo: Fiat

On July 4th, 1957, the first-generation Fiat 500 hit the market. Fifty years later, on the same day, a new generation entered the world. And today, the Fiat 500L arrives as a light yet surprisingly large loft on wheels.

This family-friendly model comfortably accommodates five adults and its spacious trunk of almost 400 litres can hold up to five roller suitcases.

The Fiat 500L also boasts a cutting-edge multimedia system complete with a 5'' display and eco:Drive LIVE software which provides personalized driving tips to save fuel.

Other highlights include a 1.5 square metre glass roof, up to 333 possible combinations for the interior layout, and a choice of three engines: 0.9L and 1.4L gasoline units as well as a 1.3L turbodiesel. A natural gas engine is under consideration for 2013.

The Fiat 500L can be ordered in Europe starting this summer, with the first cars to be delivered in October. Pricing hasn't been announced.

North American drivers will have to wait until next year to savour a rich espresso coffee in their Fiat.

Photo: Fiat

From GMM

Paul di Resta has split with his manager, London's Telegraph newspaper reports.

Anthony Hamilton, the father of 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton, also no longer manages his McLaren-driving son.

Journalist Tom Cary said Force India driver di Resta's split with Hamilton snr "happened some weeks ago" and "was not planned".

Cary added that the "situation between the pair remains delicate".

26-year-old di Resta, who has been linked with a move to Mercedes next year, was available for comment, as was 56-year-old Hamilton.

"The reasons for the split remain unclear," said Cary.

Anthony Hamilton and Paul di Resta. (Photo: WRi2)

Following Daniel Juncadella's exclusion from race 2 at the Norisring, no driver inherited from the first position and there is actually no winner.

Juncadella was penalized for having collided with race leader Pascal Wherlein, then with his teammate Raffaele Marciello, to take the lead in race 2.

The Spaniard was excluded from the race, but Will Buller and Emil Bernstoff remained 2nd and 3rd.

Juncadella won race 1, and Marciello took win in race 3. Both Prema Powerteam teammate remained first and second in provisional classification, respectively.

Daniel Juncadella. (Photo: F3 Euroseries)

From GMM

Spain's motor racing federation has vowed to help get to the bottom of the incident involving seriously injured female test driver Maria de Villota.

But Carlos Gracia, president of the RFEdA, expressed caution in light of rampant speculation following the 32-year-old Spaniard's impact with a team truck whilst 'straightline testing' Marussia's 2012 car in the UK on Tuesday.

De Villota is currently in hospital with reportedly "severe facial and head injuries".

Amid some reports she was fighting for her life and unconscious for a long time after the morning incident, Marussia confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Maria di Villota was conscious in hospital.

Maria de Villota. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

"Right now, the only important thing is the health status of Maria, and in this sense we call for the greatest prudence and respect," Gracia told the Spanish sports newspaper AS. "We have heard lots of things in the last hours but there should not be speculation about something so serious."

Reports in Spain said Maria de Villota underwent emergency surgery for a skull injury, thereafter regaining consciousness and the ability to move her limbs.

"I have direct information from the family and now we can only say that it will take longer before we have an accurate forecast," Gracia added.

He did reveal, however, that his officials have already commenced efforts to understand the circumstances of Tuesday's accident.

"We have asked the FIA to open up all the information to know what has happened in this test. We also want the Marussia team to offer its version of events," Gracia said. "I insist that now the main thing is Maria's recovery, but we also need to know what has happened, especially for the necessary measures so that something like this is not repeated."

Writing in the Telegraph, Tom Cary repeated speculation that the incident was caused by inexperienced Maria di Villota being caught out by the Marussia's anti-stall system.

But another British journalist, the Times' Kevin Eason, said the crash had "baffled Marussia team executives".

He also said Maria de Villota "was well enough last night" to phone her father Emilio, a former F1 driver.

Martin Tomczyk (BMW) explained how disappointed he was after he lost the first place in the very last corner at the Norisring, with Jamie Green (Mercedes) taking a last lap victory.

The German driver seemed to be on his way to his first victory with BMW, leading his team mate Bruno Spengler with two laps remaining. But Jamie Green's Mercedes went to pass both Spengler and Tomczyk in the last laps.

"It's such a shame to lead a race until lap 75 and then lose it on the last corner," Tomczyk explained. "You drive however many laps with maximum concentration in those weather conditions, and then to lose it so late... It's the worst thing that could have happened."

Martin Tomczyk, BMW. (Photo: DTM)

Tomczyk also talked about his misunderstanding with his BMW team concerning the laps remaining, which probably cost him the win. Due to the wet conditions, the race that was planned to be 82 laps long was shortened at the time limit, but the BMW team thought that there was one lap remaining while the checkered flag was waved for Jamie Green.

"If I'd known we were on the last lap, I'd have defended harder from Jamie," he added. "I got different information from my team. My pitboard said 11 laps to go, and on the radio it was five to go, and it turned out to be only four..."

"Any memorable machine is equal parts art and science. The CLS Shooting Brake excels on both accounts - unlike any other car in the market," said Mercedes-Benz CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche.

With coupe-like proportions, the CLS Shooting Brake (hatchback) sports a long hood, narrow, frameless side windows as well as a dynamic roofline that flows into the trunk. However, if you take a closer look, you'll see that it's actually a five-door model that offers more versatility than a basic coupe.

The CLS Shooting Brake is designed for people looking to stand out from the crowd without compromising on either sportiness or cargo room when it comes to travelling in style. The four-cylinder CLS 250 and six-cylinder CLS 350 reach a top speed of 235 and 250 km/h, respectively. The optional designo wooden cargo floor adds a definite touch of luxury.

Pricing and full specifications will be released at a later date. Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm the availability of the CLS Shooting Brake in Canada.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

From GMM

Felipe Massa is now almost back to his best form, the Brazilian's race engineer Rob Smedley insists.

31-year-old Massa's form was so low earlier this season that some seasoned pundits were predicting Ferrari would have to oust him long before his contract expires at the end of the year.

But, for the first time in 2012, Massa was back in the decisive 'Q3' qualifying segment in Monaco and Canada, and then last time out in Valencia Ferrari hailed his strong performance despite a tumultuous race.

Felipe Massa, Ferrari F2012. (Photo: Ferrari)

"Right now, going into Silverstone, there is very little that Felipe is lacking for him to be back where he was (in the past) in terms of driving and confidence in the car," Briton Smedley, who is famously close to the diminutive Brazilian, said.

"In terms of his pace in these recent races and the way he was driving and his confidence, he is a different driver to the way he was at the start of the season," Smedley added. "So, we are missing very little, maybe a tiny one per cent to make it all start happening for us."

More generally, Ferrari's rate of progress this season has been little short of sensational after a nightmare start for the F2012, with Fernando Alonso now clearly leading the drivers' points standings.

"I think our chances are good at Silverstone this weekend, even if it's no secret we still need to develop and have a quicker car," said Rob Smedley.

I am constantly amazed at how little people know about money and how much they spend without thinking beyond “can I make the payment?” Part of the problem is that nothing in our upbringing prepares us to think about money. Cash is a rare commodity; the world lives on debit cards, credit cards and easy payment terms.

Money is actually two things. First off, it is a method of exchanging work done in one place for goods taken from a different location. A good example is a paycheck earned in a car assembly plant spent getting groceries. The second thing that money has always been is a commodity. Commodities are bought and sold. Again, a good example is groceries.

The commodity side of money is often where there is a problem. The cost to you is called interest and it is the lender's profit in the deal. Every lender has to disclose all the relevant information in a transaction, but you need to understand the information to make the best deal. Just knowing that you can afford the payment isn't enough; you may be paying too much or have potential problems in the future.


If the loan is a “declining balance” loan (most are), the interest you pay is calculated on the amount you owe each month. Much like a mortgage, these loans may only take a dollar or two of the capital you owe each month at first. Problems can arise if you have a traffic accident where the car is a total loss, and the value to the insurance company is less than what you owe the finance company. Not only do you have to come up with the difference to finish paying off the loan, you may have to pay a penalty for the early reimbursement of it.

When you want to trade your car in, the “trade-in value” of your car has some flexibility. One dealer may offer you an X amount of money and another may offer you X plus another $2,000. This may sound like a good deal, and it may or may not be. The price out the door, or more aptly put, “the price out of your jeans” is all that counts. If the dealer with the higher prices wants more money for the car you are after, maybe he is trying to buy you with your own money or has some extra profit built into his finance plan.

The number of variations on this theme is nearly endless, so keep these points in mind when you buy.

1. It is the money out of your pocket to get what you want that counts.
2. If you finance, get at least two quotes on what the cost of financing would be.
3. Pay your loan off as quickly as you can. Each month longer you take is less money you get to keep.
4. Read all the documents before you sign and understand them thoroughly. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be afraid to walk away if you don't get answers.

You work hard for your money. Don't be in a hurry to give it away! There is always another deal on another day that will work for you.

From GMM

Whether or not Michael Schumacher stays at Mercedes beyond this year should be decided within the next six weeks, team boss Ross Brawn has revealed.

The 43-year-old's contract runs out this year, in which he has so far performed more strongly than in 2010 and 2011 but suffered a spate of technical failures and incidents.

It has been suggested Mercedes protege Paul di Resta, currently at Mercedes-powered Force India, is the most likely candidate to replace the seven time world champion.

"We will make a decision this summer," said team boss Brawn at the FOTA fan's forum at Williams' team headquarters on Tuesday. "We know it is coming and we have to make a decision soon. I think in the next six weeks or so we will have to think about what we want to do next year."

Michael Schumacher happy with his podium at Valencia. (Photo: WRi2)

With Schumacher's contract running out, the major complication for Mercedes is that its apparent top pick as replacement, Scot di Resta, already has an agreement in place for 2013.

But Sahara Force India deputy principal Bob Fernley said the Silverstone based team would not stand in his way.

He said on Tuesday: "We would not get in the way of the career of a driver but there would have to be commercial agreement in place."

Mercedes-Benz' sales in the United States, fueled by a new sport-utility vehicle and compact coupe, rose 7.6 percent in June, furthering the German automaker's lead for the year over BMW.

As the Waldo Canyon fire approaches what may be containment in a few days, organizers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have announced a new date for this year's race and#8211; Sunday, August 12, and#8220;barring any further threats to safety.

A handful of photos leaked out on Monday showing what appears to be the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster.

First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

Previewed in near-production guise as at this year's Detroit auto show, the RS is more than a sporty trim kit.

With the introduction of the 2012 Sonic, Chevrolet looked to banish the memory of the Aveo and get buyers to see the bowtie brand as more youthful. In a move that was easily anticipated, Chevrolet is now furthering that effort with the Sonic RS.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

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Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said today that Chrysler's operating profit in 2012 could exceed its $3 billion target after commenting on June sales numbers released earlier in the day.