Auto News 5

Brazil's government has extended a tax cut by two months on vehicles that has helped revive sales and spur growth in the world's second-biggest emerging market.

European vehicle sales continued to fall last month as buyers stayed out of showrooms during the region's economic crisis. The Peugeot 208 joined the list of Europe's best-selling cars at No. 5.

From GMM

As F1 emerges from its August slumber at Spa-Francorchamps, the chances Sergio Perez will be staying at Sauber in 2013 seem to have increased dramatically.

The cream of Ferrari's driver development programme, Mexican Perez has been tipped all season long as a likely successor for the struggling Felipe Massa.

But the 22-year-old said on Thursday: "Sauber is a great team doing a fantastic job.

"When I go to the factory and I see the people so motivated every day, I don't see any reason why I want to leave," he is quoted by The National newspaper.

"I'm happy here, and every day I'm more comfortable. I think the team can build a good car for next year, so I don't see any reason to step away from it."

Switzerland's Blick newspaper reports that, earlier this year, Perez and Sauber's backer Carlos Slim approached Ferrari, asking that the Italian team decide by August whether it wants to sign Guadalajara-born Perez for 2013.

Slim Domit is quoted by the French-language website f1i.com: "If I cannot continue to wait, it is simple.

"I will call Monisha Kaltenborn, buy the whole team and start a Scuderia Mexico."

Sauber's chief executive and shareholder Kaltenborn told Blick: "So far I haven't got the call!

"We are going on our way, with our goals and with the responsibility of our more than 300 employees."

Team boss Peter Sauber added: "I can hardly believe that Slim said that. But I suppose in this world full of rumours, everything is possible."

Kaltenborn said Hinwil based Sauber is in no rush to decide its 2013 driver lineup.

"We are not busying ourselves too much over the driver question," she insisted.

One rumour is that Sauber is shopping around, because the Mexican tie-up with Perez, Slim and reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez was not as lucrative as first thought.

On that suggestions, Peter Sauber replied: "No comment."

The U.S. government's newly announced fuel economy standards for 2025 will open the door for more clean diesel cars and light trucks on American roads, according to Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

“Because clean diesel autos are 20% to 40% more efficient than gasoline vehicles, diesel will be a major player in the nation's effort to achieve the new mileage standards,” he said.

Diesel sales have increased by 27.5% in the U.S. during the first half of 2012. There has also been a boost in 22 of the past 23 months.

With more than 15 new diesel models set to be introduced in the U.S. over the next two years, Schaeffer expects diesel sales to increase significantly in the near future.

Meanwhile in Europe, nearly 50% of all new vehicles sold today use a diesel engine due to its high fuel efficiency.

Source: Autos.ca

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Heavy rain and appalling conditions welcomed the Formula 1 drivers and teams during Friday's initial two practice session of the Grand Prix of Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps.

In the morning session, Japanese Kamui Kobayashi of Sauber emerged quickest as all the other drivers settled for cautious installation runs.

Near the end of the session, more drivers ventured on the slippery Ardennes circuit.

Kamui Kobayashi (Photo: WRi2)

Williams' Pastor Maldonado put his Renault-powered Williams in second place ahead of the Toro Rosso-Ferraris of Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Red Bull's Mark Webber was the best of the title contenders in fifth place. His teammate Sebastian Vettel took ninth.

The second session was almost a total wash-out with drivers only completing installation laps and performing practice starts in the pit lane. No driver completed a full timed lap mourned the daunting road course in such heavy rain.

Fernando Alonso (Photo: WRi2)

On his way to the dummy grid to do a practice start, Charles Pic set the best time in his Marussia.

Ricciardo ranked second in front of Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) and Paul di Resta (Sahara Force India).

The engine in Felipe Massa's Ferrari F2012 was changed during the lunch break following a failure this morning.

McLaren's new sidepods (Photo: WRi2)

Grand Prix of Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps, Friday first practice session*:
1 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 2'11"389 - 20 laps
2 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 2'11"941 - 14
3 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 2'12"004 - 12
4 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 2'12"824 - 15
5 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 2'13"191 - 13
6 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 2'13"861 - 16
7 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 2'14"210 - 14
8 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW34-Renault) - 2'14"660 - 16
9 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 2'14"860 - 12
10 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 2'15"402 - 13
11 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 2'15"812 - 11
12 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 2'16"409 - 16
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 2'16"786 - 10
14 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 2'16"788 - 16
15 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 2'16"827 - 5
16 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 2'16"861 - 8
17 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 2'17"519 - 14
18 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 2'18"199 - 10
19 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2'19"546 - 12
20 - Dani Clos (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2'19"689 - 12
21 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 2'38"701 - 9
22 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 2'40"749 - 4
23 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 2'46"580 - 9
24 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - no time -

Grand Prix of Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps, Friday second practice session*:
1. Charles Pic Marussia-Cosworth 2m49.354s 4 laps
2. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 2m49.750s 3
3. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 2m50.497s 3
4. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 2m51.333s 3
5. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 2m51.660s 4
6. Timo Glock Marussia-Cosworth 2m52.076s 4
7. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 2m53.232s 4
8. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 2m58.232s 3
9. Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes 2m59.125s 5
10. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari 3m12.901s 4
11. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 3
12. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 4
13. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham-Renault 1
14. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 2
15. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 3
16. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 2
17. Felipe Massa Ferrari 2
18. Bruno Senna Williams-Renault 3

*Unofficial timing

Generous cargo room, an impressive list of standard features and great fuel economy: the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which will arrive in dealerships across Canada in November, promises all that and more at a very competitive price.

The B 250 gets a 208-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged engine that's 55% more powerful than the outgoing four-cylinder. A new seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission (7G-DCT) combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual. Helping save even more fuel is a new standard Start/Stop system.

On the safety front, expect to find 11 airbags, a collision warning system, run-flat tires and rain-sensing windshield wipers, just to name a few.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class will start at $29,900.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

According to what Auto123.com has learned, Sebastian Bourdais is on the verge of signing with Dragon Racing to return for at least the 2013 IZOD IndyCar campaign and maybe beyond.

“At the present time, we have a verbal agreement to have him (Bourdais) in the car next year and we are finalizing the contract right now,” said Dragon racing owner Jay Penske.

Teammate Katherine Legge is already committed to Dragon for 2013, and it's believed the team's current roster of sponsors will be back to support Dragon's goal of returning to two full-time entries.

“We're very confident from Dragon Racing's perspective that we're going to field two cars next year,” Penske added.

Since Subaru began sales in Canada in 1978, they've been associated with winter safety and practicality. Ask anyone what they think of Subaru and they'll probably say things like: smart choice, AWD, practical, utilitarian, family vehicle. Rarely do you hear the words modern, attractive, stylish, design, hip, cool or urban uttered in the same sentence as “Subaru.”


Well, all that's about to change (or so the folks at Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. hope), thanks to the brand new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek.

On the heels of the Subaru BRZ explosion on the market, Subaru is launching its latest compact SUV on a market that's already hip to the Subie vibe.

Core technology
While Subaru may be leaning more towards aesthetic appeal with the XV Crosstrek, the focus on core technology is still there in Subaru's renowned BOXER engine and symmetrical full-time AWD.

Although three trim levels are available on the XV Crosstrek (Touring, Sport Package and Limited Package), the engine will remain the same throughout: the 2.0L BOXER four-cylinder that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Two transmissions are also available: a 5-speed manual and an updated, much-improved CVT that comes with standard-equipped paddle shifters on the steering wheel (thank you Subaru for that one).

While I'm excited that Subaru has returned to the 2.0L configuration, I did wish for a bit more oomph behind the wheel. My first thought was: Throw a turbo in the XV and then we'll talk... no pressure Subaru.

And while I'm never one to bash a manual transmission, I do kind of wish there was a 6-speed in the Crosstrek as well - and I wasn't the only one who felt that way. It's not that a 5-speed doesn't work (my '04 WRX sports a 5-speed), just that it feels old-fashioned. And it's not like Subaru doesn't offer a 6-speed in its lineup (the 2013 Legacy and 2013 Outback feature 6-speed manual transmissions). With the revs sitting at 3,400 rpm at 110 km/h on the highway, engine noise is apparent and you wish for that 6th gear.

The XV Crosstrek (Touring, Sport Package & Limited Package), the engine will remain the same throughout: the 2.0L that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Dressed to impress
Here's where the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a “different” Subaru. A great deal of attention was paid to the exterior design of the XV Crosstrek, and I commend Subaru on their efforts. While it's not a complete departure from the Subaru line (as the BRZ seems to be) it's different enough to turn heads -- and the right heads.

Targeted at Gen Y buyers (and those who are also considering the MINI Cooper Countryman and Nissan Juke), the XV Crosstrek is a woodsman in ubranite attire.

Sleeker than an Outback and beefier than an Impreza, the XV Crosstrek strikes a pleasant balance between off-roader and city dweller. It's fancy without being impractical, and functional without being brutish. High wheel wells, a 220 mm ground clearance and practical roof rails mean this Subaru can pretty much go anywhere, and look good while it does -- as long as it's not sitting on those horribly angular, flower-y rims.

Offered in colours such as Deep Cherry Pearl, Desert Khaki and Tangerine Orange, the XV Crosstrek currently sports the “wild child” badge in the Subaru lineup (though shame on FHI for not offering the XV in Rally Blue!).

Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek offers the standard fare: air conditioning, power windows, locks, satellite radio, and an available entertainment system with 6.1” touchscreen and navigation. It is very much a Subaru inside, user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing in all trim levels.

The XV Crosstrek is a woodsman in ubranite attire. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Highly capable
Don't be fooled by this Subaru's urban nightlife looks. It's more than capable on rougher terrain thanks to Subaru's standard symmetrical AWD. As a 50/50 split in the manual models or 60/40 with an automatic CVT set-up, the XV gets the job done and isn't afraid to get down and dirty.

We took the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek through some pretty rough terrain during torrential rain and it didn't disappoint. Bumps, rocks, fallen branches, elevation changes: the XV took them all in stride.

It is very much a Subaru inside, user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing in all trim levels. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Priced to kill... the competition
Looking at where Subaru hopes to place the XV Crosstrek on the market, it wins by a mile in the price department. With a starting MSRP of just over $24k you get a well-equipped, AWD vehicle that's great for the family and can live as easily on tight city streets as it can on wide-open backwoods roads.

Fuel economy: It's all the rage in the new car market and an attribute that's becoming more a part of the purchase decision than ever before. Some rides go a step further than just saving fuel -- doing it in a way that manages to deliver a fantastic driving experience through compromise-free performance.

Here's a look at a few of the most memorable fuel-saving technologies I've tested, the cars that use them, how they work, and why you should test drive one.

Hyundai Sonata Bluedrive Hybrid

Photo: Hyundai

How it Saves Fuel: This is a hybrid version of the standard Sonata that uses a special “lithium polymer” battery. Hyundai engineers say it has more energy density and capacity than the “lithium ion” batteries used in most hybrid cars. Extended “electric-only” driving range is one of the key benefits.

Why Test Drive: You can see and feel the fuel-saving hybrid system working every time you drive this car -- especially when it kicks into full electric “EV” mode at highway speeds. (Most hybrids can operate solely on voltage at parking-lot speeds). Despite the extended electric-driving capabilities, a 6-speed automatic transmission maintains a conventional driving feel.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Photo: Rob Rothwell

How it Saves Fuel: Diesel contains about a third more energy per unit than gasoline, so fuel savings here come from the fuel itself rather than the addition of a hybrid system. Jetta TDI further maximizes mileage with an available high-efficiency “Direct Shift Gearbox” or DSG.

Why Test Drive: Along with delivering great mileage without changing driving habits, the Jetta TDI is torque-y as all heck -- meaning that it hauls along with authority when you give it the boot. It's also smooth, very refined and very quiet. The DSG gearbox furthers all of this with instant, lightning-fast and imperceptible gearshifts. Going 180 kilometres or more before the fuel gauge drops from full is nice, too.

Nissan Altima Coupe

Photo: Nissan

How it Saves Fuel: Lightweight engine construction, variable valve timing and a CVT transmission team up to make this one of the most fuel-efficient, fun coupes I've ever driven.

Why Test Drive: This is how a CVT transmission should be set up: Rather than groaning along, it provides a never ending wave of acceleration, instant access to the V6 engine's power curve, and can even make pretend gear shifts to make you feel like you're just driving a really responsive automatic. I left the Altima Coupe impressed with overall mileage and fun factor.

Audi A7

Photo: Justin Pritchard

How it Saves Fuel: The A7 is one of a slew of cars using a small-displacement, forced-induction engine in place of a larger, thirstier powerplant. A 3.0L, direct-injected V6 and supercharger serve up 310 horsepower and even more torque.

Why Test Drive: Using a supercharger instead of a turbocharger, engineers managed to create absolutely lag-free access to power output on par with a V8 -- though you'll put away less than 7L /100km cruising the highway in no rush. Beats feeding a bigger, thirstier, heavier engine all the time.

Silver has been the most popular car colour in North America over the past decade or so, but white is now making a case for that distinction - and it's all thanks to the late Steve Jobs.

Say what?

''Prior to Apple, white was associated with things like refrigerators or the tiles in your bathroom. Apple made white valuable,'' claims Sandy McGill, BMW Designworks' lead designer in colour, materials and finish.

Hopefully Apple won't sue automakers for using white on their models...

Source: Cult of Mac

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Frenchman Guillaume Moreau has returned to his home region of Le Limousin after his violent crash at Le Mans.

Moreau spent the last two-and-a-half months recovering at specialist rehabilitation centre The Arch in Le Mans. The OAK racing team provided Friday an update on his physical condition.

His violent accident at Circuit de la Sarthe during the Le Mans Test Day on June 3 caused severe trauma to his spinal cord that required two operations at the University Hospital of Angers.

With the initial rehabilitation now complete, Guillaume will begin a new phase of recovery helped by the sports medicine department, headed by Dr Jean-Yves Salle, at the CHU Limoges.

Photo: Alexis Gourre

Guillaume's speedy progress at The Arch prompted doctors to cut short his stay, allowing him to return home and enjoy everyday life while continuing daily rehabilitation. Indeed, Guillaume is now walking, albeit without full fluidity, driving his car and even succeeded in cycling.

The majority of his muscles have recovered their full movement in the timeframe expected by the medical team after his second operation, and in some cases even faster. And while complete sensitivity has not yet returned, the recovery process is continuing to follow a logical course that offers much hope for the future.

All of his energy has gone into this initial step of what will be a lengthy recovery process, but it is now vital that Guillaume spares some efforts while continuing rehabilitation to allow his body time to fully recover. It will only be after this phase that doctors can, at the end of the year, establish a prognosis for the level of ultimate recovery.

From GMM

Andrea Stella, Fernando Alonso's race engineer at Ferrari, has singled out Kimi Raikkonen as a challenger for the 2012 championship.

The buzz in the sodden Spa paddock is that four-time Belgian grand prix winner Raikkonen is a true contender for Sunday's victory at the wheel of a Lotus.

And the Finn, who in 2007 won the title for Ferrari, is still within shouting distance in the drivers' standings, just a point shy of Lewis Hamilton's fourth place.

"Of course Kimi can challenge Fernando in the championship," Stella told Finland's Turun Sanomat. "He has a good car.

"I remember 2007 very well, when we came from far behind with him right to the top."

Raikkonen, 32, agrees that his 48-point deficit does not mean he cannot win in 2012.

"I have almost as good a chance as anybody else," he said in Belgium.

But Raikkonen also admitted he is not desperate to add a second title to his tally.

"I've always said I am happy that I won one championship," he said. "It's good if there are more, but whether I win more championships or not would not change my life.

"When I have the opportunity, I will try my best," added Raikkonen.

Fans of Bentley will feel right at home in the spanking new 1,690-square-foot suite at St. Regis Hotel New York, with features like a burled wood sleigh bed and black leather tile floors inspired by the British luxury automaker.

Guests will also be provided complimentary access to a 2013 Bentley Mulsanne (chauffeur included) for the duration of their stay. Rates are $9,500 US per night. Still interested?

The five-star establishment on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan already had Tiffany and Dior-inspired suites.

Source: elitedaily.com

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

Charles Pic's management will reportedly meet with representatives of the Force India and Sauber teams this weekend at Spa.

According to RMC Sport, the 22-year-old French rookie takes EUR 7 million to the Marussia team this season, raised and invested by his management group Lagardere.

The report said Lagardere has been disappointed by Marussia's performance so far in 2012, and is therefore shopping around for possible alternatives for 2013.

RMC said Pic's representatives will meet with bosses of the Force India and Sauber teams in Belgium this weekend, while Caterham "is also interested".

The report said Sauber and Force India "have made enquiries" about Pic, and so experienced manager Didier Coton will represent Lagardere and Pic in meetings this weekend.

Marussia's technical consultant Pat Symonds said this week he is happy with the team's current driver lineup, also featuring the experienced Timo Glock.

And asked if he has been pleasantly surprised by Pic, he answered: "Yes, absolutely.

"I think this year he has matured in his approach in formula one.

"There is no doubt that he's fast; he has proven that on a number of occasions, and I think race-by-race he learns more about the nuances of the tyres and indeed the way one approaches a grand prix weekend."

From GMM

Ferrari designer Nicholas Tombazis insists it is "right" that engines will have a higher importance in 2014.

His Red Bull counterpart Adrian Newey said recently he was worried the start of the new V6 era could mean one engine supplier enjoys a big advantage over its rivals.

But when asked by Italy's La Stampa if he thinks F1 is currently too dominated by aerodynamic performance and development, Tombazis agreed: "In 2014, the engine will regain a major importance.

"And that's just right," said Ferrari's Athens-born designer.

Mercedes' Norbert Haug, meanwhile, said fears that the 2014 rules will spoil the current high-competitiveness on the grid are unfounded.

"I believe there will be a good competition between the teams and a balanced world championship that will not be dominated by engines," he told Germany's motorsport-magazin.com.

Frenchmen Stéphane Sarrazin and Nicolas Minassian have signed with Brad Jones Racing to drive the Armor All Gold Coast 600, round 12 of the V8 Supercars series held at Surfers Paradise.

Every year, by rule, Australian V8 Supercars regulars must be paired with an international driver at the Armor All Gold Coast 600.

Therefore Sarrazin has been assigned to the No. 8 Team BOC Commodore alongside local co-driver Jason Bright, while Minassian's name appears beside Fabian Coulthard's in the No. 14 Lockwood Racing entry.

Both have been racing in this year's inaugural World Endurance Championship (WEC) with various teams, following Peugeot's withdrawal from endurance, but only Minassian has experienced V8 Supercars before.

The 39-year-old co-drove with Jan Magnussen at Sandown and Bathurst in 2003 for Team Dynamik.

IndyCar racer Mike Conway too has signed to race in the annual classic. He will share Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport's Holden with Taz Douglas.

From Prodrive

As we mentioned here August 24, Prodrive has confirmed Friday that reigning World Touring Car champion, Yvan Muller will compete in the MINI John Cooper Works WRC at Rally France in October.

The Prodrive WRC Team will run Muller alongside Dani Sordo in identical MINI WRCs at the Strasbourg-based tarmac event from 4-7 October.

Muller is a three-time World Touring Car champion and is currently competing in the 2012 series. While circuit racing is his speciality, he has also competed in the Dakar Rally, as well as competing at Rally France in 2010 and 2011.

Photo: WRI2

Muller tested the MINI WRC at Prodrive's proving ground in July and will spend a further day in the car at Prodrive's track the week before Rally France.

"I am really looking forward to competing in my home event in a top level world rally car after last year's run in an S2000,” said Muller in a press release.

“I have only had a day to familiarize myself with the MINI, but the balance of the chassis immediately gave me a great deal of confidence. As both my Chevrolet touring car and the MINI use similar 1.6 turbo engines, the performance was nearly the same. I am sure it will take me a little while to get used to driving with pace notes again, even so my target would still be a finish in the points,” Muller added.

"In Prodrive's British Touring car days in 98, 99 and 2000 I engineered several cars and we had great battles with Yvan,” Dave Wilcock, Prodrive WRC Team principal said.

“This will be the first time we have been on the same side. He is a tremendously talented driver with great sympathy for a car and I think the MINI WRC chassis will suit him perfectly for the fast flowing stages in France. He has competed here twice before and once he has settled in for a few stages I can see him setting some impressive times,” Wilcock declared.

What is it?

You might think spending seven days traveling the countryside in the company of 100 car people would be great fun, and you would be right.

Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla Motors and founder of Space Exploration Technologies, said he's interested in creating a holding company for shares of his electric car and rocket launch businesses.