Auto News 5

In light of the Olympic Games, MINI is introducing an even mini-er electric car: the Mini-MINI. Weighing in at just 25 kg, and built to 1/4 scale of the original, it has obviously not been designed to carry athletes, or to scoot along the Olympic Lanes. Rather, this diminutive, radio-operated car will be used on the fields of the Olympic Stadium.

The Mini-MINIs (there are three, in fact) will be used to ferry equipment, such as javelins, discuses, hammers and shots back to the throwing area. The three mini cars measure 1110 mm each and can carry up to 8 kg of equipment. Powered by a 10-hp electric engine, they can run for 35 consecutive minutes within a 100-metre range. They can be fully recharged in 80 minutes.

Photo: MINI

From Renault Sport F1

Rob White, Renault Sport F1 deputy managing director sums up engine mapping and the latest developments.

Question: What is a driver torque map?
Rob White: The driver torque map represents the torque requested by the driver as a function of engine speed and accelerator pedal position.

What is an engine torque map?
The engine torque map represents the torque delivered by the engine as a function of engine speed and engine throttle position. In the SECU the engine torque map is used to position the engine throttles to match the drivers' torque demand.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

Are there any regulations that govern how you may control engine torque?
Yes; this is covered by Articles 5.5 and 5.6 of the technical regulations. The main points are:
. Except for some specific exceptions, the engine torque must be controlled by the driver. These exceptions include: downshifts, pit lane speed limiter, anti-stall function and the end of straight limiter strategy. Note that this list is not exhaustive.
. The driver may only control the torque by means of a single accelerator pedal.
. At zero per cent pedal (off throttle), the torque demand must be less than or equal to zero; at one hundred per cent pedal (full throttle), the torque demand must match or exceed the maximum torque output of the engine in its current state (Article 5.5.3).
. There are limits on the shape of the torque demand as a function of pedal position and engine speed (to prevent engine characteristics that could be driver aids).

Respecting these restrictions, the torque demand is shaped against throttle position and engine speed to deliver the desired response for the driver and car.

Can maps change from race to race?
Yes. Driver pedal maps can change as a function of the circuit characteristics. For example, drivers might want more precision during initial pedal application at Monaco. Similarly, some drivers insist on a wet weather pedal map.

The engine torque maps are also adjusted to take account of the engine's power output according to the ambient conditions. The engines will all produce more torque on a cold day at Silverstone than at Interlagos (low pressure) or Malaysia (high specific humidity). This ensures that the drivers feel the same engine response at part load, regardless of weather.

Torque maps may also change as a consequence of changes to exhausts or air inlet (if teams introduce a new exhaust design or new air box).

This week's new technical directive from the FIA requires us to submit reference map from one of the first four races of 2012, from which we can only vary ± 2%.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

What was the issue with maximum torque in Hockenheim?
The FIA questioned the magnitude of difference between the maps from Silverstone and Hockenheim, where the maximum engine torque in the mid-range (10000-14000 rpm) was lower.

Why would would you want to generate less torque in the mid revs range?
The trade-offs concern driveability (the response of the engine to the driver requested torque), acceleration (less torque = less acceleration, except if grip limited) and fuel consumption. In general, reducing the torque is achieved by igniting the fuel later in the cycle by means of the ignition map. This may improve driveability smoothing out the torque curve which may help the driver manage his tyres. This is not in any way a forbidden driver aid or an attempt to mimic the behaviour of a forbidden system (eg closed loop traction control)

Reducing the maximum torque curve increases the amount of exhaust gas produced at lower torque levels very, very slightly, but does not change the exhaust gas flow at full throttle. Furthermore the scope to use the engine to generate exhaust gas is extremely limited by the specific mapping restrictions introduced for the 2012 season also by the performance trade-offs mentioned above.

An impressive field of participants will take the green flag for the Trois-Rivieres round of the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire series.

The free practice sessions and the qualifying session will be staged Saturday and the 42-lap, 103km long race will go green Sunday at 3:30pm.

Preliminary entry list:

CAR DRIVER/HOMETOWN TEAM
02 Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont. Leland/BDI/PartSource Ford
03 Elie Arseneau, Laval, Que. * Prime Racing/Circuit ICAR Dodge
3 Jason Hathaway, Dutton, Ont. Snap-on Tools/Vortex Brake Pads
04 J.F. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivieres, Que. Bernier Crepeau/Bellmare Dodge
5 Noel Dowler, Sherwood Park, Alta. EMCO-Kohler/Rheem Dodge
07 Isabelle Tremblay, St. Hippolyte, Que. Frank Lyman Design Dodge
10 TBA Ispeedzone Chevrolet
11 Mike Scholz, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. * Jiffy Car Wash/Watchfinder.ca
17 D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont. Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors
18 TBA TBA Dodge
21 Jason White, Sun Peaks, B.C. A&W/Bower&Wilkins Dodge
22 Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont. Canadian Tire Dodge
23 Jeff Lapcevich, Grimsby, Ont. Tim Hortons Dodge
27 Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Que. Dodge/GC Motorsports Dodge
29 Ray Courtemanche Jr., Montreal, Que. * Construction Danam Bonzai Dodge
36 Alex Labbe, St. Albert, Que. * VR Victoriaville Dodge
42 Peter Klutt, Halton Hills, Ont. Legendary Motorcar Chevrolet
47 L.P. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivieres, Que. WeatherTech Canada/Bellemare
55 Dexter Stacey, Kahnawake, Que. WJS Motorsports Dodge
56 Howie Scannell Jr., Milton, Ont. Trailers by Jim Bray Dodge
60 Ron Beauchamp, Jr., Windsor, Ont. Mopar/Exide/Mobil 1 Dodge
66 Robin Buck, Campbellville, Ont. Quaker State Dodge
67 David Thorndyke, Oshawa, Ont. Thorsons EVT Chevrolet
71 Patrice Brisebois, Montreal, Que. L'Equipeur Dodge
73 Benoit Theetge, Boischatel, Que. * Camasino Chevrolet
81 Larry Jackson, Oakville, Ont. * B&B Decals/Speedy Auto Service
82 Dave Connelly, Arnprior, Ont. Schneider's/Metro Dodge
84 J.R. Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont. Equipment Express Chevrolet
85 Michel Pilon, Blainville, Que. Aquacoupe Technologie Chevrolet
90 Martin Roy, Napierville, Que. * Veloce/Gamache Truck Center Dodge
94 Dave Coursol, St. Jerome, Que. * Carquest Canada Dodge
97 Hugo Vannini, Repentigny, Que. VTI Motorsports Ford
99 Derek White, Kahnawake, Que. BFB Chevrolet

* Rookie of the Year contender

IZOD IndyCar series' official introduced a five-second delay to the overtake assist for the 85-lap race on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn Mid-Ohio road course.

A total of 100 seconds will be afforded drivers, with a maximum of 20 seconds per activation. There's no recharge time between activations.

Alexandre Tagliani's steering wheel. (Photo: IndyCar)

“After that five seconds, when the driver gets to full throttle or already is at full throttle, the overtake will come on. That's to stop from using it as a push to defend,” said Trevor Knowles, IndyCar's director of engine development. “They'll have to plan ahead.”

“You can push the button before you get to the braking zone and when you get on the throttle it will be on overtake,” Knowles explained.

“If you're the car in front trying to defend, the TV won't show when the competitor has pushed it. It will only show when the overtake is active. If he responds, he has five seconds before his overtake cuts in.”

The overtake assist feature allows a driver to add turbocharger boost and additional rpms with the press of a button on the steering wheel.

When the system is engaged, the turbocharger boost increases to 160 kPa with an additional 200 revs on the 2.2-liter, V-6 engines supplied by Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus.

In the subcompact category, the Mazda2 is in a tough fight against close rivals such as the Hyundai Accent, the Kia Rio and the Chevrolet Sonic. Even though this latest model remains similar to the 2012 version, some changes have been made, making it more competitive than ever.


The four-cylinder engine stays the same, namely a 100-hp, 1.5L unit matched with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while a 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. With two trim levels, the Mazda2 rides on 15” alloy wheels on the GS or steel wheels with full-size covers on the GX.

Fuel efficiency ratings stay unchanged compared to the 2012 model : 7.1/5.8 L/100km with the automatic, and 6.8/5.6 L/100km with the manual.

Even though this latest model remains similar to the 2012 version, some changes have been made, making it more competitive than ever. (Photo: Mazda)

The Convenience package is available on the GX version and includes body-coloured heated mirrors, an outside temperature display, keyless entry and an on-board computer, among others. Worth noting is that all this equipment comes standard on the GS model. Furthermore, Mazda has added a USB port to the sound system as a standard feature for both the GX and GS.

Launch dates and pricing details for the 2013 Mazda2 have not yet been released by the automaker.

The legendary Nürburgring race course is in dire financial straits. The actual Formula 1 circuit, and the fabled Nordschleife north loop, with its mind-boggling 176 turn north ring, are riddled with debts.

Who might come to its rescue? Will the current management team come up with a viable salvage plan? Rumors about Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone buying the circuit won't go away.

Whoever winds up owning this massive infrastructure will have to: be very creative, in order to draw race fans back to the circuit, have a lot of capital to make the necessary investments, have an outstanding business and financial plan with serious financial backers.

The Nürburgring race track, with its rich history of records and legends, established by the most prestigious automakers of the planet, must be saved.

Photo: WRI2

Every automaker on the planet has in its archives some publicity footage that claims to have set some record of achievement of one sort or another on the mythical Nürburgring circuit!

These records are often quite ingenious in their claims. I recently saw a commercial that said: Which automaker holds the record for the fastest lap for a production series four-door sedan? Quite accurate, huh?

It might as well ask: who will break the record for the quickest lap in a red four passenger coupe with a inducted air 2.3L engine, equipped with rear drum brakes and a spare tire?! This is a formula that every automaker can use to boast about breaking the quickest lap record.

There are a number of factors that influence the time it takes to run a lap on this 20.8 km circuit. Let's talk about the driver, who makes all the difference in the world on this long circuit, which requires at least seven to eight minutes of absolutely flawless concentration in order to register a respectable time.

Every race driver makes mistakes. A microscopic tenth-of-a-second loss due to a lapse of concentration in each corner will amount to a 15-second per lap deficit, which is huge!

We must then factor in the variations in lap times due to tires (tread, pressure and wear), weather (humidity, sunshine, barometric pressure, which all have an impact on engine output), other cars on the track that can impede progress, vehicle weight ( including the amount of fuel at the start), the time of day, etc.

In fact, there are so many factors at play, that it is hard for me to fathom how an automaker can boast in their commercials that their XYZ model has managed to humiliate rivals with their ''fastest lap ever'' at the Nürburgring course. There are way too many parameters that influence the performance of a lap for us to naively believe these claims.

In spite of all of this, I sincerely hope that someone will come to the rescue of this mythical and extremely demanding, legendary raceway.

Kuno Wittmer is racing for the first time in two years this weekend at the Mid-Ohio American Le Mans Series round.

Wittmer will be taking the wheel of the No. 91 Viper SRT GTS-R in the much-expected comeback of the Viper. Two years have gone by since the brand pulled the plug on its Speed World Challenge program to concentrate on its ALMS return.

"It's an exciting weekend for the whole team. The car is brand new, built off a tubular chassis from Riley Technologies," says Wittmer.

"It's simply superb."

The goal for the weekend is for one of the two SRT entries to finish in the top 5. It's critical for the Viper to be on pace, otherwise the team will scrap the remainder of the 2012 season to concentrate on 2013.

And competition in the GT class is as fierce as ever.

"After the race, we'll take a decision as to whether or not we want to finish the season. If the car is not competitive enough, we'll go back to testing to get ready ahead of our first full season," explains Wittmer.

"That's why it's such an important weekend for us."

From GMM

The embattled Nurburgring's formula one future is looking brighter this week.

With the fabled circuit now in an insolvency process, reports last week said F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone could be the Nurburgring's saviour.

But when asked in Hungary if he is buying the German track, Ecclestone told Der Tagesspiegel newspaper: "No.

"I don't think it is for sale in that way," the 81-year-old Briton added.

The latest news from Germany, however, is much more positive. The Rhineland-Palatinate state government has agreed to guarantee a EUR 254 million loan so that the Nurburgring can service its debts, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) newspaper reports.

And Nurburgring Automotive GmbH (NAG) chief Jorg Lindner said: "I am very optimistic that formula one will be going to the Nurburgring next year."

FAZ said negotiations with F1 officials will take place over the summer period.

Ecclestone said: "We don't want to lose any of the racetracks, and we need to keep the race in Germany. We will do our best.

"It has surprised me that all these tracks in Germany have financial problems -- maybe they gave all their money to the Greeks," he joked.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone was also asked about his comments ruling out buying the Nurburgring.

Did he mean that any sort of financial help is out of the question?

"Let's wait and see. At the moment we are having talks."

He also said that if a solution for the Nurburgring cannot ultimately be found, his sport will "go to Hockenheim" instead in 2013.

"We're also in talks for that," Tagesspiegel quoted Ecclestone as saying.

As the rest of the auto world turns to turbo to save on fuel, Mazda went the opposite direction by increasing engine compression and reducing vehicle weight. And it works!


Improved, yet again
Just as popular as when it first came out in 2004, the multi-award winning Mazda3 is a prime example of continual improvement. And with the debut of the SKYACTIV system this year, Mazda is taking a new look at fuel economy.

The 2012 Mazda3 GS-SKY's 2.0L engine, producing 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, is responsive yet not at all a gas guzzler, consuming, on average, a low 7.5L/100km. This is a first for Mazda, typically known to offer somewhat less fuel efficient cars than its competitors.

The newly modified transmission has been slimmed down. As a result, it's a pleasure to drive, but still aggressive. While driving, you can really feel the bite when you change gears, there is no time lost between shifts. These seamless changes make you feel like switching gears is as natural as can be - a feeling that can convert an automatic transmission lover over to the manual transmission side.

The debut of the SKYACTIV system this year, Mazda is taking a new look at fuel economy. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

About SKYACTIV
Now 10% lighter, the engine and ignition have also been re-examined. Rather than cut back on the amount of fuel injected by increasing air volume with a turbo, the compression ratio in the engine has been intensified while friction has been reduced. By re-thinking the process by which air and fuel are mixed together, the engine consumption rate has been improved. A now longer 4-2-1 exhaust system keeps exhaust out and maintains the engine at a lower temperature, a bonus for better ignition control.

The redesigned 6-speed automatic transmission is also lighter. In fact, not only has its size been reduced, Mazda has optimized it for a FWD vehicle. Less friction between parts means gains in fuel efficiency. Obviously, much attention was paid to user comfort.

The car body itself has not escaped this slimming down effort either, losing 8% of its weight. According to Mazda, the chassis is also 15% lighter.

Quite quiet
I appreciate the trouble Mazda took to soundproof the car. Ambient noise doesn't bother us, and neither does the din of a heavy rain shower pummelling down on the car. Wide open, the sunroof lets in just a little noise - the soothing sound of a gentle breeze. Still, our eardrums stay unabused even when we accelerate. All in all, the Mazda3 is nice and quiet.

Mostly black with some silver trim, the passenger cabin is also nice, light and easy on the eyes; details are scarce and nothing stands out in particular. To quote Wladimir Wolf-Gozin: "Simplicity is perfection in disguise," though some would blame the Mazda's simplicity on a lack of imagination.

Ambient noise doesn't bother us, and neither does the din of a heavy rain shower pummelling down on the car. (Photo: Marie-Andrée-Ayotte)

Affordable technology
This Mazda 3 starts at $15,595. With SKYACTIV technology, the minimum cost for the GS-Sky model is $18,995. Standard equipment includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, and heated front seats.

By fully loading the car with options, you can jump to $22,390, which is quite reasonable if you compare it to the competition. Ford's equivalent to a SKYACTIV Mazda3, the Focus with manual transmission, will cost you $24,599. At Honda, it's $20,185 for the manual Civic EX.

One good (and good-looking) deal
Comfortable, with great visibility to boot, the Mazda3 is a nice, quiet and easy-to-drive car. SKYACTIV technology has revamped the brand, which had been held back by its poor fuel economy, a sore spot over the last few years. But the car keeps on getting better, and 2012 has been a milestone year for the brand. The Mazda3 GS-SKY is a sensible compact that is just as fun to drive in the city as it is out on the open road.

This 2012 Mazda3 GS-SKY review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Alongside the high-profile champions Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button, a hatful of candidates are also in the running to secure the second Ferrari seat next year.

That is the claim of Blick (Switzerland) and La Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy) newspapers, admitting that Raikkonen and Button are much more likely to stay with their respective current teams - Lotus and McLaren - in 2013.

According to Gazzetta, that leaves candidates like Nico Hulkenberg, Paul di Resta, Heikki Kovalainen and Kamui Kobayashi.

Another driver who this week has confirmed he might be in the running is Sergio Perez, the young Mexican who already races a Ferrari-powered Sauber, and who is the cream of Ferrari's driver development 'academy'.

"If there is an opportunity with them (Ferrari) or another team then it's the time to know," the 22-year-old was quoted on Wednesday by the Press Association.

Sergio Perez alongside Fernando Alonso on the Malaysian podium. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Former F1 driver Karl Wendlinger has admitted he has been impressed with Kimi Raikkonen in 2012.

After sitting out two full grand prix seasons while he forayed in world rallying and Nascar, F1's 2007 title winner returned with Lotus this year and after the first half of the calendar is within reach of the top of the standings.

"He is at a very high level," Austrian Karl Wendlinger, who raced with Sauber in the mid-90s, said on Red Bull-owned Servus TV.

"After a two year break, to have a lot of podiums already is sensational. He is very fast in the races and again and again is going for the wins. I think everyone up to and including Raikkonen in fifth place can still fight for this championship," Wendlinger, also referring to Lewis Hamilton, the Red Bull drivers and title leader Fernando Alonso, added.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Karl Wendlinger, now 41, admits Raikkonen is "quiet" and has not always had the best reputation in terms of how dedicated he is to his chosen sport.

But he insisted: "Kimi was not world champion for nothing. His lifestyle was maybe not the best, but whoever can fight in the temperatures we saw in Hungary until the last lap must be in good condition."

Martin Brundle, also a former grand prix driver and now a commentator for British television Sky, admitted he was impressed with Raikkonen's "face like a wet Monday morning" after missing out on the win in Hungary.

"It really impresses me that he takes that much pain on what by any standards is a very successful return," said the Briton.

Toyota said today it will voluntarily recall about 760,000 Toyota RAV4 and 18,000 Lexus HS 250h models in the United States due to issues with the rear suspension arm.

BMW, posting its first year-over-year sales decline in more than two years, managed to outsell Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz in the United States last month, narrowing the distance between the two competitors to 104 deliveries this year.

Acura is in the middle of a major product changeover, reflecting plans to challenge second-tier luxury rivals

Join us in the high desert of New Mexico as we take the redesigned 2013 Mercedes GL-Class SUV over the road and off the beaten path.

Ford Motor Co. will donate a customized 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca to the

Ford is suing its longtime supplier Dana Holding for refusing to compensate the automaker for recalled subframes in 1999-2003 Windstar minivans. Dana, of Maumee, Ohio, has been a Ford supplier since the days of the Model T.

Also in this episode: Ford donates a custom Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca to benefit the American Cancer Society, and George Clooney's 2008

The Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Mich., hosted the 2012 Maker Faire on July 28 and 29.

Driven: 2013 Ford Escape

The U.S. Escape is now aligned with the European Ford Kuga, and its styling bears a family resemblance to the Fiesta, the Focus, and the new Fusion.

The Ford Escape helped define the compact crossover when it debuted at the dawn of the millennium, and although it had become uncompetitive in recent years, Ford's marketing muscle kept it at or near the top of the sales charts. Now, the Escape has been redesigned, very much in the manner of Mulally-era Fords. That means: sleek new styling with lots of surface development; integration with European- and Asian-market models; lots of high-tech features; seriously upgraded interiors; and multiple engine choices, with EcoBoost playing a major role.

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2013 Ford Escape

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2013 Ford Escape

Driven: 2013 Ford Escape | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us