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Pictures 7 Sep, 2012

News 7 Sep, 2012

Outlander PHEV to debut alongside a new supermini and facelifted ASX

Pictures 7 Sep, 2012

News 7 Sep, 2012

Top-of-the-range Peugeot 208 XY will debut at Paris and go on sale in the UK in spring 2013

Pictures 7 Sep, 2012

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen will be removed from France's leading stock index after its shares declined more than 60 percent in the last 12 months.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen will be removed from France's leading stock index after its shares declined more than 60 percent in the last 12 months.

The chairman of Italian brake maker Brembo said on Friday he confirmed the group's guidance for the year.

Honda says it has developed a new catalyst which reduces the use of rhodium, one of the precious metals used in a typical catalyst, by 50%.

French parts supplier Valeo said on Friday it was setting up a lighting joint venture in China with Japanese partner Ichikoh.

Volkswagen has cut its internal 2012 sales target slightly and by less than the 300,000 vehicles cited in a German newspaper, the company said.

Volkswagen has cut its internal 2012 sales target slightly and by less than the 300,000 vehicles cited in a German newspaper, the company said.

Mahindra and Mahindra will finalize its Russia plan in four to six months and is in talks with Russian distributors, a top company executive said.

In the 1990s Ford's Mondeo was the company car of choice in Europe. Roomy, comfortable and conservative, it was the perfect set of wheels for mid-level executives, who became known as "Mondeo Men." Not any more.

The 2013 Nissan Sentra will hit the streets this fall, and the compact sedan has received a major makeover. The seventh-generation car is longer, lower and, like the also-new 2013 Nissan Altima, promises class-leading fuel economy thanks to a new engine and a lower curb weight.


According to the manufacturer, the 2013 Nissan Sentra has gone on a diet, and now weighs some 150 pounds less than the outgoing 2012 model. The car is also more aerodynamic, with a coefficient of drag of 0.29 (down from 0.34).

The Sentra bears a strong resemblance to the bigger Altima, with styling that includes LED daytime running lights and taillights, a trapezoid-shaped grille and flowing character lines that run along the whole length of the car. The SR trim also gets sporty front and rear fascias, side skirts and a rear spoiler. The new look can best be described as mature and elegant.

A new engine finds its way in the Sentra; a 1.8L 4-cylinder that develops 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Sentra will be among the least powerful of the compact sedans, but also one of the lightest. A 6-speed manual transmission will be standard, while a new-generation continuously variable automatic (CVT) is also offered and will no doubt be the more popular choice.

A new engine finds its way in the Sentra; a 1.8L 4-cylinder that develops 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Nissan)

The 2013 Sentra will feature an independent front, and torsion beam rear suspension, front disc and rear drum brakes as well as speed-sensitive electric power steering. Wheel sizes include 16-inchers with wheel covers on the S and SV trims, while 17” alloys will grace the upscale SL and sporty SR trims.

Fuel economy has improved over the previous-gen Sentra. Nissan states the 2013 Sentra S with the CVT gearbox will achieve up to 4.9L/100km on the highway, with a combined rating of 5.8L/100km. The most efficient 2012 Sentra boasted ratings of 7.6/5.7L/100km.

Note: The performance-oriented SE-R and SE-R Spec V are history.

Despite a lower roofline and a reduced width, the new Sentra's cockpit has about the same interior volume as the old car. Trunk space is up by 57 litres, for a total of 428.

Interior fit and finish will benefit from a welcome improvement in quality and design, with soft-touch instrument panel and door armrests as well as maple woodgrain trim. Leather upholstery will again be offered in the Sentra SL.

Interior fit and finish will benefit from a welcome improvement in quality and design. (Photo: Nissan)

Standard features will include air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seatback with fold-down armrest, a tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows, and keyless entry. Climate control, sound system upgrades, Bluetooth connectivity, NissanConnect, a navigation system, heated front seats, a power sunroof, a rearview camera and an intelligent key system will also be available on uplevel trims.

Pricing will be announced closer to the 2013 Nissan Sentra's sale date. Look for our driving impressions in late October.

The breathtaking 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish arrived today in Canada, more specifically at the grand opening of Vancouver's third annual Luxury & Supercar Weekend. Three other launches will be held across the country over the next month.

“As Aston Martin's new flagship, the Vanquish continues the brand's enviable tradition of producing the world's most exhilarating sports cars,” said Julian Jenkins, Vice President, Aston Martin The Americas.

The 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish is the most powerful production car ever offered by the British automaker with a new 6.0L V12 engine that produces 565 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Only the strictly limited-edition One-77 supercar is more potent.

The model will go on sale in Canada in early 2013 at a base MSRP of $296,000. Go get your lottery tickets now!

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish (Photo: Aston Martin)

From GMM

The Monza paddock is wall-to-wall with rumours about Lewis Hamilton's future, but McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh on Friday insisted he remains calm.

"Media like that sort of speculation," he said, amid suggestions the British team's 2008 world champion could be about to jump ship to Mercedes, replacing the great Michael Schumacher.

Martin Whitmarsh said the reality behind McLaren's grey and glass doors is relaxed.

"Often stories that get circulated are blown out of proportion for entertainment reasons or whatever," he insisted.

When the Mercedes story broke, McLaren and Hamilton's management XIX Entertainment both issued statements to the effect that their 2013 talks are still on track.

"Lewis and his management have assured me of their intentions, we're focused on working together at the moment," Whitmarsh explained.

But another reality is that, on Thursday, Lewis Hamilton declared a defiant "No" when asked if he knows what colours he will be wearing in 2013.

Martin Whitmarsh admits he cannot be totally sure what is going to happen.

"Ultimately a driver has to drive where he is happy to drive. I've made it clear from the outset," he said. "Now lots of very positive things have been said to me. But there again, I've learned over the years that until people support that by inking the paper then you don't get too excited about it."

Following the launch of the all-new 2014 Mazda6 sedan in Moscow, the Japanese automaker will introduce the Mazda6 Wagon at the Paris Auto Show (September 29-October 14, 2012).

Both models displayed at the Mazda stand will feature the new SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel engine, available in either Standard Power or High Power version. Buyers will also have a choice of two direct-injected gasoline engines known as SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5.

The Mazda6 and Mazda6 Wagon will go on sale in the U.S. next year. As for Canada, stay tuned.

Photo: Mazda

“With the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, Jeep offers the most capable SUVs on the planet,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

Well, they're about to become even more capable. Starting this October, the manufacturer will offer the new 2013 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and 2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab models, both of which feature off-road equipment never before seen on a production Jeep.

Available with a V6 or V8 engine, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk boasts 18'' wheels, Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires, Selec-Terrain traction control with five settings (Snow, Rock, Sand/Mud, Sport and Auto), black leather and performance suede seats with red accent stitching.

Meanwhile, the Wrangler Moab comes with gloss black-painted 17'' Rubicon alloy wheels, a unique Mopar power dome hood and a black three-piece Freedom Top. Two- and four-door configurations are available.

Pricing for both models has yet to be unveiled.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (Photo: Chrysler)

2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab (Photo: Chrysler)

Lewis Hamilton signs the fastest lap in Italy, leading the other McLaren of Jenson Button. Michael Schumacher was the fastest in the morning.

Sunny day at Monza, the drivers were able to test the Medium and Hard tires, the Pirelli selection of the weekend. Michael Schumacher was the fastest in the morning with his Mercedes, leading Jenson Button's McLaren.

Jérôme d'Ambrosio, Lotus. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Replacement of Romain Grosjean, Jerome d'Ambrosio took his marks with his Lotus, while Ma Qing Hua became the first Chinese driver of the history to take part of a Formula One session. He however sets the slowest laptime with the small HRT.

Ma Qing Hua, HRT. (Photo: HRT F1 Team)

Lewis Hamilton was the fastest in the afternoon, followed closely by his teammate and Fernando Alonso with his Ferrari.

Jerome d'Ambrosio is twelfth, followed by Sebastian Vettel, very quiet all day with his Red Bull.


Grand prix of Italy - Monza
Friday, September 7, 2012

First practice session results*
1 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'25"422 - 26
2 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'25"723 - 29
3 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'25"762 - 26
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'25"800 - 22
5 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'25"861 - 27
6 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'25"944 - 30
7 - Kimi Räikkönen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'26"046 - 25
8 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'26"323 - 26
9 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'26"390 - 24
10 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'26"504 - 19
11 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'26"508 - 18
12 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'26"518 - 21
13 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'26"641 - 26
14 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'26"746 - 23
15 - Jerome d'Ambrosio (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'27"180 - 29
16 - Jules Bianchi (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'27"192 - 22
17 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'27"373 - 25
18 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'27"789 - 24
19 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'27"855 - 27
20 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'28"578 - 20
21 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'28"751 - 26
22 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'29"207 - 21
23 - Pedro de la Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'29"331 - 21
24 - Ma Qing Hua (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'31"239 - 26

Second practice session results*
1 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'25"290 - 32
2 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'25"328 - 35
3 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'25"348 - 17
4 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'25"430 - 43
5 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'25"446 - 41
6 - Kimi Räikkönen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'25"504 - 42
7 - Paul di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'25"546 - 40
8 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'25"547 - 36
9 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'26"068 - 32
10 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'26"094 - 38
11 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'26"104 - 35
12 - Jerome d'Ambrosio (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'26"157 - 36
13 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'26"394 - 31
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'26"404 - 42
15 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'26"724 - 33
16 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'26"730 - 17
17 - Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'26"783 - 39
18 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'26"841 - 39
19 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'26"864 - 36
20 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'27"222 - 36
21 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'27"944 - 36
22 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'27"968 - 36
23 - Pedro de la Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'28"575 - 34
24 - Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'28"779 - 21

* Unofficial results