Auto News 5

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne set a target in 2010 to sell 6 million cars annually by 2014, a goal that analysts judged impossible to achieve. They were right.

The redesigned 2013 Nissan Sentra that went on sale this month represents a change in strategy for Nissan North America. Nissan now wants to put the Sentra dead center in the high-volume heart of the market

Chrysler Group plans to bring key suppliers in early on product-development projects and de-emphasize competitive bidding, said Scott Kunselman, the automaker's new purchasing chief. With the new approach, which is common at Honda Motor Co.

A Mitt Romney White House could reverse Obama administration support for higher fuel-economy standards and electric vehicles. If the son of former American Motors chief George Romney defeats President Obama on Nov.

Richard Bustillo, general manager of Rick Case Honda in Davie, Fla., believes Facebook has finally cracked the code to help dealerships sell vehicles and service.

Connected-vehicle technology is meant to bring a dramatic reduction in traffic fatalities by helping drivers avoid the types of crashes that most often cause them: collisions in intersections, or while changing lanes, or rear-ending stopped cars.

Ford Motor Co. hopes capacity cuts in Europe will make the company profitable there by the middle of the decade.

In promoting Doug Murtha, Scion now has a laid-back, 46-year-old Angeleno whose Toyota career has focused on product planning, mostly involving Japan-sourced vehicles.

There's no Blue Book value for pigs, cows or maple syrup. But Gardner Stone has taken all of those as trade-ins from customers of his Ford and GMC dealership in rural Vermont. He boldly claims the business, G.

Jimmie Johnson did what he had to do; winning from the pole at Martinsville he took the Sprint Cup points lead.

"I'm ecstatic about the win today. I'm ecstatic about the points lead," Johnson said. "But this is no cakewalk.”

Jimmie Johnson, winner. (Photo: NASCAR)

While Johnson was celebrating his 59th career win, fourth of the year, Brad Keselowski's comeback from 32nd to sixth may have been performance of the race if not the saving grace in his hopes for his first Cup title.

“Today was a tough day,” said Johnson. “Our car came to life right on time.”

It was Johnson's seventh win at the .526 mile paper-clip-shaped track putting him two points ahead of Keselowski with three races to go in the championship. Johnson held off Kyle Busch by .479 seconds in a five-lap shoot out at the end.

Hendrick Motorsports at work on Jimmie Johnson's Chevrolet. (Photo: NASCAR)

Johnson is aware of Keselowski being his primary rival. “I felt like it was going to be a problem for him. I mean, we've been there before and have stayed out and gotten beaten. I expected him to drop a little further back, so with only a 2-point margin, he must have stayed up in the top five somewhere. You just can't count out good race teams. When you're in the playoffs, it doesn't matter what sport it is, teams step up to show what they're made of. We've seen a lot of teams do it this Chase. Out team came out on top today, and a few more racing doing that, we should be in good shape.”

Knowing that this track was one of his worst kept Keselowski optimistic about his title hopes. "You can't count this team out," said Keselowski. “This team has a tremendous amount of heart. Just proud of 'em. I know this championship is going to come down to Homestead (the series finale). You've just got to be in a position to where you've got a shot at it.
"We'll keep fighting the good fight."

Photo: NASCAR

Denny Hamlin, another pre-race favorite to win, had a disastrous day with two pit lane speeding penalties and electrical problem finishing 33rd, is eliminated as a challenger for the Cup.

Last week's winner, Clint Bowyer, is hanging on, third 26 points after finishing fifth behind Kasey Kahne (third) and Aric Almirola (fourth) respectively. Kahne is 29 points out of the lead.

Chevrolet grabbed its' tenth straight manufacturers' championship with the win.

Although the championship is likely down to Johnson and Keselowski the five-time champion was not over confident when putting Hamlin's problem into the context of the bigger picture.

Jimmie Johnson leading Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch. (Photo: NASCAR)

“What it does to my mind is say that anything can happen,” Johnson said. "I think it was an electrical problem, what we've heard so far. That can happen to anybody. I'm not smiling. I'm not anything. It can happen to me. It can happen to the 2 (Keselowski). It's just one of those Voodoo things you don't do in this sport. With three races left, anything can happen.

You're looking for somebody to call a shot. But you got to play the game, you got to run the race. We could have some mechanical issue, an electrical issue, an accident on the track. With three races left, there's a lot of laps to be run."

The Japanese brand's product lineup has never been so lean since they set up shop in Canada, and we're wondering what the future holds for them.

The Eclipse, Galant and Endeavor were all retired over the last year, which isn't catastrophic since they never sold in large quantities. That leaves the Lancer sedan and hatchback (now in its seventh year without a redesign), the RVR, the Outlander and the electric i-MiEV.

The Lancer Evolution's future is also unclear at this point, as it doesn't fit well with the company's pursuit of environmental cleanliness.


In short, Mitsubishi showrooms are pretty quiet these days. However, the 2014 Outlander, which should be on sale next year, is a ray of sunshine in their cloudy sky. A plug-in hybrid version of the next Outlander will be produced, equipped with a 2.0L engine and electric motors at both ends. In EV mode, it should boast a range up to 55 km and accelerate up to 120 km/h. According to Mitsubishi, it should deliver a fuel consumption average of 1.6L/100km, which sounds unrealistic, but we'll see when the time comes.

That's not enough, though. The Lancer is in dire need of a redesign and more fuel-efficient engines. The RVR is slowly getting better with some improvements received every model year. The i-MiEV will remain a low-volume car for the time being.

Mitsubishi needs to add a subcompact car to their Canadian lineup to compete with the Ford Fiesta, the Kia Rio, the Toyota Yaris, the Honda Fit and the Hyundai Accent. The new Mirage, based on the Global Small concept, should finally make its way to our shores. Small cars may not be very profitable, but at least they draw more people into showrooms and get sales numbers on the board.

Mitsubishi also needs a competent midsize sedan, especially in the United States. Rivalling the Honda Accord, the Ford Fusion, the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry won't be easy, but it has to be done if the company wants to thrive in North America.

What Mitsubishi really needs, though, is a marketing strategy. Being a green automaker isn't enough in the eyes of the consumer; it has to be mixed with something else to produce anything resembling a blip on the car shopper's radar. The brand has always been recognized as a producer of dynamic, driver-engaging cars, and maybe they should stick to that. Here's a start: Keep the Ralliart performance branding, and promote it across the model lineup. Come to think of it, an i-MiEV Ralliart might be a good idea.

Produced in 150 copies, the new 2013 BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition will be available in a choice of frozen exterior finishes including Frozen Red, Frozen White and Frozen Blue. All will sport black Novillo leather with contrasting stitching to match the exterior colour.

The 2013 BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition will come standard with 19'' matte black wheels, Electronic Damper Control (EDC), a 6-speed manual transmission, a 10 mm lowered suspension, and a carbon fibre roof panel, among other features.

Buyers will be able to customize their M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition with options such as an M dual-clutch transmission, a moonroof, heated front seats, and satellite radio with 1-year subscription.

The 2013 BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition will enter production in January before going on sale in the U.S. at $76,395. However, similar to the BMW 6 Series Frozen Silver Edition, it's not scheduled to come to Canada.

Photo: BMW

The circle of life dictates that death follows life and vice versa. The current 5th generation Ford Mustang has been around since 2005, and was therefore called upon to pass.

The 6th gen car promises to be quite the departure from what we've come to love as the retro-cool ‘Stang that harks back to a time when life was simpler -- those days are over.

The coming of the next Mustang signifies that special editions (such as our favourite Boss 302 and the most awesome Shelby GT500) will shortly be no more. If you recall, the past held many wild Mustangs like the Bullitt, the GT-H, the GT-500 KR, and a few others. As you know, they're all gone.

As the saying goes: “The king is dead; long live the king.” The next Ford Mustang, expected for the 2015 model year (this could mean that the car will be around in as little as a year) will also be offered in various special trims. This we can guarantee.

Given the direction that Ford seems to be taking with the next Mustang, you and I should expect it to be all killer, no filler.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

Paul Ricard will hold more talks with Bernie Ecclestone over France's potential return to the F1 calendar in 2013.

After the circuit's boss Stephane Clair last week indicated a "90 per cent" possibility that France will replace the delayed New York grand prix next year, F1's chief executive Ecclestone indicated similarly in India on Sunday.

"We are ready to sign," he said. "Which circuit they are going to use is one thing (to resolve), and who is going to pay for it. That's the bottom line."

Photo: WRi2

Clair is now quoted by the French-language sport24.com: "Bernie Ecclestone never speaks in a vacuum. He has told the teams by announcing that there will be 20 races in 2013, not 19, despite the withdrawal of the grand prix of New Jersey."

"The message is heard. We will try to continue the negotiations next week," he added.

Sport24.com predicted that the story will continue to develop behind the scenes this week, as F1 gathers in Abu Dhabi for the next race.

Every little boy's dream is finally coming true with the launch of the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition -- the first time a full-size production Hot Wheels car has been offered for sale by any manufacturer.



''Millions of us grew up playing with Hot Wheels,'' said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. ''Offering a special production model of the Camaro Hot Wheels is an opportunity to bring those memories to life, for kids of all ages.''

Unveiled today at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will make fans drool with striking metallic paint, 21'' black wheels featuring a red outline stripe, two-tone matte graphic on the hood, ''blackout'' graphic on the rear taillight panel, ''flame'' graphics on the fenders, and Hot Wheels logos on the front grille and rear decklid.

The base LT model uses a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 323 horsepower, while the higher-end SS comes with a 6.2L V8 that cranks out either 400 or 426 horsepower depending on the transmission.

In the U.S., the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will require a premium of $6,995 over the regular Camaro when it arrives in showrooms early next year -- stunt track sold separately.

Canadian availability remains unknown.

Photo: Chevrolet

Whether or not he resigned or was invited to step down, IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard has tended his resignation but, apparently, will remain on board in an advisory role.

The announcement was made following a special meeting of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation board of directors on Sunday.

This conclusion comes after months of rumors about Bernard's future with the series which started sometimes last summer when the former IndyCar CEO tweeted that some owners were trying to have him replaced.

That situation took an expected turn last week when some media stated that Bernard had been fired amidst rumours that Tony George was about to buy the Indycar Series.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO Jeff Belskus will serve as IndyCar's interim CEO.

Despite a generally satisfactory performance since he took over in March 2010, Bernard's power base weakened over the past six months.

The cost of spare parts for the new car, decreasing television ratings as well as some promoters growing unhappy with the fact that Bernard cut prices to convince some oval tracks to join the schedule are among the topics that made the former CEO unpopular with owners.

Adapted from GMM

Sebastien Buemi on Sunday had a meeting with Sahara Force India officials, but Vijay Mallya on Monday suggested Adrian Sutil is a possible contender to replace Nico Hulkenberg in 2013.

Vijay Mallya, the Silverstone based team's co-owner and boss, said he is not certain German Hulkenberg is switching to Sauber.

"I hear from the media that Nico has signed with Sauber. He hasn't sat down with me and told me that," Vijay Mallya is quoted by the Indian Express.

But if Nico Hulkenberg does go, Mallya is confident he will not be difficult to replace.

Adrian Sutil, former Force India driver. (Photo: WRi2)

"Yes absolutely, why not? Never forget I always have the potential of considering Sutil again. Sutil is always quick. So there are many options," he said.

On his end, Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko seemed to confirm the possibility Sebastien Buemi is in with a shot of the Sahara Force India cockpit.

Sebastien Buemi, Toyota Racing driver. (Photo: WRi2)

"If Buemi doesn't go to Force India," he is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick, "then we want to keep him. He might also do the (sports car) endurance world championship with Toyota."

Who to believe? We should know more in the coming weeks.

Currently third in the Formula 1 Driver's World Championship, former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen seems to have silenced the critics during his comeback season in Grand Prix racing. Today, the Finn has renewed his contract and is looking for more with Lotus in 2013.

The Finn, who contested the last two seasons competing in the FIA World Rally Championship in a Citroen, quickly proved that he has not lost his touch behind the wheel of an F1 car.

“I think there were a few people who had doubts about how I would perform after being away for a while. Personally, I didn't feel I stopped racing at all,” Raikkonen declared.

Kimi Raikkonen (Photo: Lotus)

And he said he really feels at home with the Lotus team.

“I have been very happy with the team; how they work, how they approach the races and how they invest in developing the car,” Raikkonen added.

“I think with the progress behind the scenes at Enstone we could be fighting for the podium even more often next year and also be able to make a stronger challenge for the Championship. My motivation is as strong as it's always been. I'm keen to race on,” he said.

Lotus team boss, Eric Boullier, said that Raikkonen has started to give his inputs about the new, 2013 E21 car.

“This year has been a good platform to put down strong foundations for what will hopefully be an even better season next time around. We know what we need to do to improve in some important areas, which should help us get even better results next year. All in all, I'm looking forward to carrying on working with the team to achieve more good things in 2013,” Raikkonen said.

His main objective for next year is to qualify better than he did this season.

“Of course, the main thing is to do my very best every time, every weekend, every race. I think to be able to perform better in the races I have to find more from myself and from the car in qualifying. This season has shown that you have to be on the first two rows to be able to win every time. It's important to improve our grid positions for 2013. That's one of main targets for me,” Raikkonen concluded.

It appears that the fuel tank outlet flange on certain 2010-2011 Jaguar XF sedans could crack and cause a leak. In the presence of an ignition source, this could result in a fire.

Therefore, Jaguar Canada dealers will replace the fuel tank outlet flange on the 367 affected units.

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Jaguar

From Renault Sport

Sebastian Vettel's win for Red Bull Racing at the Grand Prix of India brought the total of Renault-engined wins in Formula 1 to 150. The manufacturer is third in the overall standings, only 16 behind the legendary Ford/Cosworth DFV.

Renault entered F1 in 1977 as a constructor and has achieved success in both this capacity and as an engine supplier. After making its debut at Silverstone in July 1977, it secured its first win in France in 1979, and has achieved wins with every type of engine fielded, with wins shared by the 1.5-litre V6 turbo, the 3.5 and 3.0-litre V10s, and the current 2.4-litre V8.

Photo: Renault Sport

Renault Wins 1979-2012
By engine
1.5 litres V6 Turbo : 20 victories
3.5 litres V10 : 38 victories
3.0 litres V10 : 47 victories
2.4 litres V8 : 45 victories

Jean-Pierre Menrath, head of dyno testing remembers the maiden victory of a Renault engine in Formula 1, back with Jean-Pierre Jabouille at the 1979 Grand Prix of France at Dijon-Prenois.

“The first races of 1979 had been disastrous for Renault: in seven races with two cars we had had 12 DNFs and zero points. This is why our management at the time, Gérard Larousse, managing director, and François Castaing, technical director, ordered two test sessions at Dijon. They wanted to create a winning mentality in a company that doubted its own ability.

These private tests went well but still no one knew where we would be on the grid. Then, on Saturday July 2nd, our two cars were there, on the front row, ahead of everyone. Everyone knows the story of the race - Jean-Pierre Jabouille made a good start and had a relatively trouble-free race, no refuelling, no tire change, no telemetry - just a huge amount of stress in the garage as we watched the laps go past... increasing each lap!

Jean-Pierre Jabouille, Renault. (Photo: WRI2)

Finally we made it and the feeling was indescribable: a huge wave of joy and happiness and the feeling of having achieved something exceptional: the first win for a turbo engine, the first win for a road car manufacturer in F1 and the first win for Renault.

After the race, as if to say ‘don't take anything for granted', our friend Ken Tyrrell lodged a protest that our engine wasn't legal. Some of the English were convinced that we had put a two litre Le Mans engine in there instead of a 1,500cm3 F1 engine! We must have done, otherwise, how could we have been that quick?

The FIA made us strip the engine, still warm in the car, to check the cylinder head. We had to remove it as their checks weren't designed for such a small engine... which was obviously legal after all that!”