Auto News 5

Turkey's auto industry is one of the great growth stories of the past decade. The nation's government aims to triple vehicle production over the next decade.

With North American vehicle production headed toward 15 million-plus units next year, automakers are encountering a new breed of supplier: the one that says "no."

From WRC press release

Petter Solberg says he's not done yet when it comes to winning FIA World Rally Championship titles, even though he's facing the prospect of heading into the winter break without confirmation of a drive for next season.

The ever-popular Solberg won the 2003 WRC crown with Subaru but was forced to compete as a privateer for three seasons following the Japanese make's withdrawal from the sport at the end of 2008. He drove for the works Ford team in 2012. After a strong start, his form dipped and he finished fifth in the final table.

“I know I can win another championship and I absolutely know that this Ford Fiesta RS WRC is good enough to win the title, and is still getting better,” the Norwegian told told Autosport.com.

Photo: WRC

With Ford cutting its title sponsorship from the WRC for next season, M-Sport, the team behind the Blue Oval's factory operation, is currently not able to offer Solberg a ride for 2013 unless external funding becomes available.

“I'm desperate to carry on driving,” said Solberg. “I love this sport, it really is my life. I love everything about the World Rally Championship. But I have to consider the fact that I might have to retire from the WRC. I have to think like this. I'm a professional driver and if I can't make a living doing this then I have to look for other work, it's as simple as that. If I do retire, it would be nice to have started and finished my WRC career with Ford.”

Volvo Car Corporation is increasing production of the new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, which provides a range of up to 50 kilometres on pure electric power and 900 kilometres overall thanks to a remarkable consumption rating of 1.8L/100km.

From 1,000 units for 2013 (already sold out), Volvo will build 4,000-6,000 cars as of model year 2014. The assembly has been successfully integrated to the same line as the company's other models at the Torslanda plant in Gothenburg, Sweden.

"We are first in the industry to integrate a plug-in hybrid in an established production flow together with other car models," said Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation. "The integration in the standard production flow gives the plug-in hybrid buyer the possibility to choose in principle all options available for the standard V60."

Mertens added that the order books for next year's cars are already filling up. Unfortunately, there are no current plans to sell the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid this side of the Atlantic.

Photo: Volvo

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid First Impressions

2013 Acura ILX Tech Review

2013 GMC Terrain Denali First Impressions

Other very interesting topics:

• 2013 Auto123.com Award winners announced
• 2013 Lexus LS preview
• 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI first impressions
• 2012 Honda Odyssey LX review
• 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth review

Given the response of visitors at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance earlier this summer, McLaren has decided to go ahead with a limited production run of the track-only 12C GT Can-Am.

If you love carbon fibre, you're in for a treat: The rear wing, door mirror mounts and covers, engine cover vents, side radiator intake vanes, sill covers and badges, as well as the entire chassis are all made of carbon fibre. Styling is also enhanced by lightweight forged alloy wheels with black satin finish and Pirelli racing tires.

Inside the McLaren 12C GT Can-Am, expect to find an FIA-approved, race-specification roll cage, full six-point harnesses, and a unique McLaren GT steering wheel carried over from the 12C GT3 race car.

The piece de resistance, of course, is the 3.8L twin-turbo V8 engine whose power output has been increased to 630 horsepower with the help of unique engine calibration and optimized cooling. This makes the McLaren 12C GT Can-Am the most powerful 12C to date.

The mere 30 copies will each retail for £375,000, equal to about $595,000.

Photo: McLaren

Team Press Release

Four star drivers will share the wheel of the No. 8 Starworks Motorsport Ford/Riley at opening round of the 2013 Grand-Am Rolex series, the 24 Hours of Daytona January 26-27.

Allan McNish, Alex Popow, Ryan Dalziel and Sebastien Bourdais will drive the car in Florida.

In 2012 Starworks Motorsport entered the history books by becoming the first LMP2 champions in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the first North American team to win an FIA World Championship in 46 years.

The team also won the Grand-Am North American Endurance Championship.

These milestones concluded an incredible season with victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the first Rolex Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in addition to a second in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and third in the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen.

“Why the heck would I want a Porsche with room for the wife and kids?!”

The guy filling his Honda Accord Coupe next to me at the gas station was perturbed at the existence of a four-door Porsche. It was his first time seeing a Panamera.

“Well, what about a road-trip to Vegas with your buddies?” I replied.

“Hmm, suppose so, yea.”


The Panamera GTS
Porsches with room for the wife and kids sell. The Cayenne, for example, is the controversial sport-ute from the sports car brand, but it's also the best selling Porsche on the road.

The Panamera came after it. And the Panamera GTS, launched this year, is the most youthful and athletic naturally aspirated Panamera available.

Despite living in the shadows of its 500-plus horsepower turbocharged brothers, it's no slouch. Panamera GTS is engineered and styled to put on a show in a really big way -- and that's whether you're alone, with the spouse and offspring, or on a weekend road trip with your bros.

The hooligan
The looks start pulling anyone near the Panamera GTS into its experience. Even stock, the Panamera looks like it could be on the cover of a custom Porsche magazine. Where other Panamera models look mature and stately, the GTS is raucous and exciting. It's the family hooligan, probably.

Big black wheels, scoops, vents, and giant red brakes communicate serious sportiness. The linebacker stance, meaty body and LED headlight clusters that look like Ironman's Arc Reactor chest piece are equally as attention-grabbing. Hell, the spoiler even deploys and unfolds in stages like something out of Transformers that's about to decapitate a piece of military equipment.

The linebacker stance, meaty body and LED headlight clusters that look like Ironman's Arc Reactor chest piece are equally as attention-grabbing. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Snarling power
The engine sucks drivers and all within earshot into the Panamera GTS experience, too. Displayed like high-tech art under the hood, the 4.8L V8 makes 430 horsepower in this application while spinning to beyond 7,000 rpm.

For GTS duty, engineers specified several modifications to the standard engine -- including cast aluminum pistons, a high-flow intake, meatier cams, and a new computer to turn in 30 more horsepower and a higher redline. It performs best when spinning fast, and makes sound effects like your favourite automatic weapon.

And more so when you push the little button with the picture of a tailpipe on it.

This opens a trap door in the exhaust, ramping the GTS' soundtrack up from an aggressive hum to a full-out mechanical symphony that burbles and barks, farts, crackles and pops. There are even special pipes that blast the engine's sound into the cabin at full throttle.

Hammer down and the sounds will play in your head while you try to sleep. If money were no object, I'd buy this machine for the sound effects alone.

Under the hood, the 4.8L V8 makes 430 horsepower while spinning to beyond 7,000 rpm. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Robo-tranny
Further involvement comes from the dual-clutch transmission. Driven hard, it'll call your favourite racing simulation game to mind with shift paddles summoning instantaneous and startlingly quick gear changes. Recalibrated transmission electronics allow for faster shifting than the standard Panamera, too.

Perfect rev-matching in both directions? Check. Millisecond reaction to your commands? Check. Call for a downshift, and it's like having thunder at your fingertips. This is paddle shifting the way it should be: entertaining as all heck. A proper manual is unavailable here. Which sort of sucks. However, truth is that no human being is changing gears this fast.

The tester also came equipped with a computer-assisted launch control function that pre-revs the engine, hammers the clutch into action, and sends power to all four wheels as quickly as they can put it to the road.

I tried it out once when no law-enforcement officials were looking, and the off-the-line kick sent the sunglasses I keep on my ball cap into the rear seat. It's like being kicked in the junk by a velvet slipper. Passing and merging power are equally as aggressive, and unlike the Panamera Turbo and Turbo S, the GTS' sound effects actually tell you it's working hard when your boot drops.

Further involvement comes from the dual-clutch transmission. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Size-defying handling
And though it's got four doors and a footprint approaching minivan territory, the Panamera GTS steers, brakes and handles with all the flattering precision and stability promised by that badge on its hood. Apparently, nobody told this machine how big and heavy it was. It's an easy car to enjoy a comfortable cruise in, or to use for ripping winding roadways to bits.

Real-life ready
Drivers take in the experience from a cabin that's richly trimmed with leather, suede, chrome, and aluminum. All the tech-y, high-dollar staples are on board, as are a dash-mounted lap timer, a fighter-jet style centre console, reconfigurable instrument cluster display, and supportive racing-style bucket seats for four.

It's gorgeous in here. And there's room for tall people, the ride quality is excellent, and it's easy to board and exit. There's even room in the trunk for an IKEA shelf.

Drivers take in the experience from a cabin that's richly trimmed with leather, suede, chrome, and aluminum. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

So, Panamera GTS pulls off all that important real-world, four-door stuff while looking like it's about to powerslide through a shopping mall with Skrillex blasting on the stereo. Its mature, sporty Porsche-ness with a refreshingly youthful dose of visual and aural adrenaline dialed in. A great split personality.

Complaints include limited visibility while reversing and a less-than-user-friendly infotainment system. Panamera is also wide and low and somewhat difficult to park. Price of admission to the Panamera GTS show? High-luxury, high-tech, high-performance for four starts around 127 grand.

The one millionth Fiat 500 just came out of the Italian automaker's Bielsko-Biala assembly plant in Poland. The milestone car was a Lounge model painted in Bianco Perla (white pearl).

Since re-launching in 2007, the iconic 500 has spread to more than 100 countries around the world.

In North America, where the car debuted in 2011, sales are already exceeding 73,000 units. So far in 2012, 36,462 Fiat 500s have been sold in the U.S., an impressive 130% jump from last year.

With more than 500,000 different combinations of exterior and interior colours, engines and accessories, you'll be hard-pressed two find two identical copies.

Too often when I attend a press event for the launch of a vehicle that has more than two doors, the manufacturer proudly says their amazing new vehicle is purposefully developed for people with an “active lifestyle.”

What is an “active lifestyle,” exactly? It basically means people who are always on the go, seeking entertainment every weeknight, and extracurricular activities on the weekend such as kayaking, horseback riding, cycling, snowboarding, bungee jumping, and being shot out of a cannon. Remember to always wear a helmet.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

That's definitely not me. My “active lifestyle” consists of getting up in the morning, pulling the kids out of bed, feeding them breakfast, making their lunches, throwing them on the bus, rushing through traffic get to work on time, and rushing back home to pick up the kids from school in the evening; followed by homework, dinner and bedtime stories.

By 8 pm, my brain is fried. I try to relax over the weekend, so rock climbing or parachuting is out of the question.

It's probably not the type of “active lifestyle” the manufacturers have in mind.

Then again, I don't think a manufacturer will ever tell us “this bold and breathtaking new vehicle was developed with couch potatoes in mind.” Or how about this enticing tag line: “We painstakingly crafted our new model for those who don't care about driving pleasure.”

Yes, some people buy a specific model hoping to find happiness behind thewheel. I always thought of a sports car as a less-expensive alternative to a psychologist, provided you use it wisely and legally. Hey, wouldn't that make a great sales pitch? OK, maybe not.

Some will buy a quiet and comfortable vehicle for the relaxing driving experience. There are some great cars and trucks to control the road rager that lurks inside you.

Some just want a low monthly payment, no matter what the car looks like or how it drives. And I've got no problem with that.

However, I don't think many people buy these “active lifestyle” marketing tag lines. On the other hand, if you do have this type of lifestyle, pretty much every manufacturer has a car or truck that's right for you. You're in luck.

A number of cars that were flooded in the wake of Hurricane Sandy or any other disaster might one day cross the border into Canada. CarProof is therefore offering a free flood damage check on its website.

Canadian buyers will find out whether or not a used car has ever sustained water damage in the United States or if the car has been registered in an area that's been affected by a significant storm. Just go to carproof.com and enter the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Water damage should not be overlooked as it can have a lasting effect on a vehicle if it goes unrepaired.

McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, the winner of the last United States Grand Prix held in Indianapolis in 2008 has won Sunday the first Formula 1 race at the Circuit of the Americas.

Second place for Sebastian Vettel has put the Red Bull Racing driver on the verge of a third consecutive title at the championship decider in Brazil next weekend.

Crucially, third place in America for Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso - the German's only championship rival - has also kept his title hopes alive.

Photos: WRi2

Hamilton claimed the lead from Vettel - who had been quickest in every session - in the closing stages of the race, with both the drivers having fought each other hard from start to finish.

Hamilton and Vettel used the same strategy, stopping just once to change from the Pirelli medium tires to the hard tires. Alonso opted for an identical strategy to keep his title hopes alive, having started from seventh on the grid to move up to third.

Germany's Daimler is now the full and sole owner of the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team headed by Briton, Ross Brawn.

Daimler bought Aabar's stake in the Formula 1 team.

Aabar Investments is a private joint stock company registered and incorporated in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

It owned 40% of the Mercedes F1 team after first buying into the Brawn GP team in 2009 before the company and Daimler became the sole owners in 2011.

Daimler confirmed on Monday that it has purchased the final stake for an undisclosed figure.

The Mercedes AMG F1 team will run McLaren refugee, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in next year's F1 World Championship.

When Ferrari launches a new car, the automotive world stands up and pays attention. The latest masterpiece to come from Maranello is quite possibly the most striking and sensual car to ever be designed by the house that Enzo built.


The 2013 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta replaces the outgoing, but still unflappably hot, 599 GTB Fiorano. In the absence of an anniversary car (F40, F50 and F60 [Enzo]), these cars (550, 575, 599) serve as the poster boys for the fabled company with a cavallino rampante on its logo.

As the latest offspring of Ferrari, the 2013 F12 Berlinetta features all the latest aerodynamic wizardry that not only makes it slice through the air, but adds all-important downforce for weekly sprints to the gym.

All kidding aside, the F12's 0.299 Cd and downforce figure of 123 kg at 200 km/h (a 76% increase over the 599) not only improves fuel consumption numbers but plays a huge roll in high performance driving dynamics. Keep in mind that all of this is being achieved without the use of spoilers -- anywhere.

As with all Ferrari products, this new car is highly customizable. The number of exterior colors is numerous and the racecar-like cockpit can be draped in tan or blue and black. Only the finest materials such as leather and carbon-fibre are ever found in these cars. The piece de resistance is the F1-inspired steering complete with manetino.

The piece de resistance is the F1-inspired steering complete with manetino. (Photo: Ferrari)

The 2013 F12 Berlinetta's driving dynamics are also assured by a highly sophisticated Magnetorheological damping system. The F12 is endowed with the latest version and includes new dual-coil technology which permits quicker suspension reaction times for improved everything. Its ride height is 25 mm lower and weight 70 kg lighter than the 599. These are all ingredients to make this car the best driving Ferrari ever.

The crown jewel in the F12's arsenal is its 6.3L V12. This is the most powerful naturally aspirated production V12 they have ever assembled. It is rated at 740 hp and 510 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque. The engine is designed to produce 80% of the torque figure as of 2,500 rpm, and will scream all the way to an 8,700 rpm redline.

As with all Ferrari cars, save for the FF, the 2013 F12 Berlinetta is rear-wheel driven and, as with all modern ‘Rarris, it features a lightning-fast, dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission. This gearbox is integrated with the electronic E-Diff for better overall weight distribution.

Here are a few stats to illustrate how good and fast the new 2013 F12 Berlinetta is: We all agree that the 599 was a bullet, but the new F12 is like Superman; faster than a speeding bullet. It reaches 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and 200, in 8.5. That's 0.6 and 2.5 seconds faster (respectively) than the 599.

The 2013 F12 Berlinetta will be equipped with a slew of safety features. It is expected to land in Canada in early 2013. Final Canadian specs and pricing should be available later this year.

The latest masterpiece to come from Maranello is quite possibly the most striking and sensual car to ever be designed by the house that Enzo built. (Photo: Ferrari)

The fuel strategy that was supposed to carry Jimmie Johnson to a sixth championship instead made a winner of his teammate, Jeff Gordon, who triumphed in Sunday's Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway as Brad Keselowski locked up the NASCAR Sprint Cup title.

Gordon crossed the finish line 1.028 seconds ahead of Clint Bowyer, his nemesis from a week ago at Phoenix, as Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet sat forlorn in the garage, Johnson's title hopes the victim of a pit road mistake and a rare part failure.

Ryan Newman ran third, followed by Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle.

Photos: Getty Images for NASCAR

Keselowski finished 15th, a lap down, but Johnson's difficulties took the suspense out of the title fight in the closing laps of the race. Johnson entered the season finale 20 points behind Keselowski, but his 36th-place result cost him second place in the final standings.

The Cup championship was the first for team owner Roger Penske, and the first since 1975 for car maker Dodge, which is leaving Cup racing at the end of the season.

From GMM

Mario Andretti says Michael Schumacher's three-year return to F1 was a success because he enjoyed it.

"He never lost the love and joy of racing," Andretti, the naturalised American who won his F1 title in 1978, said at the US grand prix on Sunday.

"That's the thing I most admire," added the 72-year-old, who at the brand new Circuit of the Americas interviewed podium champions Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.

A long way down the results sheet, in an abysmal sixteenth place, was the seven time world champion Schumacher, whose failed comeback with Mercedes will finally end in Brazil next weekend.

"Of course his comeback was not a great success," Andretti is quoted by SID news agency, "but the important thing is that he enjoyed it."

"And if he does retire for good, we will miss him. He's still the best of all time," he added.

As for the 2012 title head-to-head between Vettel and Alonso, Andretti admitted he probably admires the achievements of Ferrari's Spaniard a little more.

"Alonso has no weaknesses," the Italian-born former Ferrari driver is quoted by El Pais, a Spanish newspaper.

Mario Andretti interviewing Fernando Alonso at Austin. (Photo: WRi2)

"His car was always outpaced but he has taken full advantage of every opportunity. Vettel's talent is unquestioned, but clearly he has the best car. Fernando deserves the title more because he has had the most personal influence on the results. Early on, Vettel was not happy with his car; he only began to dominate in the last third of the championship, when Red Bull found a way to improve the RB8. Now, Webber is also very fast, and when both drivers in a team are ahead it means the car is very competitive. Fernando thinks he deserves it more because he is at a disadvantage compared to Vettel, and I agree with him," added Andretti.

Fellow F1 legend Niki Lauda, however, warned the sport to brace for more and more Vettel success.

"It's not only that Seb can break all of Michael's records -- he will break them!" he told Bild newspaper. "Red Bull can give him the best car again and again."

News 18 Nov, 2012

Lewis Hamilton has won the US Grand Prix, followed by Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso

Daimler will enlarge its management board to put a top executive in charge of its troublesome Chinese car business, a German magazine reported on Sunday.

Starting this month, car tires in the EU have to bear performance labels.

Jaguar Land Rover and Chery Automobile will invest 10.9 billion yuan ($1.75 billion) to build a manufacturing plant in eastern China and create a new brand to cater to the nation's consumers.