Auto News 5

France will have to use radical surgery to address its current chronic overcapacity as the European automotive crisis spreads across mature markets, said one industry analyst.

Automotive production capacity in Brazil is expected to outpace demand until 2016, a trend that will pinch margins on small cars - the country's largest vehicle segment - a top Ford executive said.

Labour leaders at the South Korean unit of General Motors are ratcheting up pressure on GM to reverse course and build its next-generation Chevrolet Cruze model in the country over fears GM's plans to build it elsewhere will cost Korean jobs.

Top minicar makers Daihatsu and Suzuki are beefing up their sales efforts in urban areas where Honda is gaining on the two with new models.

News 16 Nov, 2012

Toyota is developing a petrol-electric system that will increase the GT 86 coupe’s pace

Pictures 16 Nov, 2012

Toyota has begun exporting US-assembled Venza SUVs to South Korea in a bid to improve price competitiveness which has been hit by the strength of the yen.

Mercedes-Benz Argentina is to export car components worth around US$15m to Russia.

Thai Auto Tools Group, a Thai-owned manufacturer of automotive components, jigs and dies, plans to launch an initial public offering (IPO) in mid-2013 to fund expansion of its flagship subsidiary Thai Auto Tools & Die.

Novelis has broken ground for its first aluminum manufacturing plant in China. The US$100m spend is intended to meet the rapidly growing demand for rolled aluminum used in the design of a new generation of lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The European downturn has reversed Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne's priorities.

Since its introduction back in 1989, Lexus has always been considered the reliable luxury brand. This is no surprise, since Toyota has been synonymous for reliability since the beginning of time. Obviously, “reliable” doesn't necessarily mean “desirable.”


The 2013 Lexus LS will offer a sportier appearance and a sportier driving experience, seeking to please a younger clientele while rivalling the Audi A8, the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Mouth wide open
Now featuring Lexus' new corporate face, which includes what they call their “spindle” grille design, the new LS looks much more aggressive than the outgoing model. Blacked-out headlight clusters with LED illumination, a sculpted hood, a new 18' alloy wheel design, as well as sportier front and rear bumpers round out the changes.

A new LS 460 F SPORT version, replacing the previous Sport Package, cranks up the dynamic design even more, including a ride height dropped by 10 mm and exclusive 19” alloy wheels.

More power, slightly
The 2013 Lexus LS 460 and long-wheelbase LS 460 L keep their 32-valve, 4.6L V8, although output figures have been revised compared to the 2012 car. Rear-drive versions get 386 hp (up by 6) and 367 lb-ft of torque; while AWD versions serve up 360 hp (up by 3) and 347 lb-ft. As before, the V8 is managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the F SPORT will add wheel-mounted paddle shifters with throttle blipping during downshifts.

According to Lexus, the RWD LS 460 will reach 96 km/h (60 mph) in 5.4 seconds, while the AWD version will achieve the same feat in 5.9 seconds.

The hybrid LS 600h L will continue to use a 5.0L V8 and two electric motors that produce a combined 438 hp, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain. Lexus estimates the 0-96 km/h will take 5.5 seconds, and the big hybrid sedan should still boast fuel economy ratings of 10.6/9.1 L/100km city/highway.

The 2013 Lexus LS 460 and long-wheelbase LS 460 L keep their 32-valve, 4.6L V8. (Photo: Lexus)

Driving dynamics
As before, an air suspension will be optional in the LS 460, and will be included in the LS 600h L and F SPORT versions. The latter also benefits from Brembo six-piston front brake callipers, a Torsen limited-slip differential and an intake plumbing that will send racy engine sounds in the cabin.

The LS' body is said to have improved in overall rigidity, while the use of adaptive damping shock absorbers reduce body roll and produce a flatter ride. The electric-assist steering has been revised for better feel and responsiveness, while the brakes have also been upgraded.

New gadgets
In addition to greater noise insulation, the 2013 Lexus LS' cabin benefits from a new (and world first, according to the manufacturer) concierge climate control system that includes front and rear seat heaters and ventilation, as well as a heated steering wheel; up to 13 sensors connected to a main ECU monitor the cabin to keep occupants bodies at their desired temperatures.

Other improvements to the all-new interior include redesigned front seats, Champagne White ambiance lighting, LED instrument panel lighting and Lexus' mouse-like Remote Touch Interface.

The Executive Package for long-wheelbase versions remains, which includes a rear-seat DVD player, rear-seat climate control, and a massaging ottoman rear seat.

The 2013 Lexus LS is now on sale. Pricing starts at $82,950, while a loaded LS 600h L stickers for $144,350.

A heated steering wheel; up to 13 sensors connected to a main ECU monitor the cabin to keep occupants bodies at their desired temperatures. (Photo: Lexus)

Grand-Am teams got their pre-season on-track activities going at Daytona, completing November 13-14 two days of testing at the legendary track that will stage the 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2013.

Tuesday, it was Joao Barbosa aboard the Action Express Racing Corvette who set the fastest lap, a 1min41.334s. Right below him on the timing sheet were Ozz Negri, for Michael Shank Racing, and Alex Gurney, driving the GAINSCO Auto Insurance entry.

Photo: Grand-Am.com

The GT class was dominated by five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Frank Biela, who will race for the first time at Daytona this year. Aboard Audi of America's Audi R8, he posted a 1min48.953s lap.

Photo: Grand-Am.com

The day also marked the return to Grand-Am Racing of former Formula One driver Christian Fittipaldi, who will race the full season with Action Express in 2013 to Grand-Am racing. Also on hand for the occasion was Martin Plowman, gathering data for all ALMS teams ahead of the 2014 merger, aboard his No. 37 Conquest Endurance Morgan/Nissan.

Photo: Grand-Am.com

Wednesday, Max Angelelli (Wayne Taylor Racing) took over from Barbosa in DP, posting the best lap time, a 1min41.118s. In GT, Andrew Davis did the same in his No. 59 Brumos Porsche GT3 with a lap in 1min49.943s.

Photo: Grand-Am.com

General Motors hopes to have 500,000 vehicles with either plug-in hybrid or fully electric technology on the road by 2017, leaving conventional hybrids behind.

''The plug-in offers a unique opportunity to change the way people commute,'' said Mary Barra, senior vice president of Global Product Development. ''Plug-based solutions will play a significant role in our technology portfolio going forward.''

This year, GM is on pace to sell more than 50,000 vehicles with electrification. There's the Volt, of course, but also the Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Malibu with eAssist technology. The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala will follow suit next year.

eAssist uses power stored in the lithium-ion battery to provide the necessary electrical boost in various driving situations and enable regenerative braking capability, optimizing engine and transmission operation.

From GMM

It is possible Germany will fall off the 2013 formula one calendar altogether.

This week, it has emerged that - at the circuit's own admission - the financially-crippled Nurburgring will almost certainly not host the German grand prix as scheduled mid next year.

Hockenheim has been named as a possible alternative, and it was believed that talks between circuit officials and Bernie Ecclestone had been underway for some time.

Aerial view of the Hockenheimring.

But the city's mayor Dieter Gummer told DPA news agency: "It is the case that we are in constant contact but it has never led to negotiations on a formula one event in Hockenheim in 2013.

"Before a grand prix in Germany goes we would in any case be prepared to talk, but in every case the priority is Nurburgring," he added.

Gummer said organising a 2013 race at Hockenheim would be "certainly problematic", as preparations for a grand prix usually begin "at the completion of the previous event".

Citroen Total World Rally Team has confirmed Thursday morning Dani Sordo will return to the team as a replacement for Sebastien Loeb in the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship.

The Spaniard is well know to the Versailles team, having contested 80 rounds of the world championship in a Citroen and driven for the factory squad for four years.

Citroen team principal Yves Matton admitted it was Sordo's six fastest times on last week's Rally of Spain which convinced him - along with his nationality, which appeals to Citroen's Spanish-speaking markets.

“We took our time in assessing the potential of the drivers available to line-up alongside Mikko Hirvonen next season. Obviously, Dani was very high on our list and his performances at the Rally of Spain proved that he can still perform at the very highest level,” Yves Matton said in a team presse release.

Dani Sordo, Citroen C4 in 2010. (Photo: WRC)

“Obviously I am very pleased to rejoin a team with which I share so many good memories. This was my number one choice for 2013. The last few years have been good for me,” Sordo declared.

“In another team [Prodrive WRC Team] I got to grips with different working methods. I took on more responsibility in the car development process. I see this return to Citroen as a great opportunity. I am still looking for my first win in WRC and I am determined to secure it next season! I can't wait to see the people I know again and get back behind the wheel of the DS3 WRC, in which I did some testing at the end of 2010,” he added.

After departing the Citroen Total World Rally Team at the end of 2010 to make way for Sebastien Ogier, Sordo joined the Prodrive WRC Team, taking an impressive three podium results from 13 starts in what was a brand new MINI John Cooper Works WRC.

Tiago Monteiro and his Honda Civic set the fastest lap in Thursday test session at the Grand Prix of Macau.

The Portuguese driver was on top of the time sheet when the session was red-flagged three minutes to the end and not resumed following Darryl O'Young's incident.

Lap times dropped by nearly five seconds during the 30-minute session. Mehdi Bennani opened hostilities with a lap of 2m38.340, but his mark was soon improved by Stefano D'Aste's 2m38.300 and Monteiro's 2m38.037.

Tiago Monteiro, Honda Civic WTCC. (Photo: FIA WTCC)

Halfway through the session, Bennani regained the lead with a lap of 2m36.853, then Rob Huff set the first major improvement being timed at 2m34.789. Eventually Monteiro pushed the limit forward to 2m33.908 that was still more than three seconds slower than last year's pole position time.

D'Aste set the second fastest lap of 2m34.528, while Huff ranked third but gave the impression he could go faster, as he aborted a new lap after setting the fastest times in the first two sectors.

As usual the Guia circuit claimed some victims. Key Cozzolino, Franz Engstler and Mak Ka Lok escaped high-speed spins with nearly no damage.

The same did not apply to O'Young who spun at the Mandarin Oriental bend, crashed into the barrier head-on and bounced back to hit the opposite barrier.

Henry Ho did not complete any lap as he stopped a few metres after exiting the pits, when the fire extinguisher activated itself and filled the BMW cockpit with powder.

From GMM

Toro Rosso will switch to Renault power for the start of F1's new V6 engine era in 2014.

That is the claim of the authoritative German specialist publication Auto Motor und Sport, reporting that the Red Bull-owned team will end its long association with supplier Ferrari after the V8 era concludes late next year.

Red Bull Racing, the energy drink's premier F1 team, is Renault's 'works' partner, running major branding of Renault partner Nissan's luxury arm Infiniti.

Toro Rosso-Ferrari STR7. (Photo: WRi2)

And also according to Auto Motor und Sport, "there are rumours Force India will in 2014 change from Mercedes to Ferrari engines".

The report by journalist Michael Schmidt said the Silverstone based team's denials so far have "not been energetic enough to make you believe them".

Reportedly, the reason for Toro Rosso and Force India's decisions could be price, with engine costs rising from about EUR 8 million at present to in some cases over EUR 20m in 2014.

Sahara Force India-Mercedes VJM05. (Photo: WRi2)

But in Toro Rosso's case, there is probably a more practical consideration, with parent team Red Bull then able to supply its Faenza based satellite with Renault-compatible gearboxes, KERS and hydraulics from 2014.

From GMM

F1 is replacing its chief doctor, Gary Hartstein.

The 57-year-old American, who has worked alongside the late Sid Watkins since 1997, replaced the retiring Briton altogether in 2005.

Dr Hartstein wrote on Twitter: "Have just been informed that president of the FIA and president of FIA medical commission have decided not to renew my contract. Brazil will therefore be my 247th and last formula one grand prix. It's been a life-changing experience and something I'll never forget."

He added: "Not sure about the 'why's' of the decision, but not down to me to know."

From Macau Grand Prix

The Macau Grand Prix Committee had the regret to announce that Luis Filipe de Sousa Carreira, competitor no. 33, from Portugal, in the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix has succumbed to injuries sustained in a racing accident during the qualifying session Thursday afternoon.

No other rider was involved in the incident, which occurred at Fisherman's Bend at 15h58. The qualifying session was immediately red flagged.

The medical services, a fast intervention vehicle, fully equipped, and an ambulance with two doctors in attendance, which were located at the side of the accident immediately went to the rider's aid, and as a result of the doctors' diagnosis, Mr. Carreira was immediately evacuated by ambulance to the Hospital, where he was admitted at 16h08.

Continuous CPR was performed, however he succumbed to his injuries at 16h28.

The Macau Grand Prix Committee has contacted the family and the members of the team, and the Committee expresses its sincere condolences.