Auto News 5

History/Description: The Pontiac G5 was a compact sedan sold by the now-extinct sporty General Motors brand. A twin of the Chevrolet Cobalt and, to some extent, the Chevrolet HHR, it came with 4-cylinder power, sporty looks, a good warranty and either a two- or four-door configuration.

Look for a 2.2L or 2.4L ECOTEC engine making 148 or 173 horsepower, respectively, and manual or automatic gearbox options for both. All units were front-wheel drive. Options and feature content included a sunroof, OnStar, Bluetooth, heated leather, a high-end Pioneer stereo, and plenty more.

Look for a 2.2L or 2.4L ECOTEC engine making 148 or 173 horsepower (Photo: Matthieu Lambert)

Consider the G5 / Pursuit in the used market alongside models like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra. Note that despite the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand, GM sales centers will be able to service, repair and warranty used G5 models, as they're mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Cobalt.

What Owners Like: Many G5 owners have reported a pleasing balance between fuel efficiency and performance, a pleasing balance between ride comfort and sporty handling, and also above-average performance from the factory stereo system. Low noise levels, good ride quality and handling round out the package.

What Owners Dislike: Common owner complaints tend to focus on a small trunk opening, very long and awkward doors on the coupe model, limited rear-seat space, and cheap interior trim materials. Many owners also wish for a better cupholder.

Common Issues: Start your test drive with a quick check for rust, dents and the overall condition of the paint. A quick scan of the interior for broken or missing pieces, and the condition of the seats is also advised.

Next, drive the G5 at a variety of speeds on as many different road surfaces as possible with the stereo system off. Listen for popping, clunking or “binding” sounds from the front suspension as you travel over various bumps at varying angles and speeds. Any unwelcomed noises could be caused by a fairly common and well-documented issue with worn control-arm bushings or front struts.

Ensure the power steering system operates as expected, too. Any uneven feel to the power assist, for instance, could be an indicator of another well-documented problem with the G5's electric power steering system. If this fails, it will be difficult to steer the car. This problem was addressed by a recall -- and a GM dealer should be able to determine whether or not it was performed on the vehicle you're considering.

Finally, avoid any model with the manual transmission that “grinds” or “bites back” while shifting gears, as this could indicate former abuse, bad synchros or shift forks in the gearbox, or a worn out clutch.

The Verdict: Lower-than-average resale values and well-documented problems should make the G5 an appealing buy. The powertrain looks solid and reliable, and other issues should be easily identified and diagnosed by a trained GM mechanic. If you're worried about driving a car from a now-extinct brand, shop for a Chevrolet Cobalt instead.

Next, drive the G5 at a variety of speeds on as many different road surfaces as possible with the stereo system off.(Photo: Matthieu Lambert)

From GMM

Media mogul James Murdoch is in Abu Dhabi for talks with formula one chiefs, the Mirror newspaper reports.

The report said figures from top teams McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes are set to meet with Murdoch, the News Corporation and Sky official.

The Mirror said Murdoch's father Rupert, arguably the world's most influential media figure, has had his interest in formula one sparked by his British channel Sky's new subscription coverage of the sport.

Now he is considering "a bigger slice" of F1, the report added.

Interestingly, FIA president Jean Todt is also in Abu Dhabi for a rare grand prix attendance.

Asked if the entire future of the sport could be on the agenda, a key F1 figure is quoted as saying: "Why not?"

Memories of Groupe Octane's François Dumontier announcing the shocking end of the partnership between NASCAR and the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve are still fresh in everybody's mind.

The news shook the motorsport community, and it triggered the interest of Dominic Fugere, the former journalist turned into the general manager of the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres.

'What about bringing the NASCAR Nationwide race here in Trois-Rivieres?', he asked his team.

Start of the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire race at the GP3R (Photo: Yannick Gougeon)

"We looked into it and soon we received the green light from our financial partners and from the municipal, provincial and federal authorities. For Tourisme Québec, it was very clear the Nationwide race was not to leave the province," Fugere told Auto123.com.

Fugère is adamant the race is financially viable for the event. As for the practical side, he insists there is lots of room in the paddock for the trucks of every Nationwide team.

"Our track was inspected by [ASN Canada president] Roger Peart. He granted us a three-year license that allows us to stage this kind of race."

The plan for Fugère was to make sure everything was feasible before presenting the project to NASCAR officials. He now hopes the series will accept the idea of moving the event from the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to Trois-Rivières, while keeping the same dates as the Montreal race.

"Instead of putting together an event around the Nationwide race, we integrated it to our existing program. By keeping the same dates, the only difference for the team is that they have to drive 140 km more.

"The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières exists since 1967; it's well known all over North America. Our race is a true and serious event which success is guaranteed by deep roots and devoted fans.

"NASCAR should like that," concluded Fugère.

Paris firefighters are not getting rid of their big red trucks anytime soon, but they can now count on a lovely Renault Twizy electric quadricycle to fight through heavy traffic on their way to an emergency.

The back of this single-seat vehicle (the standard Twizy has two) has been transformed into a huge cargo area for a fireproof suit, a first aid kit, as well as a pair of fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles. It could help first responders arrive earlier at the scene of a fire and potentially save lives.

Paris' Brigade des Sapeurs Pompiers (fire department) will evaluate the Twizy over an eight-month period and later determine if these small electric four-wheelers are suitable to join its regular fleet of emergency vehicles.

Source: leblogauto

Photo: Renault

The 2012 season was to be one for the books, as it introduced a new set of regulations that gave way to a new generation of cars, bigger and meaner than ever.

The new rules also levelled the playing field between long time protagonists Audi and Mercedes, giving BMW the perfect opportunity for a comeback. The duel would now be a three-way fight.

BMW put its pre-season to good use, hiring big guns such as reigning champion Martin Tomczyk (Audi) and Canadian Bruno Spengler (Mercedes), who led the championship for a long while in 2011, before eventually loosing out to Tomczyk.

Everybody expected BMW's learning curve to be steep. Indeed it was, but little did it show: in no time the manufacturer's three teams were up to speed. Things were already promising at Hockenheim's season-opener, but took a turn for the better at the Lausitzring, where Bruno Spengler scored his first victory with BMW, in only the second round of the season.

Bruno Spengler, BMW M3 DTM (Photo: René Fagnan)

Right away, the Canadian established himself as a leader, and soon added three more victories to his name. He totalled seven podiums in ten races, plus a further three pole positions: an astonishing tally that earned him the first crown of his DTM career, that started eighth years ago.

Let's also not forget Spengler DNF'd twice (Hockenheim and Spielberg) - never because of a mistake on his part -, making his title stand out even more.

For BMW, the season ended on a high note with the manufacturers' title, a feat in itself since the brand only had six BMW M3 DTM cars entered to Mercedes' and Audi's eighth machines. Furthermore, BMW Schnitzer, the team for which Spengler and the young Dirk Werner race, took away the teams' title.

Crowds at the season Finale, in Hockenheim (Photo: René Fagnan)

The Bavarians never spared any effort to make their cars go faster, and the team progressed in more than one way over the course of the season. In race strategy and pit stops for instance, the BMW men gained several seconds between the opening and closing rounds.

Unfortunately for Mercedes, the season was in revealing contrast to BMW's: it started with a bang - a 1-2 win thanks to Gary Paffett and Jamie Green -, but ended in bitter deception. Only Paffett really ever featured in the the title race. His teammate Green appeared briefly to stand a chance, but could not stage a proper fight.

Gary Paffett, Mercedes C Class (Photo: René Fagnan)

It must be said that Paffett's title bid was hindered by bad luck - twice. At Zandvoort, he was used as a safety barrier by BMW's Martin Tomczyk, caught napping by the rain. Paffett ended only seventh in result of his clash with the 2011 champion. Then, in Valencia, the Brit, because of an uncooperative car, started the race last and crashed while navigating through traffic.

With his lead down to only three points, Paffett showed up at Hockenheim confident, but eventually lost the title to Spengler for a shaky start and a bad pit stop. Mere seconds separated the two men at the finish line, and only four points in the standings.

The pill was therefore very hard to swallow for Mercedes, which had to suffer, on top of losing the drivers' title, losing second place in the manufacturers' standings to Audi, even though Paffett and Green totalled three race wins. Mercedes' competition boss poor Norbert Haug could not even turn to his Formula 1 team for comforting, as the Silver Arrows also endured a difficult year.

Things are not much brighter at Audi, which did not feature much after Mattias Ekström picked up the pole at the season opener.

Edoardo Mortara, Audi A5 (Photo: DTM)

Mike Rockenfeller was the brand's best drivers in terms of points, but competition boss Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich will look up to Edoardo Mortara when the time comes to remember the season. The French-Italian earned Audi's sole victories of 2012. Many insiders expect him to take over from the old guard - Rockenfeller, Ekström and Scheider - over the next few years.

As it happens, Audi is putting its trust in a many young drivers recently: Filipe Albuquerque for example, and Adrien Tambay, who finished on the podium at Valencia. Maybe the brand is grooming them for a shot in world endurance.

To the public eye, the 2012 season certainly was a success. 2011 attendance rates had already been surpassed at round 8, in Oschersleben, and the Hockenheim finale united upwards of 130,00 fans. The new generation of cars and the arrival of BMW certainly helped keeping fans interested throughout the year.

The aforementioned breathtaking conclusion of the championship didn't hurt either...

From GMM

The contenders are lining at the door to fill Force India's vacancy for 2013.

With Nico Hulkenberg switching to Sauber, there are plenty of suitors for the seat alongside Paul di Resta.

Spain's Marca sports daily said Pirelli tester Jaime Alguersuari has been offered a drive by BMW to race in the DTM touring car series next year.

"But he is exhausting his options to get into a F1 car next year before considering the proposal," read the report.

Another contender is Force India's current reserve driver, Jules Bianchi, who practiced in the team's 2012 car during Friday practice in Abu Dhabi.

"This was the first time that I was so close to him," the Nicolas Todt-managed driver, referring to Hulkenberg in the sister car, said after Friday's running.

"It is positive and a good time to get a good result.

"I know there are many other drivers who want to be in the team, but I think they (Force India) are happy with me and we'll see what they decide," he is quoted by L'Equipe.

Also linked with the 2013 drive have been Adrian Sutil and Sebastien Buemi.

With a bigger hatful of sponsors, however, is Bruno Senna, and according to Finland's Turun Sanomat, Williams last week allowed the option on his current contract to lapse.

Yet another contender is Brazilian GP2 driver Luiz Razia, who is also sponsored.

"If I had no sponsors, I would pack my bags and go home now," he told Radio Globo.

"To debut on a good team like Force India would really accelerate the process of coming to a really good team in two or three years."

Who said Jimmie Johnson isn't superstitious? It was Jimmie himself as he remained in his car after winning the provisional pole then waited for it to become official for the second week in-a-row.

Johnson, who went out fairly early in qualifying for the Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway, turned his fourth pole winning lap of the season at 28.261 seconds/191.076 mph. around the 1.5-mile track

"I was ready to get out," said Johnson continuing "and my engine tuner stuck his head in the car and said 'Hey man, you are going to be sitting here a long time this week'. And I went 'Oh yea, that is right. I'm not superstitious, but I'll sit here'.

"And, I sat there. It doesn't mean anything, but may as well. At this point in the season, you have to pull out the stops. It gives us a nice talking point I guess through it all."

Speaking of his accomplishment he added "that was a white knuckle lap. Blasted off a great lap."

Brad Keselowski who holds a slim two-point lead over Johnson seemed genuinely happy with his eighth place star. "It feels like the pole," he said.  It may not be the pole, but it feels like the pole for us.  Our car has had a ton of speed since we've been here in race trim.  Qualifying trim has been our weakness all year.  I think that bodes very well for us on Sunday."

Greg Biffle, who qualified second in a Ford, at 190.382 mph was a little confused that the fast time came earlier, rather than later when he said "You know what is weird is that normally you can write a book about how the speed will pick up throughout qualifying, always.

"Today it wasn't really like that. Not taking anything away from the 48 (Johnson) but from when the 48 went and I went guys weren't going fast."

Trying to overcome his lowest race win number - one since 2007 - Kyle Busch was third. "It was a really good lap: guys did a great job of making the changes. Hadn't done that many times before at Texas."

Clint Bowyer was fourth fastest.

From GMM

Ferrari this week asked a question to the FIA about championship contender Red Bull's car, according to the Spanish sports daily AS.

The report said Ferrari, whose Fernando Alonso is pushing to catch runaway title leader Sebastian Vettel, asked the governing body if Red Bull is allowed to use a system whereby it changes the fluid levels of two tanks between qualifying and the race.

"It seems that this is one of the tricks (Adrian) Newey has used to improve the car," read the media report.

The FIA reportedly replied that the fluid levels could be changed in the event of an imminent failure, but if not, the car would theoretically need to start the race from the pitlane.

AS said Ferrari neither confirmed nor denied the story, instead insisting that it is common for teams to ask the FIA for clarifications.

From GMM

Ahead of Lewis Hamilton's arrival, Mercedes is reportedly preparing to boost the budget of its formula one team by many millions.

Bild newspaper said that after slumping in 2012 in the wake of Nico Rosberg's Shanghai breakthrough, and deciding to replace Michael Schumacher with McLaren's Hamilton for 2013, the German squad is set to fatten its budget for next year to almost EUR 200 million.

The report said that would be 44 million euros more than Mercedes spent on its Brackley based team this year.

"Under new supervisory board boss Niki Lauda, the austerity measures are apparently ending," said the German daily newspaper.

Bild said Mercedes is funding the boosted F1 budget partly by making cuts to its DTM programme, including reducing its number of cars in the touring car series from 8 to 6.

"The (Daimler) group has recognised that, otherwise, it cannot compete," said the report's authors.

Mercedes' Norbert Haug, however, insisted: "There will be no 30 per cent budget increase."

UPDATE:
The technical report of the FIA says that car No. 1 had 850ml of fuel onboard which is not enough for the one-litre fuel sample. The Red Bull team asked Vettel to stop his car on the race track because they knew they were really short on fuel.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel's run of superb form came to a grinding halt in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Crucially, the championship leader is ahead of his title rival Fernando Alonso on the grid, enquiring of a reporter immediately after qualifying third: "Is he (Alonso) sixth?"

But it has been far from smooth sailing in the desert heat.

Red Bull is struggling to keep up with pole sitter Lewis Hamilton's McLaren, and Vettel was also outpaced on Saturday afternoon by his own teammate, Mark Webber.

Earlier, Vettel was stuck in the pits in the important third practice session with a serious brake problem, and right at the end of qualifying, he pulled to the side of the track.

"I don't know why," he said. "I was asked to stop."

Team boss Christian Horner revealed that engine, KERS and alternator supplier Renault ordered the stoppage, but paddock speculation suggested Vettel may have simply run out of fuel -- which will send him right to the back of Sunday's grid.

"There was a request (from Renault) but at the moment I don't know why," Horner told the BBC.

It should be noted that Renault's problems with its 2012 alternators have been well documented this year, and the French marque's Remy Taffin confirmed in Abu Dhabi that an all-new specification will not be ready to debut until Austin.

"That's the work we've achieved so far, that's where we are," he said on Friday.

Technical troubles aside, Vettel is the championship contender looking most under pressure in Abu Dhabi, with commentators saying he made more mistakes on Saturday than he has for several entire race weekends.

Asked on Saturday about Vettel's problems in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari's Alonso admitted: "In terms of our championship hopes, it always helps."

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) emerged as the man to beat, as he grabbed pole position ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, at Yas Marina.

Hamilton showed strong in practice, and asserted his pace when he had to in qualifying. Mark Webber (Red Bull) beat his unusually messy teammate Sebastian Vettel to the one spot left available on the front of the grid.

Championship leader Vettel made a number of costly mistake, which are unlike him. Nevertheless he came out on top in his duel with Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) who, amid the title fight, ended only seventh on the grid.

Williams' Pastor Maldonado (fourth), Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen (fifth), and McLaren's Jenson Button (sixth) all did better than the Spaniard. Although Button bested  Alonso, he fell some six tenths adrift his teammate Hamilton.

Nico Rosberg (Mercedes), Felipe Massa (Ferrari) and Romain Grosjean (Lotus) complete de top 10. Further down the grid, Michael Schumacher, much like Button, failed to match his teammate's pace. Of his own admittance, a mistake costed him a shot at qualifying in the top 10.

Also, Charles Pic (Marussia) did well to qualify ahead of both Vitaly Petrov (Caterham) and Timo Glock, in the second Marussia, on top of beating both HRT drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan.



Qualifying results* - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina circuit)
1.Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'40"630 - Q3
2.Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'40"978 - Q3
3.Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'41"073 - Q3
4.Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'41"226 - Q3
5.Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'41"260 - Q3
6.Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'41"290 - Q3
7.Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'41"582 - Q3
8.Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'41"603 - Q3
9.Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'41"723 - Q3
10.Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'41"778 - Q3
11.Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'42"019 - Q2
12.Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'42"084 - Q2
13.Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'42"218 - Q2
14.Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'42"289 - Q2
15.Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'42"331 - Q2
16.Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'42"606 - Q2
17.Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'42"7765 - Q2
18.Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'44"058 - Q1
19.Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'44"956 - Q1
20.Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'45"089 - Q1
21.Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'45"151 - Q1
22.Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'45"426 - Q1
23.Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'45"766 - Q1
24.Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'46"382 - Q1

*Unofficial results

By Design: Honda Accord

Invincible invisibility.

This is the most stylish Accord ever," proclaimed Dave Marek, Honda's chief designer in the United States, at a press unveiling of the new car last August. Alas, that's not saying much. Over thirty-seven years, eight generations, and some 11 million Accords, there has never been one that is truly stylish. Nice looking, yes. Practical, popular, and highly satisfying to owners, yes. But style? That has never been a principal concern of the company, even when it offered such impressive models as the NSX mid-engine coupe -- an Acura in America but pure Honda everywhere else.

Photo Gallery: By Design: Honda Accord - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: By Design: Honda Accord - Automobile Magazine

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Dodge will expand its lineup of Blacktop special editions for 2013 to include the

Two Republican senators asked Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner for a thorough review of a Chinese company's plan to acquire bankrupt battery maker A123, saying military and taxpayer-funded technology must be protected.

The Chevrolet Corvette has been America's favorite sports car for decades.

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle joins the automaker's family of Fender Edition cars.

First Drive: 2013 Land Rover Range Rover

It's the rainy season in Morocco, and we were right in the thick of it in our fleet of mud-encrusted 2013 Range Rovers.

Most car manufacturers strive to create the ideal conditions for the drive programs where media first get behind the wheel of a new car. Sunny, blue skies, gentle ocean breezes, mild temperatures. Smooth, uncrowded roads, nice and twisty ones if you're unveiling a sports car, perhaps not so serpentine if you're introducing a family sedan. The point is to set the stage to best show off your new product. Having just returned from Morocco, where we drove the all-new, 2013 Range Rover, we can tell you that Land Rover, being Land Rover, chose a different path to launch its range-topping SUV. A rocky, muddy path awash in ocher-colored water it was, with nary a ray of sunshine in sight. Yep, it's the rainy season in Morocco, and we were right in the thick of it in our fleet of mud-encrusted 2013 Range Rovers.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Land Rover Range Rover - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Land Rover Range Rover - Automobile Magazine

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News 5 Nov, 2012

Facelifted SEAT Ibiza Cupra gets new bumpers and headlights, plus a big central exhaust

The closure of Australia's Autodom, a top Australian auto parts supplier, could shut down production at local units of Ford and GM by next week and executives are working frantically to save the company.

Pictures 5 Nov, 2012