Auto News 5

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.

From GMM

Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of Mercedes' parent Daimler, has denied reports he has approved an increase in the F1 team's budget for 2013.

Reportedly on new recruit Niki Lauda's recommendation, it emerged recently that Mercedes-Benz is prepared to boost the Brackley based team's coffers to the tune of many millions.

Photo: WRi2

Bild newspaper had said Mercedes' fattened budget would bring its 2013 spend up to EUR 200 million, making it comparable to what is buying success at top three grandees Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari.

But Zetsche told German weeky Die Zeit: "We do not intend to increase our budget."

However, he did admit that Mercedes needs to up its game.

"The Mercedes engine is considered the best in formula one," he said, thereby confirming that the reasons for Mercedes GP's lack of performance is "other parts of the car".

"Certainly we need to become better, and soon," added Zetsche.

Tomorrow morning, F1 cars will hit the brand new Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas.

Once again, the top auto racing series in the world is trying to conquer the top market in the world after several mildly successful attempts. Will it work this time around?

I don't want to sound pessimistic, but I have my share of doubts. First of all, no matter how state-of-the-art it may be, the venue is right next to an international airport and surrounded by endless fields -- not exactly the ideal setting for a race that involves ultra-sophisticated, open-wheel cars.

Moreover, since Austin is close to the U.S.-Mexico border, legions of Mexicans will no doubt make the trip to watch their national hero, Sergio Pérez, in action. However, once the ''newness'' factor is gone, how many will pay between $299 and $499 to sit in the bleachers? (All of these tickets were sold out a few weeks ago.)

During the '70s and '80s, Formula 1 found two hot spots for hosting Grand Prix events in the U.S., namely Watkins Glen (East Coast) and Long Beach (West Coast). Unfortunately, both were abandoned for a number of reasons.

Since then, F1 cars have tried, but failed, to find a home in Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Indianapolis. Why? Blame the culture shock.

It's hard for fans of NASCAR and oval speedways to enjoy races that pit open-wheel cars against each other on road courses, let alone when there's no domestic driver or even a domestic team to identify with. Considering how patriotic and chauvinistic the Americans are, why would they feel excited about cars named McLaren, Williams and Sauber (instead of Ford Fusion and Dodge Charger)? Why would they cheer for unfamiliar drivers with ridiculous and unpronounceable last names such as Räikkönen, Hülkenberg, Grosjean or Kathikeyan?

If Formula 1 really wanted to make a successful return to the U.S., it should have opted for a venue somewhere up in the Northeast or in California, where open-wheel cars and road courses are actually part of the culture.

Maybe I'm wrong. For once, I would like that!

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

From GMM

Ma Qing Hua will "definitely" be on the grid in Shanghai next year, the Chinese driver's agent said on Thursday.

Ma, HRT's test and sometimes Friday practice driver in 2012, told the Fujian newspaper Southeastern Express that reports the Spanish team is for sale do not worry him.

Ma Qing Hua aboard the F112. (Photo: HRT F1 Team)

The 24-year-old has been tipped as a potential teammate for Pedro de la Rosa in 2013, but Spanish media reports say there is a risk HRT will fold.

Ma's agent, Jin Yong, said: "No matter who the boss is, Ma will definitely compete in next year's F1 race in Shanghai."

Ma Qing Hua added: "No matter who will be the boss, the team is still there. So what I need to focus on now is to improve myself through training."

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

Christian Danner, a former F1 driver turned commentator from Germany, does not believe countryman Sebastian Vettel will wrap up his third consecutive drivers' title in Austin this weekend.

Mathematically it could be done, but the relative competitiveness of the Red Bull driver's championship rival Fernando Alonso means a finale in Brazil next weekend is more likely.

"I think we will wait until Sao Paulo, no matter what happens in Austin, really," Danner told RTL.

"If the race in Austin is fairly normal, with both of them reaching the finishing line and taking a lot of points, there will be no decision here. I think we can look forward to a nice season finale in Brazil," he added.

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) leading Fernando Alonso (Ferrari). (Photo: WRi2)

With a faster car than Alonso's Ferrari and a ten-point buffer, Sebastian Vettel is the hot favourite on paper.

But Jacques Villeneuve, the outspoken 1997 world champion, admitted he is rooting for the Spaniard.

"Seb is super quick," the French Canadian is quoted by the Sun newspaper, "but there is a difference with Fernando that emerges in the case of an unfavourable situation. Alonso remains calm, cool, and rational, while Vettel most times gets upset, angry, screams and flicks the middle finger. He reacts like a child."

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.

The last time Acura had an entry-level car that incorporated the brand's core values, model nameplates were actually names, not numbers, decimals and letters. The Integra was obviously based on Honda components and mechanicals, however, it was considered more sophisticated and racier than a Civic.


The new-for-2013 Acura ILX succeeds in distancing itself from the Honda on which it is based. It's especially the case now that this entry-level car is introduced in the U.S. market, hoping to compete with the Buick Verano as well as other small luxury cars such as the Lexus CT, the Lexus IS and the Mercedes-Benz B 250.

The 2013 Acura ILX starts at $27,790, while our tester was equipped with the Technology Package at a pricey $32,290. I'd gladly sacrifice the navigation system and the high-end stereo for the ILX Premium or Dynamic which both cost $29,990 and compete better with a loaded Buick Verano.

The latter is about the same size, slightly more powerful and quieter than the Acura. The Lexus IS is much more expensive but feels more refined and luxurious. As a side note, the Lexus CT 200h is arguably a better choice then the $34,990 ILX Hybrid.

Fun to drive, well-equipped, comfortable, the 2013 ILX is a worthy member of the family: Finally, Acura gets an entry-level car that should no longer be compared to a Honda.

Frisky yet sophisticated
Base, Premium and Tech versions of the 2013 Acura ILX get a 2.0L engine that produces 150 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, connected to a 5-speed automatic that does a good job keeping the 4-cylinder hot when you're driving enthusiastically, or cold when you're eco-driving. The gearbox also holds its gears longer in sport mode, making you appreciate the wheel-mounted paddle shifters even more.

Flat out, the ILX reaches 100 km/h in 9 seconds and rushes through the quarter-mile mark in 16.6 seconds at 137 km/h. If you need more performance, the ILX Dynamic offers the Civic Si's 201-hp, 2.4L engine and 6-speed manual, yet the Tech version we tested feels frisky, playful and light on its feet.

We managed a fuel consumption average of 8.9L/100km; super unleaded is recommended, but not required.

The 2013 Acura ILX offers a great balance of ride quality and dynamic driving characteristics. The electric-assist steering is nicely weighted, light at parking-lot speeds and a little firmer on the open road. The car feels sophisticated, refined and willing to please.

Base, Premium and Tech versions of the ILX get a 150-hp 2.0L four and a 5-speed automatic. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Acura-grade interior
Unlike the outgoing CSX which pretty much shared the Civic's dashboard, the 2013 Acura ILX gets its own interior treatment that looks much more upscale, while mimicking more expensive Acura models.

The lower portion of the dash gets sturdy plastic, but the rest of the design is of high quality, with a soft-touch dashtop, solid switchgear and a tasteful design. The centre stack gets the same multifunction knob found in other Acuras, while the Tech trim adds a navigation system with an 8” screen; it also gets an excellent 10-speaker surround sound system with a USB port as well as Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity.

All but the base 2013 Acura ILX get leather seating surfaces, a power driver's seat and heated front seats; headroom could be a little better up front due to the car's relatively low roofline, and space required by the power sunroof. In the back, two adults will be at ease, although three across will be tight, and the middle passenger's comfort level will suffer due to the fold-down armrest and overstuffed seat cushion.

The interior quality and design of the ILX is much improved compared to the CSX. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Chic yet reserved styling
The 2013 Acura ILX shares no body panels with the Civic, and design-wise there's no contest. The ILX looks smart and elegant with its smooth character line that flows from the front wheel over the rear fenders, culminating in a cute, short deck.

We're still not fond of the Acura brand's signature grille design, although it blends in well in this application. The ILX looks edgier than a Verano, yet won't upstage a Lexus IS, despite the latter being on the verge of a redesign. And that's typical Acura: classy and understated (provided we ignore the ZDX).

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.

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)

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.

Carl Edwards will be getting a new crew chief, Jimmy Fennig, in his quest to regain his Sprint Cup Chase profile in 2013. Rookie Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will be guided Scott Graves in his Sprint Cup debut next year.

“We are excited about this change on both fronts,” said team owner Jack Roush. “Pairing two highly successful veterans like Carl and Jimmy should be quite a matchup and it is our expectation based on what Jimmy has been able to accomplish with many high profile drivers, that it will provide the spark to get the No. 99 program and Carl back into championship form.

After losing the 2011 title to Tony Stewart; Edwards had struggled this year after his long-time crew chief, Bob Osborne, changed his role at Roush Fenway Racing due to some personal issues.

Bob Osborne and Carl Edwards. (Photo: NASCAR)

Stenhouse goes into the Nationwide finale hoping to repeat his 2011 series title before moving up to NASCAR's senior circuit.

“However, we are particularly excited about teaming up Scott Graves and Ricky. Through his extensive research and development work, Scott has an excellent understanding of the new 2013 body style. In his short time as a crew chief he has demonstrated a cunning knack as a leader on the pit box and he is going to be a great match for Ricky as he makes his move upwards into the Sprint Cup ranks.”

Fennig, one of the most accomplished crew chiefs in NASCAR history, boasts a tenure that includes more than 800 starts and 36 Sprint Cup victories. He led Roush Fenway to the 2004 Sprint Cup Championship and has worked with Hall-of-Fame caliber drivers such as Bobby Allison, Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth during his 30-plus years in racing.

Graves is one of the fastest rising names in the sport, having led Edwards to a Nationwide Series victory in his first race as a crew chief at Watkins Glen earlier this season.  He followed that up by leading Billy Johnson to a near victory at Montreal, and Trevor Bayne to a pole at Bristol. It is expected that Graves' extensive knowledge of the new 2013 body style will be a great asset as Stenhouse makes his bid to become Roush Fenway's 13th NASCAR rookie of the year winner. 

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

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

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."

Mexican automakers said on Wednesday they had reached a preliminary agreement with counterparts in Argentina to resume free trade in vehicles, but both urged their governments to begin a formal dialogue to settle remaining differences.

The Mercedes Energ-G-Force, which will debut at the