Auto News 5

Here's the all-electric Toyota iQ EV that will make its debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show (September 29-October 14). Based on the regular iQ, the model is 13.5 cm longer at 3.15 m, and 125 kg heavier with a total weight of 1,055 kg.

A 12 kWh battery feeds the 47 kWh (64 hp) electric motor, allowing 0-100km/h acceleration in 14 seconds and a top speed of 125 km/h, which is fast enough for city driving. With a range of about 85 km, the Toyota iQ EV won't spend much time on the highway.

A full charge through a 240V outlet will take three hours, although using a quick charger can restore 80% percent of battery power in just 15 minutes.

While the iQ EV is currently sold in Japan (no word yet on other possible markets), Toyota has made it clear that plug-in hybrids will play a bigger role than all-electric vehicles in its short- and medium-term strategy.

Source: AutoGuide.com

Toyota iQ EV (Photo: toyota)

This November, visitors at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show will get to see the production version of the all-new 2014 Acura RLX. Unveiled in concept form at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, the full-size sedan aims to make more waves than its predecessor, the Acura RL.

The 2014 RLX will pose a serious threat to other luxury sedans with sophisticated interior fit and finish, cutting-edge audio and navigation systems as well as the next-generation AcuraLink communication service, which is similar to GM's OnStar.

It will be the first-ever Acura to use the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system. A direct-injected 3.5L V6 engine will team up with three electric motors to boost output to 370 horsepower.

Acura will launch the new RLX in Canada in the spring of 2013.

Photo: Acura

Are you sick and tired of wasting fuel and your precious time at red lights? Make SignalGuru your new friend!

Developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this innovative app helps drivers avoid red lights and reduce their fuel consumption by up to 20%, says Emmanouil Koukoumidis, one of the scientists behind the system.

How? When approaching an intersection, the camera on a driver's dashboard-mounted smartphone is activated, detecting when a light shifts from red to green and vice versa. Using this information, the app determines the speed that should be driven to avoid stopping at a red light.

Successful tests have already been conducted across Massachusetts, and the system's accuracy and effectiveness could increase as more users share traffic data.

Source: Reuters

From GMM

F1 cars could be fitted with a mandatory engine cover 'shark fin' next year.

The move would be designed to help television viewers and trackside spectators easier identify the drivers, in the era of deep cockpits and ever-changing helmet designs.

Mercedes tested the 'shark fin' solution at the recent Magny Cours test.

On the German squad's test car, the shark fin featured the drivers' race number, his national flag and his three-letter F1 initial.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

"The teams have been working for some time on how to improve the identification of the drivers on the track," team boss Ross Brawn told Auto Motor und Sport.

"It seems to be a trend nowadays that drivers are constantly changing their helmet designs, which makes it very difficult to know who's sitting in the cars. At the moment, the requirement for the size of the race number on the car is very small. The solution with the fin at Magny Cours was an experiment. Now we need to discuss with the FIA if there are better alternatives," added Brawn.

He suggested the shark fin is not the ideal solution.

"You have to be balanced," said Brawn. "If you have something that is so dominant, is the audience being distracted from the logos of our partners and sponsors?"

Brawn also revealed that Mercedes will test its so-nicknamed 'triple DRS' concept in free practice in Japan in two weeks.

"We could use it in practice and at the moment I think it's very unlikely that we will see it in the race just yet," he said.

Volvo Cars CEO Stefan Jacoby suffered a mild stroke last week and will take sick leave for the next month. Jacoby, 54, was placed under medical supervision and has already started the recovery process, the automaker said.

Volvo Cars CEO Stefan Jacoby suffered a mild stroke last week and will take sick leave for the next month. Jacoby, 54, was placed under medical supervision and has already started the recovery process, the automaker said.

Unionized workers at Ford's Canadian operations have voted in favor of a four-year labor agreement with the company. Some 82 percent of the Ford workers who voted backed the deal, the Canadian Auto Workers said.

News 23 Sep, 2012

Sebastian Vettel wins the Singapore Grand Prix, after Lewis Hamilton is forced to retire from the race

Lithium demand, seen doubling in the next eight years on sales of batteries used in electric vehicles, is spurring a U.S. company to build a factory to extract the metal from brine in California.

Fiat says it has revised the platform that underpins the Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo subcompacts so that it can now underpin minivans, compact SUVs and crossovers.

Fiat and the Italian government said they will look for ways to improve the company's manufacturing efficiency, as the automaker pledged to keep building cars in Italy while shifting its focus to foreign export markets.

Fiat says it has revised the platform that underpins the Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo subcompacts so that it can now underpin minivans, compact SUVs and crossovers.

Volkswagen has dropped its appeal of a court ruling in a brand infringement case against estranged partner Suzuki.

I no longer wonder what it would be like to be hit by Raffi Torres -- because smashing down on the rightmost pedal in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is pretty much the same thing.

Partly, that's why generating a fair and comprehensive review of this factory-tuned, track-ready sport 'ute is going to be a bit of a problem. Turns out, the lung-squeezing acceleration, 20” wheels, heat extractors, Brembo brakes, and lowered suspension have deactivated the cupholder, comfort and legroom receptors in the car-reviewer side of my brain.

Plus, I returned it two weeks ago, and the exhaust note is still playing in my head.


Performance first
Yes: The Grand Cherokee SRT8 has side airbags, a big trunk and can haul your sailboat off to the cottage. But it's also got acceleration that rivals a drag-car on slicks, and makes noises like automatic gunfire when you dip into the sauce. Whenever you're so inclined, it'll peel the faces off everyone on board with its massive acceleration and cornering grip.

And unlike high-dollar rocket 'utes from Germany (BMW X5M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, et al.), there's nothing discreet about the Grand Cherokee SRT8's looks. While moving, it's only slightly less intimidating than a road-going scud missile.

So, yeah. I couldn't care less about the navigation system. Or the heated seats. Or the 120-volt power outlet in the back seat. Or the power tailgate.

SRT Power
Under the hood-mounted heat extractors, Chrysler's latest SRT V8 engine cranks out 475 horses. That's 50 more than the last-generation engine -- an increase facilitated mainly by punching the thing out to a highly effective 6.4 litres. This engine has one camshaft and makes power the old fashioned way: by being massive.

The big V8 awakens from its slumber with a loud, almost offensive belch. Rev it up, and small creatures nearby run for cover. The entire thing exhales through a set of dual exhausts with pipes big enough to stuff your fist into. It's delightfully, ridiculously American.

Under the hood-mounted heat extractors, Chrysler's latest SRT V8 engine cranks out 475 horses. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Almost too fast
It's also very, very fast. The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 would have any number of high-dollar, two-seat posh-rockets for lunch at a traffic light. Even with the family on board, all while switching gears like a late-'80s Dodge pickup with a shift kit, thanks to the beefed up five-speed automatic.

This is the only SRT vehicle with All Wheel Drive (AWD). That means it's the only one you can use all year round. It also means there's no spin, slippage or drama when coming off the line at full blast. Combined tire width at each axle on par with a 50-gallon barrel helps, too. Full throttle, it feels like you've been rear ended by a dump truck. Or body checked by Mr. Torres.

And if all the acceleration and sound effects weren't enough, drivers can even pick “Sport” or “Track” mode from a console-mounted dial to crank up various systems and make the SRT8 even more threatening to their license.

It's also very, very fast. The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 would have any number of high-dollar, two-seat posh-rockets for lunch at a traffic light. (Photo: Dodge)

Family-ready handling weapon
But make no mistake; this isn't a mere rocket-propelled drag racer.

On a handling course, I noted quick steering and a tight suspension that worked towards a flat, confident dynamic when you rip it around. This SRT8 isn't “handling on rails” planted, but instead favours a slightly slippery, tail-happy dynamic that adds a lively feel and keeps drivers grinning.

So it's impressive not only for its grippiness, but also for how it dances around when you push your luck a little.

And with instant lift-off oversteer and tightly controlled body movements, the SRT8 really puts on a hell of a show. It's flattering and predictable and extremely competent at its limit. Driven hard, the SRT8 still makes drivers feel as though they're at the reins of a wild beast -- but one that's at least, to some degree, interested in behaving itself. The Brembo brakes could offer a bit more feedback, but stopping power is crushing and fade-free. (The red brake calipers are a safety feature, if the wife asks.)

If there's a more capable, track-ready and entertaining sport 'ute than this one, I don't know what it is.

The Brembo brakes could offer a bit more feedback, but stopping power is crushing and fade-free. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Day-to-day friendly
Engineers managed all of that without ruining the ride on the road. The suspension is firm and keeps the wheels sprung tightly against the SRT8's body -- meaning the ride can get a bit busy and bouncy on some surfaces. But, relative to the available handling, it's pretty easygoing indeed. The very quiet ride and luxurious, family-ready spaciousness found in the standard Grand Cherokee remain for this one, too.

As an all-around performance weapon you can use any day you like, this thing largely nails it.

Just watch your right foot, as fuel mileage can easily exceed 20L/100km if you don't. Mind you, that's irrelevant -- because the performance this machine puts on is priceless.

If you've got a family, like going really fast, know a good traffic lawyer and enjoy turning premium unleaded into really cool sound effects, you need to get some test-drive time in one of these.

This is not a joke: Distributors from China and Eastern Europe are selling $30 hacking kits that can unlock doors on a number of vehicles, particularly BMW models that were manufactured before September 2011.

The system was originally designed for car dealers and roadside assistance agents to access different vehicles after owners had lost their keys. Criminal hackers have now managed to get copies and pick apart the security weaknesses of on-board diagnostics (OBD) networks.

How does it work? Car thieves must first intercept the transmission between a valid key fob and a vehicle before they can reprogram the blank key, which they can later use to start or open the car via the OBD network.

Various online reports suggest that similar devices are being used to steal Opel, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Toyota and Porsche vehicles as well.

Source: nakedsecurity.com

Photo: nakedsecurity.com

From GMM

All eyes will be on Romain Grosjean as the beleaguered Frenchman kick-starts his formula one season on Sunday.

After a string of incidents in 2012, the Lotus driver was finally banned for a race at Monza recently for causing the first corner chaos at Spa.

He has qualified a solid eighth for his comeback race in Singapore, well ahead of his teammate Kimi Raikkonen and alongside Red Bull's Mark Webber on the grid.

Grosjean told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport he is "not particularly nervous" about the start of the race.

Australian Webber, however, is.

"Yeah, he's okay.  He knows I've a good right hook on me so he will stay away from me," he joked.  "He better put his sneakers on if he hits me."

Eyes on Sunday will also be on 2012's other 'bad boy' Pastor Maldonado, who amid an up-and-down season qualified superbly on the front row in Singapore.

Pole sitter Lewis Hamilton, desperate to shrink the gap between himself and points leader Fernando Alonso, might be forgiven for wanting a more predictable racer with which to share Sunday's dash to the first corner.

"I am happy for Pastor.  He's taken a lot of heat throughout the year," said the Briton.

"Of course I want to do well tomorrow.  As long as I have a good start I think I am in a good position," Hamilton added.

D.J. Kennington won the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship by earning the ultimate victory at the Pinty's 250 presented by Dodge, at Kawartha Speedway.

For the veteran stock car racer it was a series' high seventh win in more than 12 races this season. 

Kennington took the lead from pole sitter J.R. Fitzpatrick on Lap 231 and was never bothered afterward by any of his other challengers. Fitzpatrick had led a race-high 216 laps, losing the lead only after a pitstop and when Kennington overtook him for the race-winning pass.

Runner-up Andrew Ranger finished second in front of Fitzpatrick. Peter Shepherd III and Martin Roy rounded out the top five. Roy entered the weekend having already clinched the Rookie of the Year honors.

Kennington took the points lead early in the season on the strength of a five-race winning streak and finished it off with back-to-back victories. He ended 27 points ahead of Fitzpatrick and 35 over Ranger. Steckly and Ron Beauchamp Jr. were fourth and fifth, respectively.

The new NCTS champion will be honoured along with NASCAR's other touring series champions on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the NASCAR Touring Series Awards at the Grand Ballroom of the Charlotte Convention Center at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

From GMM

According to the latest buzz in the Singapore paddock, the 'Lewis Hamilton saga' could be almost at the finish line.

Previously, it was rumoured the McLaren driver was so close to agreeing a switch to Mercedes next year that Michael Schumacher had started looking around for a new team.

Writing in Kleine Zeitung newspaper, correspondent Karin Sturm even revealed she had spotted Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm talking in the paddock with Peter Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn.

But the German Sunday newspaper Bild am Sonntag reports something quite different.

Apparently the seven time world champion is now close to getting the nod for another season with Mercedes in 2013, because Hamilton is now tipped to stay at McLaren.

The newspaper said the British team has upped its financial offer from around EUR 12m to 15m per season.

"If McLaren extends, Schumi stays at Mercedes," the report concluded.

Former McLaren driver and British television commentator Martin Brundle has heard the same.

"(I've) been told Hamilton contract should be sorted in a few days," he told his 275,000 Twitter followers.

"If so, (the) music stops and there will be a huge rush to sit down."

Asked by the Spanish newspaper El Pais if he will be able to convince Hamilton to stay, McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh answered on Saturday: "I am confident we will find a way."

From GMM

Jaime Alguersuari on Saturday said the world should know his plans for 2013 in "a little while".

After losing his Toro Rosso seat at the end of last year, the young Spaniard became Pirelli's main test driver and a commentator for British radio.

But he told his 100,000 Twitter followers after touching down in Singapore this week that his plans for a return to action in 2013 are now set.

Asked by Marca sports newspaper if he knows he is going to be racing next year, he admitted: "Yes, I will race, for sure."

Asked what colours he will be wearing, the 22-year-old added: "No, obviously I cannot say yet."

So, when?  "In a little while.  I don't know if it will be tomorrow or a month from now."

Alguersuari then hinted that his next employer could be Sauber or Force India.

Pressed for more details of his 2013 destination, he answered: "In formula one, in a good team.  A team to be in the top ten.

"A team between fifth to seventh in the constructors' championship.  Being in the points consistently."

Mercedes, Sauber and Force India are currently fifth, sixth and seventh respectively in the 2012 constructors' points standings.

Asked if his 2013 plans are "concrete", Alguersuari insisted: "Yes, otherwise I would not say that I will race in 2013."

Although Austin Dillon didn't dominate Saturday's Nationwide race at Kentucky Speedway as he did in June, the final result was the same - a victory.

In late June he led 192 laps of the 200 lap race. This time it was merely 65 laps led, and he did win the pole.

"This one wasn't easy," Dillon said "there were a lot of good teams out here. These guys built an awesome race car. We brought the same car back (from the June victory) and we adjusted on it. I know the track and the car worked well. I got on and off pit good and that got us the lead."

Sam Hornish Jr. finished second and Brendon Gaughan third.

Dillon's teammate, Elliott Sadler retook the Nationwide Series points lead with a fifth place finish, while Ricky Stenhouse Jr. who won last week's race at Chicago fell to second place, due to a 17th place finish, four points behind due to a number of misfortunes.

Stenhouse Jr. led the opening 32 laps of the race, and then his luck turned sour due to damage during a competition caution pit stop on Lap 33 and to add insult to injury he scraped the outside retaining wall 10 laps later.

"Our first mistake was on pit road," Stenhouse said. "The No. 14 (Eric McClure) came in there and knocked the right front end, which put us back in the pack.  Then, we don't handle very well, and I got loose and into the wall which cut a tire down. It was just one thing after another, but we rebounded to a 17th place finish.

"Seriously fun race, but we just made too many mistakes. We'll make it back up though, no problem. We have a strong team. Mike Kelley (his Crew Chief) and the guys are doing an awesome job. We still had one of the strongest cars at the end of the race after fixing it, so we'll go get them next weekend," Stenhouse Jr., said.

Sadler failed to capitalize to an even greater extent due to a mechanical issue late in the race. "We just lost power steering," Sadler said.

"Nobody could touch us today we were so freaking fast, but about 10 laps before that last green flag pit stop with about 50 laps to go, I lost power steering and the car was really locking up on me. It wouldn't go left, it wouldn't go right. I couldn't correct the car, so I really had to drive it safe and straight into the corners."

"It's all about drive and how bad you want it, and we really want this championship right now. I think it's a three-man race between myself, Stenhouse Jr., and Elliott. It's going to go down to the wire," Dillon said.