Auto News 5

Japanese automakers are suffering as a result of globalisation because depreciating currencies in emerging markets.

Fronted by a fresh face and reinforced with an upgraded interior, the revised 2014 Ford Fiesta was revealed Wednesday, ahead of a formal debut in the Netherlands later this week.

Pictures 5 Sep, 2012

News 5 Sep, 2012

There's plenty of reasons why the new VW Golf Mk7 will be the best yet

Environmental activists from Greenpeace picketed the premiere of Volkswagen's latest Golf hatchback in Berlin on Tuesday, accusing the German carmaker of doing too little to reduce fuel consumption.

Environmental activists from Greenpeace picketed the premiere of Volkswagen's latest Golf hatchback in Berlin on Tuesday, accusing the German carmaker of doing too little to reduce fuel consumption.

French workers returned from the summer break to the PSA car plant earmarked for closure in Aulnay-sous-Bois, France, as unions scheduled a vote next week on possible industrial action.

VW used some clever tricks to make the seventh-generation Golf longer, wider and sexier than its predecessor. VW did this by lowering the car's roofline and its floorpan 28mm without affecting the Golf's vertical headroom.

Ford will take the wraps off the European version of the Fiesta on Thursday at a special 'Go Further' product event in Amsterdam hosted by CEO Alan Mulally.

From GMM

F1's governing body wants to increase dramatically the entry fees of the sport's top teams.

Germany's motorsport-magazin.com reports that the new regime could come into force next year, ensuring a higher flow of income to the Paris-based federation.

The report said the FIA's intention is to charge teams more according to their position in the constructors' world championship.

If the new system is pushed through, top teams will be paying several million more than the current EUR 309,000 entry fee.

The FIA wants to charge a EUR 500,000 flat entry, and then 7,000 extra for each championship point.

If the regime was already in place, Red Bull would have paid more than EUR 5 million simply to enter the 2012 world championship.

BMW, which runs six M3 in the DTM championship, may run two more cars next season with a fourth team.

The german brand, which made its DTM return this season, is represented by teams Schnitzer, RMG and RBM, which run two cars each. That choice was made to focus on this learning season, while Mercedes and Audi both run eight cars.

Bruno Spengler, BMW. (Photo: DTM)

In those circumstances, BMW is not in a good position for fighting for the constructor's championship. That's why the manufacturer will run two other cars next season. That could be made via one new team, which could be ROAL (who ran BMW 320si in the WTCC championship), or team Vita4One, which is running two Z4 in the GT1 championship.

Young german driver Marco Wittmann, currently test driver for the BMW DTM team, would have the opportunity to move to a race seat.

Beneath the Mazda MX-5's tiny body and great big smile is a whackload of built-in sports car expertise that spans more than two decades.

It mightn't be an intimidating, tire-frying sort of machine, but Mazda's simplistic roadster is a hell of a thing to drive on a racetrack for novices and experts alike.

Considering a fun commuter and vacation getaway machine that'll do double duty as a weekend racer? Here are a few reasons to put Mazda's cute little two-seater on your “To Test Drive” list.

(Photo: Justin Pritchard)

It's Great On Fuel: MX-5 gets great mileage en route to the track, while lapping, and while driving back home at the end of the day. Expect highway cruising mileage at a good clip to land around 7.5L/100km, and track-going mileage to land around 18. Translation? Most drivers will be able to tackle a day of racing on a single tank of gas. As track-going cars go, this one's cheap to run.

It's Easy On Parts: Excessive weight generates excessive heat in the vehicle's braking system and excessive stress on the tires. Since the MX-5 is little and lightweight, drivers benefit from consistent braking performance with minimal wear, as well as extended tire life during sporty driving.

On many cars, a few hours of lapping can leave the tires looking rougher than Courtney Love on New Year's morning. With the MX-5, the rubber shows negligible signs of use, even after countless hard laps.

The ESC Isn't Annoying: In some cars, the stability control is a pain in the ass. That's especially true when it's left engaged on a track by novice drivers hoping to safely explore a vehicle's limits.

In the MX-5, the stability control is tuned perfectly -- ignoring all but the most serious slides and letting drivers feel everything the car is up to. Should the ESC kick in, it does so very briefly and only if you get really out of shape.

Intervention typically takes the form of a split-second touch of selected brakes, rather than several seconds of frustrating throttle neutralization by the electronic throttle nanny.

It's a Convertible: Driving topless is great for a pile of reasons -- even on a track. Lapping the MX-5 with the roof down feeds your peripheral heaps of information that helps place the car within its surroundings while relating it to the horizon. This is key for successful and confident reactions to slides and skids, should they occur.

And, since the MX-5 only comes in a drop-top, nobody can poke fun at your decision to drive the heavier and less-stiff version of a sports car with a fixed roof.

There's Room for Your Stuff: MX-5's roof stores away into its own special little compartment -- not into its trunk. That means you've got plenty of room for a bag, a pair of helmets, and a small cooler with track-day drinks and snacks.

It Grows With You: Novice lappers will feel like a race-car driver and love the forgiving, flattering nature of driving the MX-5 hard. As skill levels increase, the MX-5 is right there with you, too. It's a hoot for track-day beginners and veterans alike.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has rejected claims F1 should consider abandoning its standing-starts in the wake of last Sunday's Belgian grand prix.

The Spaniard was lucky to escape serious injury when the now-banned Romain Grosjean's Lotus flew dangerously close to Alonso's exposed cockpit opening.

The incident has triggered renewed calls for F1 to ramp up the cars' head protection, while some have even suggested the sport might follow Indy's lead by getting its races up and running with a rolling start.

"The start is part of the charm of the competition (in F1)," Alonso is quoted as saying by the Spanish news agency EFE.

Start of the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

"I find the chase to the first corner good, where you are calculating risk and making decisions very quickly. Together with the team, a lot of preparation is put into the starts. It's too important a part of F1 to lose," insisted Alonso.

The former two-time world champion also baulked at recent moves to further slow the cars, because F1 single seaters "should be the fastest".

"I am surprised and upset about some of the proposed changes in the future, like electric cars etcetera," Alonso admitted.

All jazzed up in “Lariat” trim, the Ford F-250 Super Duty looks like a gigantic chrome locomotive rolling down the road. With torque output in the same ballpark as a nuclear submarine and a front-end with more square footage than a bachelor apartment, it makes you feel like you're driving a Freightliner.

Nothing more than a mere glance makes the intentions of this monster obvious: It's a potent, purpose-built workhorse. Trucks like this are all about toughness, numbers, presence, and workability. Arguably, it's the Ford's looks that drill this home harder than any truck in the segment.


Pure Strength
Numbers sell trucks like the Super Duty: namely ones like 6.7 litres of displacement, 8 cylinders, 400 horsepower, 800 lb-ft of torque, and tens of thousands of pounds of towing capacity. Any of these figures would coax that trademark manly laugh-grunt out of Tim Taylor in a jiff.

But not every driver will use the Super Duty's capabilities at all times. Your writer, charged with a week's custody of one “FX4 Lariat Crew Cab” tester, was one of them. I don't own a fifth-wheel or construction company, and I'm a firm believer that 800 lb-ft of torque is about 500 more than I need at any given time. I haven't recently had the urge to pull trees from the earth's crust, either.

Numbers sell trucks like the Super Duty: namely ones like 6.7 litres of displacement, 8 cylinders, 400 horsepower, 800 lb-ft of torque, and tens of thousands of pounds of towing capacity. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Luxury-Sedan Equipment Levels
Thankfully, there's more to the F-250 than feats of turbodiesel-powered strength. And whether you're hauling a trailer full of pavers or enjoying a road trip with the guys, kids, or fam-jam, Super Duty sets you up well for a peaceful, laid-back drive.

The nicely loaded tester featured a plethora of goodies fit for a luxury sedan, many of which worked towards enhanced ease-of-use, comfort and convenience.

The smooth leather seats, for instance, are motorized, heated, chilled and offer up a memory function for instant access to that ideal driving position in sync with the power-adjustable pedals. This lays the foundation for enjoyment of one of the most commanding driving positions on this side of an 18-wheeler.

While you enjoy the open road from a good climb above it, a variety of automatic features allow for relaxed operation. Climate control and lights, for instance, self activate and self-adjust for “set it and forget it” operation in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty.

The smooth leather seats, for instance, are motorized, heated, chilled and offer up a memory function. (Photo: Ford)

Hands-Free Connectivity
Steering wheel controls allow for easy, distraction-free manipulation of numerous vehicle functions. Further, the Ford Sync system responds to voice commands and can spit out a weather forecast, find a pizza joint or even call up your favourite Kenny Loggins playlist.

And with full multimedia connectivity, Mr. Loggins' soothing serenades can be called into play whether they reside on a CD, USB drive, your iPod, or Bluetooth-equipped cell phone.

Super Duty's laid-back, hands-free functionality is conducive to relaxation and socializing with your passengers in all types of driving.

Steering wheel controls allow for easy, distraction-free manipulation of numerous vehicle functions. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Storage and Space to Burn
Functionally, the F-250 Super Duty's cabin is an impressive bit of work. Power outlets are within easy reach, and the rear seats offer up adult-friendly spaciousness and flip easily out of the way for extra gear space. Your often-disorganized correspondent also loved the dual door-storage shelves, centre-tunnel mounted pockets, dash tray, and the presence of no fewer than four large cupholders well within reach.

Functionality even extends to the bed of the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty -- which is accessible via a tailgate-mounted flip-up pole and slide-out step, offering easy access if you've got to get up and walk around inside.

Your often-disorganized correspondent also loved the dual door-storage shelves. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

A Whole Lot of Truck
Driving, the F-250 Super Duty's pure mass becomes apparent first. It's long and tall and wide -- and from the first time you turn a corner or pull out of a driveway, you feel like you're piloting a whole lot of truck. Parking, obviously, can require some forward thinking -- and the lazy steering ratio doesn't help. But, a backup camera with radar, dual-angle sideview mirrors and a low front window line help maximize confidence in tight quarters.

Remarkable Power Output
The PowerStroke engine is a mild-mannered beast in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty. It's quiet enough to leave running while ordering drive-thru and smooth as glass -- even while plowing occupants into their seats when drivers stab the throttle. Otherwise, it's happy to quietly waft the Super Duty along in traffic without breaking 1,300 rpm.

Your writer and his passengers were left consistently impressed that a powerplant with this level of output, let alone a diesel-drinker, could run so quietly -- even at full throttle.

Back in the day, the exhaust emissions of trucks like this could be harvested for chemical warfare -- but the new “clean” diesel runs with no smell or soot whatsoever. I achieved about 15L/100km driving around the city in no particular rush.

The PowerStroke engine is a mild-mannered beast in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty. (Photo: Ford)

An Everyday Rig?
The ride in the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty can become choppy and abrupt on some surfaces thanks to the Ranchero shocks fitted as part of the FX4 Off-Road package. Those who like a feeling of toughness first and comfort second will find it a fair trade.

At the end of the day, the F-250 Super Duty is an easy brute to live with as your day-to-day ride, as well as a towing tool or hauling companion. Check it out alongside the Ram Heavy Duty and Silverado/Sierra HD models from GM.

From GMM

Magny Cours has lodged an application to be considered for F1's 2013 calendar.

French language sources RMC, L'Equipe and AFP said the application was given to the country's sanctioning body FFSA this week.

The reports said Paul Ricard also intends to apply for consideration next week.

RMC claimed that while the FFSA did not comment, both Magny Cours and Paul Ricard propose to host one race every two years, in alternation with another country.

F1's governing FIA is expected to publish the draft of the 2013 calendar in early October.

FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux is quoted by L'Equipe as saying France will only return to the calendar if it can convince F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

"The commercial rights holder does not hear arguments of the heart," he warned.

Mitsubishi announced today that the new Outlander PHEV will make its world debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, which starts on September 27th.

As the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV simultaneously offers the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle, the cruising range of a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle as well as the on- and off-road performance of an SUV.

Mitsubishi claims that the Outlander PHEV achieves a combined fuel efficiency in excess of 61 km/L (1.64L/100km). It can reportedly travel 55 kilometres in full EV mode, and 880 kilometres overall. Interestingly, in Series Hybrid mode, the gasoline engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors. It takes 30 minutes to get 80% of the battery charged and about 4.5 hours for a full charge.

Also on display in Paris will be 11 new models including the European version of Mitsubishi's new global compact car (known as Mirage in other regions) and the i-MiEV Evolution race car which finished second in the Electric Division of the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb held last month in the United States.

Photo: Mitsubishi

Audi will build its new North American assembly plant in San José Chiapa, in the State of Puebla, Central Mexico. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2013.

More than a dozen locations were looked at and evaluated. Ultimately, site conditions, logistics links, infrastructure, well-qualified employees and living quality were the decisive criteria.

''We congratulate Audi on this decision and are sure that the location meets the ideal criteria for fulfilling the Company's strategic goals,'' said Rafael Moreno Valle, Governor of the State of Puebla. ''We are proud that Audi, a leading European premium manufacturer, has chosen our country as a future production base.''

Starting in 2016, the plant will manufacture the next-generation Audi Q5 to the annual rate of 150,000 units.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has come up with a bold solution to help drivers and cyclists coexist in peaceful harmony: elevated cycle lanes over the city's streets!

It's not as crazy as it sounds, and apparently Johnson has been in discussions with architects and Network Rail since May about using abandoned railway lines above ground in a network linking mainline railway stations across the capital.

Known as ''SkyCycle,'' the proposed cycle routes, which have yet to be mapped out, would operate on a pay-as-you-ride basis. Some have hinted at £1 per trip (approx. $1.60).

Source: road.cc

SANTA BARBARA, CA -- Long the benchmark of the midsize car segment, the Accord fell from favour recently, surrendering its number one position in an increasingly competitive market.

The devastation in Japan was a big factor, greatly affecting supply of parts and product, but Honda has recently invested some $2 billion developing plants in North America.


It's a tough market. Buyers in this segment are careful with their dollars, and while fuel economy and value are important, they also want quality and a bit of style.

After nine uninterrupted generations, the Accord returns for 2013 with a few surprising changes.

The first change is its size: The new Accord is actually 90mm shorter than the outgoing model, yet it claims "class-leading cabin space."

The second is the replacement of the 2013 Honda Accord's double wishbone front suspension setup with MacPherson struts; which not only reduce weight and overhang, but provide a more settled ride with less vibration.

The new Accord is actually 90mm shorter than the outgoing model. (Photo: Honda)

There's a stiffer chassis, a more sculpted exterior, several new technology innovations and a new line of fuel efficient "Earth Dreams" powertrains. About the only thing the new 2013 Accord shares with the outgoing model is "a few nuts and bolts," says Chief Engineer Shoji Matsui.

It's an attractive car, though being an Accord it's by no means ground-breaking or polarizing. New sculpted lines add some sophistication as do the ubiquitous LED driving lights. Honda claims the 2013 Honda Accord has the "quietest cabin in its class" thanks to increased torsional chassis rigidity, extra soundproofing, active noise control and the vibration-reducing suspension.

All the "user interface" areas have been reworked, there's a sweeping centre stack with fewer buttons and an 8" touchscreen. HondaLink connectivity accesses a variety of Cloud-based services using the owner's smartphone data. Thousands of music stations, audio books, Twitter, Facebook, and Yelp are available; and in an effort to reduce distracted driving, they're accessed through steering wheel or voice-activated controls.

All the "user interface" areas have been reworked, there's a sweeping centre stack with fewer buttons and an 8" touchscreen. (Photo: Honda)

New safety technology in the 2013 Honda Accord includes FCW (Forward Collision Warning) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning) with audible signals, and a slick new Lane Watch system that turns the passenger mirror into a camera when the right turn signal is activated. Great for reducing blind spots and seeing cyclists.

There are two new powertrains available when the 2013 Honda Accord rolls off the production line later this fall, with a plug-in hybrid to come later.

The "Earth Dreams" powertrains include a direct-injection 2.4L, 4-cylinder that's mated to either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual; and a 3.5L V6 with automatic or manual --- both 6-speed. Estimated fuel economy (L/100km combined) for the sedan is 6.7 (I4 CVT), 7.4 (I4 6MT), 7.9 (V6); for the coupe 6.7 (I4 CVT), 7.4 (I4 6MT), 8.2 (V6 6AT) and 9.5 (6MT).

The plug-in 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid features a 2.0L 4-cylinder/two motor system that can operate as a full-on electric, gasoline or combination of both. On a full charge, the Hybrid will have a range of 20-28 km, less than competitors but a quick charge of half an hour will top it up an extra 16 km.

The Accord will be available in a variety of trim levels, starting with the base LX up to the range-topping Touring model. Production has just begun, and 2013 Honda Accords should be arriving in Canadian showrooms by late fall.

Former Formula 1 driver and two-time ChampCar series' champion Alex Zanardi won a gold medal Wednesday at the Paralympic Games in London.

Alex Zanardi (Photo: London Paralympic Games)

Zanardi, 45 lost both his legs following a horrific crash while racing in the US ChampCar series at the Lausitzring, Germany in 2001, but made a successful return to motorsport just two years later with BMW.

At the same time as lining up in the World Touring Car Championship with BMW, he set out on a new adventure and began competing in hand cycle races. This year, he was selected to represent his country, Italy at the London games.

Today, he captured victory in the Men's Individual H 4 Time Trial, his first of three competitions.

Zanardi crossed the mid-race 8-km mark in 12m11.13 and competed the 16-km race in 24m50.22 to win the gold medal ahead of German Norbert Mosandi and American Oscar Sanchez.

The race was held at the Brands Hatch road course near London, a race track Zanardi knows (very) well from his Formula 3000 days.

Alessandro Zanardi of Italy raises his hand cycle in celebration after winning the men's Individual H4 Time Trial on Day 7 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Brands Hatch.(Photo: London Paralympic Games)