Auto News 5

GM is planning on investing US$1bn in its Russian operations over the next five years.

Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn said he's not planning additional purchases as Europe's largest carmaker focuses on integrating Porsche, Ducati motorbikes and heavy-truck maker MAN.

Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn said he's not planning additional purchases as Europe's largest carmaker focuses on integrating Porsche, Ducati motorbikes and heavy-truck maker MAN.

In his speech accepting the Republican vice presidential nomination this week, Representative Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin attacked President Barack Obama over the closing of a General Motors factory in Ryan's hometown.

Videos 31 Aug, 2012

The convertible Citroen DS3 Cabriolet shows off its folding canvas roof

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen will invest more than 750 million euros ($937 million) in its Sevelnord plant in northern France to build vans for its brands and Toyota..

Car shoppers have long known that they can often buy at lower prices at the end of the month as dealers slash prices to meet sales quotas. Their chances for such deals have been especially strong as 2012 wears on.

German supplier Mahle is more than doubling the size of its randd center in the Chinese city of Shanghai. The expanded center is due to open in November.

German supplier Continental has signed an agreement with the Chinese city of Wuhu to build a 33 million euro (262 million yuan) plant to produce infotainment components.

European vehicle sales continued to fall last month as buyers stayed out of showrooms during the region's economic crisis. The Peugeot 208 joined the list of Europe's best-selling cars at No. 5.

Brazil's government has extended a tax cut by two months on vehicles that has helped revive sales and spur growth in the world's second-biggest emerging market.

From GMM

Ferrari designer Nicholas Tombazis insists it is "right" that engines will have a higher importance in 2014.

His Red Bull counterpart Adrian Newey said recently he was worried the start of the new V6 era could mean one engine supplier enjoys a big advantage over its rivals.

But when asked by Italy's La Stampa if he thinks F1 is currently too dominated by aerodynamic performance and development, Tombazis agreed: "In 2014, the engine will regain a major importance.

"And that's just right," said Ferrari's Athens-born designer.

Mercedes' Norbert Haug, meanwhile, said fears that the 2014 rules will spoil the current high-competitiveness on the grid are unfounded.

"I believe there will be a good competition between the teams and a balanced world championship that will not be dominated by engines," he told Germany's motorsport-magazin.com.

Silver has been the most popular car colour in North America over the past decade or so, but white is now making a case for that distinction - and it's all thanks to the late Steve Jobs.

Say what?

''Prior to Apple, white was associated with things like refrigerators or the tiles in your bathroom. Apple made white valuable,'' claims Sandy McGill, BMW Designworks' lead designer in colour, materials and finish.

Hopefully Apple won't sue automakers for using white on their models...

Source: Cult of Mac

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Heavy rain and appalling conditions welcomed the Formula 1 drivers and teams during Friday's initial two practice session of the Grand Prix of Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps.

In the morning session, Japanese Kamui Kobayashi of Sauber emerged quickest as all the other drivers settled for cautious installation runs.

Near the end of the session, more drivers ventured on the slippery Ardennes circuit.

Kamui Kobayashi (Photo: WRi2)

Williams' Pastor Maldonado put his Renault-powered Williams in second place ahead of the Toro Rosso-Ferraris of Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Red Bull's Mark Webber was the best of the title contenders in fifth place. His teammate Sebastian Vettel took ninth.

The second session was almost a total wash-out with drivers only completing installation laps and performing practice starts in the pit lane. No driver completed a full timed lap mourned the daunting road course in such heavy rain.

Fernando Alonso (Photo: WRi2)

On his way to the dummy grid to do a practice start, Charles Pic set the best time in his Marussia.

Ricciardo ranked second in front of Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) and Paul di Resta (Sahara Force India).

The engine in Felipe Massa's Ferrari F2012 was changed during the lunch break following a failure this morning.

McLaren's new sidepods (Photo: WRi2)

Grand Prix of Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps, Friday first practice session*:
1 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 2'11"389 - 20 laps
2 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 2'11"941 - 14
3 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 2'12"004 - 12
4 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 2'12"824 - 15
5 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 2'13"191 - 13
6 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 2'13"861 - 16
7 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 2'14"210 - 14
8 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW34-Renault) - 2'14"660 - 16
9 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 2'14"860 - 12
10 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 2'15"402 - 13
11 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 2'15"812 - 11
12 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 2'16"409 - 16
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 2'16"786 - 10
14 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 2'16"788 - 16
15 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 2'16"827 - 5
16 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 2'16"861 - 8
17 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 2'17"519 - 14
18 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 2'18"199 - 10
19 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2'19"546 - 12
20 - Dani Clos (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2'19"689 - 12
21 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 2'38"701 - 9
22 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 2'40"749 - 4
23 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 2'46"580 - 9
24 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - no time -

Grand Prix of Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps, Friday second practice session*:
1. Charles Pic Marussia-Cosworth 2m49.354s 4 laps
2. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 2m49.750s 3
3. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 2m50.497s 3
4. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 2m51.333s 3
5. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 2m51.660s 4
6. Timo Glock Marussia-Cosworth 2m52.076s 4
7. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 2m53.232s 4
8. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 2m58.232s 3
9. Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes 2m59.125s 5
10. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari 3m12.901s 4
11. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 3
12. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 4
13. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham-Renault 1
14. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 2
15. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 3
16. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 2
17. Felipe Massa Ferrari 2
18. Bruno Senna Williams-Renault 3

*Unofficial timing

Frenchman Guillaume Moreau has returned to his home region of Le Limousin after his violent crash at Le Mans.

Moreau spent the last two-and-a-half months recovering at specialist rehabilitation centre The Arch in Le Mans. The OAK racing team provided Friday an update on his physical condition.

His violent accident at Circuit de la Sarthe during the Le Mans Test Day on June 3 caused severe trauma to his spinal cord that required two operations at the University Hospital of Angers.

With the initial rehabilitation now complete, Guillaume will begin a new phase of recovery helped by the sports medicine department, headed by Dr Jean-Yves Salle, at the CHU Limoges.

Photo: Alexis Gourre

Guillaume's speedy progress at The Arch prompted doctors to cut short his stay, allowing him to return home and enjoy everyday life while continuing daily rehabilitation. Indeed, Guillaume is now walking, albeit without full fluidity, driving his car and even succeeded in cycling.

The majority of his muscles have recovered their full movement in the timeframe expected by the medical team after his second operation, and in some cases even faster. And while complete sensitivity has not yet returned, the recovery process is continuing to follow a logical course that offers much hope for the future.

All of his energy has gone into this initial step of what will be a lengthy recovery process, but it is now vital that Guillaume spares some efforts while continuing rehabilitation to allow his body time to fully recover. It will only be after this phase that doctors can, at the end of the year, establish a prognosis for the level of ultimate recovery.

Fuel economy: It's all the rage in the new car market and an attribute that's becoming more a part of the purchase decision than ever before. Some rides go a step further than just saving fuel -- doing it in a way that manages to deliver a fantastic driving experience through compromise-free performance.

Here's a look at a few of the most memorable fuel-saving technologies I've tested, the cars that use them, how they work, and why you should test drive one.

Hyundai Sonata Bluedrive Hybrid

Photo: Hyundai

How it Saves Fuel: This is a hybrid version of the standard Sonata that uses a special “lithium polymer” battery. Hyundai engineers say it has more energy density and capacity than the “lithium ion” batteries used in most hybrid cars. Extended “electric-only” driving range is one of the key benefits.

Why Test Drive: You can see and feel the fuel-saving hybrid system working every time you drive this car -- especially when it kicks into full electric “EV” mode at highway speeds. (Most hybrids can operate solely on voltage at parking-lot speeds). Despite the extended electric-driving capabilities, a 6-speed automatic transmission maintains a conventional driving feel.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Photo: Rob Rothwell

How it Saves Fuel: Diesel contains about a third more energy per unit than gasoline, so fuel savings here come from the fuel itself rather than the addition of a hybrid system. Jetta TDI further maximizes mileage with an available high-efficiency “Direct Shift Gearbox” or DSG.

Why Test Drive: Along with delivering great mileage without changing driving habits, the Jetta TDI is torque-y as all heck -- meaning that it hauls along with authority when you give it the boot. It's also smooth, very refined and very quiet. The DSG gearbox furthers all of this with instant, lightning-fast and imperceptible gearshifts. Going 180 kilometres or more before the fuel gauge drops from full is nice, too.

Nissan Altima Coupe

Photo: Nissan

How it Saves Fuel: Lightweight engine construction, variable valve timing and a CVT transmission team up to make this one of the most fuel-efficient, fun coupes I've ever driven.

Why Test Drive: This is how a CVT transmission should be set up: Rather than groaning along, it provides a never ending wave of acceleration, instant access to the V6 engine's power curve, and can even make pretend gear shifts to make you feel like you're just driving a really responsive automatic. I left the Altima Coupe impressed with overall mileage and fun factor.

Audi A7

Photo: Justin Pritchard

How it Saves Fuel: The A7 is one of a slew of cars using a small-displacement, forced-induction engine in place of a larger, thirstier powerplant. A 3.0L, direct-injected V6 and supercharger serve up 310 horsepower and even more torque.

Why Test Drive: Using a supercharger instead of a turbocharger, engineers managed to create absolutely lag-free access to power output on par with a V8 -- though you'll put away less than 7L /100km cruising the highway in no rush. Beats feeding a bigger, thirstier, heavier engine all the time.

From Prodrive

As we mentioned here August 24, Prodrive has confirmed Friday that reigning World Touring Car champion, Yvan Muller will compete in the MINI John Cooper Works WRC at Rally France in October.

The Prodrive WRC Team will run Muller alongside Dani Sordo in identical MINI WRCs at the Strasbourg-based tarmac event from 4-7 October.

Muller is a three-time World Touring Car champion and is currently competing in the 2012 series. While circuit racing is his speciality, he has also competed in the Dakar Rally, as well as competing at Rally France in 2010 and 2011.

Photo: WRI2

Muller tested the MINI WRC at Prodrive's proving ground in July and will spend a further day in the car at Prodrive's track the week before Rally France.

"I am really looking forward to competing in my home event in a top level world rally car after last year's run in an S2000,” said Muller in a press release.

“I have only had a day to familiarize myself with the MINI, but the balance of the chassis immediately gave me a great deal of confidence. As both my Chevrolet touring car and the MINI use similar 1.6 turbo engines, the performance was nearly the same. I am sure it will take me a little while to get used to driving with pace notes again, even so my target would still be a finish in the points,” Muller added.

"In Prodrive's British Touring car days in 98, 99 and 2000 I engineered several cars and we had great battles with Yvan,” Dave Wilcock, Prodrive WRC Team principal said.

“This will be the first time we have been on the same side. He is a tremendously talented driver with great sympathy for a car and I think the MINI WRC chassis will suit him perfectly for the fast flowing stages in France. He has competed here twice before and once he has settled in for a few stages I can see him setting some impressive times,” Wilcock declared.

From GMM

Andrea Stella, Fernando Alonso's race engineer at Ferrari, has singled out Kimi Raikkonen as a challenger for the 2012 championship.

The buzz in the sodden Spa paddock is that four-time Belgian grand prix winner Raikkonen is a true contender for Sunday's victory at the wheel of a Lotus.

And the Finn, who in 2007 won the title for Ferrari, is still within shouting distance in the drivers' standings, just a point shy of Lewis Hamilton's fourth place.

"Of course Kimi can challenge Fernando in the championship," Stella told Finland's Turun Sanomat. "He has a good car.

"I remember 2007 very well, when we came from far behind with him right to the top."

Raikkonen, 32, agrees that his 48-point deficit does not mean he cannot win in 2012.

"I have almost as good a chance as anybody else," he said in Belgium.

But Raikkonen also admitted he is not desperate to add a second title to his tally.

"I've always said I am happy that I won one championship," he said. "It's good if there are more, but whether I win more championships or not would not change my life.

"When I have the opportunity, I will try my best," added Raikkonen.

From GMM

As F1 emerges from its August slumber at Spa-Francorchamps, the chances Sergio Perez will be staying at Sauber in 2013 seem to have increased dramatically.

The cream of Ferrari's driver development programme, Mexican Perez has been tipped all season long as a likely successor for the struggling Felipe Massa.

But the 22-year-old said on Thursday: "Sauber is a great team doing a fantastic job.

"When I go to the factory and I see the people so motivated every day, I don't see any reason why I want to leave," he is quoted by The National newspaper.

"I'm happy here, and every day I'm more comfortable. I think the team can build a good car for next year, so I don't see any reason to step away from it."

Switzerland's Blick newspaper reports that, earlier this year, Perez and Sauber's backer Carlos Slim approached Ferrari, asking that the Italian team decide by August whether it wants to sign Guadalajara-born Perez for 2013.

Slim Domit is quoted by the French-language website f1i.com: "If I cannot continue to wait, it is simple.

"I will call Monisha Kaltenborn, buy the whole team and start a Scuderia Mexico."

Sauber's chief executive and shareholder Kaltenborn told Blick: "So far I haven't got the call!

"We are going on our way, with our goals and with the responsibility of our more than 300 employees."

Team boss Peter Sauber added: "I can hardly believe that Slim said that. But I suppose in this world full of rumours, everything is possible."

Kaltenborn said Hinwil based Sauber is in no rush to decide its 2013 driver lineup.

"We are not busying ourselves too much over the driver question," she insisted.

One rumour is that Sauber is shopping around, because the Mexican tie-up with Perez, Slim and reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez was not as lucrative as first thought.

On that suggestions, Peter Sauber replied: "No comment."

Frenchmen Stéphane Sarrazin and Nicolas Minassian have signed with Brad Jones Racing to drive the Armor All Gold Coast 600, round 12 of the V8 Supercars series held at Surfers Paradise.

Every year, by rule, Australian V8 Supercars regulars must be paired with an international driver at the Armor All Gold Coast 600.

Therefore Sarrazin has been assigned to the No. 8 Team BOC Commodore alongside local co-driver Jason Bright, while Minassian's name appears beside Fabian Coulthard's in the No. 14 Lockwood Racing entry.

Both have been racing in this year's inaugural World Endurance Championship (WEC) with various teams, following Peugeot's withdrawal from endurance, but only Minassian has experienced V8 Supercars before.

The 39-year-old co-drove with Jan Magnussen at Sandown and Bathurst in 2003 for Team Dynamik.

IndyCar racer Mike Conway too has signed to race in the annual classic. He will share Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport's Holden with Taz Douglas.