Auto News 5

The U.S. government's newly announced fuel economy standards for 2025 will open the door for more clean diesel cars and light trucks on American roads, according to Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

“Because clean diesel autos are 20% to 40% more efficient than gasoline vehicles, diesel will be a major player in the nation's effort to achieve the new mileage standards,” he said.

Diesel sales have increased by 27.5% in the U.S. during the first half of 2012. There has also been a boost in 22 of the past 23 months.

With more than 15 new diesel models set to be introduced in the U.S. over the next two years, Schaeffer expects diesel sales to increase significantly in the near future.

Meanwhile in Europe, nearly 50% of all new vehicles sold today use a diesel engine due to its high fuel efficiency.

Source: Autos.ca

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

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

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.

Fans of Bentley will feel right at home in the spanking new 1,690-square-foot suite at St. Regis Hotel New York, with features like a burled wood sleigh bed and black leather tile floors inspired by the British luxury automaker.

Guests will also be provided complimentary access to a 2013 Bentley Mulsanne (chauffeur included) for the duration of their stay. Rates are $9,500 US per night. Still interested?

The five-star establishment on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan already had Tiffany and Dior-inspired suites.

Source: elitedaily.com

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

According to what Auto123.com has learned, Sebastian Bourdais is on the verge of signing with Dragon Racing to return for at least the 2013 IZOD IndyCar campaign and maybe beyond.

“At the present time, we have a verbal agreement to have him (Bourdais) in the car next year and we are finalizing the contract right now,” said Dragon racing owner Jay Penske.

Teammate Katherine Legge is already committed to Dragon for 2013, and it's believed the team's current roster of sponsors will be back to support Dragon's goal of returning to two full-time entries.

“We're very confident from Dragon Racing's perspective that we're going to field two cars next year,” Penske added.

Since Subaru began sales in Canada in 1978, they've been associated with winter safety and practicality. Ask anyone what they think of Subaru and they'll probably say things like: smart choice, AWD, practical, utilitarian, family vehicle. Rarely do you hear the words modern, attractive, stylish, design, hip, cool or urban uttered in the same sentence as “Subaru.”


Well, all that's about to change (or so the folks at Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. hope), thanks to the brand new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek.

On the heels of the Subaru BRZ explosion on the market, Subaru is launching its latest compact SUV on a market that's already hip to the Subie vibe.

Core technology
While Subaru may be leaning more towards aesthetic appeal with the XV Crosstrek, the focus on core technology is still there in Subaru's renowned BOXER engine and symmetrical full-time AWD.

Although three trim levels are available on the XV Crosstrek (Touring, Sport Package and Limited Package), the engine will remain the same throughout: the 2.0L BOXER four-cylinder that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Two transmissions are also available: a 5-speed manual and an updated, much-improved CVT that comes with standard-equipped paddle shifters on the steering wheel (thank you Subaru for that one).

While I'm excited that Subaru has returned to the 2.0L configuration, I did wish for a bit more oomph behind the wheel. My first thought was: Throw a turbo in the XV and then we'll talk... no pressure Subaru.

And while I'm never one to bash a manual transmission, I do kind of wish there was a 6-speed in the Crosstrek as well - and I wasn't the only one who felt that way. It's not that a 5-speed doesn't work (my '04 WRX sports a 5-speed), just that it feels old-fashioned. And it's not like Subaru doesn't offer a 6-speed in its lineup (the 2013 Legacy and 2013 Outback feature 6-speed manual transmissions). With the revs sitting at 3,400 rpm at 110 km/h on the highway, engine noise is apparent and you wish for that 6th gear.

The XV Crosstrek (Touring, Sport Package & Limited Package), the engine will remain the same throughout: the 2.0L that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Dressed to impress
Here's where the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a “different” Subaru. A great deal of attention was paid to the exterior design of the XV Crosstrek, and I commend Subaru on their efforts. While it's not a complete departure from the Subaru line (as the BRZ seems to be) it's different enough to turn heads -- and the right heads.

Targeted at Gen Y buyers (and those who are also considering the MINI Cooper Countryman and Nissan Juke), the XV Crosstrek is a woodsman in ubranite attire.

Sleeker than an Outback and beefier than an Impreza, the XV Crosstrek strikes a pleasant balance between off-roader and city dweller. It's fancy without being impractical, and functional without being brutish. High wheel wells, a 220 mm ground clearance and practical roof rails mean this Subaru can pretty much go anywhere, and look good while it does -- as long as it's not sitting on those horribly angular, flower-y rims.

Offered in colours such as Deep Cherry Pearl, Desert Khaki and Tangerine Orange, the XV Crosstrek currently sports the “wild child” badge in the Subaru lineup (though shame on FHI for not offering the XV in Rally Blue!).

Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek offers the standard fare: air conditioning, power windows, locks, satellite radio, and an available entertainment system with 6.1” touchscreen and navigation. It is very much a Subaru inside, user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing in all trim levels.

The XV Crosstrek is a woodsman in ubranite attire. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Highly capable
Don't be fooled by this Subaru's urban nightlife looks. It's more than capable on rougher terrain thanks to Subaru's standard symmetrical AWD. As a 50/50 split in the manual models or 60/40 with an automatic CVT set-up, the XV gets the job done and isn't afraid to get down and dirty.

We took the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek through some pretty rough terrain during torrential rain and it didn't disappoint. Bumps, rocks, fallen branches, elevation changes: the XV took them all in stride.

It is very much a Subaru inside, user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing in all trim levels. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Priced to kill... the competition
Looking at where Subaru hopes to place the XV Crosstrek on the market, it wins by a mile in the price department. With a starting MSRP of just over $24k you get a well-equipped, AWD vehicle that's great for the family and can live as easily on tight city streets as it can on wide-open backwoods roads.

What is it?

You might think spending seven days traveling the countryside in the company of 100 car people would be great fun, and you would be right.

Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla Motors and founder of Space Exploration Technologies, said he's interested in creating a holding company for shares of his electric car and rocket launch businesses.

Also in this episode: Lada debuts a sleek crossover concept at the Moscow motor show, and GM makes plans for expansion in the Russian market.

Volkswagen is concerned about a possible unauthorized use of some of its patents by Chinese joint venture partner FAW and will protect its patents rigorously, CEO Martin Winterkorn told a German newspaper.

Volkswagen AG is concerned about a possible unauthorized use of some of its patents by Chinese joint venture partner FAW and will protect its patents rigorously, CEO Martin Winterkorn told a German newspaper.

Volkswagen AG is concerned about a possible unauthorized use of some of its patents by Chinese joint venture partner FAW and will protect its patents rigorously, CEO Martin Winterkorn told a German newspaper.

Car sales in Brazil have surged August to what may be their best month ever, a source with access to registration data said today, as customers rushed to take advantage of a tax break they expected to end this week.

First Look: 2013 Nissan Sentra

A miniature Altima that gets 40 mpg.

The latest car to break cover in Nissan's 15-month product onslaught is the 2013 Sentra compact sedan. It follows the earlier debuts of the Altima sedan and Pathfinder crossover, and precedes the updated Versa hatchback. The Sentra is almost entirely new, with a lighter chassis, more efficient powertrain, and a longer list of optional technology. Best of all, the sheetmetal looks considerably more interesting than the current Sentra that has been on sale unchanged since 2007.

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2013 Nissan Sentra - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2013 Nissan Sentra - Automobile Magazine

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News 31 Aug, 2012

First official pictures of the new Citroen DS3 Cabriolet ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut

Pictures 31 Aug, 2012

Videos 30 Aug, 2012

Watch our video of the all-new Mazda 6 at the Moscow Motor Show

Ford was accused in a lawsuit of infringing a 2008 patent covering a fuel-injection system in its F-150 trucks.

Videos 30 Aug, 2012

The revised Audi R8 has made its debut at the Moscow Motor Show