Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
The recovering U.S. economy has brought conspicuous consumers out of hiding in the world's biggest supercar market.
- Beijing Motor Show 2024 preview: the Auto China car show juggernaut returns
- Beijing Motor Show 2024 – pictures
- Carwow Sell My Car: How it works and how to get the best price
- New Morgan Plus Four gets ‘design, dynamic and technological enhancements’ for 2024
- New 2024 Morgan Plus Four revealed – pictures
- New Kia Sorento 2024 review: a good car just got even better
- New Kia Sorento 2024 – pictures
- New Kia Sorento facelift: UK prices and specs revealed for updated SUV with EV9 overtones
- 2024 Kia Sorento facelift – pictures
- Volkswagen Tayron being tested – pictures
- New Volkswagen Tayron papped as Tiguan’s seven-seater sibling continues testing
The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Auto News 5
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Do not miss the latest Auto News !
Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
A new study of the global auto industry's patent activity by Thomson Reuters reveals a 182% increase in patents related to alternative power and technologies since 2006.
A total of 14,977 unique inventions have been patented in the last year studied alone (2011). Overall, Toyota led the way during the five-year period with 1,901 patents, followed by Honda (587), Denso, General Motors, and Panasonic (maker of Toyota Prius batteries).
"With stringent new fuel economy standards introduced in the U.S. that require global auto manufacturers to double their average mileage requirements, car companies have gotten very serious about alternative power," said Bob Stembridge, an intellectual property analyst at Thomson Reuters and author of the study. "The aggressive R&D efforts of some of the leading manufacturers suggest that consumer options for alternative power will grow considerably in the coming decade."
A total of 14,977 unique inventions have been patented in the last year studied alone (2011). Overall, Toyota led the way during the five-year period with 1,901 patents, followed by Honda (587), Denso, General Motors, and Panasonic (maker of Toyota Prius batteries).
"With stringent new fuel economy standards introduced in the U.S. that require global auto manufacturers to double their average mileage requirements, car companies have gotten very serious about alternative power," said Bob Stembridge, an intellectual property analyst at Thomson Reuters and author of the study. "The aggressive R&D efforts of some of the leading manufacturers suggest that consumer options for alternative power will grow considerably in the coming decade."
Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
The 2013 Formula Tour 1600 season features 12 rounds, over 6 weekends. Three venues have already been confirmed.
The first race will be held May 24-25, and the last September 22-23. But where?
So far, we only know the series will stop at the circuit Gilles Villeneuve, as part of the Canadian Grand Prix, at the GP3R, in Trois-Rivières (Québec), and at the Calabogie Motorsports Park, in Ontario.
Formula Tour 1600 - 2013 Calendar
May 24-25 - to be confirmed
June 7-9 - Canadian Grand Prix
July 5-7 - to be confirmed
August 5-7 - GP3R
August 23-25 - Ted Powell Memorial (Calabogie)
September 22-23 - to be confirmed
The first race will be held May 24-25, and the last September 22-23. But where?
So far, we only know the series will stop at the circuit Gilles Villeneuve, as part of the Canadian Grand Prix, at the GP3R, in Trois-Rivières (Québec), and at the Calabogie Motorsports Park, in Ontario.
Formula Tour 1600 - 2013 Calendar
May 24-25 - to be confirmed
June 7-9 - Canadian Grand Prix
July 5-7 - to be confirmed
August 5-7 - GP3R
August 23-25 - Ted Powell Memorial (Calabogie)
September 22-23 - to be confirmed
Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Once a styling knockout, Volkswagen's 2013 CC has unfortunately lost much of its initial appeal. When it first surfaced as a 2009, the car world could scarcely get enough of the then-Passat CC's silhouette, avant-garde design and everything else we've come to expect from Volkswagen.
These elements along with a fantastically designed cabin, supreme seats and great powertrain options are all still present. The for-2013 aesthetical lift softened the sharp creases and plunging-wedge nose, and made the 2013 Volkswagen CC less of a bold choice: the CC is now mainstream.
From the driver's and passenger's point of view, all's good; however, in a parking lot the new CC has literally lost its edge. And all because of a bad nose job. The 2013 Volkswagen CC still remains a good drive, though.
Effort for naught
The first iteration of the Passat CC was akin to a sexy blade affixed to a handsome guard, hilt and pommel. It was sharp, exciting and dashing. Even the less-than-well-judged taillights fit the mold. With the firm intent on selling more (always more) Volkswagen has purposefully diluted the 2013 CC with the hopes of attracting more (always more) buyers.
The Comfort Coupé's new shell is softer, less extravagant (if ever a German car could be qualified as such) and it's the 2013 Volkswagen CC's front end that has suffered the most from the generic facelift.
To be straight, the remainder of the car has changed very little. The tails are now in line with the current crop of Vdubs. The car's new fascia betrays what is otherwise the same car as it was, without the initial visual punch. It's a shame, really.
The cabin is gorgeous; it has always been, and I expect it always will be. In fact, in the sub-$40k range, the $35,125 base Sportline 2013 Volkswagen CC has the nicest interior on the market.
The highlights are the seats that have seemingly been pulled out of an $80,000 Audi. Not only do they look good, but their firmness and support make them very comfortable. The dashboard's simple and symmetrical layout is pleasing to the eye and the materials, fit and finish, to the touch.
Familiar territory
What makes members of the Volkswagen family attractive propositions are the similarities found in each product line. Sporty, well designed steering wheels and fabulously clear and nearly luxurious gauges are two such examples.
Another example are the powertrains: Most trims of the 2013 Volkswagen CC are motivated by one of my favourite 4-cylinder engines in the business; the turbocharged 200 hp 2.0L TSI. It's so good that I bought one. What I also like is Volkswagen's DSG transmission. This combination is found in the GLI, GTI and Beetle Turbo. That particular engine is even found in other configurations elsewhere in the lineup.
What's most impressive is how it all works as a perfectly tuned unit. Throttle response is near immediate as one of the clutches grabs onto the flywheel and, with no discernible lag, the 2.0T rushes the car forward. Shifts are immediate as the second clutch is already lined up. All the driver will notice is a sharp, yet smooth, drop in engine revs and further forward thrust.
The other aspect most appreciated by the powertrain is its ability to make all that happen while consuming a very reasonable amount of fuel. Heavy left footed as I am, I averaged 9.5L per 100 km.
The road in a 4-door coupe
The 2.0TSI does not make the 2013 Volkswagen CC a low-flying rocket, but the efficiency and rapidity at which the car covers ground is immensely rewarding. The other engine is another group favourite as it is the 280 hp 3.6L VR6. With VW's 4MOTION AWD system standard, the $48,475 Highline 2013 Volkswagen CC is an all-weather, near-sports car.
As with all VW cars, the 2013 Volkswagen CC has an innate ability to do many things very well, especially on the road. The car's fully independent suspension manages both high levels of comfort as well as remain poised and in control at high speeds.
The electromechanical power-assisted rack and pinion steering is, as always, well adjusted and somehow perfectly matched to the 2013 Volkswagen CC's springs and struts. Whether cruising or enjoying a bit of spirited driving, the chassis (along with its mechanicals) constantly operate in perfect unison.
Although not the quietest car on the road due in part to the retro-cool frameless doors, the 2013 Volkswagen CC still manages to keep its ideally allocated four passengers quite happy. Visibility is one of the very few sore points associated to the car; it's something one must deal with if they want to be seen, or barely, in Volkswagen's Comfort Coupé.
 |
These elements along with a fantastically designed cabin, supreme seats and great powertrain options are all still present. The for-2013 aesthetical lift softened the sharp creases and plunging-wedge nose, and made the 2013 Volkswagen CC less of a bold choice: the CC is now mainstream.
From the driver's and passenger's point of view, all's good; however, in a parking lot the new CC has literally lost its edge. And all because of a bad nose job. The 2013 Volkswagen CC still remains a good drive, though.
Effort for naught
The first iteration of the Passat CC was akin to a sexy blade affixed to a handsome guard, hilt and pommel. It was sharp, exciting and dashing. Even the less-than-well-judged taillights fit the mold. With the firm intent on selling more (always more) Volkswagen has purposefully diluted the 2013 CC with the hopes of attracting more (always more) buyers.
The Comfort Coupé's new shell is softer, less extravagant (if ever a German car could be qualified as such) and it's the 2013 Volkswagen CC's front end that has suffered the most from the generic facelift.
To be straight, the remainder of the car has changed very little. The tails are now in line with the current crop of Vdubs. The car's new fascia betrays what is otherwise the same car as it was, without the initial visual punch. It's a shame, really.
The cabin is gorgeous; it has always been, and I expect it always will be. In fact, in the sub-$40k range, the $35,125 base Sportline 2013 Volkswagen CC has the nicest interior on the market.
The highlights are the seats that have seemingly been pulled out of an $80,000 Audi. Not only do they look good, but their firmness and support make them very comfortable. The dashboard's simple and symmetrical layout is pleasing to the eye and the materials, fit and finish, to the touch.
 |
| The cabin is gorgeous; it has always been, and I expect it always will be. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Familiar territory
What makes members of the Volkswagen family attractive propositions are the similarities found in each product line. Sporty, well designed steering wheels and fabulously clear and nearly luxurious gauges are two such examples.
Another example are the powertrains: Most trims of the 2013 Volkswagen CC are motivated by one of my favourite 4-cylinder engines in the business; the turbocharged 200 hp 2.0L TSI. It's so good that I bought one. What I also like is Volkswagen's DSG transmission. This combination is found in the GLI, GTI and Beetle Turbo. That particular engine is even found in other configurations elsewhere in the lineup.
What's most impressive is how it all works as a perfectly tuned unit. Throttle response is near immediate as one of the clutches grabs onto the flywheel and, with no discernible lag, the 2.0T rushes the car forward. Shifts are immediate as the second clutch is already lined up. All the driver will notice is a sharp, yet smooth, drop in engine revs and further forward thrust.
The other aspect most appreciated by the powertrain is its ability to make all that happen while consuming a very reasonable amount of fuel. Heavy left footed as I am, I averaged 9.5L per 100 km.
 |
| Most trims of the 2013 Volkswagen CC are motivated by one of my favourite 4-cylinder engines in the business; the turbocharged 200 hp 2.0L TSI. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
The road in a 4-door coupe
The 2.0TSI does not make the 2013 Volkswagen CC a low-flying rocket, but the efficiency and rapidity at which the car covers ground is immensely rewarding. The other engine is another group favourite as it is the 280 hp 3.6L VR6. With VW's 4MOTION AWD system standard, the $48,475 Highline 2013 Volkswagen CC is an all-weather, near-sports car.
As with all VW cars, the 2013 Volkswagen CC has an innate ability to do many things very well, especially on the road. The car's fully independent suspension manages both high levels of comfort as well as remain poised and in control at high speeds.
The electromechanical power-assisted rack and pinion steering is, as always, well adjusted and somehow perfectly matched to the 2013 Volkswagen CC's springs and struts. Whether cruising or enjoying a bit of spirited driving, the chassis (along with its mechanicals) constantly operate in perfect unison.
Although not the quietest car on the road due in part to the retro-cool frameless doors, the 2013 Volkswagen CC still manages to keep its ideally allocated four passengers quite happy. Visibility is one of the very few sore points associated to the car; it's something one must deal with if they want to be seen, or barely, in Volkswagen's Comfort Coupé.
Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
General Motors of Canada has issued a recall on 65 GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vans from the 2013 model year due to an ignition key that can be removed from the ignition when it's not in the OFF position.
This could result in unintended vehicle movement and potentially lead to a crash.
GM dealers will therefore replace the ignition lock cylinder.
Source: Transport Canada
This could result in unintended vehicle movement and potentially lead to a crash.
GM dealers will therefore replace the ignition lock cylinder.
Source: Transport Canada
 |
| Photo: GM |
 |
| Photo: GM |
Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Richard Petty Motorsports driver Aric Almirola was fastest in abbreviated test at the 1.5 mile Charlotte Motor Speedway.
NASCAR officials were pleased in the final test of the new “Gen 6” NASCAR stock car.
“It's definitely just another step in the launch of the Generation 6 car,” said Sprint Cup Series director John Darby. But there's probably more cars here today that I'll term as real race cars with full manufacturer's steel bodies and the correct components, deck lids, hoods, and everything else that goes with it.
“For a lot of the teams, the test is probably more real, real‑life than what some of our previous tests here have been. Other than that, not a lot has changed.
“I think from the rules package‑wise and specification for the cars, all of that is pretty much settled down. We had most of that dialled in from our previous test here in December, so everybody has taken those specifications and going forward with them and just trying to do the best they can now as we get ready to start into the real season.”
And there was another new development. After decades of using steel and aluminum templates to gauge if a stock car was “stock,” the series has adopted a form of a laser measuring device.
“Through the effort of a lot of our officials and some help from our engineers and IT people, we've finally reached that point, and the laser platform is something that we feel really good ‑‑ we're excited about that, as well as a lot of the teams have adapted to it, as well. It's going to be very accurate. It's going to be very consistent.
“It doesn't change the technical inspection procedure much. It's just it ‑‑ one unit is replacing probably 15 or 20 mechanical hand‑held gauges that we used to use in the past.
“We had it here just for the use of the teams. To your point, there was many cars that came across it, and it's like anything else; if we're off now, it's a few thousandths here or a few thousandths there. It's numbers that for all practical purposes aren't even worth arguing about.
“That made everybody feel good, as well as our guys who have been working so hard on putting that piece together,” Darby added.
And, as a final look back at last week's test at Daytona, Darby was asked if there were any changes for next month's Speedweek's at Daytona.
“Hell no, I wouldn't change nothing. I just can't wait to get back there,” he said.
NASCAR officials were pleased in the final test of the new “Gen 6” NASCAR stock car.
“It's definitely just another step in the launch of the Generation 6 car,” said Sprint Cup Series director John Darby. But there's probably more cars here today that I'll term as real race cars with full manufacturer's steel bodies and the correct components, deck lids, hoods, and everything else that goes with it.
“For a lot of the teams, the test is probably more real, real‑life than what some of our previous tests here have been. Other than that, not a lot has changed.
“I think from the rules package‑wise and specification for the cars, all of that is pretty much settled down. We had most of that dialled in from our previous test here in December, so everybody has taken those specifications and going forward with them and just trying to do the best they can now as we get ready to start into the real season.”
And there was another new development. After decades of using steel and aluminum templates to gauge if a stock car was “stock,” the series has adopted a form of a laser measuring device.
“Through the effort of a lot of our officials and some help from our engineers and IT people, we've finally reached that point, and the laser platform is something that we feel really good ‑‑ we're excited about that, as well as a lot of the teams have adapted to it, as well. It's going to be very accurate. It's going to be very consistent.
“It doesn't change the technical inspection procedure much. It's just it ‑‑ one unit is replacing probably 15 or 20 mechanical hand‑held gauges that we used to use in the past.
“We had it here just for the use of the teams. To your point, there was many cars that came across it, and it's like anything else; if we're off now, it's a few thousandths here or a few thousandths there. It's numbers that for all practical purposes aren't even worth arguing about.
“That made everybody feel good, as well as our guys who have been working so hard on putting that piece together,” Darby added.
And, as a final look back at last week's test at Daytona, Darby was asked if there were any changes for next month's Speedweek's at Daytona.
“Hell no, I wouldn't change nothing. I just can't wait to get back there,” he said.
Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
After a one-year break, Risi Competizione will return to the American Le Mans Series, racing a Ferrari 458 Italia in the GT class.
The Texas-based team took a step back in 2012 to better prepare its future ahead of the 2014 merger with Grand-Am.
At the moment, Risi's Rick Mayer is in Italy, preparing the F458 his team will race.
"Having watched the developments for the future of sports car racing in North America from the side-lines in 2012, I believe that now is the right time to return to competition," said team principal Giuseppe Risi.
"We know what to expect in 2013 and 2014."
In the past, Risi Competizione has won two ALMS championships, and also amassed three 24 Hours of Le Mans class wins.
The Texas-based team took a step back in 2012 to better prepare its future ahead of the 2014 merger with Grand-Am.
At the moment, Risi's Rick Mayer is in Italy, preparing the F458 his team will race.
 |
| Photo: Risi Competizione |
"Having watched the developments for the future of sports car racing in North America from the side-lines in 2012, I believe that now is the right time to return to competition," said team principal Giuseppe Risi.
"We know what to expect in 2013 and 2014."
In the past, Risi Competizione has won two ALMS championships, and also amassed three 24 Hours of Le Mans class wins.
Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM
Force India has hit back at claims co-owner Vijay Mallya's reported financial problems could sink the Silverstone based team.
Citing sources, the Italiaracing magazine had said former Indian billionaire Mallya's "severe economic difficulties" meant Bernie Ecclestone has "activated a plan to save the team".
The report mentioned the possibility of a return to F1 for Colin Kolles, or even Flavio Briatore.
Late on Friday, Force India hit back at the claims, insisting they are "part of a growing trend of irresponsible online journalism directed at the team".
Spokesman Will Hings added that there is "no truth" to the claims Force India is in crisis, saying the story comes "at a time when news in the formula one world is limited".
"The team is pushing ahead with the new car build and looking forward to the launch of the 2013 car and new team partnerships," the team statement concluded.
But, after Paul di Resta admitted he is "surprised" news about his 2013 teammate is taking so long, it has also emerged that Force India may launch the new VJM06 early in February before a second race driver is decided.
And Italiaracing, "happily acknowledging the team's position" in the wake of its controversial report, "firmly rejects the accusations of irresponsible journalism", editor Massimo Costa insisted.
"That (accusation) does not reflect the tradition of reliability and accuracy" of the publication, he said.
"We also reaffirm our confidence in the authoritative sources on which we based our report, and of course send our best wishes to the Sahara Force India team for a positive evolution of the story", Costa added.
Force India has hit back at claims co-owner Vijay Mallya's reported financial problems could sink the Silverstone based team.
Citing sources, the Italiaracing magazine had said former Indian billionaire Mallya's "severe economic difficulties" meant Bernie Ecclestone has "activated a plan to save the team".
The report mentioned the possibility of a return to F1 for Colin Kolles, or even Flavio Briatore.
Late on Friday, Force India hit back at the claims, insisting they are "part of a growing trend of irresponsible online journalism directed at the team".
Spokesman Will Hings added that there is "no truth" to the claims Force India is in crisis, saying the story comes "at a time when news in the formula one world is limited".
 |
| Photo: Pirelli |
"The team is pushing ahead with the new car build and looking forward to the launch of the 2013 car and new team partnerships," the team statement concluded.
But, after Paul di Resta admitted he is "surprised" news about his 2013 teammate is taking so long, it has also emerged that Force India may launch the new VJM06 early in February before a second race driver is decided.
And Italiaracing, "happily acknowledging the team's position" in the wake of its controversial report, "firmly rejects the accusations of irresponsible journalism", editor Massimo Costa insisted.
"That (accusation) does not reflect the tradition of reliability and accuracy" of the publication, he said.
"We also reaffirm our confidence in the authoritative sources on which we based our report, and of course send our best wishes to the Sahara Force India team for a positive evolution of the story", Costa added.
Jan
19th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM
Ferrari is sticking with its novel 'pull-rod' front suspension layout for 2013, technical director Pat Fry has confirmed.
Last year, the Italian team stunned its rivals by reviving a concept not seen in F1 since Minardi raced around at the back of the grid in 2001.
Fernando Alonso ultimately came close to winning last year's title, but it is true Ferrari initially struggled with its F2012, which even when heavily developed was never the most competitive car in the field.
Asked if the 'pull-rod' project was worth it, Fry told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "It was certainly not our problem.
"You get get a little aerodynamic advantage from it. We solved the structural problems well."
One of the issues is that the layout makes it hard for the mechanics to work on the front of the car, but Fry said an "evolution" is ready to debut in 2013.
"We will build on it, but it will look different," he revealed. "I would not be surprised if some others follow suit.
"When we talked about it for the first time, the first reaction was 'This is crazy'. But if you weigh up all the pros and cons, it's not so stupid," added Fry.
Ferrari is sticking with its novel 'pull-rod' front suspension layout for 2013, technical director Pat Fry has confirmed.
Last year, the Italian team stunned its rivals by reviving a concept not seen in F1 since Minardi raced around at the back of the grid in 2001.
Fernando Alonso ultimately came close to winning last year's title, but it is true Ferrari initially struggled with its F2012, which even when heavily developed was never the most competitive car in the field.
 |
| The Ferrari F2012 (Photo: Pirelli) |
Asked if the 'pull-rod' project was worth it, Fry told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "It was certainly not our problem.
"You get get a little aerodynamic advantage from it. We solved the structural problems well."
One of the issues is that the layout makes it hard for the mechanics to work on the front of the car, but Fry said an "evolution" is ready to debut in 2013.
"We will build on it, but it will look different," he revealed. "I would not be surprised if some others follow suit.
"When we talked about it for the first time, the first reaction was 'This is crazy'. But if you weigh up all the pros and cons, it's not so stupid," added Fry.
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Is the Power stroke diesel Bronco the best SUV that Ford never built?
I blame it all on the Icon FJ40. A few years back, my wife and I took a road trip through the Rockies in an achingly gorgeous 1967 Toyota Land Cruiser. That little four-by-four was fresh from an Icon overhaul, which bestowed it with a modern four-cylinder International turbo-diesel and a five-speed manual transmission. Wending across the Continental Divide, a note of turbo whistle overlaying the diesel's growl, fresh mountain breezes wafting through the open-air cockpit, I might've fallen a little bit in love with that thing. Of course, we always want what we can't have, and in the States a convertible, manual-transmission diesel four-by-four is a mythical creature. That Icon FJ carried an appropriately mythical sticker price of $122,000. If I want my own version of the diesel FJ experience, I'll have to get creative.
Photo Gallery: Stroke of Madness - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: Stroke of Madness - Automobile Magazine
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Alfa Romeo and Mazda tie the knot. How much would you pay for a Corvette press kit? And Rolls-Royce brings back a ghostly name.
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
We already know that Europe often gets better cars than we do in the United States, but now Canada is getting in on the action, too. At the press days of the Montreal International Auto Show, the Japanese company introduced the
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Our Subaru BRZ gets its first taste of snow.
Last month we weren't feeling much love for the Subaru BRZ. There were complaints about virtually every aspect of the car, a fairly common problem in the middle months of a Four Seasons test. This month, as the season's first snow fell in Ann Arbor, some of us were ready to rekindle the old flame.
Photo Gallery: 2013 Subaru BRZ - Four Seasons Update - January 2013 - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2013 Subaru BRZ - Four Seasons Update - January 2013 - Automobile Magazine
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Subaru released pricing for its redesigned 2014 Forester on Friday.
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Chrysler Group LLC may have as many as 200,000 nine-speed transmissions available this year that will eventually go in three new models, its CEO said.
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
A look at Autoweek's top picks at the 2013 Detroit auto show:
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Honda said it is recalling 777,000 late-model Pilot and Odyssey vehicles in the United States and Canada due to a problem with the deployment of driver's side airbags.
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
When we picked up our
Jan
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Chrysler-Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said the secret to the automaker's current success is a commitment to never again be a victim of the circumstances that led to the company's collapse in 2009.