Auto News 5

At the Paris Auto Show last fall, the public was graced with the presence of a Porsche that sets out to prove function and fun can live as one in a vehicle. How so? Enter the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo.


While the name may be long, the departure from everything that is Porsche is not - which is a fabulous thing. First of all, anyone who took issue with the Panamera's rear will delight in the fact that the Sport Turismo sports a new rear that, may we say, is quite becoming. Beefier and bigger, the rear swings the Panamera into wagon-looking territory, something we wholeheartedly encourage.

And, of course, the most noticeable difference is the fact that this Porsche has no sideview mirrors. Nope, none at all. How is that possible, you ask? Well, instead Porsche has outfitted the Panamera Sport Turismo with cameras in each of its side air outlets and their images are displayed in digital gauges behind the steering wheel.

Jumping on the plug-in hybrid bandwagon (but in a way only Porsche can) the Panamera Sport Turismo features a supercharged 3.0L V6 engine as well as a high-torque electric motor. Combined, the two push out 416 hp and will push the Panamera from 0 to 100 km in under 6 seconds. The Sport Turismo can travel up to 30km on battery power alone. And with the Panamera's compact universal charging device, the fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery can be charged in 2.5 hours or less.

The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo can be driven in three different modes: full electric, full gas or a combination of the two. On battery alone, the Sport Turismo can reach speeds of 130km/h. When driving in hybrid mode, the battery acts as an extra boost for more power, and the Panamera Sport Turismo will switch its gas engine off in “coasting” mode to help conserve gas and lower emissions. The Panamera Sport Turismo recovers energy to recharge its own battery when driving.

Technology aside, from a design standpoint, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept is undeniably a product of the Stuttgart powerhouse. Traditional Porsche lines abound, as does the familiar-looking Panamera mug, save for brand new 4-point LED headlights. With an updated rear, the Sport Turismo is quite the looker.

Inside, Porsche has taken futuristic to a new level with the Panamera Sport Turismo's TFT (thin-film transistor) display in place of traditional gauges. All information pertaining to the car is accessible, from navigation to rev counter. Touching the TFT screen will activate the e-hybrid system and the display and surrounding gauges will turn green.

While the middle console in the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept follows the traditional shape and layout we've come to recognize in the German make, that's where the similarities end. Replacing buttons is a touchscreen where drivers control everything from climate control to the PCM (Porsche Communication Management) functions.

Futuristic, functional and sure to be fun to pilot, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is a study in design and automotive engineering, and we can't wait to see it in on the road, should it come...

Photo: Porsche

The Williams F1 Team will present its 2013 car, the FW35, on Tuesday February 19 in Barcelona, after the first winter test session.

The new Renault-powered car will be unwrapped by team drivers Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas in the paddock of the Circuit Catalunya.

For the earlier Jerez test starting on February 5, the team will run one of last year's FW34-Renault in order to test a number of key development parts in preparation for the launch of the new FW35.

However, the FW34 will display 2013 sponsors' livery.

Pastor Maldonado, Wiliams FW34. (Photo: WRi2)

Nine generations in and it seems the 2013 Honda Accord is entering its golden years in North America. As an all-new model, this generation of Accord offers a level of sophistication I wasn't expecting from Honda, and a driveability that had me admitting I'd gladly have one sitting in my driveway.

With a starting price of just under $24,000, the Honda Accord is an affordable midsize sedan that not only boasts Honda's longstanding reputation, but also promises to grow with you and your family. While my nearly top-of-the-line tester breaks the $30k mark, I'd say it's well worth every penny to drive the new 2013 Honda Accord Touring.


And drive, I did
Perhaps one of the best ways to test a vehicle is to take it on a long, boring road trip. Sure, twisty country roads are fun, which is why any car can be made enjoyable (somehow) on them. Take a vehicle on a straight, boring, long highway and tell me what you think about it.

So, that's what I did with the 2013 Honda Accord. I took it on a 12-hour highway trip (6 hrs there, 6 back), and after all that, I did not hate it. Not even a little bit. I didn't drive for the entire 12 hours, I was a passenger for a portion of those hours and that helped the Honda Accord's case even more. Super-comfortable passenger seats (heated both front and rear) with plenty of legroom in front and in the back, the Accord may be one of the most comfortable boring-highway cars I've ever been in.

Behind the wheel of the 2013 Honda Accord is a fantastic place to be. Piloting the 2.4L 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder is a fabulous thing, indeed. With just the right amount of power (185 horses and 181 lb-ft of torque in the Touring model), just when you need it, driving the Accord is pretty close to perfect. And (shock of all shocks) I really like the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in the Honda.

I know, take that in for a moment.

The CVT is a joy. It's responsive with on-tap power when you want/need it, never second guesses itself and does just what you want a transmission to do: Drive the car smoothly. Perhaps I have Honda's G-Design Shift logic to thank for that as it is meant to help with acceleration response in comparison to other CVTs on the market.

Add to all that a little fuel efficiency (I averaged 8.2L/100km throughout the week) with Honda's ECON button that adjusts the engine to be as gas-savvy as possible, along with an Eco Assist feature (light around the speedometer that stays green if you're being good and goes white if you're being naughty) and you've got yourself a vehicle that seems to check all the necessary boxes.

Piloting the 2.4L 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder is a fabulous thing, indeed. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Smooth travelling, and looks
With a fully independent suspension firmly attached to the 2013 Honda Accord's chassis, the solid unit body ensures that every journey is a smooth, quiet and refined experience. And truly, it is.

I noticed immediately how cloud-like it was to be in the Honda Accord, no matter what the road surface. However, don't think smooth equals numb: The Accord handles extremely well, stays planted on the road and feels sportier than expected. These are all bonus points, in my opinion.

Driving smoothly is only half the battle; the 2013 Honda Accord also looks smooth, in all the right ways. Like a dapper gentleman dressed for a cocktail party with work colleagues, the Accord has an air of sophistication about it that wasn't there in previous generations. Honda managed to make the Accord look more mature, more grown-up. From LED daytime running lights to a chrome-lined grille, as well as chrome-accented front and rear bumpers, the Accord is dressed to the nines; and I like it.

Inside, the class continues: comfortable seats, mostly soft surfaces (save for a few door panels), and traditional Honda storage throughout, as well as an easy-to-use (despite the plethora of buttons) onboard entertainment system complete with two screens.

I noticed immediately how cloud-like it was to be in the Honda Accord, no matter what the road surface. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Smooth operator
Today's cars are all about technology, it seems, and this topic is not lost on the 2013 Honda Accord. From available Front Crash Warning to Lane Watch (a camera mounted in the passenger-side mirror shows you up to 50m of traffic behind you), Lane Departure Warning System, HandsFreeLink bluetooth (with the ability to answer email and text messages), and a backup camera, the Accord was built to make your life easier.

Truthfully, I turned all the warning systems off. I feel confident enough in myself as a driver to do without them. And in all honesty, the Lane Watch camera (which turns on every time you activate the turn signal to go right) is highly distracting.

But other than that, there's very little wrong with the 2013 Honda Accord.

Bravo, Honda, bravo.

This 2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with the Vehicle Identification Number ending in 0001 will be offered at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona this weekend. Proceeds will benefit the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, renowned for its automotive design program.

Other exclusive cars up for bid include:

• 1958 Chevrolet Corvette offered by GM president and CEO Dan Akerson;
• 2012 Chevrolet COPO Camaro convertible (number 69 of 69);
• 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition (personalized for master chef Guy Fieri);
• 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible.

So, how much would you be willing to spend on one of these?

Photo: Chevrolet

Whether you like it or not, dark clouds are looming over the global auto racing scene. Contrary to what you might think, I'm not talking about environmentalists who pressure governments to ban the sport, which is said to be a major (yet totally useless) cause of pollution.

No, the most serious threat might just be the increasing detachment by racing fans in general. And when you take a closer look at it, you'll see that today's youth don't seem to care about motor sports.

Could this lack of interest be the result of their green conscience? I don't think so. More than anything, I believe it has to do with the fact that auto racing hasn't really evolved since the mid-20th Century. Sure, cars are faster and more technologically advanced now, but the show is basically the same: one track, a number of cars, and may the fastest win.

Consider NASCAR's Sprint Cup: It's long been recognized that the first 490 miles of a 500-mile race are a mere appetizer with gentle passing manoeuvres, multiple pit stops, and a couple of accidents. The real action only lasts for about 10-15 minutes, and takes place during the last few laps.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

With ever-increasing ticket prices (Formula 1 spectators will tell you all about it), attending a race is harder and harder to justify, especially in the struggling global economy we live in.

So, like I said, disinterested young fans are threatening the sport like never before. They're more into extreme sports, which barely even existed 20 years ago, and entertainment. As proud members of the Facebook and Twitter generation, they have zero patience and a short attention span. How could they even sit still for a three-hour race?

Another key point is that today's under-30 crowd wants to be a part of the action, not just innocent bystanders. They try new sports and activities without any hesitation, and then they rush to YouTube to post their accomplishments.

For them, the idea of sitting in the bleachers for long hours to watch cars going round in circles is ridiculous. However, they will stay glued to their computer screen to marvel at the feats of drift icon Ken Block in his Gymkhana series. It sure helps that Mr. Block is sponsored by their favourite energy drink company.

Next to him, the Jeff Gordons, Fernando Alonsos and Sebastian Vettels of this world have a pretty hard time exciting young fans who prefer hot-headed, off-the-wall Joes over cool, calm and collected pros.

Who exactly will make a conscious effort to attend auto races 15 years from now? The current crowd is ageing fast, with young boys and girls looking for their adrenaline rush elsewhere.

Auto racing as we know it is seriously endangered.

From GMM

Felipe Massa insists he is not worried about the apparently ever-greater influence wrought by his teammate Fernando Alonso at Ferrari.

Brazilian Massa hit such a low-point in his career early last year that, this week, he admitted that as Ferrari considered who to replace him with, he thought about quitting the team and formula one.

Ultimately, 31-year-old Massa's form improved and he was offered a new deal for 2013, but some believe Ferrari want only a competent 'number two' for Alonso.

Indeed, more evidence of the 'Alonso factor' at Ferrari apparently emerged this week, when his former McLaren colleague and countryman Pedro de la Rosa was signed as a development driver.

Felipe Massa played down that suggestion.

"It is true that there are three Spanish (drivers) on the team," the Brazilian is quoted by Spain's Marca newspaper, "but de la Rosa is coming here to improve the simulator."

The third Spaniard referred to by Massa is Marc Gene, another test driver.

Felipe Massa added: "The press likes to say these things, but I don't think that this (the presence of Spanish drivers) is a thing done by Fernando."

Felipe Massa, Luca di Montezemolo, Fernando Alonso. (Photo: Ferrari)

He said he does not worry that the 'Alonso factor' is becoming so strong that the occupant of the other Ferrari has no chance.

"I cannot imagine a team that does not help one of its drivers because he wants the other to win. There are two cars and that is important also for the manufacturers' title," Massa said at Ferrari's Madonaddo di Campiglio media ski event.

In fact, he thinks that if he simply performs better than Alonso in 2013, "I do not see any reason why he is not going to help me, as I've done for him many times."

Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, welcomed de la Rosa's arrival, but played down the significance of the news.

"The arrival of Pedro is very positive," he is quoted by El Pais newspaper. "We have signed him to optimise the simulator, which is one of the areas that we needed to improve. But anyway, there are more important signings for the car's performance than that of Pedro, who can help more for the longer team."

He is undoubtedly referring to the arrivals of well-known F1 aerodynamicists Loic Bigois and Martin Bester.

The IndyCar Series has finally received applications for 22 entries which are applying to be part of the Leaders Circle program for the upcoming 2013 season.

As Auto123.com had revealed earlier, Ganassi Racing did not re-apply for its No.38 car driven by Graham Rahal in 2012 as well as KV Racing Technology did not go thru with its application for its No.8 DW-12 that was in the hand of Rubens Brichello last season.

As expected, Team Penske applied for three Leaders Circle positions even though it has announced programs for only two drivers (Helio Castroneves and Will Power).

Also applying for a Leaders Circle spot was Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (for driver Josef Newgarden) and Dragon Racing (for Sebastien Bourdais).

It is also expected that Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports will expand to a two-car program in 2013. Simon Pagenaud has already been confirmed while a second entry could be driven by either current Indy Lights champion Tristan Vautier or Ryan Briscoe.

Even though Andretti Autosport applied for its three Leaders Circle spots, we have learned that the squad is still working on a fourth entry.

Dale Coyne Racing will have Justin Wilson in one car but it still has to announce a program for the second car.

Leaders Circle confirmed applications:

Chevrolet teams
Team Penske (3): Helio Castroneves, Will Power, third TBD.
Panther Racing (1): JR Hildebrand.
Panther DRR (1): Oriol Servia.
KV Racing Technology (2): Tony Kanaan, Simona De Silvestro.
Andretti Autosport (3): Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe.
Ed Carpenter Racing (1): Ed Carpenter.
Dragon Racing (1): Sebastien Bourdais.

Honda teams
Ganassi Racing (3): Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Charlie Kimball.
Dale Coyne Racing (2): Justin Wilson, second driver TBA.
A.J. Foyt Racing (1): Takuma Sato.
Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports (1): Simon Pagenaud.
Bryan Herta Autosport (1): Alex Tagliani.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (1): Graham Rahal.
Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (1): Josef Newgarden.

Chrysler Group is trying to redefine a wedding ritual with "The Dodge Dart Registry," a site that lets engaged couples raise money toward purchasing a new car by asking their friends and family to chip in.

Chrysler Group is close to a deal with Spain's Banco Santander as an in-house financing arm to be called Chrysler Capital, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

Aston Martin, the British maker of sports cars featured in James Bond movies, is in talks with potential partners to jointly develop high-end engines and electronic parts to strengthen its sports-car lineup.

Chrysler close to a deal that would make Spain's Banco Santander its in-house financing arm, replacing U.S.-based lender Ally Financial.

Kia Motors America said today it has picked a new digital ad agency to revamp its online presence while the brand boosts spending on Internet and mobile marketing.

The full-size, rear-drive car battle between Ford and General Motors in Australia which has raged since 1960 looks like ending in 2016.

The hybrid wars continue after the Detroit auto show, and Ford has thrown it latest punch: the 2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.

News 18 Jan, 2013

Audi, BMW and VW ranked in the bottom 10 of a study into engine reliability

2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL - Bring it on, Winter

Hot seats and a cold reception for the camera.

As Michigan has settled in for the winter season, we've yet to seriously test the seasonal mettle of the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires -- recommended by Tire Rack, our official supplier for such things -- that our Four Seasons Nissan Altima has been wearing since November. Drivers of our red Nissan have, however, already gotten plenty of use out of the well-optioned car's heated seats and steering wheel as well as its remote-start feature. These might seem trivial to folks who've never been chilled to the bone by a sharp February Michigan wind, but trust us -- these conveniences can significantly improve a person's commute on a chilly midwinter morning.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL - Four Seasons Update - January 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL - Four Seasons Update - January 2013 - Automobile Magazine

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The hybrid wars continue -- much less exciting than the MyFord Touch -- after the Detroit auto show, and

President Barack Obama should tell Japan's new government that the United States will retaliate for policies aimed at weakening the yen, a group representing Ford, GM and Chrysler said today.

General Motors, seeking to revive sales of its new Chevrolet Malibu, is working on speedy design changes to the sedan -- including the rear seating -- to make it more competitive with other midsize models, two people familiar with the effort said.

News 25 Jan, 2013

Our comprehensive guide to the new cars arriving in showrooms over the next 12 months