Auto News 5

After much anticipation, we were finally introduced to the all-new 2013 Toyota RAV4 last fall. The popular compact SUV, which is currently on display at the Montreal Auto Show, will arrive at Canadian dealerships next month. Pricing has been reduced, with a new base MSRP of $23,790, in an effort to undercut and overshadow the next-generation Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.

Styling
In what is a major departure from previous generations, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 loses its hatch-mounted spare tire (now under the cargo floor) and side-hinged rear hatch in favour of a more convenient roof-hinged liftgate.

Styling is more sophisticated overall, but still displays some aggressiveness. The rugged, non-painted plastic front bumper is reminiscent of a raging dog's fangs, while the flowing profile is highlighted by a rising beltline and sloping roofline that converge toward the taillights. While I personally take issue with the blocky rear section, others might find it attractive.

Photo: Colin Styker

RAV4 lineup
Available with FWD and AWD, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 offers a single powertrain option, but five different trim levels: LE ($23,790), XLE FWD ($27,000), LE AWD ($25,990), XLE AWD ($29,200), and Limited AWD ($31,700).

The 2.5L four-cylinder engine produces 176 horsepower -- halfway between the CR-V and base Forester. The new six-speed automatic transmission provides manual shift capability along with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

With such a low starting price, options are aplenty. Dynamic Torque Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a rear-view camera are just some of the available features that will make trips safer in the 2013 Toyota RAV4. All models have a class-leading eight standard airbags, too.

Interior
The cabin is quieter and more refined. Sound-deadening materials including an acoustic glass windshield considerably reduce wind and road noise. A Multi-Information Display, auxiliary input and USB port, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, as well as steering wheel-mounted controls come standard.

The cargo area is deeper, larger and easier to access than in the previous generation. With the rear seats folded, the new RAV4 has a maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cubic feet (2,078 litres).

All in all, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 continues to make sense for Canadian families with a focus on quality and functionality. Styling and technology have been improved, while pricing is more competitive than ever. It sounds like a great deal... provided that you like the way it looks!

On February 14th, Nissan will unveil the new Versa Note, Resonance concept and JUKE NISMO at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is the fourth of five new models launched by Nissan over 15 months. It will go on sale at Canadian dealers in June 2013 with a starting MSRP of $11,898.

Meanwhile, the Resonance concept signals the direction of future Nissan crossovers. It features an efficient hybrid electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system, which combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.

Finally, the JUKE NISMO is a sportier, more upscale version of Nissan's compact crossover. It will be powered by a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection based on the 16GT FOUR Type V. Canadian availability will be limited.

2014 Versa Note (Photo: Nissan)

Resonance Concept (Photo: Nissan)

JUKE NISMO (Photo: Nissan)

A Tesla Model S Performance has just set a new speed record for production electric cars by completing the quarter mile in 12.371 seconds at the Palm Beach International Raceway. With 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds, it also proved faster than a 2005 Dodge Viper SRT10.

According to the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA), the previous record of 13.58 seconds on the quarter mile was held by the Tesla Roadster.

I was tempted to make this the shortest review I've ever written by simply saying: There is very little wrong with the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI to the point where my husband and I agreed that; yes, this would be our next car.

End of story.

Seems my boss wasn't too pleased with that idea, so I'll stretch it out a little.

If I'm willing to give a car a permanent spot in my driveway (and in the real world, not the fantasty world of Miranda-has-so-much-money-she-doesn't-know-what-to-do-with-it-except-buy-lots-of-crazy-cars), I think that says a great deal about the car.


With a starting price just over the $30k mark, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI (in Highline trim) is no econobox car, but that's fine because it's not meant to be. This is a solid piece of kit that's both practical and a blast to drive.

You'll make excuses to go for a drive as often as possible if you hand over a coveted spot in your driveway for this V-dub.

Bangin' wagon
There's something alluring about a station wagon, especially the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI. It's not aggressive or intimidating in any way, shape or form, but it's purposeful. It has a look about it that says, “Yup, I'll get that done. Don't you worry.” And I adore that. Smooth edges and simple lines ensure the VW Golf Wagon maintains a straightforward, classic look from nose to elongated tail.

In Highline trim, the 2013 VW Golf Wagon TDI sports 17” alloy wheels and stylishly functional fogs. In Candy White paint, I particularly like the look of the black roof rails and chrome-accented black front grille as they give the vehicle a black-tie appeal.

Despite all the sophistication, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI isn't without a bit of personality with slightly angled headlights that give the wagon an “I dare you” look that lets you know this family-hauler means business.

It has a look about it that says, “Yup, I'll get that done. Don't you worry.” (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

High-class Highline
In Highline trim, the 2013 VW Golf Wagon TDI is decked out in leather duds with all the fixings. Comfortable seats, ideal for long road trips, are housed up front and in the back. I particularly like the feel and look of the steering wheel in this Volks; it's just fat enough to be comfy with the right amount of buttons in just the right places. Driving position is comfortable and visibility is great all around.

As for onboard entertainment, I've never been a big fan of Volkswagen's touchscreen setup, it can be laggy and not so user-friendly at times. However, the simple layout of the middle console and driver instrument cluster is a welcome change to the now-norm of multiple LCD screens, graphics, colours and hooplah. It might seem plain to some, but sometimes keeping a low profile is better.

Driving position is comfortable and visibility is great all around. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

DSG, yes please
I've left this till the very end because I'm afraid I'm going to gush so much over the engine and transmission that you'll think VW has bought me out. Trust me, they haven't. It's just that good.

Decked out with a 2.0L 4-cylinder, turbocharged fuel sipping engine, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI is good for 140 horses and 236 lb-ft of glorious diesel-driven toque. And that really is the heart of the driving matter with it comes to TDI: all that torque. It's so much get-up-and-go that you'll want to get up and go as often as possible - and you won't suffer at the pumps for all that driving pleasure.

Over the course of the week I drove approximately 800km, after 700 I still had a little over 1/4 tank left. I was not driving conservatively, nor was I trying to bring my gas mileage down. My average over the week hovered in the 6.9L/100km range.

Add to all that fantastic turboed dieselness Volkswagen's sequential automatic 6-speed DSG transmission and I'm going to have to stop for a moment to find a few more adjectives. Shifts happen so quickly and so flawlessly with the DSG dual-clutch ‘box, that it truly is worth the extra $1,400.

Driving dynamics in the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI offer a somewhat sporty feel, despite the large rear it sports. Steering is precise and connected, and even with FWD the Golf felt stable and planted on the road even in cold and snowy conditions.

Decked out with a 2.0L 4-cylinder, turbocharged fuel sipping engine, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI is good for 140 horses and 236 lb-ft of glorious diesel-driven toque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

All the room you need
Of course, this is a review about a wagon, so I have to talk a bit about the cargo space, of which there is plenty. With a baby seat installed behind the front passenger seat, there was still plenty of room. And the trunk (which offers 930 litres) easily swallowed up a stroller, plus bags packed for a weekend with the grandparents.

This 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Robin Frijns has admitted he is disappointed with his schedule for 2013.

The new Formula Renault 3.5 champion, 21-year-old Frijns was signed up for this year by the Swiss team Sauber, replacing 2012 reserve Esteban Gutierrez.

Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn said late last year: "We will now carefully guide him to formula one."

But the Dutch magazine Formule1 reports that Frijns was disappointed ten days ago when Sauber called to inform the young Dutchman that his services will not be required for the forthcoming winter test period.

"I think this year I will not have much to do. On January 30 I am going to the factory and I hope I will get more clarity," he is quoted as saying.

"It's not only the winter tests I will not be doing, it also looks unlikely I will be used during the Friday practice sessions," he lamented.

Robin Frijns continued: "And Sauber has no simulator so I can't gain experience in that way."

Robin Frijns driving the Sauber C32 in Abu Dhabi. (Photo: WRi2)

Moreover, Frijns revealed he had "heard nothing" from Mercedes following his DTM test late last year.

"I have few other possibilities," he said. "I fear it is going to be a difficult year."

A Sauber spokesman commented: "Robin will get the opportunity to be present at the technical meetings, to engage with the engineers, and participate in our fitness programmes. It will provide a good basis for the future."

From GMM

Ferrari turned down Pedro de la Rosa when the Spaniard was first on the market as a test driver in 2003.

The 41-year-old is now regarded as arguably F1's very best test driver, who has been signed by Ferrari for 2013 and will drive the team's 2013 car at Jerez next week.

But he recalled: "When I left Jaguar, in January 2003, I called Ferrari to offer my services as a test driver and reserve. Jean Todt said, 'We have Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, so we're covered', and hung up. Then I called McLaren, Martin Whitmarsh, and he said they were covered with Alex Wurz. But I told them that Ferrari has two testers, and so he told me that if I was in England, to come and see him. Two weeks later, I got on a plane and met with them. The interview was really bad, but they signed me."

"If I had not been quick to say that the competition had two testers, I would probably not be here today," he smiled.

De la Rosa was McLaren's test driver between 2003 and 2009, and again in 2011.

Main entrance at Maranello. (Photo: Auto123/René Fagnan)

He continued: "I don't know if everyone is happy or not, but the important thing is to look to the future. Certainly there were other teams, but probably they were not quick enough or they knew what I wanted. For me it was very important to do something different. It is a massive challenge, but I'm where I want to be. One of the first people I called was Martin Whitmarsh; obviously he was very surprised by the decision, but he congratulated me."

Now, he is looking forward to his debut in a red car, next week at Jerez.

"I am very happy to be able to test the car, I didn't expect that."

De la Rosa also said he will be "ready" in case Ferrari call him up to race, as a reserve driver at every grand prix.

"I'll be at the race and prepared for what might happen. But whether or not I am reserve driver is a team decision. But if I have been ready my whole career, how could I not be ready now?" he added rhetorically.

Reigning Firestone Indy Lights series' champion, Tristan Vautier will join his fellow countryman, Simon Pagenaud in a two-car full-time effort for Sam Schmidt for the upcoming IZOD IndyCar season.

The team, re-named Schmidt Peterson Motorsports was in contention to secure the services of the young Frenchman, as was Dragon Racing, which also showed interest for Vautier, especially after he impressed everyone with his brilliant performance at the Sebring test that was held last December.

The series also confirmed that Vautier will receive the full $1 million advancement prize due to signing to drive for a team that does not have a Leader Circle contract for the second entry he will drive.

Tristan Vautier already tested in Sebring with Schmidt Motorsport. (Photo: Schmidt Peterson Motorsport)

British motorsport magazine revealed Tuesday that the entry to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and asset of the defunct HRT team would be now purchased by a new group.

We tried to get some confirmations, but no one is really willing to talk at this point!

The well respected magazine says that a group of Canadian and American investors are pushing to try and secure HRT's entry slot in F1 but they may have to wait until 2014 before being allowed to join the grid. That's the year the new turbo 1.6-litre engines will be introduced.

The group of investors are working to launch a team known as Scorpion Racing. The effort appears to have the blessing of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

The new team is apparently hoping to run its effort from a facility at Silverstone, using updated HRT F112 chassis that would be powered by Cosworth V8 engines and use Williams semi-automatic transmissions.

However, Autosport adds it understands that the FIA believes the 12th entry slot for 2013 was closed off when it was informed at the end of last season that HRT had been liquidated.

Our collegues at Pole-Position magazine in Canada apparently know a little more on this topic.

“Who are these mysterious Canadian, or Quebecer investors? It's not Lawrence Stroll or Guy Laliberte (from the Cirque du Soleil) or other millionnaires, but people who are quiet and want to remain anonymous at the moment. The group include businessmen who are attracted by the challenge and motorsport in general. For that first year, they want to hire two paying drivers to get the project underway,” could we read on the website.

Stay tuned!

Some are calling it the “Chinese Chevy Volt.” GAC calls it the E-JET concept. So what is it exactly, and who is GAC?

Guangzhou Automobile Company (GAC) started out as an automotive components manufacturer and is currently the sixth-largest car manufacturer by volume in China.

Photo: Nauman Farooq

They currently produce sedans and SUVs which, on some models, feature platforms taken from Alfa Romeo and Mitsubishi. GAC also has ties with Toyota, Honda, Hino, and at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, announced that it has signed a deal with Fiat SpA (parent company of Chrysler Group LLC) to produce Jeep models for the Chinese market.

However, GAC came to the show with more than just news about their corporate connections. They also wanted to show a new car called the E-JET.

This attractive plug-in hybrid features a permanent magnet electric motor which has a peak output of 95 kW. Coupled with its 13 kWh lithium-ion battery back, this vehicle has a range of over 100 km on a full charge.

When you run out of battery power, a 1.0L, inline 4-cylinder engine will spin a 30 kW generator to take you the rest of the way home. So, it's designed to very much be a range-extended electric vehicle.

According to GAC, the E-JET will hopefully qualify for a fuel consumption rating of just 1.9L/100km, which is much better than a conventional hybrid.

While not a sports sedan, GAC claims the E-JET can sprint from 0-50 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 160 km/h.

One of the nemeses of gas-electric vehicles has been weight, because they have to carry components for both drivetrains. However, GAC has used lightweight materials where possible (aluminum body panels, lithium-ion battery) to keep the weight down. Hence, at 1,550 kg, the E-JET is 175 kg lighter than the Volt. However, the E-JET shown in Detroit is just in its concept stage, so specifications might vary if and when it hits the production line.

The car on display at COBO Hall is a very early prototype, hence the company officials didn't want to open the doors for shots of the interior saying: “It's not finished.”

Speaking of doors, it does have rear-hinged back doors, very much like a Rolls Royce Phantom. Will these features make it to the production model? Dr. Xiangdong Huang, GAC Group Vice President of Research and Development did mention that the production car will look quite different from this concept, but did not elaborate any further.

GAC is hoping that the production E-JET will hit the market in China this fall.

Considering this company already has a four-wheel drive, hybrid sedan called the Trumpchi 4X4 Hybrid, and a fully electric SUV called the BEV Trumpchi GS5 which has a 160-km range, GAC seems well on its way to becoming a leader in electric and hybrid vehicles in its homeland.

As for when GAC will start selling its vehicles in North America? Huang said, “Hopefully (by) 2015... but we are not sure.”

Photo: Nauman Farooq

Incredibly enough, only one out of three Canadian drivers is familiar with today's basic vehicle safety features. Yet, consumers identify safety as a priority when purchasing a new car.

With the exception of ABS and traction control, nearly 70% of Canadians don't know how systems like adaptive headlights and collision warning work.

Toyota Canada and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) are therefore launching Brain on Board, a public education program to encourage people across the country to learn more about modern vehicle safety features.

"If a driver is unfamiliar with how a car's safety features work -- or even what certain dashboard symbols mean -- there may be more safety benefits that could be realized," said Robyn Robertson, TIRF President and CEO.

Crap. A pair of snowplows. And just when I was starting to enjoy driving the week's Audi RS5 tester in a blizzard.

Now, instead of smugly leading a pack of traffic while slush and ice pass beneath the foot-wide winter tires, I was doomed to spend God-knows-how-long going about 7 km/h in a mile-long train of salty impatience.

Crap, crap, crap.

Forced to sit back, relax and get peppered with winter road slop, I discovered a few different ways that an RS5 driver might enjoy their machine when the 450 horsepower, 8,500 revs and Quattro-derived traction would, mostly, go to waste until the plows pulled off for a coffee break.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Make people point at the spoiler: The RS5 has a rear-fin spoiler that self-deploys when you exceed about 120 km/h. There's also a button to make it pop up and down any time you like. Click it repeatedly, and you can make it wave at the passengers in the car behind you. Most will point with a concerned look on their face, wondering what the heck is going on. Some will wave back.

Play music with the paddle shifters: The RS5 has a 7-speed transmission that shifts in a blink, making the rich and meaty exhaust note change pitch up and down faster than Niki Minaj's auto-tune machine. Holding your speed steady, click away on the paddles a few times to get the revs twitching up and down, complete with blurping, gurgly noises in between. With enough practice, you can play a song from the RS5's tailpipes for your fellow motorists.

Have a tiff with the Voice Command lady: Press the button and ask the voice that responds for something absurd, like a cheeseburger. When the pretty female voice advises you that she can't process your request, press the button again, and ask for driving directions to New Zealand. Continue asking for unreasonable things until the system ignores you. Toss in a few random insults for fun.

Rediscover your favourite music: The Audi RS5's Bang & Olufsen stereo system doesn't have 1.21 Jigawatts and a trunkful of subwoofers, but it is vibrant, clear and extremely crisp. You'll hear details in music you've never heard before -- especially if played back from a CD or DVD. And, chances are, you'll run out of eardrum before this stereo runs out of horsepower. Clapton, Rise Against, Mumford & Sons and All That Remains all sounded fantastic. Incidentally, Clapton is some damn fine music for driving in a snowstorm.

Learn a new language: Set the infotainment system to Spanish, German or Japanese in the settings menu. Then, try your hand at navigating through the various controls for the stereo, Bluetooth, navigation system or Audi Drive Select configurator. Played with enough, one can learn how handy words like “Satellite Radio,” “Destination,” “Phone Directory” and “Streaming Audio” look in an unfamiliar language.

The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 luxury sports sedan will make its national debut at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto on February 14th.

Available with a standard 3.7L V6, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 will also offer a hybrid variant combining a 3.5L V6 with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery for a net output of 354 horsepower.

In addition to the Q50, Infiniti Canada will showcase its entire 2013 model lineup in Toronto, including the luxurious JX crossover. The championship-winning Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One race car will be on hand as well.

Photo: Infiniti

From GMM

Jacques Villeneuve will be back at the grands prix in 2013.

Reporting from a launch event at Monza, the Italian press said the 1997 world champion has signed up with Sky Italia to commentate during live broadcasts at all races this season.

Joining him will be Ferrari test driver Marc Gene, who switches over from Antena 3's Spanish coverage.

French Canadian Villeneuve, 41, is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Watching the races on TV, sometimes I would get angry about what others are saying."

"Now maybe someone will get angry at me," laughed the outspoken former Williams, Honda and BMW driver.

11-time grand prix winner Villeneuve's late father, Gilles, is among the most revered Ferrari drivers of all time.

Jacques Villeneuve spent his last season in F1 with BMW, in 2006.

Renault Sport F1 is the division established by Renault to represent its interests in the FIA Formula One World Championship and is tasked with designing and building optimised engines that can be fully integrated into a chassis package by RSF1's carefully selected partner teams.

Photo: Renault

The current power plant, codenamed the RS27, is a 750bhp V8 engine with a capacity for 18,000rpm.

In 2013 identical units are supplied to four partner teams: Red Bull Racing, Lotus, Williams and Caterham.

Photo: Renault

SPECIFICATIONS RS27 ENGINE*
DESIGNATION: RS27-2012
CONFIGURATION: 2.4L V8
NO OF CYLINDERS: 8
NO OF VALVES: 32
DISPLACEMENT: 2400cc
WEIGHT: 95kg
V ANGLE: 90°
RPM: 18
FUEL: Total
OIL: Total
POWER OUTPUT: >750 bhp
SPARK PLUGS: Semi surface discharge
IGNITION SYSTEM: High energy inductive
PISTONS: Aluminium alloy
ENGINE BLOCK: Aluminium alloy
CRANKSHAFT: Nitrided alloy steel with tungsten alloy
counterweights
CONNECTING RODS: Titanium alloy
THROTTLE SYSTEM: 8 butterflies

Photo: Renault

ENGINE STATISTICS*

2,500
2,500 parts make up one RS27 engine.

95 kg
The vital statistics of the engine are partly determined by the regulations. For example, the engine's weight and centre of gravity must meet a minimum criterion. As a result the engine weighs 95kg, the equivalent to two small grown women, but this could be even less if given free rein !

Materials
Each engine piece is carefully crafted to be as light as possible whilst optimising the weight
distribution. Materials such as aluminium and titanium are used for their lightweight properties.

Photo: Renault

900° C
During a race, the exhausts of the RS27 will reach up to 900°C, an average consumer oven will only reach 240°C. These temperatures are very close to the melting point of most metals, therefore, special lightweight materials are used to make the exhausts.

750 bhp
Each engine is capable of producing approximately 750bhp. Most road car engines produce between 120 and 180bhp, less than 25% of the RS27.

2 tons
The actual weight of a piston is only 250g but when the engine revs to its maximum limit of 18,000rpm this weight exerts a force of 2 tonnes on its connecting parts.

Photo: Renault

2.5 s
The RS27 can accelerate from
0 to 60kph in 1.6 seconds. It can do 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.5 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 5.1 seconds and 0 to 300 km/h (186 mph) in 12.0 seconds dependant on aerodynamic setup and gearing.

220 litres
Over the course of an average race, the RS27 will consume approximately 220 litres of fuel.

3,000 km
Each race is a maximum of 300km, but each F1 engine is capable of running to around 3,000km, ten times a race distance. It's not a lot compared to an average road car user, who will run 16,000km per year, but the average road car engine does not rev to 18,000rpm!

Photo: Renault

20,000 hours
Renault Sport F1 has 10 test beds at its factory. Each dyno at Viry will run for 4.5 days a week, 12 hours a day. Even taking into account holidays and downtime that's equivalent to more than 20,000 hours dyno time per year!

* From Renault Sport F1

AutoTrader Group, the nation's largest online vehicle shopping site, said it would be business as usual for auto dealers following the company's decision Friday to withdraw its $300 million registration for an initial public offering of stock.

Silver Bullets

Silver Arrows face off for the first time since 1939.

Like most kids, I was interested in cars of my own era when I first started following racing. But it didn't take me long to delve into the history of the sport. So I read about Henry Ford's 999 and Ernest Henry's twin-cam Peugeots, scarlet Alfa Romeos and pale blue Bugattis, jewel-like Millers and the behemoths that raced on the banking at Brooklands. Then I came across the Silver Arrows -- the magnificent prewar Auto Unions and Mercedes-Benzes that dominated grand prix racing until World War II -- and nothing else seemed to matter.

Photo Gallery: Silver Bullets - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Silver Bullets - Automobile Magazine

Silver Bullets | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

The U.S. Treasury Department "failed to rein in excessive pay" at bailed-out GM, Ally Financial and AIG, the rescue program's inspector general said.

General Motors said it will invest $600 million in a new paint shop and stamping press at the assembly plant where it makes the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse.

News 29 Jan, 2013

Latest pictures of the new Peugeot 308, which will be 70kg lighter thanks to the new EMP2 platform

Arguably one of the most important car launches of 2013, the debut of the