Auto News 5

If you're even slightly savvy about commercial vehicles, you're probably up on the fact that Nissan's launching products to compete with Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes and the like currently available. They've even set up some 44 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealerships across Canada.

The latest model to drive Nissan's dip into the Canadian commercial vehicle market is called the NV200 and it took its official first bow at the Montreal Auto Show last month. It's no surprise that Nissan chose Montreal for the NV200's Canadian debut, given the strong European consumer presence in Montreal, and the strongly European character of the model itself. In fact, NV200 won the title of “European Van of the Year” in 2010.


"There is an increasing need for a 'right-sized' van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price -- the exact sweet spots of the innovative new Nissan NV200," said Judy Wheeler, Director of Marketing at Nissan Canada. "Businesses today, both large and small, are also looking for vehicles that represent their brands in the best light: smart, innovative, and professional."

The Nissan NV200 is the third commercial vehicle offering from the Japanese automaker in Canada, following the NV Cargo and NV Passenger vans which launched last year.

Though new to Canada, the NV200 is already in service in more than 40 countries around the globe. For North American duty, engineers extended the body by 200 millimeters, enabling a 3.5 cubic meter cargo capacity, despite a small external footprint.

Numerous interior storage solutions, including a laptop-friendly pocket in the centre console, are also present. A backup camera, Bluetooth, navigation and pre-wiring for GPS-based telematics systems will also be offered. All models will be powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and CVT transmission.

Look for the NV200 at Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers later this year.

Photo: Nissan

The Toyota Fun Vii, a concept that originally made its debut at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show, will appear for the first time in Canada next week at Toronto's Canadian International Auto Show.

The Fun Vii (which stands for “Vehicle, interactive, internet”) is a very futuristic three-seat electric car, with the body serving as a gigantic tablet. Users can change the colour, broadcast messages and pictures, etc.

Likewise, the interior features a highly customizable environment, one where users can select the information they want to have displayed -- and how -- to suit their preferences and mood.

The Fun Vii also boasts a blind spot monitor and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication systems.

Photo: Toyota

From GMM

Pastor Maldonado, who in 2013 enters his third F1 season with Williams, thinks new teammate Valtteri Bottas will get quickly up to speed.

Actually, 23-year-old Finn Bottas is a rookie, and - once the Grove team gets its 2013 car up and running in Barcelona this month - he will have just four days at the wheel before making his grand prix debut in Australia.

But Venezuelan Maldonado told the MTV3 broadcaster: "Valtteri has been actively involved in the development (of the FW35) and has done a lot of long days in the simulator. He is not a complete rookie. I believe he will enjoy this season and will be immediately competitive."

Indeed, one of departed Williams driver Bruno Senna's complaints was that, despite racing throughout 2012, he usually had to give up his car to Bottas on Friday mornings at grands prix.

Valtteri Bottas driving the Williams FW34 in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Before and after those race weekends last year, reserve driver Bottas was often seen helping the Williams mechanics and truckies set up and dismantle the garage.

The Finn told British Sky television at Jerez: "I promised the guys, even though I am racing now, at least once I will come and help them again."

The revolutionary Deltawing car is powered by a Mazda engine, now that Nissan has withdrawn from the project.

The Deltawing project, headed by Dan Gurney, team Highcroft and Don Panoz, became reality last season, when the car made its racing debuts at Le Mans 24 Hours. This season, the Deltawing will run in the American Le Mans Series, in a class of its own.

Photo: Highcroft

But Nissan wanted out of the project, so the people behind the DeltaWing switched to a Mazda MZR engine, developed by Elan Technologie.

Mazda, however, will solely act as an engine supplier, not as a partner like Nissan used to.

Subaru will unveil a new crossover concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Called “VIZIV” (Vision for Innovation), it will embody Subaru's future design direction and technological approach.

All we have to chew on for now is a picture of the front grille and left headlight. Expect more details and full shots to come after the launch on March 5th.

In addition to the VIZIV, Subaru will showcase its all-new 2014 Forester, as well as the first Outback to combine a diesel-powered 2.0L boxer engine with a Lineartronic CVT.

Photo: Subaru

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has split with his wife of eight years.

When a McLaren driver, the Finn married former Miss Scandinavia Jenni Dahlman in 2004.

The Finnish entertainment magazine 7 Paivaa reports that they have split.

"It's true, they have grown in different directions," confirmed the now Lotus driver's personal assistant Ridu Kuvaja, according to Finnish daily Ilta Sanomat.

Kimi and Jenni Raikkonen. (Photo: Facebook)

The newspaper said Jenni moved out of their EUR 30 million home in Switzerland several weeks ago.

Broadcaster MTV3 reports that divorce could be "expensive" for Raikkonen, given his estimated fortune of more than EUR 120 million, including a portfolio of properties.

Austin, TX - I landed in the land of Longhorns bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to take on whatever the Lone Star State had to throw my way... No, I lie; I arrived tired and crabby from a long day of travelling, but as I walked the grounds of the gorgeous Travaasa Resort nestled at the top of a hill on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, I came upon the reason I was there, sitting pretty amongst the gnarled Texas Live Oak trees: the brand new 2014 Mazda6 and my mood lifted.

Brand new from nose to tail, the 2014 Mazda6 is something to behold, and not just because of its stunning good looks. Take a gander under the hood and you'll be just as pleasantly surprised and eager to get behind the wheel soon after. While I'm very much looking forward to a longer drive in the Mazda6, after traversing the winding, undulating, sweeping roads around Austin, Texas, I can assure you that Mazda are quite serious about developing a car with their “driver” customers in mind.


Nipped, tucked, facelifted, lipoed and ready to face the world
From nose to tail and on the side, the 2014 Mazda6 truly is “all new.” Mazda went to great lengths to perfect the overall look of the Mazda6, with the knowledge that they were developing and working on a model that was, and will continue to be, a flagship car for Mazda.

As the second car in Mazda's lineup to feature their KODO design language, there's no denying this sedan is a looker. With a front end that's got some serious attitude and presence parked or on the move, the 2014 Mazda6 front grille features an updated, much more sophisticated take on the wide, gaping opening found on the Mazda6s of the past. The angles are sharp, and yet the lines flow smoothly from nose to tail. Muscular shoulders sit atop 17” (or 19” on the topline GT trim), and a sharply raking roofline down the back elicits thoughts of a coupe.

While I'm not completely sold on the rear just yet, I can see it starting to grow on me. The “I mean business” look continues back there too, with the furrowed chrome brow sitting low and hard across the taillights.

With colours like Soul Red (fabulous, by the way), Blue Reflex and Snowflake White Pearl, the 2014 Mazda6 may only offer a total of nine model codes in the lineup (one of the smallest), but there are enough colour/trim/packages available to find a Mazda6 to call your own.

Mazda went to great lengths to perfect the overall look of the Mazda6, with the knowledge that they were developing and working on a model that was, and will continue to be, a flagship car for Mazda. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

From the base GX up to the GT, the interior is sophisticated and well laid out. Roomy in the front, with only a slight headroom issue in the back (thanks to that cool, coupe-like look) the 2014 Mazda6 has all the makings of a comfortable, family sedan.

Options include the norm such as black or white leather trim is available (yes, white leather), power-adjusted seats, navigation system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. To note: Mazda's Technology package should be called the “safety package” instead since it features all the fancy nannies: Smart City Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, High Beam Control, Forward Obstruction Warning, and Lane Departure Warning.

From the base GX up to the GT, the interior is sophisticated and well laid out. (Photo: Mazda)

Zoom-zoom in the Texan sun
Alright, now the part you've all been waiting for: How does the 2014 Mazda6 drive? As the very first Mazda car to feature entirely all SKYACTIV technology, the Mazda6 is a flagship for more than one reason. Available as a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (of note: both transmissions are offered at the same price on the Mazda6 as the Japanese automaker believes drivers should drive what they want to drive, at no extra cost to them).

Let me say, the 2.5L I4 (which stretches across all three trim levels, GX, GS and GT) which puts out 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque is absolutely fantastic. Responsive, reactive and ready to perform whenever the need arises, Mazda has a fantastic product in their SKYACTIV engines and transmission. Fuel efficiency numbers are also quite good with the 6AT able to reach the 5.1L/100km mark on highways.

While I enjoyed driving the manual a great deal (and appreciated the precise shifts offered by the gearbox and easy-to-use clutch), I had just as much fun (if not a little more) with the automatic transmission that's just as eager to please. Kickdowns offer a throaty snarl out the rear and you're given a glimpse into why Mazda believes the 2014 Mazda6 is a driver's car. That nagging lag between shifts in sport mode 6ATs is pleasantly short and barely noticeable.

We were told that the Mazda6 development team focused on integrating a great deal of “Jinba-ittai” into the performance of the new model. What is that, you might ask? Well, a loose translation references a relationship between horse and rider as one. And while driving the 2014 Mazda6 isn't quite the same as hacking through the woods on my horse, I can see the integration of the mindset in the drive.

Let me say, the 2.5L I4 which puts out 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque is absolutely fantastic. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

That dirty word... Diesel
Yup, that's right. There will be a diesel variant of the 2014 Mazda6 arriving shortly, as well. Featuring the SKYACTIV-D engine, this diesel-sucking Japanese vehicle will help Mazda target who they believe to be their main competition, the VW Passat.

I did not drive the diesel variant of the 2014 Mazda6 while I was in Austin, so cannot comment on the performance, however, I am eager to try it and so happy to hear that diesel is very much on its way to North America -- finally.

Priced to kill...
Alright, so for all this fancy SKYACTIV, KODO, fun-in-the-sun driveability, what are you going to have to dish out for the 2014 Mazda6? For a base GS model you'll start at the $24,595 mark; and for a top of the line GT decked out with a Technology Package you'll skim the $34,195 line. All in all, the 2014 Mazda6 is priced to adequately take on the competition, and with a diesel in the wings it's very likely going to crush quite a few along the way.

Ryan Dalziel will be driving a Viper GTS-R from SRT Motorsports this year in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

The 30-year-old was signed to replace Ryan Hunter-Reay as teammate of Tommy Kendall, Marc Goossens, Kuno Wittmer, Dominik Farnbacher and Jonathan Bomarito.

"Ryan Dalziel is an excellent addition to our SRT Motorsports team," confirmed Beth Paretta, director of marketing and operations for SRT.

As part of the team, Dalziel will also get to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In the past, the Scot has raced in many other series, including the World Endurance Championship, where he won the LMP2 title last year. On his resume, also features an overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona, back in 2010.

From GMM

Peter Sauber has urged Robin Frijns, the Swiss F1 team's new reserve driver, to find a race cockpit in another series for 2013.

Recently, Dutchman Frijns - the new Formula Renault 3.5 champion - was interpreted as having criticised the Hinwil based team for not giving him "much to do" in 2013 as he prepares to serve as reserve driver.

Robin Frijns wants to race in 2013. (Photo: Renault)

Team co-owner and founder Peter Sauber reacted: "As far as I understand, some quotes were taken out of context. From our side, it was clear from the outset that he will not be driving on Fridays," he insisted.

"But at the same time, it is absolutely in our interest that he races in 2013, simply to stay fresh as a race driver. This is being worked on," Sauber told Speed Week.

"I really like Robin," the 69-year-old continued. "He has won in every series in which he has competed. He is a great talent and I am happy that we have him with us."

Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn hinted recently that Robin Frijns is seeking to combine his new F1 role with a seat in GP2.

The 2013 Nissan Frontier, which is now on sale across Canada, starts at $20,898 and offers an average price drop of $4,300 across all trims and models.

MSRPs for the 2013 Nissan Frontier include:
2013 Frontier King Cab 2.5 M5 4x2: $20,898
2013 Frontier King Cab 2.5 A5 4x2: $22,218
2013 Frontier King Cab 4.0 A5 4x2: $23,898
2013 Frontier King Cab 4.0 M6 4x4: $25,898
2013 Frontier King Cab 4.0 A5 4x4: $27,218
2013 Frontier Crew Cab 4.0 A5 4x2: $27,698
2013 Frontier Crew Cab 4.0 M6 4x4: $29,698
2013 Frontier Crew Cab 4.0 A5 4x4: $31,018

Photo: Nissan

This is a true story, and the people involved will swear by it. Years ago, a family friend owned a

The U.S. Department of Energy, taking another step to help make electric vehicles more popular, has teamed up with automakers and several other companies to boost the number of office-based charging stations tenfold within the next five years.

We bring you the details on a pair of new VW Beetles and the refreshed Toyota Tundra from the

It's not uncommon for racing and music to collide (think Lynyrd Skynyrd jamming out on the infield stage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the Indy 500 or the Grateful Dead's "New Speedway Boogie").

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen took second-half writedowns of 4.13 billion euros ($5.53 billion), reflecting the falling value of assets as the region's auto sales sink a sixth straight year.

When the price of gas climbs to the $4-a-gallon mark and beyond, people complain and automakers fear sales will fall off the edge of a cliff.

Continental AG is developing a system -- dubbed the Driver Focus Vehicle -- that monitors the driver's eye movements, then warns if the driver is looking away from the road under hazardous conditions.

Continental AG is developing a system -- dubbed the Driver Focus Vehicle -- that monitors the driver's eye movements, then warns if the driver is looking away from the road under hazardous conditions.

SRT is playing to its hard-core base of enthusiasts and will offer two new basic yet powerful models for 2014, named Core Dodge Challenger and

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show opened today with a flurry of debuts. Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Toyota brought new production vehicles to the show, and Kia wowed with the sleek