Auto News 5

AutoNation Inc.'s move to put its corporate name on most of its stores signals the next wave for a dealership business model that has moved from exclusively mom-and-pop stores in a short period of time.

They are big and boring-looking, but light commercial vehicles are crucial to the financial health of many European volume brands.

Lincoln will offer its dealers cash assistance to help them keep customers who have been frustrated by delays in receiving their MKZ sedans.

A diesel-powered version of the Chevrolet Cruze will make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week.

Called Cruze Eco-D, it's the first General Motors passenger car to feature a diesel engine in the U.S. for more than 20 years. It will likely serve to gauge consumer interest before other models follow suit.

Actually, GM is expected to add a diesel option to its all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.

For the time being, we don't know anything about the Chevrolet Cruze Eco-D's performance, fuel economy or pricing. Look for it to arrive in U.S. showrooms this spring as a 2014 model. Canadian availability remains unknown.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

Toro Rosso unveiled its 2013 Formula 1 challenger just before the night in Jerez.

Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: WRi2)

The new STR8 Formula 1 car was presented to the world medias by Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Photo: WRi2

The new car has been designed by a team of engineers led by James Key. It is powered by a Ferrari 2.4-litre, V8 engine.

Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: WRi2)

Fuels that derive from petroleum, such as gasoline and diesel, are called hydrocarbons and are composed of hydrogen and carbon. Petroleum oil's composition depends largely on its place of origin. Its sulphur and other mineral content can vary from one oil field to the next. This crude oil has to undergo a series of transformations before becoming the final fuel products that we so greatly depend on today.

Refining Stages

Diesel fuel
As an end product, diesel fuel is the result of a simpler processing of the crude oil than that required for gasoline. Elimination of the impurities and distillation are indispensable in both cases. Then, sulphur content is reduced thanks to hydrodesulfurization (HDS), followed by hydrotreating. Since 2006 (for environmental reasons) only diesel with very low sulphur content is sold in North America and Europe.

Diesel fuel quality is measured according to its cetane number. The lowest legally allowable cetane number is 51. The more this figure increases, the better the diesel fuel quality, so cleaning agents are often added to it. Good quality diesel fuel will have properties which favour ignition and combustion.

Given that the diesel engine has no spark plugs, the air-diesel fuel mixture has to ignite and combust, because of simple compression alone.

This low heat resistance is the contrary to what qualifies gasoline. To produce gasoline, refining must be continued. It's during catalytic reforming that the octane rating of the gasoline is determined.

The octane rating measures the thermal resistance of a fuel. The higher the rating, the less easily the substance will ignite.

At the pump, you'll find gasoline types with various octane ratings, which could range from 87 to 94. ‘Regular' gas has the lowest octane rate, i.e. ‘87', and has poorer heat resistance.


‘Super' gasoline is recommended for engines equipped with turbo or superchargers, or those with high compression ratios. These types of engines produce increased heat.

In a gas engine, combustion of the mixture compressed in the piston chamber has to take place when ignited by the spark plug, not before. If the gas type used is of poorer quality, heat created by the compression will sometimes be enough to produce combustion, resulting in a detonation. This premature explosion must be avoided because it can cause considerable damage to engine components.

You should ensure that the quality of the particular gas type you choose keeps pace with the advanced technologies that are showcased by the vehicle you drive.

Alternate energy sources
Clean fuels like diesel (very low in sulphur), as well as technologies developed to decrease gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, puts us all on the right road when it comes to protecting our planet.

Besides hybrid and electric cars (with a big bet on lithium-ion technology), there are other potential energy sources that could free us from our dependence on oil.

Cars running on hydrogen, ethanol, biodiesel or natural gas open up many avenues to be explored.

Mitsubishi is investing heavily in electric vehicle technology, and their new Outlander is one model that'll soon offer shoppers a fuel-saving alternative to a conventional gas-powered model. With the all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV already on the road, the upcoming Outlander PHEV will further the Japanese automaker's electric vehicle offerings, while giving competitors like the plug-in powered Toyota RAV-4 EV a run for its money.


Set to debut initially in Japan, the Outlander PHEV hits their dealer lots next week. Officials say the unique model combines EV technologies developed by Mitsubishi with proven four-wheel drive technology and expertise gleaned from decades of building utility vehicles. The resulting model will give owners the environmental friendliness of an electric vehicle, the confidence of a 4x4, and the practicality of a sport ute.

At Outlaner PHEV's core is a two-motor drive system, which features a high-capacity battery delivering up to 1,500 watts of juice. That juice can be sourced from a plug, or the PHEV's unique Battery Charge Mode, which uses the gas engine to charge the batteries while stationary or on the go.

All-electric operation is possible in everyday use, while the gas engine provides extended range and propulsion for highway driving—making Outlander PHEV a real-world friendly, partially-electric machine. On electric power alone, Mitsubishi promises a cruising range of about 60 kilometres. Voyages exceeding the electric-only range are facilitated by the gas engine, extending overall range to around 900 kilometres. A sophisticated computer system constantly optimizes power usage, and regenerative braking captures waste energy for recharging of the battery. At high speeds, the gas engine does most of the work, but recharges the batteries in the process.

That gas engine is a variant of the 4B11—namely, a two-litre unit equipped with a slick MIVEC variable valve timing system for maximum efficiency. In effect, this system actively regulates engine breathing requirements to turn in optimal fuel efficiency in all situations while it's running.

All said, drivers travelling less than 60 kilometres before recharging can expect to use virtually no fuel—and those planning longer voyages can set out without range anxiety. Oh, and if your Outlander PHEV's battery is full when you get to your destination, the Japanese press release says you can even use the stored electricity to “power appliances”.

The Outlander PHEV's twin-motor drive system is a natural fit with Mitsubishi's S-AWC technology, mainly because of the electric motor's ability to generate instant torque output. The result, say Mitsubishi officials, is acceleration comparable to a high-displacement gas engine alongside superior environmental performance.

Additionally, using two motors (one at each axle) to propel the four-wheel drive system, Mitsubishi says the PHEV Twin Motor 4WD system delivers better response and finer control than standard four-wheel drive, alongside reduced gas-sucking friction. The system even offers a ‘LOCK' mode, which drivers can select ahead of driving over slippery terrain for more sure-footed traction.

The Outlander PHEV can be charged in 4 hours on a 200-volt AC plug, while an optional factory quick-charging device can bring an empty battery back up to 80 percent in about half an hour.

Of course, the latest safety, connectivity and driver-assist systems will be on board, too. Keep your eyes on Mitsubishi for more details.

Photo: Mitsubishi

From GMM

Former F1 driver Mika Salo has tipped Heikki Kovalainen to return to the grid in the future.

Finn Kovalainen is the latest victim of the ever-increasing influence of the 'pay driver' in F1, with Caterham replacing its entire 2012 lineup in favour of the heavily sponsored Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde.

When the news about Dutchman van der Garde broke, the Finnish press tried and failed to extract a comment from Kovalainen, who was paid by Caterham for the past three seasons.

Heikki Kovalainen. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

Some interpreted that as a clear sign that the 31-year-old former McLaren and Renault driver knows his F1 career is over, but Salo insisted to the broadcaster MTV3: "I don't think so. I think he can still come back."

"It often happens that there are new, young drivers, but their song can be short if they make a lot of mistakes. That's when people start looking around again for an experienced professional," added the former Ferrari and Sauber driver.

"Heikki had long negotiations with Caterham, but in the end they chose money over skill," Mika Salo revealed.

My car-testing bud, Miranda, and I are like-minded when it comes to hybrids: we're no huge fans. This belief has been put to the test, and Miranda was won over by the Lexus CT200h a short while back. As far as I'm concerned, the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid has done it for me.

There is no doubt that the new Fusion is one hot looking midsize sedan. Typically, manufacturers screw with a good thing when they hybrid-ize their cars. I'm thinking about the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima hybrids; especially, where the Korean makers have messed with the styling of brilliant cars.


The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid hits all the necessary marks with its sophisticated and potent powertrain, a CVT that I do not want to feed to a crusher, and an amazingly well crafted cabin that is as attractive as the outer shell.

The drive is serene, poised and comfortable, and few could ever find anything really wrong with the car other than the trunk (and its opening) that is nearly useless, MyFord Touch and, from where I stand, it does not have an AWD option.

Third generation hybrid FTW
Despite the lack of AWD, the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is nearly perfect.

I'll begin by admitting that the entire week I was driving the car as though I was running from the LAPD on the 405. With this in mind, if I tell you that I averaged 6.5L per 100 km all week, you should be falling off your chair right about now. Ford claims that normal people (read: not me) should be able to average 4.0L; but in the real world, 5.0-5.5L is what one should expect with the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

The normally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces 141 hp on its own. With the ecological boost (see what I did there?) provided, the permanent magnet AC synchronous motor brings the total horsepower number to a respectable 188.

In the mix, Ford includes a CVT that, unlike most, is responsive and eager. It's not a 2013 Honda Accord CVT, however, it may be tied with the Mitsubishi RVR's I've recently tested. Perhaps it is the fact that the 2.0L generates a reasonably pleasant tune that ensured sustained motor revs weren't annoying.

The Hybrid system is invisible in most instances, which is what we can expect from advanced hybrid vehicles in 2013. Either way, the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid moves with gusto and is actually fun to push.

I averaged 6.5L per 100 km all week! (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Euro drive
And push I did, regardless of the fact that this is a hybrid. What helped tremendously was how well the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid handled.

Ford turned to Europe a number of years ago not only for design but suspension and chassis tuning, as well. The result of this decision has transformed Ford into the North American carmaker with the best overall handling fleet of domestic cars.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid effortlessly tackles the road with sport-sedan sharp reflexes. The beauty here is that the car never works hard to remain stable and sharp. A slight variation in input to the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and the car responds with immediate and accurate moves.

Passengers onboard the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid are never shuffled or disturbed as the car maintains tremendous composure and control over weight transfers. The fact is that the Fusion's engineers have managed to marry comfort and handling almost perfectly.

Design, fit and finish are worthy of any Lincoln, and then some. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Future styling icon
In the field of aesthetics, the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid has few rivals. Other than the aforementioned Koreans, and possibly the upcoming 2014 Mazda6, the Fusion looks like it could be carrying a far more prestigious crest (no offense to Ford) than it does.

As the 2013 Ford Fusion is still quite new, I noticed a number of passersby do double takes, wondering if they had really spotted a Blue Oval at the tip of the bonnet. The gaping grille and profiled headlights perfectly flow back to a well proportioned body.

On the subject of ugly hybrids, the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid's $800 appearance package, which adds wheels and a subtle trunk-lid spoiler, ties it all together beautifully.

The cabin is equally elegant and classy: very euro. Design, fit and finish are worthy of any Lincoln, and then some. The seats are not leather in the $29,999 SE trim, but are heated and surprisingly comfortable.

Everything else is nearly flawless -- nearly. The unfortunate MyFord Touch system continues to haunt me. One out of two attempts at rapidly adjusting climate setting was met with no response from Touch. As well, when my wife endeavoured to activate the heated seats with gloves on, they wouldn't.

Also, and although quite spiffy to behold, the SmartGauge display is informative and distracting, but generally useless when set.

Recently, I adopted a smart fortwo passion for the week. I say “adopted” because I rather felt like I'd brought home something in desperate need of shelter, love and a good meal as our harsh winter months drag on. Dutifully it sat, every day, waiting for me to start up the engine and play. We romped through the city together all week, shared a few laughs, took cute pictures, and bonded over traffic jams and open stretches of street. what more could I ask for?

Oh, wait, I know: More space.

No matter how little you think you need in life, space is generally something we (as humans) can never get enough of. Perhaps this is my North American-ness coming into play, but I felt starved for space even though I technically didn't need it while I played house with the smart fortwo. I relinquished mommy duties for the week and left the baby seat in a more family-friendly vehicle.

As I cruised down suburban streets in the smart I tried to imagine what life with the little guy would be like on a full-time basis. From grocery store visits to weekends at my parent's place... I'm not sure I could do it. I think I live too large to own such a small car. Even something as simple as going to Costco to pick up my monthly (or more) supply of paper towel, toilet paper, water and kitty litter would require the help of a back-up vehicle or multiple visits as I can assure you that such a haul would not fit in the smart.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

And I'm not trying to belittle (ha ha) the smart, I'm instead putting myself in the spotlight and wondering if perhaps I live too large... and not just with my shopping. The tight confines of the cabin had me feeling insecure for the first few days. Safety was a constant concern for my passengers who were also not accustomed to the smart's small stature.

The two times I stopped at the pumps with the smart I nearly walked right past the vehicle on my way back to the driver's seat, being accustomed to taking more than one step to the door after rounding the trunk.

I started to think: How would my husband and I live with a car like the smart fortwo if we didn't have a child already? Financially, and situationally, the smart fortwo would “makes sense” for us. And yet, it doesn't. We snowboard in the winter. Sometimes, we go camping in the summer. We rent cabins with friends and stay for long weekends, bringing our own food, alcohol and the rest. We shop in bulk. We often take the reigns when it comes to family road trips, packing everyone into one car. I horseback ride and sometimes have to transport saddle, riding gear and the like. My husband works for a photography studio shooting weddings and is often asked to use and carry their crane.

All those things seem impossible; and so I wondered (as I spiritedly drove the smart fortwo), do those who purchase microminis adjust their lives to accomodate their cars, or are they already living in such a minimal way that no change is needed? And if they are living so “small” already... how do they do it?

I like to think we don't live in excess, that we get by with just the right amount of everything, but after my week behind the wheel of the smart fortwo passion, I wonder if I really am living too large.

First world problems at their best.

Photo: Sébastien D'amour

From GMM

Four drivers appear to be prominently in the running for the last race seat on the 2013 grid.

Strangely in the ultra-professional world of F1, Force India launched and debuted its new car, the VJM06, at Silverstone on Friday with only one race driver under contract -- Paul di Resta.

"Whoever does that is surely having problems," mused veteran Swiss F1 correspondent Roger Benoit, who writes for Blick newspaper.

When asked the obvious question about the missing race driver, deputy boss Bob Fernley immediately admitted that Jules Bianchi and Adrian Sutil are candidates.

"Jules is a significant candidate, along with Adrian," he said. "And a few others. I think we shouldn't close any doors off."

Could one of the significant others be Bruno Senna, the former HRT and Williams driver? According to one rumour, Scot di Resta has confided to some that his teammate this year will be the well sponsored Brazilian.

Another rumour is that Japanese Kamui Kobayashi, despite already counting himself out of the running for 2013, is now back in the frame with new sponsors.

Who to drive the second Sahara Force India VJM06? (Photo: Sahara Force India)

The biggest betting money, however, is on Frenchman Bianchi, the Nicolas Todt-managed rookie who was Force India's reserve driver last year.

His place might also be bundled with a Ferrari engine deal for 2014.

"If we'd had an ideal world," said Bob Fernley, "we'd have liked to run Jules for two years as a third driver. What's happened with the Nico (Hulkenberg) departure is that it's just taken us out of our comfort zone in terms of where we were wanting to plan going forward."

Sahara Force India has said it plans to unveil the name of di Resta's 2013 teammate ahead of the second test in Barcelona later this month.

From GMM

Tongue in cheek, a German specialist publication has wondered if there is a Sauber spy in the house at world champions Red Bull.

After Swiss team Sauber surprised the world with its ultra-slim sidepods and a half-'stepped' nose for its newly launched C32, Auto Motor und Sport's Michael Schmidt noticed that Red Bull's new RB9 - which broke cover on Sunday - "has the same characteristics".

Sauber C32. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Actually, Red Bull insisted the RB9 is a simple "evolution" of its title-winning predecessor, while Adrian Newey argued the whole concept of a 'new' car is now outdated.

"It's a car in transition, as are all the cars -- development is key," he said.

The team insisted one of the biggest changes is the new purple hue to the livery, marking the official beginning of the Infiniti title sponsorship.

In essence, it was difficult for observers at the Milton Keynes launch to make a real assessment -- photography was banned, and those in the audience squinted to make out the RB9's details in the clever lighting before the car was covered up once again.

Red Bull RB9. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Newey did reveal that the change in the 'step' nose for 2013 is a compromise between the unseemly 2012 rules and the FIA's allowance of a so-called 'vanity panel' this year.

"We have a vanity panel," he confirmed, "but it doesn't extend very far forward otherwise it becomes unjustifiable in weight."

Shortly after the launch, the RB9 was loaded into a transporter bound for Jerez, where Mark Webber will be at the wheel for the opening action on Tuesday.

A study by CAA-Quebec confirms that pump prices, as well as retail margins and crude oil prices, all rose in 2012.

Across the province, a litre of gasoline sold on average for 5% more last year than in 2011. In the Montreal area, the average price of a litre of gasoline rose to 137.3 cents, compared with 134.7 cents in the Quebec City area and 135.6 cents in Sherbrooke. Meanwhile, in Calgary, the average was 112.7 cents; so far in 2013, a litre of gasoline costs under a dollar.

Sherbrooke is where the retail margin grew the most (19%), from 5.7 cents for each litre of gasoline sold in 2011 to 6.8 cents per litre in 2012.

CAA-Quebec also noted 12 price increases at the pump on Fridays and just before holiday periods in Montreal, compared with only one in Quebec City and two in Sherbrooke.

Montreal currently has the highest rate of taxation (36%) on the average price of a litre of regular gasoline among large Canadian cities (national average of 31%). And on April 1st, 2013, the provincial fuel tax will rise by one cent per litre for the fourth year in a row.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone on Monday was on the spot at Sochi, the scene of next year's inaugural Russian grand prix.

There had been some doubt about whether the resort city would host its first ever formula one race on schedule, following reports construction had stopped.

"It's a fantastic track," Ecclestone, F1's chief executive, was quoted on Monday by the local R-Sport news agency.

"I was here before the building work started on the track and I was already impressed then," he added. "Now I'm super-impressed with what's going on here."

Sochi track in Russia.

Bernie Ecclestone, 82, met on Monday with Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak.

Kozak acknowledged that Sochi's concurrent preparations for the 2014 winter olympics had presented challenges to the scheduling of the grand prix.

"But we've solved all those problems and entered, in my view, the final straight," he said.

The 2014 Nissan GT-R, which is now on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide, starts at $106,930. Two higher trim levels are available including a Premium Interior Package and Black Edition.

Look for the same 3.8L twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 545 horsepower and 463 lb-ft of torque.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan GT-R:

Photo: Nissan

Bentley posted a sketch and a short video on its website that give fans a sneak peek at the new Flying Spur. The British automaker claims that it will redefine the standards of the luxury performance sedan.

Further details will be released on February 20th, 2013.

Photo: Bentley

From GMM

Giorgio Ascanelli, the well-known engineer who last year left his post as Toro Rosso's technical director, has re-emerged at F1 brake supplier Brembo.

Following recent speculation, we reported last month that rumours the 53-year-old Italian is returning to the sport with Ferrari were wide of the mark.

"Ascanelli is about to return to F1; the team's name is not yet known," Autosprint correspondent Alberto Antonini said on January 15.

Giorgio Ascanelli. (Photo: Red Bull)

In fact, Ascanelli has signed on with Brembo as the brake supplier's chief technical officer.

"With the arrival of Giorgio Ascanelli, Brembo is looking to give fresh impetus into the company and bring new skills to an area of activity that has always been its main engine," the Italian company said in a statement.

He began his career at Ferrari in the mid 80s, and was Gerhard Berger's engineer. He moved to Benetton and McLaren, at the latter team working alongside the great Ayrton Senna.

Ascanelli returned to Ferrari in 1995, staying until 2001. Autosprint said he left Toro Rosso, who replaced him with James Key, "after an argument" with team boss Franz Tost.

The new Ferrari F138 is equipped with Brembo brakes. (Photo: Ferrari)

From press release

As the new Silver Arrow, the Mercedes W04, completes its first laps this morning at the Jerez circuit, the team is delighted to announce a significant new partnership agreement with BlackBerry.

As the Official Mobile Computing Partner for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, BlackBerry will collaborate with the team on technical and marketing opportunities.

The new partnership sees the iconic BlackBerry branding featured prominently on the chassis and headrest of the F1 W04 Silver Arrow, the racesuits of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, and on the team's racewear kit. As the Official Mobile Computing Partner, BlackBerry and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS will be working closely together to develop the team's use of the BlackBerry 10 platform at the team's headquarters and at each Grand Prix.

BlackBerry featuring on the new Mercedes W04. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Ross Brawn, Team Principal at the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team commented: “On the day that our new Silver Arrow, the F1 W04, is launched, we are very pleased to announce our partnership with BlackBerry. We are looking forward to embracing the new BlackBerry 10 platform at both a technical and operational level, as well as collaborating with the team at BlackBerry to bring new mobile innovation to MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS. It is especially pleasing to be able to launch this exciting partnership today as our latest Silver Arrow takes to the track with BlackBerry branding.”

Frank Boulben, Chief Marketing Officer at BlackBerry, said: “Formula One is all about precision engineering, design and innovation - three values that mirror the approach that's gone into creating BlackBerry 10. It is a natural fit for BlackBerry to partner with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team to deliver value through technical and marketing collaboration. We have built BlackBerry 10 to keep people moving, and we believe the essence of this will be delivered at many levels through our partnership”.

Jari Ketomaa (Ford Fiesta) wins Rally Liepaja, in Latvia, for the second round of the European Rally Championship.

Peugeot works driver Craig Breen was the first leader of the event aboard his 207 S2000 before the Finn was able to close the gap and finally take first position in the second day. Ketomaa retained the lead, and took his first season win 31 seconds ahead of the british driver. François Delecour takes the last podium spot driving a Peugeot 207 S2000 after a great fight with Jan Cerny (Skoda Fabia).

Jari Ketomaa, Ford Fiesta. (Photo: FIA ERC)

Jari Ketomaa takes first position in championship lead ahead of Jan Kopecky, who took win in the ERC opening round in Austria, but did not enter rally Liepaja.

The third ERC round will be presented in Islas Canarias, Spain, with possibly Robert Kubica at the start aboard a Ford Fiesta, if the Pole is not involved in DTM with Mercedes.

Audi has announced his line-up for the 2013 DTM season, with only one change: Jamie Green, who replaces Rahel Frey in the squad.

The brand from Ingolstadt will run eight Audi A5 DTM for newcomer Jamie Green (who just left Mercedes), and seven drivers that were already part of the team last season : Mattias Ekström, Timo Scheider, Mike Rockenfeller, Edoardo Mortara, Filipe Albuquerque, Adrien Tambay and Miguel Molina.

Edoardo Mortara, Audi A5 DTM. (Photo: DTM)

Molina remains in the team, although he was rumored to leave Audi. But the cancellation of the Friday practice session for 2013 means the drivers will have to take their marks quickly. That's why Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich prefered to maintain an experienced driver instead of a newcomer (Daytona 24 Hours René Rast was rumored to take Molina's seat in 2013).

After BMW and Audi, Mercedes still has to announced its line-up. For now, it is not sure if the team will run six or eight C-Coupé this season.