Auto News 5

From GMM

The victim of Sebastian Vettel's decision to ignore his team's instructions, Mark Webber predicted on Sunday that Red Bull would "protect" its triple world champion "as usual".

But that might not be the case this time. Publicly at least, Red Bull is angry the 25-year-old German ignored the team and attacked the sister car to win Sunday's Malaysian grand prix.

Afterwards, Vettel was contrite but he also claimed it was a "mistake", not done "deliberately".

"I didn't mean to ignore the call," he claimed.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Many couldn't understand what Vettel meant, and team boss Christian Horner isn't buying it.

"He made it quite clear what his intention was by making the move on Mark," he said.

Horner said it is wrong if Vettel's comments create the impression that he might not have heard the radio call.

"He knew what the communication was," Horner insisted. "He chose to ignore it. He's obviously chosen to hear what he wants to hear."

Christian Horner said there was no point even asking Vettel - who had earlier screamed 'Get him (Webber) out of the way!' on the radio - to give back the position he had taken.

"Do you honestly think if we'd told him to slow down and give the place back, he'd given it back?" he insisted.

Nonetheless, there are those who believe that - no matter Red Bull's public position - Vettel is the obvious 'number 1' at Red Bull who only began to apologise late on Sunday because he realised his actions had not been well received.

The reaction of the press, for example, is near universal. "The ego is number 1," said Der Spiegel's Ralf Bach. "While Rosberg obeyed (Mercedes), the defiant Vettel overtook ruthlessly -- probably because he has nothing to fear."

Agreed Bild newspaper's Frank Schneider: "Vettel looked as though he was surprised by his own brutality.

"More and more, he reminds of his idol Michael Schumacher, who was loved and hated, and Vettel is on the way there."

Photo: WRi2

The pundits also agreed.

"In the end he has made his unofficial status as number 1 clear," said former driver Alex Wurz. "So this changes nothing."

Indeed, when Horner was asked if Vettel will be punished or penalised in any way, he said only that further discussions "behind closed doors" will take place.

"It appears a mild slap on the wrist is all an impotent team boss will be able to deliver to his star turn," said Mirror correspondent Byron Young.

Former F1 driver Patrick Tambay told France's RMC Sport: "I think the true character of Sebastian Vettel has been revealed.

"Outside the car, he is smiling and has the reputation for being very friendly. But when he puts on his helmet, he becomes a warrior, an ogre. He wants to win at all costs. It was roughly the same scenario between Mercedes' Hamilton and Rosberg, but the latter - a very well mannered boy - followed the instructions of his boss."

Added Niki Lauda: "Vettel won with all his might against the logic of the team. It was a serious mistake."

Former F1 engineer Joan Villadelprat told El Pais newspaper: "Having two roosters in the henhouse is never easy."

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Sauber team manager Beat Zehnder admitted: "He (Vettel) has done himself no favours. This has not gone down well in the paddock generally."

Outside the paddock, however, German tennis legend Boris Becker said Vettel "did what a three time champ is supposed to do... take matters in your own hands!"

1-2 finish but no joy on the Malaysian podium. (Photo: WRi2)

Speed Week correspondent Mathias Bruner commented: "He did the right thing as a winner, but not as a sportsman."

The most serious ramification of the Sepang saga could be Mark Webber's career. Having shown Vettel the middle finger after the manoeuvre, the 36-year-old hinted to reporters that he could quit Red Bull or even formula one.

Christian Horner played that down.

"Both of them have just sat in a debrief, talked very constructively about the car and focused on where we need to improve and where we need to be better for the next race. The team didn't manipulate any situation, there was no conspiracy, so why he needs to be thinking about his future or anything like that is just pure emotion," he added.

One thing is for certain. Martin Brundle wittily observed during his Sky commentary on Sunday that the "relationship that never was" between Vettel and Webber is now definitely over.

"They are probably not going out for dinner together," agreed Dr Helmut Marko.

Price Range: $39,875 to $45,000-plus

Volkswagen's convertible-only Eos model hits 2013 after a refresh and packs more features and styling than ever before. Offering seating for four, a decent trunk and plenty of onboard storage, Eos is ideal for the shopper looking for the magic of a convertible motoring experience and room for some friends and family. It's a drop-top big on safety and refinement, and carries a price tag to match.


Feature content includes push-button start, steering-wheel mounted controls, automatic climate control, heated leather, a touchscreen navigation system, and adaptive xenon headlights with LED running lights. All Eos models get a power-operated convertible roof that stores neatly in the trunk at the touch of a button.

To help set the 2013 Volkswagen Eos apart, designers created a body that's upscale and sophisticated, without excessive ornamentation or attention-grabbing add-ons. It's a clean, discreet and low-key look that's also street smart and sporty.

On board, contrast generated by available beige leather, black accents and aluminum trim gives the 2013 Volkswagen Eos a relaxing atmosphere that's conducive to relaxation and socialization amongst passengers. A multi-function driver computer keeps vital information a mere glance away at all times.

Consider this one alongside models like the Chrysler 200 Convertible and Ford Mustang Convertible.

Drivetrain
VW's acclaimed 2.0T engine powers all models, generating 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque for pleasing performance. Designed for maximum efficiency, the powerplant utilizes direct injection and an intercooled turbocharger for maximum extraction of energy from every molecule of fuel it burns.

All 2013 Volkswagen Eos models get a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and are front-wheel drive.

Consider it if
Your priorities in a convertible centre around efficiency, luxury and refinement more than all-out style or performance firepower. The 2013 Volkswagen Eos will make a great year-round, everyday convertible that's great on fuel. The heavily insulated roof and numerous winter-busting features make it a true year-round drop-top that doesn't have to spend winters in the garage.

Skip it if
You want a manual transmission (one isn't available), or if you don't need a convertible top, as the VW Eos isn't available as a fixed-roof coupe. Also, skip this one if you're after maximum sports car bang-for-your-buck in terms of power and performance.

Don't Miss
The 2013 Volkswagen Eos is the only convertible on the road to also offer a sunroof thanks to the unique design of its folding hard-top. Translation? Drivers can take in the sunshine, even if it's too cold to go totally topless.

Rain-sensing wipers automatically engage and adjust their intermittence based on precipitation.

The snort-y, high-torque 2.0T engine is a favourite amongst enthusiasts, too and has been listed on Wards Top Ten Engines list numerous times.

Also of note: The 2013 Volkswagen Eos' lightning-fast DSG gearbox can complete a gearchange in four tenths of a second, and with no break in power delivery.

Photo: Volkswagen

Drama punctuated the 110 laps on the temporary street circuit of St. Petersburg at the opening round of the IZOD IndyCar series Sunday with the top six undecided until the final 100 yards.

Ahead of it all -- out of the slicing and dicing, bumps and bruised egos -- for the final 26 laps was James Hinchcliffe in the bright green No. 27 GoDaddy.com car.

The 26-year-old driver from Toronto overtook Penske's Helio Castroneves in Turn 1 of a Lap 85 restart, conserved fuel in the Chevrolet-powered car for Andretti Autosport and held on for a 1.0982-second victory.

“Hinch” is the first Canadian to win an Indy car race since Paul Tracy in 2007 at Cleveland and gave Michael Andretti his 44th Indy car victory (two more than he had as a driver).

Helio Castroneves crossed the line in second place ahead of Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti.

Photos: LAT/IndyCar

Kyle Busch took advantage of a late race tangle between teammate, Danny Hamlin and former teammate, Joey Logano to end a 31-race victory drought at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday.

After a feud broke out in Bristol last week Hamlin and Logano found themselves racing side-by-side into the final lap, racing past the limits of control until they banged fenders on the final lap.

Hamlin went to the wall hard. It appeared to be nothing more than hard racing and not revenge. Although Hamlin was able to get out under his own power he slumped to the ground and was airlifted to a Los Angeles hospital for observation.

An unrepentant Logano, who probably was unaware of Hamlin's medical condition, said "he probably shouldn't have done what he did last week, so that's what he gets.”

Photo: NASCAR

That was the least of the Penske's newest drivers concerns. On the final restart he admittedly blocked three-time Sprint Cup Champion, Tony Stewart. After the race Stewart came over to Logano's car to protest and a shoving match broke out.

"I had to throw the block there," Logano said. "That was a race for the lead. I felt if the 14 got underneath me, that was going to be the end of my opportunity to win the race, so I was just trying to protect the spot I had."

"It's time he learns a lesson," Stewart replied. "He's run his mouth long enough. ... He's nothing but a little rich kid that's never had to work in his life, so he's going to learn what us working guys who had to work our way up (know about) how it works."

"I'm tired of these guys doing that stuff, especially out of a kid that's been griping about everybody else, and then he does that the next week," Stewart said, referring to Logano's complaints about other drivers' similar moves. "He sent Denny to the hospital and screwed our day up. He's talked the talk, but he hasn't walked the walk yet.

NASCAR is reviewing the post-race incident between Stewart and Logano and whether there will be penalties against either driver. Penalties typically are handed out on Tuesday.

Kyle Busch. (Photo: NASCAR)

Busch's victory, after leading 125 of 200 laps in his Toyota, was just about overshadowed by the other dramas.

With a second place finish NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took over the lead in the Sprint Cup standings after five races with the series taking off next week for Easter.

This was Busch's 25th win in Sprint Cup and he had some ironic words to mark the win. “Oh, by the way, I won the race today," Busch said. "That might be a story. I'm sure it's not, though."

Among the all-new vehicles from General Motors at the New York Auto Show (March 29-April 7). will be the 2014 Buick LaCrosse 2014, which boasts fresh new looks and cutting-edge technologies.

The more youthful exterior sports LED daytime running lights and taillights, as well as a slightly larger grille. Meanwhile, the newly styled interior includes revised seats for superior comfort, along with a standard 8” colour display and Buick's next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system.

The 2014 Buick LaCrosse is also loaded with advanced safety features such as Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. Adaptive Cruise Control is available, too.

GM's patented Safety Alert Seat works with these features, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat.

As for powertrains, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse offers a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with eAssist (light electrification technology) and a 3.6L V6 with direct injection. Each is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive is optional.

Photo: Buick