Auto News 5

EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: Like the Boss Mustang (and I'd argue, the Bullitt before that), this is the and#8220;just rightand#8221;

Growth in the Colombian economy has begun to slow due to the European crisis and a fall in export prices for raw and mining materials and mining. This is hitting incomes and consumer confidence.

Geely will not bid for a majority stake in Fisker Automotive, mainly because of the electric car maker's obligations to the US government, reported Reuters, citing two sources.

The European Union's Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani say he will enforce new rules that ban extremely potent greenhouse gases in car air-cooling systems, defying opposition from the German government and the country's automakers.

The first Rolls-Royce Motor Cars exhibition at the BMW Group museum in Munich, Germany, has opened. The unique exhibition, entitled Strive for Perfection, marks the 10th year of BMW's ownership of the famous UK brand and also commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Henry Royce.

Due to transmission technologies' ability to provide better efficiency and performance, dual clutch transmissions (DCTs) are expected to play a defining role in the global gearbox mix by 2020, according to a new study.

General Motors faces a test in its plans to restructure the money-losing Opel brand today as workers at its Bochum, Germany, assembly plant vote on a deal that would guarantee the jobs of more than 20,000 German workers in exchange for a wage freeze...

General Motors faces a test in its plans to restructure Opel as workers at its Bochum, Germany, assembly plant vote on a deal that would guarantee the jobs of more than 20,000 German workers in exchange for a wage freeze through 2015, and keep their...

The Rolls-Royce Wraith, a fastback that debuts in the final quarter of 2013, will use satellite data that detect changing road conditions to help shift its ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota has made its latest RAV4 longer and wider to win back ground in the compact SUV segment. First launched in 1994, the RAV4 for many years led the segment in Europe, but last year slipped to sixth place.

The UAW has won the backing of the head of the German IG Metall union in its effort to represent the hourly workers at Volkswagen AG's Chattanooga, Tenn., assembly plant.

Highlights*
The 2013 Scion xB stands out with unique looks, generous interior room, a reliable powertrain, comfort, and easy access.

Lowlights*
Inside trim quality is disappointing, the interior is noisy, and the shock absorbers are too firm. Poor ergonomics also betray this ageing model.


Pricing
The 2013 Scion xB starts at $18,860. The lone trim level comes standard with an impressive list of features, including air conditioning, cruise control, heated mirrors, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

Buyers can add options such as a Pioneer sound system, 16” or 17” alloy wheels, as well as a number of TRD performance parts. Scion is all about customization, so a wide array of accessories are available, too.

Fuel consumption
The Scion xB burns 9.5L/100km in the city and 7.2L/100km on the highway, which represents an average of 8.4L/100km -- no matter which transmission you select.

New for 2013
The 2013 Scion xB offers a “Release Series 9.0.” special edition with many unique features, such as a Hot Lava exterior finish, an exclusive honeycomb-style grille, LED lighting, and perforated suede-like seats. Only 200 Hot Lava units are available in Canada.

Styling
With its signature boxy shape, the 2013 Scion xB is easy to spot in a crowd. The blocky front fascia, stylish air intakes, and high beltline make it an attractive urban crossover. Muscular wheel arches, protruding taillights, and an oversized chrome exhaust tip add a sporty touch. As mentioned earlier, the brand offers plenty of tuning parts and accessories to make your Scion xB a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Powertrain
The 2013 Scion xB is motivated by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions include a standard 5-speed manual and an optional 4-speed automatic.

Cargo capacity
Versatility is one of the strengths of the 2013 Scion xB. The trunk alone can hold up to 329 litres of cargo. Folding the rear seatbacks forward creates a flat floor that increases cargo possibilities.

Safety
In addition to six airbags, the xB benefits from Toyota's STAR Safety System, which consists of Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Smart Stop Technology, and Brake Assist.

Competitors
Nissan cube, Nissan JUKE, Kia Soul, Suzuki SX4

Photo: Scion

About the brand
Scion is owned by Toyota and targets younger drivers. The company started selling cars in Canada in 2011.

* Based on expert reviews.
journalmetro.com
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions de l'homme, 2012, p.538
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.530

Hyundai's HND-9 Concept might just be a preview of what the second-generation Genesis Coupe will look like when it goes on sale around 2015. The car will be featured at the Seoul Auto Show next week.

According to a press release from Hyundai, the HND-9 Concept boasts a 3.3L turbocharged V6 that produces 370 horsepower, all of which drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other advanced technologies will be announced in Seoul. Stay tuned!

Photo: Hyundai

Photo: Hyundai

Browse our photo gallery of the sexiest machines at the 2013 Daytona Bike Week, and tell us which one's your favourite. We'll soon come up with a reader's Top 10. Enjoy the eye candy!

Scion will host the world premiere of its all-new 2014 tC sports coupe during a press conference on March 28th at the New York Auto Show.

Unfortunately, that's all the information we have so far. Don't miss our coverage of the New York Auto Show starting next Wednesday.
Source: Scion

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Renault-Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn believes that China will save the electric car industry, according to Reuters.

The country plans to build production capacity for two million electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2020 -- arguably in response to the major air pollution issues across the land.

“This isn't speculation,” Ghosn said. “China's decisions are among the most audacious that have been taken by any government.”

Together with Dongfeng, Nissan will launch a new electric car for the Chinese market in 2015. Renault also plans to build and sell an electric car in China.

While global sales of zero-emission vehicles have yet to take off, more and more people like Ghosn are now counting on China as a saviour.

Source: Cnetfrance.fr

From Caterham F1 Team

CNN International and Caterham F1 Team have announced Thursday that the leading international news network has renewed its multi-year partnership deal with Caterham F1 Team.

The sponsorship will see CNN's logo on both of the Caterham F1 Team cars as well as the drivers' overalls and signals the fourth year that CNN has sponsored the growing Angl /Malaysian F1 Team.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

“Our partnership with Caterham F1 Team provides CNN with a powerful worldwide marketing platform and we're delighted to continue the alliance of two aspirational global brands,” said Rani R. Raad, Chief Commercial Officer for CNN International.

“As a forward thinking company this sponsorship plays to the heart of what CNN is all about, engaging new audiences and exploring new affiliations beyond the traditional or the expected.”

“This partnership will provide us with a comprehensive platform allowing us to deliver additional exposure for the team and its sponsors through CNN media platforms worldwide,” said Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal, Caterham F1 Team. “We also look forward to welcoming CNN and their partners to the races to further promote F1, Caterham F1 Team and develop real B2B opportunities."

From GMM

Two former drivers have questioned whether reigning triple world champion Sebastian Vettel weighs up against his highly rated rivals.

David Coulthard, who made room for German Vettel's Red Bull debut at the end of 2008, said the jury is out as to whether the 25-year-old can be considered a 'great', despite dominating formula one at the wheel of his Adrian Newey-designed car.

"Do I think he has to move (teams) to cement his legacy? Yes, I do," he wrote in the Guardian, amid reports elsewhere that Vettel may in fact have signed a contract extension through 2016.

"Seb is a good driver, a world-class driver. But he hasn't overcome adversity yet in terms of being with another team or being up against a teammate who was already world champion. If it appears as a magic carpet ride, none of us like to see that. We like to see people overcome a bit of adversity," added Coulthard.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Typically much more outspoken on the matter is Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion and, like Coulthard, now an expert television pundit.

He told Germany's Auto Bild that Vettel is: "Super fast but makes mistakes under pressure. If he's in front, all is well, but otherwise he does not control his nerves well. The difference with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton is that they are always fighting, regardless of their place and whether their car is good. They always give everything. On this level, Vettel does not impress me."

From GMM

Claire Williams could be shaping up to take over at the helm of her father's famous British team.

When Claire's mother, Ginny Williams, died in the days preceeding the recent 2013 season opener, it emerged her father Sir Frank Williams would also not travel to Australia.

As technical boss Mike Coughlan stepped up to stand in as acting team boss, he declared in Melbourne that he was only running the team for one race "until Claire is able to come back".

The comments triggered reports that Claire, 36, is already the team boss.

Claire and Frank Williams. (Photo: WRi2)

Officially, she is head of marketing, having quickly gained a few promotions at the Oxfordshire based team in the past 18 months.

A report in the Telegraph on Thursday said Frank Williams, 70, has already declared that a succession plan is in play.

"It really freaked me out when he said that," Claire, whose boyfriend is Pastor Maldonado's engineer, said. "When I first came here, he was not keen on the idea at all. He didn't want to be seen to have his children working at Williams."

But things have changed. Last year, Frank stepped down as a director on the board of his own team and was replaced by Claire.

She admitted things have been speeding ahead "quickly".

"People have been speculating, whispering 'that will be your role one day', and as I keep making these steps up I suppose it is becoming a deeper conversation. But Frank is still our team principal," said Ms Williams. "At the moment I'm very content to work alongside him, learning as much as I can. Whether I take over one day is yet to be seen."

From GMM

Red Bull might need to tweak its focus if it wants to win in 2013.

That is the admission of the energy drink-owned squad's forthright management figure Dr Helmut Marko, on the eve of round two of the newly-commenced world championship in Malaysia.

In Melbourne last Sunday, Sebastian Vettel continued his reputation for mastering a single lap by dominating qualifying, while his teammate Mark Webber was second.

But Vettel ultimately finished just third, while Kimi Raikkonen eased to victory from seventh on the grid, in a victory credited on the Finn and his Lotus best handling Pirelli's heavily-degrading Pirelli tires.

Photo: WRi2

Helmut Marko told Austrian broadcaster Servus TV: "Kimi Raikkonen did not simply make a pitstop less than us, he was also consistently faster without suffering from the high tire wear with which we struggled.

"We do need to master the tires better," he admitted, saying the secret is in the setup.

"Mark Webber had slightly different settings (in Australia) and that was a little bit better," said Marko.

"What we have learned is that we should not be fixated on qualifying. There are more important things than being fast on a single lap, such as being fast over the whole race distance. That's what we are going to focus on more now," he added.