Auto News 5

Chevrolet is teasing fans just days away from the launch of the redesigned 2014 Camaro SS at the New York Auto Show.

The picture here merely shows a thinner front grille with a subtle chrome accent. The company didn't want to show more; in fact, no other information about the car was provided.

Come back to Auto123.com on March 27th to end all speculations.

Photo: Chevrolet

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

From GMM

Felipe Massa is enduring the longest victory drought in the history of all Ferrari drivers, according to an analysis by Italy's Autosprint.

Dating back to his title-losing win in Brazil 2008, Melbourne last Sunday marked 68 consecutive races in which the Brazilian has entered a grand prix but failed to triumph.

Massa therefore takes the unenviable record from Jean Alesi, who failed to win a grand prix for the fabled Maranello marque between his Ferrari debut in 1991 until Montreal 1995 (67 races).

31-year-old Massa, however, is quoted by Brazil's Globo as characterising the start of his 2013 campaign as "10 times better" than last year.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo agrees: "I'm satisfied with Felipe Massa's performance (in Melbourne) -- he was very fast in qualifying and delivered a brilliant race."

Next on Autosprint's list of drought-stricken Ferrari drivers are Michele Alboreto (55 races), Eddie Irvine (49), Clay Regazzoni (34), Stefan Johansson (31), Rubens Barrichello (30), Chris Amon and Gerhard Berger (both 27).

Felipe Massa, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

But there were others in F1 history who waited even longer for a win and never achieved it, led by Andrea de Cesaris (208 grands prix), Nick Heidfeld (183) and Martin Brundle (158).

And Jarno Trulli holds the record for a winning driver who tried in vain the longest to try to add to his tally. After winning at Monaco in 2004, he raced another 135 times but never stood on the middle of the podium again.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso on Wednesday began his preparations for his 200th career grand prix this weekend by road cycling around the hot Sepang circuit.

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!

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

Auto123.com spoke Thursday morning with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion who is currently in Malaysia to cover this weekend's Grand Prix.

This season, Villeneuve is working as a Formula 1 expert for French television Canal+. He will therefore attend all Grand Prix event's this year.

During our conversation, Villeneuve confirmed that he has moved. “I sold my house in Montreal and I am now living in Europe. I left Canada for good. But I don't want to go over the reasons,” Villeneuve declared.

Photo: WRi2

The 1995 CART champion and Indy 500 race winner added that he is still looking for a competitive ride.

“I will not race in the Porsche Cup as the rumours said. I tried GT endurance racing last year, but there are no talks at this moment with them. For the moment, there's nothing on my agenda. But I know I will race this season, one way or another.” Villeneuve continued.

During the three days of each F1 race, Villeneuve provides his comments and answers the questions of Canal+ host, Thomas Senecal.

“I started doing it occasionally last year and I kind of liked it. But this is now a full-time job with Canal+. It's a real job with a lot of planning to do before each race with the crew. I really enjoy it. The downside is that like in Australia we had to spend two hours in the pouring rain during our broadcast!” Villeneuve said.

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

Former F1 driver Mika Salo has questioned whether Williams has the ability to recover from a bad start to the 2013 season.

In a similar slump early this year is McLaren, but Finn Salo - a former Toyota and Sauber driver - tipped the great British team to bounce back soon.

"I think we will see an improvement from them (McLaren) as early as the next race," the 46-year-old pundit told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

"With those resources you can improve, as we have seen before. If they've had a bad start, very quickly they have improved and started to win races," he added.

Salo, however, questions whether Oxfordshire based Williams can stage a similar turnaround, given its comparatively inferior size and resources.

Referring to his countryman Valtteri Bottas' Melbourne debut, Salo said: "He handled things well, but it was miserable. The car is not good. Almost the last of all the teams. Williams has a lot of work ahead now. Yes, it is an experienced team, but do they have the resources to improve when the car is this bad?"

Williams FW35. (Photo: WRi2)

From Zele Racing

Austrian race team Zele Racing has invited former Grand Prix driver, Narain Karthikeyan to join them and compete in the first round of the 2013 AutoGP World Series at Monza, Italy.

In 2005, Karthikeyan became the first Indian driver in the history of Formula One, making his debut with Jordan F1. He then was a third driver for Williams, competed in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport with Team India before he returned to F1 in 2011 and 2012 with HRT.

Left without a ride this season, the Indian driver has therefore decided to test new waters and take on a new challenge with Zele Racing, a well-established Austrian racing team, competing in the Auto GP World Series.

Photo: AutoGP

"I was looking forward to continuing my Formula 1 career in 2013 with HRT. Unfortunately circumstances within the team lead to the operation shutting down. I have decided to accept the invitation from Michael, as it keeps me driving a high powered single seater, and with a heavily revised car for 2013, lap times are said to be on par with other single seater series. I've worked with Zele Racing before, and have known Michael (Zele) for a long time. I'm looking forward to the first race in Monza, as it's a track I know well," Narain Karthikeyan said in a press release.

Karthikeyan's teammate will be reining Formula 2 champion, Luciano Bacheta.

Auto GP is managed and promoted by Coloni Motorsport and will be running eight rounds, featuring two races every race weekend at each venue with 21 cars registered. Notable past champions include Lotus Formula 1 star Romain Grosjean in 2010 and his success helped him to spring board back to Formula 1. The season starts on March 24th in Monza, Italy, and finishes on October 6th in Brno, Czech Republic.

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - Visiting New York

It can make it anywhere.

We recently sent our Range Rover Evoque to the New York City area, where it spent time with senior editor Joe Lorio. Rather than muddle around in the suburban snarl, Lorio drove the Evoque some 250 miles north on a family trip to the Adirondack Mountains. Here are his thoughts:

Photo Gallery: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - Four Seasons Update - February Update - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque - Four Seasons Update - February Update - Automobile Magazine

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

The Detroit Electric name is being revived in the Motor City. The company says it will reveal its first electric sports car -- based on the Lotus Elise -- at the

The problem with the 24-hour news cycle, and also the Internet, is that there is no shortage of space to fill. Instead of a

U.S. automakers and South Korean affiliates Hyundai and Kia are boosting their share of sales to younger U.S. buyers at the expense of Japanese brands, according to a pair of market researchers.

Also in this episode: Subaru is set to debut a hybrid XV Crosstrek at the New York auto show; BMW releases more info about the i3.

Jeep and Mopar today showed off six heavily modified off-road vehicles, including a Jeep Wrangler made to look like a Navy battleship, that the brands will take this month to the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

The convertible version of the Audi RS 5 arrives at U.S.

Thanks to the new Mirage, Mitsubishi Motors will be the first brand in the UK market to launch a car range in which every variant delivers a sub-100g/km CO2 average.

Jeep revealed six new concepts for the 2013 Moab Easter Jeep Safari on Wednesday.

Midsize Madness - Day Three

The semi-finals.

Welcome to the second round of Automobile Magazines Midsize Madness, our comparison test of the kind of car you see on American roads every day, the midsize sedan.

Photo Gallery: Midsize Madness - Day Three - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Midsize Madness - Day Three - Automobile Magazine

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