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Barcelona, Spain -- It's happened: The perfect car (according to yours truly) has arrived. A bold, all-encompassing statement you might say; but I tell you, a white 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG 4MATIC wagon with S package is the ultimate mode of transportation.

Hence why I want to adopt one. I love this car so much that I want it to carry my name. Crazy? Maybe. Irrational? No. I'm already planning trips to the dealer for checkups, new digs to replace worn-out tires and constant premium feedings.


As silly as my statements are, the fact remains that currently there is no other car that can be a docile, comfortable family hauler then, at the touch of a magic button, become an Autobahn crushing, supercar humiliating, road rocket on wheels.

What is a Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG?
The 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG is a paradigm shift in the realm of automotive possibilities. In station wagon form, it's absolutely mesmerizing.

The E-Class Mercedes is an ideal exec's car projecting an image so highly desired by those wanting to display an aura of success. As a midsize luxury car, the E is also the pivotal model in Mercedes' extensive lineup. Available as a sedan and wagon, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG is the pinnacle of the E-Class family (which includes no less than 74 iterations).

Technicalities
The heart of this super “regular” car is a bi-turbo 5.5L V8, an oversquare engine tuned to magnificence. In base form, it produces 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. Those wanting more (as I do), will select the “S” option and garnish their spec sheet with an extra 27 hp and, more importantly, 59 torques.

The AMG speedshift MCT 7-speed transmission makes it all possible. Steering-wheel mounted paddles enable an especially spirited driving experience. Along with the box, 4MATIC AWD (weight increase of 17 kg [37.4 lb]) is now standard in Canada and features a 67/33 front/rear torque split for the best possible RWD characteristics.

Bragging rights with the 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG include 0-100 km/h times that ridicule many: 3.7 and 3.6 seconds (S). Wagons tack on an extra tenth. Top speed is 250 or 300 km/h. It has big brakes: carbon ceramic are optional -- they are a must.

The heart of this super “regular” car is a bi-turbo 5.5L V8, an oversquare engine tuned to magnificence. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Mercedes E 63 AMG
The roads leading to Montserrat were nothing short of fantastic. As we climbed in altitude, a thick fog greeted us. The humidity brought on by the dense clouds deposited a thin layer of water on the road's surface, decreasing the amount of available grip.

The driving was enthralling. The road wrapped itself along the mountain peaks, hanging at times precariously over a 500-foot drop, but I was never worried. The 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG's massive calipers would crunch down on the cross-drilled vented discs and upon reapplication of throttle I could feel the front differential trying to grasp what little hold there was.

The get up and go of this 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG is monstrous, but not in a monstrous way. Imagine a huge wave from the Pacific; the smooth deliberate energy it carries. Now picture yourself being able to command that power.

There is some violence as it crashes down, when boost is fully on and your neck snaps back. La Llagosta becomes a blur, but once experienced more is never enough. The AMG speedshift box screams from gear to gear, fully intent on making the car go faster.

Les puissants étriers de la Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG 2014 savaient exactement quoi faire avec les disques ventilés et perforés. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Ins and outs of the Mercedes E 63 AMG
Similar to the non-AMG 2014 E-Class, little changed inside. The E 63 features excellent seats designed with support in mind, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a number of superb Alcantara inserts. Let's not forget the cool aluminum AMG DRIVE ESELECT lever; a kickass 1,200-Watt Bang & Olufsen audio system is also available.

Alongside the shifter you'll find a knob and three buttons to choose amongst the three drive programs and transmission modes. AMG mode transforms the car from mild-mannered Bruce Banner to the Incredible Hulk and enables 100-millisecond shifts, a sharper throttle response, and the ride goes from comfort to handling (enough for an under 8-min lap of the Nordschleife).

Distinguishing the AMG's shell are a twin-blade grille and large cooling intakes that flank an A-wing opening. The rear carries a black diffuser insert and required quad tailpipes. The “S” adds red calipers, and gloss-black and chrome touches.

The bottom line: The 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG looks special, but not enough to give it away completely.

The E 63 features excellent seats designed with support in mind, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a number of superb Alcantara inserts. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Mercedes E 63 AMG
With the addition of 4MATIC, the E 63 comes right up against the likes of the Audi RS6. There are few cars competing in this upper echelon that can deliver on all-season drivability, comfort and colossal performance. At $100,000+, the 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG is practically in world all its own.

The 2014 Mercedes E 63 AMG and S-AMG 4MATIC Sedan & Wagon will arrive in September of this year. As an expecting parent, I could not be more chuffed.

Veteran swiss driver Alain Menu has confirmed he is leaving the World Touring Car Championship to contest the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this season as a member of the Fach Auto Tech stable.

The 49-year-old Swiss is coming off of his most successful season in the WTCC, taking six victories and finishing second in the drivers' championship in one works Chevrolet Cruze.

With no works drives available after Chevrolet's withdrawal, Menu has instead made the jump to the Porsche Supercup.

The two-time British Touring Car Championship champion last drove a Porsche competitively in 2004.

It is rumoured that Menu could become a test driver for Citroen to help develop its new WTCC car.

Alain Menu. (Photo: WTCC)

Q: Where does Hankook stand on the inclusion of post-consumer tires in the make-up of new tires?

A: The use of post-consumer tires is an interesting idea. The process of using post-consumer tires in manufacturing a new tire is not as simple as it seems.

A tire is built by bonding together hundreds of different raw materials, from steel to synthetic rubber, which in itself is a blend of various raw ingredients. In order to use post-consumer tires in development, the separation and extraction of the raw materials is required. The development of this process is the most important step to realizing the goal of using post-consumer tires in a new tire.

Raw material extraction technology, such as the extraction of oil from post-consumer tires, is currently in development and Hankook Tire is monitoring such new technological innovations around the world.

Photo: Hankook

Q: Other than these new and advanced compounds, what else is Hankook doing to improve or maintain the quality of our environment? Relatedly, of the approximate 5% of revenue invested in R&D, how much of it is reserved for the “green” effort, and can Hankook see a day where all of its operations will be done using all of the most advanced environmentally friendly tire production technology?

A: Hankook Tire views environmental responsibility as a priority. We have established supervision and management systems in our plants, and continue to make active efforts and improvements in energy saving practices, the treatment of exhaust gasoline and waste water, and noise control.

Control of Air Pollutants:
The control and treatment of air pollutants that are generated in the rubber mixing process has long been a difficult issue in the tire manufacturing industry. Overseas, CRCO (Concentrator Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer) has been proven effective in treating these air pollutants, and Hankook Tire promptly incorporated it into the rubber mixing process.

Since that time, the air pollutant emissions at Hankook Tire's plants have been dramatically reduced by over 90%, a percentage which has been widely recognized by environmental experts, government, and community residents. In China, Hankook became the first tire manufacturer to use effective treatment of air pollutants.

Furthermore, Hankook Tire's five R&D centres regularly sample, test and analyze the air surrounding all our plants, and monitor odor concentration, all to contribute to providing a safe and reliable living environment for surrounding residents.

Treatment of Waste Water:
Authorities strictly regulate and control the discharge and recycling of waste water in all areas in which Hankook Tire operates. For effective recycling of steam condensate water, Hankook made an investment to improve the utilization of waste water, and incorporated a low-pressure steam to save the water resource.

Greening Construction:
Hankook Tire has significantly reduced noise during production through initiatives such as noise insulation, shock absorption and tree planting, from an intensity of 80 to 90 dB (A). Hankook Tire locations around the world plant as many trees as possible to provide employees with a pleasant work environment. For example, two plants located in China (the Huai'an Plant and the Jiaxing Plant) have reached 36,000 m² and 80,000 m² in green areas, respectively.

Energy Saving and Emission Reduction:
Hankook Tire's plants conduct various energy saving and emission reduction campaigns to improve the existing energy structure, operation management and structural adjustment of their plants. The government has mandated that energy savings be a focus for manufacturers, and Hankook Tire has developed programs that have led to the total emission of air pollutants being far below the nationally required minimum standards and industrial averages.

Green Purchasing:
Hankook Tire has focused on developing a supply-chain partnership that enables the company to achieve sustainable growth and development centred on trust-based relationships with suppliers. Endeavours to facilitate green purchasing with the expansion of eco-friendly materials (materials that contain low to zero PAH or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) that are nontoxic to the human body is important, as is continued assistance in the development of green products that provide higher fuel and performance efficiency.

These efforts are critical in enhancing the environmental value of our products, and are an important step in expanding customer service relations throughout the entire business process.

Research is also underway at Hankook to find optimum silica compositions and mixing rations that gradually reduce the consumption of carbon black, a raw material that is produced through the incomplete combustion of oil which has a tremendous impact on the environment. Silica is also advantageous in improving fuel efficiency, and thus has warranted the creation of a dedicated task force for proactive research in Hankook Tire's R&D centres.

In 2011, Hankook experienced a 7% year-over-year increase in the purchasing of eco-friendly materials, and the company plans to further improve in 2012.

Q: Clearly, there is a cost involved in developing such cutting-edge technology. Will it pay for Hankook to continue to invest as it currently has been?

A: Research and development are at the heart of Hankook Tire. With the global market as vast as it is, we understand the importance of remaining competitive.

True competitiveness originates through providing high performance, high quality products that satisfy consumer needs from racing to low rolling resistance tires. Hankook Tire will continue to invest in R&D to develop and produce the most suitable products for every market, including the complex landscape of Canada.

From GMM

Red Bull's new car is the slowest of all in a straight line, according to an analysis by respected German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

Based on the all-important final two days of Barcelona running last weekend, correspondent Michael Schmidt found that the RB9 (307.7kph) was 12.8kph slower on the long front straight than the quickest, the Marussia.

Behind the Cosworth-powered Marussia, Ferrari-powered Ferrari and Sauber are next best with 316.7kph, equalled by the Mercedes-powered Force India.

McLaren is next, followed by the fastest Renault-powered 2013 single seater, the Lotus, clocking in at 314.9kph.

Even Toro Rosso (Ferrari) and Williams (Renault) were 5kph faster than the Red Bull.

But Michael Schmidt said: "As Red Bull has shown, races are not won on the straight."

Red Bull RB9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Volkswagen Group wants to reduce CO2 emissions from its entire fleet to 95 g/km by 2020, which corresponds to an average fuel consumption of less than 4L/100km.

Right now, the automaker's 245 models collectively emit 120 g/km of CO2 per vehicle, 36 of which post sub-100 g/km ratings -- almost 40% more than in 2011.

“This is a Herculean task calling for the best efforts of all our 40,000 developers. We can do it,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management.

In terms of the key indicators for energy and water consumption, waste production, and CO2 and solvent emissions, Volkswagen Group has on average made environmental savings of 10% per vehicle produced over the past two years.

From GMM

Alex Zanardi, the former Formula 1 driver who inspired millions in the wake of his near fatal 2001 ChampCar crash, has admitted his admiration for Red Bull Racing driver, Sebastian Vettel.

Just 25, Vettel is the sport's youngest ever triple world champion, but some give more credit to Adrian Newey, the genius designer of his Red Bull cars.

"I see Vettel as an incredible talent," 46-year-old Italian Zanardi, who despite losing both his legs went on to win Paralympic gold, is quoted by Brazil's Globo.

Sebastian Vettel at the arrival of the United States Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

"To some degree, I envy him, because I would not have been as good," Zanardi said.

"After winning a world title, many guys - myself included - would have gone out with girls, buying big gold watches and drinking champagne at nightclubs.

"But this boy thinks only about winning again."


Another former F1 driver thinks Alonso is the best of all

However, as far as another former driver is concerned, the best in the field at present is Fernando Alonso.

"When he needs to be, he is as aggressive as Hamilton, as gentle as Jenson, and can have the speed of Vettel on a fast lap," former Super Aguri driver Anthony Davidson said.

The Briton also admires Spaniard Alonso's fighting spirit.

Fernando Alonso at the arrival of the United States Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

"You always get 100 per cent out of Alonso," he is quoted by Spain's El Confidential.

"Kimi looks awake only when he sniffs victory, like in Abu Dhabi, but when Fernando is seventh or eighth and in a bad car, nothing about him has changed.

"More than anything else," added Davidson, "I could not believe the performance he (Alonso) got out of that car at the beginning of the year, when the Red Bull was not up to par.

"I'm quite sure nobody could have done what Fernando did.

"If you ask me who is the fastest, I'd say maybe Lewis or Sebastian. But if you ask me who is the best, then I would say Fernando, without a doubt."

Check out our team's press days photo gallery of the Geneva Motor Show which takes place at the Palexpo from March 7th to the 17th.

Three unique roadster models based on the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 are on display at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport shines in a sleek "Green Carbon" dress, while the doors, front wings and exterior mirror housings are in polished aluminum. Further details include the motif of a dancing elephant, embossed in front of the air intakes and reminiscent of the Art Déco hood figure restricted to the six Bugatti Royales built between 1926 and 1933.

The interior continues the green and silver theme: Green leather is tastefully set against silver stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shifter, while the green floor mats contrast with the sill panels in anodized aluminum.

Next up, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse combines a black carbon fibre body with blue mirror housings, as well as a polished aluminum roof and grille. Inside is a combination of Beluga Black and brown Gaucho leather. All other surfaces, including the visible carbon decorative elements, are black.

The third and final roadster is a Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse with mostly bronze-coloured carbon body panels. The bold cockpit pairs Burnt Orange and Coffee (dark brown) trim pieces.

Oh, by the way, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport produces 1,001 horsepower, while the two Vitesse editions crank out an earthquake-inducing 1,200 horsepower.

Photo: Bugatti

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911, a big parade of 911 cars will take place at Silverstone on July 28th, 2013.

The event organizers are working closely with the Porsche Club GB to ensure this very special parade highlights the five decades of the 911 by featuring the most famous models from past and present generations including many Carrera, RS, RSR, GT, Speedster, Targa, and Turbo variants.

And it's all for a good cause: Funds will be raised for the Hope for Tomorrow cancer charity.

“Achieving 911 Porsche 911s on track at Silverstone, all at the same time, initially seemed an ambitious target. However, there has been strong interest from 911 owners from all over the world, and we already have nearly 400 confirmed participants,” said Nick Hine, Chairman of Porsche Club GB.

Since its debut at the 1963 IAA in Frankfurt, more than 820,000 units of the Porsche 911 have been built.

Photo: Porsche

Despite the withdrawal of Highcroft, Nissan and Michelin, the innovative DeltaWing will be raced this season and will first contest the 12 Hours of Sebring later in March.

The DeltaWing, an idea of Don Panoz and the creation of Ben Bowlby, made its race debuts in June of last year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The revolutionary race car ran well until it was hit by a Toyota LMP1.

Its next outing was at Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. After a nasty crash in testing, the DeltaWing ran well during the race and managed to keep up with the LMP2 machinery.

Photo: DeltaWing

But after that, everything went wrong. Team Highcroft that ran the cars quit the project. Then Nissan, who supplied the engines also withdrew to focus on their new fully electric car for 2014, and Michelin did not want to continue its involvement since it had to produce specific, unusual tires for the DeltaWing.

Despite all this, the DeltaWing will be raced this season. DeltaWing Racing Cars, managed by David Price will contest the Sebring race, the opening round of the 2013 American Le Mans Series.

The car will be driven by Briton Andy Meyrick and Frencham Olivier Pla. Elan Motorsports Technologies, a parent company of Panoz Motor Sport Group will suppply the new engine derived from the Mazda MZR two-litre motor that powers the Van Diemen Elan Formula 2000 cars.

On a final note, Brisgestone will supply the tires to the DeltaWing which will compete in the LMP1 category this season.

The DeltaWing will not contest the entire season of ALMS. The team is expected to announce shortly the races it will compete in.

The Geneva Motor Show has barely gotten underway, yet Mitsubishi is announcing the world premiere of its G4 Concept at the Bangkok Auto Show on March 27th.

The G4, which stands for “Global 4-door Sedan,” will be rolled out globally when it enters production. Just like the small, nameless hatchback that debuted in Montreal in January, it houses a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower through a CVT -- definitely not enough for a Lancer replacement.

This prototype will star in Bangkok alongside the GR-HEV Concept (unveiled in Geneva), Mirage, Lancer EX, Triton pickup, and Pajero SUV.

Come back for more details in the coming weeks.

Photo: Mitsubishi

From GMM

Pedro de la Rosa is predicting a close race to the 2013 title.

Red Bull, McLaren, Lotus, Mercedes and Ferrari have all looked quite closely matched in pre-season testing.

New Ferrari tester and veteran F1 driver de la Rosa said: "The championship will be decided in the last race.

"The differences between the teams is minimal, and so it is the details that will make the difference," the 42-year-old Spaniard is quoted by Speed Week. "The one who wins will have made the fewest mistakes, with a car that has been developed the best."

Ferrari and Red Bull, ready for the 2013 season. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari's chief designer Nicholas Tombazis agrees with de la Rosa's assessment about "details".

"We immediately saw some small illegalities," said the Greek engineer, undoubtedly referring to Williams and Caterham's exhaust transgressions, and possibly the Renault engine maps story.

"For the rest," he told Autosprint, "with these rules, I don't think we will see something like 2009 with the double diffuser."

Arguably the biggest surprises of the winter have been the apparently improved pace shown by Lotus, but particularly Mercedes.

"Nico Rosberg had a great final day of testing," said world champion Sebastian Vettel, "which shows how dangerous he and Lewis Hamilton will be."

Tesla Motors is trying to amend Minnesota legislation that would block it from opening stores and service centers in the state.

News 6 Mar, 2013

The all-new Mercedes CLA saloon has made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show

General Motors plans to hire 1,000 information technology employees for a new office in Chandler, Ariz., as part of its effort to bring such work back into the company instead of using outside contractors.

Tesla teamed up with safety experts Brock Archer and Ron Moore for a training video to dispel myths about electricity and vehicles, and to demonstrate how to safely manage an electric-vehicle accident.

News 6 Mar, 2013

The Vauxhall Adam Rocks concept will make it into production next year

Also in this episode: Volkswagen debuts Giugiaro-styled Lamborghini, and Mansory showcases the Speranza.

Videos 6 Mar, 2013

The Honda Civic range is set to expand with the arrival of this Tourer estate concept revealed at Geneva

Johnson Controls said it has hired JP Morgan to explore the potential sale of its automotive electronics unit and denied having plans to sell its interiors business.