Auto News 5

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

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)

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.

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)

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.

From Lotus F1 Team

Lotus F1 Team announced Thursday that CNBC, the world's leading business and financial news network, will become its Official Business Media Partner in a move which cements the team's position as the number one Formula 1 team for business.

CNBC takes business news to a global audience of 390 million homes around the world.

Throughout the 2013 Formula 1 season, this new agreement will allow Lotus F1 Team's partners to benefit from CNBC's unmatched reach of affluent and influential business leaders with commercial advertising campaigns airing on its international network.

This new relationship builds on the team's recent partnerships with brands such as Microsoft, Unilever and The Coca-Cola Company.

The partnership will see CNBC branding on the nose of the team's 2013 car, as well as on driver and pit crew overalls, team uniform, branding around the paddock and on marketing materials.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

“I've learned from my mistakes,” said Lotus Formula 1 driver, Frenchman Romain Grosjean during an interview he gave Thursday to Canadian motorsport journalists.

Question (Q): Romain, how did you prepare yourself for the 2013 Formula 1 season?

Romain Grosjean (RG): “I worked hard. Today, I am in a good spirits. The past winter has not been easy. I got really scared of losing the Lotus drive. Some nights have been quite difficult. Early December, everything was still up in the air. But when I got the confirmation from Lotus, I worked hard to be in good spirits and physically prepared for Melbourne.”

Romain Grosjean, Lotus (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Q: You were highly criticized last year for your mistakes. Did that influence you?

RG: “It's normal to be criticized sometimes. I was a rookie in F1, and I had to prove myself. Mark Webber was quite hard with me, but it was just moments after the accident, and he was angry with me. But days later, he apologized. I changed my approach and I worked on myself. I have learned from the ups and downs of my first season in F1. I have learned that if I lose one place at the start, I can gain it back during the race.”

Q: The new breed of Pirelli tires caused you and the other drivers a few problems during the winter tests...

RG: “Yes, indeed: We tested the new tires at the end of the last season, and the results were promising. But the temperatures were really cold during the winter tests in Spain, and the tires never worked properly. Their degradation was a lot faster than expected. After three or four laps, they lost their grip and we were slower by four to five seconds a lap. But we tested them in very special conditions, and it will be interesting to see how they will handle and behave in Australia. Pirelli is bringing super soft and soft tires to Melbourne, so we expect them to degrade very quickly.”

Romain Grosjean, Lotus (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Q: The DRS (Drag Reduction System) will be used differently this year. Is that good news for you?

RG: “We will only be allowed to activate the DRS in the same zones as during the races. For us drivers this is very good news, because last year, it was a real challenge to activate the DRS in every straightaway, and sometimes in very fast corners. The usage of the DRS will remain unchanged during the races, however.”

Q: What's missing at Lotus to be a regular challenger to the bigger teams such as Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and McLaren?

RG: “The attention to details, for example. Last car, the car was sometimes very good and not so good other times. The team also had two new drivers last year, with Kimi [Raikkonen] returning to F1 after having spent two years in rallying. It will not be the case this year.

“You must keep in mind that this team has changed dramatically during the past few years. It was purchased from Renault by Genii. Then we had these front-exit exhausts that were a great technical breakthrough, but that we never managed to fully develop. And 2012 was a good season with several podiums and a win. So we are improving all the time.”

From WRC

When Andreas Mikkelsen makes his Volkswagen debut on next month's Rally Portugal he will do so as part of a new one-car manufacturer team.

The FIA announced that Volkswagen had registered the new squad that will be called Volkswagen Motorsport II.

Mikkelsen, 23, is scheduled to drive a Polo R on every round of this year's WRC from Portugal onwards. By running as part of a manufacturer team, the Norwegian will be eligible to score points in the manufacturers' championship as well as the drivers' championship.


Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Motorsport. (Photo: WRC)

Volkswagen's team manager Sven Smeets explained that running Mikkelsen's car in a separate team, rather than as a third car, would also have testing and logistical benefits.

“The third car was always planned to come, and we chose to have a one-car team in order to give Andreas his fair amount of test days and not to have to share them with our other drivers,” he said.

“Also we are a manufacturer, so in order to have the proper space in the service park the complete package for a one-car WRC team was much more interesting to us.”

The 24th edition of the “Who Works in Formula One” sports reference guide has been released.

The leading directory in F1 contains 600 pages to answer all your questions in one book : biographies, contact names and details, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, facebook, twitter accounts, etc...


For the last 24 years, "Who Works in Formula One" guides have successfully provided the most up to date detailed information about teams, drivers, team owners, key people, crew members, car technical specs, circuits, sponsors, suppliers, engineers, photographers, journalists and many more hard to find facts.

If you looks for the telephone number of a team or its history, contact details for a sponsor or a supplier, the technical specification of a car, an engine, or information on a key person, this book has it!

Buy online at www.whoworksin.com.

From GMM

Sergio Perez has felt the added pressure of stepping up the F1 grid for 2013.

Formerly the surprise podium-getter in a Sauber, the 23-year-old has now been signed up by McLaren, to replace the ultra high-profile Lewis Hamilton.

"Of course the pressure is higher now," the Mexican is quoted by Speed Week, as he represented his new employer at the Geneva motor show.

"But I have no problems with it. Anyone who can't handle pressure should not sign for McLaren," added Perez.

According to most pundits, Perez has had a mixed first winter with the famous British team, complaining about "extreme" tyre degradation and a difficulty adjusting to the new MP4-28.

"Of course I would have liked to collect more information before going to Australia," he admitted.

"Some days it was cold and really difficult to learn about the car," said Perez. "But I don't know anyone in the pitlane who had carefree winter testing. So it's the same for everyone, not a disadvantage for us."

Sergio Perez, McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: WRi2)

Sebastien Loeb's racing team - Sebastien Loeb Racing - will contest the FIA GT Series this season. Here are two photos of his McLaren GT3 in the final livery.

Loeb and two of his teammates, Mike Parisy and Andreas Zuber tested the car earlier this week at Magny-Cours in France.

The team will run two McLaren MP4-12C GT3s, and the season will begin at the end of the month in Nogaro, France at the Coupes de Paques.

Photo: Com'On! Racing

Photo: Com'On! Racing

From GMM

Jean Todt looks set to remain FIA president for a second term.

The former Ferrari chief (135 votes) beat ex world rally champion Ari Vatanen (49 votes) to the post in late 2009.

67-year-old Frenchman Todt's first term ends late this year, and he is eligible to run for another four years.

Reports by the French-language AFP and La Presse claim Todt has secured the ongoing backing of the motoring federations in North, South and Central America.

"When the people in North, South and Central America say with one voice that you must be present, it is clear that making the decision to continue will be easier," Jean Todt is quoted as saying.

"It will weigh heavily in my thinking. There is still some way to go, but if you have a team pushing you to continue, it is obvious that it makes you want to continue," he added.

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.