Auto News 5

Some luxury brands are giving AutoNation the OK to put the AutoNation brand name on their dealerships.

As Mercedes-Benz's U.S. marketers brainstormed in 2009 about how to attract youthful buyers with a compact sedan then being developed, it quickly became clear what they needed most -- an un-Mercedes-like sticker price.

Chrysler Group said it was going for a "polarizing design" with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Mission accomplished, judging from the torrent of comments that streamed into the Twitter feed of Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's head of design.

Google is poised to expand its online car-shopping service to dealers throughout California and enter more states, sources say. By expanding the pilot, Google is signaling its intention to be a more significant force in online auto shopping.

Tim Mahoney, Chevrolet's new global marketing chief, knows something about putting spark into struggling brands and giving focus to confused marketing. He comes to General Motors after a two-year stint at high-flying Volkswagen of America.

General Motors is spending tens of millions of dollars to buff up its dealership network in metro New York, where its sales badly lag rivals.

A new SRT Viper and an upcoming Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Alfa Romeo 4C and Acura NSX. If consumers didn't know better, they might think that all is well in the sports car business. It's not.

The Mercedes-Benz A class suffered a surprisingly decisive defeat in the 2013 European Car of the Year contest won easily by the Volkswagen Golf.

The European auto industry is in for a rough ride over the next few years. What are the solutions? Which companies will emerge as winners? The 16th Automotive News Europe Congress will explore answers to those questions on June 12 in Paris.

New Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann is standing behind Opel's restructuring. Neumann, who took over his new post on Friday, has seen the Drive 2022 plan and wants to implement it without major changes, sources close to Opel said.

Some luxury brands are giving AutoNation the OK to put the AutoNation brand name on their dealerships.

Eight Southern states, organized by a Michigan research group, are forming a coalition to encourage overseas automakers and suppliers to locate randd centers in the Southeast.

After losing the 2011 Sprint Cup Championship to a tie-breaker Carl Edwards started the 2012 as the man to beat. When he won the pole for the Daytona 500 last year that confirmed it.

Then the wheels virtually fell off after that. Actually his last win went back to 2011at Las Vegas and that drought continued for 70-races ending at the one mile Phoenix International Raceway oval.

Photo: NASCAR

On Sunday in Phoenix Carl declared he was back, back in word and back in deed. He lead 122-laps of the 316-lap race, including the final 78, for his 20th career win in Sprint Cup.

In Victory Lane, after his Carl Edwards-patented back flip and victory jaunt into the grandstands, Carl Edwards said “I'm telling you we're back.”

“This win feels as good or better than any win I've ever had so I'm excited about it,” Edwards added.

Coincidentally Edwards ended a previous 70-race losing streak by winning the fall race in 2010 in Phoenix.

Despite all those laps led the win wasn't as easy as it sounds. The race ended with a green-white-checkered finish which saw third-place Denny Hamlin make a potentially dangerous dive into the dogleg area to challenge Jimmie Johnson, last week's Daytona 500 winner, who ended up second.

Johnson said “Denny got a huge run, cleared us (and Brad Keselowski who finished fourth) both. I thought I had a chance just to beat him back to the finish.

Photo: NASCAR

I didn't expect Denny to get up in front of us like he did.  I thought we were going to enter three wide, and I was going to be in the worst spot.” 

If the race went to Edwards the single performance of the day belonged to Hamlin.

Describing his daredevil-like maneuver Hamlin said “I wasn't concerned too much. I was committed. I just hope that I would have slid in front of Johnson, but, you'd get punted (if you don't do it well). I held my line and thought I did the right thing. We overachieved a ton today.”

Pole sitter, Mark Martin, the second oldest driver in NASCAR to do so, led twice for 75 laps but the wrong choice of tires, two instead of four, in the pits eventually put him out of sequence. He finished 21rst.

Danica Patrick, who turned the NASCAR on its' ear last week leading laps from the pole at Daytona, struggled to 40th in qualifying then had a tire problem in the race which caused a big wreck with multiple wall contacts on lap 185. She would finish 39th.

"Obviously I blew a right front,” Patrick said adding “no real warning.”

As for the intensity of the hit “Oh, probably Daytona (last year) was a little bit bigger. And it was on the right and the left. So whenever those right-fronts go, they always hit hard because you don't broadside. You kind of hit more straight on. But I took a hard hit on both side, but I'm fine.”

Photo: NASCAR

Although Edwards and new crew chief, Jimmy Fennig were concerned about having enough fuel to go the distance Edward appeared to have the race in a bag when Ken Schrader brought out the final caution on lap 311 that set up the three-lap shoot out.

“The first thing that came to my mind was, ‘now, if we win it, we really earned it,” Carl Edwards said.

He certainly did.

From GMM

Luiz Razia insists he is not losing any sleep, despite coming tantalisingly close to realising his dream of racing in formula one this year.

In fact, he was even the subject of a Marussia media announcement and began testing his 2013 car recently in Spain, only to be let down by a crucial sponsor.

"I will sleep tonight, knowing that the failure was circumstantial," the 23-year-old Brazilian told O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

Elsewhere, Razia even sported a smile and a humorous sense of irony, wearing a t-shirt bearing the words 'Dream Killer' for an interview with Brazil's Globo.

"Two individuals who have a company signed a contract with Marussia. They paid the first instalment, then they had problems," he explained.

Brazilian correspondent Livio Oricchio estimated the missing payment at EUR 6 million.

"It's been hard for me, of course," Razia admitted. "I need to regroup. But I have faith and sometimes these things happen for us to grow spiritually. Right now I am returning home to Milton Keynes to think about what to do with my life."

Returning to his brush with F1 racing stardom, Razia continued: "It was bad luck, not because of a lack of commitment or professionalism on my park. I did as much as anyone could do."

Jules Bianchi, Marussia MR02. (Photo: WRi2)

He said he is sure Jules Bianchi, his Ferrari-linked replacement at Marussia, is also well sponsored.

"It would be funny if someone didn't think that," insisted Razia. "If that wasn't part of it, I'd be sitting in the car now."

For Marussia at least, there could be a silver - or scarlet - lining.

Frenchman Bianchi is highly rated but he is also crucially backed by Ferrari's driver development 'academy', at a time when the currently Cosworth-powered Marussia is openly on the hunt for a supplier of V6s for 2014.

Livio Oricchio said: "Do not be surprised if in 2014 Marussia is competing with a Ferrari engine and transmission."

There may also be an engine link in Adrian Sutil's return to F1 with Sahara Force India.

Oricchio said: "I have learned that Sutil has a longstanding relationship with Toto Wolff, now a partner and head of the Mercedes team. It could explain why Vijay Mallya decided on Sutil and not Bianchi."

There's this little thing in Canada we call: winter. It usually lasts about 5 months (four if we're really, really lucky) and it's absolutely brutal. From frigid temperatures to driving conditions some of the most veteran drivers would fear, we Canadians put up with a lot of sh— er, stuff throughout the hellish days of winter.

So, it always shocks me when I hear of a friend or family member looking to buy a new car who isn't considering all-wheel drive. I feel I have to remind them of where we live then check their temperature.

Here's the down-low on AWD (or 4WD/4x4; any type of drivetrain that will have all four wheels working and receiving power from the engine to keep you safely on the road an on the right course instead of suffering from understeer or a fabulous-looking fishtail as your back end flies out): It's fantastic. It's meant to keep you moving forward when you want to be (i.e., from a stop) and taking you through a corner with far more control than a typical 2WD vehicle.

After years behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza WRX, and briefly a base Impreza as well, I know the benefits an AWD system can truly have. If nothing more than a solid, grounded feel when the conditions get sloppy, AWD offers a level of confidence that could keep you out of harm's way. My parents pilot a Nissan Rogue, and my mother has told many a story of her sturdy little crossover getting her through some tough country road condition thanks, in no small part, to its AWD.

I think the aversion comes with a few misconceptions people have about AWD. Here are a few:

An AWD vehicle is so much more expensive.
In some cases, this may be true. For example, the difference between a FWD and AWD 2013 Ford Fusion is around the $2k mark. Granted that small gap makes the prie jump from the 20s to the 30s (which could scare a few buyers), the extra is well worth it. And we're comparing apples to apples: same trim, same engine, just the drivetrain is changed. And when you consider the fact that you can have a perfectly acceptable AWD vehicle in the $20k region via the likes of Subaru and Suzuki, you'll realize that you really don't have to pay that much more. And in my opinion, paying a “premium” for something like AWD is much more acceptable than paying that same extra for a brand name or look-faster exterior upgrade kit.

AWD vehicles are horrible on gas.
As the years go on and manufacturers play the “who can burn less gas” game, the number differences are quickly diminishing. Take for example the Suzuki SX4. In 2WD trim the estimated highway mileage rating is 8.2L/100km; in AWD setup that number only jumps to 9.0L/100km (as per Suzuki). Our recent crossover compare showed a higher reading than that, but it was still in the decent zone for an AWD vehicle, and not far off from FWD vehicles we've driven in the same segment.

Sure, AWD vehicles are heavier, but not by much. Let's look at the Suzuki SX4 again. In FWD it weighs in at 1,691 kg (3,721 lbs) and the AWD version only weighs 170 lbs more. So, it's kind of like having your partner riding shotgun all the time, which isn't so bad.

Only SUVs come with AWD and I want a smaller car.
Alright, well, as soon as I wipe the shocked look off my face, I'd be able to tell you that in fact there are a plethora of sedans, hatchbacks and even compact crossovers currently on the market, all available with hard-working, well-crafted AWD systems. From the Subaru Impreza to the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 to the Golf R, there's something for everyone and every budget.

AWD vehicles are no good in the summer months.
Again, this is a horrible misconception. With the right summer tires, piloting an AWD vehicle in the hotter summer months feels no different than any other time of the year (you'll just have more traction and control when those April showers start).

Once you've driven an all-wheel drive vehicle in the slushy, snowy months I can guarantee you'll never want to go back to a 2WD vehicle again (at least not in the winter). If you're in the market for a new ride and you live in Canada where snow blankets the ground for more than a few months, please consider your AWD options. It'll be awdsome and you won't regret it, I promise.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Robert Kubica will contest the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship and the Europe.an Championship in the WRC2 class behind the wheel of a works Citroen DS3 RRC.

The Pole, who tested a Mercedes DTM car a few weeks ago, made his decision to continue his racing career in rallying, and will join the Citroën Racing works team.

Last year, Kubica took part to two regional rallies, driving a private Citroën C4, and dominated the Rallye du Var, last round of the French championship, before crashing out following a wrong pace note.

Robert Kubica, Rallye du Var 2012. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

After he was rumored to contest the European Championship in a Ford Fiesta, the former Formula 1 driver chose to race for Citroën, with whom he will compete the next round of the European Championship, the Rally Islas Canarias.

Robert Kubica will then compete in the World Championship rounds in the WRC2 class (the former S2000), starting from Rally Portugal.

The RRC model of the DS3 driven by Kubica this season will feature a specific paddle shift system on the left on the steering wheel, in order to put less stress on his right hand that was seriously injured in a regional rally in Italy back in 2011, which forced him to end his Formula 1 career.

"I evaluated several options before moving to this program," Kubica said. "We were in contact with Citroën and there was a common desire to continue the adventure. I am now very happy to return to the top level competition. My entry in Rally Islas Canarias will be an interesting challenge for me. I'm looking forward to be at the start but I do not have a specific goal. I still have much to learn in rally and I have to accumulate kilometers in order to progress."

From GMM

Sam Michael, McLaren's sporting director, has finally confirmed what the entire F1 paddock suspects -- Paddy Lowe is heading to Mercedes.

It is a poorly-kept secret that 50-year-old Lowe, formerly McLaren's technical director, has been placed on 'gardening leave' before he moves to Mercedes, perhaps to become the Brackley based team's new boss in 2014.

But in its media statement last week, McLaren said only that Paddy Lowe is embarking "on a fresh challenge in 2014".

Mercedes has also refused to officially confirm the news.

But McLaren's Michael has now told British broadcaster Sky: "He (Lowe) has taken his choice to move to Mercedes and we wish him all the best."

Paddy Lowe will join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next year. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Bild, Germany's biggest newspaper, has heard the same information, reporting that a winning Mercedes would be "a parting gift" from the team's current boss, Ross Brawn.

"Next season he (Brawn) will be replaced by ex McLaren technical director Paddy Lowe," read the report.

Even Mercedes is beginning to sing from that songsheet.

The German newspaper FAZ has quoted motor sport boss and shareholder Toto Wolff as saying: "If Paddy Lowe should come to Mercedes, then there would be a very structured succession plan with Ross, which would be done by mutual goodwill and for the benefit of the team."

Barcelona, Spain -- The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a staple in its segment. Wherever you call home on this ever-shrinking planet, the E-Class emerges as a very popular choice for the well-rounded: financially and psychologically.


Over the years, 13 million E-Class cars have been sold making it another Mercedes-Benz success story. As with every evolution of the car, the latest W212 car proved to be a knockout. In roughly three years, 700,000 sedans and 100,000 wagons were delivered.

The new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class should prove to be even more popular. With sharper looks and a bountiful list of available powertrains and trim levels, it becomes the most complete and best thought-out lineup of cars within Mercedes' huge stable.

Proper evolution
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues the tradition of being many things to many owners. This time, emotions play a larger role. To glance at the car is to discover that the design team did a fantastic job evolving the W212's dynamic lines.

The front end is especially inspired. Trendy, standard LED headlamps (a first in the business) flow perfectly with the lower portion of the stunning, gaping front grille. The car's profile is tweaked with a feature line that runs below the rear door handle to the taillights.

The rear of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is very distinct. Clearly, the wagon wins where I'm concerned. Other than my severe bias toward the long-roof, the quarter panels are beefier and overall proportions are far more suited to this near statuesque car: the wagon's ice-cap-melting hot.

Business Class
As for the E-Class' cabin: It wasn't broke so Mercedes didn't fix it. Other than some new materials, the remainder is decidedly German: classy, austere and generally a great place to spend countless hours scouring the Spanish coast.

The seats in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are properly comfortable, providing support in all the right places. The cabin is roomy, as are the trunks, especially where the delightful wagon is concerned.

Here, technology and gadgets abound. One of my favourites is the available Splitview display. It allows each front occupant to watch what they please simultaneously on the same screen. Countless other infotainment features are available.

Other than some new materials, the remainder is decidedly German: classy, austere and generally a great place to spend countless hours scouring the Spanish coast. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

74 flavours
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers one of the most elaborate model menus I have ever seen. The new E-Class will offer more quality and pleasure by literally catering to nearly all needs. Get this: Over 15 different powertrains will be offered. Canada will only have access to six of said engines.

When it launches in mid-April 2013, four versions will be up for grabs: E 300 4MATIC sedan, E 350 4MATIC sedan and wagon, E-400 HYBRID (special order only), and the E 550 4MATIC sedan.

Save for the 550, all versions feature a 3.5L V6 in various states. Horsepowers range from 248 all the way up to 402 ponies. All E-Class engines are mated to a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and 4MATIC AWD (save for the hybrid)

The “500” you see in the gallery is in fact a 550 (different in Europe). Needless to say, this barn-burning Bavarian Autobahn bashing wagon (and sedan) rolls with gusto. Perhaps the best part besides the effortless, lag-free acceleration is the subdued rumble following any amount of throttle pressure. Aural satisfaction has a name: German V8.

The next chapters
The other 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured is a 400. Motivated by an all new bi-turbo 3.0L V6, it develops 333 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Although this engine is slated to come to Canada, no introduction dates were announced.

This turbocharged V6 should be a popular choice. It delivers that extra punch needed in Merc's lineup to compete with BMW and Audi's force-fed 3.0L 6-pots. Although not as seat-of-the-pants forceful as the other two, it's all smooth, Merc power.

The next addition to the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the E 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Sedan. Later on in 2013 (specifically, mid-September when the E 63 AMG launches), Merc's diesel engine will return. This time as a 4-cylinder 2.1L mill that will produce in the vicinity of 205 hp and 370 torques. More importantly, it will make this E-Class the most fuel efficient ever with ratings in the mid-5L/100km range.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers one of the most elaborate model menus I have ever seen. The new E-Class will offer more quality and pleasure by literally catering to nearly all needs. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

The road beckons
The new E-Class feels tighter, sharper and smoother. It's as though every bolt was tightened, every seam sealed and weld remastered.

On winding roads, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class held to the tarmac with impressive ease and grip. I was also impressed by how well weight transfers were manipulated. Never did the near 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) wagon feel out of sorts.

Steering weighed up promptly when the twisties were entered, and never did the big cross-drilled vented discs falter. Essentially, this station wagon was oh-so close to being called a “performance wagon.” OK, I called it that, but was corrected the following day when I climbed aboard an E 63 AMG wagon...

Intelligent Drive = Safety
Intelligent Drive includes a complete array of active safety features such as Pre-Safe, Cross-traffic assist, and pedestrian detection (up to 50 km/h) that can bring the car to a full stop: in total, 11 new or improved assistance systems. The entire array of systems could make this car one of the safest on the road.

Intelligent Drive includes a complete array of active safety features such as Pre-Safe, Cross-traffic assist, and pedestrian detection. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Winner
The new car is poised, luxurious and near perfect. As I drove along the Mediterranean coast and through the surrounding mountains, the E-Class never wavered in handling, braking or power. The sense of control was nothing short of spectacular -- and I looked boss behind the wheel.

Expect this new 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class to take their success story into the next chapter.

From GMM

Davide Valsecchi, the latest GP2 champion, has revealed he will never forget Lotus' offer of a role in formula one this year.

We reported last month that the 26-year-old Italian risks becoming the first ever GP2 title winner who might never sit on a F1 grid.

But he will at least be Lotus' reserve driver in 2013, and on Saturday was called up to test the impressive new black and red E21 when Kimi Raikkonen called in sick with food poisoning.

"I used Kimi's seat, overalls, shoes ... everything except the underwear," he said in Barcelona, after Romain Grosjean dashed from Paris to replace him.

Davide Valsecchi, Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2)

Davide Valsecchi said he was happy with the brief opportunity to drive, but Italy's Tuttosport sensed his disappointment at failing to secure a proper race seat.

"There have been calls," he is quoted as saying, "but they were all asking for sponsors, and all I offer is a Fiat Punto," Valsecchi joked.

"Lotus was the only one to call me and really propose something to me," he revealed. "If one day I become the best in the world, I will remember it."

From team press release

Caterham Formula 1 Team has announced that Hari Roberts has joined the team as Head of Aerodynamics.

As Head of Aerodynamics Roberts will be working closely with Technical Director Mark Smith and Performance Director John Iley.

Roberts brings with him a wealth of aerodynamic, trackside and simulation experience from his previous roles which includes working with Jordan, Renault F1 Team and, most recently, Lotus F1 Team, giving him the perfect platform to play an important role in Caterham F1 Team's long-term plans to challenge for honours in Formula 1.

Photo: WRi2

“I am excited about the challenge that lies ahead with Caterham F1 Team and I am delighted to have renewed my working partnership with Mark, and started a new partnership with the whole team,” said Hari Roberts in the press release.

“Caterham F1 Team has the potential to grow into a serious force in Formula 1 and I am looking forward to playing an integral role in helping the team fulfil its potential.”

“I am delighted that Hari has joined our team, particularly as his appointment extends an excellent working relationship that I have had with him over many years with teams including Jordan and Renault F1 Team,” said Mark Smith.

“He gives us more senior leadership in a critical area of the team's development and it is another sign of our shareholders' ongoing commitment to our team's growth that we have appointed someone of Hari's calibre to the role of Head of Aerodynamics.

“From a starting point of zero just over four years ago Hari now joins a team of over 120 very talented people in our Technical Office. We have also invested in such core areas as our dedicated model shop at Leafield, the ongoing development of our High Performance Cluster (HPC), which powers our CFD and design functions, and our driver in the loop simulator - all of which give us the tools needed to fight with the most famous names in motorsport in years to come.”