Auto News 5

Faurecia has posted consolidated sales for the first quarter of 2013 up 1.7% to EUR4.4bn, compared to the same period last year.

Do race cars have to roar or can they click and whirr? That question will be addressed next year when the all-new Formula E series circles the globe with 10 races in 10 cities, two of which will be Miami and Los Angeles.

Daimler plans a large investment to build transmission components in Romania at the site of an existing joint venture, a German newspaper reported.

French supplier Faurecia said today that first-quarter revenue rose 1.7 percent as growing sales in North America and Asia helped offset the slowdown in European markets.

French supplier Faurecia said today that first-quarter revenue rose 1.7 percent as growing sales in North America and Asia helped offset the slowdown in European markets.

French supplier Faurecia said today that first-quarter revenue rose nearly 2 percent as growing sales in North America and Asia helped offset the slowdown in European markets.

Green lobby group TandE has released a YouTube video that it hopes will put pressure on lawmakers to prevent them from weakening Europe's passenger-car CO2 target of 95 grams per kilometer for 2020.

VW executive James Muir, who is being replaced as head of the struggling Seat brand, will get a top sales job with VW Group, a report said.

As part of Earth Day, Nissan and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched a new taxi pilot program with the Nissan LEAF electric car. Six LEAF taxis will be put into service beginning this spring, helping the Japanese automaker, the city, the taxi industry, and the public understand how zero-emission vehicles can be integrated into future taxi fleets.

“Following the selection of Nissan NV200 as New York City's Taxi of Tomorrow, our relationship with the city provides us the ultimate proving ground to conduct this LEAF taxi pilot to help optimize the use of electric vehicle technology for future applications,” said Joe Castelli, Vice President of Nissan Commercial Vehicles.

Nissan and partners in New York City will also install several CHAdeMO-based DC quick chargers, which will enable drivers to charge their electric taxis to about 80% in under 30 minutes.

Photo: Nissan

From GMM

In a 'secret' meeting over the winter, it was agreed that stewards should impose less penalties in 2013 in order to spice up the action.

That is the claim on Tuesday of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, reporting that the meeting with FIA president Jean Todt was attended by drivers including world champion Sebastian Vettel, team managers, Charlie Whiting and stewards.

"Has it been noticed?" wrote correspondent Michael Schmidt. "The drivers are being punished much less."

Photo: WRi2

He said the outcome of the pre-season meeting was that stewards should be more lenient when it comes to applying penalties for on-track scraps, in order to entice the drivers to take more risks in the heat of exciting wheel-to-wheel battles.

Schmidt said it is undeniable that there have been "surprisingly few" drive through and grid penalties so far in 2013 as the result of obvious incidents.

"It has made the racing better," he wrote.

"You can feel that the drivers have more confidence. Rarely have we seen as much die-hard, wheel-to-wheel battles as we saw in Bahrain," added Schmidt.

Price Range: $109,900 and up (650i), $128,900 (M6)

Description: Fresh out of a recent ground-up redesign and packing more power than ever, the 2013 BMW 6-Series offers drivers more choices than ever before to access premium luxury, world-class performance, and driving excitement aplenty.

Notably, the sleek coupe and convertible models have recently been joined by a four-door “Gran Coupe” model, though those after a convertible model can still consider the popular BMW 6-Series Cabriolet.

Offering four seats and capped by a highly developed and fully motorized lightweight cloth roof, the BMW 6-Series Cabriolet can switch from open-topped touring car to a coupe-like, back-roads bomber in mere seconds. That holds true whether you opt for the standard 650i xDrive Cabriolet model, or the driver'- license decimating M6 Cabriolet.


Drivetrain: Standard 2013 BMW 6-Series Cabriolet models come with a 4.4L V8 engine utilizing variable camshaft management, direct injection and twin, inboard-mounted turbochargers to develop 443 horsepower and even more torque. This output represents an increase over last year's model.

Power is handled by the shopper's choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. BMW's xDrive AWD system is standard in any case.

Opting for the extreme-performing BMW M6 Cabriolet? Hope you've got a good traffic lawyer. Various track-tested engine upgrades bump power output to 560 horses, all of which attack the rear wheels.

Consider it if: you're after what the BMW 6-Series delivers. Namely, world-class performance, comfort, and style in a package priced lower than a comparable Maserati or Aston Martin. With four seats, it's also ideal for folks after travels with the family or another couple.

Skip it if: you want a manual transmission in the top-line BMW M6 model, or your bank account can't support the payments on a car priced into six-digit territory.

Other Notes: The 2013 BMW 6-Series can virtually “see” its surroundings thanks to a variety of sensors that drive various safety and convenience features. These include radar-guided cruise control, precollision auto-braking, blind-spot monitoring, and parking assist.

The centre display screen, manipulated by BMW's iDrive system, is one of the largest to ever be fitted in a production car.

High-performance xenon lights up front feature dynamic steering, while the taillights feature LED-powered “light pipes” for a unique stylistic effect.

Don't Miss: The “reverse-flow” V8 twin-turbo engine under the BMW 6-Series Cabriolet's hood, uniquely, places the turbochargers, wastegates, and exhaust manifolds between the cylinder banks rather than outside of them. Compressed air is intercooled and fed into the cylinders from the outside of the cylinder banks, where the exhaust and turbochargers are usually routed.

This bit of packaging genius not only makes the overall engine assembly more compact, but allows the turbochargers in the 2013 BMW 6-Series to extract more energy from the exhaust flow due to their closer proximity to it.

Photo: BMW

From GMM

Robert Kubica has been conducting secret formula one tests at the wheel of Mercedes' sophisticated driver simulator, German newspaper Bild reports.

The Pole tested the German marque's DTM car over the winter, but ultimately signed up with Citroen for the second-tier world rally championship in 2014 as he continues his return to full speed in the wake of his near-fatal crash two years ago.

Robert Kubica testing in DTM. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

But 28-year-old Kubica, who raced for BMW and Renault in F1 until the end of 2010, has never hidden that - notwithstanding his still injured right arm - his main priority is to get back on the grand prix grid.

Bild said the 2008 Canadian grand prix winner has been testing in Mercedes' F1 driver simulator "for a few weeks".

A figure for a rival F1 team "spotted the Pole at the airport in London", correspondent Frank Schneider wrote.

"His destination was Brackley, Mercedes' headquarters, even though nobody at the Silver Arrows wants to comment," he added.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

Among the many global debuts by Ford at Auto Shanghai 2013 was a concept with a very familiar name: Escort.

Light-years away from the model that enjoyed tremendous sales success from 1968-2000, the new Ford Escort Concept draws inspiration from the current Focus, with sleek lines that reportedly foreshadow a future compact sedan. While initially developed for the Chinese market, it could eventually bolster Ford's global car lineup.

Photo: Ford

“This compact concept highlights the strength of our global One Ford approach to vehicle design, and represents how we can make use of our global design language to bring refined designs to attainable vehicles,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Ford Motor Company. “Designed with the Chinese consumer in mind, the new Escort Concept has the potential to strengthen our product portfolio here in China as we take advantage of opportunities for diversification within the compact car segment.”

Ford is showcasing 15 other new products at Auto Shanghai 2013, including the Mondeo, Fiesta ST, EcoSport, and Kuga.

The experts from British business publication, Formula One Black Book say that Pirelli is very close from inking a long-term contract to remain the official tire supplier to Formula 1.

Pirelli's tire supply contract with F1 expires at the end of the current season, but it is believed to be on the verge of an extension, reveal F1 Black Book's authors.

Former Formula 1 driver, Martin Brundle, commentating for Sky Sports on Saturday, reported a five-year extension was already in the bag.

Speaking on Friday, Briton Paul Hembery, Pirelli's motorsport director, wasn't giving much away but said if a deal is to be done it needs to be done very soon.

“As time passes, we have to make decisions as a business”, said Hembery.

“We're not immune to what's going on in the European automotive business in particular; sales were ten percent down in March in the overall market. That impacts heavily on us and we're currently having to make action plans to address those challenges. I would think that from our point of view, sooner rather than later - time is of the essence, I would suggest now”, Hembery added.

Photo: Pirelli

Volvo has announced a limited production run of the S60 Polestar exclusively for the Australian market as a pilot project, with the first cars being delivered to customers in late June.

Pending the response of Australians, who are said to be fond of performance cars, Volvo may decide to launch the S60 Polestar in other countries as well.

“We received a fantastic response to our Volvo C30 and S60 Polestar concept cars, so we are very happy to now introduce our first production car to the Australian market. This is an important step forward for Polestar, one that promises an exciting future,” said Christian Dahl, Managing Director of Polestar.

The Volvo S60 Polestar sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Its 6-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 350 horsepower.

Photo: Volvo

It was announced today in Mexico City that Michel Jourdain Jr., who brought Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing wins in Montreal and Milwaukee in the Champ Car World Series in 2003, will again drive for the team in the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on May 26.

Jourdain, who finished 19th in the race last May, made his debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1996.

Office Depot Mexico returns as the primary sponsor of Jourdain's No. 17 entry and Grupo Indi and Grupo Multi return as associate sponsors.

The Mexican will have Graham Rahal, who was runner-up April 21 in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, and James Jakes as teammates.

In 1996, Jourdain Jr. became the youngest driver to start a Champ Car race to date when he drove at Long Beach at the age of 19 years, 6 months and 12 days.

The Test Subject
Some people want performance out of their all-season tire, and some people want their tire to save them money. Blend these two requests together and you get the new Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS tire. Situated squarely between the Ecopia EP422 tire and the RE970AS Pole Position tire, the RE97AS gives you a good amount of grip without taking the fun out of driving

Photo: Alexandra Straub

The Tests
There were two venues on which I had the opportunity to try Bridgestone's tire products: First, on a BMW 328i on which we did back-to-back comparisons with the aforementioned tires. It was clear that the Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS really does fit the mold of the middle child, but not in a bad way.

In these exercises, we worked the three sets of tires under heavy braking and sharp corners all on a dry surface. The Bridgetstone Potenza RE97AS didn't disappoint, especially for someone looking for tires that aren't too expensive, but still give you the ability to have fun on sunny days.

Then we put the Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS tire to the test on a wet skid pad where they were equipped on Acura TLs, and we compared them to the Michelin Primacy MXM4 tire.

The Blend
Comprised of a high silica content, this component offers dependable traction in wet environments. You also have the finely tuned tread pattern on the Bridgestone Potenza RE87AS that upgrades the steering feel and responsiveness. Stiffened shoulder blocks help with cornering, and circumferential grooves channel water away from the footprint area.

Like its other siblings, the Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS has an eco-product designation. What does that mean? Well, for starters, it uses environmentally conscious materials, like non-aromatic oils. When driving on them, there is an improved rolling resistance, which helps increase fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions.

The Verdict
In both settings, the Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS put on a splendid performance. Compared with the Michelins in the wet, both seemed to fair well against each other, but the Bridgestones had a little bit more grip, proving to be a good match in that environment. Besides, it's not always sunshine and roses on the road, so having a reliable set of tires makes a huge difference in adverse conditions.


Specifications
- V- and W-speed rated
- 16”-19” rim diameters
- 45 to 60 series
- 25 sizes
- 55,000 mile limited treadwear warranty (V-rated)
- 45,000 mile limited treadwear warranty (W-rated)
- Platinum pact warranty
- 30 Day Buy & Try Guarantee

Photo: Alexandra Straub

Adapted from Reuters

Italian tire manufacturer and Formula 1's official supplier, Pirelli is planning to sell off a 2011 HRT Formula 1 car in a charity auction on eBay because nobody in the Italian tire company wants to use it for promotional and marketing purposes.

Pirelli purchased the HRT rolling chassis (meaning, without the engine or gearbox) at the end of last season after the small Spanish team closed its doors after a very difficult season marked by serious financial problems.

Last appearance of the HRT at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

The Italian company wanted to use it for marketing purposes, and to put it on display at various locations.

Paul Hembery, Pirelli's director of competition, said in Bahrain last weekend: "There doesn't seem to be a lot of enthusiasm, it's a bit of a shame really. Our marketing department said nobody seems to want to use it. So I said let's put it on eBay for charity”.

Reuters says that last February five other HRT F1 rolling chassis were bought for re-sale by a Spanish company.

From press release

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa officially welcomed the FIA Formula E Championship to Los Angeles Monday, Earth Day, becoming one of 10 global cities to host the world's first fully-electric Formula E race, commencing in 2014.

Formula E is a new FIA championship that brings electric vehicle racing to the people, as city centres around the world play host to an electric energy World Championship designed to promote interest and investment in electric vehicles and sustainable motoring.

Photo: FIA Formula E

Los Angeles was selected to host one of the races by Championship promoters Formula E Holdings in part due to its robust and burgeoning electric vehicle infrastructure, in particular Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) Electric Vehicle Program.

Additional cities already chosen to host races include Miami; London and Rome in Europe; Beijing and Putrajaya in Asia; and, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janiero in South America, with two locations to be announced.

The Los Angeles Formula E race is planned to take place on city streets in downtown Los Angeles, although a number of routes are still being considered. Ten teams with two drivers each will participate in the races, which last approximately one hour using fully electric single seaters capable of reaching speeds of more than 140mph (220kph) with zero emissions.

As part of the event, crowds were treated to a display along Hope Street of the Formula E car adorned in an American flag design and driven by ex-Formula 1 racer and official Formula E test driver, Lucas di Grassi.

From GMM

McLaren resisted the urge to call off the on-track spat between teammates Jenson Button and Sergio Perez in Bahrain, boss Martin Whitmarsh has revealed.

Jenson Button could be heard angrily remonstrating on the radio for the British team to "calm" Mexican newcomer Perez's wheel-to-wheel charge.

Afterwards, the 23-year-old was rebuked by Whitmarsh because "endplate to rear tyre could have punctured Jenson and broken his (Perez's) front wing".

But McLaren, he says, prides itself on not issuing the kinds of team orders that Red Bull and Mercedes controversially imposed in Malaysia recently.

"I had a lot of noise in my ear from people suggesting I should stop them racing. We didn't," Whitmarsh said. "I think it was the right thing in the long term for both drivers to know they are racing each other and be competitive. We've seen it a couple of times this year, and the driver behind is always going to believe he was quicker, he's always going to be aggrieved."

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Martin Whitmarsh said breaking with a long-standing policy of strict driver equality would not have been the right choice.

"Those guys are out there fighting and you can't suddenly decide halfway through a race 'Oh, by the way, I didn't mean it. Don't fight because it looks uncomfortable for me'."

Lewis Hamilton, the former long-time McLaren driver who in Malaysia was protected from new Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg's charge, backed Whitmarsh's stance.

"That's the good thing about Martin," the 2008 world champion told the Telegraph. "He allows his drivers to race. He doesn't change. We are there to race -- as long as it is effective, and with respect with each other."

F1 veteran Rubens Barrichello, however, has a slightly different view.

Having analysed Sunday's race for Brazilian television Globo, he said: "I think McLaren was trying different strategies to separate its drivers because they were fighting."

"Five laps later they were fighting again. Sometimes different strategies have the same result," he told Brazil's Totalrace.

Jenson Button, meanwhile, declared the 'team war' with Perez to be over, because the Mexican had apologised.

"Checo has apologised," the 2009 world champion is quoted by the Sun. "We had a good discussion."