Auto News 5

General Motors resisted the urge to jack up the price on the 2014 Corvette Stingray, despite major enhancements on the seventh-generation sports car.

The Motor City is gearing up for a summer of events that celebrate the region's automotive heritage.

Volkswagen expects sales in China this year to outpace total sales volume in the market, which the carmaker believes will increase 6 percent to 8 percent.

PSA has received the backing of five of its six main unions to push ahead with plans to eliminate 11,200 jobs and shutter a French factory, a central part of wide-ranging reforms at the French carmaker aimed at halting ongoing losses.

Former Renault COO Patrick Pelata fell on his sword to save his boss and friend Carlos Ghosn -- and maybe his company. Pelata left the automaker after a botched espionage investigation.

Volkswagen expects sales in China this year to outpace total sales volume in the market, which the carmaker believes will increase 6 percent to 8 percent.

Former Renault COO Patrick Pelata had plenty of job possibilities after leaving the French automaker last summer.

Former Renault COO Patrick Pelata had plenty of job possibilities after leaving automaker. He now sells customer-retention software from an office in San Francisco.

Tesla Motors Club and Tesla Motors have joined forces to create Teslive, an action-packed conference event that will take place July 12-14, 2013 in San Jose, California, near the electric car company's headquarters. Participants will be limited to 300.

The program will include a tour of the assembly plant in Fremont, interaction with members of the Tesla team, discussion panels, meetings with experts, group drives, and much more.

Teslive organizers also hope to break the world record for the largest gathering of electric vehicles. Last November, Nissan lined up 225 LEAFs during a special event in the U.K.

Obviously, charging stations will be available at the plant and hotel.

The first NASCAR Camping World Truck series' race to be held at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will be sponsored by Chevrolet Silverado.

It was a christening of sorts. During the first-ever test day for the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, invited media had a first glimpse of the circuit's slick new special events centre, where they were gathered for a presentation.

Ron Fellows (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

"We're here today on behalf of General Motors and Chevrolet to make a very special announcement" said GM Spokesman George Saratlic.

"The first NASCAR World Truck Series race that's coming here to Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Labour Day weekend will officially be called the Silverado 250."

Canadian racing legend and co-owner of the park, Ron Fellows, said while he was proud of GM's support of the facility and the series, he couldn't confirm whether he would actually be taking part in the race. However he did hint that "if I had done the test (today), it would eliminate that as an option".

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

Instead, performing the test was Turner-Scott Motorsports of North Carolina, with driver Nelson Piquet Jr. behind the wheel.

Piquet described the track as "challenging" and predicted that many of the oval racers, used to long, sweeping turns, would find the tight corners hard to handle.

"The data that is gathered over the next two days, coincidentally in a Chevy truck" said Fellows, "will be shared amongst all the World Truck Series Teams”.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

The information will consist mainly of proper gear ratios and tire requirements for the circuit, ensuring that all competitors have a level playing field.

The Labour Day race at CTMP will be the first time in over a decade that the Camping World Truck Series will compete on a road course.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

McLaren Formula 1 driver and 2009 F1 World Champion, Jenson Button drove Monday a totally unspectacular car: a Lada!

Button, used to the 750 horsepower of the Mercedes-powered McLaren took the Russian Lada for a few runs at the Driving Camp in Zsambek in Hungary as part of a promotional event for McLaren sponsor Vodafone.



The original Lada was intended as a "people's car" for consumers of the Eastern Bloc - lacking in most luxuries expected in Western-made cars of its era.

Originally based on the Fiat 124, and dated from the early 1970s, the VAZ-2101 is powered by a carburetor-fed, 1.3-litre four cylinder engine that produces just 63 horsepower.

"I love old cars, but I think the scariest moment in my life is just about to arrive!" said Button before the event.

Button was reported to have a great fun driving the Lada.

"I feel sorry for the people who own these cars, because we didn't look after them very much," Button joked. "I don't know if it's normal, but there's a lot of flashing failure lights on the dashboard...

"It was good fun. The handbrake works really well. That's the most important thing in an old car, and it is amazing."

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Good seating position, low gas consumption, driveability, comfort, versatility and soundproofing are all pluses for this model.

Cons
The 2013 Nissan Rogue is hampered by its sombre cabin interior, tight back seats narrow and a lack of deft handling. Furthermore, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is somewhat noisy and is the only type offered.


Price
The basic model is the S front-wheel drive version and available from $23,978.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, Bluetooth as well as auxiliary audio jack and iPod interface.

The Special Edition of the S version comes with 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, sunroof and SE (Special Edition) logo. These add-ons cost an extra $1,400.

The all-wheel drive SV version distinguishes itself with 17-inch aluminum wheels, roof rails, heated front seats and rearview camera. Asking price is $26,678.

The Premium Edition package can also be added to this model for $1,950. It includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, trailer precabling, foglights, sunroof, fold-down passenger seat and a full size spare tire with alloy rim.

The all-wheel drive Rogue S has a base price of $26,778. Besides AWD, you get roof rails and full size spare here also.

The Special Edition of this model gives you 16-inch aluminum wheels, foglights and the Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start.

The all-wheel drive SV starts at $29,478. Add the Tech package for $1,850 and get 18-inch aluminum wheels, radio communication data system, six speakers, and navigation system with colour touchscreen and XM satellite radio.

The SL is available exclusively with AWD. It is equipped with leather seats plus all the features of the Premium and Tech packages including the 8-speaker Bose audio system, rear and sideview cameras and the Nissan Intelligent Key. The SL will set you back $34,398.

Fuel Economy
Gas consumption ratings for front-wheel drive models were 9 L/100 km and 7 L/100 km for city/highway, respectively.

AWD models came in at 9.6 L/100 km and 7.7 L/100 km for city/highway, respectively.

Recent Improvements
The radiator grille was redesigned in 2012.

Exterior Styling
Looking at this crossover, you'll immediately notice its curves and distinctive grille with its relatively bigger, squarish air inlets. The chrome touches are also quite distinctive. Indeed, door handles, roof rails of and side borders highlight the body's overall appearance.

Powertrain
The Rogue is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque through the CVT transmission, available for front-wheel drives and as an all-wheel drive option.

Cargo Capacity
When all seats are in the normal upright position, cargo space is 818 litres. The SUV's versatility enables the loading surface to be doubled to a cargo volume of 1,640 litres.

Safety
Six airbags are installed in this model. Furthermore, the US government awarded 5 stars to the Nissan Rogue in side collision tests. It boasts more than 50 standard features aimed at preventing or minimizing accidents.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan.

Photo: Nissan

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.492
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.462
www.nissan.ca

DTM champion, Canadian Bruno Spengler Monday received the key of a very special car: a BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition.

In honour of the 2012 DTM champion, BMW M GmbH designed this special edition of the BMW M3 in the matte black livery of the BMW Bank M3 DTM, with which Spengler won the title last year with four victories.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

In total, BMW M GmbH will make only 54 of this exclusive model available to its racing aficionados, which will be sold solely in Germany. Customers can also look forward to a driving lesson with Spengler on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. They will take part in the “BMW M Fascination Nordschleife” training course -- one of the most coveted driver training courses in the BMW Driving Experience.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

“I was presented with my own M3 DTM Champion Edition today. It's a gorgeous car, really nice, especially in that colour,” Spengler told Auto123.com.

“However, I could not keep it as it will be put on display this weekend at the opening round of the new DTM season in the paddock of the Hockenheimring. They'll give it to me after the race weekend. I just love it. It looks stunning and the performance is just breathtaking. I hope it will bring me luck for the new season,” Spengler added.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

This weekend in Brazil, KV Racing's veteran, Tony Kanaan will reach the mark of 200 consecutive starts in his IndyCar career despite suffering torn ligaments in his right hand in a crash during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

His boss and former CART/Champ Car ace, Jimmy Vasser holds the record with 211 consecutive starts, which Kanaan will break fittingly Labor Day weekend at Baltimore, barring injury/illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

Kanaan's streak dates back to June 24, 2001 (Portland).

Al Unser Jr. is third overall with 192 from 1983 to 1995 while Michael Andretti (1983-92 / 1994-2002) and Emerson Fittipaldi (1984-95) are tied at 164 consecutive starts for fourth.

Among the still active drivers, Ganassi's Scott Dixon has 141 consecutive starts and Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti has 117.

Tony Kanaan and Jimmy Vasser. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

From GMM

Valencia's mooted return to the formula one calendar next year is now under a dark cloud.

We reported earlier this month that the Spanish port city - absent from this year's schedule - could be back in 2014, after its president Alberto Fabra met with Bernie Ecclestone in February.

"The agreement is (now) awaiting the signature of the Catalan president Artur Mas," wrote journalist Pedro Blasco, referring to a deal that would see Valencia annually alternate with Barcelona.

Photo: WRi2

But, whilst not completely ruling out an alternation, Mas said the Circuit de Catalunya is willing to continue to organise the Spanish grand prix each year.

"We are able to fulfil the contract that we signed," he is quoted by El Mundo Deportivo newspaper.

"Since more than a year ago, when I spoke of an alternation, we have worked very hard and we are able to take on the challenge of organising the race every year."

Mas said the issue is likely to be discussed further next weekend, when Barcelona hosts the 2013 Spanish grand prix.

Sebastien Loeb, who is about to make his WRC return with Citroen this weekend at Rally Argentina, fears his lack of running will cost him dearly.

The Frenchman is back in world rallying after a three-month break. Argentina will be his first rally since Sweden. The nine-time World Rally Champion did not remain inactive as he made his debut in the FIA GT Series, running for his own team.

But Loeb, who missed the Rally Mexico and Rally Portugal (all won by Sebastien Ogier in his Volkswagen Polo), fears he will be disadvantaged due to his lack of running in world rallying.

Sebastien Loeb. (Photo Citroen Racing)

"Apart from one day of testing, I haven't driven on gravel since the 2012 Rally de Espana," he explained to WRC.com.

"So I don't know what sort of feeling I'll have on the first few stages in Argentina. I think that you can lose your rhythm pretty quickly, and that's why I'm cautious about my chances."

"There's no denying the fact that I have pretty much moved on from rallying and am now focused on the future. This reduced programme is a good way to continue to compete for Citroen in 2013, but I'm not as well prepared as Mikko (Hirvonen), Dani (Sordo) and the other guys. We'll see what happens when we'll put our helmets on..."

American Conor Daly will drive the Mercedes-powered Sahara Force India VJM06 tomorrow, Wednesday at Duxford aerodrome in Great Britain.

Conor Daly, son of former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver, Derek Daly, competes in the GP3 series this season and will also contest the Indy 500 at the end of May.

Daly has had his seat fitting done in the VJM06, and will perform aerodynamic tests on the main runway of the Duxford aerodrome tomorrow. The American takes the place of Jules Bianchi who is now a racing driver for Marussia F1 Team.

Sahara Force India VJM06. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg has admitted Sauber is struggling on the aerodynamic front so far in 2013.

Off the back of the Swiss team's strong form last year, German Hulkenberg switched from Force India.

But it is Silverstone based Force India that is performing more impressively so far this year, causing some to wonder if Hulkenberg is regretting his move.

"No," the 25-year-old told the Swiss website 20 Minuten. "There have been only four races. Definitely we are not satisfied, and neither am I, but the season is long -- you can't write it off. There is still potential in the car, and when we find the right parts, we can turn the season around."

Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Nico Hulkenberg said the main issue with the Ferrari-powered C32 is the aerodynamics.

"The flow is not exactly the same as the engineers expected," he revealed.

There has been speculation the situation was worsened by Pirelli's 60 per cent scale wind tunnel tires.

"Generally, some teams might have a problem because the (wind tunnel) tires are not exactly as they are in the races, so there could be a discrepancy," said Hulkenberg.

On the bright side, Hulkenberg has so far utterly dominated his struggling rookie teammate Esteban Gutierrez.

"Currently in qualifying it is 4-0," said the German, "which is something I keep my eye on. But Esteban is a rookie, and everything is as new to him as it was for me in 2010. He is often quite quick on a lap, so he's still gathering his experience and will surely get better."

Hulkenberg said he is not getting frustrated, even though he is the same age as Sebastian Vettel, who is the reigning triple world champion.

"Sometimes you just have to be patient," he told Brazil's Totalrace. "There are many others who also had to wait for their time to come. I'm comfortable where I am now."

Chrysler-Fiat President and CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that the Italian automaker is negotiating with representatives of the UAW's VEBA health benefits organization to buy the 41.5% share in Chrysler it doesn't already own.

Apparently, Chrysler-Fiat has all the necessary funds, which financial experts estimate at $3.5-$4 billion.

Marchionne would like to merge the two manufacturers in hopes of becoming the world's seventh-largest automaker in terms of sales. This would also allow Fiat to use Chrysler's capital to compensate for losses in the European market.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

The five companies that form the McLaren Group are located under one roof at the stunning McLaren Technology Centre, located on a 50-hectare piece of land situated approximately three kilometres north of Woking, Surrey in Great Britain.

Group photo of the Processia guests at the MTC, with the Auto123.com representative third from the left.

Auto123.com was the only North-American media invited by Canadian company Processia Solutions -- new technical partner with the McLaren Formula 1 team -- to visit the McLaren Technology Centre.

The building is stupendous. A height limitation was given for the building -- 11 metres above ground level -- and so the low-built building was sunk into the landscape. The main floor is above the ground and there are two underground levels, serviced by an impressive number of huge elevators capable of lodging a complete F1 car.

The building is very bright, essentially made from aluminum and glass, and the walls are painted off-white. The amount of glass found inside is simply breathtaking. In certain places, it is possible to see through the entire building.

The floors are almost entirely covered with perfectly aligned tiles, and there's just a hint of carpet in certain administrative areas.

There is a strict dress code in effect: dark Hugo Boss t-shirts for the workers (with their surname embroided on the front pocket), and shirt-tie-jacket for the executives, engineers and administrative staff.

The bean-shaped building is split in two by a long corridor that runs from one end to the other, called the Boulevard. Along this alley are aligned some of the most successful McLaren race cars and road vehicles. At the other end are located the numerous and huge cabinets storing the trophies won by the team along the years.

This glass and aluminum structure creates a very peaceful working environment.

All Formula 1 factories basically house the same departments: R&D, a wind tunnel (or sometimes two), design offices, administrative offices, machine shop, composite departments with a certain number of autoclaves, quality control, 7-post rig, storage, race bays for assembling the cars, and more.

McLaren has all this. However, every little detail counts in the McLaren Technology Centre. Everything is outstandingly immaculate, more than any other factories I visited in the past.

Attention given to details is crucial. The off-white paint is used everywhere, from the floor tiles to the working surfaces, from the tool cabinets to the numeric tooling machines, and from the autoclaves to the vein of the wind tunnel!

Photo: McLaren Group

Continue reading An exclusive tour of the McLaren Technology Centre