Auto News 5

Daimler has sold its remaining stake in European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Co. for 2.2 billion euros ($2.9 billion) to focus on its auto business.

European car sales dropped 10 percent in March as declines at PSA, Ford and VW and a plunge in Germany put the industry on pace for the fewest annual deliveries in 20 years.

BMW's Chinese joint venture with Brilliance Automotive will build an electric car to be marketed under the newly created Zinoro brand. The car will go on sale in the first quarter of 2014.

I have a friend who loves wood. Whenever we'd hit the road, he'd salivate at the sight of cut trunks lying on a trailer in transport, calling out the types of wood. I salivate at the sight of most station wagons and curse the North American market for being narrow minded. It takes all kinds...

The 2013 Volvo XC70 is one such station wagon that makes me throw my thumbs up and for good reason. The XC70 is more than just a wagon. It's a luxurious, capable, all-weather, and comfortable people hauler that can do so much and, it's hot to boot.

Volvo's famous CrossCountry is just as at ease covering ground on a highway as it is navigating roads in one of the busiest cities in the world with terrible streets. Truly, my solo 1,350 round road trip to New York City demonstrated beyond a doubt that this car is impressive on countless levels and deserves far more attention than it gets.


What is a Volvo XC70 T6 AWD?
Volvo qualifies the XC70 as a crossover and that's the fashionable way to brand it. In my books, it's a station wagon, much like the Subaru Outback.

North America was first introduced to the Volvo V70 XC in 1998. The XC trim became so popular that it took on a life of its own a few years later. Shortly thereafter, it spawned a new line of products within the Volvo brand.

The Volvo XC70 is a world car and, up until recently, was the only wagon offered by the Swedish company (viva the V60!), once renowned for these cars.

The Volvo XC70 is a world car and, up until recently, was the only wagon offered by the Swedish company. (Photo: Mathieur St-Pierre)

Technicalities
The 2013 Volvo XC70 offers a Haldex AWD system with Instant Traction as standard equipment. There are two inline 6-cylinder engines with 6-speed automatic transmissions to choose from.

The base $42,400 is motivated by a 3.2L that generates 240 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The $47,000 T6 has a turbocharged 3.0L that's good for 300 hp and 325 torques.

As tested, my T6 AWD Platinum included the climate package with rear heated seats and retailed for $53,350.

The $47,000 T6 has a turbocharged 3.0L that's good 300 hp and 325 torques. (Photo: Mathieur St-Pierre)

Driving the Volvo XC70 T6 AWD
The 2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD offers a drive more akin to that of a plush luxury than a soft-roader crossover.

The XC70 is smooth and immensely comfortable regardless of the road on which it travels. The long road down to NYC is generally well maintained which makes the driving all the more pleasant. Traversing the twistier parts the Adirondacks proved to be just as easy. Body roll is present in sweeping curves however it's very controlled.

In town, the generous travel provided by the fully independent suspension makes small work of potholes, cracks and all other types breaks in the surface.

On full throttle, the 2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD shoots forward with surprising fierceness. Like an old school muscle car, the nose rises to salute NYC's skyline and then takes off. The 1,881 kg (4,138 lb) heavy-set station wagon reaches 100 km/h in a wink over 7 seconds but feels far quicker than that.

Yes, this car with its increased ground clearance, can tackle the best and the worst of our climate.

In town, the generous travel provided by the fully independent suspension makes small work of potholes, cracks and all other types breaks in the surface. (Photo: Mathieur St-Pierre)

Inside and out of the Volvo XC70 T6 AWD
I'm a huge fan of the 2013 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD's subtle body cladding which matches perfectly well with any of the available colours. The T6's 18” Zephyrus wheels are well suited to the car as are the satin aluminum trim touches.

Also, it's a station wagon and so is by default hot and cool, at the same time.

The cabin is beginning to look a little dated and may be one of the reasons why some people shy away from this car. It somehow made me feel old. My previous 2004 XC70 did not have this effect on me and it was beige... The new for 2013 revised shifter knob and gate do little to help.

The 2013 Volvo XC70's seats, on the other hand, are all about making everyone lucky enough to spend time in them feel very good. Volvo invests mad amounts of money in R&D to make their perches the best in the business and they are. I spent 7 straight hours per trip in them and felt refreshed upon arrival.

Every Volvo is given a fair amount of attention where assembly is concerned, both inside and out. The level of class and luxury is on par with the Germans. The only difference is that a Volvo tends to fly under the radar.

The 2013 Volvo XC70's seats, on the other hand, are all about making everyone lucky enough to spend time in them feel very good. (Photo: Mathieur St-Pierre)

Comparing the Volvo XC70 T6 AWD
The Audi Allroad, BMW X1 and, to a lesser extent, Subaru Outback are the XC70's closest competitors. Out of the lot, I'd have a hard time picking a winner between the Audi and the Volvo.

Purely for comfort reasons, I'd spring for the Volvo. For a slightly more dynamic driving experience, the Audi would do nicely.

On a day when many Americans were reacting to the bombing of the Boston Marathon; US President, Barack Obama, took a few minutes out of a serious day to greet 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Brad Keselowski and his team at the White House on Tuesday.

Barack Obama, Brad Keselowski and Roger Penske. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

In talking about NASCAR the President called it “a unique American sport,” that he “is proud to support.”

The President joked about being tired of seeing five-time champion, Jimmie Johnson, all the time in similar circumstances. Then, looking over at Brad's No. 2 Ford Focus, complains “once again the Secret Service won't let me take it for a spin.”

As part of the occasion the President also quoted Keselowski's belief that "life is a team sport, and I have the best team".

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Adapted from press release

Caterham F1 Team has announced that it is restructuring its driver line-up with Heikki Kovalainen rejoining the team as one of the two reserve drivers.

Heikki's first duties will be to take part in FP1 at the forthcoming Grands Prix in Bahrain and Spain. The Finnish driver will take part in the sessions as part of a formal technical development role he is taking up with Caterham F1 Team, helping support the introduction of the first performance updates to the 2013 car, an important milestone in the strategy the team are working to in the current season.

Alexander Rossi remains the second reserve driver. Rossi moves to Caterham Racing to compete in the 2013 GP2 Championship in the car raced by Ma Qing Hua at the season opening GP2 race in Malaysia.

Ma Qing Hua, who recently made history by becoming the first Chinese racing driver to take part in an F1 race weekend in China, remains a core member of Caterham F1 Team's driver roster and an announcement about his revised race plans in 2013 will be made in due course.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal, Caterham F1 Team: "Heikki returns to track work with us and we are delighted to welcome him back into the team. He has six years of F1 experience behind him so he is perfectly placed to provide us objective feedback on the various types of configurations we will run and to give us an objective view of the 2013 tyres against his experience with the 2012 compounds. As F1 is a team sport, he will also provide support to Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde, who are both doing a good job in their first months with the team."

Heikki Kovalainen: "It's obviously great news that I'll be on track in Bahrain and Spain and I'm really looking forward to getting back to work and helping the team as much as I can. I'll be taking part in the two FP1 sessions in Bahrain and Barcelona to give the team my input on the new parts we're bringing to those races. Tony, Cyril and I have been talking about me taking up this role for quite a while, so it's good to finally be able to announce how I'll be helping the team in 2013. I'm physically ready to get back into the car and I know my experience can help give the team new ideas and options for directions to take on setup and strategy. I'm looking forward to getting back to work!"

Adapted from GMM

Media reports suggest Bernie Ecclestone could take over Long Beach's iconic street race in California, after Indycar's contract expires next year.

The magazine Motorsport said the race's founder, Chris Pook, is also interested in the Ecclestone deal, as is Zak Brown, the head of the leading F1 sponsorship agency Just Marketing.

"There's a lot of talk about a third (US) race on the west coast," Zak Brown said. "I'm an advocate of F1 buying the Long Beach GP. I think I can facilitate that and I've been having those conversations."

Live again Niki Lauda's victory with McLaren in 1982, at the Long Beach circuit.

From GMM

British F1 journalists have attacked Jean Todt for not travelling to Bahrain for the sport's highly controversial grand prix this weekend.

In the days before F1 action kicks off in the island Kingdom, it is reported security forces fired tear gas on protesters late on Tuesday.

"While mechanics and motor home staff will have to wait and wonder whether they will be the target of attacks, Todt will not be in the country," Kevin Eason, referring to the FIA's French president, wrote in The Times.

Paul Weaver, the correspondent for The Guardian, agreed: "The FIA ... is impotent in its most urgent hour."

Already in Bahrain, however, is Livio Oricchio, the correspondent for Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo.

He wrote on Tuesday: "I came in a rental car from the airport to the hotel, I crossed the city, and the capital Manama is quiet. There are no political demonstrations."

We, at Auto123.com, have just completed a full Mazda press fleet roundup (or nearly) and I've walked away with a grin on my face.

Specifically speaking, given that Miranda travelled to the launch of the 2014 CX-5 and Mazda6, it was up to me to drive them in the course of our usual one-week road tests. I drove them back-to-back, and I must say that they blew me away.

Mazda was once a brand that could do no wrong, as far as I was concerned anyhow. From the 626, Millenia to the MX-6, Miata, Protegé, RX-7, and RX-8; I was in love with them all. My first press car (ever) was a shiny new 1999 Protegé LX in which I was rear-ended not 15 minutes after having picked it up...

Some of my best press car memories were at the wheel of an MX-5 (2001), Protegé5 (2002), and RX-8 (2003).

Something happened and I fell out of love with Mazda when the 2004 Mazda3 (uber popular car so I was clearly out to lunch...) and 2003 Mazda6 arrived. The 2001 Tribute was the first Mazda product to irk me... But now, I've made an about-face.

The lineup is still not 100% as far as I'm concerned, but so impressed am I with the new 2014 Mazda6 and 2014 Mazda CX-5 that I'm back on the Mazda bandwagon. Thankfully, I was never fully off because of the likes of the MX-5 (where I need my yearly dose), the Mazdaspeed3 and the Mazdaspeed6...

Photo: Philippe Champoux

That brings me to the question: When will Mazda release a new Mazdaspeed6? Because Lord knows there are a few hundred Canadians out there who want a car that will tango with an Audi S4 or BMW 335i for $20,000 less.

The new Mazda6 is so good that I swore all week that the chassis had been designed for far more than a regular road car. I'd certainly not made the discovery on my own as Mazda has showcased and raced a number of times in Grand-Am and Endurance races.

The next Mazdaspeed6 is going to be epic. I can feel it. With SKYACTIV technology and forced induction, I'm sensing 300 hp and as many or more torques, AWD and a dual-clutch ‘box. I'm imagining sub-6-second 0-100 km/h sprints and very good times to be had.

As Mazda reclaims their identity, the return of a Mazdaspeed MX-5 also becomes a possibility. The final hurrah of the current 3rd generation MX-5 is upon us and the time is ripe for more power and eye candy.

The bottom line? We can expect many more good things to come from Mazda, and I can't wait to sample them all!

From GMM

Sao Paulo's mayor has dismissed reports Bernie Ecclestone is close to dropping Interlagos from the F1 calendar after 2013.

F1's chief executive was quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper as saying the city will not be on the 2014 calendar because long-promised renovations to the ageing circuit were not done.

But mayor Fernando Haddad, the new mayor of Sao Paulo, told Agencia Estado news agency that the reports were "irresponsible".

"More than a month ago I sent a letter (to the FIA) committing myself to reform the racetrack," he said.

Fernando Haddad said reports Interlagos will not be on the 2014 calendar are therefore not true.

Canadian racer, Matthew Di Leo will join fellow countryman Mikael Grenier at the upcoming Firestone Indy Lights' event, the Long Beach 100 in the streets of Long Beach this weekend.

Matthew Di Leo (Photo: IndyCar)

The 18-year-old, who serves as owner/driver of MDL Racing, will make his series' debut in Long Beach, following a successful run in the USF2000 Championship.

Driving the MDL Racing entry that is sponsored by RES Precast Inc., Di Leo will have the benefit of working with the same crew that has led him to previous junior formula car success. Recently, the Ontario driver has completed a successful test at California's Buttonwillow Raceway.

Di Leo has competed as an owner/driver for the past two years and was a contender for top honors in the 2012 USF2000 Championship, finishing fourth in the championship fight with four podiums.

Volkswagen is to revise its expectations for the 2013 WRC season after Sebastien Ogier's win in Portugal.

Following the Frenchman's third consecutive victory, VW's motorsport director, Jost Capito, has said the team may need to revise their pre-season targets.

Ahead of the season opener in Monte Carlo, the team repeatedly stated their goal for their debut WRC season would be to gain experience, with wins the target for 2014 and a championship assault the following year. However, Ogier has won three of the four last rallies and the VW Polo R WRC has proved the class of the field.

Sebastien Ogier and Jost Capito. (Photo: Volkswagen Motorsport)

"In terms of pace, we are among the front-runners and appear to be able to force our rivals to make mistakes, without making any ourselves,” said Capito after the Rally of Portugal. “With that in mind, we might just have to change our goals for the season.”

Ogier's latest victory puts him 54 points ahead of Citroen's Mikko Hirvonen in the driver's championship and puts VW at the top of the manufacturer's standings with 121 points to Citroen's 107.

From GMM

Pirelli's director of competition, Paul Hembery has rubbished suggestions Formula 1 teams Lotus and Ferrari are getting an unfair advantage in 2013.

One theory doing the rounds is that Lotus' E21 is kind to the otherwise heavily-degrading tires this year because Pirelli's test car is the 2010-spec R30 -- which was designed by Enstone based Lotus' former incarnation, Renault.

"We have certainly done everything to avoid any team getting any advantage from our test data," Pirelli's Paul Hembery is quoted by German magazine Sport Bild.

He confirmed reports that rival teams rejected a proposal to share the burden of providing Pirelli with a test car.

"We even proposed that they alternate with each other to test our tires, but none of our proposals proved popular," said Briton Hembery.

"So they can't start complaining now."

Hembery also rejected a wild theory that Ferrari obtained an advantage through the shared nationality of its lead driver, Fernando Alonso, and main Pirelli tester Jaime Alguersuari.

He smiled: "Someone told me actually that Jaime and Fernando don't even talk.

"Anyway, how could a comment be converted into a design?" he wondered. "That's hard to accomplish.

"And even if you could get something from it, it would be pretty minimal."

Given the low sales volumes of the 2012 Honda Civic, the Japanese automaker still has enough units left in Canada not to order 2013 models.

Despite the Civic being the most popular car in the country for the past decade and a half, Honda Canada sold a mere 150 Civic Hybrids last year. This poor performance may be due to harsh criticism of the car's real-world fuel economy, which is said to be only marginally better than the regular Civic's.

Also, it wouldn't make much sense to offer a 2013 Civic Hybrid with Honda's new 2014 models about to hit the market.

Source: La Presse

Photo: Honda

From GMM

Romain Grosjean needs to rebuild his tattered confidence if he wants to get back on terms with Lotus team leader Kimi Raikkonen.

That is the advice of France's quadruple world champion Alain Prost, who thinks 26-year-old Grosjean is suffering mentally after a difficult start to the 2013 season.

Photo: WRi2

While Finn Raikkonen won in Australia, finished second in Shanghai and is only 3 points off leading the drivers' championship, Frenchman Grosjean has struggled in the sister E21, scoring just 11 points versus his teammate's 49.

"In the interviews you can see clearly that he is in an emotionally difficult situation," Prost told Russia's Championat.

"His self-confidence is missing, particularly because of Raikkonen's good performance. Last year, Romain was fighting on an equal footing with him (Raikkonen), but this time he has been unable to," added Prost.

Grosjean has puzzled as to the reasons for his struggle, but Prost commented: "Maybe he just needs a good weekend, so he can start again with a clean slate.

"I tend to think this is more about the mental side than his speed," he opined.

Photo: WRi2

Lotus team boss Eric Boullier agrees that Raikkonen's top form could explain the extent of Grosjean's struggles.

"Romain faces the very tough challenge of driving the same car as one of the most gifted drivers around," said the Frenchman.

"This will be frustrating for Romain at times as it's very, very difficult to beat the Kimi who arrives at the track this season," added Boullier. "But it's also a tremendous opportunity as he's learning from the very best. If he can learn these lessons whilst bringing home points for the team, then he's doing the job we want from him."

Alexander Rossi will return to racing this weekend in Bahrain after replacing Ma Qing Hua in the Caterham Racing GP2 team.

Rossi will replace the Chinese for the rest of the GP2 season, as well as keeping his role as reserve driver for the Caterham F1 team alongside the newly Heikki Kovalainen who will return to the team who he raced for from 2010-2012 as a reserve driver.

Hua, who finished 21st in his debut race for the Caterham GP2 team also drove for the F1 outfit in Friday's free practice for the Chinese Grand Prix, but will be relieved of his reserve driver duties after a difficult session which saw him finish last of all the runners. He will however, be kept on by Caterham but the nature of his future role is yet to be announced by the team.

Ma Qing Hua, Caterham, in Malaysia. (Photo: GP2 Series)

Rossi's connection with Caterham goes back to last season, when he raced for the Arden Caterham outfit in Formula Renault 3.5 and finished the season in 11th. His teammate for the GP2 season will be Spaniard Sergio Canamasas.

It is still unknown whether Rossi or Kovalainen will drive in this weekend's Friday practice sessions.

I'm seated behind the wheel of a 570-horsepower, all-wheel drive vehicle. I haven't driven it before, and it's safe to say: I'm a little intimidated.

I feel as though my bottom is inches away from the ground and I'm not entirely wrong.

The Lamborghini LP570-4 Superleggera is a beautiful beast of a vehicle. Clad in carbon fibre and the latest technological gadgetry, I'm in for a real treat.

The icing on the cake?

I'm at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and I'm about to start driving.

Lots going on
Despite a couple of “track orientation” laps in another vehicle, getting comfortable in a new setting takes time. My time is limited, so I need to make the best of it.

That said, getting to know how the Superleggera will perform out there is another layer in the equation. There's lots going on.

Then again, this is what I live for; and it feels like I could live multiple lifetimes in this moment. If only.

Photo: Bridgestone

Purpose driven
Underneath me is a set of Bridgestone Potenza Ultra High Performance tires. My purpose for being here is to give these rubbers a run for their money. They are some of the latest products in the company's lineup, and I couldn't imagine a better proving ground than a high-performance machine like the Lamborghini. Someone pinch me.

The facts
What makes the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A tires fit for some of the fastest cars in the world? Their new tread compound improves grip. According to Bridgestone, “the Potenza RE-11A maintains the tread design of the current Potenza RE-11 while providing an enhanced tread compound designed to provide faster lap times, higher speeds on the track, and improved braking and cornering, while maintaining durability.”

Furthermore, it provides high heat resistance for the days when you're out on the track for longer stints.

Large shoulder blocks and an asymmetrical shape also contribute to cornering performance while at high speeds.

The new Bridgestone Potenza RE-11A lineup are focused on sports-compact cars that are recognized favourites among auto-cross enthusiasts.

Getting the job done
Here's the picture: I'm in a car I've never driven before on an unfamiliar track. I have an instructor beside me telling me what points I need to hit. There's a camera taping my whole session, other vehicles on the track, and an outdoor viewing area where at least a hundred people are sitting. I keep thinking: “Don't screw up!”

The last things on my mind were the tires. You could argue I wasn't doing my job. I'd say I was doing exactly what I was supposed to.

Because the tires did their job effortlessly, I didn't have to worry about them. They hugged the pavement as specified. When cornering, I always felt I had enough grip to keep pushing a little more each time around. Did I use the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11As to their full potential? Probably not, but I wasn't coasting around that track at highway speeds either.

Bottom line
The Bridgestone RE-11A tires impressed me. I could have driven around on them all day long.

Specifications
- V- and W-speed rated
- 15” - 18” rim diameters
- 40 - 55 series
- 10 sizes

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has praised Jules Bianchi following his strong start to the 2013 season.

Bianchi, who has been part of Ferrari's young driver programme since 2009, made a last minute Formula 1 debut with Marussia following sponsorship problems with the originally signed driver, Luiz Razia.

Since his debut in Australia, Bianchi has consistently out qualified and raced teammate Max Chilton and the two Caterhams.

"I think he is having a great season," said Domenicali. “[In] the first three races, he has had incredible pace with due respect to the car he has."

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

Domenicali went on to suggest that should his driver continue to impress, then he would have the chance to move up the grid if he were to leave Marussia after his one year deal expires at the end of the year.

"I hope he can keep this pace because I'm sure he will show his potential not only with his team, but also in the future with other teams," the Italian concluded.

Bianchi also took part in a shoot-out with Adrian Sutil for the second Force India seat over the winter, but ultimately lost out to the German.

From GMM

Lotus owner Genii is offering part of the Enstone based team for sale, according to a report by Cesare Mannucci in Italy's Autosprint.

Mannucci said the money would go towards the team retaining Kimi Raikkonen for 2014, amid reports Red Bull is making moves to sign the 2007 world champion.

"Kimi's position (beyond 2013) is going to be based on a bunch of things and not on what Red Bull say," Genii's Gerard Lopez is quoted by the Sun newspaper.

"I can guarantee you Kimi is not the kind of guy who is going to sign any sort of pre-contract -- not with anybody. If we keep giving him what he wants then I don't see there is any reason for him to go anywhere," added Lopez.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

Lotus, like the other customer engine teams, will also need a bigger budget for next year's more expensive V6 engines, whilst technical director James Allison will reportedly be offered a pay-rise to prevent him from leaving for a bigger team.

Cesare Mannucci also claimed Red Bull may be back in talks with Middle Eastern investors about selling its second formula one team, the former Minardi outfit Toro Rosso.

NASCAR officials lowered the boom on the Penske Racing team and drivers Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano as well as their crew chiefs and cars chiefs for technical rules violations.

Six-race suspensions were imposed on crew chiefs Paul Wolfe and Todd Gordon as well as car chiefs, engineers and team managers. Wolfe and Gordon have been fined $100,000. Perhaps worse; both Keselowski and Logano were penalized 25 driver's points. Also 25 owner's points were levied against the two teams.

"Penske Racing received communication today from NASCAR regarding penalties they have issued against the No. 2 and No. 22 teams. Penske Racing will appeal utilizing the appropriate NASCAR process. We have no further comment at this time,” said a press release from the team.

Hefty penalties were also assessed against Martin Truex Jr. whose second place finishing Texas Motor Speedway car was found too low after the race. According to NASCAR “As a result of this violation, crew chief Chad Johnston has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 5. The team has also been docked six championship driver (Martin Truex Jr.) and six championship owner (Michael Waltrip) points.

MWR won't appeal. Their statement is: “Michael Waltrip Racing is sensitive to working within the guidelines of NASCAR policy. This infraction clearly occurred as a result of a malfunction caused by race conditions. Therefore, we will not appeal. We thank NASCAR for providing a fair and equitable platform for all of its competitors and respect its decisions.”

Also penalized was Truck Series driver Ron Hornaday Jr. has been fined $25,000, docked 25 championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation until June 12, for intentionally crashing into Darrell Wallace, Jr.

On Saturday evening before the NRA 400 NASCAR officials confiscated the rear end housings and other parts of both Penske Cars.

The nub of the penalty was that the rear end was somehow skewed or in NASCAR terminology “All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond normal rotation or suspension travel.”

After the race Keselowski told reporters that he felt his and Logano's team were being targeted for special treatment and he was frustrated. He also used some inappropriate language. On Monday NASCAR CEO Brian France said that there would not be any penalty for that outburst.