Auto News 5

Less than four weeks prior to the DTM season opener, ITR, the DTM promoter and the three manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz presented their new drivers, technical innovations and new regulations for the 2013 season.

The most important changes to the regulations for 2013 are the followings.

DRS
The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is a system that allows the drivers to adjust the rear wing from the cockpit during the race and thus increase their top speed. When a DTM driver is within two seconds from another driver in front of him on the main straight, his car will get a signal from the marshalling system from race control. The ECU of DTM partner Bosch informs the driver about the possibility to use DRS by means of a display and allows for the system to be enabled at the same time. Within the next lap, DRS can be activated once.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

By means of a pneumatic device, the angle of the control rear wing will be decreased by 15 degrees, meaning that the speed of the car on the straight will increase by five to seven km/h. In the first three and the final three laps of the race, as well as the first three laps after a safety car intervention, the system may not be used. The fan can clearly identify for which driver DRS has been enabled: the lateral endplates of the wing are moving, clearly visible, together with the rear wing.

Option Hankook tire
The option tire stands out from the regular DTM tire[/link] for a softer rubber compound and allows for lap times that are 1 to 1.5 seconds faster for a certain period of time. After this time, lap times considerably slow down. Every driver will get one set of these tires for the race only, which he has to use once. Within the first three and the final three laps of the race, no mandatory tire changes are allowed. Spectators can identify the option tire by means of a yellow marking on the sidewall.

Pit stop window
Like last year, two pit stops are mandatory during the race. Apart from the ruling that no tire changes can be made during the first three and the final three laps of the race, there is no longer a fixed pit stop window.

Qualifying format
As usual, qualifying consists of four heats, the only change referring to Q4 of the four fastest drivers. In the single-lap showdown for pole position, they now are allowed to use a fresh set of tires.

Tire choice
During the race, drivers can decide freely with which tires they want to start, the option tire or the standard tire. However, this decision has to be made and adhered to already after qualifying on Saturday.

Parc fermé
This season, work on the cars between qualifying and the race is strictly regulated. Warm-up on Sunday has been abandoned. After qualifying, cars are subject to parc fermé rules. Under surveillance of the DMSB, only limited maintenance work, determined before, can be carried out. In case additional work is required, this has to be applied for, but results into penalties, e.g. a start from the pit lane.

Four drivers are making their DTM debut this season. Ex-Formula 1 driver Timo Glock and Marco Wittmann are racing for BMW, Daniel Juncadella and Pascal Wehrlein for Mercedes-Benz.

Price Range: $47,478 and up

Description: Few Japanese sports cars are more instantly recognizable than Nissan's “Z car.” Born decades ago, the nameplate has entered 2013 more aggressive, stylish and more powerful than ever. Perfect handling balance, high-revving power and a taut, skin-tight body help create standout wow-factor for anyone driving or looking at the 370Z.

Of course, one way to make a great sports car even better is to take off its top, so Nissan offers their striking and attainable sports car in a roadster setup carrying forward a long line of drop-top Z models.

The 2013 model year sees the 370Z roadster fitted with new wheels, a new fascia and lights, and a new colour selection for improved value and flare. Best of all, its premium, fully motorized top retracts at the touch of a button, and can even be operated via the remote.


Drivetrain: Power on all models comes from Nissan's award-winning VQ-series V6 engine family. For 370Z duty, the 3.7L unit has been optimized to deliver a high-revving 332 horsepower punch en route to its furious 7,500 rpm redline. Aluminum construction and a VVEL cam-timing system teamed with dual intake tracts help the engine deliver lightweight, free-breathing performance. Every year, the Nissan VQ engine lineup makes the “Wards Ten Best Engines” list.

The 6-speed manual gearbox in the 2013 Nissan 370Z features a light but progressive clutch and short-throw shifter for easy gear changes, and a 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters can be specified.

Consider it if: you're after affordable access to a proven, highly validated performance car with pedigree, history and status.

Skip it if: you need a rear seat for the kids or you're a bigger guy or girl as the 370Z's cabin isn't friendly for generously sized folks.

Other Notes: Look for features like premium Bose audio, heated and chilled leather seats with 8-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, automatic climate control, push-button engine start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. From a trip to the track to a leisurely Sunday afternoon cruise, the 2013 Nissan 370Z roadster is built to entertain in comfort and deliver an atmosphere that's as luxurious as it is dynamic.

Don't Miss: the confidence of a roof designed for all-weather use. Should rain or even snow occur during your voyage, the Z's roof self-erects at the touch of a button in mere seconds, turning the machine into a weather-tight coupe. The fabric roof is insulated against the elements with numerous layers of material, while specially engineered seals help keep wind-noise to a minimum. There's virtually no penalty in terms of noise levels between the roadster and coupe models.

Driving enthusiasts won't want to miss the “SynchroRev Match” system fitted to the Z Roadster's manual transmission, which automatically throttle-blips downshifts perfectly as the clutch is released.

Photo: Nissan

As though the station wagon gods were listening in on my plea for more long-roofs (aka, wagons), Volvo recently announced at the ">New York International Auto Show that the super sexy and sleek V60 Sports Wagon will come to Canada by early 2014 as a 2015 model-year vehicle.

Colour me pink.

I have painted myself as a diehard station wagon lover over the years, and I'm beginning to think that my influence and passion for these cars is going to cause a resurgence. I mean, what is more hipster cool than a car that your grandparents drove to go with your plaid, button-up cardigan and smoke tree TS Catalina blue slim and straight pants?


Not your grandparent's wagon
The Volvo V60 is a modern station wagon and simply by looking at it, it's not a hard fact to believe. Its name is another indication as Volvo refers to it as a “Sport Wagon.” As well, the very-cool-in-my-books XC70 is presented as a CUV and not a station wagon; these are clear indications that the term “station wagon” remains taboo.

But again, to look at the 2015 Volvo V60 Sports Wagon is to gaze at a car that is as sleek as it is functional. Styling wise, the V60 displays exquisite lines that flow front to back effortlessly. Its short overhangs are indicative of handling; its bold front fascia of power, and rear of purpose. This is a beautiful car, much like the S60.

Diesel Plug-In Hybrid
The white example in the gallery is a Plug-In Hybrid D6 AWD which was one of the three finalists for Green Car of the Year. Sadly, it lost to the Tesla Model S, but its worth is undeniable.

As the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, it is rated at 48g/km carbon dioxide emissions, has an electric-only range of 50 km and hits 100 km/h in only 6.1 seconds. At the moment, this car is not slated for North America but Volvo says to never say never...

V60 for us
The Passion Red car is the one we can concentrate on. This is a T6 Polestar R-Design example and is something to behold.

Beyond the specifics (enumerated later) of the R-Design trim, the car will essentially look the same.

The first item to be discussed is the hatch which opens up to a sizeable trunk despite the V60's somewhat compact outer dimensions. Compared to the XC70, the angle of the back glass and rearward slopping roofline do influence trunk volume. It boasts a 430 litre capacity compared to 575 litres (XC70) and 495 litres (XC60). Either way, it's an improvement over the S60's 380 litres.

Along with more boot, the Sports Wagon includes intelligent seating where the rear bench can be folded down in three 40/20/40 segments. This makes the load area rather flexible for oddly sized items.

What remains untouched from the sedan is the beautifully appointed and very Scandinavian cabin. The seats are most noteworthy as they are, bar none, the best in the business. The dashboard features the same flowing yet block-like portions, and fit and finish is spot on.

When the Volvo V60 arrives next year, it will introduce new gauges called Adaptive Digital Display that will feature the ability to switch between three different types of displays.

Powertrain details are limited at this time, but we will get a number of 4-cylinder engines throughout Volvo's lineup in the future. More than likely, the V60 will be offered with two versions (T5 and T6) of a same displacement turbocharged engine. FWD and AWD will be on the docket.

R-Design
As shown in the pictures, the red 2015 Volvo V60 sports new R-Design touches including a new, more badass front face, sweet 19” Ixion wheels, and rear diffuser with unique R-Design tailpipes.

The next R-Design cars will also include improved seats (as though that were possible). The aptly named sport seats are a blend of black nubuck textile and perforated leather. An embroidered R-design logo with a blue R identifies them as such, although the large hip and shoulder bolsters are dead giveaways. I sat in them at the NYIAS and I confirm to you that they are sick.

R-Design also brings more power to the table thanks to Polestar. With it comes an extra 25 hp and 29 lb-ft of torque. The extra gusto is well received and quite potent, lowering 0-100 times by 0.3 seconds.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Timing
The 2015 Volvo V60 will likely make its Canadian premier at the Montreal Auto Show next January and show up in dealerships a little while later.

No pricing info is yet available; however, expect the base price of the V60 to be a grand or two higher than the S60 sedan.

The author, Anne-Chantal Pauwels was Francois Delecour's co-driver in the ‘90s when they both were a Ford works' team in the World Rally Championship. She still attends several WRC events, and she explains here how the role of the co-driver has changed dramatically over the past 20 years.

Three days of competition instead of five, 300-400 kilometres of timed special instead of 600, two recce runs... WRC co-drivers have to march to the beat of a well-oiled machine these days. No more improvisation!

François Delecour and Anne-Chantal Pauwels, Ford Sierra (Photo: Ford)

Technology has come a long way; co-drivers for instance are more efficient then when they had only a stop watch to work with. They did have to go on a diet though: the two men in the car can weigh no more than 160kg today.

Bottom line, the job of assisting a rally driver has changed over the last 20 years.

BEFORE THE RALLY
Maps are downloaded from the WRC's website. No more tracing lines and circling infinite towns on a map, which, with up to 38 stages on unlisted Portugal roads like we used to have was quite tricky.

How much time should you factor for service between stages? The answer is much less. In the old days, assistance crews had to travel thousands of kilometres in the middle of nowhere, having no GPS to guide us. Nowadays, mechanics are parked in dedicated "service areas" for the whole rally, and barely move over the course of an event.

VIDEO NOTES
Today, the two recce runs are filmed and thoroughly reviewed to iron out any mistake in the notes. In the 90s, when cameras weren't exactly what they are today, we drove up and down each stage as much as we wanted, at the wheel of an unmarked genuine rally car, sometimes up to 20 times.

Daniel Elena, co-driver of Sebastien Loeb at Citroen. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

DURING THE RALLY
Choosing tires between 20 compounds -- before each run! -- used to drive us nuts. How is the weather? How long is the stage? What's the surface like? Now, it's much easier. Today, 32 to 36 tires max are allowed; two compounds (soft or hard) for dirt, snow or tarmac, and only one tread pattern. It's not only cheaper, it's also simpler!

Technology has come a long way in helping out the men in the right seat. For starters, road-books have become so precise, they even include GPS coordinates! With mobile phones, co-drivers can relay feedback to the engineers minutes after the end of a stage. With the onboard computer they have access to "sector" times, and even get an idea of what their rivals are doing. Some cars are even equipped with satellite phone (Citroen DS3 and VW Polo WRC).

Some notes from Daniel Elena (Photo: Citroen Racing)

The days of waiting at the phone booth are definitely over...

Even though they're not out on their own out there, drivers and co-drivers don't have the physical help of mechanics between stages. Instead, they get trained, and change tires themselves between runs, and sometimes even adjust ride height.

Also over are the days of running 36-hour stages. In modern rallying, cars mostly run during the day and average lengths have dropped to 25 or even 15 kilometres. Numbers too have dropped: from 44 stages in Greece during the 90s, today rallies total about 12.

Meal plans are not what they used to be either. Every team member can now enjoy decent meals in the paddock.

Last but not least, punching in at a checkpoint can be done in the comfort of the car. With the exception of France, co-drivers don't have to get out of the car anymore. Instead, timekeepers come to you. Looking back, this one could actually be the biggest step forward in the world of rallying...

Anne-Chantal Pauwels, co-driver Ford. (Photo: Archives Anne-Chantal Pauwels)

Price Range: $21,130 and up

Description: Designed to turn heads and excite driving enthusiasts on a budget, the Scion tC hits the road for 2013 with a variety of sporty touches, instantly identifiable styling and a whole plethora of possibilities for customization.

From the outside, the 2013 Scion tC looks assertive, muscular and street-smart thanks to touches like a deep front bumper, chiseled greenhouse, and a planted stance. A sunroof, chrome exhaust tip and spoiler add to the tC's sporty flare.


On board, drivers are treated to a slick Pioneer audio system with integrated Bluetooth phone, sport seats, plenty of at-hand storage and bright, clear and easy-to-read instruments. Perforated leather covers the steering wheel on select models, and upgraded speaker systems are available for audiophiles.

Built by the Toyota sub-brand, Scion, the tC also boasts a proven reputation for reliability and owner satisfaction. All models are two-door, front-drive sport coupes and compete with the likes of the Kia Forte Koup and Honda Civic Coupe.

Drivetrain: The 2013 Scion tC comes powered exclusively by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) technology to ensure free-breathing performance and maximum fuel efficiency. The all-aluminum engine runs a 10.4:1 compression ratio and generates 180 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A robust 173 lb-ft of torque backs drivers up for quick off-the-line launches.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is available.

Consider it if: you're after a machine with an exhaustive array of factory or dealer-installed custom options. Scion is a brand built around an array of highly customizable products, and the tC is one of the most popular. It's a sport compact that drivers can truly make their own. Also, with one-pull access to the rear split-folding seats and a generous trunk, the 2013 tC is ready to transport four adults and their gear as required.

Skip it if: you want an up-level engine or all-wheel drive, as neither is available.

Other Notes: Like all Toyota products, the Scion tC is fitted with the STAR safety system, which includes six active safety technologies as standard equipment. The Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). The various systems all play a role in maintaining driver control on any surface, helping to avoid accidents from taking place. They make sure you're always fully in control of your tC.

Don't Miss: the 2013 Scion tC RS 8.0! Painted in an exclusive “Absolutely Red” paint and fitted with red interior accent stitching, a rear valence, an exclusive spoiler, centre-mounted exhaust, and a numbered badge, the RS 8.0 takes exclusivity to an all new level. Only 125 are available for Canada.

Photo: Scion

Prefer to create your own tC? Don't miss the accessories catalog. Look for interior upgrades, leather seats, wheel and tire packages, body kit parts, a short-shifter kit, light upgrades, stripes and wraps, stereo systems, intake and exhaust kits, and plenty more.

In a recent interview posted on Lotus F1 Team's web site, technical director James Allison explained why the great tire debate makes for pleasurable reading...

A few teams, including Red Bull Racing have suggested that this year's tires are too big a step from those of 2012.

“Not really; they're just one step softer all round than last year and the new construction makes it harder to access the rubber on the inner corner of the tire,” said Allison.

“In other words, the available rubber is reduced as it's very tricky to get the entire width of the tire in contact with the road. Certain teams are keen for a switch back to last year's rubber, but teams will always push for what's in their best interest. We feel the current tires makes for entertaining racing, but then we would say that as our car tends to prosper when the tires are tender,” he explained.

Photo: WRi2

The circuit of Shanghai, scene of the next Grand Prix this weekend will offer the teams a new challenge.

“China presents quite a different challenge to the last two circuits. Melbourne has a lot of medium speed corners with relatively few at either end of the scale, while Sepang has a reasonable spread; perhaps slightly biased towards the more high speed corners than average. Shanghai by contrast has almost no high speed corners, featuring predominantly low speed ones with a smattering of medium,” said Allison.

“Some of the lower speed corners are also extended in their radius, even with tightening arcs. This provides quite a stern test for the tires, as you have a significant excess of torque over grip making it very easy to wreck a set of rear tires rather quickly. It's generally quite cool in Shanghai as well - unseasonably so last year - meaning that graining will be an issue once again; particularly given the smoothness of the asphalt which is comparable to that of Melbourne,” he added.



Allison also explained that Romain Grosjean's E21 will be updated to the latest specs for the Chinese race.

“We'll be upgrading Romain's car to the latest spec exhaust and related bodywork as run by Kimi (Raikkonen) in Malaysia. We also have a few small tweaks to the front wing, rear wind endplates and sidepod vanes. One of the benefits gained from the new exhaust package is an increase in rear downforce through corners where the ratio of exhaust speed to car speed is high, which tend to be the lower speed corners. This is a good step forward which we hope will aid us in protecting the tyres at this kind of circuit,” Allison explained.

From Hyundai

Since the appointment of Team Principal Michel Nandan in January, Huyndai Motorsport has focussed not only on building its bespoke facility in Alzenau, Germany and getting the i20 WRC ready for intensive testing later in the year but also on consolidating technical, sporting, and marketing sides the team.

With new key appointments in all of these areas, the team is now operating at full speed while continuing to grow rapidly.

Photo: Hyundai

Engineering
The technical department has seen constant evolution since the beginning of the project. Involved in the project since its inception, Chief Designer Bertrand Vallat has been working on the i20 WRC design since December, and leads the engineering project. The Frenchman's most recent role was at Peugeot Sport where he was actively involved in the best-seller 207 S2000.

Newly appointed Stephane Girard, joined Hyundai Motorsport as Engine Manager - another core role in the team. Stephane carries an extensive know-how of motorsport which he has gained over the years working for various teams including Peugeot Sport, Maserati Corse, Subaru World Rally Team - Prodrive and Citroen Sport.

Sporting
Alain Penasse will be appointed Team Manager as of April 22, playing an essential role in the daily management and development of the team. The 51-year-old Belgian arrives with extensive rally experience thanks to previous involvement with teams such as Toyota Team Europe and Peugeot Sport, with tyre manufacturer Michelin and as organizer of Rally Ypres.

Workshop
Headed by motorsport specialist Ernst Kopp - formerly involved with Toyota's rally, Le Mans then the F1 projects - the workshop is where all the action happens. After building it from scratch, Ernst is now recruiting experienced technical staff to ensure the i20 WRC is in top-form for testing in the second half of the year and competing next year.

Mark LaNeve, former top North American marketer at General Motors and ex-head of Cadillac, has taken over as president of the Lincoln brand's ad agency.

Automakers are offering cut-rate financing, cash back and lease deals just as our income-tax-refund checks are coming in the mail.

GM's Holden division will cut about 500 jobs in Australia, saying the strong local dollar and currency devaluations in competing markets had made operations in the nation among the most expensive in the world.

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Driven

The smallest Buick gains big power.

The Buick Verano is quiet. There is very little engine noise. There is very little road noise. There is very little wind noise. More than any other aspect of the Verano, the silence tells you that this model has ambitions as an entry-luxury machine. Now Buick has added a turbocharged model, which is available with a six-speed manual transmission. This powertrain might have made the Verano into a sport sedan -- but again, Buick is speaking very softly.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Buick Verano Turbo Driven - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Buick Verano Turbo Driven - Automobile Magazine

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Driven | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Bugatti placed this teaser shot on its Facebook page Monday with a cryptic quote.

General Motors expects this month's launch of the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala to boost sales of the tired nameplate and help revitalize the overall large-sedan segment.

Also in this episode: Corvettes take Grand-Am win; Toyota disgruntled over Big Three's truck towing standard.

Johan van Zyl has been appointed CEO of Toyota's operations across Africa, one of two non-Japanese executives now tasked with heading a region, along with Jim Lentz in the US.

Ford has started decommissioning its assembly plant in the Philippines following the company's decision to downgrade its operations in the country into a purely trading operation.

Imagine if you were to wake up tomorrow, flip on the morning news, and discover that during the previous night, 3,092 people veered over a cliff to their deaths.

Hong Kong is not the place to be if you want a decent warranty on your new car, according to the South China Morning Post.

Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech's wife looks set to join the supervisory board of Audi in a move by the controlling Piech-Porsche family to solidify its sway over Europe's biggest carmaker.

Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech's wife looks set to join the supervisory board of Audi in a move by the controlling Piech-Porsche family to solidify its sway over Europe's biggest carmaker.