Auto News 5

A long-distance debate last week between two CEOs -- Ford's Alan Mulally and Nissan-Renault's Carlos Ghosn -- reignited a hot-button debate in the industry over the value of the Japanese yen.

General Motors' speedy revision of the slow-selling Chevrolet Malibu reflects the company's new determination to fix problems quickly when they arise, rather than letting them linger until the next scheduled change.

The Obama administration's proposal for low-sulfur gasoline is a boost for automakers trying to comply with stricter emissions standards.

When it goes on sale this summer in California, the 2013 Fiat 500e electric car will come with an unusual standard feature: another vehicle. 500e buyers may use rental vehicles for up to 12 days a year for free.

Toyota is weighing a major shift in positioning for its struggling Scion brand: moving upscale to target entry-level luxury models coming from European makes.

Chevy's performance division is on a roll. And GM plans an advertising campaign to spread the word.

Not only is Kia benchmarking BMW and Audi; it is crawling out of the shadow of its bigger corporate sibling, Hyundai.

Thirty years ago, Japan Inc.'s formidable battery of domestic auto plants seemed ready to conquer the world. But in a dramatic reversal, the Japanese are tensely witnessing the decline of the auto industry on their own turf.

After battling Hurricane Sandy last fall, the blizzard that paralyzed New York City in early February and the spring snowstorm that swiped New Jersey early last week, residents in the Northeast are weather-weary. Dealers, too.

The 2014 Cherokee, the first Fiat-based Jeep, offers a long list of conveniences, such as automatic parking and an 8.4-inch center-stack screen, but it also has four-wheel drive available for off-roading Jeep loyalists.

It wasn't long ago that gasoline was the only fuel a Porsche could use. Today, the powertrain options at the Volkswagen Group subsidiary include diesel, gasoline-electric hybrid and, soon, plug-in hybrid.

The reigning triple world champion answered a special questionnaire conducted by the official Formula One website.

The sportsperson I most admire is...
Sebastian Vettel: Michael Schumacher, as I know him best. It could also be Michael Jordan, but I have never met him so I'll stick to what I know.

The best actor in the world is...
SV: John Travolta.

The most memorable overtaking move of my career was...
SV: Many - some from way back, some quite recently...

Photo: WRi2

My favourite song of all time is...
SV: It depends on the mood. If I really have to pick one, Back In Black.

The best thing about the off-season is...
SV: Being home.

The worst haircut I ever got was...
SV: My short hairdo at the beginning of 2007!

The last time I lost my temper was...
SV: I lose my temper over small things - but calm down again very fast. A well-tempered personality...

My first pet was...
SV: The family dog - a Dalmatian by the name of Floyd.

My most treasured possession is...
SV: My memory.

The funniest person I know is...
SV: In terms of humour, Bernie Ecclestone.

Sebastian Vettel and Bernie Ecclestone. (Photo: WRi2)

My favourite drink is...
SV: Red Bull and apple spritzer.

You would never catch me wearing...
SV: Nothing.

The best excuse to give your team boss after crashing the car is...
SV: I am always honest - even to my disadvantage...

The last time I lost something was...
SV: I ‘almost' lose things - recently I thought I'd lost my wallet, but hadn't. Even more recently I thought I'd lost my passport, but hadn't...

My favourite holiday destination is...
SV: Home.

My favourite time of the day is...
SV: Morning.

The strangest rumour I've ever read about myself is...
SV: That I had bought an Alp in Austria. And that I had signed for Ferrari.

The best present I've been given by a fan is...
SV: A drawing - of me and my car - from a fan at this year's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The best cure for a hangover is...
SV: Water.

Price Range: $36,300 to $65,800-plus

Description: All-American value, performance and drop-top style converge on the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible lineup, which represents a wide range of options for performance car shoppers.

The new Camaro Convertible, which launched for 2011, boasts a fabric top with an acoustic headliner for reduced noise levels, as well as an easy-to-use single-latch release mechanism. Once the latch is pulled to its “open” position, the push of a single button lowers the windows and lowers the roof. Best of all, the process can even be carried out at low speeds, for instance in parking lots or at intersections.


Engineers reinforced the Camaro's body structure to compensate for the natural reduction in rigidity suffered by other convertible models. This occurs when removing a vehicle's solid roof, which makes the vehicle's body weaker and can negatively affect handling and performance.

Built on the same platform as the Camaro Coupe, this top-optional model boasts the same high-efficiency powertrain lineup, striking looks and unique features -- including a Head Up Display (HUD) and OnStar.

Heated leather, navigation, remote access, 20” wheels, remote start, and numerous other goodies are all available on the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible. Full Bluetooth integration handles both phone calls and audio playback from supported devices.

Drivetrain: Choices, choices: Starting the 2013 Camaro Convertible powerplant lineup in “RS” grade is the automaker's 3.6L V6 that was recently recalibrated to turn in 323 horsepower. On “SS” models, drivers get a 6.2L V8 that generates up to 426 horsepower. The extreme-performance Camaro ZL1 Convertible gets a supercharged 6.2L V8 good for a whopping 580 ponies.

All models are rear-wheel drive, and all can be specified with a 6-speed transmission in the driver's choice of automatic or manual.


Consider it if: you're after a convertible that's big on recognition, offers plenty of selection, and the added confidence of top-notch fuel-efficiency ratings and safety features. As a four-seat convertible, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro is also ideal for couples with kids (or grandkids), or anyone needing more room than a two-seat roadster.

Skip it if: you're after something extremely small, light and nimble. Though the Chevrolet Camaro offers plenty of grip and handling prowess, it's a big, heavy car and drives like one.

Other Notes: the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro's convertible top was opened and closed more than 22,500 times in development. That figure represents three times the use expected in a typical 10-year period. Some of the open/close cycles were performed in extreme conditions, with temperatures ranging from minus 30°C to 77°C and humidity up to 95%!

Don't Miss: The new 1LE package! Designed for motorsports use, it fits a special version of the Tremec manual transmission with gear ratios selected for road racing. The transmission is also fitted with an air-to-liquid cooling system for track use. Bigger stabilizer bars, ZL1-spec wheel bearings and shock mounts, and a flat-bottom steering wheel are also fitted for added track-day handling, durability and flare.

Photo: Chevrolet

From WRC

FIA appointed the South Korean manufacturer to take over Pirelli, the sole supplier one 2011 and 2012.

Hankook will provide tires from its Ventus Z range for tarmac rallies and Ventus R range for gravel events. Both types of tires have tread patterns specially designed for front-wheel-drive cars.

As part of the deal, the Junior WRC crews will receive training sessions with Hankook engineers to learn about the tires' differing performances and handling characteristics, as well the importance of tire management.

"Hankook Tire, with its history of supporting motor sport at all levels, will help the next generation of rally drivers to develop and progress through rallying's ‘ladder of opportunity'. We look forward to working closely as we seek to further improve this already successful series," said FIA Rally Director, Jarmo Mahonen.

The 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship takes in six European rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship, and starts with the Rally de Portugal in April.

Photo: JWRC

Here's why: Car sales are predictable.

Think of how many Civics/Mazda3s/Corollas you see on the road on a daily basis, then consider that collectively those three makes made up for 15,000 of the cars sold across Canada in the first two months of 2013.*

So 15,000 more of those particular models took to the streets in just two months across this great nation; no wonder I can tell you what car you own without you telling me a thing. I'm not psychic. I just pay attention to my surroundings.

Car sales are predictable because the people who buy certain makes/models are always the same. Sure, call it stereotyping, but you know I'm right. Let's look at a few examples.

If you were a 20-something recent university grad who'd just bought your first car (and you were a girl), I'd guess Mazda3, either white or blue. My second choice would be a Honda Civic if the Mazda was wrong (but I doubt it). Live out West; particularly in the Prairies? I'm gonna say you purchased one of the 14,000 Ford F-150s sold in the first two months of 2013. Yes, that many. Have a growing family or three or more children? You own a Grand Caravan (of which 6,000 were sold already). Early to mid-30s, in the business world, just recently married, middle class? You own one of the 4,000 VW Jettas sold.

It's really not a hard game to play. Just because I'm in the industry doesn't make me any more of an expert. Car sales have become predictable because we the public have let them get that way. We're easy to manipulate, easy to control; and the automakers know that.

That's why 6,000 Corolla/Matrixes were sold even though they've seen very little change over the years, and why 3,000 RAV4s left the lot, even though the 2013 just became available.

Have we become too predictable? Or are manufacturers clearly offering too many choices seeing as we always go for the same thing anyways? With Acura showing sales in the single digits for the ZDX (only 8 sold across Canada in January and February combined), it makes you wonder why they even sell it to begin with.

Like going out for dinner and always ordering the penne Romanoff (no matter what restaurant you go to), it seems a little bland and boring, no?

In the first two months of 2013, across Canada, 198,786 cars/trucks drove off dealer lots (and interesting to note that of that total approx. 85,000 were cars and over 113,000 were trucks). That's a lot of vehicles, yet not a lot of variety.

On the one hand, I offer my kudos to manufacturers for continuing their sale trends and keeping their customers. On the other I wonder if Canadians need a bit of a shakeup (from the likes of EVs, more microminis, something other than a crossover, manual-only models, etc.) so we can start thinking outside the Mazda3-shaped box (particularly in Quebec)...

2012 Mazda3 GS (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

*Car sales stats from Automotive News Data Center and Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada

From Lotus F1 Team

With the 2013 Formula 1 season already in full flow, there's no time to relax as the team prepares for the next double-header in China and Bahrain. Race Team Manager Paul Seaby gives us his view on a busy start to the year...

Here we are, back at base following the first two rounds of the season; how have things gone for the race team so far?
The work produced by the race team over these past few weeks has been fantastic. This was most notable in Malaysia where we had to remove the gearboxes from both cars after qualifying, in addition to carrying out repairs to the bodywork and floors. That the drivers were able to go straight out and comfortably completed a race distance - without any install laps to check over these repairs - demonstrates what a thorough and effective job the crew managed to do under a great deal of pressure.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21. (Photo: Wri2)

Pit stops were a bit of a mixed bag during the last race; how are these coming along?
You're right; for some reason as a team we lost our mojo a little over the Malaysia weekend. On Friday our practice stops were as good as they ever have been, but from Saturday onwards we were struggling to string good stops together. The switch from wet to dry conditions and subsequent front wing flap adjustments didn't help, but even taking that into consideration it still wasn't our best weekend. We have to take that on the chin, put everyone through their paces with some more practice at Enstone, and work hard to get back to where we should be and deserve to be. Similar to a football team; when we are good praise is due, and when we aren't we need to face up to that as a unit, work hard together and get ourselves back on song.

Next stop China; what are the biggest challenges in terms of turning things around between these flyaway races?
The priority on pack up is efficiency; getting everything dismantled and shipped off in the most effective way possible. In Australia we were held up by a couple of hours in the aftermath of the win; but that's certainly not a delay we'll ever complain about! Believe it or not, the biggest hurdle we faced heading away from Malaysia is the damp. If any metallic equipment gets packed into the freight without adequate cleaning and protection it will be rusted by the time it arrives, and corrosion of course breaks parts.

Speaking of the Malaysian climate, how tough is it for the team to maintain peak performance levels in those levels of heat and humidity?
It's tough going without doubt. We make sure everyone is kept hydrated by packing in plenty of water and supplements, but no matter what your fitness levels, working in a garage which sits at around thirty-five degrees is hard work; particularly when the cars are fresh from the track and kicking off extreme levels of additional heat.

Photo: WRi2

Is there one thing that stands out to you as a highlight in terms of the team's performance thus far in 2013?
For me, the biggest positive has been the manner in which the team has reacted to any issues which have arisen. The way we operate as a unit - identifying, reporting and resolving problems with the car - has been top notch. From the team back at Enstone helping us work through each issue, to the crew at the track who have worked their socks off to get the cars built; everyone has put in a sterling effort to give both drivers a package that is not only competitive, but reliable over a race distance.

What are the priorities heading into the next double-header?
One of the main objectives is to make sure both drivers have the latest parts available to them. Romain of course was running without the latest spec exhaust system and related bodywork in Malaysia, and there will be further additions to come for both cars on top of that. We're also aiming to get more from the car in qualifying trim. We know the E21 is strong in terms of race pace, but it goes without saying that better grid positions give the drivers a better chance of achieving top results. If we can bring everything together, there's a good chance we'll be competitive again in China.

Team Marussia already has signed two new sponsorship deals with Russian companies this season.

"Everyone knows that we have the smallest budget of all the teams in Formula One, and quite frankly, I'm proud of that," Andy Webb told Reuters after formally signing the contract in Moscow. "It costs us 1.25 million pounds ($1.89 million) per week just to stay in Formula One, to maintain this level. Obviously if you want to move up you need a much bigger budget."

The deal was announced before the Australian season-opener on March 17 and Liga Stavok brand is already on the MR02 car. The Marussia's chief executive officer did not reveal the financial details of the one-year deal with Liga Stavok, a betting company. However Andy Webb saw it as just the start of many good things to come from this country.

With Sochi staging the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in 2014, experts predict that more and more Russian companies will want to get involved in the Formula 1.

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

"It is a critical time for Marussia so any sponsor is good news but adding a Russian company is a much more significant factor for us than any amount of money it could bring. The first one is always the most important and I'm glad that Liga Stavok has made that historic breakthrough because it's always tough to get into Formula 1," added Webb.

Marussia announced also an agreement with currency brokerage InstaForex, another Russian partner, who become an official supplier and had branding on the car at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"Right now Russia's interest into Formula One is very low but it will undoubtedly grow bigger and bigger. We've been trying to bring more of Russia into Formula One and more Formula One into Russia," said Andy Webb, whose team looks more competitive than in the three previous years.

"Obviously I can't bet on Formula One races but if I was a betting man I would bet on us beating Caterham this season. I would also recommend placing a bet on Marussia scoring their first point this season," he added with a big smile.

From IndyCar

Since 1997, Dallara has designed and built chassis for teams competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series. This weekend at Barber Motorsports Park, Dallara will mark its 200th IZOD IndyCar Series victory. A commemorative trophy will be presented to the winner.

Gian Paolo Dallara, who founded the company in 1972, deflects accolades to talented individuals who see a project through from concept to completion in a team setting. Nonetheless, he's most proud that the company's name is respected in motorsports across the globe.

ID Plate Dallara. (Photo: IndyCar)

"It seems Dallara and IndyCar have been together forever," said Andrea Toso, head of research and development. "In racing, that's a long marriage. It's a lucky marriage, a good marriage. It's well beyond the business relationship. Usually you measure by profit. Here, you go beyond the business."

Dallara has been the sole chassis supplier to the series since 2006, and will supply the current car through 2016.

Added Stefano De Ponti, head of Dallara operations in the United States: "When Dallara and IndyCar met in 1997, we established this relationship that has lasted many years. We went through these battles against other important manufacturers (G Force and Riley & Scott) and here we are. We celebrate the victory 200 and it's a remarkable point."

"It's a technical relationship, business partnership, but mainly on a human being relationship," De Ponti added "You have professional ethics on both sides and we carry on under these principles the way we think, the way we progress with the good of the sport top of mind. I've been in motorsports basically all my life and it's a personal satisfaction, and thinking not of the results that have been achieved but thinking of the job that has been done and satisfied for people on both sides. It will be good stimulation to move forward and achieve another 100 victories."

Photo: LAT/IndyCar

Victories by the numbers
1st -- Jim Guthrie at Phoenix for Blueprint  Racing (1997)
50th - Scott Sharp Twin Ring Moetgi for Kelley Racing (2003)
100th - Tony Kanaan at Twin Ring Moetgi for then-Andretti Green (2007)
150th - Will Power at Sao Paulo for Team Penske (2010)
175th - Marco Andretti at Iowa Speedway for Andretti Autosport (2011)
199th - James Hinchcliffe at St. Petersburg for Andretti Autosport (2013)

Most wins by team
Team Penske - 56

Andretti Autosport - 44

Target Chip Ganassi Racing - 42

Most wins by driver
Scott Dixon - 23
Dario Franchitti - 21

Helio Castroneves - 21

Of note
Wins in first year: Three (Jim Guthrie, Phoenix; Buddy Lazier, Charlotte; Eliseo Salazar, Las Vegas)
First Indianapolis 500 Mile Race victory: Eddie Cheever Jr. (1998)