Auto News 5

From GMM

The 'T-word' was still the big topic of conversation as the F1 world congregated in Monaco on Wednesday.

But the big paddock whisper is that changes to Pirelli's 2013 tires will be only minor in Montreal next month and beyond.

According to the strong and widespread rumour, the only minor change will be to the rear tires -- which is good news for Ferrari and Lotus, and not-so-good for Mercedes and Red Bull.

"Anything else would be unfair," Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport. "You can't change everything just because some teams can't cope with the tires. We can live with the idea of stronger rear tires. I think that will help everybody."

The Finn is also quoted by MTV3 broadcaster: "The fairest thing would be to continue with the current tires, but I know there is a lot of pressure to change something."

It is believed teams will learn more about the rear tire tweak on Thursday.

Photo: Pirelli

In the meantime, the issue continues to divide the paddock. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso said Red Bull's complaining is just sour grapes.

"It sometimes happens when you win too easily for some years, it's difficult to lose some races after," he told English-language reporters.

In his native Spanish tongue, however, Alonso was even more blunt.

"I believe this year we are seeing that they (Red Bull) are not all angels. We saw it in Malaysia and now with these statements. When you win in an easy way for a few years, you can forget how to lose," the Spaniard added.

At the very same time, Red Bull's world champion Sebastian Vettel continued to boldly criticise the Pirelli situation.

He is quoted by SID news agency: "It's like a professional skier having to change for the following season to wooden skis.

"I don't want to speak ill of people," added Vettel, "but in this context they (Pirelli) need to do a better job. We have seen repeatedly that the surface of the tire comes off. This is because they are not good enough."

He is quoted by Italy's Autosprint: "None of us want our tread to come off in the tunnel."

However, Vettel rejects the idea that Red Bull is complaining more than any other team.

"I think you (journalists) would rather quote us than Marussia for example. But in the driver meetings I even hear Lotus complain that they have the same problem as us, but less extremely. So we're not the only ones complaining," the German added.

From Honda

Honda Performance Development officially opened its Indiana Tech Center Wednesday, in the Indianapolis suburb of Brownsburg, Indiana.

Driver-in-the-Loop [DIL] simulator technology has been employed successfully by HPD's sports-car racing program since 2007 at a facility in England. HPD's new Tech Center brings that capability to the mid-west, a location central to the American racing community.

A DIL Simulator can save racing teams both time and money, as extensive test programs can be run through the simulator, with the team's driver at the wheel and engineers monitoring “lap times”, prior to going to the expense and time-consuming process of actual on-track testing.

I-Way driving simulator (Photo: René Fagnan)

In the future, in addition to Honda-powered IndyCar and sports-car racing teams, the Simulator and HPD Tech Center facilities will be available for use by teams taking part in other series. HPD offers in-house engineering support for drivers and teams utilizing the DIL Simulator. Customized simulations can be established to meet the specific needs of the teams.

The HPD DIL Simulator provides a cost-effective means of testing chassis setup changes, aerodynamics, engine mapping and future development paths, prior to turning a wheel on the race track. It also allows teams to replicate and experience many on-track situations, including changing track temperatures, surface grip, air temperature and wind direction/strength.

From GMM

Pat Fry will return to duty for Ferrari this weekend in Monaco.

The great Italian team's British technical director had his appendix removed in a Barcelona hospital less than two weeks ago, forcing him to miss qualifying and the Spanish grand prix.

Mathias Bruner, the correspondent for German-language Speed Week, said 49-year-old Fry will also sit out Thursday's practice sessions in Monaco.

"But on Friday he will be in Monaco," he added, "and in the pits as usual on Saturday and Sunday."

Photo: GP3 Series

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Well-appointed cabin, comfort, reliability, nifty dynamics and the choice between rear wheel and all wheel drive...all much appreciated on the Infiniti G sedan.

Cons
A surplus of controls, excessive gas consumption and an ageing style are a few of the negatives.


Price
The all wheel drive G37x has an MRSP of $43,950. It's equipped with automatic transmission, temperature control, 7” colour monitor with rearview camera, leather seats and bi-Xenon headlights.

The Technology Package comes optional and includes voice recognition navigation system, intelligent cruise control and wifi audio. This options group has a $3,750 value.

The Premium Package, at $2,350, gets you the Infiniti Studio on Wheels® by Bose® Premium Audio system , USB iPod port, seat position memory and back-up sonar system.

The G37 Sport M6 comes with rear wheel drive, manual transmission, sport suspension, viscous limited slip rear differential, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, larger front & fear brake rotors and rearview monitor. For $2,950, you can add the voice recognition navigation system and wifi audio.

At $48,040, the G37x AWD Sedan Sport is equipped with Infiniti's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, sport steering wheel with solid magnesium paddle shifters and sport front seats. Only the Technology Package, offered at $3,750 is available for delivery for this model.

Fuel Economy
On the highway, all three models rate the same at 7.9 L/100 km. For city driving, the G37x and G37x Sport rate 11.8 L/100 km whereas under the same conditions, the G37 Sport M6 burns up 12.3 L/100 km.

Recent Change
The G25 model has been dropped from the 2013 line-up

Exterior Styling
Its rounded contours, fine horizontal-striped grille, foglights and rear spoiler all accentuate its sporty character. This sedan is the most sold model in our region.

Drivetrain
Under the hood the Infiniti G features a 3.7 litre V6 developing 328 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. For the AWD versions (the G37x and G37x Sport), 7-speed automatic transmission is available. The rear wheel drive G37 Sport M6 is equipped with 6-speed manual transmission.

Cargo Capacity
The Infiniti G provides 382 litres of trunk space.

Safety
Six airbags, preventive braking and vehicle dynamic and traction control systems protect all three G37 models.

Comparable Models
Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW Série 3, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz Classe C, Volvo S60

Photo: Infiniti

*References
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.314
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.336
http://www.infiniti.ca

Dale Jarrett and Maurice Petty lead the list of NASCAR's Hall of Fame Class of 2014 inductees which includes Fireball Roberts, Tim Flock, and Jack Ingram.

The voting was conducted in Charlotte by a voting panel of 54 individuals coming from the sanctioning body, track owners, retired drivers, media and others.

Photo: NASCAR

Petty, the chief engine builder at Petty Enterprises, becomes fourth member of the dynasty to be chosen for membership in the NASCAR Hall of Fame - following his older brother Richard, father Lee and his cousin Dale Inman. The man simply called “Chief” supplied the horsepower that propelled Richard Petty to a majority of his record 200 NASCAR victories, plus his seven NASCAR premier series championships and seven Daytona 500 victories.

Jarrett is son of another Hall of Fame Inductee, Ned Jarrett. Dale Jarrett won the 1999 Sprint Cup championship and is a three-time Daytona 500 winner and two-time winner of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway two of NASCAR biggest events. His 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories place him 21st on the all-time winner's list.

Odd as it sounds Glen Fireball Roberts got his nickname for his throwing arm in baseball, not for his racing accomplishments. His hard charging style made him the stock car based sports earliest superstars. During his career he often came up big in the biggest events, winning the Daytona 500 in 1962 and the Southern 500 in 1958 and '63. Overall, he won seven races at Daytona International Speedway, starting with the Firecracker 250 in the summer of 1959 - the year the speedway opened.

Tim Flock was a pioneer in the racing series which started in the southern states of the US. A two-time series champion his 39 victories puts him 18th on the all-time wins list. In 1955, driving Carl Kiekhaefer's Chrysler, he dominated that season, posting 18 wins, 32 top fives and 18 poles in 39 races. Flock's 18 wins stood as a single-season victory record until Richard Petty surpassed it with 27 wins in 1967. In those days in was common to race two and three times a week.

Jack Ingram was probably NASCAR's superstar in the junior series which is currently known as the Nationwide Series. Before the formation of the series, Ingram won three consecutive championships, from 1972-74, in its precursor - the Late Model Sportsman Division. When the NASCAR Busch Series was formed, he won the inaugural title in 1982 and again in '85. In his 10 years of competition in what was called the NASCAR Busch Series, Ingram had 31 wins, a record that stood until Mark Martin broke it in 1997. All but two of those wins came on short tracks.

Listen up, fellas: Are you at that point in your life where you want a hot new sports car while the significant other wants more -- er -- wholesome things like a family, a bigger house or some furry pets? Maybe all of the above?

Yikes!

Typically, this “starting a family” business gets in the way of that boy-racer pursuit of speed, power and go-fast goodies. Don't fret, with a hot hatch, you can have it all.

Models from Mazda, MINI, Ford, Subaru, Volvo, Volkswagen, and others are all available with the room drivers need for kids and pets and home renovation supplies, along with big-time performance, handling, and braking capabilities.

Most of today's hot hatches are turbocharged. All are fun to drive, and ready to use every day.

Best part? You don't have to tell the wife it's actually a sports car. Here's a look.

Model: VW GTI

Starting Price: $29,375

Overview: Without the GTI, there would be no hot hatches. This machine started the scene decades ago and paved the way for other models. The Volkswagen GTI packs selection and efficient, proven performance loved by thousands of enthusiasts the world over. Available in 3- or 5-door models with a standard turbocharged engine, adaptive headlights, Bluetooth, and a full suite of safety features, the GTI offers a just-right blend of the features and pricing today's family-oriented enthusiast shopper demands. You get 200 horsepower, even more torque, and an all-around package suited well to everyday use.

Pros: This former Canadian Car of the Year winner, as selected by AJAC, has proven it's got what it takes to win over Canadian drivers. The Volkswagen GTI is fuel efficient, comfortable, roomy, well equipped, affordable, and a total blast on a winding back road or track. Manual or Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmissions are available. Despite its 200 horsepower punch, the celebrated 2.0T powerplant in the GTI is able to turn in mileage below 7L/100km.

Cons: With 200 horsepower, the Volkswagen GTI isn't the fastest or most powerful hot hatch on the scene.

Noteworthy: Like shifting yourself? Pick the GTI's 6-speed manual transmission. Want a little taste of the world of racecars for your daily commute? The 6-speed dual-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission is for you. This optional piece of hardware operates like a conventional automatic transmission during gentle driving, though it can change gears in hundredths of a second via a set of steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.

Photo: Volkswagen

Continue reading Sports Car Comparison: The Hot Hatch

From GMM

Red Bull would be a "logical" move for Kimi Raikkonen, according to fellow Finnish driver Mika Hakkinen.

This week, Lotus' Raikkonen effectively confirmed rumours Red Bull has made him an offer for 2014, admitting he has "two options" for his next F1 contract.

Hakkinen, a former double world champion, said Red Bull would be a wise move for his countryman.

"We can see that Red Bull's situation is quite a lot stronger," the 44-year-old is quoted by Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

"If there is a place open there, then yes, I think it would be quite logical," added Hakkinen.

Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel on Bahrain podium. (Photo: WRi2)

But as Raikkonen pointed out, even moving to the team that has won the last three drivers' and constructors' championships on the trot is not a simple calculation.

"Of course, they have won a number of years in a row, but next year the rules are changing," he told MTV3. "It's a bit of a lottery who will make a good car and who will not."

From GMM

Mercedes on Thursday hit back at reports Lewis Hamilton racked up a huge damage bill after a jet-skiing stunt in Monaco.

A Swiss newspaper had said the 2008 world champion performed an extra-tight turn in front of a boat of photographers on Wednesday, deliberately soaking and damaging photo and TV cameras and mobile phones.

Blick journalist Roger Benoit said Mercedes had apologised and vowed to pay the $150,000 repair bill.

But a Mercedes source on Thursday insisted that the story was not the classic case of a celebrity lashing out at paparazzi.

Rather, Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were performing on jet-skis for a television film crew.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

And the claims about the cost of the damage to equipment was also wrong, the source said.

"The TV equipment is fine, as Sky themselves confirmed to journalists asking questions yesterday," said the source.

"One photographer who failed to protect his camera equipment got some water inside it. But not specifically from something Lewis did. As he is a freelancer, we will make the goodwill gesture of helping to repair/replace the equipment," he added.

Ford, saddled with high costs, falling sales and financial losses, will close its Australian car and engine assembly plants in 2016, ending almost nine decades of manufacturing in the country.

Leh Keen and the Farnbacher Racing team may have only completed 20 of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race over the weekend, but they gave us the best and scariest visual of the event by far.

2013 Ford C-Max Energi SEL

This plug-in version of the C-Max costs far more than the conventional hybrid, and we don't think it's worth it.

If you're keeping score at home, the price difference between the C-Max Energi and the regular Ford C-Max is exactly $4550. What does the extra money get you? A big surprise when you pop the C-Max Energi's optional power liftgate: 5.3 cubic feet of the cargo area is filled with a 7.8 kWh battery pack, charged exclusively by the plug located just beneath the A-pillar window insert. It's enough to power the C-Max, gas-free, for up to 21 miles.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi SEL - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi SEL - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

2013 Ford C-Max Energi SEL | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Gentex, a maker of rearview mirrors and electronics parts, said its CFO and vice president of finance has left the company but will remain a consultant with the supplier.

The Lola T-160 was first introduced to the public as a quarter-scale fiberglass model at a 1968 United States Road Racing Championship race.

We were stunned when the RM Auctions Villa Erba catalog thudded down on our desk a few weeks ago: The beautifully photographed, info-packed, 300-page tome --meant to entice well-heeled enthusiasts to the May 25 auction on the shores of Italy's Lake...

VL Automotive and Chinese Investment Group Wanxiang are looking to buy troubled automotive manufacturer Fisker. Maker of the curvaceous

Chinese business interests are again reportedly moving to buy financially crippled electric car start-up Fisker Automotive.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 First Drive

Trading eight for six and four

A couple of months after the launch of the V-8-engined Quattroporte GTS, Maserati will introduce the entry-level Quattroporte S powered by a new turbocharged V-6 engine. Maserati's entry level is still a pretty lofty level, with a price tag of just over $100,000, a 410-hp powerplant, and the same XXL footprint that measures 207 inches in length and 77 inches in width. Even with only six cylinders and 3.0 liters of displacement, the lesser Modenese luxury liner can keep up with such V8-engined rivals as the Audi A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the BMW 750i xDrive, and the Mercedes-Benz S500 4Matic. "That's my point, exactly," emphasizes a beaming Harald Wester, who runs the Maserati brand and is the senior engineer of the Fiat Car Group. "The new Quattroporte combines V-8 performance with V-6 fuel economy. The four-wheel-drive model accelerates in 4.9 seconds from 0-62 mph, reaches a maximum speed of 177 mph and averages 27 mpg . Thanks to the better traction, the all-wheel-drive version is 0.2 seconds quicker off the mark than its rear-wheel-drive counterpart." So why can't we have all-wheel drive with the V-8 GTS? "It's a packaging issue," explains Wester. "But we are looking at it."

Photo Gallery: 2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 First Drive - Automobile Magazine

2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 First Drive | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

A colleague who shall remain nameless asked, among fellow journalists, the rhetorical question during the European launch of the third generation IS: given the success of Audi, BMW and Mercedes on home European turf, why does Lexus bother?

Michael Stanton, a longtime lobbyist and a driving force for automakers in public policy, plans to retire as president and CEO of the Association of Global Automakers in early 2014.

Lotus is adding an Exige S Roadster to its lineup, based on the new Exige we saw at the Frankfurt auto show. Unfortunately the road-car version will not come to the United States.