Auto News 5

Pros and Cons*
Pros
With its impressive power, well-calibrated suspension and effective brakes, the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT is a commanding sedan.

Cons
Some buyers might be deterred by the sedan's heavy fuel consumption, large size and weight.


Price
The SRT Super Bee starts at $44,445. Equipped with a 470 hp V8 engine, the Super Bee features a 4.3 Uconnect system, four-piston Brembo brakes, performance suspension and 3-mode electronic stability control.

You can recognize this model by its black brake calipers, rear matte black spoiler, black grille with a Super Bee badge and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

With distinctive forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, air intake sculpted on the hood, a same-body-colour rear spoiler and red brake calipers, the SRT is available for $48,345.

This model features an active and adaptive suspension, keyless entry and remote start, ventilated front seats, high-quality speakers, rear backup camera, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls and paddle shifters as well as power pedal and seat controls.

Fuel Economy
This V8's fuel ratings are estimated at around 15 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 L/100 km on the highway. Thanks to the VVT feature and active valve exhaust system, the fuel economy of this brand-new HEMI engine has improved by 25%.

Exterior Styling
This striking and brawny 2013 Dodge Charger SRT, with its LED racetrack shaped taillights and high beltline, struts its stuff with quite the attitude. Its hood swoop and SRT-badged grille gives it a potent look.

Drivetrain
Coupled with a standard 5-speed transmission, the 6.4-litre HEMI V8 delivers 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Cargo Capacity
The expansive trunk can store up to 462 litres.

Safety
The sedan is equipped with seven airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, automatic brake drying and hill start assist, brake assist and active headrests on the front seats.

Comparable Models
Cadillac CTS, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS

Photo: Dodge

*References
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.210
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.242
Duval Jacques, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.209
www.dodge.ca

From Renault Sport F1

The Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix is run on a tricky and challenging street circuit located downtown Monaco. It's on this track that the F1 cars reach the slowest speed of the season!

Monaco Grand Prix
Length (km) 3.34
Average Speed (km/h) 153
Top Speed (km/h) 279
% of lap at full throttle 34
Fuel consumption (kilos per lap) 1.5
Fuel consumption (litres per 100km) 64

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Monte Carlo: three corners in detail

Sainte Devote to Casino Square
The distance from pole position to Sainte Devote is just 140m - the shortest run to the first corner we see all season and the pole sitter will reach it in a touch over four seconds. From pole there is not enough time for KERS to be activated, but cars starting further behind may choose to use it. After braking down to 105kph for Sainte Devote, drivers get quickly back on the power for the climb up through Beau Rivage to Casino Square. The circuit gains over 30m in altitude in 10secs so engine maps will be designed to work with short gear ratios to maximise acceleration and hit the rev limit at the top of the hill. There is a possibility to use KERS on this climb, but the steep gradient will reduce its effectiveness. In fact, overtaking here comes down to who can get the best acceleration out of Sainte Devote so particular care is paid to pedal and torque maps in this corner.


Grand Hotel Hairpin
From the Mirabeau the circuit suddenly descends in altitude down to the Grand Hotel Hairpin. The drop and almost 180° turn make it the tightest corner of the season. When the cars round the hairpin the engine is running at the lowest speed and revs it reaches on track at any point in the year; just 44 km/h and around 7,000rpm. The driver's pedal and torque maps must be completely on point and the driver may even declutch to avoid too much push from the engine, which could result in a surge and cause a collision with a car in front or the wall. Large chunks of time can be won or lost by correct mapping here.

Tunnel section to chicane
The tunnel section is the only chance the cars get to hit top speed apart from the short pit straight. The engine needs to have good acceleration here so the driver can reach top speed (‘vMax') quickly as the straight is only 670m from the exit of Portiers to the chicane, or around eight or nine seconds. The cars reach 290 km/h just before the braking point for the chicane so in theory KERS could be used, but principally only for defending rather than for overtaking as going off line is very dirty. This chance for the engine to ‘breathe' is important as there are very few opportunities for the engine to intake fresh air. It is however somewhat of a poisoned chalice - the enclosed nature of the tunnel means the air going into the engine through the airbox is extremely hot. The air is also full of dust and rubber chunks that cannot be blown away due to the roof and walls of the tunnel building.

A survey by Redshift Research for Kijiji shows that car buyers in Quebec primarily focus on reliability and fuel economy, while other Canadians put a car's image above all else -- excluding the price, of course.

Overall, here's what drivers look for when shopping for a new car:

• Price (69%);
• Reliability (69%);
• Maintenance costs (48%);
• Driving dynamics (39%);
• Make (29%);
• Interior design (26%).

Source : Kijiji

Do you believe cars have certain personalities? Do you feel any physical attraction to certain models? We do.

The front of a car obviously tells a lot about its character, but don't forget the rear: Some manufacturers go to great lengths to make it as sexy as possible.

Too often, automotive rears make our eyes bleed. Fortunately, we can take solace in these 10 gorgeous creatures that all manage to execute rear-end styling almost to perfection. As you'll find out, pricing has nothing to do with how sexy a car looks from behind.

Audi TT

Photo: Audi

Pick any model in Audi's lineup. We chose the TT for its perfect combination of retro and modern styling cues in it automotive rear. There's something about this car that appeals to us on another level, and the rear section certainly deserves much of the credit. The bulging fenders and never-ending rear window, combined with sleek LED taillights, help the TT make a unique, powerful statement.

Continue reading Top 10 Sexiest Automotive Rears

From GMM

Jules Bianchi thinks it is possible Marussia is on the verge of breaking into F1's midfield.

Since the team debuted as Virgin in 2010, the red and black cars have always occupied the last rows of the grid, and Bernie Ecclestone even wanted Marussia to merge with fellow backmarker Caterham ahead of the 2013 season.

And as recently as this week, F1's chief executive has proposed a 'customer car' rule be introduced.

"Ecclestone says the new rule would particularly benefit Marussia, F1's worst-performing team," F1 business journalist Christian Sylt wrote in the Express newspaper following his latest interview with the 82-year-old.

But, actually, Marussia - despite being locked out of F1's income-distribution Concorde Agreement by Ecclestone for now - is the faster of the backmarker teams so far this year.

That is thanks in part to the increasingly highly-rated skills of F1 rookie Jules Bianchi, who found his way onto the grid this year only after Luiz Razia's sponsor money dried up.

Jules Bianchi. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

The Ferrari-backed Frenchman also credits Marussia.

"The team has done a great job with the car, which is not as bad as people may think," Bianchi, 23, told Spain's El Confidencial.

"If we had a little more downforce we could be half-way down the grid, so we need to continue in this way."

It could be said that, with Bianchi currently clearly outpacing teammate Max Chilton, all the pressure is on his shoulders to help Marussia finish tenth this year -- giving the team crucial access to F1's official prize-money pool.

"I'm used to pressure anyway," Bianchi answered, "but it is true that it is very important for Marussia to end up in that position, even if it will be very difficult, as Caterham is in the same situation as us."

There is also pressure to impress Ferrari, who could be on the lookout for a new teammate for Fernando Alonso for 2014.

"I don't know," Bianchi said when asked about Felipe Massa's seat, "I have no idea and in this world you never know which way it's going to go. I'll just try to do my best and if they decide to call me up I won't say no, of course, but we're far away from that now."

Lotus has confirmed that the new Exige S Roadster will go on sale this summer in select markets. Unfortunately, Canada isn't one of them.

As the fastest Lotus convertible ever built, this car joins a strong lineup that currently includes the Exige S Coupe, Exige Cup, and Exige Cup R.

Powered by the familiar 3.5L V6 engine, the new Lotus Exige S Roadster generates 345 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 233 km/h (electronically limited). It rides on 17” front, 18” rear tires.

Customers in the U.K., Europe and Japan can now order their Exige S Roadster for a cool €55,378 (approx. $73,500).

Photo: Lotus

I love talking about car manufacturers. To me, they are living, breathing entities that have immense influence on our daily lives from the hundreds of car ads we see every day to our using and living with our favourite mode of transportation.

One of the most “alive” manufacturers over the last few years has been Kia. Because life is not always easy or rosy, we tend to move towards “things” that emit life, fun, and pleasure -- either through appearances or through promises. Kia exudes youth and possibility, two emotions that raise hope and well being.

Too philosophical? I don't think so.

Kia has, for many still, showed up out of nowhere. Almost as if by magic, more and more Kias started showing up on streets across the country; and then 78,000 new Kia cars were purchased in 2012. If we zoom out, off our continent, over 2.7 million units were delivered the same year. This is success.

What about 2013? Kia expects that at least 80,000 new cars will end up in driveways; and worldwide, over 2.75 million deliveries will take place.

In my books, Kia's rise to fame and fortune is explained principally through emotions. We humans are fickle creatures and as our humour changes, we latch on to things we like. These “things” are called trends and, like Starbucks and Whole Foods, Kia is a trending trend.

The genius behind the happiness and go-luckiness of Kia is, obviously, Peter Schreyer. As Kia's star began to rise, so did Mr. Schreyer's; in the process, he actually starred in many commercials for the brand.

He's managed to tap into our psyche and create what could be considered desirable pieces of art that appeal to young and old alike, and they've been made affordable. This is pure genius.

Schreyer joined Kia in July of 2006, and has not missed a beat since. Get this: it ain't over. Between now and 2017, 47 new or upgraded models (including the next Sportage) will find their way from drawing board to auto show floor to showroom floor.

And surprise of surprises, brand loyalty is strong with Kia owners. Why would it not be? If the company and Schreyer keep giving consumers what they want, they will keep coming back for more.

The fire within also has to do with passion, and the brand has much of that as well. Although their latest offering, the 2014 Rondo, did not blow me away, I've no doubt the pipeline is stocked to capacity with fantastic product to come.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

During the break between the Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 team co-owner Jack Roush reflected on the Roush Fenway Racing season so far.

But first he was asked about the loss of Matt Kenseth to Joe Gibbs Racing after a 17-year association. 

“I often told Matt that when he decided that we couldn't do what we needed to do for him, that I wanted to go out the door the same time he did,” said Roush. “He bolted before me, so that was a disappointment. I'm not unhappy for Matt and his success. I wish he would have been able to realize the same success with us. The Gibbs organization has jumped off to a fast start this year, clearly going to be a factor in the championship with most, if not all, of their cars and Matt's a part of that. I'm happy that he's not having a transitional year that would have left him in the lurch.”

Not that long ago the Roush organization, before it became Roush Fenway Racing had daunting array of five drivers in the Sprint Cup Series. NASCAR legislated it had to be reduced to four. And, now, due to sponsorship issues he has only three pilots in his squadron.

Roush Fenway Racing drivers in action for testing, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle. (Photo: NASCAR)

The loss of Kenseth to JGR made it possible to move up Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. who came off two-straight Nationwide Series' titles.

After 11 races the rookie Stenhouse has been running steadily in the top-20 putting him 16th in the points standings.

According to Roush “He's doing great and, of course, his young crew chief Scott Graves is doing great as well. It's the rookie season for both of them. Scott is doing a lot to anticipate Ricky's needs, and to be sensitive to his rookie status, as he is for his status. By the same token, Scott is an engineer - a mechanical engineer - and he has a better than average, crew chief average, sense for what's going on behind the scenes. It's made a really good blend of both of them learning what they need to learn on what they need to do to survive in this sport. Ricky's not giving up his aggression. He charges the corner faster than it would dictate most of the time.

Carl Edwards has been the Roush driver closest to bringing home a Cup championship since Kurt Busch won it in 2004. Edwards was finished second in 2008 and lost the title to Tony Stewart at the last race of 2011 in a tie-breaker.

Last year Edwards went winless, did not make the Chase and he split with long-time crew chief Bob Osborne. This year he's been working with veteran Jimmy Fennig who was Kenseth's crew chief last year.

“Jimmy Fennig doesn't suffer fools very well,” said Roush. “Some days, some ways, he doesn't really have as much patience for a rookie program or rookie circumstances as he might have. He's to the point where he expects to be productive; he expects to be able to use his experience. He struggles and is challenged by all the new ideas that engineering brings him. Happily, he's got two good engineers behind him that wind up backing him up; that traditional and conventional experience that Jimmy has, tailored with the engineering that we're able to bring to it, has been really good for Carl this year.

Carl Edwards and his Roush Fenway Racing crew. (Photo: NASCAR)

Carl has been more engaged this year than he was last year. (Former crew chief) Bob Osborne would put up for him on the plate, here's the answer for you, I've got it sorted out, trust me on this. Carl would. Jimmy and Carl have more of a give and take, where Carl says what he thinks, Jimmy says what he thinks, and they reach an accommodation somewhere in the middle.”

From GMM

Ross Brawn has hinted that Mercedes has just appointed his successor.

Briton Brawn, 58, is currently Mercedes' team principal, but big rumours this year had linked former McLaren technical director Paddy Lowe with that job.

Mercedes has negotiated Lowe's early release from his McLaren 'gardening leave', but in a statement the Brackley based team said the 51-year-old is the new executive technical director -- not team boss as was speculated.

"Ross Brawn will retain overall responsibility for technical and sporting matters," said Mercedes.

For the longer term, however, it might be seen that Lowe is now preparing to succeed Brawn.

Photo: WRi2

Ross Brawn hinted at that in the official statement, saying the transition from this year's V8 regulations to the turbo V6s next year is not the only challenge facing big teams.

"It is perhaps less obvious," he said, "that we will also see major changes for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, as development progresses with the new generation of car design and power unit."

And Ross Brawn told Italy's Autosprint this week: "Paddy and I will find a way to live together. Sooner or later I will retire, but first I want to see the fruits of the hard work."

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has admitted he is weighing up two offers to remain in formula one beyond 2013.

In the wake of his impressive return to the sport, the Finn's two-year contract with Lotus is now expiring.

The Enstone based team clearly wants to retain the 33-year-old former world champion, who has thrived under Lotus' laid-back regime.

But team owner Gerard Lopez admitted to PA Sport news agency this week: "If he could find a better car somewhere else, and he had an option to go there, then I'm sure he would consider it."

Raikkonen's other option could be Red Bull, who are not yet committing to Mark Webber beyond the veteran Australian's 2013 deal.

When asked how many options he has for 2014, former Ferrari and McLaren driver Raikkonen told Italy's Autosprint: "It depends. I would say that I have two, but in F1 you never know exactly."

"I've been here (in F1) long enough to know that the only thing that matters is finding the right situation for yourself," he answered, when asked how he will come to his final decision.

Photo: WRi2

Steve Robertson, Raikkonen's long-time manager, said it is obvious the cool Finn - nicknamed 'the iceman' - is the hottest property on the driver market at present.

"Kimi has done a brilliant job with Lotus so it's no secret that, at the moment, he is the hottest driver available for next year," he told Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat.

"You know what a good job a driver is doing when a team (Lotus) starts talking so early about next year," added Robertson. "I am not saying if there are more teams interested (in Raikkonen) but, for sure, a driver as competitive as Kimi is right now is always very much in the attention of all the top teams."

From GMM

Toro Rosso's anticipated switch from Ferrari to Renault power for 2014 and beyond will be announced imminently, the German magazine Sport Bild reports.

Paddock rumours for several months have hinted at the change, which would bring both of Red Bull's teams under the 'Renault powered' banner for the new V6 era.

In March, Renault Sport F1's Jean-Michel Jalinier admitted he was "negotiating with Toro Rosso".

Sport Bild says a deal for the supply of the French marque's new turbo power unit to the Faenza based team is now complete.

"It will be announced later this week on the edge of the Monaco grand prix," wrote reporters Bianca Garloff and Ralf Bach.

France's RMC Sport said French carmaker Renault SA's chief operating officer Carlos Tavares will be in Monaco this weekend.

Renault V6 turbo engine. (Photo: Renault Sport F1)

Here to win
I blogged fondly about Toyota a while back. In short, I said that the juggernaut that is Japan's No. 1 carmaker and (at times) the world's, will not sit back and watch the car industry go by without putting up a serious brawl.

I'd written this before I'd stepped foot in the new Avalon or RAV4, after having tested the latest Camry, Sienna and Highlander -- oh, and this other car called the Scion FR-S. With these experiences in hand, I knew full well that the 2013 Toyota RAV4 was going to be good.

From a mid- to rear-pack contender, the new RAV4 has skipped jail and gone straight to “go.” In one short week, I discovered a refined, somewhat good looking and well-sorted compact crossover that could likely hoist itself to the top of this category's hit list before the mid-point of this decade.


What is a Toyota RAV4?
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is one of the latest entrants in the hotly contested compact crossover segment. If I blur the lines slightly, and blend compact and midsize CUVs, they accounted for 6 out 20 of the bestselling vehicles in Canada for 2012. These things are big business.

The RAV4's lineup has been simplified this year where there is only one engine and two similar trims per number of drive wheels. A fully loaded AWD Limited model rounds out the available trims.

Technicalities
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 does without a V6 engine offering. The sole powerplant is a 176 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder shared with the Camry. Standard is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The only mechanical option is selecting between AWD and FWD.

Electric power steering and a fully independent suspension are part of the RAV4 right out of the box.

Entry level LE trim pricing begins at $23,790. The as-tested AWD Limited retails for $34,835 which includes the Technology Package.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 does without a V6 engine offering. The sole powerplant is a 176 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder shared with the Camry. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Driving the Toyota RAV4
Modern Toyotas are not renowned for their driving dynamics. I was therefore expecting a humdrum driving experience, but I was wrong. I will not tell you that the 2013 Toyota RAV4's ride and drive rivals those of a sporty car, but what I came across was very good.

The RAV4 turns out to be a mix of some of the best elements from numerous competitors. On the driving front, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 features (dare I say it?) some European flair? The suspension manages civilized road manners along with some fine handling characteristics.

Steering is well weighted and fairly precise. Best of all, I was pleased with the responsive brake pedal, something Toyota has struggled with in the past.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4's 4-pot is plenty powerful, being well matched to the transmission's gearing. From a standstill, acceleration is lively and full on; the 2.5L doesn't attempt to tear open your eardrums.

The tested Limited included a Sport and an ECO drive button. Although the ECO did little but choke fuel delivery; in Sport mode, the RAV4 seemingly gains 15 hp by my seat-of-the-pants gauge.

After a week's drive, my returned fuel consumption average was a reasonable 11L/100 km.

The tested Limited included a Sport and an ECO drive button. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Inside and Out of the Toyota RAV4
The current trend in this segment is taut and tall. The 2013 Toyota RAV4 fulfills the criteria once more blending visual cues from the Kia Sportage and a few others. The resulting shell is fine to behold, pushing neither the ugly or handsome limits.

The tested Limited does include niceties such as fog lights, 18” wheels and some brightwork which class it up.

The big news is the arrival of a conventional hatch replacing the previously mostly unappreciated out-swinging door with spare tire.

Stepping aboard the RAV4 is enlightening. Unlike the Sienna or even the Lexus RX 450h, the 2013 Toyota's cabin is modern. The dashboard is a Japanese copy of a German-designed Korean car's (Sportage, again) but works quite well here. My Limited even had stitched leather all over it...

The ergonomics are spot on save for a button or two that can be difficult to see/read at the very bottom of the centre stack.

The seats up front are rather comfortable providing a good grip on occupants. The rear bench is roomy, easily accessible, and the trunk is capacious.

The dashboard is a Japanese copy of a German-designed Korean car's (Sportage, again) but works quite well here. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Comparing the Toyota RAV4
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 did a small number on me. I'm a big fan of a few of the vehicles in this group -- namely the heavy-hitting Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan -- but I think the RAV4 matches them blow-by-blow.

From very old (2006-‘12) to very new, the RAV4 clearly has its work cut out for it, however, it has much going for it namely that it's a Toyota and that it is assembled in Canada.

From GMM

Mercedes' director trusts Pirelli to act fairly to all formula one teams.

Mercedes and Red Bull have been the most vocal about the Italian marque's controversial 2013 tires, causing Pirelli to announce significant changes for Canada next month.

But after Ferrari and Lotus hit back, the FIA intervened, making clear that Pirelli can only make mid-season changes for safety reasons, or with the unanimous agreement of all teams.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

"This is formula one," Mercedes' executive director Wolff told the Austrian news agency APA. "Everybody looks only for his own advantage, which is normal.

"Niki Lauda has said that it should be that the fastest wins, which is not us playing the game for ourselves, but for the fans.

"The rules however don't allow major changes during the season, so putting further pressure or lobbying Pirelli has no meaning.

"I think in the end Pirelli will not change so much during the season that a team will be advantaged or disadvantaged very much.

"Pirelli are too professional for that. We just have to learn to deal with the situation and these tires," he added.

However, Toto Wolff said he does see grounds for some changes, such as to prevent the sort of delamination issues seen at grands prix this year.

"Delamination is dangerous, so that is a safety issue. It's up to Pirelli to decide," said the Austrian.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Even changes in this area may not occur, however, because Pirelli's Paul Hembery insists the existing 2013 tire range is safe already.

"It's important to point out that these delaminations, which occur when the tread comes off, do not compromise the safety of the tires as the core structure of the tire is not affected in any way," he said.

The National Automobile Dealers Association and several automakers are reaching out with assistance to dealers and victims affected by Monday's tornado in Oklahoma.

The National Automobile Dealers Association and General Motors began reaching out Tuesday with assistance to dealers and victims affected by Monday's tornado in Oklahoma.

Major automakers and auto dealers told a Senate panel Tuesday that they remain opposed to legislation that would prohibit rental car companies from renting or selling vehicles that are subject to a federal safety recall.

Volkswagen plans to refit more than a quarter million 2009-12 diesel cars to prevent North American customers from mistakenly pumping gasoline into the fuel tanks.

Xbox fans who also dig racing rejoice: and#8220;Forza Motorsport 5and#8221; was confirmed today by Microsoft during their press release for its new console, the Xbox One.

The evolution of passenger-car tires begins with a company's racing division, as Goodyear, Firestone and the like spend millions of dollars in research and testing to ensure their tires are top performers on the track.

Remember when Toyotas used to be weird? Sure, they've been doing some marginal experimentation lately, bringing us one half of the Febreze