Auto News 5

Based on documents submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Jaguar may name the all-wheel-drive compact crossover it has in the works the XQ, and call a new compact sedan the Q-Type, according to news reports.

Jaguar is rolling out a plan to refurbish its U.S. dealerships in preparation for a wave of new products. Regional Jaguar teams are going "door-to-door" to discuss the new corporate identity standards, starting with about 50 older stores.

Olivier Francois, chief marketing officer for Fiat and Chrysler, has helped rehabilitate Chrysler Group's image since its 2009 bankruptcy. Chrysler has racked up 37 consecutive months of year-over-year U.S.

A surprise policy shift in China is expected to give a boost to VW Group, GM and other foreign automakers planning to expand in the world's largest car market.

Taking just five years rather than the original 10-year period, Tesla Motors could become the first automaker to repay its loan awarded under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program that was implemented by U.S. President Barack Obama in 2009.

The company, which made a payment of about $13 million in the first quarter of 2013, said that proceeds from selling 2.7 million shares (valued at $249 million at Wednesday's $92.25 closing price) and $450 million in convertible senior notes due in 2018 will go to pay off its $465 million loan with interest and fund other operations.

Tesla's market capitalization totalled $10.62 billion as of Thursday's close, higher than the $8.6 billion for Fiat S.p.A., majority owner of Chrysler Group.

Nissan, Ford, and Fisker Automotive also received a loan from the federal government in 2009. However, Fisker is now at risk of bankruptcy after missing a payment in April.

Source : www.autonews.com

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

It will be at least June before anything more is known about Bernie Ecclestone's bribery charges.

It is believed F1's 82-year-old chief executive has been charged by Munich prosecutors regarding his payment of $44 million some years ago to now jailed former banker Gerhard Gribkowsky.

But a spokeswoman told German news agency DPA that the district court will not make a decision about how to proceed with the charges "within three to four weeks".

She would not comment further.

A new U.S. study to be presented at an emergency medicine conference claims that the driver of an SUV is as much as 10 times more likely to survive in a head-on collision with a passenger car.

“The overwhelming majority of fatalities occur in the smaller and lighter of the two vehicles,” explains Dr. Dietrich Jehle, a professor of emergency medicine at New York's Erie County Medical Center, and one of the authors of the new study conducted by the University of Buffalo.

If the passenger car has the better rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a driver is still four times more likely to die. If the SUV has the better rating, that jumps to 10 times.

Researchers say even when a small SUV impacts a large passenger car, the driver of the SUV is more likely to survive because their truck is more likely to “ride over” the car.

According to Dr. Jehle, the larger SUVs now in production are “some of the safest cars on the roadways.”

Source : www.thedetroitbureau.com

From GMM

Niki Lauda has hailed Pirelli's move to alter the design of its 2013 tires ahead of the Canadian grand prix next month and beyond.

Lotus, arguably the team with the best grip on the Italian supplier's controversial tires this year, is not happy with the decision.

"It's clear that Pirelli have found themselves in a difficult situation and under pressure from different quarters," team boss Eric Boullier said. "I hope they (the changes) are not too extreme."

Within the pitlane, the bulk of the 'pressure' put on Pirelli came from Red Bull and Mercedes.

Photo: Pirelli

Mercedes' W04 is perhaps the fastest car in the entire field over one lap this year, but it chews alarmingly through the tires over a race distance.

Asked what he thinks of Pirelli's change of tack for Canada and beyond, chairman Lauda said: "This is very positive, and I'm speaking as a neutral observer and not the Mercedes chairman.

"No one understands what's going on anymore, and there are no more man-to-man fights, because everyone is just focused on the tires. It can't be the intention of racing that the slowest man wins," the great Austrian told Osterreich.

"Everyone is just hoping he gets into the window where the tires work, and often it's a coincidence only," added Lauda.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Former driver Mika Salo, meanwhile, has played down Lotus' fears the team will be overly disadvantaged by the Montreal tweak.

Backing the move, the Finn told MTV3 broadcaster: "There didn't seem to be any drivers left who were happy with the tires. It was clear that something was wrong with them. But I don't think it's anything for Lotus to panic about, as they were also good on last year's tires.

"If they are able to use the tires better now, then they will also use these (new) tires better," added Salo.

A new law proposed by the North Carolina Senate will apparently make it illegal for Tesla to e-mail its customers and even answer their questions on the phone. How crazy is that?

The bill actually prevents automakers from "using a computer or other communications facilities, hardware, or equipment" to sell or lease a car to anyone in North Carolina.

Tesla communications director Shanna Hendriks has confirmed that "any communications device -- including a telephone -- could be captured as conducting sales activity, and [its use] prohibited except by franchise dealers."

She claims state authorities are "trying to tie our hands as much as possible to ‘protect the customer'."

The controversial law aims to eliminate what dealer associations in North Carolina and several other U.S. states deem ''unfair competition for rival dealerships."

Tesla is currently the only automaker operating factory stores or so-called ''non-sales showrooms.'' It owns no dealer franchise and sells vehicles exclusively through the Internet.

Some outraged N.C. residents have already launched a private website, Tesla Motors NC, to rally efforts around preventing passage of the law.

www.greencarreports.com

Photo: Nauman Farooq

From GMM

Ferrari has joined Lotus in criticising Pirelli's mid-season tire tweak.

Following early-season criticism, culminating in the furore after Barcelona recently, Pirelli announced it is making key changes to its controversial 2013 tires for next month's Canadian grand prix and beyond.

Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez was the first to react, likening the change to widening football goals because one team was always striking the post.

Now, in the anonymous 'Horse Whisperer' column posted on the official Ferrari website, Ferrari has lashed out at those who claim four-stop strategies in F1 show that the tires are too extreme.

Undoubtedly, the Ferrari writer is referring to the kind of criticism made by world champions Red Bull.

"It's a shame that these worthy souls kept quiet two years ago when, at the very same Catalunya circuit and on the Istanbul track, five of the six drivers who got to those two podiums made exactly the same number of pitstops," the column read.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: Pirelli)

Ferrari also recalled the 2004 French grand prix, when Michael Schumacher won at Magny Cours with a four-stopper that left Ferrari and Bridgestone "showered with praise" within the paddock.

"Today however, it seems one must almost feel ashamed for choosing a strategy that, as always for that matter, is aimed at getting the most out of the package one has available," the column added.

From GMM

Most formula one teams cannot afford to pay the prices quoted by engine manufacturers for next year's all-new turbo V6 engines.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

That is the claim of the German newspaper Bild, insisting that grandees Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes aside, the other seven teams are balking at the price demanded by F1's three V6 suppliers Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes.

"Even in Barcelona," said Bild correspondent Helmut Uhl, "you could feel the strange, invisible tension."

He wrote that, world champions and 'works' partner Red Bull aside, 2014 customers Williams, Caterham, Toro Rosso and even the highly competitive Lotus cannot afford to pay French supplier Renault the fee of EUR 23 million per season.

Mercedes, supplying McLaren and Force India, has reportedly lowered its price to between 18 and 20 million, while Sauber and Marussia are being asked for 15m by Ferrari.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Genuine Italian pasta is usually delicious. However, since the beginning of the 2013 Formula 1 season it seems that Pirelli has over-spiced Grand Prix racing, which now has a bitter taste.

Yes, I agree that today's F1 races are no longer processions of cars where the pole position holder -- usually sitting behind the wheel of a Red Bull -- drives away to an easy, totally unchallenged victory.

However, we are watching races that resemble a lottery and not real automobile racing. By wanting to spice up the on-track action, the deciders have gone way too far.

“Place your bets, please!”

The most frustrating aspect of today's style of F1 racing does not come from the unpredictability of the races, but from watching the most sophisticated machines being driven at just 70% of their possibilities throughout the entire race.

There's nothing exciting about seeing drivers forced to drive at a slow pace so as not to destroy their tires. That's a real concern.

Let's review what happened during last Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix:

Nico Rosberg planted his Mercedes-AMG W04 on pole position with a time of 1m20.718. The fastest lap of the race came from Sauber rookie driver, Esteban Gutierrez, with a time of 1m26.217 -- six seconds slower than Rosberg's pole time. And what about Nico during the race? His fastest lap was a 1m27.591, a staggering seven seconds slower than his qualifying time !

In comparison, Marcus Ericsson captured pole position for the GP2 series' race in 1m28.706. GP2 is a development series for future F1 drivers.

By wanting to improve the show, Pirelli has gone much too far and produced a tire which self-destroys in a handful of laps. We're also seeing a high number of tires that delaminate, a problem that could lead to terrifying accidents in high-speed corners.

Fernando Alonso, winner of the Grand Prix of Spain, made four pit stops to change his tires during the race. The Spaniard, therefore, used five sets of tires to cover a 300km distance, meaning each tire was only able to last 60km -- not great.

There are so many pit stops during a race that only race engineers and strategist -- not the fans -- can really understand what's going on. There's no real confrontation out on the race track because each driver is asked to follow a pre-established game plan, and not to fight with his rivals.

The drivers are completely lost and now have to ask their respective teams by radio: “Should I race this guy or not?” Or, “Sorry, I cannot drive any slower than this...” The deciders have to react, quickly.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Pirelli will bring updated tires to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. Finally.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

From GMM

McLaren has played down suggestions Honda will unfairly benefit from the great British team's continuing collaboration with Mercedes next year.

It was announced in Tokyo on Thursday that McLaren will be powered by 'works' turbo V6 engines provided by Honda from 2015.

But, before then, McLaren will run with customer Mercedes power next year, as the sport switches to the all-new and radical engine regulations.

The situation has raised some red flags: will the development of Honda's new V6 benefit from the insight gained from the ongoing McLaren-Mercedes pairing?

Is Mercedes' intellectual property in danger?

"We have discussed that at length with Mercedes," said McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale, "and we have made sure Mercedes has all the comfort it needs.

"It is not in Honda's interests either," he insisted. "Honda is very honourable as an organisation, as is Mercedes. McLaren will operate in a scrupulous way between both of those two organisations."

Jonathan Neale. (Photo: McLaren)

Jonathan Neale said it is in both Mercedes and McLaren's interests to ensure the 2014 collaboration - prior to the shift to Honda - is successful.

"We need each other to be successful, so we have a confidence in our partnership. We recognise there is mutual dependency. Although we are competitive on circuit, behind the scenes there is the highest of regard between the two organisations," he added.

Fifteen years of Sienna
The Sienna has been a successful nameplate for Toyota this past decade and a half. The first generation (1998-2003) worked especially well as it was deemed the Toyota Camry of minivans. At the time, and even today, that's a winning tagline.

By the time the 2nd gen hit the road, the end of the minivan was looming nearby. As players from other manufacturers began falling, Toyota decided to reaffirm its standing as a manufacturer dedicated to a dying breed. By 2011, the current Sienna was introduced, and this time Toyota put it all into design.

The 2013 Toyota Sienna is the looker of the segment, especially in its tested SE trim. Far more interesting to drive than one would imagine, the Sienna hurts where ergonomics and finish are concerned. Loaded with space, the less-than-user-friendly HMI mars what could otherwise be the best alternative to the equally heavy-hitting yet discounted Dodge Grand Caravan.


What is a Toyota Sienna?
The 2013 Toyota Sienna is a minivan -- one of four left on the North American market. Presented as the “swagger wagon,” the Sienna prides itself as the minivan with a little attitude, unusual for a Toyota product.

It is the minivan that offers the largest range of possibilities through powertrains and trim levels. It has the broadest price range and can be outfitted to near luxury car levels. It could be considered the best adapted minivan for our market thanks to its available AWD system. It was the second best-selling minivan last year.

Presented as the “swagger wagon,” the Sienna prides itself as the minivan with a little attitude, unusual for a Toyota product. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Technicalities
The 2013 Toyota Sienna is the only “full-size” minivan to make a 4-cylinder engine available. This 2.7L lump generates 187 hp and is only offered on the base 7-passenger LE.

All others gain the 3.5L V6 which significantly raises the power bar. Horsepower is rated at 266 and torque, 245 lb-ft. It is with this engine only that the Active Torque Control 4WD system can be had.

Pricing starts at $28,140 for the LE. The top line XLE AWD retails for $41,425, however, this is not where the buck stops as a $9,195 Limited package can be tacked on to the XLE which increases the price to $50,620.

All Siennas are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and electric power steering.

La Toyota Sienna SE have a 3.5L V6 which significantly raises the power bar. Horsepower is rated at 266 and torque, 245 lb-ft. . (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Driving the Toyota Sienna
The 2013 Toyota Sienna SE's sporty stance is equal parts show and go. The most noticeable aspect of the Sienna's drive is the weight of its electric power steering. Sporty and well dosed, the feel and response is better than that of the Odyssey -- another surprise. As well, its turning radius is very tight, especially useful in parking lots.

The ride is also eye opening. Controlled yet giving, it does not punish but firmly limits roll through on- or off-ramps. I would have preferred more brake-pedal feel, as well as quicker reactions, and more braking power.

The V6 is plenty powerful and generates a pleasing sound. The autobox plays nice with the engine and promotes spirited driving. In day-to-day driving, as a Toyota Sienna should be driven, it excels at “working.”

Its turning radius is very tight, especially useful in parking lots. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Inside and out of the Toyota Sienna
The 2013 Toyota Sienna, like its Japanese competitors, attempts to make itself look less like a minivan without affecting the fact that it is a minivan.

The Sienna's styling is fine, if not cool in the tested SE trim. Its wide squat bumpers give the Toyota a more seizing road presence that makes it most appealing to younger families. The SE gains 19” wheels, sport fascias and grille, and smoked headlights that make it the “hottest” of all minivans.

The cabin is roomy, as it should be, and all three rows are comfortable. The 3rd folds neatly and quickly into the rear load floor, and the 2nd features a stowable middle seats which is useless, save for a child under the age of 5.

The dashboard and its ergonomics are terrible. From the driver's seat, I had a hard time reaching a number of HVAC and audio controls. A shorter person will have an even tougher time making some adjustments. This is not something that mom or dad will get used to. As well, although fit is fine, the materials are deplorable. The textured hard plastics look cheaper than they probably are and tarnish the passenger experience.

The sport fascias and grille, and smoked headlights that make it the “hottest” of all minivans. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Comparing the Toyota Sienna
We did compare the 2013 Toyota Sienna with two of its three closest rivals and it fared OK. Its biggest downfall is its price/value quotient. It's no surprise here that the Dodge Grand Caravan is unbeatable.

The 2013 Toyota Sienna remains a positively good product, and the availability of AWD makes it a great alternative for families on less of a budget.

Dick Trickle, one of the most popular if not one of the most successful NASCAR drivers, is dead at 71 year of age due to an “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound,” according to local police in Lincoln County North Carolina.

The police report said authorities “received a call apparently from the victim that 'there would be a dead body and it would be his'. Communications Center workers tried to place a return call to the number but did not get an answer.
 The first emergency units arriving on the scene located the body lying near the victim's pickup truck.”

Trickle was one of the few early drivers from the United States Midwest to head to the then southern US states based NASCAR series to achieve national notoriety.

Dick Trickle. (Photo: NASCAR)

Rusty Wallace, a Cup Champion and NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee who comes from Missouri, tweeted “Dick Trickle was a friend, a mentor & one of the best drivers ever. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am now. I will miss him tremendously.”

Then Wallace added in an interview, “Dick Trickle was my mentor. When I was short track racing, I would call him every Monday morning and he would always help me with race setups and stuff. He and I had such a good time telling little stories, but he was the guy that taught me almost everything in the American Speed Association. And he was the guy that I battled right to the end for my 1983 ASA championship. I barely beat the guy that taught me everything.”

NASCAR's Chairman & CEO, Brian France, said in a written statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dick Trickle on his passing today. Dick was a legend in the short-track racing community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite. Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed.” 

Reigning Sprint Cup Champion Brad Keselowski, who hails from Michigan, told reporters Thursday that Trickle "... was the most significant (short-track) racer in that era." Keselowski added. "His loss, in some ways, is a symbol of the end of that era. That's very sad to see."

Mark Martin an extremely successful driver who came from a Midwest background tweeted “Say it's not so. Sad news about a racing legend. Dick Trickle.”

One Trickle's crowning achievements was being named NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, in 1989, at 48-years of age. He was one of the oldest if not the oldest drivers so honored in NASCAR's premier series.

In a Cup career spanning 24 seasons and over 300 hundred races he had no victories, but he did have two wins in the Busch Series now known as the Nationwide Series.

Trickle was a short-track hero who won more than 500 regional races as a part-time driver from Wisconsin, according to longtime friend and former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway Humpy Wheeler.

“He won a tremendous amount of races but never got national acclaim because he won in a regional area,” Wheeler said.

Fiat said the idea of moving the group's legal headquarters to the United States following a planned merger with Chrysler Group is not on the company's agenda.

Like the snake, the right rear tire in this burnout video sheds its dead and decaying skin at 0:52. But then it soldiers on, unfazed, into perpetuity, like the ouroboros.

Ford, moving to ease production constraints in North America, plans to shift output of the Fiesta subcompact from Mexico to Thailand in 2016, The Detroit News reported today.

Johan Schwartz shattered the Guinness World Record for longest sustained drift in a

In 1979, Jack Brabham became the first race driver ever to be knighted for his services to motorsports.