Auto News 5

BMW Group and Pininfarina will unveil the result of their debut cooperation to the global public on May 24th at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

While just two pictures of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé have been released so far, the car promises plenty of power (look at the V12 logo on the rear pillars) and typical BMW proportions including a long wheelbase, stretched hood, short overhangs, and a set-back greenhouse with a smoothly sloping roofline.

Inside, BMW claims the melding of exclusivity, comfort and sportiness makes for a unique interior experience.

Series production has yet to be confirmed.

Photo: BMW

Photo: BMW

BMW Performance Center Instructor Johan Schwartz has just shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest sustained drift.

Driving a 2013 BMW M5 Sedan, Schwartz completed 322.5 laps around the 841-foot (circumference) Performance Center skid pad, resulting in a total distance travelled of 51.278 miles. He beat the previous record set in February in Abu Dhabi by a whopping 47.71 miles!

Equipped with an M dual-clutch transmission, the M5 was an unmodified car from the BMW Performance Center school fleet which began the record attempt with a fresh set of Continental ContiSport ultra-high performance tires.

We don't know whether Schwartz ran out of rubber or simply became too dizzy...

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone will meet with Renault chairman Carlos Ghosn in Paris on Thursday, according to Germany's specialist Auto Motor und Sport.

Reportedly, F1's chief executive and the French carmaker are having a dispute -- ostensibly about Renault's motor home.

In Barcelona last weekend, Renault - supplier of engines to multiple F1 teams including world champions Red Bull - was told to park its motor home outside the paddock.

Bernie Ecclestone said: "Renault is a supplier, and if we let them all in the paddock, there would be no room for anyone else."

Auto Motor und Sport, however, claims the dispute runs deeper than that.

Carlos Ghosn, Christian Horner and Bernie Ecclestone, in 2011. (Photo: Renault)

Reportedly, Ecclestone is pushing for Renault to reduce the price of its turbo V6 engine next year for customer teams, after naming the price at between EUR 20 and 23 million per team per season.

The customers are complaining, but Renault is apparently refusing to budge, leading to the motor home situation and Ecclestone's forthcoming meeting with Ghosn.

Meanwhile, Ecclestone said on Wednesday that he is unmoved by reports Munich prosecutors have filed charges against him over the Gerhard Gribkowsky bribery affair.

"They haven't told me, that's the only problem," he told PA Sport news agency.

"To be quite honest with you I haven't done anything about any of these things. I haven't bothered. If I have to get bothered, then I'll get bothered," the 82-year-old added.

A survey of 600 American parents who drive while transporting a child under the age of 12 shows that they may not text as much as teenagers (10% vs. 44.5%), but display many other distracting behaviours.

According to Dr. Michelle Macy of the University of Michigan, around 70% of parents said they had taken or placed a call with kids in the car during the past month.

What about other distractions? Self grooming was almost as common as taking phone calls, with nearly seven out of ten parents confessing they had engaged in it. Others pointed at trying to figure out directions, switching the music in their audio systems, attending to children, eating, and reaching for an object.

Well respected Japanese business publication, Nikkei wrote Wednesday May 15 that car manufacturer, Honda is extremely close to announcing its return to Formula 1 racing in 2015.

The rumour has been circulating for quite a while now, but this time it is taken up by a business publication and not a motorsport outlet.

In its news article, Nikkei says that Honda will provide new 1.6-litre turbo power units to team McLaren from 2015.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Honda president Takanobu Ito would make a public announcement about this within the next few days. Could it be during the prestigious Grand Prix of Monaco?

McLaren boss, Martin Whitmarsh always provided evasive answers about the extension of the contact that links the team to current engine supplier, Mercedes-Benz.

It is understood that since Mercedes has its own Formula 1 team, McLaren is no longer a prime partner of Mercedes and now has to pay for its engines.

McLaren ran Honda powered F1 cars between 1988 and 1992, clinching four World Drivers' Championships.

In the last few weeks, I did something I rarely get to do: I test drove two Cadillacs! No foolin'! An XTS and an ATS!

The last I got to sample was a pair of Escalades last summer. Naturally, I pit them one against the other; but other than the oversized crest and excessive chrome, I never considered them to be real Caddies -- not what the brand's image has always been about.

Throughout my teens, my uncle was the owner of a number of Fleetwoods from the late ‘70s to the late ‘80s including one white 1987 stretch limo. I was driven in (and eventually drove) a few of them, and to me these have Cadillac written all over them -- which they in fact do.

Today, although the giant Fleetwoods are gone, my uncle is the proud owner of a stunning 1967 Deville convertible which I occasionally get to hover about town in.

To my now 69-year-old uncle, these big, luxurious land-yachts were (and still remain) the brand's core foundation and identity. And I tend to agree. This is why GM's luxury make could have changed its name in the last 24 months and no one would have questioned the move.

Cadillac, in the 21st Century, is in the process of doing a complete about-face, one that is in part the result of numerous bad decisions from the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s.

From a once forgettable, laughable wannabe alternative to the Germans and Japanese, Cadillac has practically come out of nowhere and may very well regain its title as one of the great brands, if only under a very different light.

Those at the head of Cadillac have managed to find a niche; or better yet and easier to do, their own place in the luxury car market. I think that for too long Cadillac tried to regain their lost laurels, and failed every time.

This time around, they're marching to the beat of their own drum and it's working. The ATS, the new CTS and XTS are all “in-betweeners,” meaning they rival some German products without taking them head-on. This, my friends, is a brilliant strategy.

I think the next step is to give each car an identity and not just a name. Despite my strong like for the ATS, I think it needs a more vocal presence. The 2.0T was too quiet, subdued, boring even to get excited about. Both it and the XTS could use a little more vim in the form of a V-package that could add some pizzazz.

The bottom line here is that Cadillac is back, and I'm glad I got and will get to sample more of these great new products.

Photo: Kevin Corrigan

From GMM

Christian Horner says he is not worried Sebastian Vettel is about to jump ship to a rival formula one team.

German Vettel, F1's reigning triple world champion and the 2013 title leader, has in the past been linked with a move to Ferrari.

And the most recent rumour is that Mercedes' Niki Lauda has made approaches to the 25-year-old.

Adrian Newey, Sebastian Vettel, Christian Horner, triple world champions. (Photo: WRi2)

Vettel, however, remains under contract to Red Bull, even if his boss Christian Horner told Sport Bild: "What team wouldn't want Sebastian Vettel?

"He has been part of the Red Bull family for a long time, and he's an important part of our success. We have steadily developed along with him.

"The issue is not so much about the length of contracts, but how comfortable you feel with one another.

"Seb feels comfortable with us, and we're comfortable with him. And I have no doubt that will be the same for a very long time into the future," he added.

"Seb is fantastic, but I don't think we've seen the best from him yet," said Christian Horner.

From GMM

Pirelli has denied claims it is making major changes to its 2013 tire design as a result of the pressure applied by world champions Red Bull.

Following the controversy in the wake of Sunday's Spanish grand prix, Pirelli announced on Tuesday that it will make major changes in time for next month's race in Canada, including reverting to the basic structure of the 2012 tire.

However, before deciding to make the changes, Pirelli's Paul Hembery had warned that a reaction like that could hand the world championship to Red Bull.

Photo: Pirelli

But he now insists: "I know there are concerns that the change will help some teams and punish others. But we are convinced that this is not the case.

"This change has nothing to do with Red Bull's criticism -- certainly the criticism from some in the media was considerably harsher," Paul Hembery is quoted by Speed Week.

Hembery acknowledges, however, that teams like Ferrari and Lotus did not complain anywhere near as loudly, because they were able to manage the original tires.

"They developed more in the mechanical direction than aerodynamic, but we do not believe that by making this change, they are going to be disadvantaged," he is quoted by Finland's MTV3.

"We certainly hope not, although there's always a risk. We are still going to be fairly aggressive in terms of choosing the compounds. Red Bull never officially came to us and demanded change, which is important for people to understand. It is by no means certain that this is going to help Red Bull, so people shouldn't be so quick to assume that," added Paul Hembery.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner agrees that it is "impossible to predict" how Pirelli's change will change the situation in Canada and beyond.

"It is all part of the challenge of formula one," he is quoted by the UK newspaper Express.

Referring to the widespread criticism of the Italian marque's approach so far in 2013, Horner said the change for Canada is "ultimately in Pirelli's interests".

"They had to do something for their own image," the Briton is quoted by Germany's Sport Bild.

Once ahead, now trailing
The 2013 Lexus RX owes its current level of popularity to what it was in the late '90s: an innovator, a trailblazer. When it came about in 1998, the RX was one of the first then un-branded crossovers to successfully marry luxury with utility.

The Lexus RX took off and is still flying high, but is losing precious ground to the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. I suspect that young, affluent consumers are the ones responsible for the shift in the take rate.

One way or another, the 2013 Lexus RX is a classy ride, if uninspiring. I've long been a fan of the RX and the hybrid 450h is my favourite. I do enjoy the smooth operation of the hybrid system and its exterior styling. The opportunity to drive numerous competing luxury crossovers has exposed its weaknesses, but the RX remains good overall -- yet is no longer the best.


What is a Lexus RX 450h?
The 2013 Lexus RX 450h is the hybrid version of Lexus' most popular and bestselling nameplate. In fact, this midsize luxury crossover's sales are nearly as numerous as all of the Lexus cars combined.

The RX could be credited as being the one that brings buyers into showrooms. Of all the products that Lexus sells, the RX delivers the best combination of luxury, brand prestige, and room. It is also built in Canada.

Technicalities
The 2013 Lexus RX 450h and 350 use a 3.5L V6 as their main mode of motivation. In the hybrid, it develops 245 hp and 234 torques. The total hybrid system output sits at 295 hp thanks to three electric motor generators.

The series/parallel hybrid system with gas engine uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) up front and electric motors to drive the rear wheels.

The 2013 Lexus RX 450h's pricing starts at $56,750. As tested, with the Touring package, its sticker price was $60,850. Should all options be selected with an Ultra Premium Package 2 With Blind Spot Monitoring added on to the original price, the RX will leave the showroom for $71,950.

In the hybrid, it develops 245 hp and 234 torques. The total hybrid system output sits at 295 hp thanks to three electric motor generators. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Lexus RX 450h
The 2013 Lexus RX 450h's drive is meant to be cosseting. With that in mind, and in order to please the typical Lexus owner, the RX covers ground smoothly; however, a few items surprise.

The first is the weight of its steering; it is heavy and sporty. The other is handling; although not as sharp as an Infiniti FX37 (QX70) or BMW X5, its command of curvy country roads was rather entertaining.

I was disappointed to find a brake pedal that seemed reluctant to direct my pressing intentions to the calipers. Despite that, braking performance is good and fitting for the 2013 Lexus RX 450h.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system delivers plenty of punch and always in a silken manner. Immediate throttle response is assured by electricity, but where this hybrid shines is in the midrange where the V6 growls with satisfaction. The CVT managed to mind its Ps and Qs at all times.

Although I enjoyed hearing the 3.5L bellow in the “Power” range, I thought the grumble to be to much at lower city street speeds. As well, and likely the most substandard aspect of the RX, was the amount of wind noise that permeated the cabin at speeds above 80 km/h.

The 2013 Lexus RX 450h's drive is meant to be cosseting. With that in mind, and in order to please the typical Lexus owner, the RX covers ground smoothly. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and out of the Lexus RX 450h
As a Lexus, the RX should not make any excuses for the quality of its cabin. For the most part, it does not. Where materials and the way they come together are concerned, I have nothing negative to say, but the buck stop there.

Other high notes go to the seats, especially up front, which are supremely comfortable. Also, the 12-speaker Lexus premium audio system is quite good, and the trunk is capacious for most needs.

The dashboard's layout and presentation are poor in taste. The gauges, large and legible, are also discouragingly boring. The HVAC and audio interface and the wedge it is “wedged” into is neither modern nor retro.

And then we have Lexus' Remote Touch which I thought I had mastered after a few minutes, but by the week's end I was still cursing about rarely getting the cursor to line up with my audio menu selection on the first try; a vehicle's HMI should not require this much work.

As a Lexus, the RX should not make any excuses for the quality of its cabin. For the most part, it does not. Where materials and the way they come together are concerned, I have nothing negative to say, but the buck stop there. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Lexus RX 450h
The 2013 Lexus RX 450h has few current competitors; the Audi Q5 Hybrid hits closest to home, and could be the one that hurts it the most. The recently introduced Infiniti QX60 Hybrid will do damage. Then there are the diesels such as the Mercedes Benz GLK 250 BlueTEC. Lastly, we have Toyota's other hybrid CUV...

In the face of mounting competition from many sides, Lexus will need to spruce up the RX sooner rather than later...

From GMM

German prosecutors have charged Bernie Ecclestone with bribery, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reports in its Wednesday edition.

Earlier, the newspaper said the officials had completed their long investigation into the F1 chief executive's role in the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption affair.

"Munich has filed charges against Bernie Ecclestone," Wednesday's article reads, adding that one of the charges is the "serious" offense of bribing a public official.

The case will surround the 82-year-old's confirmed payment of $44 million to jailed former F1 banker Gribkowsky, surrounding the sale of the sport to CVC some years ago.

"The bribery allegations could cost Ecclestone his job as formula one boss," said the Suddeutsche Zeitung, adding that the district court will now decide whether or not it hears the case.

If it does, a trial is tipped to take place this year.

Briton Ecclestone claims Gerhard Gribkowsky blackmailed him.

From GMM

Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez has played down the impact of technical director James Allison's departure.

So highly rated had Briton Allison become within the F1 paddock, that many insiders believe the 45-year-old would be able to take his pick in terms of choosing his next team.

Lotus has promoted from within - Nick Chester - to replace Allison, so it is feared that Enstone will now struggle to produce as good a car with a budget smaller than F1's 'big four' Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes.

James Allison. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Lopez told Finland's Turun Sanomat: "We have known for some time that Allison is leaving, so I don't think it's relevant to our performance.

"James is a great guy, an important guy, but that was more from a coordination point of view," he is also quoted by Sporting Life.

"When Bob Bell left (for Mercedes), there was panic outside of Enstone, but not with us, and this is the same thing. It's not going to affect us," He added. "Enstone has amazing talent."

Americans, in a worrisome sign for automakers, continue to drive less, with more and more younger people choosing to forgo a driver's license altogether, a major new study released Tuesday found.

Porsche 918 Spyder First Drive

Ferrari and McLaren, watch out!

Leipzig, Germany. It is raining cats and dogs from the pewter skies that brush Porsche’s test track adjoining the marque’s second assembly site. Tension, excitement, uncertainty, and suspense describe the atmosphere in the pit lane. A squadron of Porsche engineers, test drivers, and helpers is mingling with eighteen journalists who gather around two cars: one battered series-one mule and one almost production-ready prototype -- a hand-built, matte-black Weissach edition model worth around 3 million euros (production cars with the Weissach package will start at $929,000; base 918 Spyders start at $845,000). Towering above the crowd is the lanky posture of Walter Röhrl, an icon in his own right. “Anyone ready for a ride?” he asks. Sure. Walter’s race taxi is a white Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 fitted with a roll cage and semi-slicks. The hoarse and hairy howler hates wet weather: power oversteer, lift-off oversteer, aquaplaning-induced no-more-steer. After only one lap, we’re back in the paddock. First, they close the bus stop chicane (inspired by Spa), and then the Corkscrew (inspired by Laguna Seca) is coned off. Go or no go? Just before lunch, the chiefs give us the thumbs up. At last, the countdown is running.

Photo Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder First Drive - Automobile Magazine

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Arnold Baer Shuman, a product spokesman for Mercedes-Benz of North America for more than two decades, died suddenly Friday at his home in New Jersey. He was 72.

Frank Stephenson Interview

Frank Stephenson, McLaren's design director, started out as a motocross racer and has never looked back.

Frank Stephenson has been the design director at McLaren Automotive since 2008. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, in 1959, Stephenson was raised in Europe, including stints in Turkey and Spain. He speaks seven languages. After finishing high school, Stephenson successfully raced motocross bikes in Europe for six years. He graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, in 1986.

Photo Gallery: Frank Stephenson Interview - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Frank Stephenson Interview - Automobile Magazine

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Industry-wide used-vehicle sales dropped 6 percent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same quarter last year, according to Edmunds.com's new Used Market Quarterly Report.

Cars that "talk" to each other to avoid crashes or traffic jams, like those being tested here, will save lives but the cost of the systems will determine consumers' acceptance of such technology, the transportation secretary said today.

The

Ally Financial moved closer to repaying its government bailout as the auto lender reached agreement with creditors of its bankrupt mortgage unit.

2013 Subaru BRZ - More Taillight Troubles

The condensation returns.

As our feelings for the 2013 Subaru BRZ warmed up, we apparently heated the car enough to cause some condensation. That's right; trapped condensation once again forced us to have the taillight replaced. At least this time we didn't have to wait several months for the part, and it's still covered under the warranty. We hope that the third time's the charm for this taillight problem.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Subaru BRZ - Four Seasons Update - April 2013

Photo Gallery: 2013 Subaru BRZ - Four Seasons Update - April 2013

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