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May
2nd

BMW CEO says Europe needs at least 5 years to solve debt crisis

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BMW's boss expects European governments to need at least five more years to overcome the region's protracted debt crisis.
May
2nd

Daily automotive news and comment – from just-auto.com 2013-05-02 05:42:00

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As the middle of the year gets closer, the the European automotive marketplace isn't getting any easier. By last year, Western Europe's car market had lost 3m units since its 2007 peak (a heady 14.8m units). This year is likely to see the market decline by a further 5% or so to not much more than 11m units.
May
2nd

French car sales decline slowed in April

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France's car sales decline slowed to a 5.2 percent drop in April, raising hopes that auto demand may be about to stabilize.
May
2nd

Aston Martin plans new products after completing investment deal

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Aston Martin said it will go ahead with a major product development program after completing a partnership with Italian private equity firm Investindustrial.
May
2nd

GM, PSA study alliance on vans outside Europe, report says

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General Motors and PSA are studying an alliance to sell large commercial vans outside of Europe, a French newspaper said.
May
2nd

BMW Q1 profit drops as European plunge hits pricing

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BMW reported a 4.5 percent drop in first-quarter profit as the plunging European market pushed car prices lower. The company maintained its target for 2013 pretax profit on the same level as last year as rising demand in China and the U.S.
May
2nd

BMW Q1 profit drops as European plunge hits pricing

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BMW reported a 4.5 percent drop in first-quarter profit as the plunging European market pushed car prices lower. The company maintained its target for 2013 pretax profit on the same level as last year as rising demand in China and the U.S.
May
2nd

Ford to add 2,000 jobs, raise F-150 capacity at Kansas City plant

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Ford plans to hire an additional 2,000 workers at its Kansas City Assembly Plant to meet increased demand for F-150 pickups and for the upcoming production of the new Transit family of commercial vehicles.
May
2nd

Delphi Q1 profit drops as sales fall in Europe, N.A.

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Delphi Automotive reported a 20 percent drop in first-quarter profit as lower sales in Europe and North America more than offset gains in Asia and South America.
May
2nd

2013 Volkswagen Touareg Preview

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Pros and Cons*
Pros

The 2013Volkswagen Touareg is one of the only crossovers to offer a diesel engine. Thanks to an efficient all-wheel drive system, the agile Touareg handles the snow very well. Its roomy and comfortable cabin is also surprisingly ergonomic.

Cons
However, some of its drawbacks include underwhelming contours and overall heaviness. Plus, it remains to be seen how reliable this vehicle turns out to be.

Photo: Volkswagen

Price
The VW 2013 Touareg Comfortline starts at $49,675, with 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seating, Bluetooth connectivity and a power liftgate.

The Highline model is available for $55,670 and includes a sunroof, Bi-Xenon headlights and a heatable steering wheel. The Touareg's best-equipped model, the Execline, starts at $59,500 with distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels, Dynaudio digital sound package and rear LED tail lights.

Diesel engines are available on all models, for an extra $4,300.

Fuel economy

With a gas engine, the SUV's fuel economy is rated 12.3 L/100 km for the city and 8.8 L/100 for the highway. The diesel VW 2013 Touareg needs 11.2 L/100 km, city and 6.8 L/100 km, highway.

Exterior Styling

With beefy lines, this sport utility vehicle is a brawny beast, showing off its distinctive grille, now a signature VW moniker.

New in 2013

- The new gas tank holds 100 litres of fuel.
- The TDI model now corrals 240 horses, up from 220 hp.
- There's a power liftgate on all models.
- A range of interior packages are currently offered.

Drivetrain
The VW Touareg is propelled by a 3.6 L V6 engine, packing 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. You could also go for the 3.0 TDI V6 turbo clean diesel engine which delivers 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Both of these engines are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission which powers all four wheels.

Cargo Capacity

The VW 2013 Touareg can store between 910 litres and 2008 litres, a marked advantage over SUVs like the X5, SRX, FX and Cayenne.

Safety
This model has 6 airbags as well as many active safety systems.

Comparable Models

Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, Land Rover LR4, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90

Photo: Volkswagen

*References
Laguë Philippe, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.616
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.578
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.618
www.vw.ca


May
2nd

Alex Wurz becomes F1 driver manager

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From GMM

Alex Wurz has entered the world of driver management.

According to Speed Week, the former formula one driver is now part of the management team handling 19-year-old Briton Alex Lynn, who races in the FIA European F3 series.

"He is an exceptional talent," said Austrian Wurz, who most recently was a driver coach at Williams. "I look forward to helping him get to formula one."

F3 FIA Alex Lynn
Alex Lynn. (Photo: FIA F3 Europe)

Meanwhile, it is reported that Nicolas Todt - the son of FIA president Jean Todt - has also taken a British driver into his management stable.

Nicolas Todt, already managing Felipe Massa, Pastor Maldonado and Jules Bianchi, has signed up 23-year-old GP2 driver James Calado.

"His talent and attitude have made a big impression on me," said Todt. "I hope he is able to compete for the title in GP2 and prove he worthy of formula one."

James Calado races for Todt's own team, ART.


May
2nd

McLaren P1 development continues with extreme cold-weather testing

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In order for the McLaren P1 to reach its goal of becoming the best driver's car in the world, both on the road and the track, the automaker took it all the way to the Arctic Circle to conduct testing in extreme weather conditions.

This latest stage in the rigorous testing process for the McLaren P1 has been captured in the short film which can be viewed here:



McLaren also confirmed that its supercar will be featured at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer.

Using a 903-horsepower engine, the McLaren P1 sprints from 0-100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds, and 0-200 km/h in under 7.0 seconds. Production will be limited to 375 units.

May
2nd

DTM: Tom Kristensen says Bruno Spengler is the favorite for 2013

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Eight-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, former DTM driver, Tom Kristensen says he sees in reigning DTM champion Bruno Spengler the main favorite for the 2013 title.

Although he is no longer involved in DTM since 2009 (excepted a one-race deal at Lausitzring in 2011), Tom Kristensen, who raced for six seasons with Audi, his still very interested in the DTM. For the Dane, Bruno Spengler is the man to beat this season again.

DTM BMW Bruno Spengler
Photo: DTM

"To be honnest, Bruno surprised me last year," he said.

"I thought he would not hold the pressure at the end of the season, but he did, and that was very impressive. That's why he is clearly the man to beat in 2013," he added.

Tom Kristensen also added Gary Paffett in his list of potential champions. « He is an experimented driver who already won the title. He is one of my favorites, he is a true racer who has motor racing in his veins, and who knows the job quite well ».



May
2nd

New Land Rover ads not for faint of heart

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We're not exactly sure what to make of these new Land Rover ads, which can just as easily gross you out as they can ignite the urge to seek out new adventures in exotic locations.

No doubt the creators had the latter scenario in mind, but geez, talk about a bold (and risky) way to make a statement about some of the world's most rugged and fearless 4x4s!

Photo: Y&R, Dubai, UAE

Photo: Y&R, Dubai, UAE

Photo: Y&R, Dubai, UAE

Photo: Y&R, Dubai, UAE

May
2nd

Nelson Piquet to demonstrate Brabham-BMW BT52 at Goodwood

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Three-time Formula 1 World Champion, Brazilian Nelson Piquet is expected to demonstrate his 1983 title winning Brabham-BMW BT52 at the Festival of Speed at Goodwood in July.

Piquet has yet to confirm his participation, and will give answer soon.

In 1983, Nelson Piquet became the first driver to clinch the World Championship in a turbocharged car, beating rival Alain Prost in a Renault.

F1 Brabham BMW 1983 Nelson Piquet
Nelson Piquet, Brabham-BMW, 1983. (Photo: WRI2)

The Brabham has been completely restored and I now owned by BMW. It will be run on different occasions this year as part of BMW's celebrations of the 30th anniversary of Piquet's title.

The BT52 was designed by Gordon Murray and featured a flat bottom and very small sidepods, the consequences of the FIA having banned ground effect and side skirts for 1983.

British magazine Autosport says that the BT52, chassis No. 1, and its turbocharged, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine have been subject to a ground-up restoration at BMW Classic in Munich, which began last October.


May
2nd

2013 Hyundai Accent GLS 5 door Review

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The five-door subcompact is one of the automotive world's most efficient formats. The new-generation of subcompacts add another level to their positive position: subcompacts are no longer penalty boxes. Along with their thriftiness and efficiency, subcompacts now offer the refinement, styling, and features previously reserved for larger automotive formats.

The current-generation Hyundai Accent hatchback debuted for model-year 2012. That model, and the 2013 version we tested here, doesn't really stand out from its competitors in any discernible way. However, that's not saying the 2013 Hyundai Accent hatchback isn't one great little car, just that it's one honour student in a class suddenly filled with top-scoring academics.


Price as tested
Like most 5-doors, the 2013 Hyundai Accent hatchback has a “price leader” version (the $13,749 “L” trim) that nobody really buys mostly because it's unavailable with an automatic transmission and air conditioning. If you want auto and air-con you have to step up to the GL, and hand over $17,099.

Our tester was a top-rung GLS trim 2013 Hyundai Accent with an automatic transmission at $18,949. And don't forget Hyundai's prominent Freight and Destination ding, at $1,495.

All Accents feature a great new engine: the 1.6L Gamma I4 with direction injection, dual continuously variable valve timing, and a maintenance-free timing chain. It pumps out 138 horses and 123 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission returns virtually the same great fuel efficiency as the 6-speed manual: 7.2 L/100 km city; 5.2L highway; 6.3L combined.

Other equipment highlights include:
  • Heated seats andmirrors;
  • Automatic temperature control;
  • Power sunroof;
  • Mirror-mounted turn signals;
  • Leather steering wheel;
  • Bluetooth;
  • 16” alloy wheels.

The 16” wheels are only available on the GLS trim, otherwise you're stuck with the decidedly more down-market 14” steel ones.

2013 Hyundai Accent GLS shifter
The 6-speed automatic transmission returns virtually the same great fuel efficiency as the 6-speed manual: 7.2 L/100 km city; 5.2L highway; 6.3L combined. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Much to like
There is a lot to like with this 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS hatchback. First and foremost (for me at least), was the styling: it's a version of the “Fluid Sculpture” rendered on the rest of the Hyundai line, but seems to work well on the 2013 Hyundai Accent. Many friends and family members remarked on how sharp-looking this tester was.

The powertrain is very refined offering up smooth shifts and good throttle response. The only caveat would be that it doesn't quite feel like 138 horses and 123 “torques.” Those power outputs are only available at 6,300 rpm and 4,700 rpm, respectively, so that could have something to do with it.

Steering is nicely weighted in the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS, which is a pleasant surprise from the overly assisted feel of many of its competitors.

The ride in the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS is a bit on the firm side and gives the car a secure, planted feel. The Accent doesn't like being thrashed about at the limit, but otherwise it has decent handling with little body roll.

The interior is nicely turned out, with a style you will recognize from the Elantra, Sonata, etc. Seat fabric is comfortable and appears to be very durable.

The seat heaters work quickly and get quite hot, just as we like them.

Another thing about the interior of the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS hatchback: there is a lot of it. The Accent hatchback feels larger than a subcompact, and the numbers reflect that. It has 2,552 litres of passenger volume, and 600 litres of cargo volume, which is much more than the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris, and only slightly down from the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.

The rear seats fold forward in a flash to aid versatility (however, the Hyundai Accent hatchback doesn't offer nearly as much space as the Fit, the class athlete in versatility and carry-all ability).

2013 Hyundai Accent GLS cargo area
The Accent hatchback feels larger than a subcompact, and the numbers reflect that. It has 2,552 litres of passenger volume, and 600 litres of cargo volume. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

What we liked less
These items fall more into the “quibble” category than “problem” category, but here we go...

The rear-seating area in the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS is somewhat tight, acerbated by seats that are kind of straight-backed and don't offer a recline adjustment.

The rear-suspension uprights narrow the cargo area at the sides in the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS hatchback. It's also a foot or so drop into the cargo area, which makes it difficult to slide in larger items. Also, the rear seats don't fold forward completely flat, and there is industrial-grade plastic back there, as well.

Of note: the driver armrests don't really work, and the general lack of “soft touch” materials of any kind in the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS hatchback cabin is rather disheartening.

Leather seating and navigation are not available on the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS hatchback.

2013 Hyundai Accent GLS rear seats
The rear-seating area in the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS is somewhat tight, acerbated by seats that are kind of straight-backed and don't offer a recline adjustment. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Good to go
Overall, the 2013 Hyundai Accent GLS hatchback is very hard not to like. It looks good, goes well, has great value and offers great efficiency in space and energy use. Like we said off the top: The Hyundai Accent is a good car in a good segment.
May
2nd

DTM and Hankook extend partnership up to the end of 2016

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From DTM

DTM cars will continue to race on Hankook slick tires until the end of the 2016 season.

DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. and the South Korean company extended their exclusive deal regarding the supply of tires for man additional three years - up to the end of 2016.

The two companies also agreed upon an option for another extension of the agreement.

Since 2011, the DTM cars have been racing on Hankook's 'Ventus Race' tires.

Furthermore, the forthcoming season will bring an innovation as two tire compounds will be used in the races. In addition to the standard tire in the dimensions 300/680 R 18 at the front and 320/710 R 18 at the rear, the new 'Ventus Race Plus' slick in the same dimensions - that can be identified easily due to an individual sidewall design - allows for clearly faster lap times for a defined period of time.

The new option tires will make their first outing at the season opener, held this Sunday at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

DTM Audi Mercedes BMW
Photo: DTM



May
2nd

NASCAR: Penske moves on to next step takes after losing first appeal of penalties

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Roger Penske, owner of Penske Racing, said that the team will take the next step in the appellate process in order to overturn NASCAR sanctions imposed at Texas Motor Speedway in April.

An appeals panel of three members, known as he National Stock Car Racing panel, unanimously upheld fines, point penalties and suspensions issued for unapproved rear housing parts and the manner how they were mounted on the cars of Brad Keselowksi and Joey Logano.

"Obviously, we're disappointed with the outcome,'' Penske said. "We met with the panel for over four or five hours. It was a good process. I feel we have a good case, and as we are allowed to under the NASCAR rules we will appeal to the next level.

"I can't make any [further] comment. It's clear we have a process. That's why I'm better off to wait and see that conclude, and at that point I can make any other personal comments.''

The matter will now go to the final appeal available with John Middlebrook NASCAR's chief appellate officer on Tuesday, May 8th.

The penalties imposed were very harsh.

The original penalties assessed to the No. 2 team were:
• Crew chief (Paul Wolfe): $100,000 fine; suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;
• Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars): Suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;
• Car owner Roger Penske: Loss of 25 championship owner points;
• Driver Brad Keselowski: Loss of 25 championship driver points.

NASCAR Brad Keselowski
Photo: NASCAR

The original penalties assessed to the No. 22 team were: 
• Crew chief (Todd Gordon): $100,000 fine; suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;
• Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley: Suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;
• Car owner Walt Czarnecki: Loss of 25 championship owner points;
• Driver Joey Logano: Loss of 25 championship driver points.

NASCAR Joey Logano
Photo: NASCAR

While most appeals to the first level of NASCAR are denied Middlebrook has been known to lessen the severity of the penalties in the past.

For example, last year, Middlebrook overturned a similar six-race suspension for Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Chad Knaus and returned the 25 points taken from five-time champion Jimmie Johnson for what NASCAR deemed an illegal C-post (where the roof is attached to the main body of the car at the rear turn) prior to the Daytona 500. He did not rescind the $100,000 fine against Knaus.

"All I can say about the process is it's fair and equitable,'' Penske said. "We had the opportunity to explain our case and situations in detail."



May
2nd

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-05-02 00:00:00

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From GMM

Pat Symonds has admitted Marussia's loss of Concorde Agreement revenue "really hurts".

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone announced recently that, from now on, only the top ten finishers in the constructors' world championship will share the sport's commercial income.

Previously, under a scheme devised by former FIA president Max Mosley, the three newest teams Caterham, Marussia and now-defunct HRT received $10 million per year irrespective of their results.

But Ecclestone told Reuters the new arrangement is "a bit more incentive" for Marussia to "get going and get into the top ten.

"It's a bit like the football where you can go up and down," he added.

F1 Marussia Caterham
Marussia and Caterham will fight more than ever for the tenth position. (Photo: WRi2)

Just prior to Ecclestone's announcement, Marussia technical chief Symonds said the Banbury-based team is not the only one "worried" about F1's financial situation.

He said Mosley's $10 million per year was "a significant part of our budget".

"And when you take away things like that, it really hurts," Symonds told Sky Sports.

But the situation for Marussia could be even more dire than that, with sporting director Graeme Lowdon hinting to the Press Association that Ecclestone is freezing the team out completely -- even if it does manage to finish in the top ten.

"We can confirm we've not had any offer from CVC at all. At no time have we had any proposal," he said.


May
2nd

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-05-02 00:00:00

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Universal Pictures has released a second official trailer of the new Ron Howard movie, "Rush", expected to hit the screens around the world in September 2013.

This movie about Formula 1 is a re-creation of the merciless 1976 rivalry between the exuberant James Hunt, driving for McLaren, and the calm and calculated Niki Lauda, Ferrari's top driver.

The epic action-drama stars Chris Hemsworth as the fascinating Englishman James Hunt and Daniel Brühl as the meticulous Austrian Niki Lauda, whose clashes on the Grand Prix racetrack epitomized the contrast between these two extraordinary characters, a distinction reflected in their private lives.




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