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General Motors is considering moving part of the current production of the Opel Mokka to Spain from Korea, a German newspaper reported, citing sources within the U.S. carmaker.

General Motors is considering moving part of the current production of the Opel Mokka to Spain from Korea, a German newspaper reported, citing sources within the U.S. carmaker.

Daimler says it is reviewing options for its battery-cell joint venture Li-Tec with Evonik Industries, including bringing in a new partner.

Jerry Hardcastle is Nissan's first global chief marketability engineer, a job created for him in which he turns customer and market demands from around the world into technical solutions that improve the end users' driving experience and boost the...

Automotive News Europe salutes the winners of the 2013 Rising Stars awards. Every day until June 12 one of the 18 winners will be featured.

Daimler says it is reviewing options for its battery-cell joint venture Li-Tec with Evonik Industries, including bringing in a new partner.

How does a Mazda MX-5 Miata beat a bevy of world-class sports convertibles off the line? Just add water. For the second week in a row, Mazda stormed the top 10 viral video castle and broke in at No.

From GMM

F1's governing body has confirmed a June 20 hearing date for the 'testgate' saga.

We first reported the June 20 date on Saturday, following rumours in the Montreal paddock that the FIA wanted to fast-track the international tribunal so that the matter is cleared up before the next race, at Silverstone ten days later.

A statement issued by the Paris-based federation said "charges" have been sent to Pirelli and Mercedes with their summons to the Place de la Concorde at 9.30 am.

"The decision ... will be published as soon as possible after the hearing," the FIA added.

Photo: Pirelli

There was a general consensus in Canada last weekend that Mercedes will be penalised for breaking the sporting regulations, but former F1 engineer Joan Villadelprat is not so sure.

"What I am sure of, is that Ross Brawn would not have used this year's car without assurances from the FIA," he wrote in a column for El Pais newspaper.

"I know Ross very well, I worked with him for many years, and I am convinced that he has a written document signed by the parties responsible for the FIA to justify their (Pirelli and Mercedes') actions.

"I'm also sure it was Pirelli who asked for this season's car to be used, because it (the 2013 Mercedes) was the one having the most problems (on this year's tires)," added Villadelprat.

A hybrid with fashion sense
Slowly, but surely, I'm warming up to the idea of hybrid-drive living. After many hours behind the wheels of vehicles such as the Prius c, Chevy Volt and even the Nissan LEAF, I've come to appreciate them quite a bit.

Now, after a week with the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, I'm once again singing the praises of a hybrid vehicle. It's amazing what a little evolution, and a good design package, can do for one's opinion.


What is a Ford Fusion Energi?
While definitely not the first hybrid Fusion to hit the streets, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is one of two plug-in hybrids from Ford. The Energi promises a 1,000km total range (gas and battery combined), with an MPG-e rating of 2.4L/100km (in full electric mode), and it's combined gas/electric rating is 4.1L/100km.

Sitting squarely in the midsize sedan segment, the Ford Fusion Energi offers up good looks, plenty of space and rather outstanding fuel efficiency numbers; something much of its competition has yet to do.

While definitely not the first hybrid Fusion to hit the streets, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is one of two plug-in hybrids from Ford. (Photo: Ford)

Technicalities
The base 2013 Ford Fusion model starts at $24,149 while the top tier Titanium tops out at just over $35k. Amidst the now five available Fusion models, there are four engines and two drive types (FWD or AWD), as well as both a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic, and an available E-CVT.

To save space and headaches with endless numbers, let's focus on the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi SE: With a starting price just under $39k, it sits at the top of the Fusion price bracket.

The engine in the Energi is a 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I4 good for a combined 195 horses, coupled with an Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) transmission. On a full charge, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi could potentially take you up to 34km in battery mode alone; however, much depends on driving style and other influencers along the way.

On a full charge, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi could potentially take you up to 34km in battery mode alone; however, much depends on driving style and other influencers along the way. (Photo: Ford)

Driving the Ford Fusion Energi
The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi was as big to drive as it looked -- with a dash that seemed to stretch on forever before me and a nose I felt was much too long -- it was also quite nimble to pilot.

Thanks to the e-CVT, in full EV mode the power delivery is smooth and silky... and silent. It's a strange thing driving a battery-powered vehicle, I was constantly sneaking up on people everywhere.

Of course, the 2.0L will kick on if you push the throttle to the floor hard enough (read: for passing manoeuvres on the highway). However, once the vehicle realizes you're done being a yahoo (and travelling under 137km, which you should be!) the gas engine will flick off and you'll be back in battery mode, provided you have the charge.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi features Ford's cute little “Efficiency Leaves” in the gauge cluster and it became a game; how many leaves could I get into that little screen? Every time one floated away, I felt quite defeated.

How efficient was the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi? Well, very. I travel close to 100km a day to and from work. The max range I was able to pull from the Energi in full battery mode, with regen kms added, was 39.1km -- not bad. After eight days of driving in all conditions (city/highway/traffic/country roads/hot/cold) for a total close to the 900km mark, I managed an overall average of 3.1L/100km and the highest battery range I managed after a charge was 33km. I used just over a ½ tank of gas.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi was as big to drive as it looked -- with a dash that seemed to stretch on forever before me and a nose I felt was much too long -- it was also quite nimble to pilot. (Photo: Ford)

Inside and Out of the Ford Fusion Energi
The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is a good looking sedan, truly. Parking it next to the previous generation is almost laughable. If we thought the old Fusion was nice to look at, the new Fusion is a super model by comparison.

Inside, the good looks continue. Large, comfortable seats up front and in the rear ensure the Ford Fusion Energi is accommodating to all who enter. Add in Ford's SYNC system, an easy-to-understand and operate gauge cluster and there's very little not to like.

Of note, the trunk in the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is, in a word: useless. At just 232 litres (8.2 cu-ft) it's not exactly practical. Why so small? The battery is back there.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is a good looking sedan, truly. Parking it next to the previous generation is almost laughable. (Photo: Ford)

Comparing the Ford Fusion Energi
Based on fuel efficiency numbers, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi's main competition is the Toyota Prius PHEV, which offers up the same fuel ratings. However, in its segment the Fusion is up against the likes of the brand new Honda Accord PHEV and the Kia Optima Hybrid. However, it seems to stand alone in terms of “the complete package” with great styling, drivability, practicality and great fuel efficiency.

Chevrolet's Yvan Muller now holds a huge lead in the World Touring Car Championship after winning the first and second races at the Moscow Raceway.

After taking pole around the series' first ever outing in Russia, Muller took his fourth win of the season in Race 1 after holding off Tom Coronel's BMW.

Michel Nykjaer won an action-packed Race 2, chasing early leader Mehdi Bennani and eventually overtaking him to claim his third victory of the season. Muller finished second after a collision between Bennani and Robert Huff.

The result of the race was affected by a pile up on lap 3 that eliminated Tom Coronel, Gabriele Tarquini and James Thompson while they were fighting for the third position.

Muller left Moscow with a record gap of 113 points over Honda's Gabriele Tarquini. This is the largest gap in points between two drivers ever witnessed in the history of the WTCC.

Photo: FIAWTCC

Three-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel will remain at Red Bull Racing for a few more years.

Infiniti Red Bull Racing confirmed Tuesday that Vettel has extended his multi-year contract with the team until the end of 2015.

A previous member of the Red Bull Junior squad, Sebastian first drove for Red Bull Racing in 2009 after a year learning the ropes at Scuderia Toro Rosso.

During his Formula 1 career, the 25-year-old German has captured 29 wins, 51 podiums and 39 pole positions.

He is the current Formula 1 World Champion and also a triple World Champion, having retained the title since he first won it in 2010.

The Toyota Corolla has sold more than 40 million units worldwide in the past 47 years, including 1.3 million in Canada. Last week, the Japanese automaker unveiled the brand new, 11th-generation 2014 Toyota Corolla, which will prove equally popular and “won't be offered in beige,” Toyota Canada President, Seiji Ichii, promised journalists in attendance.

Sporting a bold and vibrant new look highlighted by a trapezoid-shaped front grille and standard LED headlights (a segment first), the 2014 Toyota Corolla is styled after the larger Camry and Avalon sedans, while borrowing many design cues from the Furia concept.

Available in four trim levels (CE, LE, S, and Eco), the 2014 Toyota Corolla will go on sale across Canada this summer. Cargo capacity, fuel consumption, and pricing will be announced at a later date.


Model lineup
A whole bunch of amenities come standard on the 2014 Toyota Corolla, such as eight airbags and the aforementioned LED headlights. The base CE model features 15” steel wheels, the choice of a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary audio jack, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Next up, the Corolla LE offers available fog lights and power moonroof, colour-keyed heated power mirrors, 16” steel wheels, an integrated back-up camera, a 6.1” display screen with voice recognition, and a new continuously variable transmission with intelligent shift (CVTi-S).

The sportier Corolla S, meanwhile, gets 17” alloy wheels, a rear lip spoiler, a tuned suspension, and either a 6-speed manual or CVTi-S. Finally, the Corolla Eco stands out with aerodynamic underbody covers, a colour-keyed rear spoiler, more frugal engine with VALVEMATIC technology, low-rolling resistance tires, and the efficient CVTi-S.

Powertain
A pair of 1.8L 4-cylinder engines will be available with the 2014 Toyota Corolla including a 132-horsepower unit and a thrifty, yet more potent, 140-horsepower VALVEMATIC variant (Corolla Eco). Of course, all models are FWD.

Competitors
Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda3.

Photo: Toyota

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion will make a return behind the wheel of a NASCAR Sprint Cup car in a few weeks.

Monday, Villeneuve, who also won the Indy 500 in 1995, announced that he will contest the race of the NASCAR Canadian Tire series held at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec in August.

Today it appears almost certain that the Canadian's name will soon appear on the Chevrolet Impala of Phoenix Racing.

The team, headed by James Finch will race veteran Bobby Labonte in Michigan and will run Villeneuve when the Cup will visit Sonoma Raceway (a road course), June 23.

Villeneuve should be given a one-day test prior to the race.

Photo: Phoenix Racing

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has played down talk of a rift with Mercedes, insisting he simply has "stuff" on his mind.

The 2008 world champion was notably downbeat after the Canadian grand prix, where he finished on the podium, two places ahead of his on-form teammate, Monaco winner Nico Rosberg.

Podium of the 2013 Canadian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

But during the Montreal race, Hamilton snapped at his race engineer whilst receiving information about the wear of the tires.

"Please just let me drive, man," the Briton snapped.

Lewis Hamilton, however, said his reaction does not indicate tension within the team, but simply the tension of the moment as he raced to the chequered flag.

"Being hunted down by Fernando (Alonso) is like being chased by a bull and so I just didn't need anyone in my ear when I was already at the maximum I could go at," he said.

Photo: WRi2

Hamilton hinted that the main issue on his mind is his battle for superiority at Mercedes, in the recent wake of Rosberg's hat-trick of poles and Monaco win.

"I don't settle for anything but the best and wins; I still haven't got a win, Nico has won a race, so I need to get a win," he said. "What I'm projecting is not disappointment, I've just got stuff on my mind."

From GMM

Felipe Massa says he is relaxed about his future at Ferrari because he remains the best candidate for the famous Italian team.

Team boss Stefano Domenicali told O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper last weekend that the 32-year-old Brazilian's form means he is likely to stay in 2014.

"If Felipe keeps going as he has been, I do not see any problem for the future," he said.

Photo: WRi2

Massa told Brazil's Totalrace that he is happy with his current situation.

"I am calm, I think the most important thing is to have good pace," he said, amid speculation his three recent crashes in Monaco and Canada might have hurt his bid for a new contract. I'm feeling good in the car. I'm very upset with what happened with the tires in Bahrain, and with the crashes I have had," Massa admitted.

"That has hurt my points a lot, but I'm happy with the car and with my driving, and that's what counts the most," he added.

Felipe Massa said he could only imagine Ferrari making a driver change if there was a clearly better candidate on the market.

"In my opinion, if there was someone so much better to put in my place, okay," he insisted. "But I think (there's) not."

From GMM

Mark Webber has slammed Giedo van der Garde for being "a pay driver with no mirrors".

The insult is reminiscent of the Australian veteran's ridicule of "first lap nutcase" Romain Grosjean last year.

His angry jibe at Van der Garde, a rookie this year, follows an incident in the Canadian grand prix, when the Red Bull and Caterham collided while Webber was lapping the Dutchman.

Mark Webber was unimpressed with van der Garde's talents.

"We had a lot of blue flags as we approached the hairpin," he said. "Some guys maybe have too much concentration on (just) driving the cars."

Van der Garde, 28, was penalised five grid places for Silverstone, and apologised to Webber in the post-race team press release.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From GMM

Paul di Resta insists his relationship with Sahara Force India remains "good", despite two rounds of hefty criticism and rumours of a garage scuffle.

The Scot was not only heavily critical of the team's qualifying strategy in Monaco, but he said the way Force India left him in the Montreal pits with a minor problem during the best track conditions last Saturday was "clearly not acceptable".

After that, rumours of a scuffle between the 27-year-old's trainer and a team mechanic were not denied by the Silverstone based team.

Paul di Resta, Sahara Force India. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Still, di Resta insists that his angry criticism of Sahara Force India was "taken constructively" by the management.

"Everybody in the team felt the same," he is quoted by the BBC.

"The person who made the mistake apologised and I'm fully supportive of that. Looking back, I don't think I was too harsh. When you work with the team so closely, it's good to have that heat because you need to show your emotion," said di Resta.

"If I'd made a mistake twice, I'd be kicking myself and the team would come down hard on me -- and rightly so."

Di Resta moved on from his horror Montreal qualifying to finish a solid seventh on Sunday, on the occasion of Force India's 100th grand prix.

"We regrouped," he said, "showed we can do it and, as far as my relationship with the team is concerned, it's still good."

Ander Villarino took victory in the two European NASCAR races at Brands Hatch on Sunday, and extended his lead in the drivers' championship.

Frederic Gabillon took pole and was on his way to his first series career win in the first round, but was hit by Romain Ianetta, and lost him the opportunity to do so.

Following the incident, reigning champion Villarino inherited the position and cruised to another win.

He also won the second race after withstanding pressure from Gabillon in the closing laps. Despite missing out, Gabillion still secured his fourth consecutive second place finish.

As a result of his victory, Villarino has increased his lead on the points' table ahead of Yann Zimmer and Sweden's Freddy Nordström.

The next round will be held on a specially built oval circuit in the French city of Tours.

Red Bull Racing driver, Sebastian Vettel scored his third win of the season after finishing first at the Grand Prix of Canada held in Montreal last Sunday.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton kept the crowd entertained in a fierce late-race scrap for second place, but Vettel and Red Bull were in a class of their own as they finally broke their Montreal duck in dominant style.

Such was Vettel's initial pace that he seemed to be on a three-stop strategy, but it soon became clear that he wasn't and that nobody was going to be able to challenge him.

He was even able to brush a wall out on the back of the circuit on the 10th lap, and then make an uncharacteristic mistake in the first corner on the 52nd, without being even remotely threatened. That's a real domination.

Photos: Philippe Champoux

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