Auto News 5

From Toyo Tire F1600 Series

The Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Series is back at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the BEMC Indian Summer races, rounds 11 and 12 of the Championship.

The Title fight for A Class honours has two combatants nearly neck-and-neck at the top of the points with only 4 races remaining.

Zach Robichon of Ottawa, Ontario and Jack Mitchell, Jr., of Clarendon Hills, Illinois have almost equal statistics on paper at this point in the season. Before drops Robichon is the points leader based on his consistent finishing record and 3 wins. Mitchell, Jr. is on top of the points after drops so far based on his outright pace and 4 trips to the top step of the podium.

After missing the Calabogie round 4th place Shane Jantzi returns and will be very strong. It is not known at this time whether 3rd place Jesse Lazare will be competing as he just finished up back-to-back weekends in Calabogie with F1600 and last weekend in USF2000 at Laguna Seca.

Wisconson's Max Hanratty could be the dark horse in A Class as his pace and confidence have risen steadily as the season has worn on. He was very strong last time out at CTMP and was in contention for a win. This could be his weekend to break through. He will be joined by teammate Thomas McGregor in a Spectrum Honda.

We are excited that Bob Perona, an IndyCar mechanic from Indiana will be taking advantage of an off weekend and making the trip north with his Piper and competing in this weekend's event. Marc Bishara will also be entered in his Van Diemen.

Craig Willis has been smashing records all season long and sits atop the “B” Class Championship points standings with a comfortable margin over Rookie Connor Wagland and Mike Lee.

Willis may not have all things his way this weekend as ultra-quick Andrew Mason is entered and will be looking for nothing but a win.

A surprise entry is Stephen Adams, a former Esso Protec series front runner and father of last season's A Class champion Michael Adams. He has made it clear he is just out for some fun but suspicions are he will be a great storyline once the green flag is waved.

Steve Bodrug, Bruce Kitchen and Bill Tebbut will also be back to compete in the always intense B Class battle.

Cars will hit the track on Friday for a full day of testing and the racing will begin with Round 1 on Saturday and Round 2 on Sunday afternoon.

To mark the first decade of production at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, the British luxury car maker unveiled the Phantom Celestial today at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

While the exterior colour scheme evokes the night sky, the interior offers a new take on the Starlight Headliner. The constellations, exactly as they were at midnight on January 1st, 2003 (as verified by the South Downs Planetarium), are represented by over 1,000 fibre optic lights hand-woven into the Celestial Phantom's headlining. The reflection of the “stars” in the surface of the rear drinks compartment lid was meticulously planned and designed.

World-class Dusk leather surfaces and a rear privacy divider's clock replete with four diamonds are included as well.

While the Rolls-Royce Phantom Celestial's price has yet to be announced, it'll quickly bring you down to earth, for sure.

Photo: Rolls-Royce

Photo: Rolls-Royce

From GMM

FIA presidential candidate David Ward has denied he is siding with F1's old guard Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone in his push to dethrone Jean Todt.

It has been rumoured that Ward, who worked closely with Mosley before Frenchman Todt took over, is being backed strongly not only by Mosley, but also the former FIA president's hand-in-hand powerbroker Ecclestone.

And not only that, the Daily Mail reports that Ward's campaign will be "helped" by Richard Woods, the former right-hand man during the Mosley reign.

"Woods has also acted for Ecclestone, albeit in the shadows," said correspondent Jonathan McEvoy.

"Despite having fingers in many pies, he is fundamentally a Mosley loyalist," he added.

Ward, however, plays down the links.

"I am not Max's man; I am not Bernie's man," he insisted, also denying that Mosley or Ecclestone are bankrolling his campaign.

Incumbent Todt, however, sounded less sure about Ward's continuing links to Mosley and Ecclestone.

"Don't put me into that please," he told the Telegraph last weekend at Monza. "Because honestly I have my own thoughts. I have very good contact with Max. I like Max. I have always been defending Max. In May he sent me an email saying 'Don't hear the noise that I am interested (in the presidency) or that David is interested ... it's not true. I am not interested'."

From GMM

Red Bull left Monza scratching its head, after winner Sebastian Vettel and teammate Mark Webber nursed gearbox problems throughout the race weekend.

"We already had problems on Friday," world championship leader Vettel is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Before the race, the team had to open the gearbox and replace damaged parts, and during the Italian grand prix, both drivers were instructed to 'short-shift'.

And the drivers were also told to select a 'rain-mode' setting, delivering smoother gear changes, which explains why Fernando Alonso complained about Vettel's flashing red tail light.

Red Bull was alerted to the problem after the telemetry showed high oil temperatures.

Red Bull RB9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

"Frankly, it's a mystery," admitted car designer Adrian Newey.

"Monza is particularly hard on the gearbox, but we never had a problem like this," he added. "With Mark it was serious, while for Vettel it was more of a precaution. It is possible that we will open his gearbox in the factory and everything is fine."

Team boss Christian Horner added: "Caterham uses an identical gearbox and had no problems."

From GMM

Renault has denied the departure of the French carmaker's chief operating officer Carlos Tavares will affect the formula one programme.

Media reports last week suggested the exit of motor racing enthusiast Tavares would "almost certainly have some impact" on the approach taken in F1 by Renault, who supply engines to multiple teams.

But when asked what the impact will be on F1, Renault Sport chief Jean-Michel Jalinier insisted: "Nothing changes. We have multi-year programmes and, personally, I answer directly to Carlos Ghosn.

"Our commitment remains unchanged, because the new formula one engines are more consistent with our interests," he told the Quattroruote publication at Monza.

From GMM

Bahrain will celebrate its tenth anniversary as a formula one host by staging next year's race under lights.

Although 2014 will not be the tenth Bahrain grand prix, because the race was removed from the calendar in 2011 due to the island Kingdom's civil unrest outbreak, it will be the tenth anniversary of the first race in 2004.

To mark the occasion, circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani revealed earlier this year: "We are looking at many options. A night race could be one of them, but it is not the only one. There are pros and cons to doing it."

It appears the 'pros' have won the day, with European publications Speed Week (Germany) and Italiaracing (Italy) reporting that the deal was agreed between Alzayani and Bernie Ecclestone at Monza at the weekend.

Night race atmosphere in Abu Dhabi. (Photo: WRi2)

Speed Week said the news will be confirmed 'in the coming days', while Italiaracing said the work to install the lighting systems should be complete by February.

According to the draft calendar that did the rounds at Monza, Bahrain will host the fifth round of the 2014 championship, in late April.

Speed Week correspondent Mathias Brunner said: "It is still unclear whether Bahrain will be a twilight race, like Abu Dhabi, or a pure night race, like Singapore."

Napa Valley, CA - We often think of new vehicle launches in terms of new exterior looks, interior amenities, cool new technologies, and the like. Often times, the underpinnings are left to the geeky engineers, the mechanics and those with a greasy thumb. However, when I was invited to Napa Valley to drive the new 2014 Volkswagen model lineup, I was most intrigued by the brand new 1.8L TSI engine soon to be available in the Jetta, Passat and Beetle.

Referred to as the EA888, this isn't the first time Volkswagen has used this 1.8T engine. It first appeared in the European '09 CC, but wasn't nearly as efficient then as it is now. This EA888 Gen 3 direct-injected turbocharged 4-cylinder offers up the same horsepower numbers as the outgoing 2.5L that it replaces (170), and torque numbers increase by seven for a total of 184 lb-ft over the engine it replaces.

What does all this mean? For starters, those who poo-poo the 1.8L for being smaller and therefore less powerful than the 2.5L need to look at the numbers to see that's not true at all. In fact, it's more powerful (in terms of torque), and more importantly more fuel efficient. How fuel efficient? Well, Volkswagen claims the 1.8T offers a 17% decrease in fuel consumption over the 2.5L -- all the while offering up more off-the-line acceleration.

Speaking of 0-100km times, the new 1.8T's increased torque means the Jetta 1.8T will get to the 100 mark in an estimated 7.3 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds faster than the outgoing 2.5L.

Sounds win-win to me; and I feel like it will be for many potential VW buyers, as well.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Less is more
Fewer litres, less fuel burned and reduced internal friction: all things the 1.8T has “lost” in the name of some serious gains in terms of power, performance and fuel economy. In this case, smaller really is better as the EPA rating jumps from 31 MPG on the highway to 36.

The EA888's weight reduction undoubtedly helped those EPA ratings as well. Through the use of high-strength alloy for the pistons, lightweight polymers for the oil pan and the use of aluminum for various parts, the third generation EA888 is 8lbs lighter, coming in at just 290lbs.

Less heat in the engine through exhaust gas thermal management in the new EA888 almost ensures maximum proficiency. Cooler air entering the turbocharger means cooler engine operating temperatures, thus improved overall efficiency. Volkswagen achieved this by “chilling” exhaust gases through the water-cooled exhaust manifold, making them approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit cooler. This all means at least a 20% reduction in fuel consumption when driving on the highway.

As it stands, the new 1.8 TSI will be featured in the upcoming 2014 Jetta, Passat and eventually the Beetle. If you're one of the lucky few who've bought a late-model 2013 Jetta or Passat, you may already have a 1.8T under the hood, as VW started to sneak those in already where they could as they've begun full production of the engine in their brand new plant in Silao, Mexico.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Continue reading New Engine breathes New Life into VW

With only a few weeks before the conclusion of the 2013 IndyCar Series's calendar, Tony Kanaan is trying to secure his future in car racing; having made contacts with numerous teams in Indycar and one in NASCAR.

According to reports, Kanaan has already spoken with Joe Gibbs Racing about racing in Nationwide next year before making the jump to Sprint Cup but neither parties have declined to comment on those rumors.

What we know for sure is that the Brazilian has gone back to his home country to look for financial backing as Kanaan is reportedly miffed that every team he's talked to about a job needs him to bring money.

"At this point in my life, if you still have to prove yourself you may have to re-think what you are doing," he said on Aug. 20 to Racer.com. "I love open-wheel but maybe I need to look at NASCAR as an option."

Tony Kanaan, winner of the 2013 Indy 500. (Photo: IndyCar)

Kanaan has had talks with Chip Ganassi about his fourth seat and with his former boss, Michael Andretti if free agent James Hinchcliffe departs, although Ganassi is known to be appreciative of the Canadian “Hintch”.

Bryan Herta's second car could also be an option and Kanaan is still a candidate at KV Racing, where he's been the past three seasons.

BMW AG's board member for manufacturing says he believes the UK will be one of the firm's largest markets for the i3 and i8 plug-in models.

BMW AG's board member for manufacturing says he believes the UK will be one of the firm's largest markets for the i3 and i8 plug-in models.

BMW AG's board member for manufacturing says he believes the UK will be one of the firm's largest markets for the i3 and i8 plug-in models. Harald Krüger spoke to just-auto.com on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show's media preview days.

Future

News 10 Sep, 2013

Mercedes S-Class Intelligent Drive completes 103km journey and points to future technology

2014 Buick Regal First Drive

Buick attempts to breathe life into its middle child.

The Buick Regal fills a somewhat limited niche -- it's too small and expensive to take on the Honda Accords of the world and yet doesn't quite have the hardware or cachet to challenge premium sport sedans like the BMW 3-series and GM's own Cadillac ATS. (The only direct competitor is the Acura TSX, another slow-selling, rebadged European expat.) It doesn't help the Regal's case that it sits between the cheaper Verano and the bigger, more luxurious LaCrosse. The 2014 Buick Regal attempts to power out of this ditch with upgraded turbo engines, an updated interior, and all-wheel drive.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Buick Regal First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Buick Regal First Drive - Automobile Magazine

2014 Buick Regal First Drive | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Concept First Look

One super subcompact.

Since the dawn of time, man has labored to stuff tremendous power into subcompact hatchbacks. The MG Metro 6R4, Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, Renault R5 Turbo, and Beck's Ford Festiva Shogun were all originally born as no-nonsense commuter cars, but were later transformed into nonsensical sports cars. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid R concept, which debuts at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, adheres to this age-old tradition, save for one caveat: it's a hybrid-electric vehicle.

Photo Gallery: Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Concept First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Smart Fourjoy Concept First Look

Just add doors.

Concept cars often have design elements that are too wild for series production, and the Smart Fourjoy on display at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is no exception. Yet if we imagine adding doors, a rear windshield, and a roof, this concept gives a very close preview of the next model from Smart, which is expected to go on sale about a year from now and will likely to be called the ForFour. Not convinced? Smart chief Dr. Annette Winkler says, "The exterior proportions already reveal a lot about the appearance of our four-seater production Smart, which will be launched at the end of 2014 and will also enable families to travel together."

Photo Gallery: Smart Fourjoy Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Smart Fourjoy Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Smart Fourjoy Concept First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Concept First Look

One super subcompact.

Since the dawn of time, man has labored to stuff tremendous power into subcompact hatchbacks. The MG Metro 6R4, Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, Renault R5 Turbo, and Beck's Ford Festiva Shogun were all originally born as no-nonsense commuter cars, but were later transformed into nonsensical sports cars. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid R concept, which debuts at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, adheres to this age-old tradition, save for one caveat: it's a hybrid-electric vehicle.

Photo Gallery: Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Concept First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Smart Fourjoy Concept First Look

Just add doors.

Concept cars often have design elements that are too wild for series production, and the Smart Fourjoy on display at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is no exception. Yet if we imagine adding doors, a rear windshield, and a roof, this concept gives a very close preview of the next model from Smart, which is expected to go on sale about a year from now and will likely to be called the ForFour. Not convinced? Smart chief Dr. Annette Winkler says, "The exterior proportions already reveal a lot about the appearance of our four-seater production Smart, which will be launched at the end of 2014 and will also enable families to travel together."

Photo Gallery: Smart Fourjoy Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Smart Fourjoy Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Smart Fourjoy Concept First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

We all know that if there's one thing that delivery trucks like to do (UPS trucks excepted), it's to idle loudly in front of your home or office while filling the air with exhaust fumes as their drivers fill out paperwork on one of those metal pads.

We all know that if there's one thing that delivery trucks like to do (UPS trucks excepted), it's to idle loudly in front of your home or office while filling the air with exhaust fumes as their drivers fill out paperwork on one of those metal pads.