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News 23 Oct, 2013

Toyota GT 86 saloon has been given the go-ahead, according to inside source

Prodrive's Brand& helps develop some of the potential in a vehicle manufacturer's brand and distribution by creating carefully-positioned non-automotive ranges (mainly clothing and lifestyle accessories) and the retailing support that make them successful. To find out more, Matthew Beecham talked with Carl Ball, managing director of Brand& about its expertise and how social media is changing the ways in which dealers and OEMs should engage with their customers and potential customers, making cross-channel communications more cost-effective as long as it is cunningly implemented.

News 23 Oct, 2013

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is nearing production. It'll be sharper to drive than the BMW 3 Series and rivals the Audi A5 Sportback

General Motors and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen are scaling back their alliance as the French carmaker pursues an investment by China's Dongfeng. A planned joint platform to replace the Peugeot 208, Citroen C3 and Opel Corsa will likely be cancelled.

General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen are scaling back their alliance as the French carmaker pursues an investment by China's Dongfeng and the U.S. automaker seeks greater control of its destiny in Europe.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen said its alliance with General Motors may be scaled back, as the carmaker posted a 3.7 percent third-quarter revenue decline. Plans for a joint small-car program with GM are "under review," PSA said.

News 23 Oct, 2013

Kia continues sporty push with Kia GT coupe and new roadster concept

Italian supplier Sogefi posted third-quarter net profit that rose 24 percent to 7.6 million euros, boosted by its business outside Europe.

Mercedes says the new C class will be up to 100 kg lighter than the current car, thanks to a new lightweight body structure.

Mercedes says the new C class will be up to 220 pounds lighter than the current car, thanks to a new lightweight body structure.

Toyota's in-house lender is leveraging the automaker's AA- credit rating and cash to offer low rates and keep customers coming back.

From GMM

Nico Rosberg is engaged to marry his long-term girlfriend Vivian Sibold, according to German reports.

"Yes, it's true," the Mercedes driver told Kolner Express newspaper. "We're getting married," added Rosberg, referring to Vivian, an interior designer.

"It all feels very, very nice. When and where it happens is still in the stars," added Rosberg.

The German driver lives with Vivian, who is also 28, in Monaco and Ibiza.

Vivian Sibold and Nico Rosberg. (Photo: WRi2)

From press release

Theodore Racing, the most famous team in Macau Grand Prix history, is returning to the event for its 60th Anniversary celebrations in association with Prema Powerteam.

Theodore Racing by Prema has entered two Dallara-Mercedes Formula 3 cars for young talents Alex Lynn, from Great Britain, and Lucas Auer, from Austria, marking the return of the Theodore name to the Macau Grand Prix after 21 years.

They will both compete in a retro red-and-white livery in homage to the Theodore entries of the 1980s and 1990s. This year's event also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna's victory for Theodore Racing in the very first Macau GP run for F3 cars, in 1983.

Keke Rosberg, Wolf Theodore, German GP, 1978 (Photo: WRI2)

Prema Powerteam won this season's FIA Formula 3 European Championship teams' title, and carried Daniel Juncadella to victory in the 2011 Macau GP.

Theodore Racing became synonymous with the Macau Grand Prix thanks to its founder Teddy Yip, who competed as a driver in 11 Macau Grands Prix between 1956 and '75. He then entered or sponsored leading Macau GP teams up to 1992, scoring five Macau victories.

Lynn and Auer join a long-line a famous Theodore alumni: as well as Senna, Theodore Racing entered future Formula 1 stars in the Macau GP such as Mika Hakkinen, Rubens Barrichello, Stefan Johansson, Alan Jones, Eddie Irvine and Martin Brundle.

The decision for Theodore Racing's return was taken by Yip's son Teddy Yip Jr, who wanted to pay tribute to his late father's Macau legacy in the event's 60th year.

Yip Jr, who is the team principal of GP3 Series and Le Mans 24 Hours team Status Grand Prix, said: “Macau is an extremely important part of the Yip family history, and my father always wanted to play his part in helping out young drivers on the way to the top. This year's event marks two important anniversaries, and it's fitting that the Theodore name is an active part of the celebrations.

“Joining up with Prema makes perfect sense. They are the champions of European Formula 3 this year, and with Alex and Lucas I know we have two guys who have the talent to continue the Theodore Racing legacy.”

Prema team manager Rene Rosin said: “My father Angelo Rosin, who founded Prema in 1983, is very aware of the great history of Theodore Racing. There were a lot of battles in that era of Formula 3 and the team was always a very important part of Macau.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to be part of Theodore's latest chapter.”

In the final round of the 2013 season of the DTM, fans got to see an action-packed rain race with plenty of surprises at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg.

At the end of a very entertaining race, former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock crossed the finish line as the winner with his BMW M3 DTM from Spaniard Roberto Merhi (Mercedes-Benz) and Canadian Bruno Spengler (BMW).

Photos: René Fagnan

Swede Mattias Ekström was the best-placed Audi driver in fourth, but that wasn't enough for the brand from Ingolstadt to win the manufacturers' title.

Thus, BMW not only claimed first and third place at Hockenheim, but also repeated its success from last year in the manufacturers' championship, ahead of Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

The Audi Sport Team Phoenix with Mike Rockenfeller and Miguel Molina won the teams' title. A total of 122,000 spectators attended the final DTM weekend of 2013.

From GMM

Stefano Domenicali has admitted Ferrari was targeting Robert Kubica for a future seat until his career-altering rally crash of 2011.

It has been rumoured the Italian team wanted Pole Kubica, who is now a full-time rally driver after substantially recovering from near-fatal injuries, to be Fernando Alonso's teammate.

Asked if the rumours were true, team boss Domenicali said: "Yes, we were keeping an eye on him.

"Unfortunately, I don't think he will be back (in F1), because with his physical problem, he would struggle in certain limited situations which require reactivity. It's a shame," he added.

Robert Kubica aboard the Lotus Renault, in February 2011. (Photo: WRi2)

Domenicali's comments, posted on the Ferrari website, originated from a meeting he had at Maranello this week with two Italian fans who have been heavily critical of the fabled team in recent months.

In the revealing interview, Domenicali admitted both he and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo had been highly critical of Alonso recently, after the Spaniard made disparaging comments about the team.

"If I have something to say to him, as would be the case with my engineers, I would do it behind closed doors and in a harsh manner," he said.

"But externally, I will always defend the team. When he (Alonso) crossed the line, president Montezemolo intervened and in private, so did I."

I often wonder if anyone actually likes to drive anymore these days, at least here in my hometown in Canada. I drive on some heavily trafficked and heavily full of construction roads. The landscape is meh, the road conditions are horrid, and the number of cars on the road with me often makes for a pretty slow go any time of the day. I find myself looking around at my fellow motorists and all I see are sour faces. It's rather sad, actually.

Is it a lack of sleep? Not enough caffeine? I'm not sure, but it's kind of upsetting, and I feel like their displeasure often seeps into my vehicle, and I don't appreciate that one bit.

Perhaps I notice our discontent mostly because I've had the opportunity to drive other roads, like my colleagues. From twisting, turning roads that wind through the Alps to long, sweeping stretches of perfect tarmac lazily meandering through the Californian countryside, there are roads around the world I would give my left foot to drive on every day.

I could imagine the commute to work in San Francisco as stunning every single day. I'm not sure I'd ever get sick of seeing the Golden Gate Bridge rise from the sea-born fog that surrounds it on a daily basis, large, red and looming between the coastal mountains. Even in stop-and-go traffic, it must be hard to ignore and appreciate that sight on some level. But would a San Fran native agree?

Just outside Las Vegas in Nevada, the roads that traverse the Valley of Fire are some of the best roads I've ever been on. I would ensure I bought a house that meant I just had to drive them every day. Sure, it might take a little longer, but oh that drive!

We've lost something in the hustle and bustle of life these days, something important, something visceral. We've lost that connection with the world around us, that stop-and-smell-the-roses part that makes us humans a little more, well, human.

As we ho-hum our way through our daily routines, we're blind to the world around us -- and I don't blame us for being that way sometimes. Without heads constantly bent over iPhones and iPads, ears plugged with iPods and cars that can do everything for us, even send texts, why would we take a moment to look past our windshields.

In truth, there's joy to be had on any road in any country, especially if you like the car you're driving. I think that also has a great deal to do with it; finding that "perfect fit" vehicle isn't the easiest thing (or sometimes not even financially possible) so we settle, and pay the price in the end. But I digress; what I really want to emphasis is the fact that even traffic-packed, cone-lined streets can be interesting and even exciting, if you just wake up and see the world around you.

I complained about my drive in to work at the beginning of this blog, wishing it were more like some of the European roads I've been on, but in actual fact it does have its own beauty. I plan on finding it tomorrow morning as I drive to work in the rising sun.

Race drivers drive to the checkered flag on the track. Over at Hendrick Motorsports technicians' race to build NASCAR engines.

This year Robert Marock and Jay Wiles beat 11 other teams to win the 12th annual Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown. The late Randy Dorton was Hendrick Motorsports' master engine builder until he lost his life in a plane crash nine years ago on his way to a NASCAR race in Martinsville.

Marock, the first two-time champion for Hendrick Automotive Group, and Wiles built their final Chevrolet R07.2 engine in 24 minutes and 38 seconds.



"I get more nervous every time I participate," said the 50-year-old Marock. "Jay (Wiles) was a great partner and communication was the key to winning today. I hope I can go back to the dealership and motivate my co-workers to get to this level and be in the competition. Hendrick teaches us not to be ordinary and this competition is an example of that."

Wiles, 49, has worked at Hendrick Motorsports since 1998 and won the first Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown in 2002.

Eventual winners of the 12th annual Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown Jay Wiles of Hendrick Motorsports and Robert Marock of Honda of Concord, a Hendrick Automotive Group dealership, near the end of their championship build. (Photo: Hendrick Motorsports)

"The first year I won we built our engine in just over 17 minutes, so that tells you how much more complex these engines and the process is now," Wiles said. "This event is important to Mr. Hendrick and important to all of us ...We compete and have some fun at the same time."

"Started in 2002, the Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown pairs 12 Hendrick Automotive Group (car sales) master technicians with 12 Hendrick Motorsports technicians, in a two-day competition to construct Chevrolet R07.2 engines. The overall goal of the competition is to have the fewest errors in the shortest amount of time. The teams are set in a bracket-style format, and the two teams with the best times go head-to-head in the final round at Hendrick Motorsports," said a company release.

This year, 120 technicians took the test.

"We appreciate what our technicians at Hendrick Automotive Group do every day," said Rick Hendrick, Chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group and Owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "This event was established to recognize them and our team in the Hendrick Motorsports engine department. Whether it's selling cars or competing on the racetrack, we know the organization is stronger when we're all working together. That's something we're doing now more than ever."

Hendrick Automotive Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Brown, Vice President of Fixed Operations Wayne Simpson, General Manager of Honda of Concord Wes Watkins, Winner Robert Marock of Honda of Concord, Winner Jay Wiles of Hendrick Motorsports, Chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group and Owner of Hendrick Motorsports Rick Hendrick, and Director of Engine Operations at Hendrick Motorsports Jeff Andrews. (Photo: Hendrick Motorsports)

As we wait for the all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid and Accord Plug-in Hybrid, I got to spend quality time with a 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6. I can easily see why this sedan won the AJAC's Canadian Car of the Year Award, as well as Auto123.com's 2013 Midsize Car of the Year Award.

Despite looking all serious and business-like, the Accord won me over the second I stepped inside. As a true benchmark for midsize cars, this Japanese icon is probably as close to perfection as it gets.


What is the Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord comes in sedan and coupe body styles, along with 4- and 6-cylinder engines, which makes it one of the most versatile midsize offerings in Canada.

Fully redesigned for 2013, the 9th-generation Accord keeps building on a stellar reputation for quality and reliability. It boasts a relatively sporty character, plenty of advanced safety systems, and high levels of comfort.

Fully redesigned for 2013, the 9th-generation Accord keeps building on a stellar reputation for quality and reliability. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 Honda Accord Touring V6 Price and Specs
Under the hood of my tester was a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 rated at 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. The engine worked with an excellent 6-speed automatic transmission, Variable Cylinder Management, ECON mode, and the friction- and weight-reducing Earth Dreams technology to achieve great fuel economy (more on that later).

In sedan form, the 2013 Honda Accord starts at $23,990. If you want the bigger mill, your only two options are the EX-L V6 and fully equipped Touring V6. At $35,400, the latter includes keyless access, which I quickly found out I couldn't live without.

Under the hood of my tester was a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 rated at 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
The comfort-focused 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6 is far from boring to drive. Lively acceleration, decent handling, sharp steering, and very competent brakes contribute to a safe, pleasant experience behind the wheel. On the flip side, I was a bit disappointed with the turning radius.

Visibility in the 2013 Honda Accord is good up front, but the raised trunk makes it hard to see out the rear. The multi-angle backup camera with available guidelines comes in quite handy. Moreover, thanks to Honda's LaneWatch system, a camera mounted on the passenger's side mirror displays an image on the centre screen to effectively increase the viewing angle. This helps avoid potential collisions with objects or people in the right blind spot. As for the expanded-view driver's side mirror, it merely provides a distorted view of objects on the far-left side -- I didn't like it.

There are green and white bars on either side of the 2013 Honda Accord's speedometer that track how efficiently you're driving. My goal was to keep the bars as green as possible (without going all hypermiler-crazy), and it paid off: I wound up with an impressive 8.3L/100km average (granted, I mostly drove on highways).

Thanks to Honda's LaneWatch system, a camera mounted on the passenger's side mirror displays an image on the centre screen to effectively increase the viewing angle. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
The new design of the 2013 Honda Accord gives it a modern, upscale look. The LED headlights, fog lights, and 18” wheels definitely add a touch of class. Personally, the only thing that kind of compromises the sleek exterior is the boxy tail.

Build quality is fantastic on both sides of the doors. Material selection is exemplary; same for fit and finish. The 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6's heated leather seats all around are just as comfortable as they are supportive.

The modern, user-friendly dashboard comes with dual screens. The large one up top provides a lot of information on the vehicle, while the smaller touch screen below allows you to select audio input or change radio stations, for instance. While this kind of interface is sharp and trendy, I still prefer the old-fashioned array of buttons and dials to keep my eyes on the road.

Ergonomics in the 2013 Honda Accord are adequate, although the cascade of sub-menus don't help. I would have liked a button for the Front Collision Warning system to the left of the steering wheel instead of having to find it through the various settings (along with Lane Departure Warning). What's more, Honda's voice-recognition system still needs some improvements.

Finally, despite offering lots of space and split-folding rear seats, the 2013 Honda Accord's versatility is significantly reduced by the tight opening between the cabin and the trunk.

Build quality is fantastic on both sides of the doors. Material selection is exemplary; same for fit and finish. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
As you know, midsize sedans are in the midst of an all-out war, with the lovely Ford Fusion, high-value Kia Optima, and cutting-edge Mazda6 fighting the hardest for your dollar.

If the past is any indication, the 2013 Honda Accord will prove immensely reliable and satisfying. That, combined with an attractive base price, pleasant driving dynamics, great build quality, and terrific resale value, should continue to drive hordes of buyers to Honda dealers.

From Gord Craig

The off-season has begun for many racing series in Canada however the race season is far from over for title sponsor of the NPP Late Model Series.

Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd. will be waving the Canadian flag south of the border at two upcoming race events.

"The dirt cars are parked for the year," says NPP owner Dwight Kennedy, "now it's time to bring out the pavement cars." Sidney, British Columbia's Darrell Midgley (below), the 2009 NPP Late Model Series Champion and St. Thomas, Ontario's DJ Kennington (top), the two-time Canadian Tire NASCAR Series Champion (2010, 2012), will both be racing south of the border in the coming weeks.

Midgley will be competing at the annual Fall Classic event on the 'The Bullring' at Las Vegas Motor Speedway the end of October (24th- 26th). Kennington will compete at the NASCAR K&N Series event at Phoenix International Raceway in November (7th-9th).

"For several years we've had cars compete in Phoenix and Vegas," says team owner Dwight Kennedy, "it's basically a tradition now."

This will be the sixth consecutive appearance for Midgley on the .375 mile paved oval track in Las Vegas, Nevada. "We've always run well and qualified well [in Vegas]," exclaims Midgley who finished 5th at the 2012 Fall Classic, "as a team we are putting a huge effort into this year's race." For the first time, Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd. will be bringing two cars to the Fall Classic event in Las Vegas.

"We will be running in both the Super Late Model and the Late Model classes," admits Midgley, "yes there will be the additional pressure of running the extra race."

DJ Kennington will focus his efforts on the NASCAR K&N Series event in Arizona. "This will be the first time behind the wheel of a race car since Peterborough Speedway [in September]." At the season ending race of the NCATS series, Kennington finished fourth and wound up second overall in the 2013 championship point standings. Kennington finished just two points back of top spot. "Looking forward to getting back to Phoenix," says Kennington, "we've had some strong runs there the past few races."

At the NASCAR K & N Series 2013 Season opener back in March, Kennington finished seventh. "We don't run with these guys all the time and to come out and grab a top 10 felt pretty good."

Both Kennington and Midgley will have two separate on-track practice sessions before qualifying and their individual race events.

From GMM

Red Bull's rivals are barking up the wrong tree if they are looking for a hidden secret to the world champion team's recent successes.

With a mere fifth this weekend in India, Sebastian Vettel will guarantee an easy romp to a fourth consecutive drivers' world championship, while the Austrian team is also leagues ahead in the constructors' race.

Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali, however, admits that boffins in the F1 paddock are currently scratching their heads to work out the secret behind Red Bull's stellar season, amid talk of 'strange' engine mapping settings.

"Everyone is trying to work that out," Domenicali is quoted by the official Ferrari website.

"But it's pointless make accusations if there is no proof. The FIA can check the control unit, and if they find nothing then Red Bull is obviously doing a good job," he added.

Adrian Newey at work in Red Bull's garage. (Photo: WRi2)

Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull's plain-talking F1 consultant, would second that motion.

He says the Milton Keynes based team has simply ironed out all of its weaknesses.

"What our opponents lack is consistency," Marko told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. "Sometimes Mercedes is strong, sometimes Ferrari, sometimes Lotus.

"If they would always drive at that level then no one would think our car is so alien," said the Austrian.

"We have just got rid of our weaknesses. There are no wrong setups, no more bad strategies, no glitches during the pitstops," he added.

Marko said the simple matter of quickly getting to the bottom of an ideal setup is the uncomplicated key to a good race weekend.

"This is our new strength," he insisted. "We used to throw away a weekend on the wrong setups. Now we need a practice session and we can turn the whole thing around."