Auto News 5

A few weeks ago, we asked you if you would be interested in a Ford Ecosport, a compact sport utility based on the

The past two days have been quite an emotional roller coaster. First, we were crushed to hear that the end of the line is fast approaching for the rugged, beloved

Toyota sees fuel cells as the key to a bright, green future, with

The Department of Energy will consider bids to purchase Fisker Automotive's government loan on Friday in what could be the start of a lengthy and expensive process to revive the dormant green-car startup.

Daimler randd chief Thomas Weber believes that the Mercedes B-class Electric Drive will outpace the BMW i3 and other competitors in the fast-growing EV segment.

The Mini brand is set to undergo a major change as up to 10 next-generation models adopt the front-wheel-drive UKL architecture from parent BMW.

VW's top executives are said to be divided over whether and how workers at the company's U.S. assembly plant should be represented by a union.

Toyota will introduce safety systems in about two years enabling cars to communicate with each other to avoid collision. The move is another step toward self-driving cars, analysts said.

Toyota wasn't at fault in a fatal accident in which a 66-year-old woman crashed her Camry into a tree after it sped out of control in the wrong direction on a one-way road, a U.S. jury said.

Volkswagen's top executives are said to be divided over whether and how workers at the company's U.S. assembly plant should be represented by a union.

After detailing my profound hatred of ultra-loud car stereos in last week's blog, I now want to focus on the cult of noise (yeah, I'm calling it that), as well as its physical and legal consequences.

About decibels...
Merriam-Webster defines the decibel (dB) as a “degree of loudness,” or more precisely “a unit for expressing the ratio of two amounts of electric or acoustic signal power equal to 10 times the common logarithm of this ratio.” The higher the decibel count, the greater the risk of damaging your hearing. The human threshold of pain is 120 dB, a night club gets close to 110 dB, and a quiet city street is 50 dB (Source: Psychoacoustique, Marie-Claire Boete, Edition Inserm.)

One time is enough
Myth: Only frequent exposure to loud noise leads to hearing loss.

Science has shown that people can develop troubles like total or partial deafness, hyperacusis, and tinnitus after listening to a single loud noise.

What's more, alcohol and fatigue are some factors that inhibit our sound sensitivity; the risk of hearing loss increases because you tend to crank up the volume higher before you start to feel any pain.

You vs. others
If you want to go deaf at a young age that's your problem, but like I told you last week, this doesn't entitle you to make people around you suffer. There are laws in place to counter noise pollution in many cities across Canada, including Montreal:

• Noise whose sound pressure level is greater than the maximum set by ordinance, or noise
• specifically prohibited under this by-law, constitutes a nuisance and is prohibited as being
• contrary to peace and order.
• Any holder of a motor vehicle that produces a noise whose sound pressure level is greater
• than the maximum set by ordinance contravenes this by-law.

PENAL PROVISIONS
Any person who contravenes this by-law is guilty of an offence and is liable:
(1) for a first offence, to a fine of $100 to $300;
(2) for a second offence, to a fine of $300 to $500;
(3) for a subsequent offence, to a fine of $500 to $1000.
(Source: ville.montreal.qc.ca)

“My stereo's louder than yours!”
While searching for this blog, I couldn't believe the insanely powerful sound systems certain folks fit to their car. For instance, I came across a Scion xB with a 15” subwoofer, eight amplifiers, and 24 batteries. Of course, that's nothing when compared with a Ford F-250 that has 12 subwoofers, 48 amplifiers, and 72 batteries for a combined 72,000 watts of sound!

These vehicles have to use armoured glass and bolted doors to cope with the sound pressure generated by their stereos. I know it's all for competition purposes, but to me it makes as much sense as trying to gulp the most hot dogs in three minutes. The difference is that those eating champs make a quiet carnage.

Bottom line
We live in a society where one's freedom ends where another's begins, and there are laws against noise pollution to deter those who like to blast their music through the entire neighbourhood. Offenders must remember that they'll lose not only a chunk of money, but more importantly, some or even all of their hearing ability.

Please keep the volume to a reasonable level!

Source: rqcb.ca

Photo: Philippe Champoux

NASCAR driver, Travis Kvapil, was released from jail, in Mooresville, NC, on bail Wednesday and permitted to practice for the Charlotte Motor Speedway race on Thursday for Saturday night's race.

Kvapil had been accused of assaulting his wife at their home in a suburb of Charlotte, NC. In the United States an arrest is an accusation and a general principal of law he is innocent until proven guilty. That's why he was released from jail on a bond.

Since Kvapil has not been convicted of any crime, so far, NASCAR permitted him to practice on Thursday afternoon.

“NASCAR does not condone the actions with which Travis Kvapil has been charged and we are disappointed to learn of this incident. We have been in close communication with the race team and are in the process of gathering as much information as possible. NASCAR takes this matter very seriously and will continue to monitor the situation as it moves forward." - NASCAR statement.

His BK Racing team officials' issued a statement “"BK Racing understands the severity of the situation and we don't condone the actions that Travis has been accused of," commented Ron Devine, co-owner of BK Racing. "We feel it's important to let the system take its course. For that reason, we have elected to support Travis and his family and keep Travis in the car for this weekend's race. Further comment will be available as additional information becomes available”

From GMM

Maria de Villota, who lost an eye after a near-fatal F1 testing crash last year, died early on Friday.

The 33-year-old Spaniard was found dead in a hotel room in Seville, where she was to give a lecture, Cadena Ser radio reported.

Marca sports newspaper said de Villota's family, led by former F1 driver Emilio de Villota, confirmed the death but did not yet know the cause.

"Dear friends: Maria has left us.
She had to go to heaven like all angels. We are thankful to God for the extra year and a half that he left her with us," read the statement of her family.

Maria de Villota. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso said after Friday practice in Japan: "I just took my helmet off and (manager) Luis (Garcia Abad) told me.

"I can only pray for her and all her family," Alonso is quoted by El Pais newspaper.

De Villota sustained serious head and facial injuries in July last year when the Marussia she was testing at Duxford, UK, inexplicably drove into the loading ramp of a truck.


UPDATE

Maria de Villota was in the Spanish city to give a presentation ahead of the launch of her autobiography, 'La vida es un regalo' (Life is a gift), and according to reports had appeared in perfect health on Monday.

Spanish motor racing president Carlos Gracia, who said de Villota had sent him an email at about midnight on Monday, told Marca newspaper: "All I know for now is that her personal assistant, Arancha, came into the room and could not wake her.

"She was already dead. Apparently it was a natural death, but we know nothing," he added.

Manuel Franco, the F1 correspondent for the sports newspaper AS, added: "There were no drugs found or any signs of violence, so she is likely to have died of natural causes."

Spanish television Antena 3, who said de Villota has suffered from migraines since recovering from the near-fatal 2012 crash, revealed there will be an autopsy.

From GMM

It is not getting widespread attention, but a big battle is brewing between Sauber and Toro Rosso.

Benefitting from the Pirelli tire construction switch, and having reverted to last year's exhaust solution, Sauber has caught Toro Rosso in the constructors' championship.

The pair are now level-pegging with 31 points apiece for seventh in the constructors' world championship, which is worth several million dollars more than eighth under the financial arrangement with Bernie Ecclestone.

Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso) and Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber). (Photo: WRi2)

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost told the Swiss newspaper Blick: "Sauber should not celebrate too soon. We made too many mistakes in the last race."

He acknowledged, however, that Korea was also the scene of a standout drive for Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg, who Tost says is "an exceptional talent".

But Franz Tost said Toro Rosso still has the edge.

"For driving skills, we are better positioned with Ricciardo and Vergne," he insisted. "Just because of (Sauber's Esteban) Gutierrez."

Another factor is that Sauber may be fully stretched in terms of its limited budget when it comes to further improving the 2013 car.

Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn admitted to Speed Week that the Hinwil based team is already "a little behind schedule" with the 2014 car, because of Sauber's recent financial troubles.

Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick showed, that half-way through NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup, they are not about to give up.

Gordon the last driver to qualify, who stands fourth in the standings, put his Chevrolet SS on the pole in Charlotte at a speed of 194.308mph Thursday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway).

Harvick, last week's winner from the pole at Kansas, was the next-to-last in the qualifying order, and had just posted a lap at 194.283 mph. Still Gordon bore down through turns three and four to take his nine pole at the 1.5 mile oval but with a scintillating trip through Turns 3 and 4, Gordon claimed his ninth Coors Light pole award at Charlotte and his second of the season by .015 seconds. It was Gordon's 74th career Sprint Cup pole.

Greg Biffle (193.959 mph) qualified third, followed by Jimmie Johnson (193.791 mph), Kasey Kahne (193.694 mph), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (193.535 mph) and Ryan Newman (193.458 mph), as Chase drivers captured the top seven starting spots.

Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet SS. (Photo: NASCAR)

To Gordon, who is fourth in the Chase standings, 32 points behind leader Matt Kenseth, the pole was just another indication of his team's growing confidence as the Chase progresses.

“I can tell you, I'm feeling better every race,” Gordon said. “I thought that we really started making ground up the week prior to Richmond... Every week that we perform well and lead laps and run up front builds the confidence that we can win races and put together some great runs and get the points that we need.

“At this point, we're just going all-out, giving it everything we have. We're not really thinking about points. We're just trying to win races and get the best finishes that we can. Right now we're just having fun.”

Harvick, who is 25 points behind Kenseth (who qualified 20th) said “we're racing in the thick of a championship, and qualifying well was a huge benefit for us last week, with the first pit stall. Obviously, we wanted to be greedy and get that again tonight.”

Brian Scott, Kyle Larson and Blake Koch — all making their Cup debuts — earned the 19th, 21st and 43rd starting positions, respectively.

I wasn't really familiar with the Chevrolet Equinox before I recently got the opportunity to spend a week behind the wheel. My current lifestyle doesn't warrant driving such a “big” vehicle, and you have to admit it's not the most distinctive-looking SUV out there.

For sure, I was pleasantly surprised with my tester's ride quality and overall comfort levels. On the other hand, I had my fair share of disappointments, especially when it came to modern appeal and fit & finish.


What is the Chevrolet Equinox?
The deceptively large Chevrolet Equinox sits on the fence that separates compact and midsize SUVs and CUVs. It boasts plenty of interior room, decent equipment, as well as a choice of two powerplants. It's a sensible purchase that will meet a small family's needs without providing much excitement to the driver.

The deceptively large Chevrolet Equinox sits on the fence that separates compact and midsize SUVs and CUVs. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

2013 Chevrolet Equinox Price and Specs
While a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (182 hp, 172 lb-ft) comes standard with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, my tester benefited from a new 3.6L V6 that replaces the 3.0L unit of the outgoing model. Output amounted to a healthy 301 hp, with peak torque rated at 272 lb-ft. At the same time, I recorded an average fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km after driving 90% of the time on the highway. The excellent 6-speed automatic transmission managed to keep the engine revs remarkably low, even at 100 km/h.

The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $26,935 in base LS trim. The 1LT V6 model I tested came with all-wheel drive, 18” wheels, and a few additional options for a price of $41,095 before tax and $1,500 freight and delivery charge. The more upscale 2LT and LTZ models complete the lineup.

My tester benefited from a new 3.6L V6 that replaces the 3.0L unit of the outgoing model. Output amounted to a healthy 301 hp, with peak torque rated at 272 lb-ft. (Photo: Chevrolet)

Driving the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Nothing about this American SUV's driving dynamics really bugged me. While its size does affect manoeuvrability at times, and sportiness is not part of the experience, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is undeniably smooth and comfortable on the road. Acceleration is lively, but the considerable weight is felt during braking manoeuvres.

Visibility is good for this type of vehicle, and the wide-angle sideview mirrors will make it easier to tow a trailer. On the flip side, I could barely trust the rearview camera, whose image looked distorted and lacked colour guidelines, unlike many competitors.

The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox offers a high driving position, and despite being just 5'1” I quickly found myself at ease thanks to the various adjustments.

Another smart feature is the air conditioning system, which automatically fades when you make a call using Bluetooth and returns to its original setting when you hang up.

While its size does affect manoeuvrability at times, and sportiness is not part of the experience, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is undeniably smooth and comfortable on the road. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
The exterior of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is fairly understated, with some interesting curves thrown in for good measure. The split front grille and sculpted taillights add a bit of flair to the whole package.

It's a different story inside the 2013 Chevy Equinox. The cabin layout looks pretty dated, and the dashboard materials feel cheap. The centre stack is cluttered and shows definite signs of age, particularly the Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning lights and icons, which appear to come straight from the past. On a positive note, MyLink proves functional, and so do the steering-wheel controls.

GM will need to work harder to further improve the fit and finish of its products. I just can't understand how a big yellow wiring harness can be seen from under the driver's seat. The competition is fierce right now; the Japanese, Europeans, and Koreans all do a better job of integrating their technologies and designing modern cockpits.

The centre stack is cluttered and shows definite signs of age. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Comparing the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Few SUVs and CUVs offer this much space at such an affordable price. Consider the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox along with its cousin, the GMC Terrain, as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Sun Country Highway is expanding its network of public charging stations with 20 new 240V stations along the 401 Highway in Ontario, allowing EV users to connect Montreal and Detroit.

This is the result of partnerships with municipal governments and local businesses and organizations to install the stations and provide electricity at each location.

On October 7th, a convoy of plug-in cars set out on a trip to inaugurate the new EV-friendly corridor.

"The 401 Highway is the busiest highway in North America, and now business travellers and eco-tourists have the option to travel emission-free -- a huge step toward a more sustainable future," said president Kent Rathwell.

The Sun Country Highway network spans across the entire Canada and offers free charging to EV users.

Sources: Sun Country Highway and Green Car Reports

Romeo, MI -- Shaken, not stirred is the best way to describe a day at the Ford proving grounds in Romeo Michigan. Here, I put the 2013 version of the F-150 through three tests: trailering with a 4,082 kg (9,000 lb) trailer, a wet skid-pad braking while executing a turning manoeuver, and a drive over the paved test strips for dynamic suspension testing. Just in case I needed a point of comparison, Ford had 2014 versions of the Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 present, as well as the Toyota Tundra.

Ford did their best to ensure all four trucks were equally equipped. Engines and transmissions were standard: The Toyota Tundra had the 5.7L iForce V8 with a 5-speeed automatic; the Chevrolet Silverado a 5.3L Ecotec 3, aluminum V8 and 6-speed automatic; the Ram 1500 came with the new 5.7L and the new 8-speed automatic; and the Ford F-150 used the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and a 6-speed automatic.

Amusingly enough, in two out of the three tests, powertrain had nothing to do with how well each truck performed. On the skid pad, it was about some suspension, some electronics (ABS software), and probably 15% tire choice. Only the pavement test sections gave the suspension and chassis a workout.

On the hill climb, with a 4,082 kg trailer hooked to each truck, power came into play and even axle ratios helped out, somewhat. Of course, what goes up must come down, so there was a bit of a test within the test that involved trailer hill-descent control, and to a lesser degree, trailer-sway control.

Photo: Charles Renny

Putting pickups to the test
The wet skid pad involved getting the trucks up to 40 km/hr then making a lane change. On the second run, in mid-lane change, I was to activate the ABS.

The Tundra had the most body lean and felt a bit loose under braking. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 seemed to have the most intrusive, but least effective ABS system, while the Ram 1500 felt like a large sports car and was the only one that actually squealed the right front tire on ABS activation. The Ford F-150 managed to stay neutral in steering and to provide great breaking without any dramatics such as a nosedive or sway while turning.

Photo: Charles Renny

Test No. 2 involved four severely rough sections of pavement. Section one involved the equivalent of a heavily potholed street. I was supposed to hold the truck's speed at 24 km/hr. I can tell you right now that the road was so rough I couldn't lock my foot onto the accelerator pedal to hold the specified speed.

The second section featured larger, deeper and more spaced out potholes. I managed to hold the 24 km/hr speed for this section, as I did for the remaining ections. The third “street” was a pretty straightforward washboard road, but the speed went up to 40 km/hr. And the final stretch of rough pavement was the equivalent of a cobblestone road that had seen better days.

The pickup that fared the worst in this test was the Toyota Tundra. Taking the Toyota Tundra over this course was an exercise in frustration. No matter what I did, holding at the speeds recommended, the Tundra remained very loud inside and out, as well as uncomfortable to ride in.

In third place sits the Ram 1500, and that is based on its feeling of pounding into the large potholes like it didn't have enough suspension travel to handle the drop. It actually does have adequate suspension travel, but it was harsh. Ironically, this means that the washboard road should have sent it skittering from side to side, yet it didn't.

Second place goes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The first section was still rough, particularly with my poor speed control. However, during the rest of the test (the washboard road in particular) the Silverado 1500 was easily controlled. I felt quite comfortable.

The winner by a bumper length was the Ford F-150. It was the best on the first stretch of potholed road, and it went over the washboard strip without rattling my teeth one bit. The Ford F-150 was also the most controllable over all road surfaces.

Photo: Charles Renny

The last abusive test for the pickup durability challenge was the trailer hill climb. Here, the Ford F-150 came out on top by a trailer hitch. The Toyota Tundra was hampered by the 5-speed automatic, while the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 were under a bit more strain than expected. The Ford F-150 with Ecoboost pulled the cleanest and had the highest top speed at the top of the hill, although all of them did make it to legal highway speeds going up the 7% grade.

On the hill test decent, all of the hill-descent controls worked, but Ford's had the best speed control and the easiest activation.

Photo: Charles Renny

Built Ford Tough?
When put side-by-side with the comparably equipped Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Ford F-150 does not have the gigantic lead that it had over its competitors in the past. The introduction of new models outside the Ford name has closed the gap significantly. However, there is still a gap and it still puts the Ford F-150 ahead. It looks as if Ford will continue to claim that the F-150 “owns work” and continues to be the bestselling truck in Canada -- for now.

From GMM

Red Bull designer Adrian Newey has admitted his new car for 2014 is "ugly".

"The new Red Bull is ugly. Unfortunately," he is quoted by the German news agency SID.

Briton Newey, widely regarded as the best car designer in F1, is not at Suzuka this weekend as he focuses instead on the challenge of the radical 2014 rules.

He said he is working on the RB10 for "four of the five days" of the working week.

He said the reason for the 'ugly' 2014 car is because of the new aerodynamic rules, sending designers down the path of penning a "hook nose".

Adrian Newey. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

But the bigger concern for F1's technical boffins is the new powertrain rules, which Newey said are "more complex than ever before".

Agreed Alain Prost, Renault ambassador: "We have three engine manufacturers, and none of them are particularly optimistic.

"Reliability is the biggest challenge at the moment, to be honest," he added.

Mercedes' Toto Wolff, however, is excited.

"A month ago I was in Maranello and saw their engine factory and thought: 'German engineering ingenuity against Italian improvisation and French laissez-faire'."

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, however, is most concerned about the 'show'.

"Yes, it could be very frustrating to have to save fuel," said the Brazilian at Suzuka.

"I just hope it can be interesting to watch for the spectators and viewers and that it can also be interesting for the drivers," he added.

On October 11th, 2008, a Belgian driver named Luc Costermans reached a speed of 308.78 km/h with a Lamborghini Gallardo at the 125 d'Istres airfield in Bouches-du-Rhône, setting a world record for a blind driver.

Despite losing the ability to see in 2004, Costermans is still an avid auto racing fan. Earlier this week, with the help of his co-driver, Guillaume Roman, he even took part in the Rallye de France Shakedown with a Ford Focus RS, marking a first for a blind person.

Video footage of 2008: