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Nov
25th

Top 10 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show Unveilings

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If you missed our complete coverage of the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show last week, this top 10 showcasing the finest vehicles unveiled in the City of Angels will surely give you an eyeful.

10. 2015 Chevrolet Colorado
2015 Chevrolet Colorado
Photo: Chevrolet

Another vehicle making its anticipated debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show is the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The redesigned midsize pickup truck will be available in three trim levels -- WT, LT, and Z71 -- as well as with three powertrains including a 193-horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, a 302-horsepower 3.6L V6, and a 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel (output TBD). More details on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado

Continue reading Top 10 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show Unveilings

Nov
25th

F1: One last fire up of the V8 Formula 1 engine (+video)

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Red Bull Racing drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber fired up for the last time the Renault V8 engines of their RB9s inside the Interlagos garage Sunday night.

The two drivers put on all the required protective gears and cranked the normally aspirated V8 Renault engines for the last time.

Watch the video to see and listen one last time to the outstanding shriek of the V8 F1 engine.



Nov
24th

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-11-24 08:46:22

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Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Co., was named industry leader of the year in the latest selection of All-Stars by Automotive News. Mulally, 68, also earned honors at the top North American CEO.
Nov
24th

Nissan enlists teens to assist in luring future young buyers

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Ask teenagers to design a car that appeals to young buyers and you might expect something modern, even futuristic. But when Nissan tried it, the youngsters went all retro.
Nov
24th

Mini reworks Cooper interior after dings by customers, J.D. Power

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Responding to consumer complaints, Mini has gone mainstream with its interior layout.
Nov
24th

F1 Brazil: Sebastian Vettel denies Webber a swan song win (+results)

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Sebastian Vettel capped off the 2013 season in style, leading his retiring teammate Mark Webber to a Red Bull 1-2 at the checkered flag of a dry Brazilian Grand Prix and equalling two F1 records.

His 13th win of the season matched Michael Schumacher's tally of 2004. A consecutive ninth also elevated him to Alberto Ascari's level.

Despite a slow start, pole-sitter Vettel ran away in his usual style. Webber and pursuer Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) only caught a break on lap 47, when Vettel lost time with a slow pit stop, but could not take advantage of it. In a couple of laps only, the gap with the German was growing again.

As he leaves for sports car racing, the Australian had to settle for one last podium, ahead of Alonso.

Brazilian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel
Celebration in the parc ferme (Photo: GEPA pictures)

Jenson Button (McLaren) came home a season-best fourth, ahead of Nico Rosberg (Mercedes). Sergio Perez (McLaren) and Felipe Massa (Ferrari) finished sixth and seventh in their last race for their respective teams.

After crashing into Valtteri Bottas (Williams), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) served a drive-through penalty and clawed his way back to ninth, ahead of Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso).

Mercedes edged Ferrari in the constructors' championship by 14 points, while Lotus settles for fourth after Romain Grosjean's retirement and Heikki Kovalainen's 14th place finish in Brazil.

Race results* - Brazilian Grand Prix (Sao Paulo)
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 71 laps 1.32'36"300
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 10"452
3 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 18"913
4 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 37"360
5 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 39"048
6 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 44"051
7 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 49"110
8 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'04"252
9 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'12"903
10 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
11 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1 lap
12 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
13 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1 lap
14 - Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1 lap
15 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
17 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 2 laps
18 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 2 laps
19 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 2 laps

Fastest lap of the race: 1'15"436 by Mark Webber

Retirements
Lap 3 - Romain Grosjean
Lap 46 - Valtteri Bottas
Lap 59 - Charles Pic

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 397; 2.Alonso 242; 3.Webber 199; 4.Hamilton 189; 5.Raikkonen 183; 6.Rosberg 171; 7.Grosjean 132; 8.Massa 112; 9.Button 73; 10.Hulkenberg 51; 11.Perez 49; 12.Di Resta 48; 13.Sutil 29; 14.Ricciardo 20; 15.Vergne 13; 16.Gutierrez 6; 17.Bottas 4; 18.Maldonado 1.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 596; 2.Mercedes 360; 3.Ferrari 354; 4.Lotus-Renault 315; 5.McLaren-Mercedes 122; 6.Force India-Mercedes 77; 7.Sauber-Ferrari 57; 8.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 33; 9.Williams-Renault 5.

*Unofficial results

Nov
24th

Rally: ALDO Racing to fight AIDS at 2014 Dakar

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ALDO Racing's David Bensadoun and Patrick Beaulé have confirmed they are entering the 2014 Dakar, which will take them from Rosario, in Argentina, to Valparaiso, in Chili.

Their Desert Warrior 3 will support a special livery promoting the fight against sexual diseases under the "ALDO Fights Aids" slogan.

"The campaign kicks off at the Dakar Rally," explains Bensadoun, a important member of the ALDO shoe company and former Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) driver.

"ALDO has been actively involved in the fight against AIDS for almost 30 years and has raised more than $10 million for international (...) programs."

Rookies of the year in 2012, Bensadoun and Beaulé believe they can crack the top 30 in 2014.

"We have done the preparation work and have the tools and the team to do well. I feel it will pay back!"

Dakar, Patrick Beaulé, David Bensadoun, Desert Warrior 3, ALDO Racing
Patrick Beaulé, David Bensadoun (Photo:ALDO Racing)


Nov
24th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-11-24 01:00:00

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From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg has signed a one-year deal to return to Force India next year, Germany's authoritative Auto Motor und Sport reports from Brazil.

Correspondent Michael Schmidt said the 26-year-old German's deal includes 'options' beyond 2014, but the news would tie in with rumours Hulkenberg is first in line for a Ferrari drive should Fernando Alonso jump ship for 2015.

"The deal should be announced in the next few days, and maybe right after the Brazilian grand prix," said Schmidt.

It is expected that Hulkenberg's teammate next year will be Force India incumbent Adrian Sutil.

F1, Nico Hulkenberg, Force India
Nico Hulkenberg (Photo: Force India)

The German has been hinting for weeks that he is staying put at the Silverstone based team.

"I know it already but I will not say it," the smiling Sutil told the German broadcaster RTL at Interlagos.

"I have had a contract for months, and it is signed. I don't want to confirm it officially, because the team has a rule that you cannot publicly discuss contractual situations.

"But I will definitely be back next year," the 30-year-old revealed.

Complicating the issue for Force India, however, is the presence on the market of the powerful sponsored drivers Pastor Maldonado and Sergio Perez.

Lotus is the most competitive team with a driver vacancy for 2014, but that team is grappling with the 'will-it-or-won't-it' arrival of crucial investment from the Quantum group.

So, along with Force India, Sauber is next in the queue for the pick of the remaining drivers on the 2014 market, and rumours say the Swiss team is in serious talks with both Maldonado and the McLaren refugee Perez.

Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn said the driver decision will be made "soon".

"Maybe in the coming week," she told RTL at Interlagos.

In the meantime, Maldonado's reportedly EUR 40 million in Venezuelan backing, and Perez's EUR 15 million from Mexico, will speak loudly.

Maldonado, however, thinks he is worth signing up for his talent alone.

"I think I would be champion at Red Bull," the departing Williams driver is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

Maldonado is also quoted as saying by the EFE news agency: "Of the available drivers on the market, I'm the only one who has won a race.

"The only thing I know," Marca sports newspaper quoted Maldonado as saying, "is that I will be in formula one next year, 100 per cent."


Nov
24th

F1: Toto Wolff aware Honda began poaching Mercedes staff

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From GMM

Honda, to return to F1 in 2015 with McLaren, has begun to poach staff from rival manufacturers like Mercedes.

That is the claim of Mercedes' motor sport chief Toto Wolff, who said the Japanese marque's quest for talented and experienced F1 staff is "quite civilised" at the moment.

And Wolff told Germany's Auto Bild that Honda's moves to poach Mercedes engineers is "quite normal".

"We're operating in a competitive environment, and I think everyone is looking for the best engineers," he said.

"So it is not unexpected," Wolff insisted. "We know what contracts are running out, and if we want to keep them, we will work on new ones in good time."

F1, Honda, Jenson Button
Honda is coming back (Photo: WRi2)

Wolff refused to criticise the behaviour of McLaren's 2015 engine supplier, who have been absent from the grid since the disastrous final two seasons as a full works Honda team in 2007 and 2008.

"At the moment we have the feeling that it is quite civilised," said the Austrian, referring to Honda's efforts to poach engineers.

"We do not have the impression that our engineers are excessively concerned. However, this could happen. They (Honda) need to put their programme together bit by bit.

"I could imagine at some stage their efforts to court staff becoming more aggressive," added Wolff.


Nov
24th

GT: Laurens Vanthoor and Stéphane Ortelli win FIA GT title in the streets of Baku

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Belgian Audi Club Team WRT drivers Laurens Vanthoor and Stéphane Ortelli won this weekend's Baku World Challenge race, the finale of the 2013 FIA GT championship.

The pair's performance in the streets of the Azerbaijani capital also earned them the FIA GT title.

"When the team told me over the radio that I was leading the race, I was thinking that they were making a joke," admitted 22-year-old Vanthoor.

"My aim was (just) to bring the car home in one piece, as it was easy to make mistakes," the Belgian, who had not won a major title since topping the German F3 championship in 2009, added.

FIA GT Series, Baku, Azerbaijan
Podium in Baku (Photo: FIAGTSeries.com)

"It feels so fantastic!"

Vanthoor and Ortelli's WRT teammates René Rast and Niki Mayr-Melnhof helped secure the teams' championship with a win of their own in qualifying.

Alvaro Parente and Sébastien Loeb, of Loeb Racing, finished fourth.

McLaren protege Stoffel Vandoorne failed to reach the finish, sharing a McLaren MP4-12C with countryman Frédéric Vervisch.


Nov
24th

Rallycross: FIA considering Trois-Rivières for 2014 World Championship calendar

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The Québec town of Trois-Rivières is racing towards a spot on the 2014 World Rallycross Championship calendar, British magazine Autosport revealed.

And according to local newspaper L'Écho de Trois-Rivières, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) already met with race officials about the possibility of hosting a rallycross event at the famous Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R).

GP3R, NASCAR Canadian Tire
Trois-Rivières, Québec (Photo: Yannick Gougeon)

Rallycross is still an up and coming sport, but motorsport stars like Petter Solberg, Ken Block and Mattias Ekström would boost the GP3R's credentials on the international scene, should the FIA approve the project.

Organizers would then have to add a new gravel section to the existing layout of the distinctive street course.

The FIA is also pondering over a second event outside Europe. The sanctioning body plans to release the official 2014 schedule next month.

Nov
24th

F1: Felipe Massa tips awkward Raikkonen pairing for Alonso

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From GMM

Felipe Massa has tipped Fernando Alonso to share an awkward relationship with his new Ferrari teammate.

Between 2007 and 2009, before Spaniard Alonso arrived at the fabled Italian team, Brazilian Massa shared the scarlet garage with Kimi Raikkonen.

The Finn is returning to Ferrari to be Alonso's teammate in 2014, but Massa warned Alonso not to expect an easy relationship with the aloof and unusual Raikkonen.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138, F1, Brazil
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138

"Out of Schumacher, Raikkonen and Alonso, it was easier with Schumacher and Alonso," Massa, who will switch to Williams after Sunday's Brazilian grand prix, told Italia 1 television.

"With Kimi I could work well, but there was no relationship or friendship -- he lived in his own world and didn't want to know anything about anyone," he added.

"With Michael and Fernando I had a human relationship, but with Kimi, no. And if he didn't have it (a relationship) with me, then he will not have it with anyone."

Massa also had a warning for Raikkonen.

"He needs to be prepared to live with Alonso, because it is not easy to be the teammate of Fernando Alonso. He is a very strong driver, sometimes perfect, and so Kimi will have to be giving his very best every time," he added.

Meanwhile, the Spanish newspaper El Pais reports that neither his current team, Lotus, or his 2014 employer, Ferrari, knows the current whereabouts of Raikkonen.

The 34-year-old Finn, who in Mark Webber's absence next year will be the oldest driver on the grid, had back surgery last week.

But, to divert the attention of reporters and photographers, Raikkonen's manager deliberately said the operation was taking place in Salzburg, Austria, when in reality it happened in Strasbourg, France.

"We have no idea where he is," a Lotus team member is quoted as saying.

And an unnamed Ferrari source added: "We only know that he is fine, calm, resting and that his recovery has begun."


Nov
24th

F1: Caterham first in line for 2014 car crash test

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From GMM

Caterham is the first team in line to pass the FIA's mandatory static crash test with its all-new 2014 chassis.

That is the claim of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, adding that although many teams are now ready for the test, Caterham was the first in line and will be visited by the FIA officials at its UK headquarters next week.

The chequered flag of the 2013 season has not even been waved, but winter testing - to begin in late January - is already looming large, and teams are busier than ever to prepare for the sweeping rule changes for next season.

Caterham CT03
Caterham CT03 (Photo: WRi2)

Auto Motor und Sport said Williams, for instance, already has 1500 kilometres clocked up on its new 8-speed gearbox on a Toyota test facility in Cologne.

The Grove team's new technical boss Pat Symonds said: "Usually, with big rule changes, the one who delivers reliability over pure performance is the one who wins in the end."

Even Pirelli's tires are having to change, with Paul Hembery revealing that next year's fronts will weigh 350 grams more, while the rears will be 500 grams heavier.

"We are expecting wheelspin all the way to fifth or sixth gear," said the Briton.

That is one reason why the Italian marque is opting to be conservative with its 2014 designs, after three years of supplying controversially heavily-degrading tires.

But Hembery warned: "Perhaps we will go to the test in Bahrain with the thought that we have been very conservative, but it turns out that they are in fact aggressive."


Nov
24th

2008-2013 Scion xB Pre-Owned

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Model: 2008 to 2013 Scion xB

Vehicle Type: Compact Crossover

The Verdict: The big draws to the unique Scion xB are affordability, uniqueness and a high space-per-dollar ratio. For maximum confidence, opt for a full mechanical inspection at your local Toyota or Scion dealer ahead of purchase -- asking the technician to pay special attention to fluid levels and possible coolant leaks.

Price: Look for pricing from about $9,000 for a 2008 xB with some mileage on it, with asking prices in the mid-20s for a loaded, low-mileage unit. There's plenty of selection in the low- to mid-teens.

2011 Scion xB logo
Photo: Matthieu Lambert

History/Description: The second-generation Scion xB got a facelift and a new, North American-specific platform to help it better meet the needs of shoppers on this side of the pond. It was wider, longer, and heavier than the first-generation car that became famous for its “box on wheels” styling.

The second-generation xB's engine was up-sized to help enable adequate performance in light of the added portliness, too. The model's flexibility and unique looks remained, though fuel mileage suffered as a result of the added weight and power.

Power windows, mirrors, locks, and air conditioning were on board, and available options included a long list of cosmetic upgrades, satellite radio, a subwoofer, alloy wheels, mood lighting, and more.

For the second-generation xB, engineers specified a 2.4L 158-horsepower mill teamed with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

2011 Scion xB cabin
Photo: Matthieu Lambert

What Owners Like:
Many Scion xB owners praise cargo and passenger room, visibility, ride comfort, utility, and mileage. Other owner-stated plusses include surprising handling and stability, as well as a powerful stereo system and overall looks.

What Owners Dislike: Owners typically gripe about a noisy engine, and some low-quality parts and materials throughout the cabin. Road noise and insufficient output from the dome light are commonly brought up, too.

2011 Scion xB side view
Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Common Issues: Start your visit with a potential used Scion xB candidate looking for signs of durability-related issues. Owners reported several that pop up fairly frequently in forums, mainly relating to paint and wheels.

Curiously, many owners reported having to replace the windshield in the xB multiple times. Be sure to check the windshield thoroughly for signs of cracks or chips, and note that these may prevent the model in question from passing a mechanical safety inspection.

The charcoal canister, which filters gas vapors from the fuel system, can be expensive to replace if it goes bad. This may be evidenced by a “Check Engine” warning light. If said warning light is illuminated, because of this or any other issue, be sure to have a mechanic scan the computer system to see why.

All models should be inspected for signs of coolant leaks, which typically precede water pump failure. Look for puddles of leaked coolant beneath the vehicle, and locate the water pump and look for a pink, crusty residue or liquid around it. Ask a mechanic for help if you're unsure.

Finally, be sure to check the condition and level of the engine oil. Some owners report oil burning or oil consumption, though the issue seems to be centered on 2008 models only.

2011 Scion xB engine
Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Nov
23rd

GERMANY: Volkswagen to plough EUR84.2bn into automotive division to 2018

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Volkswagen says it will invest a total of EUR84.2bn (US$114bn) in its automotive division during the next five years.
Nov
23rd

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-11-23 01:01:00

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stridently insisted that the recent spate of battery fires in Model S sedans is being blown out of proportion. He may be right, but a good public relations strategy requires more than that.
Nov
23rd

Stars come out in L.A.

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The Los Angeles Auto Show proved fertile ground for four important world debuts. Here are the highlights.
Nov
23rd

Doubting Toyota prince defeats crisis to prove self wrong

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Akio Toyoda has made a convincing case for himself as head of the world's biggest automaker.
Nov
23rd

GM considers all-terrain Colorado

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Before the wraps even came off the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado at the 2013 L.A. Auto Show, Chevy dealers were in the factory's ear about a future off-road variant.
Nov
23rd

F1: Pirelli considers buying new test car

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From GMM

Pirelli is considering buying a new F1 test car from one of the teams.

Already frustrated by the lack of testing opportunities, and the teams' collective reluctance to help, F1's official supplier became further dismayed in Brazil when wet weather affected its plans to try the 2014 tires in Friday practice.

"We wouldn't have brought it (the 2014 tire) here if we didn't want to run it," motor sport boss Paul Hembery said.

It was a further frustration on top of a frustrating situation overall for Pirelli.

The Italian marque now wants to test the tires in dry Bahrain in December, but the teams cannot agree about who should accompany Pirelli to the island Kingdom.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said McLaren is offering to provide a car and send personnel at its own expense.

"It would give our new driver Kevin Magnussen some more experience," admitted team boss Martin Whitmarsh.

But some teams, like Mercedes and Ferrari, reportedly believe another Pirelli-shod test for McLaren would not be fair.

"I think we all want to help Pirelli provide the best tire they can," said Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn, "but it would be unfortunate if one team had the benefit of running a tire to the exclusion of all the others."

Hembery said: "If the teams are not able to sort out the problem, we will buy a car -- just as we did previously with Toyota and Renault."

If Pirelli buys a car now, it would have to buy a 2011 model, according to the testing rules.  But if it waits until January 1, it can buy a 2012 model.

But Hembery said Pirelli might actually go for a 2013 single seater.

"This is a grey area," Hembery said.  "Actually, we can't be prohibited (from running a 2013 car) because we are not a competitor.

"We would use the data only for ourselves, and each team could send an observer if they want to," he added.

Hembery's frustration, meanwhile, is obvious.

"It's like having to develop tires wearing a blindfold," he is quoted by Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"No manufacturer, not Bridgestone or Michelin, would agree to return to F1 under these conditions," the Briton added.


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