Auto News 5

From press release

The Williams F1 Team is delighted to announce that Felipe Massa will join the team to drive alongside Valtteri Bottas for the 2014 season. The new line-up reflects Williams' determination to bring success back to the team.

Having competed in 12 FIA Formula One World Championship seasons, Felipe is an experienced talent and proven race winner, with 11 race wins and 36 podiums to his credit during a hugely successful career. He has frequently challenged for the Drivers' Championship, missing out by the narrowest of margins in 2008 and has also contributed to Ferrari's Constructors' Championships in both 2007 and 2008.

Felipe Massa. (Photo: Williams F1 Team)

After joining Williams as the team's Test Driver in 2010, Valtteri was promoted to a race seat in 2013 and has matured into an accomplished Formula One driver, impressing the team not least with his handling of the difficult conditions in Canada to put his Williams-Renault FW35 third on the grid.

The Williams F1 Team would like to take this opportunity to thank Pastor Maldonado for his efforts and contribution over the past three seasons, in particular delivering the team's Spanish Grand Prix victory last year. We wish him well for the future.

Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal: "We are delighted to be able to confirm our 2014 driver line-up and welcome Felipe into the Williams family. He is an exceptional talent and a real fighter on the race track; he also brings a wealth of experience as we begin a new chapter in our story. Valtteri is a valued member of the team and I'm pleased he was able to demonstrate his talent in tricky conditions in Montréal. There is much more to come from him."

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal: "This announcement is a key step towards our goal of returning Williams to the front of the grid, and part of our on-going plans to ensure we are stronger in 2014 and beyond. The stability of having both our drivers on multi-year contracts, Mercedes-Benz as our engine partner and a strong commercial base all contribute to the future success of the Williams F1 Team."

Felipe Massa: "Williams is one of the most successful and important teams of all time in Formula One. When I was a kid, I always dreamed about racing for Williams, Ferrari or McLaren and I'm glad to be signing with another icon of the sport following my time at Ferrari. It is also nice to remember that some of the best Brazilian drivers raced for Williams and cemented a strong national link with the team."

Valtteri Bottas: "I'm very happy to be staying with the team as I embark on my second season in Formula One. I have known everyone here for many years, firstly as a test driver and now as a race driver, so it feels like home. I have faith in Williams and I know we can do so much better in the future than our current performance shows. I am looking forward to having Felipe as my teammate. I would also like to thank everyone at Williams, especially Frank, Claire and the senior management for their on-going trust in me."

After three Tesla Model S sedans caught fire in a span of six weeks, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is apparently considering launching an investigation.

The first incident was reportedly caused by metallic debris on the road, whereas the other two are harder to explain, although both occurred after a crash.

None of the fires resulted in injuries, and the Model S owner involved in the last one even came to Tesla's defence, saying he could have been seriously injured in another vehicle. In fact, he had ample time to get his papers and a pen from the glove box before his car caught fire.

Model S. (Photo: Tesla)

The NHTSA will contact local authorities “to determine if there are vehicle safety implications that merit agency action,” The Detroit Bureau reports. 

Meanwhile, Tesla's stock on the NASDAQ has fallen from a $194.50 peak in late September to just $139.77 at the end of the trading day last Thursday. 

Sources: The Detroit Bureau and Boursier.com

From GMM

Ferrari held a farewell party for the departing Felipe Massa at Mugello at the weekend, and the Brazilian warned Raikkonen to be fighting fit for his duel with Fernando Alonso next year.

"Kimi and Ferrari know each other very well already," Massa is quoted by La Repubblica.

"But he is not very familiar with Fernando, so I think he should go in the gym and get ready," he smiled.

"Fernando is a very strong driver, very strong.  It will not be easy for him (Raikkonen)," added Massa.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

The Auto Bild (Germany) and Italiaracing publications are reporting that Massa's deal to move to Williams next year, to replace Pastor Maldonado, is now effectively done.

It is believed the deal will include the sponsorship of the Brazilian oil company Petrobras.

But Felipe Massa insisted: "I will go on as a driver, not to plug the holes in someone's balance sheet."

There's a lot of leap-frogging going on in the car world today as manufacturers seek to outdo the competition. This is greatly assisted by the fact that technologic advances constantly outpace model updates, often leaving the soon-to-be-updated product looking slightly past its best-before date. The new 2014 Nissan Rogue is a perfect example of this. A wave of new technology, coupled with greatly improved levels of quality has, in my opinion, propelled the Nissan compact crossover towards the role of segment leader.


What is a Nissan Rogue?
The Nissan Rogue made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (MY2008) and quickly gained popularity. In fact, the Rogue is now the No. 1 selling vehicle in the Nissan lineup for North America, and sales are up 10% for 2013.

The Rogue also boasts the second-highest loyalty of all Nissan models as 40% of its customers repurchased another.

Impressive; and these figures will no doubt increase with the introduction of the second-generation Rogue. Why? Well, because the lovable Rogue is about to get a whole lot more lovable!

The Nissan Rogue made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (MY2008) and quickly gained popularity. (Photo: Nissan)

2014 Nissan Rogue Price & Specs
The 2014 Nissan Rogue comes in three well-equipped trim levels the S, SV, and SL. New for 2014 is the option of 3rd row/7-passenger seating (available on the S and SV Family Package trim). While perhaps more suited to young children or the occasional short haul, this does rather dramatically alter the usefulness of this vehicle.

While the New Rogue appears to the eye to be considerably larger than the outgoing model, this is partly an illusion. Yes, while slightly wider (+ 1.5”) and taller (+ 1.2”), with a tad longer wheelbase (+ 0.6”), overall length has actually decreased by an inch.

Overall weight is up marginally, although Nissan kept this increase down to a minimum with the use of lightweight materials. The 2014 Rogue now sports an aluminum hood, a composite tailgate and lightweight front & rear bumpers.

Fuel economy figures are listed as 7.9L/6.0L/100km (FWD City/Hwy) and 8.2L/6.2L/100km (AWD City/Hwy).

Pricing has not been announced yet, but we can expect it to be highly competitive with the competition.

New for 2014 is the option of 3rd row/7-passenger seating (available on the S and SV Family Package trim). (Photo: Nissan)

Driving the 2014 Nissan Rogue
The second-generation Rogue carries over the same 2.5L 4-cylinder QR25DE (albeit with a few efficiency tweaks), mated to a next-generation Xtronic CVT developing 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. This tried & trusted powerplant offers more than adequate performance for a vehicle of this size (it's quite lively!), and although I'm not a huge fan of CVT units, this is undoubtedly one of the best I've experienced to date.

Technological improvements play a rather large role in the 2014 New Rogue and, together with comfort improvements, this is perhaps what sets it ahead of its present competition. With features like Hill Start Control/Intelligent AWD with Hill Descent Control, the 2014 Rogue now boasts Active Ride Control (to help smooth out bumps), Active Engine Braking (which automatically “downshifts” the CVT, slowing the vehicle with less effort), and something called Active Trace Control (a system which uses both inner/outer brakes to optimize driving lines through corners).

On the road, the 2014 Nissan Rogue feels greatly improved. Much of this comes from the above-mentioned technological advances, although a certain amount must be contributed to the increased comfort levels of the Rogue's interior. It truly is a pleasant environment in which to travel, and I'm sure this plays a large part in the overall enjoyment of the vehicle.

Yes, what was once thought of as a small, affordable CUV, the Rogue now feels more luxurious & mature, and yet still sprightly, maneuverable, and easy to park.

The second-generation Rogue carries over the same 2.5L 4-cylinder QR25DE (albeit with a few efficiency tweaks), mated to a next-generation Xtronic CVT developing 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Nissan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Nissan Rogue
Premium is a word heavily used by Nissan today, and it is certainly applicable to the New Rogue. Soft-touch materials are found throughout the cabin and creature comfort levels border on the exceptional. One particular case in point; the soft padding on the door armrests, which appears to be made from material-wrapped memory foam. A small detail perhaps, but for those of us with somewhat boney elbows, it is nothing short of pampered luxury.

Nissan paid close attention to what its customers want and need. One area which perfectly demonstrates this, and should be of particular appeal to us Canadians, is the Quick Comfort heated seats. These maximize the heat temperature range and direct the heat to the area's most sensitive: the lower femur & lower hip areas. Studies have proven these to be the areas most affected by cold, so it makes perfect sense to direct the heat there first. Again, a somewhat simple idea, but one which customers will certainly benefit from in the winter months.

Soft-touch materials are found throughout the cabin and creature comfort levels border on the exceptional. (Photo: Nissan)

Comparing the 2014 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is certainly not without competitors. Naturally, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5 instantly spring to mind.In my opinion, Nissan has just moved the goal posts in this segment. In fact, with the technological advances, luxury features and now a 7-passenger option, I'm tempted to suggest that buyers perhaps further up the salary ladder may wish to consider visiting their local Nissan dealer.

From GMM

A leading figure at Red Bull's title sponsor Infiniti has admitted Sebastian Vettel has been "too successful" this year.

Andy Palmer, the luxury Nissan division's marketing boss, said the ease with which the German has been winning in 2013 has been a questionable spectacle.

"From that point of view you could say Sebastian has been too successful," he told Autocar. "Wrapping up the championship with four races to run is maybe not good news for us from that perspective."

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, victory and title in India. (Photo: WRi2)

Even Dietrich Mateschitz, the Red Bull mogul and billionaire, admits the success of 2013 lacked the excitement of some previous triumphs.

"Obviously (that's true)," he told Austrian journalists, including for the Kleine Zeitung newspaper. "But it's not as though it's 'dinner for one' on New Year's Eve. It's still far from normal."

However, it is a fact that Mateschitz has been notably absent from the paddock in 2013 -- even when Vettel wrapped up his fourth consecutive title.

"Well, I'm almost 70," he said, "and we've been 19 years in formula one -- ten with Peter Sauber and now it's the ninth with Red Bull. You don't necessarily want to keep going to Shanghai and not see the sun for four days. I prefer to go up a mountain, collecting mushrooms, biking or whatever. Time is precious," added Mateschitz.

From GMM

Daniil Kvyat has qualified for his F1 super licence.

Energy drink company Red Bull has named the Russian teenager as Daniel Ricciardo's successor at Toro Rosso for 2014.

But the marque wants to give Kvyat an early start by sending him out for Friday morning practice sessions this weekend in Austin, and the following week in Brazil.

Until now, the only spanner in the works has been the new GP3 champion's lack of a F1 super licence, the mandatory FIA credential needed by drivers in order to participate in official race weekend sessions.

Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

Red Bull therefore arranged a test in a two-year-old Toro Rosso for Kvyat last week at the Misano circuit in Italy, so that he could collect the necessary 300 kilometres of running in front of an FIA observer.

Before the test, Marko told Russia's f1news.ru: "It's all organised. Everything will be fine."

Indeed, the Red Bull-connected Speed Week magazine reports that Kvyat did the 300km last Friday at a representative race pace.

"We're going to America!" he told his 8,700 Twitter followers the next day. "I will spend the weekend with the team and participate in the first free practice," Daniil Kvyat added in Russian.

If you're a regular on Auto123.com, you've likely read my name a few times and know what I do for this site. If not, read this blog and consider it an introduction. Pleased to meet you.

I'm not the sole in-house auto critic for Auto123.com. You may have read or already follow Miranda Lightstone. Although we both essentially do the same job, we both took very different paths to get here.

If you're a budding auto journalist or would like to try your hand at what we do, here's a brief breakdown of said path (according to me).

In my case, I was born with 20W50 in my veins (so typical of a car guy to say...). From day one, I was all about cars. I read and bought books (internet was but an idea when I purchased my first Guide de l'Auto in 1983), and to my mother's great chagrin, there was no deviating from this obsession of mine.

As schooling progressed, I became more interested in the written word and by CEGEP (yes, I live in Quebec) and University shortly thereafter, I was collecting credits in any and all types of writing classes. Although I never made it to the end of my B.A. (stay in school kids!), I acquired a taste for scripting and knew only that I wanted to speak cars -- write cars -- nothing but cars.

In order to put my hand where my mouth was, I plunged headfirst into auto mechanics. I'd decided to talk the talk by walking the greasy yet challenging walk. After a 16-month intensive course, I was an apprentice Auto Tech, with some ASE training -- and proud of it.

Through a series of acquaintances and friends, I worked my way up the ladder as a volunteer, a data entry guy, a news writer, and then as auto journalist. Passion, knowledge, patience.

Creative writing, working on my own cars (some show winners -- no word of a lie) and fully immersing myself into the crafts of writing and getting grime under my fingernails all played a role in giving me what I believe to be a well-rounded, purpose-built background in order to do this job.

In the process, I worked for a television station for a number of years, participated in numerous radio interviews, and was also published in some newspapers.

As for Miranda, rumour has it that she was wrapped in the finest Connelly leather the second after she was born. This explains her propensity for expensive automobiles, me thinks...

Her interest in automobiles also stemmed from her past. Make sure you read her story, too.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

Two candidates have emerged as possible replacements for the surgery-bound Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus for the remaining two grands prix of the year.

If the 'Quantum' investment arrives at the Enstone based team, German driver Nico Hulkenberg is Lotus' preferred choice to succeed Raikkonen permanently for 2014.

But given Raikkonen's premature exit, does he have a chance to switch from Sauber a couple of races early?

"Not likely," Hulkenberg's manager Werner Heinz told Bild newspaper. "No one has talked with us about that."

In reality, the hot favourite is Lotus' reserve driver Davide Valsecchi, who since winning last year's GP2 title has been waiting patiently for his chance.

Davide Valsecchi, Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2)

However, the Italian was surprised when a correspondent for the Italian magazine Autosprint phoned him on Sunday.

"I don't know anything," said Davide Valsecchi. "I haven't heard anything from the team and I was not at the factory last week. Not even the people I talk to regularly at Enstone said anything."

Valsecchi said he will travel to Austin, as per his existing arrangements, on Tuesday.

"If something happens, I'm ready," he insisted.

Mark Ovenden, Ford's UK chief, tells Dave Leggett that he's happy with the gradual improvement to the UK economy, the state of the British car market and market leader Ford's position within it.

There were some positive signs for Europe last week as well as a development on Europe's economy suggesting that the recovery track remains fragile. On the plus side, Western Europe's car market was up 3.8% in October. That gain followed a year-on-year gain of 5.3% in September. Europe's car market is inching up from its twenty-year low.

Now that Toyota, Honda, Nissan and other foreign-owned automakers are established auto manufacturers in the United States, the concept of the American car is open to interpretation.

It takes twice as long on average -- over 28 hours -- for Hyundai to make a car in South Korea than in the United States, even though its domestic plants have far more workers for each production line.

Japan's automakers will go futuristic and local at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, combining the far-out concept cars the show has been famous for alongside the Japan-only 660cc minicars -- some of which are delightfully sporty -- that represent a...

BMW and Mercedes are stepping up their efforts to retain wealthy buyers for their flagship models by offering perks such as a private golf tournament and an evening at a silversmith.

Model: 2010 to 2013 Suzuki Kizashi

Vehicle Type: Sedan

The Verdict: Kizashi owners appear to be a largely happy bunch who enjoy a car with above-average feature content and premium touches. A front-drive, manual-equipped model is likely your safest bet if common issues aren't present.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

Price: Look for an older, higher-mileage Kizashi from about $12,000, with newer, loaded, low-mileage units commanding upwards of $20,000. Shoppers will find plenty of selection in the mid to high teens.

What Owners Like: Common likes include the upscale looks both inside and out, good materials selection and overall appearance and character. The 6-speed manual transmission is a favourite among driving enthusiasts, and audiophiles love the standard USB audio port.

What Owners Dislike: Common gripes include trunk hinges that eat up trunk space, the lack of an available up-level engine, and a sporty and firm ride. Some owners wish for better fuel-economy on AWD-equipped models, too.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

History/Description: Upscale in appearance, packing available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and offering a sporty and upscale alternative to machines like the Corolla, Civic and Focus, the Suzuki Kizashi was on sale to Canadians for only a few years before the brand ceased automotive business operations in Canada.

Kizashi came with front-drive as standard and AWD as an option early on, before AWD was made standard. S, SX and Sport trim grades were applied to models from simple to basic.

Upscale feature content included automatic climate control, heated leather, one-touch windows, Bluetooth, memory seats, parking radar, a Rockford Fosgate stereo system, and more.

Look for a 2.4L 4-cylinder on all models, generating 180 or 185 horsepower depending on the year. Front-drive models could be had with a 6-speed manual, while all AWD models got a CVT transmission with manual mode.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

Common Issues: Start your Kizashi test drive with a full walk-around, inspecting the paint and panels for signs of chipping, scratching, and dents. Some owners complain of poor durability from the Kizashi's paint-job, a common complaint of many new cars.

A check of the tires and wheels for signs of damage, condition, and finish wear is also advised.

On board, scrutinize the cabin for any damaged or missing trim pieces, especially around the lower portion of the seats. Confirm proper operation of all electronics, including the communication and multimedia systems.

When driving, “listen” to the suspension especially at the rear of the vehicle, for signs of squeaking and creaking, which could indicate a worn-out or defective shock absorber. A mechanic, or mechanically inclined person, should visually inspect the rear shocks for signs of fluid leakage, too.

Some owners have complained of faulty operation from the available CVT transmission, possibly resulting in replacement of the transmission under warranty. Information online is somewhat inconclusive, though shoppers are advised to stick to a front-drive, manual-equipped model for maximum confidence if possible -- or exhaustively scrutinize the operation of a CVT-equipped model, noting any signs of surging, lagging or any unwelcomed sensations. A full drivetrain computer systems scan is also advised.

Finally, some owners have reported issues with the serpentine belt tensioner, which may cause the used Kizashi to emit a grinding, whining sound as a precursor to belt damage and tensioner failure.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen will miss the rest of the 2013 season, Lotus announced on Sunday.

Some cynics were already expecting to hear that the Finn will not be in Austin or Brazil, following his pay dispute and deteriorating relationship with the Enstone based team.

But Lotus said the reason for Raikkonen's early exit is actually back surgery, after the 34-year-old suffered with pain throughout the recent Singapore grand prix.

His manager, Steve Robertson, told Turun Sanomat that Raikkonen will have the operation on Thursday in Salzburg.

"It is what the experts recommend," he said. Turun Sanomat said Raikkonen's problems flared up again in Abu Dhabi, where he could only sleep with the aid of painkillers.

"Kimi can not afford a further delay," Robertson, whose charge is switching to Ferrari over the winter, explained.

"It's incredibly important to get the problem under control now, so that in 2014 he can be healthy and fit to attack the season.

"It is obviously disappointing that the relationship with Lotus is ending this way after Kimi's return (to F1) over two successful seasons," he added.

It is expected that team reserve driver Davide Valsecchi will replace Raikkonen. Lotus said an announcement will be made "in due course".

From WRC.com

Thierry Neuville has reassured M-Sport that his decision to join Hyundai next year will not distract him from his goals on the upcoming Wales Rally GB.

November's season closing Rally GB will be the last outing in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta RS for Neuville, who has signed a multi-year deal to become Hyundai's lead driver from 2014. 

After confirming his departure, Neuville was quick to offer his thanks to M-Sport for a season during which he has scored six podium finishes, and to reaffirm his goal of securing runner-up spot in the drivers' championship.

Nicolas Gilsoul, Thierry Neuville (Photo: M-Sport)

"It has been a fantastic year in 2013 as we have achieved more than hoped for at the start of the year,” he said.

"I would like to thank all of the team who have done a great job - the car has been great with no problems for 12 rallies - but the story is not finished yet. We have a chance to finish second in the drivers' championship and we will put all our attention on this goal next week at Wales Rally GB."

Despite the disappointment of losing Neuville, M-Sport managing director, Malcolm Wilson displays confidence about the upcoming season.

“M-Sport has a strong history of developing drivers in the WRC and we look forward to announcing our 2014 programme in the near future," he said.

Sébastien Loeb placed second in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race presented on Sunday morning ahead of the Macau Grand Prix. 23-year-old Earl Bamber beat him to the win.

Loeb, who is preparing for his debuts in the World Touring Car Championship with Citroen next season, made the choice to travel to Macau to learn the street circuit, which hosts every year the final rounds of the WTCC.

The nine-time rally world champion qualified second and finished the nine-lap race at the same rank.

Sébastien Loeb, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Photo: SébastienLoebRacing.com)

The winner was Earl Bamber, who led the entire race, from pole position. The new Zealander was also fastest in qualifying in the Porsche Supercup's final round in Abu Dhabi one week ago.

He was also recently confirmed as Porsche Factory Scholarship winner after a shootout in Oschersleben where he beat seven other selected drivers. He will be rewarded with € 200,000 towards his 2014 campaign.

From Formula1.com

Did you know that McLaren driver Sergio Perez drinks "Pantera Rosa"?

1. His favourite actor in the world is... Denzel Washington
2. His favourite song of all time is... "Color Esperanza" from Diego Torres
3. His favourite thing about the off-season is... To spend time at home.
4. The last time he lost his temper was... "Pretty much after every weekend this year"
5. His first pet was... A dog by the name of Camilla.
6. His most treasured possession is ... his wallet.
7. The funniest person he know is... The main character from the Mexican TV series El Chavo del Ocho.
8. His favourite drink is... Pantera Rosa (a sort of Pina Colada, only with grenadine syrup)
9. You would never catch him wearing a... catsuit.
10. His favourite time of the day is...
 Night.

Fun fact No. 11: Sergio Perez writes his name "Sergio" (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

From IMSA.com

Officials from Falken Tire and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) - which sanctions the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship - were on hand Wednesday at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas to announce a two-year deal making Falken Tire a proud partner of IMSA and the TUDOR Championship and an approved tire supplier for the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class.

Falken Tire also announced the continuation of its GTLM race team, which will field a brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in the 2014 TUDOR Championship. Co-drivers Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler will compete for Team Falken Tire on a full-time basis beginning with the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 16, 2014.

Photo: falkentire.com

“Team Falken Tire was a fan favorite for many years in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) we are thrilled to welcome the team and the tire manufacturer into the TUDOR Championship,” said IMSA President and Chief Operating Officer Scott Atherton.

"Falken Tire is proud to be the first category sponsor and GTLM team entrant of the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship,” added Falken Tire Corporation Director, Motorsports Marketing and Events, Nick Fousekis.

Falken Tire is an approved supplier for the GTLM class, which will offer open competition among tire manufacturers from all around the world. The Prototype (P), Prototype Challenge (PC), and GT Daytona (GTD) classes all will utilize Continental Tires.

The 2014 TUDOR Championship opens at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. with the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 25-26, 2014.