Auto News 5

The 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show marked the debut of the Honda FCEV Concept, which expresses a potential styling direction for the Japanese automaker's next-generation fuel-cell vehicle anticipated to launch in the U.S. and Japan in 2015, followed by Europe.

Unlike the four-passenger FCX Clarity, the Honda FCEV Concept offers seating for five. It produces 135 horsepower and can travel more than 480 kilometres, with a quick refuelling time of about three minutes.

The power density is now 3kW/L, an increase of 60%, while the fuel cell stack is 33% smaller than the FCX Clarity's, allowing it to be packaged inside the engine bay -- a world's first.

Pricing and Canadian availability remain unknown. Just for your information, leasing a Honda FCX Clarity in the U.S. costs $600 a month over three years.

Photo: Honda

Juan Pablo Montoya will be back in an IndyCar for the first time since 2000 when he'll test a Penske Dallara DW 12/Chevrolet at the short course in Sebring, Florida on November 25th.

The 38-year old Columbian had raced in NASCAR for Chip Ganassi Racing for the last eight year with victories only on the road courses of Sonoma (2007) and Watkins Glen (2010) in the Sprint Cup Series. In the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the junior series Montoya had one win in Mexico City (2007).

This year Montoya was on the 24 Hours of Daytona DP team with Charlie Kimball, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas.

Ganassi initially brought Montoya over to the United States to run in the now defunct CART series winning the championship in his rookie year 1999.

Montoya won the famed Indy 500 in 2000 for Ganassi and then moved over to Formula 1, racing for the Williams and McLaren-Mercedes teams.

Photo: JPMontoya/Twitter

While Subaru is busy with the launch of the all-new WRX in Los Angeles, it also staged the world premiere of the Levorg Concept at the Tokyo Auto Show.

Combining the words “Legacy,” “evolution,” and “touring,” the Levorg previews the wagon variant of the 2015 Subaru Legacy, which will hit the Japanese market next spring. Subaru has no plans for Canada at the moment.

The horizontally opposed, direct injection turbo "DIT" powertrain of the Subaru Levorg Concept is available in 1.6L and 2.0L versions producing 168 and 296 horsepower, respectively. Both can be mated to a Lineartronic CVT.

Subaru Levorg Concept. (Photo: Subaru)

Outside, you'll notice Subaru's hexagonal grille, hawk-eye headlights, and aerodynamic profile. The Levorg offers two new colours including Metallic Blue Grey Steel and Pearl Crystal White. Meanwhile, the interior features piano black finishes, metallic accents, a 3.5'' LCD screen, and a D-shaped steering wheel.

New safety systems highlight the Subaru Levorg Concept. One of them prevents the vehicle from backing up too abruptly, while another assists the driver in steering the vehicle to avoid an imminent collision.

From press release

DTM's third appearance on Chinese soil will take place in Guangzhou, in September 2014.

DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. and the Chinese Brilliant Culture Group agreed upon holding the race weekend from 26th to 28th September at a street circuit in the Southern Chinese metropolis - in the third biggest city in China and capital of Guangdong province, also known as Canton. This means that DTM is going to enter unknown soil, for its third race in China, as the first two races were contested in Shanghai.

The circuit that will be extra designed and built for DTM partially takes the drivers of the three premium-car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz racing right along the river bank. Subject to the final approval of the national and international motor sports associations, the track is expected to feature a length of 4.1 kilometres as well as four right-handers and two left-handers.

In 2004, DTM made its first appearance in China. At a street circuit in the metropolis Shanghai, the most popular international touring-car series contested an invitation race that was won by Briton Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz). Six years later, DTM was back in Shanghai but this time, the race in China was the official 2010 season finale. Once again the race was won by Gary Paffett, with his fellow Mercedes-Benz driver Paul Di Resta securing the title by finishing runner-up.

On November 21st, 1945, members of the United Automotive Workers (UAW) at the GM assembly plant in Detroit went on strike -- the first following World War II.

It lasted 113 days and involved power sharing. GM agreed to pay higher wages, but refused to give workers a greater voice in management.

The union finally settled for an 18.5 cent increase and little more.

Source: Wikipedia

From GMM

Donald Mackenzie, the highest profile figure at F1 owners CVC, has described his investment in the sport as one fraught with "constant crisis".

This week, the CVC co-founder, who has admitted a conviction for Bernie Ecclestone would mean the F1 chief executive's demise, has been testifying in the London high court.

"Until that (a conviction) happens we will give him the benefit of the doubt," said Mackenzie, "provided it is not seriously damaging the business of formula one."

Ecclestone, who is also being pursued by German prosecutors, is being sued by a German media group called Constantin, claiming the 83-year-old's alleged bribe to banker Gerhard Gribkowsky cost it over $100 million.

Mackenzie, 56, has often clashed with Ecclestone, possibly because CVC was caught by surprise by the sport's troubled inner workings.

"It's been an extremely difficult investment almost from start to finish," he said, according to the BBC, adding that he thought Ecclestone had "oversold the business".

"It was constant crisis and firefighting."

Mackenzie said CVC was also caught out by the political in-fighting between the sport's authorities and the teams.

"In that period between 2006, when we bought it, and 2009, we could not sell this company," he said. "It was not sellable. No one wants to buy formula one when there's no Concorde Agreement signed.

"There was a history of anger," explained Mackenzie. "This was like a very bad divorce. The husband and wife have been fighting each other for years and years and they could no longer see sense."

He also admitted to reporters outside court this week that the Ecclestone corruption affair had indefinitely delayed CVC's plans to float the sport.

But, although those plans are delayed, Mackenzie said F1 is now in a much better state of affairs.

"Thankfully we have agreed all these terms and we now have a stable series," he said.

From GMM

Jenson Button has given his departing McLaren teammate Sergio Perez a strong recommendation as the Mexican seeks a new seat for 2014.

The 2009 world champion has admitted he was surprised when he learned the great British team had decided to oust Perez after just one season in favour of the in-house development rookie Kevin Magnussen.

Perez, 23, is now struggling to find an alternate seat for next season, but Button thinks he would be a wise signing by any team that is on the market for an "intelligent" and "complete" driver.

"I feel that Checo has learned a lot this year," Button is quoted by France's L'Équipe.

"McLaren did a very good job in providing everything necessary for him to achieve his objectives," he added. "To absorb everything at once can be very difficult, but Checo was able to do it."

Sergio Perez and Jenson Button, fighting in Bahrain. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

When asked his opinion about the young Dane Magnussen, Button said of his new teammate: "The decision about who is in the other car is not mine.

"All I can say is that Checo did a great job this year. Any team with a seat available should consider him, because he is not only fast, he's also intelligent. He is a complete package," added Button.

This weekend in Brazil, 33-year-old Button will become the most experienced British driver in formula one history by competing in his 247th grand prix.

But at the end of an appalling season for McLaren, the Briton admitted he is not too excited about beating David Coulthard's old record.

"I am obviously doing something right if I've been around that long," Button is quoted by the Mirror. "It's interesting more than anything else. Right now a podium would mean a lot more than reaching 247."

From GMM

Mark Webber is not ready to spill the beans on the intriguing story of his "f***ing intense" title battle with Sebastian Vettel in 2010.

But as the Australian's long F1 career draws to a close this weekend in Brazil, Webber has hinted there was much more than meets the eye to 2010, during which he famously exclaimed "Not bad for a number 2 driver" after winning the British grand prix.

"Only those closest to me know what went into it," Webber, 37, told the Telegraph.

Asked if the truth will eventually come out, he insisted: "Not from me. Looking back I'm pretty proud of myself, the way it was kicking off and how I handled myself."

Silverstone was the epicentre of the fraught campaign, when a newer specification front wing was taken off Webber's car and put on eventual champion Vettel's.

But there was also the collision in Turkey, while Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary suggested Webber's once-close relationship with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner never fully recovered after the goings-on of 2010.

Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, cold atmosphere for a Red Bull 1-2 finish. (Photo: WRi2)

"To manage the whole scenario hasn't been super easy for the team," Webber conceded.

"We were in uncharted waters in 2010. 'F***, we're going for our first title. Holy sh**, how do we do it? Let them both go at it maybe? Oh no, maybe not'," said Webber.

Webber's relationship with Vettel only nosedived further in recent years, culminating in the notorious 'Multi-21' affair of early 2013 and eventually the veteran Australian's decision to retire and move to Le Mans.

Referring to 'Multi-21' and the loss of the Malaysian grand prix victory this year, Webber said: "There are blinkers and there are blinkers.

"I saw Michael (Schumacher)'s blinkers, too, and I don't think Seb's are as bad as that. I think in time, a stiff glass of red wine one day down the line, it will probably be ok with us. But it's hard at the moment," he admitted.

Some of Webber's closest paddock allies will wear t-shirts bearing the words 'Made My Mark' to farewell the popular driver into F1 retirement in Brazil.

From GMM

Having given Fernando Alonso "eight out of ten" for his 2013 season, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo now insists the Spaniard is not the famous Italian team's number 1 driver.

"I don't like number 1, number 2," he told CNN.

Fernando Alonso, who has had an often fraught relationship with Montezemolo this year and flirted with moves to Red Bull and McLaren, has been controversially paired for 2014 with Ferrari's last world champion, Kimi Raikkonen.

Luca di Montezemolo and Fernando Alonso. (Photo: Ferrari)

But Brazilian Felipe Massa, who has been regarded as Ferrari's number 2 in recent years, was clearly Alonso's preferred teammate going forwards.

"Alonso knows that he drives to win for himself, but also for Ferrari," Luca di Montezemolo insisted.

"Ferrari is a team and I want drivers (who) will drive and will act and react as a team member, not only one man," he added.

Montezemolo also dismissed suggestions Alonso, who infamously clashed with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren in 2007, will not get along with Finn Raikkonen.

"I don't want to say that they are old," he smiled, "but I'm sure (they will get along), yes."

When I was tasked to find the ideal road trip vehicle for our 8-hour journey to the annual Automotive Journalists Association of Canada test fest week, my first thoughts were comfort and fuel savings. We also needed a bit of space for multiple passengers and their weeks' worth of luggage. So, my options were limited. Then it hit me.

The 2014 Audi Q7 TDI. Comfort? Check. Fuel efficient? Yessir. Plenty of space? Sold. The call was put in to Audi and we were promised a vehicle for our long journey. I couldn't wait.

After the 16-hour-plus drive there and home, plus an entire week “living” with the vehicle, I must say the Q7 impressed in more than a few areas. Despite that, the fact remains that the Q7 is quintessentially German, and that makes it a viable candidate for anyone in the market for an upscale diesel SUV.


What is an Audi Q7?
The Audi Q7 is a full-size luxury SUV that offers comfort and room to those in serious need of both. Able to hold seven passengers, and available in both gas and diesel variants, the Audi Q7 is one of the more versatile luxury SUVs on the market. The beauty of the Audi Q7 is that it can be as sporty and fun to drive as it can be practical.

The Audi Q7 is a full-size luxury SUV that offers comfort and room to those in serious need of both. (Photo: Audi)

2014 Audi Q7 TDI Price and Specs
The 2014 Audi Q7 TDI is equipped with a 3.0L turbocharged diesel V6 engine coupled to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Quattro AWD. With 240 horsepower and 406lb-ft of torque, the Q7 TDI stands out as the clear winner in my mind. Nothing says power like the pull of diesel torque.

So, what do you have to dish out for all that torque? Thankfully, not that much more over the base price (which is $58,200) since the TDI version starts at $63,200. Considering the Porsche Cayenne Diesel, which doesn't offer a third row amongst other amenities the Audi does, starts at $65,500 the Q7 TDI is a veritable bargain.

The 2014 Audi Q7 TDI is equipped with a 3.0L turbocharged diesel V6 engine the produces 240 horsepower and 406lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Audi)

Driving the 2014 Audi Q7 TDI
Drive we did, for well over 1,750 kilometres over the course of a week. Not once did the 2014 Audi Q7 seem uneasy or unsettled. Rain, shine, back roads through New York State or open, boring highways; the Q7 handled them all with poise.

The torque exhibited by the 2014 Audi Q7 TDI is, perhaps, the most enjoyable part about driving this vehicle. Never are you left wondering you can make that merge or pass that vehicle. Despite the Audi Q7's 2,455kg weight, it drives like a much lighter vehicle, virtually floating across all surfaces (in a good, pleasant, comfortable way).

Steering is well judged and what you'd expect from a smaller vehicle. It feels almost sporty in nature, and that makes the driving experience in the Audi Q7 TDI that much more enjoyable.

Now, those fuel consumption numbers. After a week behind the wheel and mostly highway driving, we managed to see the mileage rating hover in the 11L/100km range. That's immensely impressive for a vehicle of its size and with AWD. Also of note, over the course of those approximate 1,750kms we stopped for gas twice, and not because the gas light was on.

Rain, shine, back roads through New York State or open, boring highways; the Q7 handled them all with poise. (Photo: Audi)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Audi Q7 TDI
There's something very matter-of-fact about the 2014 Audi Q7 TDI that I quite like. Like a body builder wearing a pinstripe business suit, the Audi Q7's broad shoulders are draped in class. Signature LED daytime running lights add a devilish look to the SUV's mug, and the large gaping gills in the front bumper bring to mind the R8.

Subtle shoulder lines ensure you're aware of the Audi Q7's sportier side. Audi's design language truly carries across all its models, and I think that's fantastic.

Inside the sophistication and class continues. The driver's seat is a pleasant enough place to be with everything well within reach. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I adore the simplicity of Audi and VW gauge clusters. From the white on black numbers to the super-simple middle screen; they have a job to do and they do it without distraction.

Space abounds in the back of the 2014 Audi Q7 for passengers and luggage of all kinds. The load height of the trunk is high and the bumper a bit wide (I found myself dirtying my pants each time I needed to reach for something).

Inside the sophistication and class continues. The driver's seat is a pleasant enough place to be with everything well within reach. (Photo: Audi)

Comparing the 2014 Audi Q7 TDI
As far as diesel SUVs go, there aren't that many to choose from. Porsche's Cayenne is most definitely a serious contender, but is lacking that third row. BMW's X5 xDrive35d is also a viable competitor in terms of pricing and performance. So, the Germans hold the diesel SUV market, the question is, which will you choose? You can't really go wrong.

From GMM

Felipe Massa has likened F1 pay-drivers to prostitutes.

After eight years with Ferrari, the Brazilian will switch to Williams after this weekend's 2013 season finale in his native Sao Paulo.

It was thought that Massa, 32, was bringing some Brazilian sponsorship backing to the seat currently occupied by the heavily PDVSA-backed Pastor Maldonado.

But Massa insists he will remain a "professional" racing driver in his own right at Williams.

"For all that I've gone through, and everything I've achieved, it makes no sense to pay to race," he is quoted by Brazil's Globo.

However, Massa said he would help Williams - the once-great F1 team - to find some new sponsors.

"Of course, I will do all I can. Money is good for improving the car and I have great relationships with some companies, some of them Brazilian. The crisis has hit all teams, big and small," added Massa.

Felipe Massa. (Photo: Williams F1 Team)

He said he also negotiated with "Lotus, Sahara Force India and McLaren" about 2014.

"But (Lotus team boss Eric) Boullier did not do anything as though he really wanted to do something (for 2014). Then Williams came after me. The first conversation was 'We want you'. And that was very important for me."

Felipe Massa said he was not interested in becoming a 'pay driver', in the sense that a driver's services are inextricably linked to his financial backing.

"I don't know if this is how I should describe it, because it is a very strong word," Massa said.

"But the word is 'prostitute'," he is quoted by UOL Esporte. "Not having to do that - pay to drive - is my greatest pride. It is logical to help with sponsors, but I will not be a prostitute," added Massa.

Hyundai made a boatload of news at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday.

News 21 Nov, 2013

Chevrolet Colorado pick-up unveiled, but unlikely to go on sale in the UK

2013 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD - High Style in the Backseat

We remain fixated on one feature of the 2013 Jaguar XJL -- the back seat.

Fall shifted into full swing as the miles piled up on our 2013 Jaguar XJL, and despite it imposing size, striking style, and powerful V-6 engine, we remain fixated on one feature -- the back seat.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD - High Style in the Backseat - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD - High Style in the Backseat - Automobile Magazine

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2014 Hyundai Elantra Refreshed at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2014 Hyundai Elantra receives its mid-cycle refresh.

Three years after it debuted at the 2010 Los Angeles auto show, the Hyundai Elantra returns to the California venue thoroughly refreshed. Because almost all of the Elantra's rival compact sedans have been updated in the past few years, Hyundai needed to revamp its top-selling model in order to stay relevant in the fractious automotive segment. The 2014 Hyundai Elantra thus goes on sale in December 2013 with a claimed 75 revisions from top to bottom.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Hyundai Elantra Refreshed at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Hyundai Elantra Refreshed at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show - Automobile Magazine

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2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec Revealed at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo adds a budget model for tuners.

The 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo has a new trim level, the R-Spec, which is making its debut at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show.Product planner Mike O'Brien says the R-Spec is perfect for "tuner-oriented buyers and people who want to do their own accessories." The idea is to offer a cheaper Veloster Turbo with less standard equipment for people who want to modify the hot hatchback as soon as they get it home from the dealership.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec Revealed at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec Revealed at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show - Automobile Magazine

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News 21 Nov, 2013

Updated Lexus CT 200h on sale March 2014. Price starts at around £22,000

News 20 Nov, 2013

Deputy news editor Luke Madden picks his top 5 show stars from this year's LA Motor show

News 20 Nov, 2013

212bhp Nissan Juke Nismo RS unveiled in Los Angeles. Tipped for early 2014 release date

For the record, Vezel rhymes with "bezel," and it's the name of Honda's long suspected Fit-based crossover.