Auto News 5

New-car registrations in western Europe fell 10.6 percent to 771,695 in February, market forecaster LMC Automotive said.

New-car registrations in western Europe fell 10.6 percent to 771,695 in February, market forecaster LMC Automotive said.

The all-consuming rivalry McLaren and Ferrari display on the F1 racetrack was transferred to the Geneva auto show as the two carmakers unveiled competing million-euro hybrid hypercars.

Continental forecasts first-quarter sales will decline as much as 3 percent as demand for autos in its home market plunges. Revenue in the quarter will drop 1 percent to 3 percent, the company says.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen plans to talk to other carmakers including alliance partner General Motors about sharing development of low-cost compressed gas hybrids.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen plans to talk to other carmakers including alliance partner General Motors about sharing development of low-cost compressed-gas hybrids.

BMW faces challenges to hold off rivals Audi and Mercedes to remain the world's largest premium automaker.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen will offer savings accounts through its financing arm to raise funding for dealerships and other automotive operations. PSA is following Renault in setting up a retail banking arm.

Continental forecasts first-quarter sales will decline as much as 3 percent as demand for autos in its home market plunges. Revenue in the quarter will drop 1 percent to 3 percent, the company says.

Team Penske announced Friday that the five-time Champ Car race winner, AJ Allmendinger would drive the No. 2 Chevrolet-powered car with primary sponsorship from IZOD in at least two races, including the 97th Running of the 500 Mile Race on May 26 and the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 7.

Ron Ruzewski, the team's technical director, will be his race engineer.

Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said it's the team's goal for additional races with Allmendinger.

Allmendinger, whose last Indy car competition was Oct. 21, 2006, at Surfers Paradise, Australia, nary missed a shift during a mid-March test day with Team Penske at Sebring International Raceway.

He wasn't far off the lap times of new teammates Helio Castroneves and Will Power, and near the end of the afternoon session was simulating pit stops with the over-the-wall crew.

The former ChampCar series' competitor was a driver for Penske in the NASCAR Sprint Cup until he lost his driver following a positive drug test last year.

From GMM

Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado can probably remain in Formula 1 despite the death of president, Hugo Chavez.

That is the view of former F1 driver turned respected British television commentator Martin Brundle, whilst musing the consequences of the death of the late Venezuelan president.

Until Chavez's death early this week, Maldonado enjoyed the personal backing of the controversial leader, with his Williams seat secured by the multi-million dollar sponsorship of the state-controlled oil company PDVSA.

But now, with Venezuelan elections looming, it is possible Chavez's ruling socialist party will lose power altogether.

"There are few 27-year-olds whose livelihood is determined not only by the whim of a kindly oligarch, but by the political machinations of an entire country," noted Telegraph correspondent Oliver Brown.

Brundle, however, thinks the situation is slightly less dramatic for Maldonado.

"He became a national hero for winning the Spanish GP last year and I think that has been good for Venezuela and good for his sponsors, so why would they want to run away?" he told Sky.

Damon Hill partly agrees, but pointed out that "in this day and age, a driver needs more than just ability".

In fact, the 1996 world champion is now looking for just that kind of support for his son Josh, who this year has stepped up to European F3, one of the last hurdles before F1.

"You need a South American country; we're looking for one," Hill joked to Reuters.

"Chile, Argentina, any one will do."

PROs and CONs

PROs
Good road handling, high-tech gadgetry, a sportier look, and a generous choice of engine types help distinguish this new sedan.

CONs
On the other hand, the lack of a track record for this brand new model must be kept in mind.


Price
The 2014 Chevrolet Impala goes on sale in Canada in the spring of 2013. At the time of writing, pricing had not been officially announced. But you can count on the base price being somewhere in the vicinity of $30,000.

Available versions
As per the previous model, three versions will be available: LS, LT and the high-end LTZ.

Powertrain types
Chevrolet offers three choices of engine.

• The basic 4-cylinder, 2.5L engine delivering 195 hp
• The 182 hp, Ecotec 2.4L four, featuring eAssist technology (with a 15 hp electric engine)
• The 3.6L V6 delivering 303 hp

All engines are direct-injection and can be mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Only front-wheel drive versions are available at the moment.

Fuel efficiency
Fuel economy ratings expected by the automaker for the 2.4L Ecotec engine are 5.6L/100km on the highway. This is quite an impressive figure for a full-size sedan.

What's new
This model has been fully redesigned. It represents the 10th generation of the Impala.

For the very first time:

• A 4-cylinder engine will be available.

Several new technologies come to the fore for this model, including:

• Active noise cancellation system;
• Adaptive cruise control;
• Collision-mitigating automatic braking;
• Blind-spot alert;
• Forward collision alert;
• Rear cross-traffic alert.

Exterior appearance
The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan featuring clean and sculpted lines.

You'll notice its smoothly rounded and aerodynamic form, from the convex hood to its distinctive back end. The base LS model comes standard with 18” wheels, while 19” and 20” will be available on LT and LTZ versions. Headlamps (upgraded to HID units on the LTZ) provide widened visibility, also favoured by the sleekly profiled windscreen.

Safety
This model takes advantage of 360° active safety features, including 10 airbags and the OnStar system.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is chock-full of driver-assistance tech such as lane-departure alert, forward collision alert, full-speed-range adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking, back-up sonar with rear vision camera, blind-spot alert, and finally a rear cross-traffic alert system for easier parking.

The story so far...
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet has already celebrated its centenary and distributes a diverse product line in more than 120 countries worldwide.

Comparable models
Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon.

Photo: Chevrolet

References

* Reviews
lapresse.ca
motortrend.com
Morin Alain, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'homme, 2012, p.216

From GMM

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has revealed that British driver Jenson Button considered switching to the Scuderia Toro Rosso at the end of 2008.

Ultimately, after Honda announced its shock departure from the sport, Ross Brawn led a management buy-out of the Brackley based team, and Button went onto become 2009 world champion.

But before the Brawn rescue deal materialised, Button's management was scrambling for a seat.

Jenson Button became the 2009 F1 World Champion with Brawn GP. (Photo: WRI2)

"Last minute he got a deal but I remember his management were asking us whether even Toro Rosso had a drive," Horner is quoted by the Daily Mail.

Horner made the comments whilst admitting Button, 33, has impressed him "enormously" since becoming champion and then switching to McLaren.

"The team went from Lewis (Hamilton)'s team pretty much exclusively ... maybe the relationship (between McLaren and Hamilton) had run its course.

"What factor Jenson played in that, I have no idea."

From Williams F1 Team

It is with great sadness that today Team Williams F1 reports the death of Lady Virginia Williams, wife of Williams Founder and Team Principal Sir Frank Williams.

Lady Virginia, or ‘Ginny' as she was better known, died peacefully at the family home last night surrounded by Frank and the rest of the Williams family. Ginny had been bravely battling cancer for the past two and a half years.

Ginny will always be an integral part of Williams' history and success, and today the team pay tribute to a much loved member of the Williams family who will be sorely missed.

From GMM

Vitaly Petrov has revealed he might fill the gap in his Formule 1 with some rally outings in 2013.

Having debuted with Renault in 2010, the Russian moved on to Caterham last year but has dropped off the grid for 2013 due to flagging sponsorship support.

"My main interest is for 2014, when I will try to return to formula one," the 28-year-old is quoted by championat.com.

"This year, I might do some rallying. Maybe some rallies in Finland or Russia."

Petrov clarified, however, that he is "absolutely not" talking about the world rally championship.

From GMM

New Jersey is back on track for a grand prix in 2014, promoter Leo Hindery has announced.

The Manhattan-skyline street race was due to make its debut on this year's calendar, but the organisers fell behind on road repairs and obtaining event permits.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing (Photo: Red Bull)

Hindery told Sports Business Daily: "I think that Bernie (Ecclestone) made absolutely the right decision (to delay)."

But he added: "We are back under construction. We have the consents in place that we didn't have last fall, and we will quite comfortably put the race on, now probably in the mid-year of 2014 with (Ecclestone's) support."

F1 chief executive Ecclestone, however, indicated that New Jersey's problems were not only to do with approvals, or the repair and asphalting of the roads.

"It's a problem for the people who started this, and I think it's basically a financial problem," he said.

From GMM

It is possible Marussia F1 Team will be notably missing from next weekend's television coverage of the 2013 season opener in Melbourne, Australia.

That is because Bernie Ecclestone is yet to agree a new Concorde Agreement with the backmarker team.

The F1 chief executive said recently that he has agreed bilateral financial deals with every team, Marussia included.

But, apparently, that deal does not include provisions for images of the Marussia car and driver to be broadcast on television.

Asked by ESPN whether it is a crucial missing element for Marussia just a week before opening practice in Australia, team boss John Booth answered: "No.

"It's vital for Bernie because he won't be able to film us without it."

A team spokesperson confirmed that talks are now taking place.

"Nothing is signed yet," agreed Booth, "but it's getting pretty close now."

Usually, I come to a conclusion about a car fairly quickly. I like to rely on first impressions, first drives and overall “how do I feel right away” emotions. Of course, those can all evolve over the course of a week behind the wheel, but generally the initial reaction is the right one.

So, when I first got behind the wheel of the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi and was met with a flood of contradictory reactions and emotions, I was unsure of how to proceed.

All I could think to do was drive the car and hope for the best. And so I did.


Perhaps they should have called it something else
Kizashi is the Japanese word for “omen” or “warning.” Just saying.

We all know the trouble Suzuki has been having as of late: no longer available in the US, dwindling sales and a disappearing presence on the market. It's not that Suzuki make horrible cars out of cardboard, just that they've not made one worth any sort of mass recognition in the recent past.

First introduced in 2010 in Canada as a 2011 model year, the Suzuki Kizashi made a small splash because of its innovative looks and available AWD platform. Now just a few short years later it's basically fallen off the radar completely.

Striking looks
The Suzuki Kizashi is not a car you see often on the road -- at least, I don't. It's a bit of a rare beast, and that's a bit of a shame because it does look rather good. From the front it looks like a more mature, grown-up SX4 with a beefier chin.

But it's round the back of the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi that I really start to like this thing. Maybe it's the oversized, geometrical, chrome-tipped exhaust covers integrated into the rear bumper, or the upturned tail with a subtle decklid spoiler that gets me, but the sporty nature of the Kizashi's rear is quite appealing.

In all other respects, the exterior design is quite plain. In fact, there's nothing outwardly recognizable about it. When I was faced with finding the Kizashi in a crowded parking lot, I actually looked at it a few times then looked away thinking, “Nah, that's not a Suzuki.” It was a mix of: On the one hand it looks too cool to be a Suzuki (sitting on 18” wheels, sporty side skirts, accentuated bumper); and on the other, it's too plain and can't possibly be the car I'm driving. Contradictory emotions.

It's a bit of a rare beast, and that's a bit of a shame because it does look rather good. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Comfortable cabin
Inside, the oxymoronic experience continues. On the one hand, it's quite a sophisticated cabin: the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi Sport iAWD features a 6.1” colour touchscreen with Garmin nav and voice-activated commands. HVAC knobs have a solid feel to them when turned and the steering-wheel buttons are both practical and well-placed. And I quite like the futuristic sweep of chrome accent across the dash.

Seats up front and in the back are comfortable and supportive. And even the doors feature plushy, soft-touch inserts.

Everything is befitting a car far above its class status, far above what you'd expect from a Suzuki. Just a few weeks ago, I spent some time in a 2013 Suzuki SX4. I was not surprised by what I found there. Same goes for the 2013 Grand Vitara. However, in the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi, I had to take a moment, stare at the logo on the steering wheel for a moment and shake my head. Really?

Installing a baby seat was a breeze, and while the front passenger seat was within kicking range of my little rug-rat when I drove with someone, there was still plenty of room back there. The trunk is also quite sizable offering up 378 litres.

It's quite a sophisticated cabin: the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi Sport iAWD features a 6.1” colour touchscreen with Garmin nav and voice-activated commands. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Driven in different directions
Driving the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi was just as polarizing. Outfitted with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine good for 180 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, there's just enough oomph to get you going when need be. Paddle shifters ensure the CVT is tolerable and, dare I say, enjoyable to drive.

Add to that the fact that this sedan offers AWD (which features a lock mode, by the way), and it's a pretty decent vehicle to pilot. I didn't get the chance to drive it in snowy conditions, but in normal conditions it felt satisfactory, even excitable at times.

Outfitted with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine good for 180 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, there's just enough oomph to get you going when need be. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

The thorn in the Kizashi's side
Alright, so up to this point it all sounds rather good: decent looking, nice interior, pleasant to drive, AWD. So, what's wrong with it?

Well, this Suzuki (and I want you to repeat that, this Suzuki) hits the mid-$30k price point. And don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't think it's worth it. I do. With the amenities, the AWD, the materials used; I get it. However, for that price, I'm going to look to 5-door the Subaru WRX or even a MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 instead of getting a Suzuki.

Its thorn is its namesake, and that's a real shame as well as being a sad truth.

10- And then, out of nowhere, suddenly, #corollattack in Geneva! Hey, the assignment was “moments” from the show floor. I'm still shaken by this one -- and what's with the tailpipe?

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Continue reading Matt's Top 10 Geneva Autoshow Press Day Moments

On February 15th, our European colleague, Emmanuel Rolland wrote a blog about the necessity for today's aspiring race car drivers to bring lots of cash to the table.

It's nothing new, actually. In the earliest forms of auto racing (dating back about a century ago) most race car drivers were wealthy people, such as princes and barons.

Then, in the glorious '70s, only skills mattered. The best drivers could often make a career with the full support of oil companies, which were heavily involved in the sport.

Unfortunately, that's no longer the case nowadays. While Formula 1 is supposed to pit the world's top drivers against each other, only a gifted few (such as Vettel, Alonso, and Hamilton) actually make money. The others have to spit it out to retain their spot.

Consider Brazilian driver Luis Razzia, whose main sponsor failed to complete the second planned payment that would have allowed him to race for Marussia. A French rival, Jules Bianchi, immediately replaced Razzia.

Modern-day F1 is a merciless shark tank fuelled by money, not talent.

Small, cash-strapped teams demand ridiculous sums just for tryouts. Rumour has it that one of them asked $350,000 from young drivers to participate in a single day of test laps in Abu Dhabi.

This plague affects other racing series, mind you. Some NASCAR and IndyCar teams put their cars up for bid throughout the season, switching from one driver to another to earn the most dollars. That's why you see a different name behind the wheel of certain cars from one race to the next.

As I once illustrated in a blog titled “Show me the money!", imagine a rookie hockey (or baseball or football) player having a great training camp and then being told: ''Look, you're very talented, and we really like you. Just come back with $2 million (or euros), and you'll be hired!''

That's how absurd auto racing is today. With the global economy still idling, and promoters opting to invest their precious money elsewhere, the sport has become excessively expensive for just about everyone.

I believe that the most pressing issue is to address is significantly cutting operation costs at all levels of racing, from karting to F1. When F1, IndyCar and NASCAR teams finally trim their budget, they'll once again hire the best available drivers rather than the wealthiest ones.

Photo: Marussia F1 Team