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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

NASCAR officials announced that driver Denny Hamlin was fined $25,000 “for comments he made following the March 3 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway.”

In a statement NASCAR said “following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event last Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, Denny Hamlin made some disparaging remarks about the on-track racing that had taken place that afternoon.

While NASCAR gives its competitors ample leeway in voicing their opinions when it comes to a wide range of aspects about the sport, the sanctioning body will not tolerate publicly made comments by its drivers that denigrate the racing product.”

After Phoenix Hamlin, who drove his JGR Toyota to third place said “We learned a lot. I don't want to be the pessimist, but it did not race as good as our generation five cars. This is more like what the generation five was at the beginning. The teams hadn't figured out how to get the aero balance right. Right now, you just run single-file and you cannot get around the guy in front of you.”

Denny Hamlin, Toyota Camry (Photo: Getty Images/NASCAR)

NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton told journalists at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday "we give them quite a bit of latitude," he said. "You can't slam the racing. You can't slam the product. That's where it crosses the line.”

When generation five cars came out Tony Stewart called it a “flying brick.” Kyle Busch won the 2007 Bristol race and said that the CoT “I can't stand to drive them. They suck.” Neither driver was penalized for those derogatory statements.

Hamlin said that he would appeal the fine, and if he loses the appeal would not pay the fine.

"Ultimately, I'm not OK with it. This is the most upset and angry I've been in a really, really long time, about anything, anything that relates to NASCAR. You have strong opinions about a lot of things, whether it be Clements' suspension, things like that. A lot of people hold their tongues, and some people don't — like Brad (Keselowski).

Hamlin has ten days to file his appeal; in the meantime he may continue to compete in Sprint Cup races as NASCAR has not said how long he may have to pay it. After the driver files an appeal the penalties are held in abeyance until a decision is reach. The Appellate body has the ability to uphold the penalty, overturn the penalty or even increase the penalty.

“As far as I'm concerned, I'm not going to pay the fine,” he said. “If they suspend me, they suspend me. I don't care at this point,” added Hamlin.

Kyle Petty, a former Sprint Cup driver, now commentator on SpeedTV, supports Hamlin.
“I'm going to stand behind Denny on this one. Just because its NASCAR's ball and their ballpark and they make the rules doesn't necessarily mean that there can be censorship, and there appears to be a lot of censorship in this fine. NASCAR wants drivers to have personalities and character and to express themselves but only if they say positive and not negative things. I don't know anyone who can do that.”

Hamlin issued this statement on his Twitter account:
“The short of the long of it is I believe I was severely disrespected by NASCAR by getting fined. I believe that the simple fact of us not even having a conversation about this issue before I was hit with a fine has something to say about our relationship. What I said was 1 sentence taken completely out of context. Most drivers will tell you that we constantly have our AND NASCAR's best interest in mind when speaking. On the other hand I am a person that worked very hard from the BOTTOM to get where I am today and someone telling me that I can give my 100 percent honest opinion really bothers me."

"Since being fined in 2010 I have been a lot more careful about what I say to media and I felt this past weekend felt completely in my rights to give a assessment of the question asked. I feel as if today NASCAR lost one of its biggest supporters vocally of where our sport is headed. So in the end there are no winners. I said today I would not pay the fine. I stand by that and will go through the process of appealing. Trust me, this is not about the money.. It's much deeper. I will now shift my focus on giving FedEx and my team what they deserve this weekend, a win.”

Thanks to Apple, the Ferrari FF, the first-ever Ferrari with four-wheel-drive, as of today offers direct access to its infotainment system through the Siri Eyes Free voice command technology.

Rear passengers can watch movies, play video games, or browse the Internet thanks to two iPad Minis integrated to the seatbacks.

Photo: Ferrari

www.wrc.com

World Rally Championship leader, Frenchman Sebastien Ogier has rejected comparisons between himself and nine-time champion, fellow countryman Sebastien Loeb.

Ogier, who drives for Volkswagen leads Loeb by three points in the drivers' standings after two rounds of the 2013 campaign. He has often been frustrated by attempts to liken him to Loeb, with whom he had a fractious relationship whilst team-mates at Citroen in 2011.

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC (Photo: VW Motorsport)

Asked at Rally Mexico what he thought of claims that he was the ‘new' Loeb and would go on to dominate the WRC in the way his fellow countryman did, Ogier responded strongly. “I can tell you, I'm not the new Loeb, I am Ogier. I heard so many times this comparison - we do not need it any more,” he said.

“We have 10 years difference between us and are from a different generation. If I was 10 years older then we might have a big fight between us. Now I do my best and continue to drive fast. To compete against him was a great experience for me to push to my limit,” said Ogier.

At the opening round of the season, Rallye Monte-Carlo, Ogier became annoyed at attempts to compare his speed with Loeb, who is tackling just four rounds this year.  He finished second behind Loeb, before beating him at round two in Sweden. 


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

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

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.

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."

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

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 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

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."