Auto News 5

The VW brand fell badly in a new ranking of innovative companies, dropping to 45th overall from 15th in 2010, the last time senior executives were polled. Hyundai and Toyota came out on top among automakers.

Chevrolet today unveiled a clean-diesel Cruze small car that will get an estimated 42 mpg on the highway. The 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will feature a 2.0-liter turbo engine and a torque rating approaching that of a Camaro.

Chrysler Group is driving back into the commercial van segment after a three-year absence with the introduction of the 2014 Ram ProMaster. The ProMaster is based on the Fiat Ducato van, which has been on sale in Europe for more than 30 years.

Kia will add a 201-hp turbocharged engine in a new high-line trim to the five-door variant of its redesigned Forte compact when the hatchback arrives stateside in the third quarter.

Dieter Zetsche plans to keep his double role as Daimler chairman and Mercedes CEO despite the different challenges facing the businesses.

Volkswagen workers have had their influence boosted at Europe's largest carmaker after receiving 2 percent of VW's voting rights from the Piech-Porsche family.

From GMM

Gerhard Berger has backed the recent sweeping management changes at Mercedes.

Since the end of the 2012 season, Norbert Haug has been ousted, Lewis Hamilton has taken Michael Schumacher's place in the cockpit, and new chairman Niki Lauda has bought a 10 per cent stake in the Brackley based team.

Moreover, Toto Wolff has switched his allegiance from Williams to Mercedes, taking up the role of executive director and control of a 30pc stake.

Toro Wolff, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Ross Brawn, Mercedes AMG F1 Team. (Photo: WRi2)

The next change could be the arrival for 2014 of McLaren's highly rated technical director Paddy Lowe.

"I think Mercedes had to change something," Berger, the former F1 driver and BMW and Toro Rosso official, told Austrian Servus TV. "The performance and results in the past few years were not good enough. They won a race last year, but the bottom line for Mercedes was not enough."

Gerhard Berger also said the driver pairing of Hamilton alongside Nico Rosberg is "definitely" better than before, but ruled out returning from retirement himself to add yet another new face at Mercedes.

"I don't think I want that stress again," said the former BMW motor sport director and Toro Rosso co-owner.

"If you want to do formula one, whether as a driver or a manager, you can only do it with a full programme. One should never say never, but I feel very comfortable with what I'm doing now," added Gerhard Berger.

The all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, which is said to combine the Sedan's dynamic, sporting genes with the practicality and versatility of the Touring, will make its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March.

At 4,824 mm, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is 200 mm longer than the 3 Series Touring; it's also 81 mm taller. The automaker claims there's more passenger room inside, too.

An active rear spoiler - the first of its type on a BMW - automatically deploys at 110 km/h and hides away when the car slows down to under 70 km/h.

Under the hood, three gasoline engines (two 4-cylinders and a 6-cylinder) as well as two diesel engines (both 2.0L units) are available. Output ranges from 143 to 306 horsepower. A 6-speed manual gearbox comes standard with the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, and can be replaced with the optional 8-speed autobox. An M Sport Package can also be ordered.

Photo: BMW

Photo: BMW

From GMM

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has admitted to trying to keep Heikki Kovalainen on the F1 grid.

Finn Kovalainen, a McLaren driver in 2008 and 2009, has dropped out of formula one after Caterham replaced him for the forthcoming season with heavily sponsored Dutch driver Giedo Van der Garde.

Lewis Hamilton, Kovalainen's former teammate, said he thinks team bosses are "crazy" to have overlooked the highly rated 31-year-old in favour of pay-drivers.

At around the same time - just before Marussia announced Luiz Razia as Max Chilton's 2013 teammate - Martin Whitmarsh said he made efforts to help Kovalainen to secure that seat.

"I spoke with Heikki on Tuesday, when I thought about trying to help him with regards to Marussia," he is quoted by Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper.

McLaren has a technical collaboration in place with Marussia.

Luiz Razia driving the Marussia MR02 at Jerez. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

Automakers didn't take long to drop the gloves and respond to the new study by Consumer Reports showing that small turbocharged engines are less fuel-efficient than advertised.

According to Ford, the Fusion's 2.0L EcoBoost engine actually can deliver the power of a conventional V6, but when the car is being driven more gently, the turbocharger is idled which produces the higher mileage of a four-cylinder.

''We cannot answer for how Consumer Reports tested the Fusion, but its findings are not consistent with our internal and external feedback. It shows EcoBoost vehicles lead in customer satisfaction for fuel economy across segments - including surveys by J.D. Power,'' a Ford product technology spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Hyundai claims that the real-world mileage figures of Consumer Reports ''do correlate nicely'' with official EPA fuel economy ratings.

The saga begins...

Source: The Detroit Bureau

Photo: Ford

Chrysler has just issued a pair of recalls, the first one affecting 63,201 Dodge Ram and Dakota (2009-2010), Dodge Durango (2009), Ram 1500 (2011-2012) and Chrysler Aspen (2009) trucks

Apparently, the rear axle pinion nut could loosen and allow the rear driveshaft to detach from the axle, or fully detach from the vehicle. Pinion nut separation could also cause the rear axle differential to fail suddenly, producing rear wheel lockup. These issues could result in a loss of propulsion and/or vehicle control, and possibly a crash.

Dealers will therefore install a pinion nut retainer.

The second recall targets 90 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger sedans from 2013. Some of those may experience fuel leakage or engine stall due to a broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly. This could lead to a fire or a crash.

Dealers will inspect the control valve in the fuel tank. If there's any damage, the fuel tank assembly and vapour canister will be replaced.

Source: Transports Canada 1, 2

Forty years ago, Volkswagen launched its sportiest Beetle ever, the GSR, which was based on the 1303S and built in 3,500 copies. Today at the Chicago Auto Show, the German automaker introduced an all-new Beetle GSR that will also be limited to 3,500 units.

Boasting unique styling and 210 horsepower (the 1970s model produced a mere 50), the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR has predominantly yellow body panels, while the hood is mainly black, and the trunklid, roof and exterior mirror caps are all black.

Inside, you'll find black-trimmed leather sport seats and leather steering wheel with contrasting yellow stitching. The latter wears a badge marked with the special edition number (1 through 3500).

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR also features a Fender audio system, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, and push-button start. It can sprint from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).

More than half of the available units will be sold in the U.S. starting this fall. Pricing remains unknown, as does Canadian availability.

Photo: Volkswagen

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton proved his dedication to Mercedes on Wednesday by revealing he gave his legs a deliberate "thump" when his rear brakes failed at Jerez.

On his first official day of running after switching from McLaren for 2013, the British driver skidded over the gravel at full speed and thumped into the barriers head-first.

"If I had turned the car around, the whole side of the car would have been broken," the Briton is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

Actually, according to Bild newspaper, only the EUR 100,000 front wing was smashed.

Asked if he saw a positive from Wednesday's brief running, Hamilton smiled: "Yes -- I'm alive."

Photo: WRi2

Dedicated yes, but the 2008 world champion confessed to being "disappointed", particularly after the W04's debut on Tuesday was marred by Nico Rosberg's fire.

"The team have to go and look at the design and make sure it doesn't happen again," said Hamilton, "but I have total confidence they will do that."

The breakages are one thing, but Hamilton said the W04 also needs more pace.

"I need more aero for sure," he said. "Coming from a McLaren that had incredible downforce, you definitely notice the difference."

After the crash, he spent some time trackside, being impressed by his 2013 rivals. "The Red Bull and the Lotus look good," he said.

So good was the Lotus on Wednesday that Romain Grosjean went faster even than Jenson Button's impressive Tuesday time.

"It's just a little better everywhere," the Frenchman, referring to the new black E21, said.

Also trackside, technical expert and broadcaster Gary Anderson was impressed with the Lotus.

"You can see that the steering wheel and the front tyres are working together very well," he is quoted by Speed Week.

"We're going to get a better idea at the next test in Barcelona, but a good car is good everywhere," he added.

Also musing Grosjean's pace, Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg admitted to Auto Motor und Sport: "That's very quick."

Elsewhere in Wednesday's pecking order, Sergio Perez began his acclimatisation to his new McLaren.

"It was much more different than I expected," the former Sauber driver said, "but we are going in the right direction. I could tell straight away that this car has good potential. I could feel it. It's a very complete car. I'm happy with the car I've got."

Ferrari's Felipe Massa was eighth, just behind Perez, and reports indicate the new F138 was recording higher than expected temperatures.

"Journalists did not have access to the Brazilian driver," O Estado de S.Paulo correspondent Livio Oricchio said.

He said the new Ferrari was "visibly" not handling as well as the Lotus, McLaren and Red Bull.

"It is undeniable that Ferrari has dropped behind these three teams," added Oricchio.

Honda will host the European premiere of a new Civic Wagon concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Visitors will have a good idea of what the future production model will look like.

The Japanese automaker will also display its stunning Acura NSX concept, the interior of which was finally revealed in Detroit last month.

It will all take place on March 5th, so come back to Auto123.com for more pictures and details.

Photo: Honda

Photo: Honda

From GMM

Ross Brawn is calling for F1's engine suppliers to be allowed to do some early testing ahead of the 2014 season.

The Mercedes team boss said it is a risk to stick to the current plan, which would involve manufacturers and teams running all-new turbo V6s for the first time mere weeks ahead of the next world championship.

"We are looking for a solution," he is quoted by the Dutch magazine Formule1.

"I'm not saying we need testing with the new engines this year, but maybe the first test days can be brought forward. For the engine supplier, it's a difficult task," added Brawn.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Red Bull's Christian Horner agreed that some tweaks for the pre-2014 test programme would be "logical".

But Lotus' technical director James Allison is not so sure.

"Is it possible to get ready in three tests? Yes," he answered rhetorically, saying simulation and dynamometer technology in F1 has become sufficiently advanced.

Today's market is filled with all kinds of vehicles to suit customer's various requirements. From SUVs to CUVs, cars and sportscars, the choices are endless.

However, manufacturers had yet to come up with a vehicle specifically for those who have genuine mobility issues. Until now.

For those who suffer from paralysis and have had to rely on customized minivans to move about these vans often don't have an abundance of space, and also look terrible.

Now, a new American company has arrived on the scene with a vehicle that was designed around the access ramp.

The company is VPG and their first product is called the MV-1.

Photo: Nauman Farooq

This is a bespoke vehicle, built in Indiana at the old Hummer H2 factory, and has its own chassis and body; however, some bits and pieces have been taken from other manufacturers to complete the vehicle, such as its 4.6L V8 and 4-speed automatic from the old Ford Crown Victoria.

A proven drivetrain means it'll be reliable, which is important to any car buyer.

I was recently invited by MV-1 Canada to learn more about this vehicle and try it out for myself. At their dealership location in Concord, Ontario. I met up with Joel Dembe, who is their community outreach manager. Dembe, who uses a wheelchair himself, has not let his circumstances rule him. He is an accomplished athlete and played tennis for Team Canada at the Paralympics in 2012.

So, Dembe is the perfect person to demonstrate the features of this vehicle. Dembe was most keen to show me the ramp and how its length and angle is adjustable based on where the vehicle is parked. The ramp operates via switches located inside the vehicle and the door. It is extremely well built and can handle 1,200 lbs. When retracted, it hides away under the floor in its own compartment, away from the elements.

Step inside the vehicle and you'll find there is plenty of space for you to park any size of wheelchair, with plenty of snap points to buckle it down. To make it easy for a wheel-chaired driver, there is no front passenger seat in the VPG MV-1. However, in the rear there is a bench that can hold three.

So, it is practical, but how does it drive? I drove one on a short run to see how it performed. My tester came fully equipped with hand controls for braking and accelerating (which took a little getting used to), and also had a knob on the steering wheel for easy one-handed turning. I was very pleasantly surprised at how well this vehicle rides, and the V8 motor has plenty of power (248 hp, 294 lb-ft) on hand. Granted, this isn't a sporting automobile, but for a vehicle built for a practical purpose it is fun to drive.

The MV-1 has been on sale in Canada since the spring of 2012, and 120 units have since been delivered.

Base price is $45,900 and it can be serviced at any nationwide NAPA AutoPro shop under warranty.

Photo: Nauman Farooq

Former open-wheel stand-out AJ Allmendinger has been invited by IndyCar's Team Penske to try out a DW-12 at Sebring International Raceway on Feb. 18 and 19 to see if a return to the series could be possible in 2013.

More than just a publicity stunt, it appears that if the test is successful, this could lead to a return to open-wheel competition Penske Racing at Barber Motorsports Park on April 7.

Team Penske is seeking sponsorship for its third entry, formerly driven by Ryan Briscoe, in order for the suqad to also run AJ at Long Beach with the goal of running the Indianapolis 500.

Ryan Briscoe, Penske Racing. (Photo: IndyCar)

It has been more than seven years since the American was behind the wheel of an IndyCar.

“I'll be in the best possible equipment and I'll have Will Power there - one of the fastest guys in the sport - to help me get up to speed. I'm really looking forward to it. At least Sebring is a track I know. ” Allmendinger declared.

I think we've all been watching the wrong manufacturers as of late. Sure the Kias and Hyundais of the world are stepping up their game and pushing forth vehicles that challenge the already-dominant carmakers out there, but I think we should have been paying closer attention to those who have been sitting silently in the background, watching the theatrics before them.

I'm talking about the Mazdas of the automotive world.

It's not that they've done nothing over the past few model years, more that they've been quietly plotting in a corner, keeping to themselves and waiting for the perfect moment to strike -- when we least expect it.

And strike they have with the brand new Mazda6 and CX-5. While I've not driven either yet (stay tuned for a Texas-sized drive in both from yours truly later in February), first impressions have me, well, impressed. Pushing just the right boundaries in terms of styling (nothing too aggressive and out there, and yet enough to catch an eye, keep you interested and keep you coming back for more), as well as engineering with their SKYACTIV engines, Mazda is trucking along in a way that might seem “safe” for some, but is doing the job just fine it seems.

Photo: Mazda

Quebec has had a long-time love affair with the Mazda brand. From the 323, the Protegé and, more recently, the Mazda3 being a best-seller in the province since it first hit our dealers in '02, catching eyes and thereby wallets soon after, Mazda has a home here on the eastern coast of Canada, and with good reason. Other sales heroes have been the CX-7 and the first generation of the Mazda6.

Oh, let's not forget the fantastically nimble and much-in-need-of-a-remodel Mazda MX-5 (nee Miata). There's very little wrong with this vehicle, truly, but I'd very much like (as would my colleagues) to see this little number updated to correspond with current trends, styling and engineering fads. It's already a winner... Just imagine what it could be.

Then again, perhaps Mazda's already been whispering in the corners about a new MX-5 and we've all just been too distracted by the rest to take notice...

While the world is looking at the flashier, lights-and-smoke vehicles that come and go like fashion trends on movie stars, Mazda has steadily been releasing vehicles that continue to take the automotive world by storm in a quiet, gentle kind of way. They're a solid company building solid cars that people want to buy.

Unlike a few companies out there who shall remain nameless, they aren't resting on their laurels, bargaining on sales because family members have owned their vehicles for years and so will continue to do so, and yet they are building a base of loyal customers -- and have been for years -- with products that can stand the test of time in both the looks and performance departments (the Miata is a perfect example of this, and to a certain extent so is the Mazdaspeed3).

The world has looked to Mazda for a moment with the new Mazda6 and CX-5, and when they look away again who knows what the Japanese automaker will come up with next.

Photo: Mazda

Officials from the IZOD IndyCar Series has published the list of more than 22 teams that will receive their share of $1 million each from the Leader circle program for the upcoming 2013 season.

Right from the outset, three teams forfeited on their participation to the program, allowing three extra teams to be eligible for the subsidies. Team Penske (Ryan Briscoe), KV Racing (Barrichello) and Ganassi Racing (Graham Rahal) choose not to send their application, therefore making available three contracts for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (Josef Newgarden), HVM Racing (TBD) and Dragon Racing (Sebastien Bourdais).

Ryan Hunter-Reay, Champion 2012 IZOD IndyCar. (Photo: IndyCar)

The only real surprise on the list is the Keith Wiggins-owned HVM but as we learned recently, the former Lotus team is about to announce a partnership with an existing team in the coming days.

No. Team Driver
1, Andretti Autosport, Ryan Hunter-Reay
3, Team Penske, Helio Castroneves
4, Panther Racing, JR Hildebrand
7, Dragon Racing, Sebastien Bourdais
9, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Scott Dixon
10, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Dario Franchitti
11, KV Racing Technology, Tony Kanaan
12, Verizon Team Penske, Will Power
14, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Takuma Sato
15, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Graham Rahal
18, Dale Coyne Racing, TBA
19, Dale Coyne Racing, TBA
20, Ed Carpenter Racing, Ed Carpenter
22, Panther DRR, Oriol Servia
25, Andretti Autosport, Marco Andretti
27, Andretti Autosport, James Hinchcliffe
67, Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, Josef Newgarden
77, Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports, Simon Pagenaud
78, KV Racing Technology, Simona de Silvestro
83, NovoNordisk Chip Ganassi Racing, Charlie Kimball
98, Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian, Alex Tagliani
TBA, HVM Racing, TBA

MALIBU, CA - Few vehicles enjoy such public affection as the 1953-'79 Volkswagen Beetle, particularly on the Pacific coast. Interwoven with California surf culture for decades, the iconic Beetle is as much a SoCal mainstay as palm trees, sand, and Ray-Bans.

We're here ostensibly to report on the 2013 Beetle Convertible. However, to the true car lovers amongst us, the new model was eclipsed by a handful of vintage cars that Volkswagen brought to the launch.

On display was the aptly named "Jolly" -- a one-off creation built by Karmann in 1960. A jaunty little turquoise four-seater, the Jolly features wicker seats and a fabric awning on top, complete with a tasseled fringe.

Much as I yearned to get behind the wheel and toodle down the road like Mr. Bean while singing "Down on Jollity Farm," the Jolly was, alas, strictly for looking only.

The disappointment was short-lived though -- and how. Available for short drive loops were three genuine air-cooled vintage drop-top Beetles. Although I'd been a passenger many times during my high school years in a '70s Beetle that was quite possibly the worst winter car I've ever encountered (with aerated floorboards: think Flintstone-mobile), I'd never actually driven one.

So, it was with great relish that I climbed behind the wheel of a 1979 model whose silver paint had acquired the soft burnished patina of old pewter.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

Settling onto the broad expanse of cracked vinyl seating, featuring the flaccid bolstering of fossilized horsehair, I inhale the comforting funk of antique sofas, vintage books and unspent fuel. Pleated map pouches line the slab vinyl sides of the doors and faux-wood dash trim, reminiscent of '70s mobile home panelling, adds to the charm.

Turning the key produced the characteristic chug-chugging of 48 raging, arse-engined horsepower.

Notching the long, unwieldy shifter into gear is mostly a guessing game, but fortunately the 4-speed gearbox is pretty easygoing. Likewise for the clutch, whose long engagement is best described as nebulous.

Grinning like a half-wit, I putt-putted along the coastline and headed up into the hills. The Beetle requires a little advance notice of any upcoming stops since any abrupt braking takes it by surprise and tends to overwhelm the delicate drums at all four corners. Not to mention the rubber; this bug is still sporting the same tires it wore when it rolled off the assembly line all those years ago.

While the steep inclines exhausted most of the Beetle's 48 horses, it soldiers on cheerfully like the "Little Engine that Could." When I say "cheerfully," it's hard not to get all anthropomorphic about a car with this much character. That cute, bug-eyed face is such a familiar cultural icon, it's like an old friend.

Chugging through the winding, bougainvillaea lined roads high above the California coastline, I couldn't have been more content. The wind gently ruffling my hair, the tangy scent of the sea air and the companionship of this incredibly likeable car all combined to create one of those rare and perfect moments we all yearn to scratch off our bucket lists.

And just to further up the serendipity quotient, the bug's tubby little boot bears a sticker reading "Don Valley Motors" in Toronto, Ontario.

According to Thomas Tetzlaff, Manager of Media Relations for Volkswagen Canada, the car was imported by Volkswagen Canada in 1979 as one of the very last Beetle Convertibles, ever. Sold wholesale to Don Valley Volkswagen (who, by the way, are still found at their original location just east of the Don Valley Parkway), the Beetle was never sold, nor was it registered.

Somehow, the car ended up back in the care of Volkswagen Canada, where it has remained for decades, occasionally being taken out for display here and at Volkswagen's former headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

When the car left Canada for the California launch of the New Beetle Convertible, it had only 175 original kilometres on the odometer. Yes, you read that correctly -- 175 -- not 175,000 km. Roughly another 125 km were added during the event by the media that jumped at a chance to drive it.

I'd flown over 4,000 kilometres to drive a vehicle that had originally been sold 45 minutes away from my home.