Auto News 5

After much anticipation, we were finally introduced to the all-new 2013 Toyota RAV4 last fall. The popular compact SUV, which is currently on display at the Montreal Auto Show, will arrive at Canadian dealerships next month. Pricing has been reduced, with a new base MSRP of $23,790, in an effort to undercut and overshadow the next-generation Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.

Styling
In what is a major departure from previous generations, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 loses its hatch-mounted spare tire (now under the cargo floor) and side-hinged rear hatch in favour of a more convenient roof-hinged liftgate.

Styling is more sophisticated overall, but still displays some aggressiveness. The rugged, non-painted plastic front bumper is reminiscent of a raging dog's fangs, while the flowing profile is highlighted by a rising beltline and sloping roofline that converge toward the taillights. While I personally take issue with the blocky rear section, others might find it attractive.

Photo: Colin Styker

RAV4 lineup
Available with FWD and AWD, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 offers a single powertrain option, but five different trim levels: LE ($23,790), XLE FWD ($27,000), LE AWD ($25,990), XLE AWD ($29,200), and Limited AWD ($31,700).

The 2.5L four-cylinder engine produces 176 horsepower -- halfway between the CR-V and base Forester. The new six-speed automatic transmission provides manual shift capability along with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

With such a low starting price, options are aplenty. Dynamic Torque Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a rear-view camera are just some of the available features that will make trips safer in the 2013 Toyota RAV4. All models have a class-leading eight standard airbags, too.

Interior
The cabin is quieter and more refined. Sound-deadening materials including an acoustic glass windshield considerably reduce wind and road noise. A Multi-Information Display, auxiliary input and USB port, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, as well as steering wheel-mounted controls come standard.

The cargo area is deeper, larger and easier to access than in the previous generation. With the rear seats folded, the new RAV4 has a maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cubic feet (2,078 litres).

All in all, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 continues to make sense for Canadian families with a focus on quality and functionality. Styling and technology have been improved, while pricing is more competitive than ever. It sounds like a great deal... provided that you like the way it looks!

From GMM

Ferrari turned down Pedro de la Rosa when the Spaniard was first on the market as a test driver in 2003.

The 41-year-old is now regarded as arguably F1's very best test driver, who has been signed by Ferrari for 2013 and will drive the team's 2013 car at Jerez next week.

But he recalled: "When I left Jaguar, in January 2003, I called Ferrari to offer my services as a test driver and reserve. Jean Todt said, 'We have Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, so we're covered', and hung up. Then I called McLaren, Martin Whitmarsh, and he said they were covered with Alex Wurz. But I told them that Ferrari has two testers, and so he told me that if I was in England, to come and see him. Two weeks later, I got on a plane and met with them. The interview was really bad, but they signed me."

"If I had not been quick to say that the competition had two testers, I would probably not be here today," he smiled.

De la Rosa was McLaren's test driver between 2003 and 2009, and again in 2011.

Main entrance at Maranello. (Photo: Auto123/René Fagnan)

He continued: "I don't know if everyone is happy or not, but the important thing is to look to the future. Certainly there were other teams, but probably they were not quick enough or they knew what I wanted. For me it was very important to do something different. It is a massive challenge, but I'm where I want to be. One of the first people I called was Martin Whitmarsh; obviously he was very surprised by the decision, but he congratulated me."

Now, he is looking forward to his debut in a red car, next week at Jerez.

"I am very happy to be able to test the car, I didn't expect that."

De la Rosa also said he will be "ready" in case Ferrari call him up to race, as a reserve driver at every grand prix.

"I'll be at the race and prepared for what might happen. But whether or not I am reserve driver is a team decision. But if I have been ready my whole career, how could I not be ready now?" he added rhetorically.

A Tesla Model S Performance has just set a new speed record for production electric cars by completing the quarter mile in 12.371 seconds at the Palm Beach International Raceway. With 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds, it also proved faster than a 2005 Dodge Viper SRT10.

According to the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA), the previous record of 13.58 seconds on the quarter mile was held by the Tesla Roadster.

British motorsport magazine revealed Tuesday that the entry to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and asset of the defunct HRT team would be now purchased by a new group.

We tried to get some confirmations, but no one is really willing to talk at this point!

The well respected magazine says that a group of Canadian and American investors are pushing to try and secure HRT's entry slot in F1 but they may have to wait until 2014 before being allowed to join the grid. That's the year the new turbo 1.6-litre engines will be introduced.

The group of investors are working to launch a team known as Scorpion Racing. The effort appears to have the blessing of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

The new team is apparently hoping to run its effort from a facility at Silverstone, using updated HRT F112 chassis that would be powered by Cosworth V8 engines and use Williams semi-automatic transmissions.

However, Autosport adds it understands that the FIA believes the 12th entry slot for 2013 was closed off when it was informed at the end of last season that HRT had been liquidated.

Our collegues at Pole-Position magazine in Canada apparently know a little more on this topic.

“Who are these mysterious Canadian, or Quebecer investors? It's not Lawrence Stroll or Guy Laliberte (from the Cirque du Soleil) or other millionnaires, but people who are quiet and want to remain anonymous at the moment. The group include businessmen who are attracted by the challenge and motorsport in general. For that first year, they want to hire two paying drivers to get the project underway,” could we read on the website.

Stay tuned!

On February 14th, Nissan will unveil the new Versa Note, Resonance concept and JUKE NISMO at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is the fourth of five new models launched by Nissan over 15 months. It will go on sale at Canadian dealers in June 2013 with a starting MSRP of $11,898.

Meanwhile, the Resonance concept signals the direction of future Nissan crossovers. It features an efficient hybrid electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system, which combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.

Finally, the JUKE NISMO is a sportier, more upscale version of Nissan's compact crossover. It will be powered by a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection based on the 16GT FOUR Type V. Canadian availability will be limited.

2014 Versa Note (Photo: Nissan)

Resonance Concept (Photo: Nissan)

JUKE NISMO (Photo: Nissan)

The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 luxury sports sedan will make its national debut at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto on February 14th.

Available with a standard 3.7L V6, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 will also offer a hybrid variant combining a 3.5L V6 with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery for a net output of 354 horsepower.

In addition to the Q50, Infiniti Canada will showcase its entire 2013 model lineup in Toronto, including the luxurious JX crossover. The championship-winning Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One race car will be on hand as well.

Photo: Infiniti

Incredibly enough, only one out of three Canadian drivers is familiar with today's basic vehicle safety features. Yet, consumers identify safety as a priority when purchasing a new car.

With the exception of ABS and traction control, nearly 70% of Canadians don't know how systems like adaptive headlights and collision warning work.

Toyota Canada and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) are therefore launching Brain on Board, a public education program to encourage people across the country to learn more about modern vehicle safety features.

"If a driver is unfamiliar with how a car's safety features work -- or even what certain dashboard symbols mean -- there may be more safety benefits that could be realized," said Robyn Robertson, TIRF President and CEO.

Reigning Firestone Indy Lights series' champion, Tristan Vautier will join his fellow countryman, Simon Pagenaud in a two-car full-time effort for Sam Schmidt for the upcoming IZOD IndyCar season.

The team, re-named Schmidt Peterson Motorsports was in contention to secure the services of the young Frenchman, as was Dragon Racing, which also showed interest for Vautier, especially after he impressed everyone with his brilliant performance at the Sebring test that was held last December.

The series also confirmed that Vautier will receive the full $1 million advancement prize due to signing to drive for a team that does not have a Leader Circle contract for the second entry he will drive.

Tristan Vautier already tested in Sebring with Schmidt Motorsport. (Photo: Schmidt Peterson Motorsport)

AutoTrader Group, the nation's largest online vehicle shopping site, said it would be business as usual for auto dealers following the company's decision Friday to withdraw its $300 million registration for an initial public offering of stock.

Silver Bullets

Silver Arrows face off for the first time since 1939.

Like most kids, I was interested in cars of my own era when I first started following racing. But it didn't take me long to delve into the history of the sport. So I read about Henry Ford's 999 and Ernest Henry's twin-cam Peugeots, scarlet Alfa Romeos and pale blue Bugattis, jewel-like Millers and the behemoths that raced on the banking at Brooklands. Then I came across the Silver Arrows -- the magnificent prewar Auto Unions and Mercedes-Benzes that dominated grand prix racing until World War II -- and nothing else seemed to matter.

Photo Gallery: Silver Bullets - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Silver Bullets - Automobile Magazine

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The U.S. Treasury Department "failed to rein in excessive pay" at bailed-out GM, Ally Financial and AIG, the rescue program's inspector general said.

General Motors said it will invest $600 million in a new paint shop and stamping press at the assembly plant where it makes the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse.

News 29 Jan, 2013

Latest pictures of the new Peugeot 308, which will be 70kg lighter thanks to the new EMP2 platform

Arguably one of the most important car launches of 2013, the debut of the

News 28 Jan, 2013

Volkswagen has revealed a new four-wheel-drive Golf 4Motion - but it's unlikely to come to the UK

APMA is Canada's national association representing OEM producers of parts, equipment, tools, supplies and services for the worldwide automotive industry. Its president, Steve Rodgers, talked to Simon Warburton at the recent Detroit Auto Show.

Production of the new Nismo sports variant of the Nissan Juke crossover is now under way at the company's UK factory in Sunderland, north east England.

In this month's management briefing we review the latest developments and prospects for demand in the world's major vehicle markets. This instalment takes a look at the ASEAN markets of south-east Asia.

Maruti Suzuki India sales rose 45.6% year on year to INR109.57bn (US$2.03bn) for the fiscal third quarter to 31 December 2012 due to higher volumes, favourable model mix and more exports. Net profit rose almost 144% to INR5.01bn.

China's car market may rise up to 10% this year despite fears of more government policies to limit car ownership, reported the South China Morning Post.