Auto News 5

History/Description: With room for up to 7 people and standard V6 power, the last-generation Suzuki XL7 was built for the Japanese automaker by GM at their CAMI facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

Riding the same platform and sharing much of its powertrain and underpinnings with the Equinox / Torrent / Vue models from GM at the time, the XL7 intended to be a large and family-ready sport ute. Slow sales killed the model off after just two years.

Look for a 3.6L V6 with 252 horsepower on all models, with front- or all-wheel drive available. A 5-speed automatic handled gearshift duty. Feature content included heated leather, automatic climate control, fog-lamps, keyless entry, and plenty more.

Look for a 3.6L V6 with 252 horsepower. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

What Owners Like: Suzuki XL7 owners tend to enjoy a high level of standard equipment for the money, a spacious and flexible interior, and a smooth, quiet ride. A “solid” feel and good performance round out owner-stated positives.

What Owners Dislike: Blind-spots, rearward visibility, factory stereo quality and fuel mileage are common gripes. Some owners wish for more upscale interior trimmings as well.

Some owners wish for more upscale interior trimmings as well. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Common Issues: Suzuki XL7 shoppers have a few fairly significant issues to be aware of:

Start your test drive by checking the level and condition of the engine oil, ensuring its full and clean. Numerous reports of oil sludge and blocked oil pickups (where the engine sucks up its oil to be pumped around) have been made. If in doubt, have a mechanic remove the oil pan and do an assessment to ensure sludge isn't an issue. If the model you're considering seems to sporadically hesitate or displays an “oil” light at any point during your test drive, move to another model.

A check-engine light may indicate a problem with a camshaft sensor or other engine management sensor. If any check-engine lights are illuminated, determine why before agreeing to purchase the XL7 in question.

Inspect the XL7's body for signs of peeling or rusting paint, especially on “pearl white” coloured models. Be sure all windows operate fully in both directions as expected, too. Shoppers are also advised to check for signs of a leaky sunroof drain, which typically drips water into the front footwell areas or into the ceiling liner.

Steering should be light and smooth in both directions. Any unwelcomed sounds or sensations while steering could indicate a well-known problem with a faulty steering rack and/or power steering pump.

Have a mechanic check the underside of the Suzuki XL7 in question for signs of an oil leak, especially around the engine's timing cover.

Inspect the XL7's body for signs of peeling or rusting paint. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

The Verdict: Numerous complaints, some fairly serious, have been made online -- though low sales volumes mean it's difficult to ascertain what percentage of XL7 owners have experienced these issues. Thankfully, the Suzuki XL7 carried a fairly lengthy warranty.

Members of the XL7 section at Suzuki-forums.com note that it's typically cheaper/easier to get service at a Chevrolet dealership, where they are familiar with the model. Shop cautiously, and opt for plenty of remaining warranty if you're set on a Suzuki -- or choose a different model to play it safe.

Ever wished for an 800-hp pickup that can do over 100 mpge? That dream might just come true in the not-too-distant future thanks to one of the biggest personalities in the automotive business: Bob Lutz.

Lutz, a veteran of the automobile industry who has worked for BMW, Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors, is showing no signs of slowing down; despite the fact that he will be celebrating his 81st birthday in less than a month's time.

At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, he was on hand to show the world his latest project: VIA Motors.

VIA Motors, formed in 2010, is all about building plug-in hybrid vehicles and while the other manufacturers who are building such vehicles are concentrating on family cars, VIA Motors is working on full-size SUVs and pickup trucks.

Their models are based on existing vehicles from the General Motors portfolio, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and the Suburban. This saves VIA Motors money to develop its technologies, and also bring the vehicles to market sooner.

While their vehicles haven't gone on sale just yet, they have secured corporate fleet partnerships with PG&E and Verizon Wireless.

While there is a need for construction site pickup trucks and service vans that can achieve over 100 mpge, these vehicles aren't going to get the hearts of enthusiasts racing.

VIA Motors XTRUX (Photo: Nauman Farooq)

To address that, at the North American International Auto Show, VIA Motors unveiled their latest model called the XTRUX. The XTRUX is a full-size pickup truck with an aggressive body kit and mammoth tires. Oh, it also has two electric motors that together produce 800 hp. That alone will ensure this will be a fun and fast truck.

On the sensible side, the VIA Motors XTRUX will also be capable of travelling roughly 80 km on electric power alone on a full charge thanks to its 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. When the battery runs down to 20% range, a 5.3L V8 motor (sourced from GM) on board will power the vehicle and run a generator to charge the battery. Once the battery is up to 25% charge, it will switch back to electric-only propulsion. VIA Motors hopes this continuous cycle will result in better fuel efficiency.

Lutz took time out to speak with Auto123.com exclusively, and told us that he hopes the XTRUX will be in production within two year's time. When asked how much it and their other vehicles will cost he said, “We don't have an exact figure yet, but close to twice the price of a conventional pickup.”

He also hinted about a continued partnership with GM, and when asked if VIA Motors will one day offer a plug-in hybrid Camaro or Corvette Lutz said, “I think we will have to. It's only a matter of time. We have lots of plans for the coming years.”

Whether VIA Motors will be successful in the long run is yet to be seen. However, given they have Lutz on board it has a better chance than most upstarts of making it in this tough automotive business.

From GMM

Lotus' James Allison is staying put.

That is the claim of an insider at the Enstone based team, despite admitting that Mercedes' Niki Lauda came calling for the highly rated British technical director.

Last week, as the Paddy Lowe saga unfolded, we reported that Allison had been earmarked by McLaren as a possible replacement, in case Lowe jumped ship.

Actually, the Lotus insider confirmed that it had been Mercedes' Lauda on the phone.

"Lauda calls Allison every day," the source is quoted by Speed Week, "but James' contract is bullet-proof."

Moreover, "He also doesn't want to leave," the Lotus insider added.

MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has confirmed his move to the V8 Supercar series in a interview with Australia's Sunday Telegraph.

The 27-year-old Australian, who announced his retirement from bike racing late last year, is set to race a Red Bull-backed Holden Commodore for Triple Eight, a team that won the championship in 2011.

The deal signed by Stoner only covers next season. Before jumping in completely, the former Honda, Ducati and KTM rider wants to test the water.

Casey Stoner in 2010 (Photo: CaseyStoner.com)

"It's a trial year to see how I go and how I like the sport," he told the Sunday Telegraph.

"I started on two wheels and have done little to nothing on four," he added.

"I'm trying to get on the simulator to learn the tracks, and that is as much as I can do really. I have had one proper test in the car. I went well, but it doesn't mean anything.


"I have no expectations except I want to enjoy it and not get too wound up."

Kimi Räikkönen is keeping his lips shut in a interview about the next Lotus F1 car with TV star Matt LeBlanc.

Because of the uncooperative Finn, the interview had to be cut short.



Source: Lotus F1 Team Youtube channel

Juan Pablo Montoya, driving the No. 01 BMW/Riley across the finish line of the 2013 24 Hours of Daytona, added to Chip Ganassi Racing's win tally.

Montoya and teammates Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas and Charlie Kimball were the class of the field, leading almost from start to finish.

Second place goes to Max Angelelli, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Jordan Taylor (No. 10 VelocityWW Corvette DP).

Once again this year, the battle for the lead lasted until the final minutes of the 24-hour race. With only a handful of minutes left on the clock, Montoya pitted for some extra fuel. Luckily, Angelelli too, as it turned out, didn't have enough fuel to reach the end and soon followed suite to Montoya into the pits.

Audi's efforts to establish itself on the North American racing scene bore fruits, as the Ingolstadt manufacturer pulled off a 1-2 finish in GT, led by Alex Job's No. 24 R8 driven by Filipe Albuquerque, Oliver Jarvis, Edoardo Mortara and Dion von Moltke.

In a class of its own, Napleton Racing won the GX category. David Donohue, Shane Lewis, Jim Norman and Nelson Canache, driving the No. 16 Porsche Cayman comfortably led through it all.



Race results* - 51st 24 Hours of Daytona
1 - Pruett-Kimball-Montoya-Rojas (Riley-BMW) - Ganassi - 709 laps in 24.00'37"699

2 - Angelelli-Hunter-Reay-Taylor (Dallara/Corvette) - Taylor + 21"922
3 - Allmendinger-Ambrose-Negri-Pew-Wilson (Riley-Ford) - Shank + 55"585

4 - Barbosa-Frisselle-Rockenfeller (Corvette) - ActionEx. + 1 lap
5 - Garcia-Gavin-Taylor-Westbrook (Corvette) - SDR + 12 laps

6 - Bourdais-Dalziel-McNish-Popow (Riley-Ford) - Starworks + 13 laps

7 - Fogarty-Gidley-Gurney-Law (Riley/Corvette) - Stallings + 14 laps

8 - Fittipaldi-Frisselle-Nasr-Piquet (Corvette) - ActionEx. + 21 laps
9 - Albuquerque-Mortara-Jarvis-Von Moltke (Audi R8) - AJR + 31 laps

10 - Baas-Basseng-Rast-Stippler (Audi R8) - APR + 31 laps
(...)

*Unofficial

Scott Pruett and his teammates Charlie Kimball, Juan Pablo Montoya and Memo Rojas still have the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing BMW/Riley in the lead, after 18 hours of racing at the 2013 24 Hours of Daytona.

Joao Barbosa, in the No. 9 Action Express Corvette DP, has moved up to second, leading a push from Chevrolet, which now has three cars in the top five.

The No. 42 Team Sahlen BMW/Riley which was running strong in the early phases of the race has fallen back down to 23rd overall, 11th in class. Simon Pagenaud is currently holding the wheel, 28 laps behind the leaders.

In GT, the No. 30 NGT Motorsport Porsche has taken over as leader from the No. 44 Magnus Racing entry. Audi's No. 24 customer racing entry, with Filipe Albuquerque driving, completes the top 3.

The No. 61 Canadian-backed Ferrari, led by factory drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander is only 14th in class, 10 laps down on the leaders.

Meanwhile at BMW, the last Turner Motorsports M3 left in the race is a lowly 23rd. Maxime Martin and Andy Priaulx, who were entered on the No. 93 car (which never took the start because of a practice crash) have switched to the No. 94 instead of giving up.

Napleton Racing still leads the GX class, with a four-lap priority over Bullet Racing.



Standings after 18 hours - 24 Hours of Daytona
1.Scott Pruett (Chip Ganassi Racing)
2.Joao Barbosa (Action Express) + 18.8s
3.Jordan Taylor (VelocityWW) + 20.0s
4.Richard Westbrook (Spirit of Daytona) + 23.5s
5.Alex Popow (Starworks) + 1 lap
(...)
11.Patrick Pilet (NGT Motorsport)
12.Richard Lietz (Magnus Racing) + 9.4s
13.Filipe Albuquerque (Audi Sport Customer) + 17.5s
(...)
32.David Donohue (Napleton Racing)

Jacques Villeneuve (Citroen DS3) has won his first ever Trophée Andros race at Sain-Dié-des-Vosges, as Jean-Philippe Dayraut (MINI) keeps getting closer to the title.

The qualifying rounds for the first race were dominated by championship leader Jean-Philippe Dayraut, who won his finale to finish in first position overall for race 1 ahead of Bertrand Balas (Mini) and Olivier Panis (Dacia Lodgy).

Jacques Villeneuve was 10th of this first race's classification, but ended race number two on top. On his way to his first ever Trophée Andros win, Villeneuve dominated qualifying and then the final.

Jacques Villeneuve earned his first Trophée Andros win this weekend (Photo: Tropheeandros.com)

Meanwhile, championship leader Dayraut pulled an even bigger lead in the championship race. The Frenchman could lay hands on his fourth title at the final round of the season, in Superbesse.

SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR RORY CARROLL: Launched in 2010, the Honda CR-Z is billed as the successor to the

BMW plans to earn the first profit in 2013 from a two-year-old venture that rents cars by the minute. The automaker hopes to overtake Daimler with a push to woo urban consumers who are looking for an alternative to owning a vehicle.

Saab is raising fresh hopes in its Swedish hometown as the mothballed brand gears up for another revival, more than a year after it went bankrupt.

Frigid temperatures cut electrified vehicles' driving range, but automakers say there are ways for owners to maximize efficiency.

As GM CEO Dan Akerson works on a global corporate reorganization, the decisions he faces are playing out in one of the company's most important emerging markets: Brazil.

The countdown to the start of the 2013 24 Hours of Daytona is now down to hours. Read what the drivers had to say coming off qualifying.

Scott Pruett (1st in DP, No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing BMW/Riley): "Winning the pole is big for us. A lot of people have been talking about a lot of sandbagging, but I can absolutely tell you, we laid out all our hand on the table for qualifying. That's what we're supposed to do. We're racers."

Scott Dixon, No. 02 Chip Ganassi Racing BMW/Riley (Photo: Grand-Am.com)

Scott Dixon (2nd in DP, No. 02 Chip Ganassi Racing BMW/Riley): "Qualifying was the first time I was in the car all week. We've had a lot of problems with the steering and all kind of things, an even the handling-wise, we haven't done too well with that. I'm surprised we're only a tenth off."

Nick Tandy, No. 32 Konrad Motorsports Porsche GT3 (Photo: Nick Tandy/Facebook)

Nick Tandy (1st in GT, No. 32 Porsche GT3): "We managed to get one clean lap in - which was all we needed. The car is really good on race pace, which is everything[.] Winning the pole sounds very good to me. Let's see if we can translate that into 'Nick Tandy, champion of the Rolex 24.'"

Shane Lewis, No. 16 Napleton Racing Porsche Cayman (Photo: Shane Lewis 2013)

Shane Lewis (1st in GX, No. 16 Napleton Racing Porsche Cayman): "It's a great way to start the Rolex 24, but we've got a lot of hours ahead of us[.] Obviously we can't run this kind of pace during the race, and we're going to have to take care of it, but it's a great car with a lot of street parts."

Toyota is one of those companies who, for some, can do no wrong. Brand loyalty keeps Toyota customers coming back for more year after year. And as their family situations and financial statuses change, they make their way up through the Toyota lineup.

Well, I have no loyalty to the Toyota brand, and as an outsider looking in I have a hard time seeing the relevance in a model like the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS I recently drove. With an MSRP of $25,565 and a thirst at the pumps I'd not expected, one word continued to circle my brain throughout the week-long test: Why?


It's not quite the Matrix of Hollywood films
Despite the sportier look of the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS (thanks to the sport grille, 17” aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome exhaust tip and roof-mounted spoiler), I'm not taken with it. There's still something a bit mundane about the whole thing.

It's as if Toyota tried to be a bit risqué with the Matrix XRS, then got shy and covered up the corset with a bath robe. I appreciate the slightly flared wheel arches over the front wheels, and the front bumper lip that juts out just a little -- but it's just not enough to make a statement.

However, I can see how the look of the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS may appeal to some: it's subtle sportiness makes it different enough from the base model, but it's not too in-your-face.

Despite the sportier look of the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS, I'm not taken with it. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Entering the Matrix; take that red pill, first
And I mean a Tylenol, and not because the interior is obnoxious or loud, but because you're going to be so bored with the whole thing you may fall asleep and smack your forehead on the trying-to-be-sporty-with-a-semi-flat-bottom steering wheel.

My 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS was as loaded as it gets yet I felt like I was in the entry-level version. Plain and simple is the name of the game here from the somewhat comfortable seats to the analog climate controls.

Of note: With a rear-facing convertible baby seat behind the front passenger's seat it becomes rather unusable. At 5'2” (on a good day) my knees were mere centimetres from the glovebox when seated there, and my 6'1” husband barely fit at all.

And with cargo capacity of 561 litres (19.8 cu.-ft) behind the rear seats of the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS, it's somewhat practical. With a stroller in the trunk, there was little room left over for any other large items. However, the hatch/wagon shape does give a bit more room in the end.

Plain and simple is the name of the game here. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Driving in the Matrix
Thankfully, the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS sports a 2.4L 4-cylinder VVT-i engine that pushes out 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It is, along with the 5-speed automatic transmission, the car's saving grace. I was impressed with the pickup the Matrix XRS actually had when I asked it to perform. From passing moves on the highway to leaving a stop, the autobox is quite pleasant to drive -- something I didn't expect to discover.

Equipped with sport suspension, again the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS is trying its best to be a sportier ride. However, the sportiness translates into a harshness that's just unpleasant as the days go on. While it ensured the Matrix cornered well and stayed planted on the road, I would have rather smoother travels behind the wheel.

What shocked me the most, really, was the amount I spent at the pumps over the week. I travelled my usual amount (in fact, a little less) and still racked in well over $100 in gas receipts -- in part due to our high gas prices right now -- for seven days of piloting the 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS. Toyota rates the Matrix fuel efficiency numbers at just over 9L/100km in the city (compared to the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT which boasts a rating of 7.6L/100km), and that's if you drive carefully, which I did not. So I was probably more in the 10.5 and above range. I'd tell you the exact number, but I couldn't figure out how to display it on the dash and refused to take out the manual.

A 2.4L 4-cylinder VVT-i engine that pushes out 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It is, along with the 5-speed automatic transmission, the car's saving grace. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

So, why a Matrix?
The only reason I can think to purchase a 2013 Toyota Matrix XRS over a 2013 Toyota Corolla S is to have a hatch/wagon look. However, for roughly $400 dollars less, I think I'd choose the Corolla (and it pains me to admit that, truly it does).

On certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedans, one or more rear suspension bolts may have been tightened insufficiently during vehicle assembly. If the bolts loosen, handling could suddenly be affected, particularly at higher speeds. This would increase the risk of a crash.

As a result, dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the rear suspension bolts.

This recall targets 67 units.

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

Christian Horner was not at Maranello recently to discuss his or Adrian Newey's possible switch to Ferrari, but rather to talk politics with other F1 head of states.

When the Red Bull team boss was spotted at Ferrari's fabled headquarters, it fired into action the speculative minds of the Italian and - in turn - the international press.

Actually, according to German correspondent Michael Schmidt, also at Maranello for the very same meeting were Bernie Ecclestone, Martin Whitmarsh and Niki Lauda.

They were sitting with Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, to discuss the incomplete 2013 Concorde Agreement.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the only document agreed so far is a 'financial agreement', with teams sharing 60 per cent of the sport's revenue and top teams like Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes receiving an even bigger slice.

But the governing FIA, pushing reportedly for a $40 million slice, is yet to sign, meaning that the processes for agreeing and enforcing rules are currently up in the air.

A bone of contention is the issue of cost control, with the smaller teams pressing for a 'budget cap', and the bigger teams obviously not wanting to sign up to that.

"As long as there is no consensus," wrote Schmidt, "there is a legal vacuum."

Scott Pruett, driving the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing BMW/Riley, has secured the first pole position of his 2013 season, ahead of the 51st 24 Hours of Daytona.

Scott Dixon placed the No. 2 Chip Ganassi Racing Daytona Prototype right beside Pruett, on the outside of row one. Dane Cameron (Team Sahlen) made it an all BMW/Riley top three.

In GT as well the same brand swept the first three positions, Nick Tandy (Konrad Motorsport/Orbit) being the fastest of the top three Porsche GT3 drivers. Andy Lally is second is the No. 44 Magnus Racing entry.

Shane Lewis notched the first ever GX pole aboard his No. 16 Napleton Racing Porsche Cayman. Ryan Eversley, in another Porsche Cayman is second, and Andrew Carbonell (No. 25 Freedom Autosport/SpeedSource Mazda 6) third.

The green flag drops Saturday at 3:30 pm.

"50 years in the making. 62 front-row lock-outs, 155 pole positions, 182 wins. The MP4-28 will be born on January 31st 2013," reads the McLaren official Youtube channel on the eve of the team launching its 2013 challenger.



Source: OfficialMcLarenVids

British magazine Autosport has confirmed former F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan has changed his mind about racing in IndyCar.

Since his first grand prix season, with Jordan in 2005, Karthikeyan entered a total of 28 F1 races, in the 2011 and 2012.

He also competed in A1GP, and notoriously lost a chance of racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans when he injured himself, having fell over the pit wall 10 minutes before the race start.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

"I don't know where these rumours of me switching to IndyCar emanated from," Karthikeyan told the IANS news agency back in October.

Now, it's been confirmed by Autosport that the self-proclaimed "fastest indian in the world" is in talks with Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Autosport regarding a potential switch to IndyCar.

The only oval experience the Chennai-native comes from nine starts in NASCAR's truck series.