Auto News 5

For the 2013 model year, Chevrolet has introduced an all-new SUV called the Trax

This is not to replace any existing model in their lineup, and while it is available in Canada and an additional 139 markets around the world, it is not available for our American cousins.

So, why is it on sale in Canada?

According to Dayna Callaway, Assistant Marketing Manager of Crossovers for General Motors Canada, the Canadian market is very different from the American market, hence why they felt that this entry-level 'ute could succeed here. Plus, with this vehicle, they can target the buyer who would be looking at vehicles like the Hyundai Tucson and the Nissan Juke.

So, who is this buyer demographically?

According to GM, the Trax will attract mostly females aged 25 to 38 years old. Most of them will have graduated from university, have an active and social lifestyle and are tech savvy.

To attract this young, sophisticated buyer, the Trax is thus available with one of GM's smartest gadgets called MyLink. This infotainment system allows for Bluetooth connectivity for your phone and audio, USB ports, and XM Satellite radio along with Stitcher radio and the upcoming BringGo navigation app.

GM is convinced that this vehicle's buyer will be so in tune with the times that they won't even listen to CDs. If, however, you do listen to CDs, you'll have to settle for the 1LT model, the only one in the range that has a CD player.

GM is also convinced that the Trax buyer will value hydration as it has six cupholders. Add to that an additional 19 cubbyholes, pockets and storage compartments and this little 'ute should (hopefully) be able to hold all your daily necessities.

The Trax should also appeal to those who value safety, as it has no less than 10 standard airbags. To help you avoid having an accident in the first place, traction control and stability control systems are standard. However, 4-wheel disc brakes are not. So, if you buy a front-wheel drive model, you only get drum brakes in the rear.

So, where does the Trax fit in General Motors' massive lineup?

Given its size and a starting price of just $18,495; the Trax is at the very bottom of their SUV/CUV consumer-chain. Those who want a bit more space can opt for the Orlando (another vehicle not sold in the States). Want to go bigger still and the Equinox and Traverse might do the job for you. With the Trax, GM's Chevrolet division hopes it has left no holes in its lineup. So, regardless of what a potential customer is looking for, they have a vehicle to fill that niche.

Will the Trax succeed?

That, only time will tell. However, if you like the size and efficiency of the Trax (rated at a combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100 km), but would prefer more luxury, not to worry; its sister vehicle (the Buick Encore) will be for sale in Canada soon.

Photo: Nauman Farooq

From GMM

Nico Rosberg is the "fastest German" in formula one, according to new McLaren driver Sergio Perez.

Mexican Perez, who has switched from his 2012 employer Sauber, told Sport Bild he thinks Mercedes' Rosberg - the winner of one grand prix - is ultimately quicker than reigning three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.

"In terms of pure speed, Nico Rosberg is the fastest German. But Sebastian is the more complete driver and a great champion," Perez is quoted as saying.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com)

Sergio Perez told Sport Bild he intends to push to beat Vettel and all other adversaries for the 2013 drivers' title.

"I am 100 per cent sure that the McLaren will be better than my Sauber," he said, "which is why I need to set high goals. They (McLaren) have the money, they have the people."

And Sergio Perez says he is already better than he was early last season, when only a driver mistake stopped him winning in Malaysia.

"If I could do that race again, I would win it," he insisted.

From GMM

Just over a year after switching from Renault to Caterham, Steve Nielsen will now become Toro Rosso's new sporting director, the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat reports.

Briton Nielsen only moved to Caterham in December 2011.

Toro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo said this week he is confident about the Red Bull-owned team's 2013 plans.

Toro Rosso STR7. (Photo: WRi2)

"But even if they tell me it (the 2013 car) is the best thing since sliced bread, I'm not going to get too excited until I drive it and feel comfortable myself. But we've definitely got good expectations," he told the Faenza based team's website.

Toro Rosso finished the 2012 season in ninth place, ahead only of F1's non-scorers Caterham, Marussia and HRT.

Bentley officially introduced its new Continental GT Speed Convertible at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. With a top speed of 325 km/h, it's now the fastest four-seat cabriolet in the world.

''The new Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is a truly breathtaking Grand Tourer, promising supercar performance and high end luxury, with the added thrill of open top motoring,'' said Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley.

The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible boasts a 6.0L twin-turbo W12 engine rated at 616 horsepower, while delivering a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency.

Despite a struggling global economy, Bentley recorded a 22% sales increase in 2012, with 2,315 units out of a total of 8,510 units sold in the U.S. alone.

Watch:

Scuderia Toro Rosso and Mercedes AMG confirmed today the launch dates of the new, 2013 Formula 1 challengers.

The Faenza-based Toro Rosso team will unveil the Ferrari-powered STR8 February 4 in the paddock of Circuito de Jerez just before the start of the first, four-day winter test session. The drivers will be the same as last year: Australian Daniel Ricciadro and Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne.

Toro Rosso STR7. (Photo: WRi2)

Mercedes AMG will present their new car, the W04 also in the Jerez paddock that same day. Nico Rosberg and new Mercedes recruit, Lewis Hamilton will be attending the event.

Mercedes AMG W03. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Williams' new FW35 will be launched the following day, still at Jerez.

UPDATE
On February 4, Nico Rosberg will give the new Mercedes W04 its shakedown, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports.

The short 100-kilometre test will take place with demonstration Pirelli tires, the report added.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is coming soon to showrooms with a host of improvements, led by an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission delivering smoother shifting and improved fuel economy.

Towing capacity has been increased by 44% to 7,200 pounds, while the exterior design is even more aggressive than before, with new signature LED lighting, a brawnier front grille, and a new rear spoiler.

The interior has received a fair amount of attention, too. Consider driver-friendly technologies such as the new 8.4'' touchscreen, UConnect Access Via Mobile feature allowing customers to stream music from their smartphone, and a redesigned steering wheel with more ergonomically shaped paddle shifters.

More importantly, though, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT houses a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology that produces 470 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

Photo: Jeep

From FOTA presse release

FOTA -- the Formula One Teams' Association -- announced today that teams across the F1 paddock have reduced their carbon emissions by 7 percent.

The carbon reduction was achieved over a two-year period from 2009 to 2011 by F1 teams including Caterham, Lotus, Marussia, Mercedes AMG, Sahara Force India, Sauber, McLaren and Williams. It follows an externally-audited exercise to set a target to reduce emissions from a baseline of 2009.

Photo: WRi2

FOTA tracked the Teams' performance against the target, and an audit, conducted by established environmental research analysis organisation Trucost, found that fuel efficiency led to a 24% cut in carbon emissions from F1 cars. These advances highlight the potential to accelerate carbon reductions across the automotive industry and present further evidence of F1's role in providing an important platform for the development of new technologies.

Turbocharging, fuel injection, variable valve timing and kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) have all been developed within F1. The Teams will continue to invest in technologies to help address resource and environmental challenges.

Trucost's analysis also identified a 14% fall in emissions from electricity use, following team-wide efforts to reduce wind tunnel use in race testing, and a 14% reduction in emissions linked to purchases of parts and raw materials.

Red Bull Racing and Lotus F1 trucks. (Photo: Twitter)

Key areas of emissions growth since 2009 were operational fuel use, business travel and freight, which directly resulted from an increase in the number of races in the calendar and distances travelled.

With the support of the teams, FOTA has committed to the continuation of this programme and has undertaken to maintain continuous and independent assessment going forward to ensure that these emissions reductions can be improved upon and to investigate where further GHG emissions reduction opportunities may exist.

Formula 1 teams' GHG emissions 2011 vs. 2009

Emissions categories   % change
F1 Cars -23.8%
Other Vehicles -8.1%
Operational Fuel Use +25.8%
Business Travel +38.8%
Freight +16.3%
Electricity -14.3%
Expenditure on parts and raw materials -14.0%
Total -6.9%

Jaguar Land Rover Canada will showcase four new models at the 2013 Montreal International Auto Show, including the Jaguar XJ and XF as well as the Land Rover LR2 and 2013 Range Rover. In fact, the entire 2013 lineup will be on hand.

2013 Jaguar XJ AWD (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Both the Jaguar XJ and XF will be available for the first time with all-wheel drive, improving traction and handling regardless of road conditions.

Meanwhile, the LR2 compact SUV offers more power and an all-new interior. Pricing will start at $39,990.

Finally, the 2013 Range Rover, the most luxurious and capable SUV from the British manufacturer, boasts an all-aluminum unibody construction that's 39% lighter than the previous model for superior agility and fuel economy.

One of the most intriguing vehicles launched at the NAIAS in Detroit this week was the Ford Atlas Concept, which gives a pretty good idea of what the 2015 Ford F-150 will look like.

With rugged looks, prominent wheel arches and a large, sculpted grille, the Ford Atlas Concept definitely shares similarities with the current F-Series truck. It also boasts the latest generation of EcoBoost engines offering an exceptional mix of performance and fuel economy.

Overall, the Ford Atlas Concept includes more than 60 new features, such as a 360-degree camera that helps position the vehicle in tight places, removable loading ramps, LED lighting for the cargo box, active grille and wheel shutters, glove-friendly buttons, and Dynamic Hitch Assist.

Ford plans to release the next-generation F-150 in the fall of 2014. Time will tell if most of the concept's innovations are carried over to the production model.

The technical rules of the DTM will likely be slightly modified for the 2013 season.

Last October 20th, (artid 148866) Auto123.com revealed that the DTM's organisers, ITR was looking to implement technical changes to enhance the quality of the show in 2013.

Three solutions were apparently examined: the use of a DRS (Drag Reduction System), the usage of a “push-to-pass” button and the introduction of an “option” tire by supplier Hankook.

Having talked to an insider of the series, Auto123.com understands today that the DRS is very likely to be implemented this season. The rear wing of the car would be allowed to pivot at certain areas of the race tracks to reduce drag and facilitate the passing manoeuvres.

Robert Wickens, Mercedes. (Photo: René Fagnan)

The introduction of an option tire (softer rubber), alongside a prime (harder compound) tire is also quite likely to be introduced this year. It is not known at this moment if the rule would be similar to Formula 1, with the mandatory use of the two types of tires during a race.

The “push-to-pass” button is apparently still under consideration, but the final decision is still pending. By pressing on this button, the driver allows the engine to rev slightly higher to pass another car.

In other DTM news, several motorsport publications, including Britain's Autosport, reveal that former Renault Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica will test a Mercedes C Class DTM car at circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia, Spain next week.

Kubica's right hand and forearm were badly damaged in a horrific rally crash that happened early 2011 in Italy, putting an instant stop to his F1 career.

The American-built 2013 Nissan LEAF will undercut last year's model by 18% and start at $28,800 US, making it the most affordable five-passenger electric vehicle south of the border.

Even more interesting for American customers, federal and state tax credits can drop the price to as low as $18,800 US.

The 2013 Nissan LEAF is available in three trim levels:

Model      MSRP
LEAF S    $28,800 US
LEAF SV  $31,820 US
LEAF SL  $34,840 US

New on the 2013 Nissan LEAF are 17'' alloy wheels and leather upholstery (SL models), available Around View Monitor and seven-speaker Bose stereo, as well as a 6.6 kW on-board charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times (standard on SV and SL models).

Hopefully, Nissan Canada will follow suit with similar price cuts.

Photo: Nissan

From GMM

Red Bull deserves its success in formula one, Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali insists.

There had been appearances of bad blood between the title contenders of late, particularly with Dr Helmut Marko suggesting Spaniard Alonso is more focused on politics than winning.

"I can assure you that Fernando is focused on his performance," Domenicali told reporters at the annual media event at Madonna di Campiglio.

"And to those who take a dig at him in the hope that they can find a weak point, all I can say is that we'll reply on the track, with facts and by trying to be the best," he added.

It has been suggested Red Bull's meteoric success in the past years is difficult for Ferrari to swallow, given the Maranello team's long and rich history, and the fact today's dominant force is the maker of an energy drink.

"Besides," Domenicali is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, "it's only been three seasons, not a lifetime, and when that run stops, then everyone will remember the winning runs of Ferrari, McLaren and Williams."

Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing, triple world champion, 2010-2011-2012. (Photo: WRi2)

He denied Red Bull is being 'protected' by Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA, but Domenicali did suggest: "Red Bull represents an investment in the sport of F1 and in motor sport in general. As a company, they are doing a lot for the sport. But there are other companies who have been doing just as much for much longer. We have to make sure that continues."

However, Stefano Domenicali said no one can begrudge Red Bull its success.

"Even if I do not like to speak directly to our adversaries, Red Bull is a team that is structured very well and won deservedly," he is quoted by Tuttosport.

"But I think that three years of consecutive successes are enough," he smiled.

Sebastien Loeb (Citroen DS3) concluded the second day of the Rally Monte Carlo with more than one minute and a half ahead of Sébastien Ogier's Volkswagen Polo R WRC.

The nine-time World Rally Champion increased by 15 seconds his lead over his closest rival on Thursday. Although he opened the way and was forced to clean the road sometimes in very snowy and slippery conditions, the Frenchman was able to take two stage wins, after Ogier was quickest of the opening stage of the day.

Sébastien Ogier, VW Polo R (Photo: WRI2)

Dani Sordo (Citroen DS3) now stands third in the provisional standings. However the Spaniard is under pressure from Evgeny Novikov, who had a brillant second day in his Ford Fiesta Rwith two stage wins. Novikov moved up from 6th to 4th, and is now targeting a podium finish.

Meanwhile, Mikko Hirvonen had a tough day. The No.1 Citroen driver struggled during the second day, dropping down from third to 5th in the rankings, 3m22 behind Loeb.

Jari-Matti Latvala could not do better in the second Polo WRC, and today stands in 6th position, ahead of his fellow countryman Juho Hanninen, who posted his very first WRC stage win in ESS9 in his Ford Fiesta.

Team Ford M-Sport number one driver Mads Ostberg was still struggling in this opening round of the season. The Norwegian driver was only 9th on Thursday evening, and could not match the pace of his teammates, Novikov and Hanninen.

Classification after day 2 :
1. Loeb / Elena (Citroën DS3 WRC) 3h16'29''1

2. Ogier / Ingrassia (VW Polo R WRC) +1'35''0

3. Sordo / Del Barrio (Citroën DS3 WRC) +2'38''0

4. Novikov / Minor (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +2'53''2

5. Hirvonen / Lehtinen (Citroën DS3 WRC) +3'22''7

6. Latvala / Anttila (VW Polo R WRC) +3'43''2

7. Hanninen / Tuominen (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +4'11''3
8. Bouffier / Panseri (Citroën DS3 WRC) +5'45''8
9. Ostberg / Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +5'49''5

etc.

So, you've got a million dollars. Where to spend it? Well, how about on Porsche's latest venture into supercardom: the Porsche 918 Spyder? Really, why look anywhere else at this point?

First introduced to the world back in 2010 at the 80th Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder Concept has since sparked a buyer's brochure that leaked online late last year. So, it's the real deal, and we're so glad it is.

Let's start with a few highly impressive numbers: The name isn't just a coincidence. Only 918 will be produced and sold (same goes for the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder). Porsche means business when it comes to numbers, so here are a few more: The Porsche 918 Spyder will sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of over 198 mph (and 93 mph in full electric mode). And yet, it's not like another other gas-guzzling supercar you've come to know. This is a hybrid, plug-in monster capable of estimated (read: not yet finalized or fully tested) mileage numbers in the 3.1L/100km range. Yup, you read that correctly.

So, after you spend your million dollars, you'll save money at the pumps. Ironic? Slightly.

How does it do so well on performance and gas mileage? Well, the 918 Spyder is powered by a 4-cylinder V8 that pushes out over 500 hp as well as a permanently energized electric motor located on the front and rear acels which provides a total mechanical output of over 218 hp. The gas engine can work together with the electric motor, or they can perform separately.

All this power in the Porsche 918 Spyder is controlled via their fabulous PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) 7-speed dual-clutch system that offers up blisteringly fast gear changes and a smooth, even acceleration for maximum performance behind the wheel.

Photo: Porsche

And you can achieve that maximum performance on the road or track with the help of Porsche's reknowned PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) together with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Unlike any other “nanny” system out there, Porsche's stability systems ensure you stay precisely where you need to be: on the road, pointed in the right direction.

When it comes time to wind down and come to a stop, Porsche's got you covered there as well. Equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and calipers painted a bright acid green, you'll have the Porsche 918 Sypder's 20” front and 21” rear wheels haulted in mere seconds.

Because performance was key with the Porsche 918 Spyder, the position of the engine and the lithium-ion battery pack are low and centralized to keep the balance of the vehicle close to perfection. Positioned behind the passenger cell, the Porsche's battery can be charged while driving (the car's kinetic energy via braking and propulsion is converted back to electrical energy via a recovery mode system), or via your household socket in your garage or at the track, as it is a plug-in hybrid.

The Porsche 918 Spyder can travel in full electric mode for up to 15 miles before the gas engine kicks on.

Of course, the hybrid engine isn't the only interesting thing about the Porsche 918 Spyder -- far from it. To ensure the car was as light as possible for optimal performance and fuel numbers; the 918 Spyder's lightwight monocoque structure is fashioned from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP). Ideal for the best power-to-weight ratio and high-performance driving, the Spyder's two-piece roof can also be removed and the pieces stored in the luggage compartment.

No word on when the Porsche 918 Spyder will be available for purchase in Canada.

From press release

Lotus announces it will participate to the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The deadline for the Championship registration ended yesterday, January 16 and the team has submitted the entry for two cars for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Photo: Lotus

Furthermore the team confirms that the German Thomas Holzer and the American Kevin Weeda will lead the driver's line up. Both of them were competing for Lotus in the previous year and gained a lot of experience in endurance racing.

After a successful first season in FIA WEC, the team will compete in LMP2 class with two brand-new Lotus T128 in 2013. The new car will be presented to the public in the next few weeks.

From GMM

Felipe Massa on Thursday admitted Fernando Alonso has been his toughest Ferrari teammate.

Since becoming the Maranello team's race driver in 2006, the Brazilian has been paired with champions Michael Schumacher as well as Kimi Raikkonen.

But, in the wake of his 2009 head injuries, Massa's toughest time has been alongside Spaniard Alonso, so much so that he was almost ousted by the Italian squad before his form resurgence late last season.

"Alonso has probably been the most difficult if you look at the figures," he told reporters at Madonna di Campiglio on Thursday.

"But all three drivers were very strong and that's the truth. But maybe Fernando has been the most difficult and the one I've suffered with the most. I hope not to suffer any more," added Massa.

Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso last weekend in Brazil. (Photo: Ferrari)

According to Spain's Diario AS, he was asked by reporters if he thinks Alonso was the very best driver of 2012, even though Sebastian Vettel won the title.

"I think that given we did not have the best car in qualifying, even if things were better in the races, Fernando did a great championship," said Massa.

"He did really an excellent job and finished almost with the same points as Vettel with a faster car; especially in the last six or seven races it (the Red Bull) was much faster. But Vettel was also strong last year. Both did a perfect championship," he added.

Texas Motor Speedway officially has signed a letter of intent to bid on becoming a host venue for ESPN's X Games.

Pastrana, who recently announced a full-time intent to race in NASCAR Nationwide Series is an X Games champion who would be racing twice at the oval in 2014. If he participates in the extreme sports event that would be his Texas hat trick.

Speedway officials announced an interested in a three-year hosting period for the summer edition of the X Games at the largest sports facility in the state of Texas. The speedway, which seats 138,122 and situated on 1,500 acres of property, has the ability to play host to all of the competition elements of the X Games. It is located outside of Fort Worth and close to Dallas.

Gossage and his executive team attended this summer's X Games in Los Angeles to get a feel for the enormity and energy surrounding the event and returned intrigued by the games. 

The summer event requires venues that can accommodate courses ranging from rally car and motocross to skateboarding and BMX competition. The four-day event traditionally attracts between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators and could provide major economic and tourism boosts for the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

"I attended every event at this past summer's X Games in L.A. and it was one of the coolest events of my life," Gossage said. "I've been fortunate enough to attend several Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals, major bowl games and more. But the X Games was the most action-packed and over-the-top sports event I've ever experienced and I know Texas Motor Speedway could be the perfect home for ESPN's X Games. Every athlete is a bright, colorful character and I love that. "

The X Games is in a new phase of global expansion as ESPN in May named Barcelona, Spain; Munich, Germany; and Foz do Iguaco, Brazil as host cities for a three-year period beginning this year. Those three international sites join Los Angeles; Aspen, Colo.; and Tignes, France, as the six locations that will play host to the X Games (summer or winter editions) this year.

From GMM

Red Bull Racing Formula 1 driver, Australian Mark Webber will have a new race engineer this season.

Media reports said the Australian's long-time regular engineer, Ciaron Pilbeam, is switching to Lotus.

Red Bull is replacing him with Lotus' Simon Rennie, who was Kimi Raikkonen's race engineer in 2012. Rennie has also worked at the Enstone based team since its Renault days, including with Fernando Alonso.

Red Bull confirmed the news.

It is believed Pilbeam is to become Lotus' new chief race engineer.

Ciaron Pilbeam and Mark Webber. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

NASCAR's first test day at Charlotte Motor Speedway was called off at noon on Thursday due to steady rain.

The newly designed, newly named Gen 6 cars are allowed more downforce at tracks like the 1.5 mile track in Charlotte, which predominate the schedule, than the extra-high banked 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway and 2.66 mile Talladega Super Speedway which require restrictor plates to keep lap speeds under 200mph.

Testing will resume on Friday with two sessions: 9-12:30 practice, lunch break, then 1-5.

Photo: Motor Racing Network (from Facebook)

Automakers' attempts to boost sales and profits by broadening their U.S.product lineups could backfire, billionaire private-equity investor Wilbur Ross said Wednesday.