Auto News 5

VW Group reported a 20 percent increase in third-quarter operating profit as the automaker focused on cutting costs to boost earnings.

Panasonic Corporation and Tesla Motors have announced that the two companies have reached an agreement in which Panasonic will expand its supply of automotive-grade lithium-ion battery cells to Tesla.

Flybrid Automotive Limited's core product is a high-speed flywheel based Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which it claims is a superior alternative to electric hybrid systems for cars. Road car applications are coming, Flybrid says. Dave Leggett spoke to co-founder Jon Hilton about the company, its technology and the latest developments.

Nissan will unveil project W32-S, the new Qashqai, on 7 November. Glenn Brooks lifts the tarpaulin and examines one of the European market's most important future models.

Honda's second-quarter net profit rose 46 percent after strong car sales in its biggest market, the United States.

Johnson Controls said it would explore various options for its unprofitable automotive interiors unit, including a divestiture.

Nissan will launch a battery-powered version of its NV200 van aimed at private customers and fleets based in European cities.

Land Rover may introduce a new model in its Range Rover lineup based on Jaguar Land Rover's new modular aluminum platform, which could also underpin a future Jaguar crossover.

Ever see someone staring intently downwards, possibly smiling, while driving? The motorist in question isn't inspecting or grinning at the appearance of their crotch; they're using their Smartphone. This is, of course, dangerous, naughty, and likely to result in a pricey texty-driving ticket.

As such, carmakers the world over are releasing new Smartphone integration technologies to let drivers operate select handset functionalities in as distraction-free a manner as possible.

Not in the new-car market? Numerous mobile electronics manufacturers are offering aftermarket solutions to stay entertained, informed and in touch on the go, and without the risk of earning yourself a distraction-related ticket from the local constabulary.

One such manufacturer is Pioneer. Their latest Appradio 3 in-dash system aims to deliver integrated Smartphone functionality, including developer-driven apps, to the dashboard of virtually any ride.

Photo: Pioneer

Here's the gist. Like your phone, the Appradio 3 touchscreen unit has a few hard buttons for tactile maneuvering between common menus, and a big, vivid touch screen for everything else.

Out of the box, Appradio 3 delivers the latest Bluetooth integration for handsfree calling and audio streaming, a built in radio tuner, available CD, iPod integration and more. All functions are manipulated on that big bright touchscreen—not the distracting little one on your Smartphone. You use the same slide, swipe, pinch and flick gestures however-- so the Appradio 3 interface becomes second nature in a jiff.

With just that simple Bluetooth connection, the Appradio 3 works just like some of the best new-car infotainment systems out there. Using the Bluetooth connection in my trusty 2008 Honda Fit, I could stream internet radio stations, place, accept and dismiss phone calls, and easily browse my phone's playlist, while said phone was gobbling up delicious electrons recharging in the glovebox.

For a modestly practiced user of in-car electronics, this will all prove plenty slick and functional—but of course, there's more to it.

Got an iPhone? Once Bluetooth pairing is complete, drivers benefit from integrated voice-command functionality, as ‘Siri' is migrated into the Appradio 3 unit. Hold the centre button on the unit down for a second, and a chime prompts you ask Siri to read your incoming text messages, to dial your favorite pizza place, or to see what she's wearing today. Voice command is supported on Android devices, too.

This eyes-free, hands-free voice-command stuff was a welcomed bonus uncommon in new rides, which typically make you use their clumsier and more rigid voice interface.

Advanced users will enjoy further enhanced functionalities enabled by plugging their Smartphone into the head-unit via a cable hidden away in the glovebox or console. Connected via both Bluetooth and the cable, drivers can swipe through their phone's photo gallery, access their calendar, call up their native mapping program on-screen, and more.

The cable also drives the ‘App' functionality which comprises the most appealing part of the AppRadio3 unit for advanced users. Install the free AppRadio program on your Smartphone, and a list of available AppRadio Apps populates every time you access it. These apps are created by programmers and developers all over the world and the selection is presently limited—though more launch regularly.

Available apps at the time of writing included various web browsers, media players, navigation interfaces, internet radio tuners and the like. These apps link between your data-equipped Smartphone and the AppRadio3 screen for a fully integrated experience.

I enjoyed the in-car browser app for its ability to play back media on the large screen and use the vehicle's stereo system when I wanted to show my friends a funny internet video like this one. Other Apps deliver social based navigation, internet radio playback and even performance meters and data displays for your vehicle's engine, right on the screen. That's only the beginning, and as the available apps expand in number and genre, the system will only get better.

Your writer left the AppRadio3 impressed, mostly, with the access to the voice-command system from his Smartphone, and its ability to provide calling, texting and other functions in a handsfree, eyes-free manner without learning a new voice interface. The Bluetooth audio streaming was another big plus, and the Appradio3's slick, vivid and bright screen was appreciated, too. And, call me a geek, but I loved the ability to set a photo of my dog as the AppRadio3's background wallpaper.

Complaints? Some of the apps cost a buck or two, some even more than that, and selection is currently limited. Initial setup and familiarity with the AppRadio3's operation can be difficult or frustrating for less electronics-savvy users like your writer, and the aftermarket bezel required to incorporate the system into my Fit's dash looks close to factory where fitment is concerned, though not perfect.

End of the day, this unit is a worthy way to access full Bluetooth functionality, handsfree voice-command, and a great big, easy-to-use screen into your ride from about $430.

From GMM

German Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg looks set to miss out on the Lotus race seat for 2014.

Team boss Eric Boullier has admitted the German is his preferred choice to replace Kimi Raikkonen.

But, because Hulkenberg is basically unsponsored, an actual paid deal between the 26-year-old and the Enstone based team has been pending the sale of a 35 per cent stake in Lotus to a group of investors known as Quantum.

It seems the deal may have fallen over.

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Pastor Maldonado, whose lucrative Venezuelan backers PDVSA have been negotiating their exit from Williams, has leapt to the front of the queue to replace Raikkonen.

"Some say the deal is now done," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Schmidt said Williams, who would be compensated by PDVSA for ending the contract, is likely to replace Maldonado with Ferrari refugee Felipe Massa, who is said to be backed by the Brazilian oil company Petrobras.

It is believed Hulkenberg is unlikely to stay at Sauber next year, which could mean a return to Sahara Force India for the German, whose F1 career was rescued by the Silverstone based team after he lost his Williams seat in 2010.

Eddie Jordan, with a solid reputation for usually getting his stated predictions right, said earlier this month he is "certain" Hulkenberg will race a Sahara Force India in 2014.

However, team supremo Vijay Mallya threw a spanner in Jordan's theory this week when he named Hulkenberg as the "only driver" who has ever "expressed the desire to leave" Sahara Force India after just a single season.

"Other than that all the other drivers have always been very happy to stay," he told F1's official website.

Mallya said the team will not name its 2014 driver line-up until December.

"Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around" or so the song goes. With apologies to Chrysler (and the Willis Brothers) the 2014 Ram 3500 isn't quite that big -- but it sure feels that way.

It does, however, boast the biggest tow-rating of any production consumer truck on the market: a whopping 16,608 (or 30,000lb) and a payload up to 3,320 kg (7,320lb).

What is the 2014 Ram Heavy Duty
Badged previously as "Dodge," Chrysler's pickup division now goes simply by the name "Ram." Heavy Duty models are built to withstand the rigours of a gruelling workday, and meet the tough towing expectations of their owners.

Chrysler claims they now have the most comprehensive lineup in Ram history, rising from 48 points in 2007 to 78 in 2013 in Consumer Reports due to customer needs fulfillment. The big news for 2014 is a beefed-up version of the coil-link rear suspension and optional rear air suspension that debuted in the light duty Ram, as well as a new 6.4L Hemi engine.


2014 Ram Heavy Duty Price and Specs
There are multiple ways to configure a Heavy Duty Ram starting with the 2500, which has a base model ST price of $32,495 up to the range-topping Laramie Longhorn at $52,495.

Heavy Duty 3500 ST models start at $34,495 with the Laramie Longhorn topping out at $58,495. There are short- and long-box lengths, three wheelbase lengths and regular, crew cab and mega cab configurations. There are myriad ways to option up and personalize your Ram from trailer-tow packaging to side steps to rear backup cameras.
Three powertrains are available: the familiar 5.7L Hemi producing 383 hp/400 lb-ft, a new 6.4L Hemi developed solely for the Ram truck lineup with 410 hp and 429 lb-ft, and the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. The diesel can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission, where it produces 350 hp and 660 lb-ft or a 6-speed automatic transmission producing 370 hp and a stupefying 800 lb-ft of torque.

There are two four-wheel drive systems available on the 2014 Ram, an electric shifting part-time transfer case and a manual shifting transfer case, both with a locking 11.5" differential.

There are multiple ways to configure a Heavy Duty Ram starting with the 2500, which has a base model ST price of $32,495 up to the range-topping Laramie Longhorn at $52,495. . (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Driving the 2014 Ram Heavy Duty
"Go big or go home," they say. So, we hopped behind the wheel of a 2014 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Dually powered by the Cummins diesel. The perfect machine for the wealthy ranch owner, this huge pickup can tow 16,608 kg (30,000lb). Trailer hitching is simplified by lowering the rear end via the air suspension, which also automatically levels the load while towing. The trailer can be monitored en route via a camera function in the UConnect graphics display. A backup camera appears in the rearview mirror while reversing, while the tire pressure monitoring system displays all six of the duallie's tires.

We tried our hand at towing loads of hay and a flatbed loaded with a farm trailer -- all of which the big Ram towed with relative ease. To put it into perspective, the 3500's tow rating of 13,608 kg is the equivalent of 12 Fiat 500s, 909 cases of beer or a 51-foot yacht. The colossal towing capacity was achieved through a new extra-stiff frame that can manage extra payloads, extra cooling, and air-feeding technologies in the engine.

On the highway, the 3500 is like manhandling a bull elephant around a slalom course. With 850 lb-ft of torque, it's damn quick. There's not much clatter from the 6.7L Cummins, whose engine management system has finely tuned the injectors to the point where there's little fuel wasted in the combustion process. Giant, elephant-ear mirrors are a great help when towing big loads.

We hopped behind the wheel of a 2014 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Dually powered by the Cummins diesel. The perfect machine for the wealthy ranch owner, this huge pickup can tow 16,608 kg (30,000lb). (Photo: RAM)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Ram Heavy Duty
Ryan Nagode, Chief Designer for SRT/Ram/Fiat said: "We started with a really good truck, 2014 hits all the points we saw most in customer feedback. As Ram brand is growing we see more need to differentiate between our products."

Moving up through the trim lines, there are various distinguishing features from trim-specific grills to bezel colours on the centre graphics display screen.

The slab-sided 2014 Ram features very little side-badging, making the application of commercial signage very easy.

Interiors start with functionally comfortable and go up to luxuriously embellished. We drove a fully optioned 2014 Ram 2500 Longhorn Laramie with an interior as fine as any hand-tooled saddlery. Console and seats featured the stamped logo, while seatback pockets resembled buckled saddlebags.

Genuine wood trim sourced from vintage fence posts bears the beautifully burled scars of rusted-away barbed wire, and badging is etched and scrolled like fine silver.

Knobs are large and functional in this working truck, and unlike the light duty models with their rotary dial gear selector, the heavy duty Ram has a column-mounted shifter.

Interiors start with functionally comfortable and go up to luxuriously embellished. We drove a fully optioned 2014 Ram 2500 Longhorn Laramie with an interior as fine as any hand-tooled saddlery. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Comparing the 2014 Ram Heavy Duty
The 2014 Ram HD outguns all of its competition when it comes to towing, with its 3500 series offering greater tow and payload rating than the Ford F-350 or Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500. Its colossal tow rating even outshines Ford's big F-450. Ram is the only one in its segment to offer the rear air-suspension setup, as well.

The Yas Marina circuit of Abu Dhabi will feature a slightly longer first DRS zone at this weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones at Yas Marina are on the two back straights. The first zone has a detection point 40m before Turn 7, with activation 390m after Turn 7. This means that the DRS zone will be 80m longer than last year.

The second zone's detection point is 50m after Turn 9 with activation at the apex of Turn 10.

Additionally, speed bumps similar to those used around the first chicane at Monza have been installed two metres from the track edge around the outside of Turns 8 and 11.

Abu Dhabi Yas Marina circuit (Image: FIA)

From Coyote Rallye

Quebec driver Antoine L'Estage will contest this weekend's Rocky Mountain Rally, in British Columbia, an event counting towards both the Canadian and North American Rally Championships.

It is here that the Rockstar team driver will be attempting to earn his sixth event victory as well as capture the North American title.

Antoine L'Estage, Mitsubishi Lancer (Photo: René Fagnan)

L'Estage has always had a lot of success at the Rocky Mountain Rally, back when the rally was held near Calgary, Alberta. This year the rally will introduce an entirely new location, near Invermere, British Columbia.

“We're starting from scratch but everyone is in the same boat,” said L'Estage.

“I enjoy contesting new events. I'm really confident but we won't be taking any strategic risks, we're bringing with us the entire lineup of Yokohama tires for snow, ice, mud, and gravel in order to be prepared for all weather conditions, which is the big question mark for this rally”, he added.

L'Estage will be co-driven by Welshman Craig Parry at the Rocky Mountain Rally. This team claimed the victory at the previous round of the Canadian Rally Championship earlier this month, the Pacific Forest Rally. The win was an important one as it enabled Antoine to close the gap even more in the fight for the Canadian drivers' title as well as put Mitsubishi in the lead for the manufacturers' title.

“Our goal at the Rocky Mountain Rally is the same as at the Pacific - to win!” confessed Antoine L'Estage, who has won the last three Canadian events and is currently leading the North American Rally Cup drivers' title hunt. He could lock it up this weekend.

With a victory for the Rockstar team and a third place finish or worse for their main rivals in the Canadian Rally Championship, Antoine L'Estage could also take the lead of the Canadian series with just the Rocky Mountain Rally this weekend and one last round, the Tall Pines in Ontario in November to conclude the 2013 season.

Subaru will host the world premiere of the Levorg concept at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show, which opens to the public on November 22nd.

Combining the words “Legacy,” “evolution,” and “touring,” the Levorg hints at a possible wagon variant of the 2015 Subaru Legacy, according to some sources (a 5-door model is already available in certain parts of the globe, but not here).

Subaru has released on a special website a few images that show a very sporty-looking vehicle. We can also read that the Levorg offers 1.6L and 2.0L BOXER DIT (direct injection turbo) engines.

Subaru will present three other concepts at the Tokyo Auto Show.

Source: Subaru

The second biggest story, after Jeff Gordon's win at Martinsville on Sunday, was Gregg Biffle's post-race confrontation with Jimmie Johnson in the pits.

Biffle was angry with the five-time champion for tearing off his rear bumper, or so he thought. After the race he caught up with Johnson who was in the middle of doing a radio interview. In the last two days Biffle has been on a damage control mission.

“It was multi‑layer,” Biffle said. “The biggest thing was I was getting a lot of hate mail on Twitter from all the 48 fans about the way I reacted. So I was apologizing to the fans, not Jimmie Johnson at that point. My apology to Jimmie Johnson was on the telephone. I know that's old‑fashioned, a lot of people don't do that anymore.

I was apologizing for probably the way I handled it. When I was walking over there, I was furious. We had a great car. Nobody knows this, but we had the fastest car the last 65 laps of that race. We closed in on the leader by five seconds from the start of that run to the end of it. We closed in on the 24 (Gordon) car by that much. I had to start to the back and drove to ninth.

The other misconception was that everybody said, ‘You should be mad at the 88 (Dale Earnhardt Jr.), he ripped your bumper off.' We came in and fixed it and started at the back. The 48 (Johnson) car ran square in the back of my car, not inside of me, like his claim when I came up and talked to him about it.

I probably should have grabbed him by the arm maybe and voiced my displeasure. I wasn't going to do the old patented Jeff Gordon two arms to the chest. He's kind of got that one. But I was upset that I had to start at the back. I had a good opportunity to get a top‑three finish at Martinsville for the first time. Quite honestly after that thing was over, maybe a chance to battle for the win.

It just didn't transpire and I was a little upset about that. So I should have handled that a little differently with Jimmie. I didn't realize he was in the middle of his interview. I thought he was talking to some print reporters when I first went over there. I didn't realize he was on camera. I apologize for that. I should have maybe waited till he was done and then had my conversation with him in private with no cameras or media around.”

On October 30th, 1963 at the Turin Auto Show, Lamborghini introduced the 350 GTV, the concept version of its first-ever production automobile, the 350 GT. Equipped with a 360-horsepower, 24-valve V12 engine, it reached speeds of 280 km/h during track tests.

The 350 GT, meanwhile, was produced from 1964-1967. Only 120 units made it out of the factory at $13,900 USD apiece.

Source: Wikipedia

Photo: Lamborghini

From GMM

Niki Lauda has slammed the latest speculation about Ross Brawn's future, insisting nothing has changed to trigger the reports.

Lauda, Mercedes' F1 chairman, said recently he was in talks with the 58-year-old Briton but that a decision will not be made until after the season.

The Austrian great also said he wants Brawn to stay.

But reports on Tuesday suggested Brawn has now definitively decided to step down, in order to be replaced by new team boss Paddy Lowe.

"I hate all this bulls**t," triple world champion Lauda is quoted on Wednesday by the Daily Mail.

"The (latest) speculation is total rubbish."

Paddy Lowe, Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

However, F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has hinted that the decision about Ross Brawn has in fact been made.

"I think they have decided that Ross is going, and that seems to be the end of it," he said.

The Daily Mail said the uncertainty could be because Lauda wants Brawn - a renowned engineer with race and title-winning pedigree at Benetton, Ferrari and his own Brawn GP - to stay, while Toto Wolff wants Lowe to succeed him.

Lauda said: "I am trying everything I can to encourage and motivate him to stay. I want him to do it. But it is not my decision; it is his decision."

Brawn said recently he will only stay if he can remain team boss, and so Lauda denied suggestions the current talks are about negotiating a lesser role for the 58-year-old Briton.

"If he stays he will be team principal -nothing else- or he will retire," he said.

From GMM

Former F1 doctor Gary Hartstein has slammed suggestions even formula one is not immune to doping.

From 2003 to 2005, Marc Sanson was head of the conseil de prevention et de lutte contre le dopage, or the French anti-doping council.

This year, the French senate revealed an explosive report about doping, with particular attention to the troubled world of cycling.

But Sanson was quoted as saying: "For many years, (F1) drivers have used tacrine, a product used in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's, in order to remember the circuits more easily."

According to The National newspaper, former F1 doctor Hartstein hit back angrily at Sanson's claims.

He said the comments smack of a "loudmouth know-nothing looking for a headline", adding that "tacrine is not and has never been on the prohibited list".

But Gartstein said that even though tacrine is not prohibited, he doubts F1 drivers take it anyway because "it has tons of side effects".

"You may get a performance advantage, you may die, any number of things might happen, but it's not doping -- maybe stupid, but not doping," he insisted.

My colleague recently wrote a blog about the increasing amount of technological bits and bobs in vehicles these days. She even brought up the fact that autonomous cars aren't that far away; in fact, technically, they're already here. She likened today's society to the blobs of Disney's Wall-e -- and she's not far off. While her blog was about the disconnect these gadgets are creating in the world in general, I'd like to focus on the distraction aspect of it all.

Distraction from what? Well, from poorly designed vehicles, of course.

I know I've said it before: there's no such thing as a bad car. There are, however, bad parts of cars and I think that today's technology in vehicles is often there as a distraction to keep us from noticing the bits that maybe aren't so stellar.

So, your car's seats aren't very well designed and they're pretty uncomfortable for longer drives? Oh, that doesn't matter because you can listen to internet radio while you drive. Steering feel a bit numb in your latest vehicle purchase? Meh, that's OK because your car will read your text messages and answer them too so you can really focus on that steering despite its shortcomings.

I don't know, call me crazy, but I feel like our removal from driving isn't just making us numb to the world as my coworker pointed out, but its also allowing the manufacturers to skimp on the more important details like handling, engine performance, and a general appreciation for the drive.

Don't overreact to what I'm saying here: Today's cars are not horrible to drive, nor do they have dangerous steering nor are they unable to brake properly. That's not what I'm getting at. What I am getting at is a slow degradation of said components in today's vehicles. As in, manufacturers are letting certain things slide while they let other things take precedent over them.

I get it; technology is important in today's world. I don't think cars should be barebones when it comes to gadgets like Bluetooth or even smartphone connectivity, in fact I think it's extremely important. We live in a world where a connection to technology is inevitable, so we need to make it as safe and accessible as we can, especially behind the wheel.

It pains me to think about cars becoming mobile iPhones and losing what makes them what they are: driveable. I'm sure it's not an easy thing to balance the barrage of hi-tech, fuel-economy, safety, and design elements needed to make a "good" vehicle these days, especially when you add in a fun-to-drive aspect on top of that. I don't envy today's engineers and designers. They've got a big job.

I hope, though, that amongst all the geeks and tech-savvy vehicle designers, there are still drivers peppered in there, those who know what it means to really drive a car, swap gears and hammer down on the throttle; those who care more about rev-matching than voice recognition and head-up displays; those who thrive on exhaust note, not the number of tweeters a dash can hold.

Fingers crossed.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From GMM

Mark Webber's bad relationship with his teammate Sebastian Vettel dates back six years.

That is the claim of Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, who plays down suggestions Australian Webber and German Vettel only really fell out after the well-documented 'Multi 21' team orders saga of this season.

Not so, Austrian Marko told the Swiss newspaper Blick, as "It goes back to Fuji 2007".

In the Japanese grand prix six years ago, Mark Webber was running strongly for Red Bull when Sebsatian Vettel, a rookie racing for Toro Rosso, crashed into him whilst running behind the safety car.

A furious Webber famously slammed "kids" who "f*** it all up".

"He (Vettel) probably cost him (Webber) his first victory. Since then there was trouble," said Marko.

Sebastian Vettel (Toro Rosso) and Mark Webber (Red Bull) crashed in Fuji, in 2007. (Photo: WRi2)

After Vettel wrapped up his fourth title in India last weekend, Webber did not appear for the post-race team photo, in which Red Bull also celebrated its fourth consecutive constructors' championship victory.

"Well done to Seb on his championship," Mark Webber said in a post-race statement after retiring with alternator failure, "and also to all the team; to get a fourth title is amazing."