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.

From United SportsCar

The 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona begins the quest for the first TUDOR Championship title, and also kicks off the North American Endurance Championship.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is annually anticipated as the first major event on the North American motorsports calendar - and the beginning of a new season in sports car racing.

The 2014 event takes on additional importance as the opening of a new era in the sport. The GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón have come together as one organization under IMSA sanction with the debut of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

The Rolex 24 begins the quest for the first TUDOR Championship title, and also kicks off the North American Endurance Championship, which now includes the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta in addition to the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen as North American sports car racing is unified for the first time since 1997.

The season opener traditionally attracts the best drivers from various disciplines of the sport - including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, IndyCar and international sports car competition. This year will be no exception, with stars of all forms of the sport looking to be part of this history-making weekend.

The TUDOR Championship will have four classes of competition.

The lead Prototype category pairs the Daytona Prototype from the Rolex Series with the P2 from the ALMS, bringing together the best from both divisions. Also competing is the revolutionary DeltaWing coupe, which will be racing at Daytona for the first time.

Making its Daytona debut is the ALMS' Prototype Challenge presented by Continental Tire (PC), virtually unchanged from 2013.

The ALMS GT division - recognized as the best GT competition in the world - continues as the GTLM (GT Le Mans) class. The Rolex Series GT continues as GTD (GT Daytona), also including the former ALMS' GTC class.

The weekend also includes the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, with the series returning to the same sanction as its debut in 1985 as the IMSA Firestone Firehawk Endurance Championship.

Fans can attend the three-day test for the season opener, "The Roar Before the Rolex 24," on January 3-5. Activity for the Rolex 24 event weekend - including night practice - gets underway on Thursday, January 23. When the green flag waves for the Rolex 24 on Saturday January 25, a new chapter in North American motorsports begins.

From NASCAR

Marcos Ambrose and Richard Petty Motorsports have picked up a new sponsor for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Richard Petty Motorsports announced on Tuesday that Twisted Tea Brewing Company will serve as an associate sponsor for the No. 9 car in the Sprint Cup Series. Twisted Tea will also serve as a primary sponsor for next season's fall race at Dover International Speedway.

"It's a great day for Richard Petty Motorsports and our No. 9 race team," said Ambrose in a released statement.

"Next year is really shaping up to be a solid season with our race team only getting stronger. I think it's a great time for Twisted Tea to come on board and we're going to have a lot of fun together. I'm really looking forward to their partnership and driving our newly painted yellow No. 9 car."

2014 will mark Ambrose's fourth season with RPM. He has two wins with the organization, both coming at Watkins Glen. This season, he is currently 21st in the point standings with six top-10 finishes.

"Any time we can welcome a great product to NASCAR through Richard Petty Motorsports it's already a win," said Brian Moffitt, chief executive officer of RPM.

"Twisted Tea will make our organization even better, but also make the race experience for our fans so much more fun and engaging. New fans will be introduced to Marcos and RPM through Twisted Tea's engaging retail and consumer activation."

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

Williams F1 Team has played down reports the British team could be the next destination for Ross Brawn.

Mercedes on Tuesday refused to comment on the latest speculation about Brawn's future, amid suggestions the 58-year-old has decided to step down as team boss.

Last month, paddock rumours suggested Brawn could be interested in buying the 15 per cent stake in Williams currently owned by his Mercedes colleague Toto Wolff, who is keen to offload the shares to end a conflict of interest.

Brawn began his F1 career in the 70s when Sir Frank Williams gave him a job as a machinist.

Later, in the mid-90s, he worked with great success at Benetton alongside Pat Symonds, who this year started work as Williams' new technical boss.

But Brawn insisted last month: "I'm definitely not buying shares in Williams!"

That doesn't mean he might not head back to the British team simply to work there alongside Symonds.

But deputy team boss Claire Williams told the Mirror in Abu Dhabi this week: "There have been no conversations with Ross."

Brawn has also been linked with McLaren's new Honda era beginning in 2015, but the latest rumour is that he could reunite with his old Ferrari boss Jean Todt, who is now president of F1's governing FIA.

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.

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)

"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.

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

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.

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

Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris has created a performance kit for the Toyota GT86 that significantly increases power at a low cost.

Using a supercharger and intercooler, all electronically managed through a new software, the GT86 by Romeo Ferraris can produce up to 268 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque.

There's a video that shows the power delivery and sound effects of this special GT86 on a dyno:



Source: Autoevolution

In addition to the world premiere of the Levorg concept, Subaru will present three other concepts at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Show (November 22nd -- December 1st).

First, the VIZIV Evolution goes a step farther than the VIZIV introduced in Geneva earlier this year. Now featuring plug-in hybrid technology, it uses a 1.6L, direct-injected, turbocharged engine mated to a Lineartronic CVT, as well as one electric motor up front and two in the back.

Next is the Cross Sport Design concept, a combination of sport and utility in a small package that still offers easy access to the seats, a comfortable interior, and generous cargo room.

Finally, the Crossover 7 concept is a seven-passenger SUV that will eventually replace the Exiga in Japan. No other markets are planned for the moment.

Other Subaru models on display at the Tokyo Auto Show will include:
• Forester X-Break;
• BRZ GT300;
• BRZ Sport Premium;
• XV Crosstrek Hybrid;
• 1.6L BOXER DIT engine.

Source: Subaru