banner The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Auto News 5

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed

Do not miss the latest Auto News !

Oct
14th

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-10-14 01:01:00

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s newest factory may be a little rough around the edges. But it is doing something never done before.
Oct
14th

Price was paramount to 9 fined suppliers

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
On Sept. 26, the Justice Department announced that nine suppliers of about 30 low-tech components such as alternators, ignition coils and bearings will pay $740 million in criminal fines for price-fixing.
Oct
14th

Automotive News Europe News Feed 2013-10-14 01:01:00

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
The French government will limit minicab services after protests from taxi drivers, and will add more taxi licenses in Paris to satisfy residents' needs.
Oct
14th

Nissan ready to pitch low-cost version of Titan for fleet sales

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
As Nissan completes the first redesign of its Titan full-sized pickup, the company hopes to broaden the truck's appeal with more configurations aimed at fleet buyers.
Oct
14th

10 ways the 1973 oil embargo changed the industry

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Oct. 17 is the 40th anniversary of the first Arab oil embargo, which launched the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and fundamentally changed the auto industry.
Oct
14th

F1: Ross Brawn issues clear Mercedes quit threat

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM

Ross Brawn has threatened to leave Mercedes if he is not assured his job as team boss is safe.

After denying he has already decided to quit, but confirmed talks are taking place, Brawn made clear on Sunday he will only stay beyond 2013 if Mercedes agrees he will have a clear role at the very top of the Brackley based team.

"I think we need a very clear definition of who is in charge and obviously I need the motivation to carry on," the 58-year-old Briton said at Suzuka.

"Any successful F1 team has to have a senior reference and that's the big question. We need to make sure if I'm to remain here that I'm the reference," Brawn told the British broadcaster Sky.

Amid rumours Brawn could be looking in McLaren and Honda's direction, he also left the door open to switching teams.

Mercedes AMG F1 Team
Mercedes AMG F1 Team. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked if he would walk away from the sport if Mercedes doesn't give him the answer he wants, Brawn responded: "Not necessarily walk away from the sport."

Brawn's comments tie in with the latest rumblings from within McLaren, where the British team has said it will not stop after signing Red Bull's aerodynamics chief Peter Prodromou.

"This (signing) is not something isolated," managing director Jonathan Neale is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"There are other things we are going to do to strengthen the team. It's a series of things aimed at 2015 and Honda, to ensure we are on the road to victory," he added.

On the driver front, McLaren has signed - but not officially confirmed - Jenson Button for 2014, but the future of his teammate Sergio Perez remains unclear.

The Mexican's case was not strengthened at Suzuka, where he crashed heavily in practice and then earned a rebuke from Nico Rosberg after the race.

"It's not good what he's doing, we know he has issues," Mercedes' Rosberg fumed after their run-in.


Oct
14th

New Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra already recalled

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Well, that didn't take long! The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups, which both hit the market back in June, have now been slapped with a first recall that affects 2,575 units.

Chevrolet Silverado 2014
Chevrolet Silverado 2014. (Photo: Chevrolet)

In some cases, either front seat may display seatback movement. If the vehicle were struck from behind, the head restraint may not meet the requirements of the safety standard, which could increase the risk of injury.

Chevrolet and GMC dealers will therefore inspect the seatback recliner mechanism and make adjustments as necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

GMC Sierra 2014
GMC Sierra 2014. (Photo: GMC)


Oct
14th

F1: Pirelli renews quit threat amid push for tests

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM

Behind closed doors, Pirelli is stamping its feet as it pushes to prepare for 2014.

International reports, including in Spain's El Mundo Deportivo and by Italy's Italiaracing, say the sport's tyre supplier wants all the major F1 teams to take their 2013 cars to two tyre tests in Abu Dhabi in November and December.

"We can't carry on going round in circles and decide to do nothing," Paul Hembery said recently. "Something has to change."

Pirelli's frustration is with the lack of cooperation from the teams amid the Italian marque's tumultuous 2013 season, where the criticism of its products has been at fever pitch.

So the reports say Pirelli will demand the Abu Dhabi tests when F1's new strategic committee meets next Monday.

"Pirelli wants the same treatment that Bridgestone and Michelin had, when they could test their tires at length," read the El Mundo Deportivo report.

F1 Pirelli Jaime Alguersuari
Jaime Alguersuari testing for Pirelli in Spring 2012 with a 2010 Renault single-seater. (Photo: Pirelli)

Correspondent Raymond Blancafort said that if the teams or the FIA refuse, Pirelli president "Marco Tronchetti Provera could leave F1 without tires" for 2014.

Italiaracing's Massimo Costa added: "Pirelli is tired of tainting its name because of a formula one in which it is forbidden to test in a proper way".


Oct
14th

7 Important Reasons to Add Winter Tires to Your Ride

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Winter, and the associated snow, ice, cold and climatic nastiness that goes with it, will be with us Canadians shortly.

You know that winter tires will make your ride safer if you're driving in winter. You know that you should probably install a set, because they're a good idea. If you ask someone you know who owns winter tires, they'll tell you they make a big difference for grip, handling, traction and all-around confidence.

Since you know that installing winter tires are an all-around solid idea, the balance of this article won't be your typical preach-piece about putting winter rubber on your ride and what could happen if you don't. Instead, we'll focus on a few key benefits you can expect by installing a set—especially on your newer car, truck or SUV model.

Compromise-Free
Winter tires have both a flexible rubber compound and unique tread design that's made exclusively for use on snow, slush and ice and in cold temperatures. With no compromises made for other seasons, drivers will benefit from significantly increased traction during acceleration, notably shorter stopping distances, and a drastic increase in directional stability at speed. Where all-season tires are a little bit good in the heat and a little bit good in the cold, winter tires specialize in cold-climate driving, and it shows. With the compromise-free, cold-climate engineering behind winter tires, drivers can enjoy the cold-weather travel season with peace of mind to spare for themselves, or anyone using their ride.

Maximized AWD Performance
All Wheel Drive (AWD) is a favorite bit of powertrain hardware with Canadian shoppers in numerous vehicle types. Today's latest models have more fast-acting, precise and sophisticated all-wheel drive systems than ever before—and whether you drive a Subaru, Ford, Acura Hyundai or Mitsubishi, your ride's AWD system reacts with millisecond precision to low-traction situations to keep you and your family safe by supporting you in maintaining vehicle control.

So, if you've invested in AWD, why not consider maximizing the system's performance with a set of winter rubber? Remember: the only way to increase the amount of physical traction between a vehicle and the road's surface is through the tires. Proper tires for the season gives your AWD system plenty more grip to work with, allowing it to do its job with maximum effectiveness.

Not Just for Snow and Ice

Did you know that all-season or summer performance tires get really, really hard when it's cold outside? Since effective traction relies on tires being soft and malleable against the roads surface, hard tires can be a recipe for disaster. In cold weather, even on dry roads, the softer, more flexible rubber used in the construction of winter tires provides that all-important give that all-season tires lose when it's cold out. Translation? Even on dry roads, winter tires work better in the winter.

7 Important Reasons to Add Winter Tires to Your Ride

Continue reading 7 Important Reasons to Add Winter Tires to Your Ride

Oct
14th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-10-14 00:00:00

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM

Pedro de la Rosa has heard the paddock whispers about 'ugly'-looking formula one cars in 2014.

Adrian Newey, the designer of the dominant Red Bulls of the past few seasons, revealed last week that his car for next year's radical new rules is not pretty.

Asked if he has seen Ferrari's 2014 car, test driver Pedro de la Rosa said no.

"I heard that they are going to be different," the Spaniard told Marca sports newspaper, echoing Newey's claim that the nose of the cars will be "very low".

When asked if the new Ferrari is 'ugly', he answered: "I don't know.

"It's true that you hear comments, not only here but in other teams, of people saying 'Hey, our car is very ugly, is yours?'" added de la Rosa.

F1 Pedro de la Rosa Ferrari F138
Pedro de la Rosa aboard the Ferrari F138 this season. (Photo: WRi2)

Ultimately, the biggest question is about whether the new rules will shake up the pecking order in F1 -- or, more specifically, will Red Bull's dominance finally end?

"No idea," Pedro de la Rosa smiled. "Honestly. We are working hard, but without any reference. But for the first time, the engine will have a significance about equal or even greater than the aerodynamics."



Oct
14th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-10-14 00:00:00

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM

Mercedes has vowed to catch F1's runaway Renault-powered teams, as it risks losing millions in Concorde Agreement bonus money.

Formerly looking set to finish second behind Red Bull in the lucrative constructors' championship, Mercedes had a bad weekend in Japan and is now ten points behind Ferrari.

Not only that, Lotus - whose Romain Grosjean was challenging for victory at Suzuka - is no longer far behind in the teams' title chase.

Mercedes, on the other hand, has lost ground.

"Red Bull has taken a big step forward since Singapore," Toto Wolff told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, adding that the similarly Renault-powered Lotus is now a few tenths ahead.

"We need to analyse what they have done," said Mercedes' motor sport chief.

F1 Red Bull RB9 engine
What's happening under the Red Bull RB9's cover? (Photo: WRi2)

The German report said Wolff suspects that the top two Renault-powered teams are now streaking away with a clever engine mapping and exhaust-blowing solution.

"If that's the case, we need to find out why we have missed something," Wolff said.

"We think we know what they're doing. The only question is whether we have the resources to implement something in the last four races. Perhaps we will need to reallocate some resources," he added.

The problem is that, at Mercedes' Brixforth engine facility, all the test benches are reportedly now being used for next year's turbo V6 development.


Oct
14th

2014 Porsche Panamera First Impressions

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
When German automaker, Porsche, introduced the four-door, four-seat Panamera sport sedan in 2009, I'm sure there were quite a few enthusiasts who rolled their eyes and shook their heads questioning its existence. Its long hood, curvaceous body and polarizing style kept everyone from jumping on its initial bandwagon. However, those who looked past the sheet metal, got behind its wheel, and took it for a spin perhaps wondered why they ever questioned it in the first place. Now, it's one of Porsche's bestselling vehicles with over 100,000 units gracing driveways, worldwide.


What is the 2014 Porsche Panamera?

For 2014, the Panamera family gets bigger, literally! Three new models were added including the Panamera S E-Hybrid (the first plug-in hybrid from Porsche) and the Executive extended wheelbase versions based on the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo models.

The S and 4S say auf wiedersehen to the 4.8L V8 and guten tag to a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine. Creating a magical 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, no matter how comfortable you get this is no sleeper of a vehicle. That's up 20 hp and 15 lb-ft over the V8, and you're getting better fuel economy. Bonus.

Let's talk hybrids: The new S E-hybrid amps up the power -- get it? Amps? I'm so clever! Or not -- with a more fortified motor and a higher-performance battery, which can easily be charged in the comfort of your own home or at a public charging station.

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid logo
Three new models were added including the Panamera S E-Hybrid and the Executive extended wheelbase versions based on the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo models. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2014 Porsche Panamera Price and Specs
When talking about the ins and outs of the 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, its motor produces 95 horsepower (in comparison to 47 hp from the S hybrid). There's a combined power output of 416 and 435 lb-ft of torque delivered by an oh-so-smooth 8-speed transmission.

The 9.4 kWh battery comes with increased capacity over the previous battery 1.7 kWh and charge time takes a mere 2.5 hours when hooked up to a 240V power source.

Pricing for the 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid starts at $113,300, while the 4S Executive model jumps to a starting price of $143,600.

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid vue 3/4 avant
When talking about the ins and outs of the 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, its motor produces 95 horsepower (in comparison to 47 hp from the S hybrid). (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Driving the 2014 Porsche Panamera
Let's start off with the Executive variant of the Panamera, which is offered on the 4S and Turbo models. What does “Executive” mean? It denotes the ability to stretch out just a bit more. Its wheelbase has increased by 5.9” adding comfort in the cabin for rear occupants.

As I was having an “Executive” experience, my copilot made herself comfortable in the back. She even asked, “Can you feel the additional 5.9”?”

To which I replied, “Actually, no. The car still feels great up front. Can you feel the 5.9” in the rear?”

Our childish minds got the best of us. The best part of the conversation? We were talking very matter-of-factly until we fully realized the salacious undertone of our “size matters” discourse. To recap, you can feel the spaciousness in the rear (4.7” of added legroom), but its driving dynamics aren't compromised in the process; a win-win for both driver and passenger.

Steering it away from “size,” the buyer of an Executive also receives additional standard equipment. Furthermore, both come with Porsche's all-wheel drive system, 7-speed PDK transmission, and a divine ride quality.

The S E-Hybrid left its driver (aka, moi) smiling from ear to ear after our rendezvous. Yes, it has the “green” element to it, but it's a Porsche, so the performance element is not forgotten along the way. Its 0-60 mph time is a swift 5.2 seconds and its top track speed is 167 mph (276.2 km/h). Yummy. Talk about electric qualities. You also have the ability to match the S E-Hybrid with what I call the “fun button;” Sport Plus. Change the gears manually, take on the corners, and just enjoy life.

In life, you'd like to think you trade up after a relationship ends. You say to yourself, “Wow, I'm so glad we're over. I'm so much happier in my current relationship.” You could say that about the outgoing V8. Yes, its potency was something to brag about, but the 3.0L V6 is a trade-up. It uses less fuel (in comparison to the V8) even when you're not conservatively using the throttle. You still have the excitement element, and the whine of the twin-turbos is something I don't easily tire of. High five.

2014 Porsche Panamera  rear 3/4 view
What does “Executive” mean? It denotes the ability to stretch out just a bit more. Its wheelbase has increased by 5.9” adding comfort in the cabin for rear occupants. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Porsche Panamera
To call the Panamera an influential vehicle is an understatement. It has done a fabulous job of inspiring other Porsches with regards to interior setup. The driver has their controls and the passenger has theirs, too. Porsche keep it simple. I like that. With room for four and decent sightlines, you're in good hands behind the wheel of the 2014 Porsche Panamera.

2014 Porsche Panamera cabin
To call the Panamera an influential vehicle is an understatement. It has done a fabulous job of inspiring other Porsches with regards to interior setup. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2014 Porsche Panamera
If you're cross-shopping the Panamera, the Audi A7, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLS are some other potential suitors.

Oct
14th

NASCAR: Villarino doubles

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From press release

Ander Villarino clinches his second consecutive title in the NASCAR Whelen Euroseries after the final rounds presented at Le Mans.

Frederic Gabillon had no rivals on Saturday, in the first Elite race of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Le Mans Finals at the Bugatti Circuit of Le Mans. The Frenchman took a lights to flag victory and won his third race of the season, reducing the points gap from Ander Vilarino, who got involved in a contact at the start.

Ander Vilarino could have lived a nightmare sunday, but he managed to win his second consecutive title in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. Although he was pushed and span in the last lap of the decisive race at the Bugatti Circuit, the Spaniard reached a 4th place that was enough to preserve a 4-points adavantage over Frederic Gabillon. The Frenchman closed a perfect week-end with a his fourth win of the season.

NASCAR Euro Series
Photo: NASCAR Euro Series


Oct
14th

2013 Ford Focus Electric Review

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Before spending a week with the 2013 Ford Focus Electric, I asked myself: Where's the fun in driving a car that's so quiet? Well, I got a resounding answer in the form of the most laid-back and relaxing car I've ever driven. What an awesome product! I so want one!


What is the Ford Focus Electric?
Much like its main rival, the Nissan LEAF, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive and seating for five. However, instead of offering a unique, futuristic interior layout, it proves eerily similar to every other member of the Focus family.

2013 Ford Focus Electric 3/4 view
The 2013 Ford Focus Electric is a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive and seating for five. (Photo: Richard Roch)

2013 Ford Focus Electric Price and Specs
Under the hood of the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is a permanent-magnet electric motor that generates a very reasonable 143 horsepower. It draws energy from a 23 kWh lithium-ion battery (located in the trunk) that can be charged through any 120V household outlet. Using this power source, a full charge may take around 20 hours.

Unlike the gasoline-powered variant, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric produces a healthy 184 lb-ft of torque right off the bat. When accelerating from an intersection, I left many Civic, Mazda3, and Elantra owners dumbfounded. A single-speed transmission is also part of the mix.

The MSRP for the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is $39,342. Some Canadian provinces (including Quebec) offer a credit of $8,000 to electric-car buyers and leasers, so that brings the price down to $31,342.

Based on a 20,000km yearly average, you would start to receive a return on your investment ($8,109) in just under five years if you opt for a 2013 Ford Focus Electric instead of a Focus Titanium.

2013 Ford Focus Electric engine
Under the hood of the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is a permanent-magnet electric motor that generates a very reasonable 143 horsepower. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Driving the 2013 Ford Focus Electric
There's always a bit of a shock factor when driving an electric vehicle, especially for the first time. I mean, the motor is silent and all you hear is the tire noise. As far as the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is concerned, the body is so rigid that you never hear a peep out of it. Meanwhile, the suspension remains neutral in corners and does a great job of limiting body roll.

Overall, the ride is super comfortable. Whether you go to work, run errands or just drive around town, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is sure to please.

Of course, it's not perfect. For starters, the turning radius is too large for such a small car. Also, when my 4'11” wife sat behind the wheel, she didn't even have long enough arms to adjust her seat. Ford designers should take a page from VW's book, which puts the lever on the right and not under the seat.

2013 Ford Focus Electric rear 3/4 view
The body is so rigid that you never hear a peep out of it. Meanwhile, the suspension remains neutral in corners and does a great job of limiting body roll. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford Focus Electric
Like its three siblings, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric looks very dapper. The interior sits five and has all the amenities you want including Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, a Sony audio system, and a sharp-looking touchscreen. What's more, after testing three other vehicles from the Blue Oval, I must say the once-complex SYNC technology has now grown on me.

2013 Ford Focus Electric cabine
Like its three siblings, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric looks very dapper. The interior sits five and has all the amenities you want. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Comparing the 2013 Ford Focus Electric
The 2013 Ford Focus Electric faces only two serious threats: There's the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which is about $7,000 cheaper, but far less sophisticated and compelling; and then there's the Nissan LEAF, which uses a more modern approach but is not quite as roomy and attractive as the Focus. By the way, another American electric car will go on sale for 2014, namely the Chevrolet Spark EV (range of 132 kilometres).
Oct
14th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-10-14 00:00:00

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM

Eric Boullier has admitted Nico Hulkenberg is Lotus' "choice" successor for the Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen.

Raikkonen recently said he decided to leave the Enstone based team only for financial reasons.

Lotus has been sweating on a deal with a group of private investors originally called 'Infinity Racing', who in June committed to buying 35 per cent of the team.

But team boss Boullier admitted as recently as at the weekend in Japan that the deal is still not sealed.

In the meantime, Infinity has changed its name to Quantum, to avoid confusion with Infiniti, the luxury Nissan brand that is Red Bull's title sponsor.

"We want to now close this Infinity partner story because this should give us the ability to at least be secure and move us on to the next step," said Boullier.

An obvious 'next step' is the identity of Raikkonen's successor.

The clear frontrunner is German Hulkenberg, who was also considered by Ferrari and McLaren for 2014, and remains in the running either to return to Sahara Force India or stay at Sauber.

F1 Sauber Nico Hulkenberg
Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

But if the 'Quantum' deal falls over, Boullier may have to go down the path of a pay-driver, even if the Frenchman admits "This is not the way to go".

Eric Boullier hinted at Suzuka that he is also in talks with a sponsor, as well as engine supplier Renault, who could deepen their relationship with Lotus in 2014 and beyond.

If all the pieces fit together, Nico Hulkenberg will surely be signed.

"Since he has been talking to us he has been doing a good job," said Boullier.

"I would love to (sign him)," he is quoted by Sporting Life. "He (Hulkenberg) is our choice."


Oct
14th

NASCAR: Brian Vickers out for remainder of 2013

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
For the second time in his career NASCAR driver, Brian Vickers, will close out a season on the sidelines.

Vickers' Sprint Cup Team, Michael Waltrip Racing, sent out an announcement on Monday morning that Vickers said DR. William Downey put the driver of the No. 55 Toyota on on blood thinning medication after finding the small clot in a Monday morning examination.

Back in 2010 Vickers who was then driving for the defunct Red Bull Racing team in NASCAR had to miss the last half of the season while recovering from blood clots and heart surgery to repair a hole between his atria. RBR, subsequently, went out of business leaving Vickers without a full-time job.

The team announcement added that doctors are confident he will be able to climb back in the cockpit before the 2014 season.

"If there's anything to be positive about with today's news it's that this is only a temporary setback," Vickers said in a team release. "The timing for this is never good, but I'm glad we'll get it out of the way now and be ready to run for a championship with the Aaron's Dream Machine in 2014."

NASCAR Brian Vickers Michael Waltrip Racing
Brian Vickers, Michael Waltrip Racing. (Photo: NASCAR)

Vickers' manager, Don Rohr, also tweeted “just walked and talked with BV. Good spirits. Just another set back. He stopped to sign for the fans outside the race shop too.”

"We were just informed this morning and our concern is for Brian's health," MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman said. "Anything else will be worked out in due course."

Vickers also was driving part-time in the Sprint Cup Series, and a full-time contestant in the Nationwide Series for Joe Gibbs Racing while waiting to resume a full-time ride in Sprint Cup with MWR in 2014.

The 29-year old driver's road back to Sprint Cup includes one victory this for MWR at New Hampshire Motor Speedway ending a 75-race winless drought.

MWR said it would name a replacement later.


Oct
13th

Dealer gives furloughed federal workers a break

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
When the federal government shut down, Alex Perdikis opened his doors a bit wider. Perdikis is general manager of Koons of Silver Spring, just outside the Washington Beltway.
Oct
13th

Nissan futurists rethink the car

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Nissan envisions an auto industry future that includes self-guided tourist vans, small vehicles that can be driven through crowded pedestrian malls and cars styled by fashion designers or home do-it-yourselfers.
Oct
13th

Why sea captains prefer piloting car carriers

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Every day, Captain Sharif Ahmed Zahedi peers from the bridge of the massive 12-deck, 57,455-ton Cassiopeia Leader and counts his blessings he's shipping cars.
Oct
13th

F1 Japan: Sebastian Vettel picks up fifth consecutive win in Red Bull 1-2 (+results)

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Despite a new scenario in Japan, the outcome was the same: reigning champion Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) won again, for the fifth consecutive time.

Suzuka, Japanese Grand Prix, F1
Photo: WRi2

Vettel usually starts at the front and stays there for the whole race. But in Suzuka, he had to share the lead with his teammate Mark Webber, who beat him to the pole on Saturday, and with Romain Grosjean (Lotus), who ran strong all race long.

The three men managed to open up a big gap after the first round of pit stops, as the rest of the field was held up by a late stopping Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso).

Sebastian Vettel, Romain Grosjean, Suzuka, F1
Sebastian Vettel, Romain Grosjean (Photo: WRi2)

On lap 41, Vettel probably felt he had shared enough and drove around Grosjean. One lap later, their two-stop strategy allowed them both to stay out as leader Webber pitted for his third and final stop. With fresher tires, the Australian was able to track down Grosjean, but ran out of time to close the gap to his teammate.

Romain Grosjean, Mark Webber, Suzuka, F1
Romain Grosjean, Mark Webber (Photo: WRi2)

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) was the first to cross the finish line after them, as the first to find a way passed Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber). Before the end of the race, the German would also allow Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) through, but nevertheless held on to finish an impressive sixth.

His teammate Esteban Gutierrez also performed very well. Albeit a full 20 seconds behind Hulkenberg, he finished seventh and picked up his first points in F1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) survived a dicy fight with Sergio Perez (McLaren) to come home eighth, ahead of Jenson Button (McLaren) and Felipe Massa (Ferrari).

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04 (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) could not reach the finish after he touched with Vettel at the start.

The results in Japan means the championship fight is still alive. But Vettel only needs to finish fifth once to win his fourth consecutive title, even if Alonso wins the four remaining grands prix.

Japanese Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, F1
Photo: WRi2

Race results* - Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 53 laps 1.26'49"301
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 7"129
3 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 9"910
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 45"605
5 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 47"325
6 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 51"615
7 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'11"630
8 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'12"023
9 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'20"821
10 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'29"263
11 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'38"572
12 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
13 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
14 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1 lap
15 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1 lap
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
17 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
18 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 lap
19 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1 lap

Fastest lap of the race: 1'34"587 (Mark Webber)

Retirements
Lap 7 - Lewis Hamilton
Lap 1 - Giedo Van der Garde
Lap 1 - Jules Bianchi

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 297; 2.Alonso 207; 3.Raikkonen 177; 4.Hamilton 151; 5.Webber 148; 6.Rosberg 126; 7.Massa 90; 8.Grosjean 87; 9.Button 60; 10.Hulkenberg 49; 11.Di Resta 36; 12.Sutil 26; 13.Perez 23; 14.Ricciardo 18; 15.Vergne 13; 16.Gutierrez 6; 17.Maldonado 1.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 445; 2.Ferrari 297; 3.Mercedes 277; 4.Lotus-Renault 264; 5.McLaren-Mercedes 83; 6.Force India-Mercedes 62; 7.Sauber-Ferrari 55; 8.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 31; 9.Williams-Renault 1.

*Unofficial timing

Hosted by CifTech Hosting.