Auto News 5

From GMM

The FIA has scuppered McLaren's plans to test Pirelli tyres with a 2011 car at the US grand prix venue in Austin, it emerged on Thursday.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said the British team and F1's tire supplier planned to do the 1000km test in mid October, but did not get the green light from the FIA.

The report said the FIA baulked because the test, which would have been funded by Pirelli, would have taken place mere weeks ahead of the grand prix at the very same venue in Texas, USA.

"The competition, including McLaren rival Force India, had complained," wrote correspondent Michael Schmidt.

"Now, Pirelli and McLaren will have to find another track to test the new-generation tires."

Photo: WRi2

On October 3rd, 1961, 120,000 workers at 88 Ford plants in 26 U.S. states (all members of the United Auto Workers) went on strike, following the example of GM workers a month earlier. The latter won substantial wage and benefit improvements, and Ford officials knew they had to provide a comparable package or risk losing their workers to the competition.

UAW and Ford representatives had come to an agreement on things like pay and pensions the night before the October 3rd strike deadline, with Ford agreeing to pay increases of 7 cents an hour (the average autoworker earned $2.85 an hour).

However, negotiators could not work out some non-economic issues such as production standards, the speed of moving assembly lines, and the number of Ford-paid union staffers in every plant.

A deal was struck on October 11th, but 25 local chapters of the UAW vowed to remain on strike until they could reach agreements regarding conditions and rules at individual plants.

By October 19th, only one Ford plant was still striking: a stamping plant in Walton Hills, Ohio, that made fenders and side panels for almost every car in the Ford lineup. A settlement occurred a day later, and work returned to normal.

FYI, Ford was the last of the Big Three automakers to recognize the UAW in 1941.

There are vehicles on the market that are people-movers, meaning they get you from point A to B. They do it well, but sometimes lack pizzazz or personality.

Then there are the people-moving cars that can transport up to seven bodies and have that extra zing that makes life on the road more enjoyable.

Enter the 2013 Dodge Journey R/T Rallye AWD. It's got a long name, yet is packed with meaning and a few bits of personality, too.


What is the Dodge Journey R/T Rallye AWD?
Dodge's Journey has been on the market since early 2008 and has been showered with praise and awards since. Heralded for its affordability, along with its ability to seat seven, the Journey isn't a minivan -- which to some automatically works in its favour. Furthermore, the access to 1,047 litres of storage space with the third and second row seats down, and 303 litres with both rows up, makes it attractive to those who have families or people, pets or anything in between to shuttle around.

Heralded for its affordability, along with its ability to seat seven, the Journey isn't a minivan -- which to some automatically works in its favour. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2013 Dodge Journey RT Rallye Price and Specs
With 283 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque generated from the 2013 Dodge Journey's 3.6L V6 engine you can get up to speed with little issue. Whether travelling alone or with a full cabin, there's bite behind the V6's growl.

While you might not put it to good use all the time, the R/T Rallye comes with an all-wheel drive system. Front-wheel drive is available as well, in case that satisfies the needs of your daily driving.

$32,795 is the base MSRP for this eye-catching model. With all the extras, including destination charges, you're looking at $38,890.

While you might not put it to good use all the time, the R/T Rallye comes with an all-wheel drive system. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Driving the 2013 Journey R/T Rallye AWD
The first time the Journey and I met, I wasn't fully impressed. I felt it was big, bulky, and underwhelming. Plus, the materials used for fit and finish were subpar. That was a few years ago.

My following, and most recent rendez-vous with Dodge's crossover, proved to be much more favourable. While it's still not a small vehicle, the 2013 Dodge Journey didn't feel overtly hefty. The materials used inside were considerably better -- not to mention the design is more pleasing to the eye.

Getting back to the 2013 Dodge Journey's size, its firm-feel power steering made it amenable to get around town. Though I found the "firm feel" to be a little deceptive. I would have preferred more stiffness. However, that didn't mean it couldn't get the job done -- because it did, and did it well.

Add in a high-performance suspension, and a previously sleepy vehicle to drive came to life.

The materials used inside were considerably better -- not to mention the design is more pleasing to the eye. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Dodge Journey R/T Rallye AWD
Ad the letters/words "R/T" and "Rallye" to any Dodge product and you know you won't get the short end of the stick. A Brilliant Red Tri-Coat Pearl paint job (an additional $300) drapes the crossover's exterior and makes it pop against any backdrop. Then there's the 2013 Dodge Journey's mesh grille up front, 19" machined cast-aluminum, 10-spoke satin silver wheels on the side and a rotund rear end to round out the exterior.

Inside, black leather seats complemented by red stitching welcome occupents.

From the driver's seat, an 8.4" touchscreen acts as command central on the centre stack. Here I could access the Garmin Navigation System along with a CD/DVD/MP3 player, and saw what was going on behind me when in reverse thanks to a ParkView rear back-up camera. These features came as part of the Navigation and Sound Group I ($825), which is well worth it. Even for the camera alone, because rearward visibility is obstructed by a shallow windshield on the 2013 Dodge Journey R/T Rallye. Who wants a feature that makes everyday driving easier?! Raise your hand. I do. I do.

When it came to accessing the third-row seats, I had to pull out the elbow-grease for that one. The second row moved forwards with little issue, it was pushing it back that gave me a good workout -- on both arms.

Inside, black leather seats complemented by red stitching welcome occupents. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2013 Dodge Journey R/T Rallye AWD
Other vehicles that fall into the category of competitors with the Dodge Journey R/T Rallye are the Hyundai Santa Fe XL, Kia Sorento, Ford Edge/Explorer, and Chevrolet Equinox.

As Sebastien Ogier (Volkswagen) has one hand on the world championship title, he could be possibly crowned right after the Power Stage on Thursday in Strasbourg.

Ogier needs to score only one point in the remaining rounds of the season (France, Spain and Great Britain), considering also that Thierry Neuville (Ford) will clinch victory in each event, but also the three points awarded in the Power Stage in the three rallies.

Which means that, if Thierry Neuville does not set the fastest time in the Rallye de France's Power Stage, the title will immediately go to Ogier? This will be maybe done already on Thursday, as the Power Stage in the rallye de France will be ran in the very first special stage, while it was usually ran on the last super special in the previous rallies.

Thursday evening, Sebastien Ogier could already claim his very first world championship title in his career, and focus entirely on his duel with Sébastien Loeb (Citroën).

Sebastien Ogier. (Photo: Volkswagen Motorsport)

Monticello, NY - The diesel debate rages on in North America. It has been a topic of contention for quite a while, and although stories on the subject pop up regularly, expect the number to continue to rise.

The stigmas surrounding diesel fuel are numerous and one of them is that it is a “lesser” form of energy, a dirty alternative reserved for trucks, and filthy people... Farther from the truth this could not be. Audi is here to demonstrate how plush (even refined) the technology now is.

The 2014 Audi A8 L TDI is the posh-est of A8s - the best of the lot - behind only the S8. The TDI is exceptionally smooth, quiet and powerful, perfectly matched to the A8's raison d'être. Everything else about this car is near perfection, as Audi has made us come to expect.


What is an Audi A8 L TDI?
The A8 is Audi's flagship sedan. As the brand's executive super limo, it stands and stretches head and tail above the rest of Audi's luxury lineup.

Audi (like Mercedes, for example) caters to those searching for power and prestige with the A8. The V6 TDI now lines up with the supercharged 3.0L V6, twin-turbo 4.0L V8 and nearly obnoxious 6.3L W12. The TDI may be destined more for luxury limo fleets, but should not be overlooked so quickly.

Other world markets are entitled to a 2.0T hybrid and 627 lb-ft 4.2L V8 TDI, both of which will doubtfully ever make it to North America.

As the brand's executive super limo, it stands and stretches head and tail above the rest of Audi's luxury lineup. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

2014 Audi A8 L TDI Price and Specs
The 2014 Audi A8 tips the pricing scale at $90,700 for starters. The TDI option tacks on $3,200 and the L, a further $7,500. The $101,400 total can be built upon with numerous options, easily pushing the price beyond the $120,000 mark.

The newly added 3.0L TDI engine boast 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. For those diesel non-believers, consider that this V6 is only 38 torques down from the turbo V8... An 8-speed automatic transmission differs the grunt to Audi's legendary Quattro AWD system with a self-locking centre differential.

A start-stop system, adaptive air suspension and Servotronic speed sensitive power steering are standard.

The newly added 3.0L TDI engine boast 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI
If it was up to me, the V8 turbo would be relegated to the S8 - this is how good both the TDI and supercharged V6 are. Both are powerful and extremely efficient, but I would (on every occasion) select the TDI.

Initial throttle tip is met with some delayed response, but once the torque gets going from 1,750 rpm, the big A8 will reach 100 km/hr in only 6.5 seconds. Quick as it may be, the V6 TDI feels just as at home roving about town quietly as it does flying far into its 4,750 rpm redline.

This is not how the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI is supposed to be driven. “Silken” is the word. The 8-speed box glides from one gear to another imperceptibly as the V6 doles out its power. Whether on country roads, in town or merging on the highway, the TDI will never disappoint.

Although generally not a consideration for those capable of spending six figures on a car, the TDI also relishes in less fuel consumption. An 8L/100 km average is very possible, matching or besting many midsize sedans.

On the road, the 2014 Audi A8's air suspension masks surface irregularities with skill. The car's dynamic steering firms up beautifully at speed, however, I would have liked more feedback. The brakes are surprisingly strong and capable of dealing with the car's overall girth.

Whether on country roads, in town or merging on the highway, the TDI will never disappoint. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI
The “L” in the 2014 Audi A8 L's name designates this particular car as sporting the longer wheelbase -- 13cm to be exact -- literally making it a glorified limousine.

For the 2014 model year, the A8 received a number of physical upgrades, especially up front. The revised bonnet, front grille, and bumper were sharpened somewhat and the final product remains one of the most attractive full-size sedans on the market. The jury's hung on Tesla's Model S as to whether or not it's better looking or not...

The 2014 A8's cabin is as sumptuous as any Audi, and more. The Valetta leather-clad seats are incredibly good and comfortable. Finding a perfect driving position occurs in moments thanks to the multiple adjustments.

Within the sumptuous woods and leathers is a well laid-out dash that requires some time to tame, but it all works wonderfully well after a short period.

The key to the “L” is the vast amounts of space reserved exclusively for the occupants. The rear seat is designed to cajole two passengers to the fullest and with the right options, it can and does.

The longer wheelbase -- 13cm to be exact -- literally making it a glorified limousine. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI
The 2014 Audi A8 L plays hardball with the new Mercedes S-Class, the BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS. At this moment, the aforementioned Tesla Model S has proven to be the entire category's worst nightmare.

The A8 does benefit from being a “new money” purchase, and is considered a far hipper whip than the others - except for the Model S.

From GMM

Jules Bianchi is staying at Marussia in 2014, the team announced on Thursday.

The Ferrari-backed Frenchman had been tipped for a move up the grid next year, perhaps to Ferrari-powered Sauber.

But Marussia team boss John Booth said in a media statement that keeping Bianchi, 24, on board for 2014 is a "great pleasure".

"He rose to the challenge of his debut season exceptionally well and since that time has clearly demonstrated his ability and potential," said Booth.

Currently powered by departing supplier Cosworth, Marussia is switching to customer Ferrari engines in 2014.

Bianchi's current teammate is the well-backed Briton Max Chilton.

"We look forward to confirming our full race driver lineup later in the season," said Booth.

Jules Bianchi, Marussia MR02, at Spa-Francorchamps. (Photo: WRi2)

Although backed by the Ferrari rival McLaren, it is believed Kevin Magnussen is among those in the running to be Bianchi's teammate next year.

The F1 career of Magnussen's father, Jan, was short-lived, but McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh told El Confidencial: "We will make sure the same thing doesn't happen to Kevin."

Magnussen, 20, is closing in on the 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 title, with Whitmarsh adding: "He has a steely character and is more determined than his father."

But before Marussia turns its full attention to Bianchi's 2014 teammate, it is more focused on securing the lucrative tenth place in the constructors' championship -- particularly after The Times reported that the team has finally penned a financial agreement with Bernie Ecclestone.

It has also emerged that investor Andrei Cheglakov plans to clear Marussia's more than $200 million in debt.

"Our investors have met with some incredulity at the way F1 costs are run," said chief executive Andy Webb. "They were not expecting to enter a spending competition but they have put us on a solid footing and we are secure for the future."

However, F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone said recently that two or three teams are in danger of dropping off the grid.

"It's hard to say exactly what teams Bernie had in mind," Andy Webb told Russia's Championat, "but we are determined to move forward."

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

The redesigned Maserati Quattroporte moves up in size (and price) to better compete in the high-luxury segment, where most entrants sell a long-wheelbase model.

New For 2014

The 2014 Maserati Quattroporte is completely redesigned. The styling is an evolution of the previous model's voluptuous curves, but the sheetmetal is draped over a larger chassis. The 2014 Maserati Quattroporte has increased in size and now fully measures up against the extended-wheelbase versions of other large luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Jaguar XJL (the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte is offered in just one wheelbase length). The other major change with the new model is that there is now a choice of two engines, a V-6 and a V-8, both turbocharged -- and the former can be paired with all-wheel drive, another Quattroporte first.

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2014 Maserati GranTurismo

With its smoldering curves, intoxicating soundtrack, and leather-lined cabin, the Maserati GranTurismo does not disappoint.

New For 2014

Maserati has been plenty busy readying both the new Ghibli sedan and the redesigned Quattroporte, so it is an understandably quiet year for the 2014 Maserati GranTurismo. The sexy coupe and convertible see detail changes only. The MC coupe gets a new, carbon-fiber hood (which can be painted body color or left with its material exposed). There are also new 20-inch wheels, new paint colors, and some trim changes.

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2014 Maserati Ghibli

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli in some respects fills the position vacated by the new Quattroporte, competing in the heart of the luxury-sport-sedan market.

New For 2014

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli is an all-new model. This four-door sedan slots below the Quattroporte in size and price. A pair of turbocharged V-6 engines provide the power, driving the rear wheels or all four.

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Tesla Motors said a fire in one of its vehicles on Tuesday that rattled some investors was caused by a crash.

All sorts of things can be found in seemingly boring sheets of data. Take, for example, the monthly production stats for its North American plants that Ford sends me. The company is clearly readying itself for a belter of a final quarter.

September 2013 Auto Sales

The hot summer finally cools down.

After a torrid summer of new-car sales, things simmered down a bit in September. Whether September actually broke the long string of year-over-year monthly sales increases depends on how you look at the data. In absolute numbers, sales were down 4% overall. However, there were fewer selling days this year than last. If one looks at the annualized sales pace, we find this September’s rate of 15.3 million units to be better than September 2012’s 14.8 million figure. No matter which way you look at the this-year-versus-last-year scenario, this does constitute a slowdown compared to the summer. Sales fell to their slowest pace since April. The rest of the fall should tell us whether September’s slowdown was mostly just a calendar anomaly abetted by model-year changeover inventory issues, or whether it signals the sating of the public’s pent-up demand for new cars.

Photo Gallery: September 2013 Auto Sales - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: September 2013 Auto Sales - Automobile Magazine

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In Wall Street's retelling of the biblical Book of Samuel, GM is Goliath and electric car maker Tesla is David, the would-be giant slayer.

Hyundai introduced the refreshed 2014 Tucson crossover on Wednesday.

2014 Audi SQ5 First Drive

Doozy Q.

With open-range cattle grazing where they please -- and road signs warning drivers to that effect -- the beautiful, desolate canyon lands of Colorado are equally hospitable to old pickups, trailers, and campers. In this John Ford cowboy milieu, all sandstone monument and sprawling mesa, the 2014 Audi SQ5 looks as spit-shined and citified as a Boston minister fresh off the stagecoach.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Audi SQ5 First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Audi SQ5 First Drive - Automobile Magazine

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AutoNation, the largest U.S. auto retailer, said its new-vehicle sales slipped 10 percent to 20,758 units in September compared with the same month last year. The U.S.

The

GM has rolled out a more generous U.S. employee and retiree discount program that expands special pricing to workers' aunts, uncles and other extended family.

A smaller fall in German car sales in September has strengthened hopes that weakness in Europe's largest car market is easing and sales could stabilise or improve this year.

Toyota's Aqua [Prius C] hybrid was the best selling car in Japan for the third consecutive month in September with sales of roughly 27,000 units, sources told Kyodo News.