Auto News 5

Chrysler filed paperwork for an initial public offering, a move that is expected to pave the way for a merger between the automaker and Fiat.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann says he expects the Urus SUV concept, unveiled last year at the Beijing auto show, to get cleared for production.

Chrysler Group was forced to file paperwork for an initial public offering by its second-biggest shareholder -- the UAW retiree health care trust fund -- prompting Fiat to say it could scale back its commitment to the U.S. automaker.

Even without a free-trade pact, Ford Motor Co. has leaned on European models such as the Ford Fiesta and C-Max to extend its U.S. product line.

Chrysler Group was forced to file paperwork for an initial public offering by its second-biggest shareholder -- the UAW retiree health care trust fund -- prompting Fiat to say it could scale back its commitment to the U.S. automaker.

With their simple body lines and extensive use of recycled materials, BMW's i electric cars establish a new design language for premium but eco-friendly vehicles, says Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW top design executive.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann says he expects the Urus SUV concept, unveiled last year at the Beijing auto show, to get cleared for production.

Chrysler filed paperwork for an initial public offering, a move that is expected to pave the way for a merger between the automaker and Fiat.

Chrysler filed paperwork for an initial public offering, a move that is expected to pave the way for a merger between the automaker and Fiat.

Even without a free-trade pact, Ford Motor Co. has leaned on European models such as the Ford Fiesta and C-Max to extend its U.S. product line.

With their simple body lines and extensive use of recycled materials, BMW's i electric cars establish a new design language for premium but eco-friendly vehicles, says Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW top design executive.

From GMM

Giedo van der Garde has not been ruled out of the running to stay at Caterham beyond 2013.

That is the claim of team 'supremo' Tony Fernandes, who is keen to bring Heikki Kovalainen back into a race seat next season.

"I do not want to start another season with two 'pay drivers'," the Malaysian entrepreneur told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"Kovalainen has a good chance of getting one of the two seats," Tony Fernandes revealed.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Currently, Caterham's drivers are van der Garde, who has struggled at times in 2013, and Frenchman Charles Pic, whose 2014 seat was considered safe due to his strong backing and existing contract.

But Fernandes said van der Garde is also in the running.

"He's come back well after a difficult start. Canada was the low point, when I was thinking I had made a big mistake. But he's had a good recovery; the two times he got through to Q2 were the highlights. And with his sixteenth place in Singapore he performed optimally again.

"We'll have to see how the situation evolves," added Tony Fernandes.

Honda Performance Development has decided to put his upcoming 2.2L V6 twin-turbo engines, which will be mandatory for 2014, into service for the first time during Tuesday's official IndyCar Series test at Fontana.

Most of the series' teams will be on hand to run on the 2.0-mile southern California oval in preparation for the season finale event on October 19th.

According to reports, Schmidt Hamilton Racing's Simon Pagenaud will be ask as well as spending time in his primary No. 77 Hewlett Packard single-turbo Honda to test the new engine in a spare DW12.

Meanwhile, Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage announced that the Texas IndyCar event, the Firestone 550, has been retitled the Firestone 600.

The event, which will take place on June 7th two weeks after the Indianapolis 500, will have an extra 20 lap for a total of 248.

Practice and qualifying will be held June 6, followed by the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

Photo: Honda Racing

The new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet will make their world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. They will go on sale across Canada in early 2014 starting at $183,400 and $221,200, respectively.

Equipped with a 3.8L, 6-cylinder engine that produces 520 horsepower, the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, while the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet generates 560 horsepower and shaves 0.3 second off that time - all while achieving fuel consumption figures of 9.9L/100km on the New European Drive Cycle.

When compared with their respective predecessors, the new cars deliver an extra 30 horsepower, yet burn 15% less fuel.

Photo: Porsche

Famous among luxury and exotic car enthusiasts, the Scotti family inaugurated an all-new dealership on September 18th. Jaguar Land Rover Brossard becomes the brand's largest dealer in the Greater Montreal area.

The event also included the unveiling of the new Jaguar F-Type roadster and Range Rover Sport.

Felix Scotti Jr., Felix Scotti Sn., Lindsay Duffield, President JLR Canada (Photo: Richard Anber)

Jaguar Land Rover Brossard uses a new, modern concept that will be reproduced at all current and future Jaguar dealers across the globe, including the 23 in Canada.

“The opening of Jaguar Land Rover Brossard gives us great pride, because it will quickly become a benchmark for the entire automotive industry,” Felix Scotti said. “And on a personal level, it marks a turning point, because my son will be the CEO, continuing a family tradition of excellence established for over 35 years.”

The new facility can be found at 9425, Taschereau Boulevard and covers 18,000 square feet. The plan is to offer customers a one-of-a-kind experience:

• An internet cafe allowing customers to monitor the service work being performed on their car in real time;
• A cutting-edge service area;
• Vehicle restoration package available.

“It is a great honour that the international concept is implemented here first. The five Scotti brothers demonstrate once again how they are to the forefront of trends and consumer needs,” said Jaguar Land Rover Canada president Lindsay Duffield.

Felix Scotti Jr., Felix Scotti Sn., John Scotti, Paolo Scotti, Orlando Scotti (Photo: Richard Anber)

From GMM

Fernando Alonso's bid to take over a top professional cycling team has collapsed.

Early this month, the Ferrari driver announced advanced negotiations to buy the world tour license of the struggling Spanish team Euskaltel-Euskadi.

But late on Monday, Alonso - a keen amateur cyclist - confirmed that the talks have broken down.

"We've tried it until the end but it's just been impossible to have a cycling team in 2014," he confirmed in a photo statement posted on Twitter.

However, the double world champion said he remains committed to setting up a cycling team, "if need be from scratch", for 2015.

"My passion for this sport, my will to cooperate and do my bit remains intact, so this is only the beginning of the future," Fernando Alonso added.

Those who think Kia doesn't make quality cars need a serious reality check. The all-new 2014 Kia Cadenza impressed me with its luxury, comfort, and wide array of amenities. What's more, people came to me with envious stares, thumbs up, and many nice things to say about it throughout my test week.

What is the Kia Cadenza?
Simply put, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is a brand new and luxurious full-size sedan from Korea. Slotted above the popular Optima, it will inevitably help Kia attract a new generation of buyers.

While it may not have sporty aspirations, the 2014 Kia Cadenza offers tremendous value, especially the base model which starts under $40K.


2014 Kia Cadenza Price and Specs
A 3.3L V6 engine rated at 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque propels the 2014 Kia Cadenza with enthusiasm. Featuring direct injection, this mill pairs up with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and, on my watch, burned a combined 11.2L/100km (30% city, 70% highway).

Two trim levels are available: The one priced at $37,795 is very well equipped, while the Cadenza Premium at $44,995 adds keyless entry, heated rear seats, many extra safety features, and a panoramic sunroof -- basically everything consumers look for in this price range.

A 3.3L V6 engine rated at 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque propels the 2014 Kia Cadenza with enthusiasm. (Photo: Kia)

Driving the 2014 Kia Cadenza
Comfortable, yet not too relaxed, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is quite pleasant to drive. With nearly 300 horses under the hood, acceleration is convincing, and handling manages to surprise.

Engineers integrated a remarkable number of modern technologies. In addition to safety systems like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart Cruise Control, you'll find in the Cadenza Premium goodies such as a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, adaptive HID headlights, and a driver's seat with memory.

The wide A-pillars and large side mirrors of the 2014 Kia Cadenza reduce forward visibility. As for the rear, the backup camera and parking sensors are quite useful. Elsewhere, the 8-way power adjustable seat helps in finding a proper driving position, although the seat may not drop low enough for taller drivers.

On a more negative note, Kia's navigation system is pretty frustrating. You can't zoom easily or enter an intersection as a destination. Fortunately, the rest of the Cadenza is so good that you will quickly forget about it.

Comfortable, yet not too relaxed, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is quite pleasant to drive. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Cadenza
From the outside, the new 2014 Kia Cadenza looks just as stylish as most competitors. Larger than the Optima, it sports fluid lines and a sharp-looking set of headlights. The unmistakable grille nicely fits into the whole picture -- kudos to Peter Schreyer, the former Audi designer who now oversees design operations at both Kia and Hyundai. On the other hand, the two-tone alloy wheels look somewhat cheap despite being 19” in size.

The big, panoramic sunroof certainly boosts the appeal of the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Fit and finish, both inside and out, deserve praise.

From a practical standpoint, I soon realized that the rear seatbacks do not fold down. Instead, there's a centre pass-through for long objects, such as skis -- too bad. Other than that, the rear seats prove roomy and comfortable.

Up front, the 2014 Kia Cadenza's dashboard is clean and modern, in large part thanks to the digital speedometer and tachometer. The various wood trim pieces will likely turn off some younger buyers; however, everything else has been well thought out. The analogue clock adds a touch of prestige that evokes renowned luxury brands.

The unmistakable grille nicely fits into the whole picture. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Comparing the 2014 Kia Cadenza
This Korean import offers plenty of bang for your buck, and could give more expensive German sedans a run for their money. Of course, the ride and handling don't quite match those of Audi or BMW, but if you're looking for a classy and contemporary full-size car, you should totally check it out.

The front-wheel-drive 2014 Kia Cadenza appears a bit more refined than most American rivals including the new Chevrolet Impala, Buick Lacrosse, and Dodge Charger. As for Japan, expect the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima to form a nice opposition.

In the end, the Cadenza stands out with its modern approach, sophisticated looks, plethora of technologies, and Kia's excellent warranty.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he is working hard to ensure the last Brazilian driver does not drop out of F1.

Currently, Felipe Massa is the only Brazilian on the grid, but he has lost his Ferrari seat.

Manager Nicolas Todt is working hard to tap into the Brazilian sponsor market to ensure Massa is in contention for the rides at Lotus, Williams, Force India and Sauber.

It is rumoured the Brazilian broadcaster Globo could also play a vital role.

Brazil and South America are important markets for F1, and so the sport's chief executive Ecclestone told O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper: "I am trying to help; it's not easy, but we're working on it."

Felipe Massa, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

The 82-year-old Briton admitted Massa's career could depend on his ability to take an attractive sponsorship package to his next F1 team.

"If Felipe gets some sponsors, everything will change and Brazil should have a driver on the grid in 2014. A strong economy like the one in Brazil is in a good position to invest in a driver," Bernie Ecclestone said.

Also in the running to tap into that support is the GP2 frontrunner Felipe Nasr, but Toro Rosso recently quelled speculation he might replace the Red Bull-bound Daniel Ricciardo.

"It will be difficult to sign as a race driver in 2014," Felipe Nasr, who is managed by Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson, said in Singapore.

"So I see it (the opportunity) more as third driver, driving the car in practice on Fridays and some of the private testing," he added.

Napa Valley, CA - Perhaps one of the most important vehicles in the hot hatch segment, the recently redesigned MKVII Volkswagen Golf GTI has Vdub fanboys the globe over salivating at the bit to get behind the wheel. They have every right to be excited.

I got the chance for a quick romp in the seventh generation VW GTI, and I was left wanting much, much more. Sometimes, when something is done right the first time, so few changes need to be made along the way to keep it up to date; such is the case with the latest iteration of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Full disclosure: The particular GTI I drove in California was a European-spec model currently on sale in Europe. However, we won't see the GTI on North American shores till 2014 as a 2015 model year car.


What is the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Essentially, the GTI is a pumped up version of the Golf (not as beefed up as the R, but just enough to get the juices flowing). With more horsepower and a racier suspension and handling set-up, the GTI is the granddaddy of hot hatches, and with good reason. In the mid-1970s when the first GTI emerged -- an MKI GTI to be exact -- the idea of a hotted up hatchback with fire under the hood and a need for speed was unheard of. Practical and fun to drive? Who knew? Volkswagen did.

This, now seventh, generation of the Volkswagen GTI furthers the hot-hatch status with plenty of power under the hood and practicality throughout. VW stayed true to its roots and engineered a vehicle that will appeal to enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.

Essentially, the GTI is a pumped up version of the Golf (not as beefed up as the R, but just enough to get the juices flowing). (Photo: Volkswagen)

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI Price and Specs
As this was a European-spec model, I wasn't provided pricing for the new GTI. As the launch date approaches in North America, we'll be sure to announce pricing.

Now, the fun bits: specs for the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Again, while this was a Euro version, the model that ends up on our shores will no doubt carry the same engine specs and performance numbers, which are as follows.

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque delivered at 1,500 rpm. Handles via a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GTI's grunt is superb for a vehicle its size and stature.

The Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Driving the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI
I can't say it enough: This is one hot hatch. Sure, it's larger than the previous generation, but it's also lighter thanks to the ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steel used in 28% of the unibody construction. Yes, it's wider and longer, but it also sits lower for added aerodynamics, which I was sure to test out.

How can you not push a GTI? It's always so happy to comply, and with the quick-to-respond DSG transmission, swapping gears is such a joy. The torque in the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is palpable, in a good way (I love a little bit of torque steer in a hot hatch, gives the car a bit of ‘tude, of which the GTI has plenty).

My only niggle with the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI was this: The steering wheel is humongous. It makes the car feel like it's large to drive, but it's just the bus-like steering wheel that throws you off. Otherwise, driving position is stellar, cornering is spectacular and acceleration and braking are effortless.

Oh, and the sound of that 2.0L TSI and exhaust burble is enough to make anyone smile.

Yes, it's wider and longer, but it also sits lower for added aerodynamics, which I was sure to test out. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Inside and out of the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI
As mentioned above, the Mk VII Golf got a bit bigger, but not fatter, and that's OK in my books. The new look is one of sophistication and class. I love the clean front end and mean-looking front grill. The pinched grille (with that subtle GTI red line) and angular headlights are exactly what you'd expect a hot hatch fascia to look like.

Inside, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is all grown up. Shades of Audi have trickled into VW, and it's easy to see in the seventh generation of the Golf. As I mentioned in my Golf TDI review, this interior is roomy and classy; a great place to be.

Inside, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI is all grown up. Shades of Audi have trickled into VW, and it's easy to see in the seventh generation of the Golf. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI
While it may be the granddaddy of hot hatches, the GTI has some serious competition at the moment. Ford's Focus ST is steeling hearts and dollars at the dealerships, and the MINI Cooper S continues to do so despite a lack of a major facelift in quite some time. Despite that, Volkswagen has a loyal fan base and the GTI has built much of that. This latest generation will not disappoint the diehards or the newbies.

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko thinks Mark Webber's fans were also booing Sebastian Vettel on the podium in Singapore.

As the reigning triple world champion's dominance continues, so too has the apparent disapproval of formula one fans.

It has raised interesting questions. Vettel thinks the ardent Ferrari fans are simply "emotional" that Fernando Alonso is being beaten.

Others think the German's dominance but also his personality are starting to bite hard.

"The booing is increasingly annoying," Red Bull's Marko told the German newspaper Bild, "but explainable."

"In Singapore, Alonso and Webber have many fans who do not like Seb," he insisted.

Sebastian Vettel, winner of the Singapore Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Webber's fans feel betrayed by Vettel's actions in Malaysia, which became known as the 'multi 21' affair.

"Forget the track stuff," Mark Webber told the Guardian newspaper this week.

"We've had some private discussions and we weren't super-happy with how they went and how we felt about each other. It's tested the relationship to the maximum," he revealed.

But according to some, the aversion to Vettel's personality is not just limited to Australians and the 'tifosi'.

Indeed, Marko was asked about Vettel's controversial statement after the Singapore grand prix, whilst considering his and Red Bull's domination of F1.

"Whilst there's a lot of people hanging their balls in the pool very early on Fridays, we're still here working very hard and pushing very hard," Vettel had said.

But Marko insisted: "I find what he said great and pithy and anyway it's true.

"Seb wants to keep the workload just as high in the team as it has been. That's why we are bringing in Daniel Ricciardo, a young, hungry driver who will continue to push. Not Kimi Raikkonen," he added.

Helmut Marko has yet another theory.

"Sebastian is not as transparent as a Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton," Mark said, "who tweet their thoughts all around the world. Sebastian sacredly protects his private life wherever it is possible."