Auto News 5

The McLaren MP4-12C CAN-AM enjoyed its first track time in North America today at Autodrome St-Eustache. Naturally, Auto123.com was on hand to capture the action.

Inspired from the GT-3, McLaren's new supercar is motivated by a 3.8L twin-turbo V8 engine that cranks out 630 horsepower. It costs around $600,000.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Former Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica crashed his Citroen DS3 RRC when testing for the Rally Poland, round of the FIA European Rally Championship.

Kubica's LOTOS-sponsored Citroen suffered extensive, but repairable damage in Tuesday's crash. Both Kubica and co-driver Maciej Baran were luckily uninjured.

Here is a video of the accident that happened on a very small gravel road.

From press release

Volkswagen's Andreas Mikkelsen holds a slender overnight lead of Rally Australia after the opening two stages on Thursday evening. 

The Norwegian was fastest on the first pass of the Super Special in downtown Coffs Harbour - run as SS1 - and second on the second (SS2) to hold a 0.9sec advantage over Citroen DS3 driver Kris Meeke. Mikkelsen's Volkswagen team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala is third, 0.5sec behind Meeke. 

Andreas Mikkelsen (Photo: VW)

It is the first time that Mikkelsen has led a WRC rally, but it was a close call after he clipped a barrier with the left-hand front corner of his Polo R on the second loop. The water, sprayed on the dry earth sections to keep the dust clouds down, made conditions unexpectedly slippery for many of the WRC crews.

Cheered on by grandstands full of spectators, crews tackled the tight and twisty mixed surface test in pairs with headlights blazing.

Drivers' championship leader Sebastien Ogier ended the day fourth, and looking forward to Friday, when the action switches to the twisty gravel roads south of Coffs Harbour. 

Mikko Hirvonen is fifth, with Thierry Neuville sixth and Mads Ostberg - who complained of bad understeer - seventh. 

On September 12th, 1963, Porsche unveiled the original 911 at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany. Actually, 901 was its internal project number, but Peugeot protested on the grounds that in France it had exclusive rights to car names formed by three numbers with a zero in the middle. So, instead of selling the new model with another name in France, Porsche changed it to 911. Production began in September 1964.

The first generation weighed 1,080 kg and stood 4,163 mm long. It could reach 200 km/h thanks to a 128-hp, flat-six engine. Styling was the work of Ferdinand Porsche's son.

Despite a tepid initial response by consumers, the Porsche 911 went on to become one of the most iconic and successful cars of all time, both on the road and the track.

To celebrate 50 years of 911 production, Porsche this week unveiled in Frankfurt a 911 50th Anniversary Edition limited to 1,963 units, 50 of which will be sold in Canada.

Source : lefigaro.fr

1963, Porsche Type 901 (Photo: Porsche)

911 50th anniversary edition (Photo: Porsche)

From Maritime Pro Stock Tour

Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour will close out another sensational season this Saturday at Scotia Speedworld, Nova Scotia with the Dartmouth Dodge 200.

After 12 events in five cities, over 40 competitors and 1,650 feature laps, it all comes down to the final 200 circuits to decide who will be crowned the 2013 Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour Champion - and who will cash the $10,000.00 cheque!

Qualifying for the Dartmouth Dodge 200 gets underway at 3:10 pm with the Atlantic Tiltload Time Trials followed by championship racing set for 4 pm. Grandstand gates open at 1 pm.

Three-time series champion John Flemming (Halifax, NS) enters the Season Finale Dartmouth Dodge 200 with a 49 point lead over fellow three-time series champ Shawn Tucker (Fredericton, NB).

Tucker has been dominating the second half of the season but even if he is able to pull off his fifth win of the season and take the Linde Most Lap Led Award, it would give him the maximum 210 points, meaning Flemming will still only need to finish 19th or better in order to take home his fourth title.

The Exide Batteries Rookie of the Year title will also be decided on Saturday at the Dartmouth Dodge 200. What started as four contenders has come down to just two. Dylan Blenkhorn (Truro, NS) currently leads the rookie title chase and sits eighth in the series standings. Blenkhorn has a solid 44 point lead over his closest competitor Cole Butcher (Porter's Lake, NS) who ranks 10th in standings heading into the season finale.

The Dartmouth Dodge Sportsman, Scotia Speedworld's Weekly Racing Series premier division, will take centre stage to determine their champion in a 50-lap feature prior to the Dartmouth Dodge 200. Darren Wallage (Oakfield, NS) enters the race with a 25 point lead over reigning Sportsman champion Aaron Boutilier (Porter's Lake, NS).

The Hydraulics Plus Bandolero cars will also decide their champion on Saturday afternoon. Adam Meehan (Rawdon, NS) enters the final race of the season with a significant 30 point spread over Braden Langille (Shubenacadie, NS).

Admission for Saturday's Season Finale Dartmouth Dodge 200 is $30 for adults; $5 for youth; pit admission is $35. Two day passes are also available - adults are $35, two day pit passes are $40 and include admission to the Weekly Racing Series Season Finale, Friday at 7 pm. Children 7 and under are admitted for free all weekend.

Unveiled earlier this week at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse will be limited to 50 units worldwide, and only 15 of those will be sold in North America (three in Canada).

Pricing for the yellow-only supercar is set at $259,100 USD.

As a quick reminder, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse uses a 570-horsepower V10 engine to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 10.4 seconds. Top speed is rated at 320 km/h.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Ferrari officially launched the new 458 Speciale at the opening of the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show.

This car is even more powerful than the 458 Italia thanks to a naturally aspirated, 4.5L V8 engine that produces 597 horsepower. In fact, it's the most potent V8 ever built by Ferrari. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes three seconds.

Tipping the scales at 1,290 kg, the Ferrari 458 Speciale is equipped with moveable front and rear flaps and lateral skirts for aerodynamic efficiency. A new electronics system called Side Slip Angle Control (SSC), developed by Ferrari, helps improve stability control.

The Ferrari 458 Speciale boasts many other technological innovations for the most demanding buyers, who look for an exceptional driving experience.

Pricing and availability have not been announced.

Photo: Ferrari

The never-before auctioned 1977 James Hunt McLaren-Ford M26 will play starring role October 31 to November 3 at the Charlotte Convention Center RKMCCA auction.

RK Motors Collector Car Auctions will offer collector car enthusiasts the first-ever opportunity to bid on James Hunt's iconic 1977 McLaren M26 (Lot #3032).

This is the car Master James Hunt drove to his last-ever Formula 1 victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1977 at the Fuji Speedway, beating Carlos Reutemann in a Ferrari and Patrick Depailler in a 6-wheel Tyrrell.

James Hunt, McLaren-Ford M26. (Photo: WRi2)

The M26, chassis number 3, is powered by a Ford Cosworth DFV V8 normally aspirated engine that produced 490 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and fitted with a Hewland gearbox.

The M26 has been beautifully preserved and is race-ready, capable of 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 195mph.

The November RKMCCA auction will feature hundreds of collector cars representing multiple categories of investment-grade vehicles, from America's favorite muscle cars to rare European entries.

James Hunt, McLaren-Ford M26. (Photo: WRi2)

Regardless of what letter or words you place after its name -- whether c or v or Plug-in -- Toyota's Prius is an ambassador for amazing fuel economy. However, they're not always the most exciting to drive.

Does that really matter in a commuter setting? In stop-and-go traffic, we're all equals. Even if you have a supped-up Supra, FR-S, or Italian-stallion sports car, we're all inching along complaining about how much it sucks and griping about where we have to be in 17 minutes... 16 now. Ticktock.

Even when you do catch a break, chances are you can't open the car up that much anyway. Or if you do, you always run the risk of having a stern talking to (or more) by local law enforcement agents.

However, of all the Prius family members (there are four), the c -- which stands for city -- has the most personality and doesn't entirely leave the fun-to-drive factor out of the equation. So, I'll call it the Prius pf (personality fun) from now on -- or maybe not. I'll leave the nomenclature to Toyota.


What is the 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology?
The Prius c is the baby of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive-powered vehicles. It's also the smallest of the bunch, but has room for five and 481 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats.

Draped in a Magnetic Grey Metallic coat, I find it has some character in its lines and is kind of cute.

The Prius c is the baby of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive-powered vehicles. It's also the smallest of the bunch, but has room for five and 481 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2013 Toyota Prius c Technology Price and Specs
When it comes to pricing, the MSRP of the 2013 Prius c Technology is $23,415. With the fees and destination charges, it amounts to $25,115.20 (excluding tax). However, if you just want the pure pleasure of driving a Prius c, minus the fancy bells and whistles, that has a base MSRP of $20,440.

Amazing fuel efficiency results can be attributed to the Toyota Prius c's 1.5L, 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Amazing fuel efficiency results can be attributed to the Toyota Prius c's 1.5L, 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). (Photo: Toyota)

Driving the 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology
On paper, the car's net horsepower of 100 doesn't seem like a lot. It's not, but it's sufficient for romping around town. Off the line, the 2013 Prius c Technology is not winning pink slips. Then again, that's not what it was designed and engineered to dor.

What it was designed for is amazing fuel economy. The 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology sips an estimated 3.5L/100km in the city and on the highway 4.0L/100km for a combined consumption of 3.7L/100km.

For even more efficiency, press the ECO Mode or EV Mode button, located by the hand brake. The EV mode allows you to drive in electric mode at lower speeds, therefore saving you more fuel. It's perfect for snail-speed situations, not that there's anything perfect about gridlock!

For even more efficiency, press the ECO Mode or EV Mode button, located by the hand brake. The EV mode allows you to drive in electric mode at lower speeds, therefore saving you more fuel. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology
Inside, there's a welcoming setup and one that has user-friendly written all over it. You're greeted by comfy seats, an easy-to-use centre stack and a gear selector that is unmistakably Prius. What does that mean? It's capped with a blue top reminding you that you're in a hybrid. Although, the real reminder comes at the pump.

The steering-wheel-mounted controls allow you to adjust things like temperature settings, audio mode and volume, but also display them on the digital dash above the centre stack. That way, you don't have to look down at the wheel when adjusting the various functions.

The “Technology” designation adds to this 2013 Prius c a display audio system with navigation.

It features a 6” touchscreen, Bluetooth with wireless music streaming, and a unique “text to voice” feature that converts text messages from your phone into voice messages through the speakers.

Along with the navi system, there's a standard Multi-Information Display which shows such information as driving range, fuel consumption, elapsed time and outside temperature.

Just what I need: The 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology can evaluate my driving habits! However, it's for the greater good. It shows how you can save on fuel and improve your overall driving experience.

Inside, there's a welcoming setup and one that has user-friendly written all over it. You're greeted by comfy seats, an easy-to-use centre stack and a gear selector that is unmistakably Prius. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology
As for the Prius c's competition? Well, there really isn't a direct hybrid competitor. There are compact cars with impressive fuel numbers like the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa Note, Honda Fit or Chevrolet Sonic.

This 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg's manager has expressed disappointment with how Ferrari broke the bad news to the German driver this week.

It has emerged that Hulkenberg was seriously considered by the Maranello based team as the replacement for Felipe Massa.

But when Ferrari ultimately signed Raikkonen, the Italian squad let Hulkenberg know in the form of a mere text message, the German driver's manager Werner Heinz has revealed.

"After two months of negotiations, I expected at least a phone call," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Werner said five lawyers worked for eight weeks on the Ferrari contract, where ultimately the only missing link was president Luca di Montezemolo's signature.

"The contracts went back and forth and in the end only had to be signed," Heinz told the German newspaper Bild.

"Domenicali sent us a SMS at 22.50 on Tuesday," he added.

Heinz continued: "Now Ferrari has signed Kimi we are talking again with Lotus. It looks like they are set for 2014."

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, at Monza. (Photo: WRi2)

Switzerland's Blick newspaper said a return to Sahara Force India is Hulkenberg's 'plan B'.

Lotus team boss Eric Boullier confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg is in the running.

"Of course," he told RMC Sport, "as are all the drivers that are available. Felipe Massa is also available, so he is inevitably on the list. These are drivers whose management approached us."

Not often does a first-year driver perform well enough in Pro Am to graduate to the Pro series.

This is exactly what Jonathan Guitard did behind the wheel of his Toyota Soarer. He drifted for the first time on April 27th, 2013 at ICAR. After his first Pro Am competition, he jumped right into Pro, as of the 2nd round.

Guitard raced in every leg of the 2013 DMCC Pro Am Championship, and is very proud of his 5th place ranking.

Here's what I've learned about the Terrebonne driver.

Auto123: Where does your passion for drifting come from ?
JG: I was a member of Marc Landreville's team a few years back. We're buddies, so I was always happy to lend him a hand on race day. That's how I discovered this sport.

A while later, Francis Tassé was looking to add a member to his team. I learned a lot while there. I got the bug from being so close to the people and the race-day action, so last winter I decided to prepare a car to run in the DMCC series.

Auto123: What are some of the modifications to your car?
JG: My Toyota Soarer was completely unmodified when I purchased it. I replaced the V8 with a Supra engine. APS Performance did all the work. The only modification on my part was the lower skirts on the rocker panels. My friend, François Tassé, helped, but I needed to do at least a small bit of work for my ego's sake!

Auto123: What is the engine output now?
JG: The first engine suffered damage from a lack of fuel at the Ste-Croix event at the start of the season. I now have a new engine. I've squeezed out 475 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque running on racing fuel.

Auto123: Did you set a goal for this season?
JG: No, not really. I just wanted to qualify at each event. I'm pleased with my season. The results were quite surprising, enough to encourage me to enter the Pro category. Why not? I'm lucky to be surrounded by a great group of friends, as I don't have any sponsors. I actually bought the car with Frédéric Marineau, who rarely drifts, so I'm behind the wheel much more often than he is.

One of my goals is to improve every time I'm on the track. The fact that I've participated in a number of Pro events pushed me to improve even faster.

Auto123: What are your plans for next year ?
JG: Realistically, I need to find sponsors for next season. But I'm so motivated and pleased with what went on this year that, whatever happens, I'll find a way to participate in the 2014 campaign. I plan to participate in every Pro event next year. I'll have to modify my car in order to get the proper front-wheel angles if I want to be more competitive. Above everything else, I want to continue to progress and improve, as I've done these past few months.

Photo: Antoine de Cardaillac

From press release

Volkswagen's Andreas Mikkelsen holds a slender overnight lead of Rally Australia after the opening two stages on Thursday evening. 

The Norwegian was fastest on the first pass of the Super Special in downtown Coffs Harbour - run as SS1 - and second on the second (SS2) to hold a 0.9sec advantage over Citroen DS3 driver Kris Meeke. Mikkelsen's Volkswagen team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala is third, 0.5sec behind Meeke. 

Andreas Mikkelsen (Photo: VW)

It is the first time that Mikkelsen has led a WRC rally, but it was a close call after he clipped a barrier with the left-hand front corner of his Polo R on the second loop. The water, sprayed on the dry earth sections to keep the dust clouds down, made conditions unexpectedly slippery for many of the WRC crews.

Cheered on by grandstands full of spectators, crews tackled the tight and twisty mixed surface test in pairs with headlights blazing.

Drivers' championship leader Sebastien Ogier ended the day fourth, and looking forward to Friday, when the action switches to the twisty gravel roads south of Coffs Harbour. 

Mikko Hirvonen is fifth, with Thierry Neuville sixth and Mads Ostberg - who complained of bad understeer - seventh. 

The McLaren MP4-12C CAN-AM enjoyed its first track time in North America today at Autodrome St-Eustache. Naturally, Auto123.com was on hand to capture the action.

Inspired from the GT-3, McLaren's new supercar is motivated by a 3.8L twin-turbo V8 engine that cranks out 630 horsepower. It costs around $600,000.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Unveiled earlier this week at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse will be limited to 50 units worldwide, and only 15 of those will be sold in North America (three in Canada).

Pricing for the yellow-only supercar is set at $259,100 USD.

As a quick reminder, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse uses a 570-horsepower V10 engine to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 10.4 seconds. Top speed is rated at 320 km/h.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

FIA's safety delegate for Formula 1, Charlie Whiting Wednesday inspected Mexico City's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Rumours started circulating in August that the 2014 F1 schedule would include a Grand Prix in Mexico.

A local newspaper reports that Whiting inspected the road course with Federico Alamán, director of Special Events Ocesa, administrator of the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, Tavo Hellmund, who worked on the return of F1 in America as well as Hermann Tilke and Mexican FIA representatives.

Whiting 's visit began shortly after 10 am and lasted about three hours.

The newspaper indicatef that the circuit would need extensive work to meet the requirements of the FIA for a Grade 1 licence needed to stage the Formula 1 race.

The road course was built in the late 50's and was inaugurated on December 20, 1959.

From GMM

Felipe Massa has leapt into contention to replace the Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus.

Both the Brazilian's manager Nicolas Todt, and Lotus team boss Eric Boullier, have revealed 32-year-old Massa is in the running for what Todt describes as "the best seat" left on the 2014 grid.

"What is certain is that other teams are interested in Felipe," Todt, speaking after Wednesday's news that Raikkonen will replace Massa at Ferrari next year, told Canal Plus.

"Felipe will never play second fiddle in a small team, so what we need to do is find him a car that allows him to play a leading role in formula one. For sure, the best team today, the most interesting seat, is the one left behind by Raikkonen.

"After that, is it the only interesting seat? We'll see," added Todt. "It will be important to pay attention and be responsive in the coming weeks."

However, until now, the favourite to replace Raikkonen at Lotus has been Nico Hulkenberg, who was also in contention for the Ferrari seat.

Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Lotus team boss Eric Boullier told RMC Sport: "Felipe Massa is also available, so he is inevitably on the list.

"But let's not go too fast in activating the 'plan B'," said Boullier. "We are the only team left with a good seat available, and so inevitably this will affect many people."

It seems obvious that, in the interests of continuity, Raikkonen's departure has strengthened the case for Romain Grosjean to keep the other seat.

"It (Raikkonen's departure) can be good for him (Grosjean)," Boullier said, "because after growing for two years next to a world champion, he can unite the team and build it around him and prove he can be the leader.

"It can be an opportunity for him," he added, "but he must finish the championship well."

Felipe Massa, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

As for Felipe Massa, his Brazilian countryman Rubens Barrichello said he was sad to hear that his friend had lost his Ferrari seat.

"But there is life after Ferrari, and I'm proof of that," he is quoted by Globo.

"To race for Ferrari is the most sensational thing there is, but afterwards there is a release, a little less pressure. There is a moment of pain, but then life afterwards, and even things in life that are better," Barrichello added.

Another former F1 driver and Brazilian, Luciano Burti, also commented: "I know that Sauber would be interested in having him back, but it would not be a high-end car.

"It depends on what Felipe wants," he added.

From IMSA

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) announced today that watch maker TUDOR has been named entitlement partner for the next five years of what now will be known as the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

The IMSA announcement this morning precedes TUDOR's official U.S. launch this evening during New York Fashion Week.

The TUDOR United SportsCar Championship extends ties of the prestigious Swiss watchmaking market to premier U.S. sports car racing dating back to 1959, when NASCAR Founder and IMSA Co-Founder Bill France Sr. and Rolex formed their initial relationship.

Rolex will continue to serve as Title Sponsor of the annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, and Official Timepiece at Sebring International Raceway and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida.

“For years TUDOR has been inspired by motorsports,” said TUDOR Brand Manager Russell Kelly. “This new partnership between TUDOR and IMSA allows us to elevate our commitment to sports car racing. This is the perfect alignment between partners dedicated to performance and precision.”

In 1926, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf registered “The Tudor” brand and established Montres Tudor SA in 1946.

The inaugural TUDOR United SportsCar Championship will debut next January with the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona. The complete 2014 schedule will be announced at a later date.

From BMW

When Canadian Bruno Spengler takes to the track at Oschersleben this weekend, the reigning champion will rely on the support of countless fans - just as he can at every race.

However, his supporters will be even closer to him than usual when the eighth round of the year gets underway: Spengler's BMW Bank M3 DTM will display a special livery, made up of the names of his many fans.

“This is another fantastic promotion by our premium partner, BMW Bank,” said Spengler.

“My fans are very important to me. I try to take time out for them every race weekend and sign as many autographs as possible, although this is not always easy with all the hectic going on around us. The fact that so many fans took part in the ‘Drive like You' promotion, and that I now have so many names on my car, will give me an extra boost for the race in Oschersleben.”

Photo: Bruno Spengler, BMW M3 DTM (Photo: BMW)

From the start of May to the end of August, DTM fans were able to register for the very special fan promotion on the website www.drivelikebruno.de. The sheer volume of registrations received from Spengler's fans means every square centimetre of his BMW Bank M3 DTM will be covered for the race at the “Motorsport Arena Oschersleben”.

Earlier in the week, Spengler made a spectacular appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, where he thrilled the media and guests in attendance.

The Canadian entered the stage at the BMW Group press conference in the BMW Bank M3 DTM, before discussing last year's title win, the current DTM season and the allure of BMW M with Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW. Afterwards, Spengler gave interviews, explored the BMW stand at the IAA, and took a tour of the largest automobile trade fair in the world.

With just three races remaining, Spengler has his sights set on closing the gap on the leaders in the DTM Drivers' Championship on Sunday. The Canadian emerged empty-handed from his last two races in Moscow and at the Nürburgring. Spengler currently has 67 points, 39 less than championship leader Mike Rockenfeller (Audi).

Irvine, California - I've never hidden the fact that I'm not a fan of Nissan's Rogue. Of all their products, the Rogue has always been the least like a modern Nissan: bland, uninspired, and plain looking. This has not stopped the Rogue from being fairly popular with the North American buyer.

My main issue with our Rogue has long been the subject of this review: the Qashqai. I'm fortunate enough to travel to Europe a few times a year, and regardless of which country I end up in I see Qashqais everywhere. I now know why.

The Nissan Qashqai is not only far more appealing visually but also more involving once behind the wheel. As with most products aimed at European markets (the Micra is an exception), ride and handling settings are tuned for sharper responses that worked out well on the roads north east of Irvine. The 1.6L diesel is a fine example of power and efficiency, and the cabin is familiar territory, which is a good thing.

I almost want to wish that we'd never had the Rogue and got the Qashqai from the very start, but I need to give the '14 Rogue seen at the Nissan 360, a chance first.


What is a Nissan Qashqai?
The 2014 Nissan Qashqai is qualified in certain market as the ultimate urban car. Over on our shores, it would be considered a compact crossover given its tall-ish stature and 5-door body configuration -- an equivalent to our Rogue.

In fact, the Rogue and Qashqai share the same platform and therefore resemble each other size-wise. This also explains why the 2014 Rogue will now feature a 3rd row of seats as the Qashqai is offered with a +2 configuration.

2014 Nissan Qashqai Price and Specs
In the United Kingdom, the Qashqai is offered at a staring price of £16,895 or at 20,540€ in France. My tester was a 1.6L dci diesel FWD with the 6-speed manual gearbox. As best as I can make out, the retail prices are at £23, 590 or 27,010€ in each country respectively.

Obviously, and as with the Micra, these are astronomical sums for this type of vehicle on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. In order to be competitive, a base Qashqai could not sport a base price of more than $24,000, like the Rogue, in Canada.

The Qashqai can be ordered with no less than five engine and three transmission choices. My tester sported the mid-range 1.6L diesel engine good for 130 horsepower. Both 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions are standard depending on trim, while a CVT and AWD are optional.

Shifting is a pleasure in the 2014 Nissan Qashqai as the shifter's six throws are short and sharp. (Photo: Nissan)

Driving the Nissan Qashqai
I was not disappointed with my time at the wheel of the Nissan Qashqai. As I stated earlier, this is a vehicle aimed at the European and Japanese (as the Dualis) markets where handling typically trumps comfort.

The ride proved very taut providing expected excellent handling abilities for this type of vehicle. On the smoother, twistier stretches, the Qashqai danced with confidence. On the whole, the suspension's firmness would have to be dialed back for North America.

In line with the ride, steering was quick and direct, perfectly matched to the chassis' tuning. The Nissan Qashqai's 4-wheel discs were easily up to the task, and I especially appreciated the middle pedal's response and feel.

The turbo diesel 1.6L dci engine affords the Qashqai with better than decent off-the-line acceleration. On some of the steeper mountain passes, a little more oomph would have been valued, hence why I would suspect that the larger 150 horsepower 2.0L dci engine would be the only diesel to come our way, should that ever be the case.

Shifting is a pleasure in the 2014 Nissan Qashqai as the shifter's six throws are short and sharp. Throttle and brake pedal placement is fair for those who enjoy heel-toeing.

In line with the ride, steering was quick and direct, perfectly matched to the chassis' tuning. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Nissan Qashqai
The 2014 Nissan Qashqai has a very trendy and current Nissan design, whereas the current 2013 Nissan Rogue sports an especially insipid and (let's face it) uninspired shape. Thankfully, the 2014 Rogue addresses the issue.

The principal differences come from the front quarters of the Qashqai which feature a strong hood line, and squat shoulders. Again, let's give the 2014 Rogue a chance...

The 2014 Nissan Qashqai's cabin is a near carbon copy of the 2013 Rogue's. This translates into fair to spot-on ergonomics, decent build and assembly quality and comfortable front seats. Trunk space is quite good, in line with what would be its competition.

The 2014 Nissan Qashqai's cabin is a near carbon copy of the 2013 Rogue's. (Photo: Nissan)

Comparing the 2014 Nissan Qashqai
The 2014 Nissan Qashqai would make (or is that would have?) a killing in its segment, as would the Micra.

It would challenge the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, and others. It is clear that this is a tough category to crack, and I'm not saying that the Qashqai would clean up but it would have done better than the Rogue. As we all know, attractive styling is vital and the Qashqai has it.

Toyota unveiled the Yaris Hybrid-R today at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. This sporty little concept comes in white with blue accents, a remarkable front grille similar to that of Ford's newest models, along with 18'' wheels.

The white and blue interior boasts Recaro seats and Alcantara on the dashboard.

Under the short hood is a 1.6L four-cylinder engine rated at a whopping 300 horsepower and paired with two 60-horsepower electric motors for a grand total of 420 horsepower.

Toyota has not yet announced production plans.

Source: caradisiac.com

Photo: Toyota