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News 10 Sep, 2013

iV-4 hints 
at crossover the size of a supermini to rival Dacia Duster and Nissan Juke

News 10 Sep, 2013

Renault Espace is previewed at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show

News 10 Sep, 2013

Renault Espace is previewed at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show

News 10 Sep, 2013

Mercedes S-Class coupe is due next year with prices set to start at £75,000

News 10 Sep, 2013

Racing version of Mercedes CLA 45 AMG revealed

Pictures 10 Sep, 2013

Former BMW styling boss Chris Bangle believes current car design is standing still in a fast-moving world.

Former BMW styling boss Chris Bangle believes current car design is standing still in a fast-moving world.

Lamborghini's race with Bentley to build the world's most expensive SUV reflects the competition among VW's 12 brands.

Lamborghini's race with Bentley to build the world's most expensive SUV reflects the competition among VW's 12 brands.

Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell sees signs that the European economy's tailspin has stopped. He cited business purchasing data, flattening of unemployment levels and the ability of hard-hit southern European countries to borrow.

Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell sees signs that the European economy's tailspin has stopped. He cited business purchasing data, flattening of unemployment levels and the ability of hard-hit southern European countries to borrow.

From GMM

Renault has denied the departure of the French carmaker's chief operating officer Carlos Tavares will affect the formula one programme.

Media reports last week suggested the exit of motor racing enthusiast Tavares would "almost certainly have some impact" on the approach taken in F1 by Renault, who supply engines to multiple teams.

But when asked what the impact will be on F1, Renault Sport chief Jean-Michel Jalinier insisted: "Nothing changes. We have multi-year programmes and, personally, I answer directly to Carlos Ghosn.

"Our commitment remains unchanged, because the new formula one engines are more consistent with our interests," he told the Quattroruote publication at Monza.

From GMM

Bahrain will celebrate its tenth anniversary as a formula one host by staging next year's race under lights.

Although 2014 will not be the tenth Bahrain grand prix, because the race was removed from the calendar in 2011 due to the island Kingdom's civil unrest outbreak, it will be the tenth anniversary of the first race in 2004.

To mark the occasion, circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani revealed earlier this year: "We are looking at many options. A night race could be one of them, but it is not the only one. There are pros and cons to doing it."

It appears the 'pros' have won the day, with European publications Speed Week (Germany) and Italiaracing (Italy) reporting that the deal was agreed between Alzayani and Bernie Ecclestone at Monza at the weekend.

Night race atmosphere in Abu Dhabi. (Photo: WRi2)

Speed Week said the news will be confirmed 'in the coming days', while Italiaracing said the work to install the lighting systems should be complete by February.

According to the draft calendar that did the rounds at Monza, Bahrain will host the fifth round of the 2014 championship, in late April.

Speed Week correspondent Mathias Brunner said: "It is still unclear whether Bahrain will be a twilight race, like Abu Dhabi, or a pure night race, like Singapore."

Napa Valley, CA - We often think of new vehicle launches in terms of new exterior looks, interior amenities, cool new technologies, and the like. Often times, the underpinnings are left to the geeky engineers, the mechanics and those with a greasy thumb. However, when I was invited to Napa Valley to drive the new 2014 Volkswagen model lineup, I was most intrigued by the brand new 1.8L TSI engine soon to be available in the Jetta, Passat and Beetle.

Referred to as the EA888, this isn't the first time Volkswagen has used this 1.8T engine. It first appeared in the European '09 CC, but wasn't nearly as efficient then as it is now. This EA888 Gen 3 direct-injected turbocharged 4-cylinder offers up the same horsepower numbers as the outgoing 2.5L that it replaces (170), and torque numbers increase by seven for a total of 184 lb-ft over the engine it replaces.

What does all this mean? For starters, those who poo-poo the 1.8L for being smaller and therefore less powerful than the 2.5L need to look at the numbers to see that's not true at all. In fact, it's more powerful (in terms of torque), and more importantly more fuel efficient. How fuel efficient? Well, Volkswagen claims the 1.8T offers a 17% decrease in fuel consumption over the 2.5L -- all the while offering up more off-the-line acceleration.

Speaking of 0-100km times, the new 1.8T's increased torque means the Jetta 1.8T will get to the 100 mark in an estimated 7.3 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds faster than the outgoing 2.5L.

Sounds win-win to me; and I feel like it will be for many potential VW buyers, as well.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Less is more
Fewer litres, less fuel burned and reduced internal friction: all things the 1.8T has “lost” in the name of some serious gains in terms of power, performance and fuel economy. In this case, smaller really is better as the EPA rating jumps from 31 MPG on the highway to 36.

The EA888's weight reduction undoubtedly helped those EPA ratings as well. Through the use of high-strength alloy for the pistons, lightweight polymers for the oil pan and the use of aluminum for various parts, the third generation EA888 is 8lbs lighter, coming in at just 290lbs.

Less heat in the engine through exhaust gas thermal management in the new EA888 almost ensures maximum proficiency. Cooler air entering the turbocharger means cooler engine operating temperatures, thus improved overall efficiency. Volkswagen achieved this by “chilling” exhaust gases through the water-cooled exhaust manifold, making them approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit cooler. This all means at least a 20% reduction in fuel consumption when driving on the highway.

As it stands, the new 1.8 TSI will be featured in the upcoming 2014 Jetta, Passat and eventually the Beetle. If you're one of the lucky few who've bought a late-model 2013 Jetta or Passat, you may already have a 1.8T under the hood, as VW started to sneak those in already where they could as they've begun full production of the engine in their brand new plant in Silao, Mexico.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Continue reading New Engine breathes New Life into VW

Kia today launched a compact crossover concept with butterfly doors at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Called Niro, this Nissan Juke rival stands 4,185 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,558 mm tall.

Riding on 20'' wheels, the Kia Niro offers 2+2 seating with a 50/50 split rear bench. Under the hood, you'll find a 1.6L turbocharged engine that generates 160 horsepower through a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, while the rear wheels are driven by a 33 kilowatt electric motor.

The interior of the Kia Niro features aluminum inserts and a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather. The centre screen can display altitude, compass, navigation, Bluetooth, and entertainment information.

Kia doesn't plan to enter production with the Niro, but based on consumer response, this concept may serve as inspiration for a future road model.

Source : caradisiac.com

Photo: Kia

From Toyo Tire F1600 Series

The Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Series is back at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the BEMC Indian Summer races, rounds 11 and 12 of the Championship.

The Title fight for A Class honours has two combatants nearly neck-and-neck at the top of the points with only 4 races remaining.

Zach Robichon of Ottawa, Ontario and Jack Mitchell, Jr., of Clarendon Hills, Illinois have almost equal statistics on paper at this point in the season. Before drops Robichon is the points leader based on his consistent finishing record and 3 wins. Mitchell, Jr. is on top of the points after drops so far based on his outright pace and 4 trips to the top step of the podium.

After missing the Calabogie round 4th place Shane Jantzi returns and will be very strong. It is not known at this time whether 3rd place Jesse Lazare will be competing as he just finished up back-to-back weekends in Calabogie with F1600 and last weekend in USF2000 at Laguna Seca.

Wisconson's Max Hanratty could be the dark horse in A Class as his pace and confidence have risen steadily as the season has worn on. He was very strong last time out at CTMP and was in contention for a win. This could be his weekend to break through. He will be joined by teammate Thomas McGregor in a Spectrum Honda.

We are excited that Bob Perona, an IndyCar mechanic from Indiana will be taking advantage of an off weekend and making the trip north with his Piper and competing in this weekend's event. Marc Bishara will also be entered in his Van Diemen.

Craig Willis has been smashing records all season long and sits atop the “B” Class Championship points standings with a comfortable margin over Rookie Connor Wagland and Mike Lee.

Willis may not have all things his way this weekend as ultra-quick Andrew Mason is entered and will be looking for nothing but a win.

A surprise entry is Stephen Adams, a former Esso Protec series front runner and father of last season's A Class champion Michael Adams. He has made it clear he is just out for some fun but suspicions are he will be a great storyline once the green flag is waved.

Steve Bodrug, Bruce Kitchen and Bill Tebbut will also be back to compete in the always intense B Class battle.

Cars will hit the track on Friday for a full day of testing and the racing will begin with Round 1 on Saturday and Round 2 on Sunday afternoon.

The completely redesigned 2014 Kia Soul made its European debut today at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Sporting a fresh new look inspired by the 2012 Kia Track'ster concept, the Soul also rides on a new platform and promises improved driving dynamics.

Front and rear LEDs, xenon headlights, and a panoramic sunroof highlight the exterior of the 2014 Kia Soul. The interior will prove quieter and roomier than the current one, including in the cargo area (now amounting to 354 litres).

Available features will include keyless entry and push-button start, automatic climate control, leather seat trim, and ventilated front seats. An optional Infinity sound system, tuned specifically for the 2014 Kia Soul, will also be part of the menu.

Pricing and on-sale dates have yet to be announced.

2013 vs 2014 Kia Soul (Photomontage: Auto123.com)

To mark the first decade of production at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, the British luxury car maker unveiled the Phantom Celestial today at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

While the exterior colour scheme evokes the night sky, the interior offers a new take on the Starlight Headliner. The constellations, exactly as they were at midnight on January 1st, 2003 (as verified by the South Downs Planetarium), are represented by over 1,000 fibre optic lights hand-woven into the Celestial Phantom's headlining. The reflection of the “stars” in the surface of the rear drinks compartment lid was meticulously planned and designed.

World-class Dusk leather surfaces and a rear privacy divider's clock replete with four diamonds are included as well.

While the Rolls-Royce Phantom Celestial's price has yet to be announced, it'll quickly bring you down to earth, for sure.

Photo: Rolls-Royce

Photo: Rolls-Royce

From GMM

FIA presidential candidate David Ward has denied he is siding with F1's old guard Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone in his push to dethrone Jean Todt.

It has been rumoured that Ward, who worked closely with Mosley before Frenchman Todt took over, is being backed strongly not only by Mosley, but also the former FIA president's hand-in-hand powerbroker Ecclestone.

And not only that, the Daily Mail reports that Ward's campaign will be "helped" by Richard Woods, the former right-hand man during the Mosley reign.

"Woods has also acted for Ecclestone, albeit in the shadows," said correspondent Jonathan McEvoy.

"Despite having fingers in many pies, he is fundamentally a Mosley loyalist," he added.

Ward, however, plays down the links.

"I am not Max's man; I am not Bernie's man," he insisted, also denying that Mosley or Ecclestone are bankrolling his campaign.

Incumbent Todt, however, sounded less sure about Ward's continuing links to Mosley and Ecclestone.

"Don't put me into that please," he told the Telegraph last weekend at Monza. "Because honestly I have my own thoughts. I have very good contact with Max. I like Max. I have always been defending Max. In May he sent me an email saying 'Don't hear the noise that I am interested (in the presidency) or that David is interested ... it's not true. I am not interested'."