Auto News 5

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

A casual conversation on the rooftop of a Monte Carlo hotel led to an experience of a lifetime: the chance to drive a Ferrari.

Renault COO Carlos Tavares proposed that he take on a wider role at the carmaker but CEO Carlos Ghosn turned down the request, prompting Tavares to leave and seek a top post elsewhere, sources said.

Green luxury will dominate at this year's Frankfurt auto show as German premium brands showcase models that combine high performance with electric or hybrid powertrains.

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

A casual conversation on the rooftop of a Monte Carlo hotel led to an experience of a lifetime: the chance to drive a Ferrari.

Renault COO Carlos Tavares proposed that he take on a wider role at the carmaker but CEO Carlos Ghosn turned down the request, prompting Tavares to leave and seek a top post elsewhere, sources said.

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

Green luxury will dominate at this year's Frankfurt auto show as German premium brands showcase models that combine high performance with electric or hybrid powertrains.

The auto industry's inability to look at itself objectively is stifling progress, Chris Bangle, the influential BMW design guru who left in 2009 to establish his own independent design studio, told Automotive News Europe.

From the days of Fred Harroun and the Marmon Wasp inaugural Indianapolis 500 win in 1911, where the first rear-view mirrors were developed to eliminate the need of riding mechanics, racing technology led passenger car technology.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber has reversed that process with a right side tire which will debut this weekend at the NASCAR weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway with roots in consumer tire technology.

Called Multi-Zone Tread Technology it combines two different rubber compounds in a single tread to face the conditions of one of NASCAR's most demanding speedways because of the abrasive nature of its' surface.

“Atlanta is one of our biggest challenges from a tire perspective,” said Stu Grant, Goodyear's general manager of worldwide racing. “The abrasive track surface causes extremely high wear, while the length and layout promote very high speeds.”

Photo: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

To face this challenge, Goodyear engineers set out to develop a tire capable of offering both superior traction and wear—two typically opposing properties. The solution was found in Goodyear's Assurance TripleTred All-Season passenger tire. The Assurance TripleTred pioneered the concept of multiple tread zones in auto tires, featuring three distinct zones for superior traction in wet, icy and dry conditions.

“Developing the right tire for each NASCAR track always requires finding a good balance between traction and durability,” said Grant. “The goal of our new Multi-Zone Tread is to help us offer drivers more of both.”

To accomplish this, Goodyear's newest NASCAR tire utilizes two unique tread zones. An Endurance Zone on the tire's inside shoulder features a firmer compound to help manage wear for enhanced durability on the track. The outside two-thirds of the tread makes up the tire's Traction Zone, which uses a more tractive tread compound to help increase grip for superior handling.

Goodyear has tested the Multi-Zone Tread tire several times over the past year. The most recent test took place in Atlanta earlier this month, where 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams put the tire through its paces with very positive results and feedback.

Reigning Sprint Cup Champion, Brad Keselowski, calls this tire “the solution to the lack of side-by-side racing that we have.”

“Teams were able to tune their cars to the tire and get the balance of the car right,” said Grant. “Drivers seemed pleased with the performance during the test, and we expect similar results for the races this weekend.”

Following this weekend's races at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Goodyear will also consider tires featuring a Multi-Zone Tread for additional tracks on the NASCAR schedule.

A young Dutch designer, Daan Roosegaarde, in collaboration with the Heijmans Infrastructure company, has developed a suite of technologies that will help make road infrastructure "intelligent". The "Smart Highway" project is designed to manage lighting needs according to traffic density as well as using glow-in-the-dark road markings to provide specific road information for drivers.

Specific symbols are among the various smart-highway projects, in one case giant snowflakes, which appear on the road when the temperature falls below freezing and the surface potentially becomes slippery, thus warning drivers to adjust accordingly. Better yet, the markings are charged by sunlight during the day!

The special paint could also be used for road markings, such as priority lane dividers, which could be used to identify future dedicated electric-vehicle charging lanes. Other lighting uses include specific colors that indicate the speed of preceding vehicles.

The first leg of this experimental highway will be launched in the Netherlands by the end of 2013.

Source: Design to Improve Life

Toyota Motor Corporation Managing Officer Satoshi Ogiso recently announced that the next-generation Prius will benefit from major design and technical modifications. Furthermore, Toyota plans to bring a total of 15 hybrid vehicles, whether new or totally re-designed, to market in the near future.

Photo: Toyota

The next-generation Prius will undergo a series of changes that includes:

• New hybrid groups, lighter and more affordable, improved fuel efficiency;
• Upgraded battery technology with denser storage capacity, increased use of magnesium and other chemical components in order to replace lithium;
• Smaller engines;
• Introduction of Toyota's new global architecture (TNGA) which offers a lower center of gravity;
• Improved aerodynamic efficiency;
• Larger passenger compartments with enhanced design and ergonomy for improved ease of use.

Furthermore, Toyota is planning the November Tokyo launch of its hydrogen fuel-cell powered intermediate sedan concept, which is an important element in Toyota's future plans. The North-American launch of this sedan is planned for the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, which is held in January.

Photo: Toyota

The bacon craze has managed to make its way into the automotive industry! In order to celebrate International Bacon Day on August 31'st, Ford unveiled its ‘'bacon-inspired' graphics for the Fiesta!

These new designs were approved by none other than the King of Bacon himself, Benton's Country Hams President, Allan Benton. A number of bacon-inspired decal options are available including (installation extra):

• Full Bacon Wrap: 10 gigantic bacon strips that literally wrap-up the Ford Fiesta : $3,347 US;
• Bacon Racing Stripes: racing-inspired hood decal: $191.25 US;
• Side of Bacon: 2 individual strips that wrap around rear wheels: $318.75$ US;
• Bacon Mini Strips: popular with weight-conscious drivers. Small strips that adorn front and rear fenders: $78.75 US.

Ford has not yet confirmed a Canadian-Bacon version.

Photo: Ford

It's a bird; it's a plane; it's a five-door coupe called the Audi S7, and it's ready for take-off.

Unveiled to the world at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2011, the German automaker brought forth a new addition to the “S” lineup with room for four and a distinctive look.


What is the Audi S7?
As one of the newer members to join the Audi fold, this passenger vehicle turns heads. If it's not for its looks, perhaps the note produced from its quad exhaust might do the trick.

Looking at it -- gawking in some cases -- the Audi S7's size definitely isn't miniscule. Then again, the German automaker trims the fat in other areas. Comprised of a hybrid aluminum lightweight body structure, it weighs roughly 15% less than a comparable all-steel vehicle physique.

As one of the newer members to join the Audi fold, this passenger vehicle turns heads. If it's not for its looks, perhaps the note produced from its quad exhaust might do the trick. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2013 Audi S7 Price and Specs
If you'd like to set yourself apart from the norm, it'll cost you a base MSRP of $89,300. With the options the 2013 Audi S7 prices out at $106,295 (yes, that's $14,900 of extras plus the $1,995 destination charge and $100 air-conditioning tax).

Getting the Audi S7 up to speed is done via a 4.0L TFSI twin-turbo V8. When you count them all, there are 420 horses under the hood, which are then matched with 406 lb-ft of torque. You can get this four-seater going mighty fast in minimal time. After all, it has a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds.

With a top speed of 250 km/h (not that this spec really matters on this side of the Atlantic), performance has its name etched in its Phantom Black Pearl Effect paint. You just have to look ever so closely. If you don't see it, you'll feel it when you push your foot on the throttle in the 2013 Audi S7.

With a top speed of 250km/h, performance has its name etched in its Phantom Black Pearl Effect paint. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Driving the 2013 Audi S7
Now, here's the sentence you can impress your friends with, especially if you say it seven times fast: Linked with its twin-turbo V8 is a 7-speed, S-tronic transmission with the Audi Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system coupled with a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring. If that's not a good use of alliteration, I don't know what is. My high school English teacher would be proud.

Not only do you have massive power, but the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art transmission.

Now, if 420 mares and stallions aren't enough, hold your horses for the upcoming RS7. It has a whopping 560... That's the sound of my jaw dropping.

Not only do you have massive power, but the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art transmission. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Audi S7
Slip inside the cabin of the S7 and you're welcomed by cushy black leather seating surfaces with diamonds quilted in them. Then the MMI greets you as you depress the start-stop button characterized with a red ring around it. Whether entering a destination on the GPS or picking your favourite radio station/playlist, the system is quite user-friendly and takes only a matter of moments to pair your phone via Bluetooth.

Playing your selected tunes on the Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system ($6,500) will give you cavities, because this ear candy is darn sweet.

Aside from the not-so-awesome visibility created from a sloping roofline and the C pillars, being inside the 2013 Audi S7 wasn't a bad place to spend my drive time.

Then again, Audi equipped this particular test model with an extra set of eyes, known as the corner view camera system ($400). Then there's the Vision Package ($4,000), which adds a heads-up display and night vision.

From the outside, its long engine hood, the long wheelbase, and the short overhangs give it the sporty/comfort look that doesn't seem to be going out of style anytime soon. The tapered roofline around back gives it the coupe-like silhouette, but if you're sitting in the back, watch your cranium upon entry. Don't expect too much headroom, either.

Up front, the optional LED headlights ($1,700) on the 2013 Audi S7 add to its dynamic front fascia.

When it comes to storage areas, around back, the trunk houses a total of 535 liters (18.89 cu ft), which then increases to 1,390 litres (49.09 cu ft) when you fold the rear seat down. It's not a heap of space, but the wide opening allows you to place larger ticket items inside with minimal qualms.

Slip inside the cabin of the S7 and you're welcomed by cushy black leather seating surfaces with diamonds quilted in them. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2013 Audi S7
The pool of competitors for the Audi S7 include the Porsche Panamera 4, BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS 550. Needless to say, they all have their own flavour, which sets them apart from the norm.

This 2013 Audi S7 4.0 TFSI Quattro review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

A young Dutch designer, Daan Roosegaarde, in collaboration with the Heijmans Infrastructure company, has developed a suite of technologies that will help make road infrastructure "intelligent". The "Smart Highway" project is designed to manage lighting needs according to traffic density as well as using glow-in-the-dark road markings to provide specific road information for drivers.

Specific symbols are among the various smart-highway projects, in one case giant snowflakes, which appear on the road when the temperature falls below freezing and the surface potentially becomes slippery, thus warning drivers to adjust accordingly. Better yet, the markings are charged by sunlight during the day!

The special paint could also be used for road markings, such as priority lane dividers, which could be used to identify future dedicated electric-vehicle charging lanes. Other lighting uses include specific colors that indicate the speed of preceding vehicles.

The first leg of this experimental highway will be launched in the Netherlands by the end of 2013.

Source: Design to Improve Life

According to Automotive News, GM is planning to equip the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon with a 4-cylinder diesel engine. These engines, the Duramax 2.5 and turbodiesel 2.8, will probably be offered approximately one year after the launch of the redesigned models, which is scheduled for autumn, 2014. Saving fuel is the main factor behind this decision, as diesel engines perform well in this field.

Jeff Luke, Executive Chief Engineer, full & mid-size trucks at GM, stated unofficially that diesel engines ‘'are an option we are considering''. He adds that similar engines were introduced in the GMC Colorado in Thailand as of 2011, and are now being offered in the entire Southeast Asian market as well as Australia.

Source: Automotive News

Photo: Chevrolet

IndyCar series' officials introduced in Baltimore reference lines to aid in monitoring pit conduct, and avoid incidents like the one that happened last weekend, involving Scott Dixon.

IndyCar officials have added point-of-reference “courtesy zones” to the outside edges of each pit box to aid in monitoring pit stop conduct and etiquette in the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT. The courtesy zones are defined by painted 45-degree dotted lines.

New 'courtesy zones' in the pit boxes. (Photo: IndyCar)

IndyCar added rule 7.9.17 to the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook to reinforce its pit stop code of conduct:

Any participant who, in the opinion of the officials, positions a car, equipment, and/or personnel so as to create a hazard or disruption of the event or to interfere with the activities of another competitor may be penalized.

The lines will remain part of pit boxes defined by paint for the three races left in the IZOD IndyCar Series season. IndyCar officials paint defined pit boxes at 10 of the 16 venues it visits, with the option at Iowa Speedway and Pocono Raceway. The boxes are 38 feet long at Baltimore and vary at other venues.

I hope you are sitting down, because I'm about to make a shocking revelation: There is more to motorsport than just Formula One -- and that's a good thing!

I can see -- judging by the stats from our Facebook fan page -- that a fair share of our followers are big on F1. That saddens me, I'm afraid. F1 is quite cool, yes, but when it's all said and done, it's a cold and far away land.

Even for us journalist, it's hard to get in; it's hard to talk to the drivers; it's hard to visit the garages; it's hard to access the hospitality zones... Don't go thinking we're all sipping drinks around a table with Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen on race weekends.

There are other racing series in the world that are much more spectator-friendly. I'm talking about the World Series by Renault in Europe, where the admittance is free, the paddock open, and the general atmosphere cool. You actually get close to the stars of tomorrow, guys like Stoffel Vandoorne, Carlos Sainz Jr., and Kevin Magnussen.

I would say that rally is actually even better when it comes to getting up close with the actors. Spectators stand on the side of the roads on which the special stages are run one minute, and the next watch the crews live while they're servicing the cars in the assistance area.

Think about it: Rally cars are actually street-legal machines!

They don't have monstrous wings slapped on them or weirdly shaped bodies. Rally cars are your car or my car pushed to the absolute limit by immensely talented drivers. It takes big balls to come up at the speeds they do and shave tree lines, always in control, always inches from disaster.

All around the world, September is a good month for rallying, with many events staged all around the globe. I strongly urge you to check out your national level calendar and go see the guys (and girls) who are crazy enough to get out there for rallying.

You'll find yourself surrounded by great drivers and co-drivers, and knowledgeable, friendly, and interested spectators who simply love their sport.

Sure, you won't run into Alonso or Vettel, but who knows, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a certain Robert Kubica...

Photo: René Fagnan