Auto News 5

Nissan said it is spending more than $5 billion to expand capacity in the United States, Mexico and Brazil and will have the ability to build more than 2 million autos annually in the Americas by early next year.

Although light-vehicle sales continue to rebound, customer satisfaction with automobiles fell in 2013 for the first time in two years, according to a new report released today.

For the launch of the redesigned 2014 Corolla, Toyota is rolling through the years with its television campaign, placing vintage Corollas alongside period-perfect musical touchstones.

Toyota's compact sedan has long stood for reliable transportation but it also has been saddled with the reputation of a boring appliance for people who don't really care about cars. For the 2014 redesign, Toyota is trying to change that perception.

Nissan said it is spending more than $5 billion to expand capacity in the United States, Mexico and Brazil and will have the ability to build more than 2 million autos annually in the Americas by early next year.

Rising fuel prices in Europe have led to a jump in smuggling and fuel-theft incidents that is costing governments in the region billions of euros in lost taxes.

German car manufacturer, Porsche has released a series of new photos of its 2014 LMP1 endurance car that will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship.

Photo: Porsche AG

Porsche is currently testing the new car destined to battle against Audi and Toyota next year.

Photo: Porsche AG

Factory drivers Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard are currently doing most of the testing. However, newcomers Neel Jani and former Formula 1 driver, Mark Webber, will soon give them a welcome help.

Photo: Porsche AG

This new series of photos show the car under different angles, especially the rear for the first time.

Photo: Porsche AG

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has admitted it would "make sense" if Daniel Ricciardo becomes his new teammate at Red Bull.

Earlier admitting his disappointment that Kimi Raikkonen seems out of the frame, Vettel was asked about Mark Webber's claim on Sunday that fellow Australian Ricciardo had been selected by Red Bull to succeed him in 2014.

Red Bull bosses denied Webber's claim. But Vettel said the appointment of Toro Rosso driver Ricciardo would "make sense".

"The last few weeks have been very tumultuous in this sense," the German is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace, "but it (Ricciardo's signing) would make sense.

"He has been with us for a long time. Some people may doubt Daniel is ready, but you could also ask if I was ready when I arrived at Red Bull. How can you know beforehand?" he said rhetorically. It's not my decision, but I get along with him well," Vettel added.

Daniel Ricciardo. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

He also denied that Ricciardo's appointment would leave him - probably a quadruple world champion at the beginning of 2014 - with clear number 1 status at Red Bull.

"It's a shame," Vettel started, "that some people on the outside sometimes have the wrong idea about certain drivers and certain teams.

"In the end, we will give everything to have a good performance, and someone will always prevail. Mark had the strength to beat me and I do the same to him. That's life," he insisted.

Meanwhile, McLaren's Jenson Button has finally counted himself out of the running for the Red Bull seat.

He told the Telegraph: "I am very happy here. I will be here. I am definitely not going to Red Bull."

"I feel that Ricciardo will go to Red Bull, Kimi Raikkonen will stay at Lotus and Massa will stay at Ferrari for another year," the Briton added.

From GMM

Sahara Force India has stopped developing its 2013 car, German driver Adrian Sutil has revealed.

The team was surprised this season to find itself in a battle for fifth in the constructors' championship with struggling grandee McLaren.

But the switch from Pirelli's steel to kevlar-belted tires has worked very much against Sahara Force India, while McLaren has made progress with its uncompetitive MP4-28.

"Maybe we can find a way to solve the problems," Sutil told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport on Tuesday.

Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

At the Silverstone factory, however, Sahara Force India is now fully concentrated on the huge challenge of the radical new 2014 rules.

"There is nothing new planned for this year," Sutil said.

"But sometimes you can gain just by optimising the package you have," he said. "You can find a lot of time when all you can do is make better use of what you have."

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has admitted his championship hopes would get a boost if Sebastian Vettel crashes at the start of a grand prix.

Many see Vettel's dominance in Belgium as a sure sign the Red Bull driver will now canter to his fourth consecutive drivers' title.

"Vettel has the world title in the bag," said Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport after the race at Spa-Francorchamps.

Corriere dello Sport agreed: "Vettel remains out of reach; invincible in his Red Bull with which no one can find fault. He is on track to break all of Michael Schumacher's records."

Ferrari, however, showed at Spa signs of recovery after a miserable July, but Spaniard Alonso acknowledged that he needs Vettel to run into trouble.

"I left Monza last year with 41 points more than Vettel," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace. "It shows how quickly things can change. But for this, we need to win three or four races in a row and have someone run over him at the start, as happened to me, or technical problems."

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, at the arrival of the Belgian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Fernando Alonso is undoubtedly referring to his Belgian grand prix of a year ago, when Romain Grosjean's flying Lotus ended his race in a shower of carbon fibre.

"It happened to me last year and it could happen again," added Alonso.

But with just eight races left in 2013, some of Vettel's rivals are beginning to be written off.

Kimi Raikkonen, for example, lost his runner-up place in the drivers' standings at Spa, where he retired with brake failure.

"You would probably have to say that the three (Vettel, Alonso, Lewis Hamilton) who finished on the podium in Belgium are likely to be the major rivals to the end of the year," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

Marc Surer, a former driver turned pundit, sees another problem for Raikkonen's Lotus.

"If you lack the money to try everything you can think of," he told Der Spiegel, "you have no chance."

Questions about Mercedes are also being asked.

"Do they still have reserves in their development to catch Red Bull in this season?" former driver Patrick Tambay told France's RMC Sport. "In Belgium they were clearly beaten."

So perhaps the final question is to wonder if anyone can beat Vettel now. "Probably, only himself," acknowledged Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn.

Few can argue with the wholesome handiness or utility that comes with owning a pickup truck. Whether you need a little truck for a year to build a new house or complete a list of renovations or you're a diehard enthusiast with a lifestyle that demands parking a pickup in the driveway, the used marketplace offers plenty of selection to meet virtually any need.

If you're planning to shop out a used pickup, consider the following list: we've assembled some of the most popular used truck buys on the market, highlighted what their owners love, and listed the most common issues and pre-purchase checks you'll want to look into.

Remember: A trip to your favourite mechanic with the truck in question can affordably provide added purchase confidence and peace of mind via the pre-purchase inspection. In an hour or less, your mechanic can give the truck you're after a two-thumbs-up or, conversely, advise that you may want to select another model.

1996 to 2004 Toyota Tacoma

1996 Toyota Tacoma (Photo: Toyota)

The Draw: Owners of this last-generation Tacoma typically rave about styling, off-road capability, long-term reliability, and a relatively smooth powertrain. Decent mileage, ground clearance and adequate power, even from the 4-cylinder engine, are also praised. Many owners share stories online of how their older Tacoma's are “ultra reliable,” always fire up, and get them where they need to go. Look for 4- or 6-cylinder power, two- or four-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions, and a selection of body configurations.

The Common Issues: Be sure you're able to get comfortable in the seats, and check the body extensively for rust, paint chips and dents beyond those expected given the truck's age and mileage. Double-check for confident brake-system performance and 4x4 system engagement into its various modes. Listen to the suspension for signs of clunking or popping, which could be evidence of a worn-out busing, ball-joint or strut. Also, look for signs of oil splatter visible from the inside of the rear wheels. This could indicate leaky axle seals, which may adversely affect the vehicle's ability to brake.

Having the Tacoma you're considering inspected for rust should be considered absolutely mandatory. Though no worrisome drivetrain or electronic-related issues present themselves in checks of online forums, some earlier Tacoma models in this generation were actually recalled due to a heavy rust problem that could see the frame perforate, compromising safety.

2004 Toyota Tacoma (Photo: Toyota)

Continue reading Used Pickups at a Glance

Infiniti has just released the first image of its Q30 compact SUV, which is scheduled for unveiling on September 10th at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show.

The Q30 design, which may be described as ‘'atypical'', is meant to convey "a cross between the dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a sedan, and the advantageous ride height of a crossover". According to Infiniti officials, the attractive design, and use of innovative materials and hand-finished quality of the Q30 is designed to seduce the new generation of luxury-vehicle buyers.

The Q30 concept offers a glimpse of Infiniti's vision for the future, as it tries to find its place among the world's luxury vehicle brands.

Photo: Infiniti

Lotus F1 Team has confirmed what caused the left front brake failure on Kimi Raikkonen's E21 during Sunday's Grand Prix of Belgium.

It was evident that something was going wrong with Raikkonen's brakes as the car was surrounded by a cloud of black carbon dust at every braking zone.

The disc kept overheating until the engineers called the Finn in, as it became too dangerous to drive on Spa-Francorchamps' ultra-fast circuit.

Photo: René Fagnan

“A loose visor tear-off got stuck inside the left front brake duct, causing the disc to overheat,” a Lotus spokesman told Auto123.com.

Drivers apply these thin, plastic tear-offs on top of their helmet visors to protect them. They rip them off when they become covered with debris or oil.

British Autosport magazine wrote that it learned at the first pit stop, the team discovered the visor tear-off lodged in the cooling channels of the brake duct.

Although Lotus was able to remove it, the brake disc was already too hot and could not be cooled enough. Eventually, it failed completely.

From press release

Ontario, racer Robin Buck returns to action in the No. 66 Quaker State Dodge this coming weekend for round number 10 of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

After scoring a top five result earlier this year at the same track during the season opening event Buck believes they will be even stronger this weekend.

Though they are only racing a partial schedule in the series this year, the No. 66 Quaker State Dodge team has been very busy preparing their race car for their return to action. “After the first race we went over the car and did the normal maintenance but also felt we needed to try some things to make us better” explained Buck.

Recently the team was at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for a day of on track testing to see firsthand how setup and other changes affected the No. 66 Quaker State Dodge's performance.

“Normally we do a short test to make sure everything on the car is ready to go for a race weekend” said the driver. “For the first time we tested with a specific plan to try different handling set ups and parts on the car to improve our performance”.

At the completion of the test the No. 66 Quaker State Dodge team was very pleased with the results. “In the spring I think we had a really good car but if you want to challenge for the win you need to be great. We definitely learned some things that I believe will help us to be even better this weekend” said Buck.

From GMM

Sahara Force India has stopped developing its 2013 car, German driver Adrian Sutil has revealed.

The team was surprised this season to find itself in a battle for fifth in the constructors' championship with struggling grandee McLaren.

But the switch from Pirelli's steel to kevlar-belted tires has worked very much against Sahara Force India, while McLaren has made progress with its uncompetitive MP4-28.

"Maybe we can find a way to solve the problems," Sutil told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport on Tuesday.

Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

At the Silverstone factory, however, Sahara Force India is now fully concentrated on the huge challenge of the radical new 2014 rules.

"There is nothing new planned for this year," Sutil said.

"But sometimes you can gain just by optimising the package you have," he said. "You can find a lot of time when all you can do is make better use of what you have."

Panther Racing has now confirmed that Oriol Servia will be at the helm of the team's DW12 for the reminder of the IndyCar season due to Ryan Briscoe's ongoing American Le Mans Series' commitments.

At first the Australian thought that he would be able to pull IndyCar-ALMS double-duty in Baltimore this week-end but his Level 5 team was not as receptive about the idea.

Even though it is largely believed that Briscoe is the frontrunner for the Panther ride in 2014, reports from Europe suggested that one of the drivers in line for a test could be former Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver, Jaime Alguersuari.

Jaime Alguersuari. (Photo: WRi2)

The 2014 Acura RLX is the flagship model from Honda's luxury division, Acura. As an Acura, it's sensible and likely to turn in years of reliable, no-nonsense ownership for its owners. As a flagship, the RLX is packed with a suite of new technologies that showcase what the Japanese brand has been working on.

For the 2014 model year, the RLX has officially replaced the RL in Acura's lineup -- and despite discreet styling and execution, it is the most advanced vehicle Honda has ever built for the road.


What is an Acura RLX?
By and large, the Acura RLX is a rolling sensory array disguised as a leather-lined luxury sedan. Using information gathered by radar and camera systems, the top-dog Acura continually scans the world around it for potential hazards, warns drivers of them, and autonomously takes corrective action if those warnings aren't heeded.

Without your help, the Acura RLX can slow down and speed up automatically based on traffic conditions, steer you back between the lines if you're heading off the road or apply its brakes to prevent or minimize a collision. Any more self-aware, and they'd have to ship it with a name and a birth certificate.

For the 2014 model year, the RLX has officially replaced the RL in Acura's lineup. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

2014 Acura RLX Price and Specs
Acura's new V6 engine powers up the RLX driving experience. A cutting-edge 3.5L unit with cylinder deactivation and direct injection technology, the RLX engine was exhaustively engineered for pleasing performance and great fuel mileage.

Mission accomplished.

Though the 310 horsepower output level is hardly aiming for the top of the pack, the RLX hustles along urgently when called upon, and gets by slower traffic in a jiffy when drivers prod the throttle. The engine is pleasing to put through its paces, but drive the 2014 Acura RLX like a responsible adult and it's mostly quiet and laid-back.

Fuel mileage, additionally, is excellent. Your writer was delighted at an overall consumption of 8.8L/100km, which puts the big RLX in mid-sized, four-cylinder family sedan territory.

Pricing from $49,990.

A cutting-edge 3.5L unit with cylinder deactivation and direct injection technology, the RLX engine was exhaustively engineered for pleasing performance and great fuel mileage. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Driving the 2014 Acura RLX
Overall, the driving experience in the 2014 Acura RLX is easygoing to the max. While you relax and let the RLX handle nearly everything for you, you'll enjoy the leather that lines the seats, dash, doors, and nearly everything else. Two full-colour display screens are stacked in the centre console for a distinctively hi-tech look, while space galore in both seating rows and a laundry list of fully automatic or motorized features add to a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.

The 2014 Acura RLX's cabin isn't big on stimulation, but its' relaxing, comfortable, and formal. It's also easy to board and exit, packs plenty of at-hand storage and keeps road and wind noise nicely in check at speed.

Suspension calibration sees a slight firmness dialed in to make the 2014 RLX a bit more engaging to drive. Though many cross-shopping the market's offerings will find a comparable Lexus or Mercedes to have a more all-out comfortable ride, the RLX likely won't disappoint where long-haul comfort is concerned.

Currently, all of Acura's RLX models are front-drive, though an AWD hybrid is on the way. The tester did pack a new Precision All Wheel Steering (PAWS) system, which sharpens up handling at high speeds by calling upon the rear wheels for steering assist which rotates the RLX on its axis. Translation? As the Acura RLX approaches understeer in fast corners, the rear swings out slightly as a countermeasure. The PAWS system also enhances maneuverability at low speeds.

Driver relaxation in the 2014 Acura RLX is furthered by fully automatic lighting, wipers, and climate control. If you'd rather take in some music, the great big Krell audio system is happy to help.

Two full-colour display screens are stacked in the centre console for a distinctively hi-tech look. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Ins and Outs of the 2014 Acura RLX
The RLX is a machine of many strengths, and a few weaknesses. For fuel efficiency, comfort, and discreet-looking delivery of flagship sedan amenities, it hits the mark. Performance and handling are appreciable if not mind-blowing, and the cabin -- though short on excitement -- supports drivers on long distance travels by fading from attention as the scenery floats by. Even for larger drivers and passengers, it'll prove generously large.

Complaints? The infotainment system comes with a learning curve before intuitive operation is possible, and I missed some of the secretly sporty flare that characterized the last-generation Acura RL. Further, the paddle-activated shifts in the 2014 Acura RLX are executed after a notable delay that makes their use largely irrelevant.

The RLX is a machine of many strengths, and a few weaknesses. For fuel efficiency, comfort, and discreet-looking delivery of flagship sedan amenities, it hits the mark. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Comparing the 2014 Acura RLX
Compared to the RLX, the new Lexus GS350 is a more athletic all-around performer and packs a more striking, upscale cabin execution. An Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series with similar power output figures will make drivers feel more of a rush when pushed hard. Finally, a Chrysler 300 can provide more affordable access to a similarly hi-tech, luxuriously appointed experience for less money.

The 2014 Acura RLX will appeal most strongly to a shopper after a machine that flies under the radar and doesn't beg for attention. Add in Acura's lustrous reputation for reliability, resale value, and owner satisfaction and it makes a smart choice for a shopper after a discreet luxury flagship experience.

Few can argue with the wholesome handiness or utility that comes with owning a pickup truck. Whether you need a little truck for a year to build a new house or complete a list of renovations or you're a diehard enthusiast with a lifestyle that demands parking a pickup in the driveway, the used marketplace offers plenty of selection to meet virtually any need.

If you're planning to shop out a used pickup, consider the following list: we've assembled some of the most popular used truck buys on the market, highlighted what their owners love, and listed the most common issues and pre-purchase checks you'll want to look into.

Remember: A trip to your favourite mechanic with the truck in question can affordably provide added purchase confidence and peace of mind via the pre-purchase inspection. In an hour or less, your mechanic can give the truck you're after a two-thumbs-up or, conversely, advise that you may want to select another model.

1996 to 2004 Toyota Tacoma

1996 Toyota Tacoma (Photo: Toyota)

The Draw: Owners of this last-generation Tacoma typically rave about styling, off-road capability, long-term reliability, and a relatively smooth powertrain. Decent mileage, ground clearance and adequate power, even from the 4-cylinder engine, are also praised. Many owners share stories online of how their older Tacoma's are “ultra reliable,” always fire up, and get them where they need to go. Look for 4- or 6-cylinder power, two- or four-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions, and a selection of body configurations.

The Common Issues: Be sure you're able to get comfortable in the seats, and check the body extensively for rust, paint chips and dents beyond those expected given the truck's age and mileage. Double-check for confident brake-system performance and 4x4 system engagement into its various modes. Listen to the suspension for signs of clunking or popping, which could be evidence of a worn-out busing, ball-joint or strut. Also, look for signs of oil splatter visible from the inside of the rear wheels. This could indicate leaky axle seals, which may adversely affect the vehicle's ability to brake.

Having the Tacoma you're considering inspected for rust should be considered absolutely mandatory. Though no worrisome drivetrain or electronic-related issues present themselves in checks of online forums, some earlier Tacoma models in this generation were actually recalled due to a heavy rust problem that could see the frame perforate, compromising safety.

2004 Toyota Tacoma (Photo: Toyota)

Continue reading Used Pickups at a Glance

From NDRA

The Labour Day weekend drag racing action will be hot at Toronto Motorsports Park - Cayuga Dragway from August 31 to September 1 as they host the 2nd Annual Canadian Funny Car Championships.

The National Drag Racing Association Alcohol Funny Car Series presented by Ohsweken Speedway will wind up their 2013 schedule with fierce competition amongst this year's point leaders.

Larry Dobbs of Welland, ON, who leads the pack with his 2002 Pontiac Firebird, sponsored by Sportz Truck Tents by Napier Enterprises has lots to defend at this event. Dobbs is the 2012 champion and he holds the top spot on the 2013 numbers board. Larry has two NDRA Alcohol Funny Car Series victories under his belt so far this year.

Dylan Hache out of London, ON won this race last year in his For Wheels Auto Care '02 Pontiac Firebird. He sits at No. 3 on the points tally for 2013. There's no doubt that he wants to duplicate his performance from the closing race of 2012 and tip the scale for Dobbs.

Then there is the Bankes-Cox Racing team with Ron Bankes in the cockpit of the Federated Insurance / Ron Bankes Marine Service backed Firebird to contend with. The St. Thomas, ON racer took the 2nd race of 2013 from Dobbs and is real tight on Larry's heels at #2 on the points list. Ron is determined to tie up the wins and steal the championship from the Kardiac Kids Racing driver.

Not limited to the three top spot guys, there are the rest of the NDRA Alcohol Funny Car Series drivers, including three-time IHRA world champ, Rob Atchison who went to the finals against Dobbs at the last race in Grand Bend, who are perfectly capable of taking the stripe.

As well, Paul Noakes of London, ON has signed onto the roster with his 2002 Meritor Motorsports Euclid Harman HVS Ford Mustang.

All combined, the NDRA Alcohol Funny Car field is loaded with seasoned talent and amazing cars. It's anyone's guess who will come out on top at the end of the contest and as we all know ... Anything can happen in drag racing especially with those finicky alcohol-guzzling floppers!

Over in the NDRA Pro Doorslammer stable, there is another three-way battle that may just be more heated because this is the inaugural championship of the newly incorporated series.

At the top of the points' leader board, Dave Earhart has a steadfast focus on taking the trophy back to his Strathroy, ON shop. Earhart and his Earhart Heating & Cooling INC. / Performance Unlimited 2002 Chevrolet Camaro picked up the win in the 3rd NDRA Pro Doorslammer Series outing at the 4th Annual Canadian Nitro Nationals in July. If he grabs a second win this time around and all goes well in qualifying, Dave could clinch the championship.

Trevor Deeks of London, ON is so close to Earhart in the numbers and winners circle that this competition will be a nail-biter. Deeks is only three points behind Dave and he victoriously drove his Comprehensive Mechanical sponsored '05 Grand Am down the return road at the series opening at Grand Bend Motorplex's "Spring Blowout" presented by RPM Magazine and Lucas Oil back in May. Undoubtedly, Deeks and the entire CMS Racing crew will be tweaking and tuning with anticipation this weekend!

Bayfield, Ontario's Wayne Nielsen captured the second NDRA Pro Doorslammer Series race at Grand Bend Motorplex in June with his Stoney Brook Automotive backed Lumina and is a respectable third in the series point standings. Nielsen and his Nielsen Racing team are certainly capable to cross the beam for another victory and really jolt the NDRA Pro Doorslammer Series 2013 stats.

A betting man may set his sights on the top three, but the rest of the NDRA Pro Doorslammers cannot be denied their due attention. Every driver and crewmember has the ability and absolutely worthy equipment to take their turn in the winners' circle. You just never know for sure when you put a dynamic field of competitors together like the NDRA has.

With both the NDRA Alcohol Funny Car Series and the NDRA Pro Doorslammers Series winding up and the teams battling for all the marbles in some really hot competition, fans are in for some spectacular drag racing at the 2nd Annual Canadian Funny Car Championships at Toronto Motorsports Park - Cayuga Dragway this weekend!

Adding National Drag Racing Association entertainment package, the 2nd Annual Canadian Funny Car Championships at Toronto Motorsports Park - Cayuga Dragway features Lou Pereira and his 6,000 horsepower, 300 mph jet dragster "Terminator".

Further filling the event card are the NDRA Nitro Nostalgia Cars, Can-Am Stock / Super Stock Series, DSE Sportsman Racing Series and Joe's Transmission Service TNT Super Series.

The 2nd Annual Canadian Funny Car Championships at Toronto Motorsports Park - Cayuga Dragway promises to be a thrilling, action packed weekend for everyone who passes through the gates from August 31 to September 1.

For more information about the event, visit www.torontomotorsportspark.com.

It was on August 27th, 2002, that the Boisbriand GM plant produced its last Chevrolet Z28. Since 1987, the plant was used to assemble Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds, following its mid-80's conversion.

The original plant, which employed 939 workers, opened in 1965, producing both Chevrolet Biscaynes and Pontiac Strato Chiefs. Production switched over to building the Chevrolet Monza, Pontiac Sunbird, Oldsmobile Starfire and Buick Skyhawk. By 1978, more than 4,000 workers were employed at the Boisbriand plant, producing over 100,000 units annually.

By 1995, annual production numbers climbed to 186,000. By the year 2000, the number had dropped to 75,000 units. Tough North-American competition and the lack of profitability eventually caught-up to the Boisbriand plant. GM elected to close the plant and concentrate its activities in Windsor and Detroit.

While Boisbriand production ceased over 10 years ago, the Z28 continues as a 2014 model.

Chevrolet Camaro Z28

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28