Auto News 5

Automotive News Europe needs your help to find the Rising Stars in the European automotive industry.

Goodbye retro, hello world. That, in a nutshell, sums up the difference between the 2015 Ford Mustang and the current model.

Robert Bosch and Japanese battery partner GS Yuasa aim to sell a lithium ion battery by 2020 that slashes production costs in half and delivers twice the energy density of today's batteries.

Ford Motor Co. expects the redesigned 2015 Mustang to boost its image in Europe, even though sales won't be huge.

Four years ago, General Motors' tumble into Chapter 11 bankruptcy was both a humiliating setback for an American icon and a fresh start that paved the way for a robust recovery.

The Ford Mustang is all about the visceral driving thrills of the open road, not the newest electronic gizmos.

Ford is right to replace the Ka minicar in Europe with a regular subcompact instead of an upscale product to compete with the Fiat 500 or Opel Adam.

Why would Ford go to so much trouble and expense to redesign and globalize its only remaining rear-wheel-drive car when it hasn't even cracked the 100,000 sales mark since 2007? There are a few reasons.

As the world goes digital, it's clear: Videos sell cars.

The Mustang's formula for success for 50 years has been basically this: good looks coupled with low-tech powertrains and suspension systems and an attractive starting price.

Lexus boss Jeff Bracken concedes that Mercedes-Benz's low-priced CLA sedan is off to a flying start, but he vows not to follow Mercedes down the price ladder.

Audi has released design sketches for a subcompact crossover concept that it plans to unveil at the Detroit auto show, giving another hint of the automaker's ideas for the smaller end of its growing crossover lineup.

The world of rallying was convinced that former Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica was to become a member of the Citroen Racing team in 2014. It may not be the case after all.

The former winner of the Canadian F1 Grand Prix this season competed in the WRC2 category of the World Rally Championship with Citroen, claiming five wins as well as the title.

He made his (impressive) WRC debut at Wales Rally GB, but crashed following a pace note error.

Autosport learned that M-Sport's Malcolm Wilson is currently trying to sign Robert Kubica to lead his WRC team in the 2014 World Rally Championship.

Wilson lost its lead driver, Thierry Neuville to Hyundai and needs a replacement.

Wilson is yet to announce any drivers for next season.

Thierry Neuville aboard the M-Sport Ford this season. (Photo: WRC)

From GMM

Fernando Alonso's frustration in 2013 triggered Ferrari's push for Kimi Raikkonen.

That is the view of the Italian team's former driver Mario Andretti.

"In my opinion, Alonso became frustrated this season, and what he said offended Ferrari," the 1978 world champion told the Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Andretti is referring to the arguably disparaging comments made by the Spanish driver, after which Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo revealed he "tweaked" Alonso's ear.

"Otherwise," Andretti added, "they never would have hired someone who could challenge him and even beat him."

After four years alongside the often underperforming Felipe Massa, Alonso's new teammate for 2014 is the former team champion Kimi Raikkonen.

"You have to know how to behave," Andretti, still referring to Alonso's attitude of 2013, continued. "He always had a proper behaviour, but that 1 per cent ... we saw what was Montezemolo's reaction. It will be interesting to see what happens next, because Kimi is not arriving to help; he is going to try to win. It will be a great battle that will be fun to watch."

Fernando Alonso and Mario Andretti on Austin's podium in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

From press release

Venturi Automobiles announced a joint venture with award-winning actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio to enter a team in the new FIA Formula E Championship.

Based in Monaco, the new Venturi Grand Prix Formula E Team has been co-founded by DiCaprio and Gildo Pallanca Pastor, founder of pioneering EV manufacturer Venturi Automobiles, together with Bert Hedaya and Francesco Costa.

Photo: Venturi Formula E Team

Formula E is a new FIA Championship using electric single-seater race cars capable of speeds in excess of 225km/h.

The series will compete in the heart of 10 of the world's leading cities including Beijing, Los Angeles and London.

Ten teams, each with two drivers, will go head-to-head to create a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fan whilst accelerating the electric vehicle market and promoting sustainability.

“The future of our planet depends on our ability to embrace fuel-efficient, clean-energy vehicles,” DiCaprio said.

“Venturi Grand Prix has shown tremendous foresight in their decision to create an environmentally friendly racing team, and I am happy to be a part of this effort.”

Venturi Grand Prix will now be put forward to the FIA for approval as the tenth and final team to enter the new zero emission series.

They join international names from around the globe with IndyCar outfits Andretti Autosport and Dragon Racing, Asia's China Racing, Super Aguri and Mahindra Racing, and European squads Drayson Racing, e.dams, Audi Sport ABT and Virgin Racing.

The team is centred around the award-winning Venturi Automobiles, a leader in high performance electric vehicles developing a range of sports, urban and utilitarian cars, as well as being the current holders of the world land speed record for an electric vehicle with 495kph (307mph).

The team also plans to become a constructor from the second season, building its own Formula E car using a powertrain based on the one used in its 3,000hp electric streamliner - Venturi VBB-3 - unveiled earlier this year in Wendover, Utah, by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

In order to boost sales from its Opel and Vauxhall divisions, General Motors will stop selling most of its Chevrolet vehicles in Europe starting in 2016. However, “select iconic” models, such as the Corvette Stingray, will remain on sale across the Atlantic.

“Vette and some other iconic Chevrolets (to be named later) will still be sold thru Opel or Cadillac dealers. They will be marketed as Chevrolets,” assured Mike Albano, Chevrolet's chief spokesman in the U.S.

Available in Europe since 2005, the Chevy brand has never been a strong seller there, so the impact of the move could be negligible.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

Diesel-powered vehicles, hybrids, and EVs are surging in popularity due to the high cost of gas and growing environmental concerns. Could our green obsession one day lead to alternative versions of some iconic sports cars, like the Ford Mustang?

"We're not looking at diesel at the moment, but given where we need to go with fuel consumption we are looking at all our options," Ford's powertrain chief Bob Fascetti told GoAuto. He even mentioned a hybrid or electric variant.

What about you? Would you buy, say, a Ford Mustang Energi?

Source: Autoblog

Photo: Ford

Next month at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Infiniti will unveil the Q50 Eau Rouge concept. Based on the upcoming Q50 Hybrid, this model refers to the world-famous corner at the Formula One track in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.

While no technical specs have been provided, Infiniti said the Q50 Eau Rouge is an extreme performance version of the Q50. It features aerodynamic styling treatments and design elements which are influenced by Infiniti's partnership with Formula One world championship-winning team Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge. (Photo: Infiniti)

You know that family member who's always the loudest, always the centre of attention, , talking at the top of their lungs to get everyone to listen in? Yeah, that's the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio: just imagine that family member yammering on with a heavy Italian accent as they tell each sordid, long-winded tale.

Loud, in-your-face motoring is what this hot little cabrio hatch is all about, and it makes no apologies for its brash attitude on the road.


What is a FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio?
The Fiat has existed in Europe since the mid-‘50s, only a handful made their way to our shores. FIAT revived the car in 2007 but it wasn't until 2011 that the little Italian made debutin North American showroom. Based on the original compact car, the new FIAT 500 features a front-mounted engine (as opposed to the original rear-mounted one) as well as a much larger, heavier body.

The cabriolet version of the hot hatch offers a rag-top roof that retracts at the touch of a button.

What about that Abarth bit? Well, that's the fun part. FIAT and Abarth have been partners in crime since 1952, and they've been making fast, performance-enhanced Fiats since then. All FIAT Abarth models are built in Turin, Italy and undergo rigorous quality checks and testing there.

The Fiat has existed in Europe since the mid-‘50s, only a handful made their way to our shores. FIAT revived the car in 2007 but it wasn't until 2011 that the little Italian made debutin North American showroom. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio Price and Specs
Keeping in mind that the FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio is a “special edition” of the little corner-hugger, the starting price shouldn't be too shocking: $27,995. With just a few options (including a few cosmetic bits including 17”rims) the price jumps above the $30k mark. At that price the competition becomes a bit more enticing.

For all that coin, you get a 2+2 seating arrangement, a 1.4L 16V MultiAir turbocharged engine good for 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque as well as an Abarth-tuned powertrain control module. The only transmission available is a 5-speed manual (bless you, FIAT).

The 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio is equiped with a 1.4L 16V MultiAir turbocharged engine good for 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Fiat)

Driving the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
I've never hid the fact that I'm an avid MINI fan. The moment I got behind the wheel of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio the comparisons began.

First off, make no mistake this hot hatch is loaded to the top of its cabrio roofline with fun. You will most definitely enjoy your time behind the wheel. That being said, I wasn't completely impressed with the ride.

With a ridiculously long clutch and equally long throws behind gears, it was hard to feel like sporty driving was possible. The large, cumbersome shift knob also plays into that “lazy” feel. I wished for more torque off the line as the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio did not feel as fast as it should have.

Of course, with a car designed like the FIAT 500 Abarth, with the wheels pushed to the four corners, cornering should be the most fun. Truthfully, it was quite impressive, but not as tight and controlled as I've known behind the wheel of a MINI. There was something sloppy about its technique, steering felt disconnected sometimes and it almost felt a bit top-heavy.

And that exhaust... Even at idle, it's as if they did it on purpose to make up for the FIAT's diminutive stature. Even if you try and shift at lower rpms, heads will still turn. Push the hot hatch a bit and get those revs up and you'll have a popping, back-firing good time that'll have the neighbours giving you dirty looks.

First off, make no mistake this hot hatch is loaded to the top of its cabrio roofline with fun. You will most definitely enjoy your time behind the wheel. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
There's not a whole lot to say about the interior of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio other than: Dear God, add some knobs! Everything is button that requires clicking. Horribly irritating. Otherwise it's business as usual in a diminutive space.

From the exterior, I'd hoped the Abarth version of the FIAT 500 would be a bit more aggressive. It's still very cutesy, but then again I suppose the MINI Cooper S is as well. More aggressive bumpers and side skirts ensure the Abarth version is distinguishable from the base 500 -- as do the scorpion Abarth logos.

While my son's baby seat fit in the back seat without too much trouble, I was not able to put anything larger than an umbrella stroller in the rear thanks to the cabriolet rooftop and the Beats Audio sub.

Of note: Once the electronically retractable roof is completely down, your rearview mirror is moot. It is rendered useless by the folded roof that sits squarely in the way of your rearward vision.

There's not a whole lot to say about the interior of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio other than: Dear God, add some knobs! Everything is button that requires clicking. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
The obvious immediate competitor for this hot drop-top hatch is the MINI Cooper S Convertible. While the Cooper's starting price is much higher than that of the FIAT, I'd be inclined to choose the MINI in terms of 20-more horsepower and a few more torques, build quality, and handling prowess.

The name Katzkin is bar none, one of the best-known brands when it comes to tailoring your car's cabin to your personal tastes.

Their story starts in 1983 when the founders, brother and sister Mitch and Lesley Katz, started a leather goods manufacturing company. By 1986, they broke new ground in the car business by retriming the interior of a Honda Accord. The rest of the story reads like a who's who of top-line customers, namely Chrysler, Rawlings, and Ford.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

Over the years, Katzkin purchased their own automated cutting machines and now hold production and design capabilities. In other words, they've grown into the reference as far as custom car interiors are concerned.

On the topic of design, Katzkin is taking it to a whole other level. Two and half years ago, they recruited David O'Connell as their Chief Designer. With 25 years as a Designer for Mitsubishi Motors Research and Design of America, he brings not only his experience but also passion for design to what could be viewed, in vulgar terms, as simply reupholstering some seats.

I sat down with Mr. O'Connell in his comfy seats at Katzkin's booth at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for a little chat.