Auto News 5

Toyota Canada is recalling 26,830 Tacoma pickup trucks equipped with an Access Cab because the fasteners within the driver and front passenger seat belt assemblies could loosen if the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed over an extended period of time.

Should the fasteners loosen completely, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash or sudden stop.

Toyota dealers will therefore replace the fasteners or the seat belt assemblies as necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Rob Rothwell

General Motors is offering a sneak-peek at its completely redesigned GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado compact pickup trucks. The pair will enter production in Wentzville, Missouri, next year.

According to GM, the next-generation Canyon and Colorado are designed to be capable, versatile and fuel-efficient alternatives to full-size pickups.

Photo: GM

August is vacation time for many people, and for a few years now it has also meant a well-deserved break for everyone involved in the F1 circus. Design offices and engineering shops must close for about a month and let employees catch their breath before diving into the second half of the season.

I hear some fans complaining about it and lamenting the fact that the Belgian Grand Prix is too darn far away. For them, a world without F1 doesn't make sense.

However, I can assure you this four-week hiatus is crucial. With 20 races in just 36 weeks, plus all the time spent developing the new cars and putting them to the test during the winter, F1 teams inevitably grow tired at some point.

The 2013-2014 off-season will be even more intense, you know, with the arrival of turbo- hybrid V6 engines. Integrating the different energy sources to achieve maximum performance will be an extremely challenging and time-consuming process. In all likelihood, a number of teams will line up for the first Grand Prix of 2014 with a fast, yet unreliable car.

Most F1 enthusiasts who have listened to the new engines are very disappointed with its sound effects, comparing them to either a vacuum cleaner, a lawnmower or a blender -- nothing that even remotely resembles a spine-tickling V10 engine revving at nearly 20,000 rpm. Everyone will have to get used to hearing a duller, more muffled sound coming from these big turbocharged V6s with fairly complex electrical components.

Whether you like it or not, the future of F1 depends on these so-called “clean” powerplants that will burn a maximum of 100 kg of fuel per Grand Prix. This decision comes after two of the three F1 engine suppliers (Ferrari, Renault, and Mercedes) urged the FIA to make the new units as close to production engines as possible.

Let's just wait to hear them from trackside before making a final judgement, shall we? Maybe the sound won't be so bad after all...

Photo: René Fagnan

I know, we used to say the same thing after the first hybrids hit the market some 15 years ago, but I think it bears repeating: The automobile has significantly evolved when it comes to technology.

Few could have guessed that we would one day be able to travel more than 30 km around town and on the highway at a little more than the posted speed limit without burning a single drop of gas. Yet I recently pulled off this very feat with a fully charged ">2013 Ford C-MAX Energi.


What is the Ford C-Max Energi?
Good question: Some people will tell you it's a small minivan in the same mould as the Toyota Prius v or Mazda5. Others put it in the same crossover category as the Chevrolet Orlando and Kia Rondo. One thing's for sure: The line that separates all these models is as blurry as it is thin.

The Ford C-MAX sets itself apart with a unique philosophy and powertrain strategy. Similar to the Prius, it's only available as a hybrid, of which there are two variants: C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi (plug-in hybrid).

The Ford C-MAX is only available as a hybrid, of which there are two variants: C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi (plug-in hybrid). (Photo: RIchard Roch)

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi Prices and Specs
Under the hood of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi is a 2.0L, Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower along with an electric motor that draws power from a lithium-ion battery. Combined output amounts to 188 horsepower, while peak torque is a mere 129 lb-ft.

The battery's size and capacity are what differentiates the C-MAX Hybrid from the C-MAX Energi. The former uses a 1.4 kWh battery, while the latter boasts a 7.5 kWh unit that allows all-electric driving for up to 40 kilometres.

A full charge through a 120V outlet takes approximately seven hours. When using 240V power, however, you can cut charging times to three hours.

Under the hood of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi is a 2.0L, Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower along with an electric motor that draws power from a lithium-ion battery. (Photo: Ford)

Driving the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi
The 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi in everyday driving pleasantly surprised me. It's comfortable, quiet, and very efficient. This hybrid people-hauler may not be a beast, but it still fares pretty well in traffic, even in pure EV mode. I liked the precise steering and the fact that you barely notice the regenerative braking system. What's more, the ride is relatively smooth with minimal body roll.

Despite costing $35,504, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi proves to be a compelling choice that will save you hundreds of dollars every year -- that is if you keep your daily commute under 40 kilometres. What makes it even more attractive is the major tax credit in some Canadian provinces ($5,100 in Quebec).

The 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi in everyday driving pleasantly surprised me. It's comfortable, quiet, and very efficient. (Photo: Ford)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi
I'll just focus on two things, here: the non-friendly infotainment system and limited cargo room.

MyFordTouch is as complex and distracting as it's ever been, displaying a bunch of information in a format that definitely could use some improvements and forces you to take your eyes off the road for much too long.

Meanwhile, the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi's battery reduces total cargo capacity by more than 300 litres when compared with the C-MAX Hybrid's trunk. Additionally, it's impossible to get a perfectly flat cargo floor when you fold the rear seats due to the massive bulge created by said battery. Loading big, heavy objects through the back proves quite difficult.

On the plus side, the hands-free liftgate is simply awesome (with the available Intelligent Access key in your pocket or purse, just place your foot under the bumper and the power liftgate will automatically open). No doubt, other manufacturers will emulate this feature.

I'll just focus on two things, here: the non-friendly infotainment system and limited cargo room. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Comparing the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi
The 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi almost stands alone in its class. Sure, there's the Toyota Prius Plug-in, but it looks like the hot new American has matched and even surpassed the venerable Japanese in terms of technology and efficiency.

In a recent interview posted on Mercedes' official site, Mercedes AMG F1 team boss Ross Brawn said the team should carry their good form into the second half of the season thanks to a number of upcoming technical developments.

Mercedes entered the mid-season break having scored three wins and four pole positions in the last five races, results that have boosted their world championship aspirations substantially. The team is currently second to Red Bull Racing in the constructors' championship with 208 points.

“The team has great spirit at the moment. I know the things that are coming through on the technical front and our hit rate has been pretty good on new technical innovations - the things that we've brought to the track have generally worked,” said Brawn.

“We've got a few things coming up in the next few races which could give us that extra impetus, that extra momentum, to take us through the second half of the year,” Brawn explained.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

The British engineer said that the team is capable to pursue the development of the current W04 car while putting massive energy into the design of the W05 turbo car of next year.

“There are areas of the 2013 car that we will continue to develop, almost until the end of season because they can follow on to 2014,” Brawn explained.

“If we look at suspension systems; we think fundamentally the tires will be similar next year and therefore developing suspension systems is entirely relevant for next season.

“There are areas of the 2013 car that have no relevance to the 2014 car, so we'll draw a line under those at some point. I think teams that don't have an opportunity will just draw a line under their ‘13 car and get on with their ‘14 car. We're fortunate enough at the moment to be able to do both - we've got a strong car at the moment, a strong team, we're on a run and we don't want to spoil that,” Brawn declared.

From GMM

Sitting out next year's F1 calendar is "not a good message" being sent by organisers of the Indian grand prix.

That is the warning of triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, following news India will not host a race next year before returning to F1 in 2015.

Amid the undoubted tax and customs issues, and the pressure on F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone to limit the calendar to 20 races next year, Indian organisers insist missing 2014 is simply "a scheduling matter".

"These kinds of adjustments take place all the time," said a spokesman for organisers Jaypee.

He explained that Ecclestone offered India a March date on the 2014 calendar, but with this year's race taking place in October, the two races would have taken place too closely together.

"We were then given the option of holding it in March in subsequent years," said the spokesman.

Photo: Buddh International Circuit

But Stewart, a veteran figure in the F1 paddock for almost five decades, indicated he thinks the real issue is about tax and customs.

"F1 has been able to handle the issue in every other country we go to -- whether it's Hungary, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia or China," the 74-year-old told the India-Asian News Service.

And Stewart said the situation, culminating in India skipping at least the 2014 schedule, could hurt the country's F1 foray.

"It is certainly not a good message the Indian grand prix is sending out to the motor sports world, and is not positive for India's image when questions are raised about it," he said.

Not only that, spectator numbers dropped from 95,000 for the inaugural race in 2011 to just 60,000 last year. And after October's race, 16 months will pass before India hosts the next grand prix.

"This year's race is crucial," Jackie Stewart agreed, "and if the race in 2015 gets the right promotion, there's no reason why it shouldn't again attract large crowds."

Kia will launch a dramatic new European concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 10th. The pictures released by the company show a sporty-looking small car with rugged lines. The name and specs have not yet been disclosed.

While there are no current plans for production, Kia will gauge potential customer response at the show, hopefully to come to market with other fantastic products.

Photo: Kia

Photo: Kia

Citroen Racing team boss, Yves Matton has confirmed to Autosport that former Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica is moving closer every day to a drive in the World Rally Championship.

Matton told the British magazine that Kubica, seriously injured and almost lost his right arm in a huge rally crash in February 2011, may drive a factory Citroen DS3 WRC before the end of this year.

Kubica is currently contesting the WRC2 series where he scored two wins in a row, in Greece and Sardinia and a second place in Finland.

Robert Kubica, Citroën WRC2. (Photo: Citroën Racing)

Yves Matton said he was pleased to see the Pole fighting for the WRC2 title and winning rallies. “If we wins the title before the end of the year, why not?” Matton said, referring to the possibility of seeing Kubica driving a Citroen DS3 WRC car in selected events.

"We and he are not thinking about this for the moment, but it is possible. For sure he is also on the short list that I will do for next year. At the moment, I am waiting until after Germany to think about what I will do with the drivers,” Matton told Autosport.

The OSCAAR Super Late Models and Modifieds invade Kawartha Speedway Sunday for the Midas of Orangeville 50.

Super Late Models series' points leader Brandon Watson (No.9) won last weekend at Peterborough, leading all 50 laps in the process. Watson's consistency is the primary reason he sits atop the standings, he has yet to finish outside the top-five, and more of the same is expected come Sunday afternoon.

The Stayner, Ont. driver is the latest winner at Kawartha, in last September's Don Biederman Memorial. Kawartha has also served as Watson's home track, so expect another strong finish from the top-gun.

Andrew Gresel (No.81) has quickly proven himself to be a force on the tour during his rookie season. Gresel has three podium finishes this season, including a win at Sauble Speedway and second-place finish last week at Peterborough. Gresel over took the Rookie points lead last Saturday with his runner-up finish and will be eager to earn another finish inside the top-three in his first Super Late Model trip to Kawartha.

Derrick Tiemersma (No.7) has continued his string of consistent runs, finishing third at Peterborough last weekend. Tiemersma has narrowly missed his first victory since 2010 on a couple of occasions this season and may only need the right circumstances to find the checkered flag. Look for Tiemersma's seventh finish inside the top-five this season.

Modifieds
Sunday marks the second race of the back half of the 2013 OSCAAR Modified tour and the series' sophomore trip to Kawartha Speedway. This weekend's feature event will be 30 laps in length, five laps longer than the previous outing.

Series points' leader Gary McLean (No.8) won his third feature of the season last weekend at Peterborough Speedway, but, at the time of publication, his entry in to Sunday's show was unconfirmed. McLean's wife, Linda, underwent a major surgery this week and the defending champion warned he may have to miss the race to follow her recovery process.

Last season's rookie-of-the-year Davey Terry (No.14) suffered a DNF as a result of a broken motor last weekend, but returns to the tour today attempting to repeat his second-place finish from one year ago. Terry has said Kawartha has become one of his favourite tracks and the sophomore driver is eyeing the high-banked oval for his first career victory.

Matt Barton (No.2) is expected to return to the tour Sunday after a two-race hiatus. Barton, who is running a partial schedule this season, sat fourth in the championship standings before taking the break. This marks Barton's first trip to Kawartha in an open-wheel modified and the second-year driver has historically performed well on large ovals, including Delaware Speedway.

Racing gets underway at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday August 11 for the OSCAAR Modifieds, who will be joined by the OSCAAR Super Late Models for their 50-lap main event and Brighton's Speedways Vanderlaan dirt Pro Late Models for an exhibition show. The pit gate will open at 11:00am for competitors.

A 'Show & Shine' will begin at 12:00 p.m. when spectator gates open, with over 100 hot rods expected to be in attendance for the Syracuse Nationals and Right Coast Cars associated event.

August is vacation time for many people, and for a few years now it has also meant a well-deserved break for everyone involved in the F1 circus. Design offices and engineering shops must close for about a month and let employees catch their breath before diving into the second half of the season.

I hear some fans complaining about it and lamenting the fact that the Belgian Grand Prix is too darn far away. For them, a world without F1 doesn't make sense.

However, I can assure you this four-week hiatus is crucial. With 20 races in just 36 weeks, plus all the time spent developing the new cars and putting them to the test during the winter, F1 teams inevitably grow tired at some point.

The 2013-2014 off-season will be even more intense, you know, with the arrival of turbo- hybrid V6 engines. Integrating the different energy sources to achieve maximum performance will be an extremely challenging and time-consuming process. In all likelihood, a number of teams will line up for the first Grand Prix of 2014 with a fast, yet unreliable car.

Most F1 enthusiasts who have listened to the new engines are very disappointed with its sound effects, comparing them to either a vacuum cleaner, a lawnmower or a blender -- nothing that even remotely resembles a spine-tickling V10 engine revving at nearly 20,000 rpm. Everyone will have to get used to hearing a duller, more muffled sound coming from these big turbocharged V6s with fairly complex electrical components.

Whether you like it or not, the future of F1 depends on these so-called “clean” powerplants that will burn a maximum of 100 kg of fuel per Grand Prix. This decision comes after two of the three F1 engine suppliers (Ferrari, Renault, and Mercedes) urged the FIA to make the new units as close to production engines as possible.

Let's just wait to hear them from trackside before making a final judgement, shall we? Maybe the sound won't be so bad after all...

Photo: René Fagnan

General Motors is offering a sneak-peek at its completely redesigned GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado compact pickup trucks. The pair will enter production in Wentzville, Missouri, next year.

According to GM, the next-generation Canyon and Colorado are designed to be capable, versatile and fuel-efficient alternatives to full-size pickups.

Photo: GM

Organisers of the new Formula E series for zero-emission cars powered exclusively by electric energy announced an agreement with Fox Sports on a multiyear, international multimedia broadcast deal.

U.S. based Fox Sports will air races tentatively scheduled to be staged on the streets of Miami, Los Angeles, Rome, Beijing and Rio de Janeiro, among other cities.

Photo: FIA Formula E

Six teams have signed on, including U.S.-based Andretti Autosport. The series will feature single seaters powered by electric engines.

A new Formula E car is scheduled to be unveiled next month, a blend of technology from leading racing innovators including McLaren Electronics and Dallara (the Italian company that builds the chassis for the IndyCar series).

The deal calls for Fox to bring the races into homes in nearly 90 countries--including Canada, Australia, some European countries, and across Latin America and the Far East.

General Motors is offering a sneak-peek at its completely redesigned GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado compact pickup trucks. The pair will enter production in Wentzville, Missouri, next year.

According to GM, the next-generation Canyon and Colorado are designed to be capable, versatile and fuel-efficient alternatives to full-size pickups.

Photo: GM

Toyota Canada is recalling 26,830 Tacoma pickup trucks equipped with an Access Cab because the fasteners within the driver and front passenger seat belt assemblies could loosen if the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed over an extended period of time.

Should the fasteners loosen completely, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash or sudden stop.

Toyota dealers will therefore replace the fasteners or the seat belt assemblies as necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Rob Rothwell

Kia will launch a dramatic new European concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 10th. The pictures released by the company show a sporty-looking small car with rugged lines. The name and specs have not yet been disclosed.

While there are no current plans for production, Kia will gauge potential customer response at the show, hopefully to come to market with other fantastic products.

Photo: Kia

Photo: Kia

August is vacation time for many people, and for a few years now it has also meant a well-deserved break for everyone involved in the F1 circus. Design offices and engineering shops must close for about a month and let employees catch their breath before diving into the second half of the season.

I hear some fans complaining about it and lamenting the fact that the Belgian Grand Prix is too darn far away. For them, a world without F1 doesn't make sense.

However, I can assure you this four-week hiatus is crucial. With 20 races in just 36 weeks, plus all the time spent developing the new cars and putting them to the test during the winter, F1 teams inevitably grow tired at some point.

The 2013-2014 off-season will be even more intense, you know, with the arrival of turbo- hybrid V6 engines. Integrating the different energy sources to achieve maximum performance will be an extremely challenging and time-consuming process. In all likelihood, a number of teams will line up for the first Grand Prix of 2014 with a fast, yet unreliable car.

Most F1 enthusiasts who have listened to the new engines are very disappointed with its sound effects, comparing them to either a vacuum cleaner, a lawnmower or a blender -- nothing that even remotely resembles a spine-tickling V10 engine revving at nearly 20,000 rpm. Everyone will have to get used to hearing a duller, more muffled sound coming from these big turbocharged V6s with fairly complex electrical components.

Whether you like it or not, the future of F1 depends on these so-called “clean” powerplants that will burn a maximum of 100 kg of fuel per Grand Prix. This decision comes after two of the three F1 engine suppliers (Ferrari, Renault, and Mercedes) urged the FIA to make the new units as close to production engines as possible.

Let's just wait to hear them from trackside before making a final judgement, shall we? Maybe the sound won't be so bad after all...

Photo: René Fagnan

BMW will unveil the production version of its new i8 plug-in hybrid at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, the German automaker announced while giving no pricing indications.

Larger than the recently introduced BMW i3, this new model is made of aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, and weighs a mere 1,490 kg (3,285 lbs). A 231-hp, 1.5L three-cylinder engine combines with a 131-hp electric motor to propel the BMW i8 from 0-96 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is comparable to a Tesla Model S. The gasoline engine drives the front wheel, and the electric motor takes care of the rear wheels, essentially forming an all-wheel drive setup.

The BMW i8 will apparently charge in about 3.5 hours from a 120V outlet or just 1.5 hour from a 240V Level 2 charger. DC fast charging at 440V has yet to be confirmed, but it could allow the i8's battery to get back to 80% in 20 minutes or less.

In pure EV mode, the BMW i8 will offer a range of about 35 km and a top speed of 120 km/h. With both sources of power engaged, it will top out at 250 km/h. Calculated using the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the average fuel efficiency of the BMW i8 at model launch will be less than 2.5L/100km, the company claims.

Source : thedetroitbureau.com

Photo: BMW

Kia will launch a dramatic new European concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 10th. The pictures released by the company show a sporty-looking small car with rugged lines. The name and specs have not yet been disclosed.

While there are no current plans for production, Kia will gauge potential customer response at the show, hopefully to come to market with other fantastic products.

Photo: Kia

Photo: Kia

From GMM

Sitting out next year's F1 calendar is "not a good message" being sent by organisers of the Indian grand prix.

That is the warning of triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, following news India will not host a race next year before returning to F1 in 2015.

Amid the undoubted tax and customs issues, and the pressure on F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone to limit the calendar to 20 races next year, Indian organisers insist missing 2014 is simply "a scheduling matter".

"These kinds of adjustments take place all the time," said a spokesman for organisers Jaypee.

He explained that Ecclestone offered India a March date on the 2014 calendar, but with this year's race taking place in October, the two races would have taken place too closely together.

"We were then given the option of holding it in March in subsequent years," said the spokesman.

Photo: Buddh International Circuit

But Stewart, a veteran figure in the F1 paddock for almost five decades, indicated he thinks the real issue is about tax and customs.

"F1 has been able to handle the issue in every other country we go to -- whether it's Hungary, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia or China," the 74-year-old told the India-Asian News Service.

And Stewart said the situation, culminating in India skipping at least the 2014 schedule, could hurt the country's F1 foray.

"It is certainly not a good message the Indian grand prix is sending out to the motor sports world, and is not positive for India's image when questions are raised about it," he said.

Not only that, spectator numbers dropped from 95,000 for the inaugural race in 2011 to just 60,000 last year. And after October's race, 16 months will pass before India hosts the next grand prix.

"This year's race is crucial," Jackie Stewart agreed, "and if the race in 2015 gets the right promotion, there's no reason why it shouldn't again attract large crowds."

From GMM

Romain Grosjean is celebrating F1's August break as a new father.

The Lotus driver, whose wife Marion Jolles met 27-year-old Grosjean as a F1 reporter for French television TF1, confirmed the happy news this week.

"Our son Sacha was born on the 29th of July," he said on Twitter, referring to the very day after he finished sixth in the Hungarian grand prix.

After a wave of up and down form in 2013, Grosjean also qualified a season-best third in Hungary, while many applauded his feisty racing on Sunday.

Asked to name a highlight of 2013, he said: "Well, I would like to say the pass on Felipe (Massa) in Budapest, which at the time I thought may have been the best of my career so far, but of course with the penalty I suppose it's not the same.

"After our performance in the last few races, I honestly believe my first win is now just around the corner," Grosjean added.

Romain Grosjean and Eric Boullier, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, while earlier it was believed Grosjean's erratic form might cost him his race seat, boss Eric Boullier thinks Lotus has "a future contender for titles" on its hands now.

"It gives me great pleasure to see him learn from those (bad) experiences and to really start delivering the kind of results we've always known he is capable of," he said after Hungary.

"He knows that if he wants to be winning races and fighting for championships then he must deliver this kind of quality drive at every grand prix," Boullier added.

As for his wife and his newly-born son, Frenchman Grosjean told his 165,000 Twitter followers that "All the family is doing very well".