Auto News 5

Audi will reach its sales target of 1.5 million cars in 2013, two years earlier than planned, CEO Rupert Stadler said. Audi is closer than ever to luxury leader BMW, he said.

Daimler is still conducting an internal review into the role of its "Own Retail" dealerships, a network of showrooms in Germany owned and operated by the company itself, CEO Dieter Zetsche said.

Volkswagen picked EV expert Joerg Sommer as VW brand's head of product strategy in the U.S. as the automaker prepares to launch its first plug-in vehicle in the country.

From press release

A month after confirming that it would be entering the World Touring Car Championship in 2014, Citroën can now reveal the model that will be driven on the circuits by Sébastien Loeb.

Photo: Citroën Racing

The Citroën C-Elysée WTCC will be the very first vehicle to be designed in accordance with the new regulations, currently being prepared by the FIA for the category next year.

On 26 September of last year, at the opening of the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Frédéric Banzet, Yves Matton and Sébastien Loeb announced that Citroën was considering taking part in the World Touring Car Championship. A few minutes earlier, the C-Elysée had just been unveiled for the first time to the world's media. Ten months on, these two events come together again with the release of the first pictures of the Citroën C-Elysée WTCC.

Photo: Citroën Racing

The Citroën C-Elysée is a C-segment saloon aimed principally at high-growth, international markets such as those in Latin America, the Mediterranean region, China and Russia.

Under the bonnet, the Citroën C-Elysée WTCC is powered by the same 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine as the DS3 WRC. With a wider booster flange, power output is now close to 380bhp. The car comes with a front-wheel drive transmission, controlled by a six-speed sequential gearbox.

From GMM

F1's governing will abolish the side-impact crash test, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reports.

Until now, the individual teams have been responsible for coming up with solutions to pass the test, mandatory for the homologation of the chassis.

But correspondent Michael Schmidt reports that, having collaborated with world champions Red Bull, the FIA has now developed a standard side crash structure that must be fitted to every car from the 2014 season.

The layout and materials for the structure will be identical on every single seater next year, he wrote.

"The new rules will save money and make the cars safer," said Schmidt.

The teams will save money by not having to submit their cars and designs for side-impact testing, while the standard structure can also be reused.

Photo: WRi2

All curvy
I admit to feeling somewhat blissful as I approached the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo in the far corner of the Auto123.com parking lot. This cute little city car from Italy has spread like a virus -- the most beautiful kind of virus, if you ask me -- since landing on our shores in 2011. Now, it's the Turbo's turn to make its presence felt on Canadian roads.

You have to sit behind the wheel to fully appreciate the appeal of the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo. Fun is the word not only for the exterior looks, but also the driving experience. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of power on tap and the accelerations it produces, even in 5th gear. My week with the Fiat 500 Turbo only amplified my longing desire to try the Abarth version!


What's a Fiat 500 Turbo?
Let's not kid ourselves: You don't buy a Fiat 500 if you want to look mature and business-like while driving. This sub-compact hatchback is basically an oversized, motorized toy designed to put a smile on your face.

Sitting pretty between the regular 500 and the high-performance 500 Abarth, the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo costs $4,000 more than the former and $6,000 less than the latter. At $17,495, it makes for a happy medium with plenty of value.

This sub-compact hatchback is basically an oversized, motorized toy designed to put a smile on your face. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Fiat 500 Turbo specifications
The 1.4L, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine under the hood of the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo produces 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, which is 34 hp and 52 lb-ft more than the naturally aspirated model (25 hp less than the Abarth). Twin intercoolers and a sport-tuned exhaust system help make it happen.

The lone transmission choice is a 5-speed manual. The suspension has been lowered (and connected to stylish 16” aluminum wheels), and the steering has been recalibrated. Let's not forget the beefier brakes!

Official fuel consumption ratings for the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo are 7.1L/100km in the city and 5.7L/100km on the highway. I personally observed an average of 8.1L/100km during my test week. I expected better given the diminutive size of this runabout. On the other hand, these numbers are no worse than those of the previously tested Chevrolet Spark, which generates a meagre 84 horsepower.

The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo also comes with a Sport button that automatically alters throttle and steering response, as well as shift points. You can feel a difference, but nothing too special.

The lone transmission choice is a 5-speed manual. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Driving the Fiat 500 Turbo
Out on the open road, the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo offers reasonable handling. While the steering is definitely not as sharp as a MINI Cooper's, it still allows fun times behind the wheel. Compared with the British benchmark, the suspension is also softer for a more comfortable ride, yet it makes sure not to take all the thrill and feedback out of the driving experience.

The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo handles like a taut city car, one that feels safe and stable thanks to competent 4-wheel disc brakes. On the flip side, the high beltline in the back limits visibility and thus affects parking manoeuvres.

Almost everything about the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo feels small and tight. One notable exception, however, is the meaty shift knob that naturally falls into hand. What's more, soundproofing is nowhere near luxury sedan levels. When cruising at 115 km/h with the engine revving at 3,000 rpm, the interior is fairly noisy.

Regardless, the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo has a certain je ne sais quoi that always seems to put you in a good mood.

The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo handles like a taut city car, one that feels safe and stable thanks to competent 4-wheel disc brakes. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Inside and out of the Fiat 500 Turbo
Round is the theme for the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo, whose distinctive headlights and chrome-clad “500” logos add a bit of extravagance to our landscape -- and I'm thankful for that! Like I said earlier, this car essentially looks like a toy (but of course you know better after sampling its delightful performance).

Inside, the dashboard requires some getting used to. It may look very modern and colourful, but the minimalist layout forces you to navigate through a bunch of sub-menus. The singular juxtaposition of the speedometer and tachometer will also make some people frown.

While certain controls are excessively large, others are just too darn small. For instance, I wasted lots of precious minutes searching for the trip meter reset button, which happens to be located at the tip of the turn signal stalk.

Storage is limited and the rear seats are cramped, albeit decently comfortable. Those who sat behind me and my 5'1'' frame luckily enjoyed a little more breathing room!

Finally, I question some of the gadgets, like the small recess for the GPS mount, but overall, the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo's exterior and interior positively stand out from the often dark and lifeless competition.

The singular juxtaposition of the speedometer and tachometer will also make some people frown. (Photo: Marie-Laurence Paquin)

Comparing the Fiat 500 Turbo
Speaking of which, one could say that the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo stands alone on the fence that separates A- and B-segment cars. It delivers the performance of a MINI Cooper in a package the size and price of a Scion iQ. Ultimately, I believe its Italian charms and great value are tough to beat.

Officials of the new United SportsCar Racing series, which will debut in January 2014, at the 52nd 24 Hours of Daytona have revealed some more details of their class structure.

In the headlining "Prototype" class, where P2 machines from the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) will race Daytona Prototypes from Grand-Am, the officials announced performance would be balanced by air restrictor. They also revealed six-speed gearboxes and paddle shifters would be allowed for both type of cars.

LMP2 prototype car (Photo: René Fagnan)

In the "GT Daytona" (GTD) class, for cars from the Grand-Am GT and GX categories and from the FIA GT3 class, officials introduced one-piece, single-lug wheels, a spec rear wing and an air restrictor.

In "GT Le Mans" (GTLM), for ALMS GT cars, the only notable addition is a safety net around the driver.

Finally, "Prototype Challenge" (PC) class cars, which come straight from the ALMS rulebook, cannot run without a data logger anymore.

The series will continue to introduce performance-balancing rules to keep the field close.

GT class Chevrolet Corvette (Photo: René Fagnan)

Canadian and American auto journalists have announced the preliminary list of contenders for the 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) awards.

There are many vehicles in both cases, but some of them may fall off the list if they don't become available for judging, while others not appearing on the list right now may still be added in the coming weeks.

A first round of voting will take place this fall following the initial test drives. A dozen models will advance to the next stage. Later, 3 finalists will be announced for each award, and the big winners will be crowned at the 2014 NAIAS in Detroit.


Cars :

• 2014 Acura RLX
• 2014 BMW 4 Series
• 2014 Cadillac CTS
• 2014 Cadillac ELR
• 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
• 2014 Chevrolet Impala
• 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV
• 2014 Chevrolet SS
• 2014 Fiat 500L et 500e
• 2014 Honda Fit EV
• 2014 Infiniti Q50
• 2014 Jaguar Type F
• 2014 Kia Cadenza
• 2014 Kia Forte Koup
• 2014 Kia Soul
• 2014 Kia Quoris
• 2014 Lexus IS
• 2014 Maserati Ghibli
• 2014 Mazda3
• 2014 Mazda6
• 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
• 2014 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
• 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
• 2014 Nissan Versa Note
• 2014 Porsche Cayman/Cayman S
• 2014 Smart fortwo electric
• 2014 Toyota Corolla

Trucks :

• 2014 Acura MDX
• 2014 BMW X5
• 2014 Buick Encore
• 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
• 2014 Ford Transit Connect
• 2014 GMC Sierra
• 2014 Honda Pilot
• 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB
• 2014 Jeep Cherokee
• 2014 Kia Sorento
• 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
• 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
• 2014 Nissan Rogue
• 2014 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo
• 2014 Ram 2500/3500
• 2014 Subaru Forester
• 2014 Toyota 4Runner
• 2014 Toyota Tundra
• 2014 Toyota RAV4

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo on Thursday appeared to move another step closer to landing his dream seat at Red Bull Racing.

After the young Australian tested for the world champion team recently at Silverstone, reports indicated he had moved ahead of Kimi Raikkonen as the favourite to replace the Le Mans-bound Red Bull veteran Mark Webber in 2014.

When asked about next year's currently vacant race seat alongside Sebastian Vettel, team owner Dietrich Mateschitz clearly hinted Toro Rosso driver Ricciardo is at the front of the queue.

Daniel Ricciardo. (Photo: WRi2)

The Austrian billionaire did not even mention Finn Raikkonen, whose current team Lotus is pushing hard to convince the laid-back 2007 world champion to stay.

"No decision has been taken yet," Mateschitz is quoted as saying by the AFP, AAP and Sapa news agencies.

"It is still under discussion within the team but it will be announced after Budapest. Ricciardo did an excellent job at Silverstone and Jean-Eric Vergne was good too."

Jaguar will reportedly launch and sell new affordable models starting in 2015. Sources told Reuters that the company is expected to announce a compact sedan, a wagon, and a crossover at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

These new products would directly rival the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which are dominating the entry-level luxury segment. Similar to the XJ, they would feature an all-aluminum construction, and be built on assembly lines formerly used to make Land Rover vehicles which are currently being modified at Jaguar Land Rover's plant in Solihull, central England.

Source: Reuters

Photo: Jaguar

Sony is working on a feature adaptation of the best-selling video game Gran Turismo, several sources claim. It will be produced by Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti, the same guys who'll transform Fifty Shades of Grey into a movie.

Gran Turismo is the single biggest franchise for PlayStation, with over 70 million copies sold around the world. The movie would join other popular racing-themed flicks such as Universal's The Fast and the Furious, not to mention the upcoming Need for Speed (DreamWorks) and Hot Wheels (Legendary).

A video made by Sony gives a taste of what the movie might look like:

The all-new 9G-Tronic automatic transmission is making its world debut in the Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC, which is now on sale in Europe. No word on when or where exactly it will become available next.

According to the German automaker, this 9-speed autobox helps achieve 5.3L/100km (based on NEDC standards), for instance by allowing speeds of 120 km/h in 9th gear with the engine revving at around 1,350 rpm only. Moreover, shortened shift and reaction times ensure optimum responsiveness combined with outstanding ease of shifting, Mercedes-Benz says.

The new 9G-Tronic unit is suitable both for rear-wheel and all-wheel drives, as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid drive systems. It will be used in almost all model series and engines in the coming years.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Pirelli has announced the slick P Zero compounds that will be taken to the first three Grands Prix of the second half of the season, in Belgium, Italy and Singapore.

At Spa, the longest and one of the fastest circuits of the year, Pirelli will bring the P Zero Orange hard and P Zero White medium. Spa is the circuit that puts the highest vertical load on the front tires all season, mainly due to Eau Rouge corner. Consequently, the two hardest tires from Pirelli's F1range are the most suitable.

For Pirelli's home race at Monza, the hard and the medium compounds will be used once more. Whereas Spa is characterized by a lot of fast corners, Monza is all about high-speed straights. Here, the tires are subjected to very high longitudinal forces and blistering can be an issue due to the stress put on the tires under braking. Therefore, the two hardest compounds are also the ideal choice at this race.

Singapore, by contrast, will be run with the P Zero White medium and P Zero Red supersoft (with the softest tire in the range making its first appearance since Canada). Singapore is a street circuit run at night, which places unique demands on the tires. The tight and twisty corners make the supersoft the ideal tire to generate traction and grip, while the medium tire adds extra durability into the strategy mix.

Tesla Motors last week completed the purchase of a test track formerly owned and operated by New United Motor Manufacturing (NUMMI), a joint venture of General Motors and Toyota that ran from 1984-2010.

Financial details of the transaction haven't been disclosed, but we know that the 35-acre site is located near Tesla's Fremont plant in California.

In other news, the electric car maker plans to open 2 new service centres, one in Sunnyvale and another in Palo Alto, in order to meet increasing demand. It's also looking to ramp up production from more than 400 cars a week to 800 by 2014.

Source : bizjournals.com

Photo: Tesla

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told Reuters that the group might move to the Netherlands once the merger between the 2 parties is completed.

“It's possible,” is what he said.

Fiat's sister company, Fiat Industrial, is already moving its corporate headquarters to the Netherlands after a merger with its U.S. unit CNH that should be finalized in the fall.

The Italian automaker is still in talks with Chrysler's minority shareholder, VEBA, to buy the 41.5% stake it doesn't already own. A Delaware court is expected to rule on a price dispute with VEBA by the end of July.

Source : reuters.com

Photo: Fiat

From Scotia Speedworld

The 19th Annual Shriner's Classic for the Dartmouth Dodge Sportsman is set for Friday night at Scotia Speedworld, the 3/10-mile asphalt oval racing facility located opposite Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

The Shriner's Classic is the longest actively running race in consecutive years in Atlantic Canada with its 19th edition taking the green flag on Friday.

The Sportsman will battle for 50 laps for the coveted Shriner's Classic Trophy and to have their name on the champions list, which boasts many of the best short track stars and legends from the region.

Also on the docket Friday night are the ACE Lumbermart Thunder cars, Coors Light Trucks and the Strictly Hydraulics Legends. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., heat races to determine starting positions get underway at 7:00 PM immediately followed by feature racing.

While drivers want to win this race for the prestige others will have championship points on their minds also, especially current series champion Aaron Boutilier (Porter's Lake) who sits just one point behind Darren Wallage (Oakfield) in the standings. Harry Ross White (Noel Road) currently sits in third, two points ahead of rookie DJ Casey (Halifax). Wade Slauenwhite (Beaverbank) and Brently Pirri (Three Fathom Harbour) are tied for fifth just five markers behind White.

Scotia Speedworld and the Dartmouth Shrine Club have raised over $270,000 since 1988 at "Atlantic Canada's Action Centre," which has gone towards the IWK Children's Charities. Be sure to pick up your 50/50 tickets at the track on Friday night, which will also benefit the Shrine Club and the IWK Children's Charities.

Admission for the 19th edition of the Shriner's Classic is just $12.00 for Adults; Youth (8-15) are $2.00 and children 7 and under are free...all summer long! Tickets are available at the gate on race day. Grandstand gates open at 5:00 p.m. with racing action slated to get underway at 7:00 p.m.

For complete schedule and event information please visit www.scotiaspeedworld.ca

From Toyo Tires F1600 Series

The Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Series is back at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park this weekend for the BARC Canadian Touring Trophy Races, rounds 7 and 8 of the Championship.

Ottawa, ON resident Zach Robichon has a commanding lead in the “A” Class Championship over veteran Shane Jantzi of Ayr, ON. Clarendon Hills, IL resident Jack Mitchell, Jr. sits 3rd and has decided to compete for this Championship, forgoing the Formula Tour event taking place in Mt. Tremblant this weekend.

Mitchell, Jr. is on a hot streak as of late, fresh off winning both events last time out and seems to really be hitting his stride. He will be supported by Exclusive Autosport teammate Max Hanratty as he battles Robichon for “A” Class honours.

Photo: Michael Haley

Craig Willis sits atop the “B” Class Championship points standings but has seen his lead eroded in the last few rounds - missing one event because of a blown motor and having to face an impressive drive by Mike Gayowski, winner of the last event's MK Technologies Award. Willis will also be tested by Andrew Mason, returning to the series after missing the last round. Mason had a great battle with Willis at Shannonville and looked like a good bet at grabbing the top step of the podium before suffering an engine failure.

Gayowski sits tied for 2nd in the points with Graham Lobban. Lobban has shown great form and delivered impressive results having missed the opening two rounds of the Championship. Rookie Connor Wagland is right there in 3rd place and continuing to progress each and every time out.

Exclusive Autosport has split their 4 car team up this weekend as they have a legitimate shot at winning both the Formula Tour and Toyo Tires Championships so it will be interesting to see how they fair.

Jesse Lazare has returned to the series after competing in the Honda Indy Toronto's USF2000 rounds, and has jumped over to Brian Graham Racing's Piper Honda Team as his regular team - Britain West - concentrate on the Formula Tour this weekend.

Twenty cars are expected to compete this weekend with Paul Bollenbach making his first appearance of the season.

“Things are really starting to heat up in both Championships,” said Jason Sharpe, promoter for the series.

“(Zach) Robichon will be in a real fight with (Jack) Mitchell, Jr., and (Jesse) Lazare will be under the BGR awning as well adding a little boost to that program. (Craig) Willis is feeling a little heat from the veterans in his Championship as well so the racing all throughout the field will be very intense, it's going to be a great weekend,” he added.

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.

From Callaway Cars

Callaway Competition of Leingarten Germany will embark on a development program for making the new Corvette C7 into a GT3-class race car and submit for homologation from the FIA.

Callaway Corvette GT3 project (Image: Callaway)

Specialists, like Callaway, require authorization from original equipment manufacturers, like Chevrolet, to submit the homologation forms necessary to allow their version of the car to be the version allowed in FIA competition.

As Callaway has just received the required letter of authorization from Chevrolet, Callaway has become the appointed specialist representative for building and holding the homologation of the Corvette C7 FIA GT3 race cars.

Callaway has also been the homologation holder for the Corvette C6 version of the GT3 car with the FIA. The Callaway team is currently one of the most successful in GT3, with numerous Drivers and Team Championships from 2007 to present.

Callaway Corvette GT3 project (Image: Callaway)

From GMM (with update)

A series of events has come together to form formula one's very latest hot rumour.

After the financially-struggling Sauber failed to pay him on time, therefore breaching its contract, it is rumoured Hungary could be Nico Hulkenberg's last race for the Swiss team.

Where the German might be headed is unknown, but the latest news hints at who his replacement might be.

Robin Frijns, the highly-rated 21-year-old and Sauber's reserve driver, has lost his GP2 seat at the Hilmer team, despite winning the Spanish race.

"So that was it then," he wrote on Twitter. "No money no drive.

"Winning championships is not enough these days," added Frijns, the reigning Formula Renault 3.5 title winner.

Robin Frijns. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

It is rumoured German Hulkenberg, after leaving Sauber, might simply sit out the rest of 2013 before making his next move.

If it was up to 1964 world champion John Surtees, he would already be at McLaren.

"I am not saying Perez isn't talented," he told the Daily Mail, "but it was too early for him to go into such an environment at McLaren.

"I know who I would have had there -- Nico Hulkenberg. He has served his time and would have made a good match with Jenson," said Surtees.

UPDATE
As expected, Nico Hulkenberg on Thursday rubbished the rumour.

Asked in Hungary if he is staying put at the Swiss team for the rest of 2013, he told British broadcaster Sky: "Absolutely."

Beyond this year, however, Hulkenberg admitted the future is "open".

"My management and I are looking at all the possible options, including Sauber," he said.

From GMM

Formula one is considering introducing a minimum time limit for pitstops, as the clampdown on pitlane safety continues.

After a cameraman was hospitalised by Mark Webber's flying wheel at the Nurburgring following a botched pitstop, access to the pitlane for journalists and photographers has been severely limited.

And according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, the clampdown could be set to continue.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

Concerned that ever-impressive techniques and technology are pushing the speed of pitstops beyond the safety threshold, talks between the FIA's Charlie Whting and the team bosses are set to take place at the Hungaroring on Thursday.

"A time limit will be discussed," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

"For example, a minimum of five or even ten seconds, which would reduce the error-rate drastically."

Schmidt added, however, that some teams would resist the move, insisting the spectacle and competition of the pitstops is a crucial part of the F1 'show'.