Auto News 5

The main engineering challenges in any braking system are to withstand the extremely high temperatures involved, remove the very large amount of heat generated during hard deceleration and minimise the weight of the braking units. As brake manufacturers continue to focus on designs that improve brake feel and reduce engineering costs, Matthew Beecham talked with executives of Continental's hydraulic braking systems' business about how they see the market developing.

Chinese automakers generated strong sales growth on small volumes in Russia last month, despite the fact that overall light-vehicle sales remained weak in May, falling 12 percent from a year earlier to 229,670 units, according to the Association of...

There have been some advances made to shock absorbers (dampers) which may be referred to as trends. To improve ride comfort without adding to cost, manufacturers are creating a longer shock absorber movement. Another clear trend in the shocks sector is integrating more electronics. Here, Matthew Beecham talked with executives of ZF about the challenges of developing vehicle suspensions for emerging markets, NVH improved dampers and adoption of electronic suspension technologies.

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn faced skepticism when he said VW Group would sell 10 million cars a year by 2018.

Martin Winterkorn faced widespread skepticism when he said Volkswagen Group would sell 10 million cars a year by 2018, making it the world's largest automaker. Now the CEO says the company will reach its volume target earlier than planned.

Martin Winterkorn faced widespread skepticism when he said Volkswagen Group would sell 10 million cars a year by 2018, making it the world's largest automaker. Now the CEO says the company will reach its volume target earlier than planned.

GM this week is kicking off its biggest advertising campaign in at least five years with an emotional tribute to hardworking Chevrolet Silverado owners, the start of a campaign for the redesigned 2014 pickup that's likely to top $300 million.

Smart's latest German campaign has its ForTwo taking an off-road beating and, generally, failing miserably. But not to worry, as the Smart outfoxes an SUV later on in the city.

PSA opened a third assembly plant in China today, expanding in the world's largest vehicle market even as a slump in European demand prompts it to cut jobs at home.

Carlos Ghosn's 7.6 million euro annual salary to head Nissan will likely further upset French unions and government officials who are already angry about the 2.47 million euros he got last year for running Renault.

Diversified auto supplier Federal-Mogul has sold its connecting rod and camshaft business to JD Norman Industries.

Circuit Mont Tremblant, QC - Bigger is better right? That's not usually the case when it comes to track-ready vehicles. Small, lithe and nimble are all adjectives you'd rather be associated with your ride; not behemoth, large or oafish. However, when it comes to the likes of the large 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG it's truly “small” at heart.

Dressed to the nines with a track-killing engine beneath the hood, I approached the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG with hesitation knowing I was about to take it out on the curvy, hard-to-master Circuit Mont Tremblant after driving the likes of the SLK, SLS and C63 -- all anorexic and race-ready compared to the ginormous SUV before me.

It's safe to say that the GL63 AMG put my fears to rest -- and my right foot to the floor -- on more than one occasion.


What is a Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG?
Essentially, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is a steroid-induced version of the GL-Class, a luxury crossover SUV. This truly is a track-ready family vehicle.

Since 2006, the GL-Class has graced our streets with its big, bold looks. Its second-generation (unveiled in 2012) is even larger, but lighter. Offered in both diesel and gas variants, the GL-Class is a bit of a bruiser, but the ideal weekend warrior for family trips to the country and just as comfortable in the city.

The AMG version? Well, it's just madness; but a glorious kind of madness to the tune of over 500 horses...

Technicalities
With three rows and plenty of room in the trunk, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG seems to be the farthest thing from a track-ready vehicle. However, I'll let these numbers change your mind: 5.5L biturbo V8 good for 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque handled via a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission, with a 0-100km sprint completed in just 4.8 seconds.

All that fantastic power and capability can be had for just $125,900 (base). Quite a bit of pocket change, but if you can afford it, I say: Why not?

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG's V8 roars to life in a fabulous manner, warning of things to come. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
I was not expecting the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG to do at all as well as it did on the track. As I'd just come from the smaller, lighter GLK 250 BlueTEC and felt it was soft, unresponsive, and offered up way to much body roll; I felt certain the behemoth that is the GL63 would be just as bad, if not worse.

I've never been more wrong in my life.

Press that start/stop button and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG's V8 roars to life in a fabulous manner, warning of things to come. Pop the retro-style column shifter in “D” and it's as if you've been transported into a C-Class.

My first few corners in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG were handled with care -- after all, it's a top-heavy SUV with significant body roll, isn't it? Um, no. It's not at all. In fact, it handled the track as well as the C63 AMG Coupe I'd driven mere moments before.

Throttle response is sharp and on point, and with Sport+ engaged rpms are pushed higher. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG blissfully rev-matches all downshifts to the tune of the V8's angry exhaust note out the rear quad tailpipes.

I was surprised with how easily the GL63 AMG handled any corner I threw its way, until I remembered the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM that features active stabilizers that help control the vehicle's body lean.

Bringing this big beast to a stop is no trouble at all thanks to massive brakes that feature Adaptive Braking Technology that predicts your braking needs. Lift off the throttle quickly and it'll prime the brakes for you.

I was surprised with how easily the GL63 AMG handled any corner I threw its way. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Ins and Outs of the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Sitting atop 21” AMG twin 5-spoke rims, in black with brushed chrome accents and AMG badging in all the right places; this is one good-looking SUV. Intimidating and aggressive from nose to tail, it's clear this vehicle means business when you see it in your rearview.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz spared no luxurious expense in the 2013 GL63 AMG. From hand-polished wood to brushed metal trim, you'll be happy no matter where you sit in this 7-seater. However, I'd highly recommend the driver's seat...

You'll be happy no matter where you sit in this 7-seater. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Comparing the Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Truthfully, there's not much out there in the realm of the GL63 AMG. Some would say that's because Mercedes was mental to build a supercar SUV. However, if you are in the market for a GL63 AMG , you'll want to take a look at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5M and Range Rover Supercharged -- all worthy opponents to the big AMG track-killer.

From GMM

F1's tire scandal could be set to deepen yet further, as a Spanish sports newspaper claims Pirelli - already under reprimand for 'test-gate' - blatantly broke the rules.

Marca correspondent Marco Canseco reports that, prior to the tire-explosive British grand prix, F1's official supplier changed the construction of its 2013 tire without the knowledge or the consent of the FIA or the teams.

"At worst, it jeopardised the lives of the drivers," Canseco said, referring to the spate of spectacular tire failures at the British grand prix that have thrown the sport into crisis.

Marca said the tires used at Silverstone had a completely new structure, with a layer of kevlar included in the internal steel-belt.

Earlier, teams including Lotus, Sahara Force India and Ferrari vetoed the introduction of the purely kevlar-belted tires, due to the rule requiring unanimity for mid-season changes.

Canseco said he discovered Pirelli's breach when Sauber and McLaren sent team personnel out to the scene of Sunday's tire explosions, only to discover kevlar shards among the debris.

Photo: WRi2

Pirelli's Paul Hembery denies the charge.

"I can assure you that the tires (at Silverstone) were the same construction as the ones used in Barcelona," he said.

Reacting to F1's new tire crisis, the FIA has agreed to open up the forthcoming three-day young driver test at Silverstone to include the use of race drivers for tire development.

"The test may also be extended by one day," read a statement issued by the Paris federation.

Mercedes, however, remains banned from the test, even though team director Toto Wolff expressed concerns about what the other teams will be allowed to do.

"If it is a pure tire test, I'm all for it," he is quoted by Germany's Sport Bild.

The FIA also said it will seek the World Motor Sport Council's consent to allow Pirelli to introduce new specifications during the season without the need for unanimity.

"In the meantime," the governing body added, "the FIA has asked Pirelli for an assurance that there will be no repetition of the tire problems at this weekend's German grand prix or at subsequent grands prix."

Photo: WRi2

If that guarantee is not forthcoming, it is possible drivers will boycott the Nurburgring.

"I don't think that will happen," Bernie Ecclestone told the BBC.

But McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh insists: "There is that danger (of boycott), if it is not certain that it is safe. But this is not what we want for F1. We had these problems in Indianapolis (in 2005) and it was terrible for the sport.

"This is not the time to blame anyone, we need to work together and find a solution," he is quoted by Auto Hebdo.

The Telegraph reports that Pirelli will "almost certainly" use its safer kevlar tires this weekend.

"We would support this," Lotus boss Eric Boullier, who previously blocked the introduction of the kevlar tires on sporting grounds, is quoted by AFP news agency.

"Safety is the primary concern," he insisted.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone confirmed: "They (Pirelli) can change them (the tires). (FIA president) Jean (Todt) agreed with that and I told Pirelli."

Influential French sports daily L'Equipe headlined that the sport is "in tatters" after Silverstone, but the most damage has been to Pirelli's image.

"Fortunately they (Pirelli) don't make condoms," joked German tennis legend Boris Becker, according to Welt newspaper.

Ferrari's Stefano Domenicali thinks the Nurburgring will be a "less stressful" circuit for tires than high-speed Silverstone.

From press release

Citroen, that will make its WTCC debuts next season, would like Robert Kubica to join the team for at least one round.

During the last WTCC round in Porto, Yves Matton had a press conference following the announcement of Citroen's arrival in the championship next season. Team Principal Yves Matton talked about the driver that could be ran in the team.

"If he was interested, we would certainly like to bring (ex Formula One and current Citroën rally driver) Robert Kubica to at least one round next year," he said.

Robert Kubica. (Photo: Citroën Racing)

Testing is planned to begin this summer and the team is looking for a driver to partner Sebastien Loeb who has "extensive previous experience of the WTCC".

"The WTCC is a global discipline and it's very important for a brand like Citroën to be involved in the Championship and in particular the rounds in some of our key markets," he added. "With the new regulations, the budget is very reasonable and the car we will use is a car the customer can identify - that is very important for us."


From GMM

Giedo van der Garde has dismissed rumours he could be set to lose his 2013 Caterham seat to former team driver Heikki Kovalainen.

We reported at the weekend that it was possible Finn Kovalainen, back in the paddock at Silverstone, could now return to Caterham's race lineup, at Dutchman van der Garde's expense.

"Nothing has been agreed, so do not try to guess," Kovalainen told Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper at Silverstone.

Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham) and Mark Webber (Red Bull). (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

But 28-year-old van der Garde dismissed the speculation, in conversation with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"There are always rumours. I know where they are coming from, but I also know that I have a watertight contract for the rest of this season," he said.

De Telegraaf acknowledged, however, that in the wake of van der Garde's dismal race in Canada, where he was penalised by the FIA for collisions, Caterham team owner Tony Fernandes was in contact with Kovalainen.

Reigning Canadian rally champions Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard, who retired from the season's opening round, at Perce-Neige, came back strong in Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs.

L'Estage and Richard powered through engines issues to a record-breaking fifth "Baie" win aboard their Mitsubishi Evo X, in New Richmond, Québec, where round two of the Canadian Rally Championship (CRC) season was held in muddy conditions.

A bottle of champagne, Nathalie Richard and Antoine L'Estage (photo: Matt Janiak/CRC)

Perce-Neige winners Pat Richard and Rob Fagg (Subaru Impreza WRX) had to settle for second, but managed to hold on to their lead in the points standings.

Meanwhile Maxime Labrie and father Robert (Subaru Impreza WRX) took advantage of "Crazy" Leo Urlichich's (Subaru Impreza WRX) bad luck to squeeze onto the last step of the podium.

Marc-André Larose and Yves Lafrenière (BMW 318) took top honours in the two-wheel drive standings.

Chrysler Canada will carry out a voluntary recall on 230,078 SUVs, including the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty, to offer a structural improvement to mitigate the risks of fuel leakage in certain low-speed collisions.

Chrysler dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and install a trailer hitch if appropriate.

This comes after Chrysler finally decided to comply with the NHTSA, which had requested a recall on 2.7 million Jeep vehicles in the U.S.

Source: Transport Canada

Toyota will reportedly use the 2013 Tokyo Auto Show in November to introduce a hydrogen-powered car with a range of more than 300 miles (480 kilometres). Inspired from the FCV-R Concept that debuted at the same venue two years ago, it could enter production and hit the market as a 2015 model.

According to Bloomberg, we're looking at a $50K-$100K vehicle that would rival the Tesla Model S or a midsize BMW. Of course, Toyota plans a relatively limited production run for select markets only.

Expect more details to surface closer to the 2013 Tokyo Auto Show.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

In an effort to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Ford has just created a special edition of the 2014 Mustang GT. The car will be auctioned off at the Gathering of Eagles charity event on August 1st during the Ford-sponsored Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh 2013.

The exterior showcases a custom brilliant white paint with red and blue accents, as well as markings and logos, tying it to the Thunderbirds' F-16 Falcon aircraft. It rides on 22'' wheels.

Inside are a modified navigation screen, instrument cluster and rear seat-delete. The Recaro seats include embroidered Thunderbirds elements, while puddle lamps project the aircraft silhouette when the doors open. Brembo brakes, a modified suspension, and a supercharger complete the package.

All proceeds from the car donation and sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles program, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million young people since 1992.

Photo: Ford

General Motors and Honda today announced a partnership to develop next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies for 2020.

Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. said: “Among all zero-emission technologies, fuel cell electric vehicles have a definitive advantage with range and refuelling time that is as good as conventional gasoline cars. Honda and GM are eager to accelerate the market penetration of this ultimate clean mobility technology, and I am excited to form this collaboration to fuse our leading fuel cell technologies and create an advanced system that will be both more capable and more affordable.”

Both GM and Honda have quite a bit of experience in fuel cell development. The former has accumulated nearly 3 million miles of real-world driving in a fleet of 119 hydrogen-powered vehicles through the Project Driveway program, launched in 2007, while the latter began leasing of the FCX in 2002 and has deployed 85 units in the U.S. and Japan.

Honda plans to launch the future FCX Clarity in Japan and the United States in 2015, and then in Europe. GM will announce its fuel cell production plans at a later date.

Photo: General Motors