Auto News 5

A bigger and roomier fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C class will have a more dynamic exterior styling to challenge the BMW 3 series and the redesigned Audi A4 also due next year

Europe's worsening car factory overcapacity is not expected to improve for at least another three years, according to IHS Automotive. To deal with the problem automakers have been closing plants or making radical changes to fill capacity in Europe.

VW promoted Ulrich Hackenberg to head of technical development for all VW Group brands, including Audi where he replaces Wolfgang Duerheimer. Hackenberg has led development of the group's modular platforms.

Press release

Nissan unveiled the groundbreaking, innovative ZEOD RC - the world's fastest electric racing car that will reach speeds of more than 300km/h with electric technology at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The ZEOD RC (Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car) will make its race debut at next year's Le Mans 24 Hour. Nissan will trial variants of new electric drive train technologies as part of its intended future return to LM P1 competition to challenge for overall victory at the world's most prestigious endurance race.

Nissan Nismo ZEOD. (Photo: WRi2)

Nissan's invitation from the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to compete in the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours was announced by Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn in Japan in February. The car will compete under the ACO's ‘Garage 56' entry - an additional spot on the grid for vehicles that showcase new and innovative technology.

Run as a Nissan / Nismo full factory international program with input from Japan, Europe and the US, the Nissan ZEOD RC design team is headed by Ben Bowlby who has been newly-appointed as Nissan's Director of Motorsport Innovation and previously worked on the Nissan DeltaWing program in 2012.

Nissan will partner with French tire manufacturer Michelin to produce tires for the new prototype. Nissan previously joined forces with Michelin on the Nissan DeltaWing program. The Clermont-Ferrand-based manufacturer has an enviable record at the Le Mans 24 Hour, winning the past 15 consecutive races overall.

Nissan Nismo ZEOD. (Photo: WRi2)

The Nissan ZEOD RC will make its testing debut later this summer. Nissan's assault on the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hour will again target victory in the P2 class with 15 of the 22 entries powered by Nissan. In the opening rounds of the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship, Nissan has dominated, taking victory at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.

Advertisers always strive to make a product look good, but this new ad promoting the smart fortwo does the exact opposite by showing all the things you can't do with the iconic microcar.

The point is clear, though: The smart fortwo is made for the city, not off-road driving!

After the third and final qualifying session, the Audi R18 driven by Loïc Duval, Tom Kristensen and Alan McNish remains quickest, and will start the race from pole position Saturday.

The time set by Duval during Wednesday's qualifying session (3m22.349, 1,5 second faster than 2012's pole), remained unbeaten Thursday evening.

The No. 2 Audi leads the No. 1 driven by the reigning World Endurance champions, and winner at Le Mans in 2011 and 2012, Lotterer, Fässler and Treluyer. The third Audi will start from 3rd position.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

Both Toyota TS030s will start 4th and 5th. The fastest Toyota is some four seconds slower than the best Audi.

There was no surprises with the privateers LMP1, as both Rebellion Lola Toyotaa qualified right behind the Toyotas.

In LMP2, OAK Racing's Morgan Judd, the car that set the best time during the Le Mans test days, was fastest in its class.

Already quickest on Wednesday, the works Aston Martin driven by Makowiecki, Bell and Senna improved its time on Thursday, and retained pole position in the GTE Pro ahead of the second works Aston Martin Vantage, and the No. 92 works Porsche 911.

Aston Martin was also dominant in the GTE Am class, with the best time set for by Vantage driven by Nygaard, Poulsen et Simonsen, who were already quickest on Wednesday.

Photo: WRi2

Starting grid:
1. Duval/McNish/Kristensen (Audi R18 e-Tron) - Audi Joest - 3'22"349 (1st LMP1)
2. Lotterer/Fassler/Treluyer (Audi R18 e-Tron) - Audi Joest - 3'23"696
3. Gene/Di Grassi/Jarvis(Audi R18 e-Tron) - Audi Joest - 3'24"341
4. Davidson/Buemi/Sarrazin (Toyota TS030 Hybrid) - Toyota - 3'26"654
5. Wurz/Lapierre/Nakajima (Toyota TS030 Hybrid) - Toyota - 3'26"676
6. Prost/Jani/Heidfield (Lola B12/60-Toyota) - Rebellion - 3'28"935
7. Belicchi/Beche/Cheng (Lola B12/60-Toyota) - Rebellion - 3'32"167
8. Leventis/Watts/Kane (HPD ARX 03c-Honda) - Strakka - 3'36"547
9. Pla/Heinemeier Hansson/Brundle (Morgan-Judd) - OAK - 3'38"621 (1st LMP2)
10. Martin/Rusinov/Conway (Oreca 03-Nissan) - G-Drive - 3'39"535
(...)
29. Makowiecki/Bell/Senna (Aston Martin Vantage V8) - Aston Martin - 3'54"635 (1st GTE Pro)
(...)
38. Nygaard/Poulsen/Simonsen (Aston Martin Vantage) - Aston Martin - 3'57"776 (1st GTE Am)
etc.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans -- one of the three most prestigious automobile races held on the planet -- will run this weekend in France. Le Mans is, with the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, one of three big races; the kind of win every race car driver dreams to add to his résumé.

This year marks the 90th edition of the endurance race staged on the long, 13.6km (8.45 mile) road course made up of the Bugatti permanent track and a few public roads closed to traffic.

The race that began back in 1923 has been the scene of some historic moments, good and bad. Such as the 16 victories of Porsche; the terrible 1955 accident that cost the lives of 80 people; the top-speed record of 405 km/h (252 m/h); the amazingly narrow margin of victory of just 13.8 seconds of Audi in 2011, and more.

However, this year the big question is not to find which automaker will win the race, but which Audi will cross the line in first place on Sunday afternoon.

Audi has entered three R18 e-tron quattro LMP1 prototypes in this race. So, the big question boils down to predict which car -- No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3 -- will win the race? That's basically the only piece of information that's missing.

Let's face it: Honestly, Toyota is no rival for Audi. The two manufacturers faced each other twice earlier this year, and the Toyota TS030 Hybrid was no contest to the mighty turbo-diesel Audis.

Curiously, Toyota offered Audi a real challenge in the second part of last year, winning a few rounds of the World Endurance Championship. It seems evident today that German engineers have done a better job than their Japanese rivals.

Only a major and totally unexpected catastrophe would prevent Audi from scoring yet another victory at Le Mans this weekend. And that's despite the fact that the race organisers tried to equalize the performance of the petrol engine cars and their turbo diesel rivals.

So, will the 24-hour race be as exciting as watching paint dry on walls? Maybe not...

Despite all the planning and preparations, no one knows what can go wrong during such a long race. Keep in mind the 2011 edition when Audi lost two of its three cars within a few hours. Audi director of motorsport, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich is fully aware that anything can go wrong, at any moment.

You can follow our Le Mans coverage in our “Racing” section.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

Attention, people: The all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will go on sale in Canada this October. Building on the success of the award-winning Accord sedan, this highly efficient model stands out with exclusive features such as LED headlights, uniquely styled wheels, and hybrid badging.

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid uses the automaker's new two-motor hybrid powertrain along with a two-motor SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Multi Mode Drive system (EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive) to optimize fuel economy. Speaking of which, expect 4.0/4.2/4.1 L/100km (city/highway/combined).

Inside the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid, the dashboard provides the driver with instant fuel economy and energy flow information for optimal driving performance. Buyers will also benefit from a host of advanced safety and infotainment features.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

Photo: Honda

Photo: Honda

What's in a name?
Everything. Why do we buy Guess jeans, drink Fiji water, and wear Oakley sunglasses? Because we feel a certain affinity for a brand or feel emotionally safe with it -- and nothing feels safer than a Toyota.

In this case that Toyota is the Camry, which has been a go-to car for the better part of the last two decades and is a brand unto itself. People shop for a Camry, not a midsize car. This remains true to this day, despite Toyota's recent checkered past.

The ">2013 Toyota Camry is a car that sells itself. Few if any gimmicks are necessary to attract consumers. Every time I get to spend time with one, I immerse myself in the mindset of a typical owner and immediately understand: This is a good car.


What is a Toyota Camry?
The 2013 Camry is Toyota's superstar, behind the bestselling car of all time; the Corolla. The midsize Camry is the pride of Toyota Manufacturing Kentucky, in Georgetown, and one of the strongest contenders in the most important segment in North America.

The Toyota Camry is fresh from a 2012 overhaul that infused character into its styling. Introduced in 1982, the Camry has found over 16 million buyers and has consistently been regarded as a best pick by numerous specialized media outlets.

The 2013 Toyota Camry LE is one of the strongest contenders in the most important segment in North America. (Photo: Toyota)

Technicalities
The 2013 Toyota Camry can be delivered with one of two engines: The base is a 2.5L 4-cylinder and the other a 3.5L V6. The 4-pot generates 178 hp while the slowly-going-out-of-style V6 puts out 268 hp. A 6-speed autobox is standard across the board.

The as-tested base 2013 Toyota Camry LE goes for $23,700. The chart-topping XLE V6 sports a $34,275 sticker price.

The base version comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that generates 178 hp. (Photo: Toyota)

Driving the Toyota Camry
Yes, there is much to say about driving a Camry. In fact, I really enjoyed every minute I spent with the car. Auto123.com staff repeatedly checked my vitals every time I raved about the Camry's drive.

The 2013 Toyota Camry is supremely comfortable, far more so than its sub-$24k price should allow. Don't get me wrong, comfortable need not equal float-y and boring. The Camry will lean slightly into a corner, but its P205/65R16 all season tires grip to the road. This is a direct result of the well-calibrated independent suspension.

The 2.5L powerplant is more than sufficient. The transmission is no slouch and matches the inline-4 punch for punch with determined gear holding and strong shifts at the right time. Truly, I was more than happy with this duo's performance. By week's end, the Camry siphoned fewer than 8L per 100 km.

Although I was very content with the brakes' prowess, I was less than pleased with the 2013 Toyota Camry's vague and inconsistent steering. This aspect of the drive was the only one that faithfully reminded me I was driving a Camry.

The 2013 Toyota Camry is supremely comfortable, far more so than its sub-$24k price should allow. (Photo: Toyota)

Inside and out of the Toyota Camry
The 2013 Toyota Camry's styling is in with the times, but I will not say that it's attractive. It has some redeeming qualities, but when draped in Champagne Mica (aka beige) with 16” hubcaps, it's not what one would call “dynamic.”

When matched to a Honda Accord and Kia Optima, the Camry looks its median buyer's age and that's a shame; while I had it, a pair of women in their late-70s were its biggest fans and admirers.

This Camry's cabin suffers from the same shortcomings as all other recently tested Toyotas. The materials are hard and look cheaper than they actually are because of their awful texture.

The remainder of the interior is well conceived. The ergonomics are simple and the standard 6.1” touchscreen display is a breeze to use. I would suggest Toyota Canada revise their selecting a backup camera as standard over heated seats; seems a little backwards to me.

All seating positions are cosy; the rear bench is wide and will take three adults across, when needed. My sole gripe with the driving position is the width of the center-stack. The base, which meets up with the console, protrudes and made contact with my right knee. The trunk is large.

This Camry's cabin suffers from the same shortcomings as all other recently tested Toyotas. The materials are hard and look cheaper than they actually are because of their awful texture. (Photo: Toyota)

Comparing the Toyota Camry
The 2013 Toyota Camry is a winner. Although a compelling car for senior citizens, it still holds many good points that make it a fine pick, regardless of the buyer's age. Then again, the Camry name has long been associated with “old” people. The joke's on us younger folks as we'll eventually get older and all end up in a Camry at some point...

In the meantime, the Accord, Optima, Ford Fusion or Volkswagen Passat are all great alternatives. Get them while we're young!

From GMM

Amid the 'test-gate' storm and uncertainty about the future, Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that Pirelli "has a contract" beyond 2013.

Until now, with the Italian marque pushing hard for a new deal but at the same time expressing frustration with its situation in F1, it was thought Pirelli had no contract beyond its original three-year deal covering 2011-2012-2013.

But when asked on Thursday about Pirelli's situation, chief executive Ecclestone told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt,: "We have got a contract with Pirelli for next year."

Presumably, Ecclestone was referring to the organisation he leads, Formula One Management, who control the sport's commercial rights separate to the governing FIA.

Bernie Ecclestone added: "Pirelli haven't got an agreement with the FIA (for 2014)."

Bernie Ecclestone and Paul Hembery. (Photo: Pirelli)

In an official statement published a few hours after the decision of the International Tribunal of the FIA, Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team said it acknowledges and accepts the decision of being banned from the Young Driver test.

“The Decision of the International Tribunal confirmed that the team acted in good faith regarding the Pirelli Tests, never intended to obtain any unfair sporting advantage and had no reason to believe that approval for the Pirelli Tests had not been given.

Mercedes accepts the proportionate penalties of a reprimand and suspension from the forthcoming Young Driver Test that have been decided upon by the Tribunal.

Pirelli-Mercedes FIA hearings. (Photo: WRi2)

Mercedes would like to once again restate its firm belief in proper due process and commend the FIA for the principle of an independent disciplinary body.

The team would furthermore like to thank the International Tribunal and its President for the fair hearing it received yesterday.

In the best interests of the sport, the team does not intend to avail itself of any right to appeal the Decision.

Mercedes looks forward to working with the FIA and its fellow competitors to establish a more rigorous procedure for testing in the future, particularly to support the appointed tyre supplier.

We now wish to bring this matter to a close and focus on the forthcoming British and German Grands Prix, both of which are important home races for the team.”

From GMM

Mark Webber has contradicted reports he is waiting on Red Bull to decide whether he will be retained beyond his expiring 2013 contract.

Amid the heightened tension with his teammate Sebastian Vettel this year, and reports Red Bull is weighing up Kimi Raikkonen or a Toro Rosso driver to succeed Webber, the 37-year-old Australian insisted he is in fact in control of his future.

"The ball is pretty firmly in my court, which is nice," Webber told Australia's Sky Sports Radio.

He said the key to staying in control will be to keep performing at a high level.

"I have to of course continue to keep driving well, otherwise that ball will go out of your court and other people will roll into that seat because they'll probably be more attractive to a team like Red Bull," said Webber.

Mark Webber and Dr Helmut Marko. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Although relations with Vettel as well as the influential figure Dr Helmut Marko are undoubtedly strained, Webber said his relationship with Red Bull supremo Dietrich Mateschitz remains "very good".

"I'll continue to be in touch with him on where my thinking is at, where my energy levels are, and where my motivation is for still operating at this level," said Webber.

Dr Marko admitted in Canada recently that Red Bull will turn its attention to the matter of Vettel's 2014 teammate during the calendar break in August.

Regarding the timeframe, Webber said: "I still need to have a bit more time, and we can leave it reasonably late I think."

The Mercedes Formula 1 team has been reprimanded and suspended from next month's Young Driver Test.

After Thursday's day-long hearing, the decision was taken by the FIA on Friday as a punishment for the Brackley based team after it conducted a secret Pirelli tire test with its 2013 car at the Barcelona circuit last month.

Pirelli also faced reprimands for its actions.

Pirelli-Mercedes FIA hearings. (Photo: WRi2)

Autosport reported that the Mercedes' team legal representative, Paul Harris, stated in the closing stages of the hearing, that if the team was found guilty, then the reprimand and band were appropriate punishments.

"The young driver test is a three-day test, and it is a car test over which teams have full control and teams know everything about the tires and cars,” Harris reportedly said.

"If we are in this territory then it is open to the International Tribunal to impose exclusions from events that are under FIA jurisdiction, and the young driver test is that."

The Young Driver Test is to take place on 17-19 of July at Silverstone.

Mercedes' reserves, GP2 driver Sam Bird, and DTM driver, Daniel Juncadella were expected to run at the test.

In a press release, the FIA stated: "The FIA wishes that lessons are learnt from this case and from the decision handed down. To this end, the FIA will make sure, in association with all F1 teams, that its control of the testings is strengthened."

From GMM

Six months after he left McLaren, it is clear the wounds between Lewis Hamilton and the great British team are far from being healed.

Over the winter, as the 2008 world champion left the Woking based squad that nurtured him from boyhood, strong rumours of a falling out between Hamilton and team 'supremo' Ron Dennis swirled.

Last victory in Austin 2012 with McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

Those rumours were not silenced this week, when chairman Dennis - although no longer the team boss - hit out at an unnamed former McLaren driver for having lost focus.

"Some people lost sight of what the objective is," he said.

"When you lost sight of what you are doing, then you lost sight of what it takes to be a world champion," Dennis charged.

At the same time, 28-year-old Hamilton admitted he decided to leave McLaren because he felt he was "wasting away" his best chances of adding to his tally of a single world title.

"One (title) is less prestigious now because so many people have won a championship," he is quoted as saying by the Sun newspaper.

"Now the people who have two or three or four, (that is what) makes you special. I got to F1 and nearly won in my first year, then I won in my second year but I've never had a car to really compete since then. The car makes such a big difference so you're just wasting away your best years," added Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton in Monaco 2013 with Mercedes. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Renault Sport F1 unveiled its new 2014 1.6-litre turbo Formula 1 engine at the prestigious Paris air show at the Bourget.

The new-generation Power Unit is officially named "Renault Energy F1", reflecting synergies with the pioneering fuel efficient energy engine range used in Renault road cars.

Photo: Renault F1 Sport

In 2014 Formula 1 will enter a new era. Engine regulations form the major part of the coming revolution, with the introduction of a new generation of engines, called "Power Units" that combine a 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged engine with energy recovery systems that will dramatically increase efficiency by harvesting energy dissipated as heat in the exhaust or brakes.

The video below lets you (finally) hear the sound of the V6 turbo engine.



The maximum power of the new V6 Power Unit will exceed the output of current V8 F1 engines however fuel efficiency will be radically improved, Renault says. With only 100kg permitted for the race, the new units will use 35% less fuel than their predecessors.

Photo: Renault F1 Sport

"From next year, one of greatest challenges in F1 will be to maximize energy efficiency and fuel economy while maintaining the power output and performance expected of F1 cars," said Jean-Michel Jalinier, President of Renault Sport F1 during the press conference.

"Renault has pioneered this technology in its road car engine range with the Energy series. Naming the Power Unit Energy F1 creates an unbroken range, from the Clio through to our competition department."

Photo: Renault F1 Sport

From wrc.com

Jari-Matti Latvala has made the best possible start to Rally Italia Sardegna by going fastest on the Qualifying Stage near Olbia on Thursday.

The Finn, at the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo R, had first choice of road position for the opening day of the FIA World Rally Championship qualifier, and finally decided to start at the bottom of top priority driver, in 13th position.

Latvala, who won the Acropolis Rally earlier this month, gave a huge grin when he was shown his time at the end of the stage. Evgeny Novikov was second quickest, 0.690s down on Latvala's time, in his Qatar M-Sport Ford Fiesta RS. 

Latvala's team-mate Sebastien Ogier posted the third fastest time, 1.571s down on the Finn, who won in Sardinia back in 2009.

Photo: Volkswagen Motorsport

From press release

Ahead of Le Mans 24 Hours, team SRT has unveiled the new Viper GT3-R, that will be available for customers in racing starting in 2014.

Photo: SRT

The GT3-R was born from the same engineering and technology used by the SRT Viper GTS-R which competes in the American Le Mans Series and at Le Mans. Its engine, chassis, suspension, electronics and aerodynamics are a direct correlation to the GTS-R.

Powered by the tried and true Viper V-10 race engine, the GT3-R churns out 680-horsepower and 640-lb.-ft. of torque. The GT3-R is eligible to compete in FIA GT3, United SportsCar Racing GT Daytona, Pirelli World Challenge GT, NARRA and SCCA/NASA.

A rule that would require backup cameras in new cars sold in the United States is being delayed until 2015 as regulators consider giving incentives in their safety ratings to vehicles containing that technology.

Nissan, aiming to be the biggest mass-market seller of electric vehicles, said it will offer an option to owners of its Leaf hatchback in the United States to upgrade to the latest lithium-ion battery technology.

The game-changing 1977 Porsche 924 was the first Porsche powered by a water-cooled, front-mounted engine and a fully automatic transmission.