Auto News 5

Peugeot will double production of the 2008 small SUV in France to meet high demand, brand head Maxime Picat said. The model is expected to topple the Nissan Juke from its No.1 position in the segment.

The voice-to-text features that car companies are offering to keep drivers' eyes on the road may also be highly distracting, the consumer group AAA warned as it released the results of a two-year research project.

The New Jersey State Police confirmed that veteran NASCAR driver, Jason Leffler, died as a result of a wreck at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey. At the time Leffler was racing a sprint car - an 800hp winged front-engined open wheel vehicle with a power-to-weight ratio comparable to a Formula One car.

Reports said that Leffler apparently flipped in the track's front stretch and was airlifted out of the track via helicopter before being pronounced dead. The remainder of the night's racing was cancelled.

The 37-year old driver, originally from Long Beach, CA, leaves a wife and a son. He spent most of his decade-plus career in the Nationwide series, running full schedules from 2006 to 2011. He had two wins, 42 top fives and 107 top 10s in the Nationwide series. He's also run 73 races in Sprint Cup, most recently at Pocono last Sunday where he finished last.

Bridgeport Speedway is a 5/8-mile, high-banked dirt oval.

Photo: NASCAR

Lexington, KY - I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the Range Rover. I love the idea of a luxurious SUV that is as at home in Beverly Hills as it is in the hills of Tunisia. Land Rover's Range Rover is a tried and true any-surface vehicle that's not just nice to look at, but a pleasure to drive as well.

As I scaled the Bluegrass hills of Lexington, Kentucky aboard the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged I was reminded of all the reasons why this British brute is worth all the many pennies it requires to purchase.


What is a Range Rover Supercharged?
The Rover Company, responsible for creating the Land Rover brand, has been building off-road utility vehicles since the 1950s. The Range Rover has been around since the ‘70s. It didn't always look so sleek and sexy, but it's always been a highly capable off-roader -- and that's why the Range Rover is so well known the world over.

Range Rover's first vehicle was far from a luxurious model, and was pretty bare bones in terms of amenities. It was meant to be utilitarian and not much more. Today's Range Rover, now in its fourth generation, is all about all-terrain capability as well as luxurious accoutrements.

I love the idea of a luxurious SUV that is as at home in Beverly Hills as it is in the hills of Tunisia. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Technicalities
The 2013 Range Rover is available in two styles: Supercharged or Autobiography. While there is a nearly $30k difference between the two, they sport the same 510-horsepower supercharged, 5.0L LR-V8 engine controlled via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Of course, both models also offer Range Rover's Terrain Response system and are height-adjustable as well. Permanent 4WD ensures the 2013 Range Rover remains surefooted no matter the conditions below its 21” wheels.

The 2013 Range Rover Supercharged starts bidding at $114,750, while its even-more-luxurious brother, the Range Rover Autobiography, opens up at $144k even.

The 2013 Range Rover Supercharged have a 510-horsepower supercharged, 5.0L LR-V8 engine controlled via an 8-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the Range Rover Supercharged
Rolling along the streets of Lexington, Kentucky with luscious green fields on either side of me, the elegant the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged truly is as at home on smooth tarmac as it is on uneven gravel or even door-level wading water - which I quickly discovered via a special off-road course offered by Land Rover.

What I really like about the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged is the smoothness with which those 510 horses are put to use when the throttle is pressed. Nothing is jarring or shocking in the Range Rover; it's sinewy, silky, gentle, but man does it ever boogie. You'll quickly forget its size - I always do. Gear changes are imperceptible. Although the Range Rover sports steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, I didn't use them at all. The 8-speed handles itself so well, it's not necessary.

With near-12” of ground clearance and a maximum water wading depth of 35.4”, the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged could, essentially, take you anywhere you wanted to go in complete comfort and safety. From city streets to the Kentucky Horse Park grounds, my Range Rover happily went wherever I asked it to without trouble.

The 2013 Range Rover Supercharged also, blissfully, handles like a much smaller vehicle than it actually is. The electronic speed-sensitive power assisted steering system is accurate and connected without feeling too heavy or laborious.

The elegant Range Rover Supercharged truly is as at home on smooth tarmac as it is on uneven gravel or even door-level wading water. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Ins and Outs of the Range Rover Supercharged
There's no denying: This is one good-looking, classy SUV. The 2013 Range Rover Supercharged exudes aristocracy, sophistication and a hint of modernism. The newly designed front fascia is both menacing and regal. I adore the geometric, angular daytime running lights and the symmetrical layout of the new front fog lamps as well. The symmetry continues to the rear where the LED taillights are stacked to perfection.

Details like the continued use of threes throughout the exterior is also a nice touch; they can be found from the “gills” on the side to the turn signals and front grille.

Inside, the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged is as plush and comfortable as you'd imagine. Not much changed for this fourth generation save for the pop-up shift knob (first seen in the Jaguar XF, and now commonplace across the company's lineup of vehicles). Otherwise, it's standard Range Rover fair; which is fine by me.

Today's Range Rover, now in its fourth generation, is all about all-terrain capability as well as luxurious accoutrements. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the Range Rover Supercharged
When it comes to big, bold luxury, off-road SUVs the pickings are a bit slim. While many claim to do it all, few actually can - especially to the extent that Range Rover does. However, should you be in the market for a Range Rover Supercharged you will want to take a look at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Mercedes-Benz GL63 and the BMW X5M, all of which can match the Rover in terms of luxury but will struggle to meet off-road capabilities.

From GMM

While Lewis Hamilton tries to up his game at Mercedes, Martin Whitmarsh insists losing the 2008 world champion is not linked to McLaren's 2013 slump.

Asked if needing to replace the highly rated Briton with controversial Mexican rookie Sergio Perez has contributed to McLaren's problems, team boss Whitmarsh answered: "I don't think so.

"Lewis is a great driver and a good asset and we have not got him. But I think both our drivers are doing a good job," he is quoted by Sun newspaper.

Hamilton moved to Mercedes over the winter, but at recent races he has looked glum as teammate Nico Rosberg scored a hat-trick of poles and won in Monaco.

The 28-year-old Briton, however, had a better weekend than Rosberg in Canada, finishing on the podium.

Lewis Hamilton and Martin Whitmarsh. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

He is quoted in the Independent newspaper as saying he was "determined to regain everyone's confidence in me".

But Mercedes insists it never lost faith in its new recruit.

"I don't have that feeling we lack confidence in him," team director and co-owner Toto Wolff said. "I think we are going to see great races from Lewis. I've no doubt."

From GMM

While the FIA readies to analyse a possible breach of the official rules, Germany's Sport Bild claims Mercedes also broke an explicit gentleman's agreement between the teams when it ran its 'secret' test in May.

The magazine published a copy of the signed 'Testing Agreement 2013', featuring the signature of every team boss, including the under-fire Ross Brawn.

The document shows that F1's eleven teams agreed that in the event Pirelli wanted to run development testing for 2014, any test would have to be jointly approved by the testing committee - the teams - and the FIA.

Charlie Whiting. (Photo: WRi2)

"The document raises massive questions about Mercedes' credibility," said Sport Bild.

And according to another German publication, Brawn's job might not be the only one in doubt over the 'test-gate' affair.

Auto Motor und Sport reports rumours that FIA president Jean Todt is moving to replace race director Charlie Whiting - who supposedly told Brawn the highly controversial Barcelona test would be in compliance - with Giorgio Ascanelli.

Italian Ascanelli is a highly experienced F1 engineer who most recently was Toro Rosso's technical director.

Giorgio Ascanelli. (Photo: WRi2)

But a paddock voice said: "That (replacing Whiting) would be the most stupid thing Todt could do. Charlie has the most difficult job in the world, and he does it well."

Meanwhile, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner made clear that although the FIA will also have Pirelli in the dock on June 20, its real gripe is with Mercedes.

"Our issue is nothing to do with Pirelli," he is quoted by the Mirror. "It is about a current entrant breaking the rules by using a current car."

From GMM

Sebastien Buemi has hinted he is currently content with life as Red Bull's official F1 reserve driver.

The Swiss was dropped by Red Bull's second team, Toro Rosso, at the end of 2011, but he kept his career alive with the reserve job as well as a Le Mans race seat with Toyota.

Asked by 20min.ch if he is eager to return to F1, the 24-year-old answered: "Clearly -- 100 per cent. But the goal is also to race, so it's a very good compromise with Toyota at Le Mans: I can race and stay (in F1) with Red Bull."

Asked about his chances of returning to F1, Buemi continued: "Actually very good.

"As Red Bull's third driver I'm interesting to the smaller teams. But that would have to make sense. I'd prefer to stay here rather than finish 18th," he insisted.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Sebastien Buemi therefore revealed that staying as Red Bull's F1 reserve beyond his 2013 contract is likely.

"It looks good that it (the contract) will be extended," he said. "I've been in the car for about seven days (so far) this year, which is not much. I hope next year it'll be more."

From GMM

Christian Horner has moved to calm speculation about Red Bull's driver plans for 2014 by saying he will hold talks with Mark Webber "later in the summer".

As the team extended its contract with Sebastian Vettel to include 2015, speculation ramped up that Australian Webber, 36, will not get a new deal beyond his contract that expires this year.

The early favourite to succeed him was Kimi Raikkonen, but the latest talk has been about the solid progress of Red Bull's Toro Rosso duo, Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

"I think they're doing a good job so far," Horner is quoted by Speed Week. "Both have shown they have the speed, now it's about adding the final touches to build on their experience and run regularly in the points."

Asked when Red Bull will make a decision about Vettel's teammate for 2014, Horner insisted that Webber is still very much a contender.

"Our driver pairing is one of the most successful in formula one history. We stand behind this team and will be having a conversation with Mark later in the summer," he said.

Earlier this week, Miranda Lightstone and Josée Paquet reviewed the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion Energi. You first read the impressions of our car expert, performance enthusiast and mother of one, then the feedback of your average Jane, green-car lover and mother of three.

Photo: Ford

The two discussed the Fusion Energi, which you can read below:

Josée Paquet (JP): The first thing that struck me about the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi are the modern, sporty sedan looks which greatly contrast with the typical image of a green car. I've seen many people stare at the Fusion with envy... and have a puzzled look on their face when I tell them it's a plug-in hybrid!

Miranda Lightstone (ML): You're right on this one; the Fusion looks nothing like the average hybrid vehicle, which is perhaps why I like it so much! The look of the Fusion Energi is sporty and eye-catching for all the right reasons. It doesn't have an odd shape (as other hybrids are apt to have), and that makes it more appealing and, I think, more accessible to the general public.

JP: On the other hand, cargo room is very limited due to the battery. The trunk can swallow about three grocery bags, and that's about it. With three boys to feed, either I can leave them at home when I go to the supermarket or bring them along and bury them under a pile of bags. That's what I disliked the most about the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi -- even more than thecentre-console cup holders that are too far back.

ML: While I agree with the limited trunk space (especially coming from a mother who still carts around a stroller with her), I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of buyers in the market for a car like the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi aren't going to be bothered with the trunk space (or lack thereof) since they can easily load up the backseat if needed. There's a price to pay for maintaining the shape of the Ford Fusion, and that price is the trunk space being eaten up by the battery. I'm glad they kept the look and sacrificed space.

JP: In terms of output, this car is perfect for me. While I used to crave brute power, I'm much more into smooth, efficient driving nowadays. As for the all-electric mode, I love it! It's all quiet in there... provided the kids aren't sitting in the back, of course.

ML: Here's where we have a bit of a difference in opinion, and mostly because I like a bit of pep in my step, and my ride. While the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi offered a good amount of get-up-and-go, it was at the expense of fuel economy if I did try to push it. Of course, being of the game-console generation, driving a hybrid is much like playing a video game for me: how can I get the best fuel efficiency score?! And so, throughout my week with the vehicle, that was my focus. However, if I owned the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, I would surely bore of the required driving style needed to maintain that fuel score. At that point, why even bother having a hybrid (in my situation)? I also travel a great deal farther than you every day (close to 80 km each way to and from work), so I was generally on gas power by the time I got to work and/or home, despite my best efforts to “win.”

JP: So, what was your score when it came to regenerative braking? I almost always scored between 97% and 100%, except those times when I had to brake hard because of an unpredictable driver in front of me.

ML: Ha! Those are pretty good scores indeed! Generally, I kept it in the 94% to 99% range. I didn't hit 100% too often, and when I wasn't fully paying attention or  “trying” to drive green, my score plummeted to the 40% range, which is what I was mentioning before. You have to be so aware of your driving technique and style in a vehicle like the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi; it's almost tiresome.

JP: Charging times are a bit long, but since you can keep the car plugged in while at work or during the night, I managed to get enough battery power back to complete my daily commute. When the battery did run empty, the gasoline engine kicked in seamlessly. I was expecting a little jerking or a spike in engine revs, but none of that happened. I often had to look at the screen to realize the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi operated in hybrid mode.

ML: Since I live so far away from work, I was draining the battery every day, twice a day. By the time I reached work, I was empty; and by the time I got home I was on empty. However, you're right that the transition between gas and battery was mostly seamless. Unless I was flooring it to pass on the highway (it had to be done, I swear!), the engine is barely audible and the vibration is nearly imperceptible. I also liked to keep the “green” screen up to be aware of where my power was coming from (battery or gas). As far as hybrid transitions go, the Fusion Energi offered up one of the most pleasant with very little disturbance.

Photo: Ford

A fusion of opinions
In the end, while their opinions on the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi aren't that different, it's clear that certain aspects of the vehicle are more important to some than others. Josée has a much larger family than Miranda and, therefore, requires the space. However, her realization that a vehicle of a hybrid nature could greatly benefit her at the pumps could have her looking towards the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in the future, perhaps. On the other hand, Miranda's one child and need for a more potent drive (that could still save her a few dollars at the pumps) could make her an ideal match for a vehicle like the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi -- as soon as her son no longer needs a stroller.

With information from GMM

Nissan's luxury division Infiniti, Red Bull Racing's title sponsor, might get involved in the actual development of the hybrid 'power unit' next year.

Several publications reported recently that Red Bull's 'works' Renault engines would be branded 'Infiniti' for the start of the turbo V6 era next year.

Red Bull and Infiniti Global Director F1, Andreas Sigl, denied the rumour in Montreal.

"Infiniti's technology will be in the power unit package. The Japanese want to participate in the development of the hybrid elements," Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

In Montreal, Sigl told Auto123.com that (officially) nothing had been decided for 2014. “There are still technical discussions going on between Red Bull and Infiniti (...) Red Bull has access to the advanced technology of Infiniti,” he said. This would indeed confirm Auto Motor und Sport's story.

Photo: WRi2

With the rumoured arrival of Infiniti branding at Red Bull, it was believed Renault would pick a new team to position as its premium 'powered by Renault' partner.

The early favourite was Williams, who were asking Renault for a contribution to their budget.

But Auto Motor und Sport reports that Red Bull vetoed that plan, demanding that all of Renault's budget go instead into developing the V6 engine.

Williams then signed to switch to Mercedes for 2014 and beyond.

Land Rover will soon launch diesel hybrid variants of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport in the U.S., more precisely after their global debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

You see, the new European emissions standards (Euro 6) that will come into force in September 2014 demand a significant reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx). The additional and often prohibitive cost of developing a U.S.-specific diesel will no longer apply, allowing more diesel vehicles to be sold in Uncle Sam's land.

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which will rise to 54.5 mpg by 2025, also encourage luxury automakers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz to introduce more diesel models.

Demand for diesel cars and SUVs in the U.S. increased by 24% between 2010-2012, while overall vehicle sales grew just 2.75%.

Source : edmunds

Photo: Sébastion D'Amour

Track workers, marshals, officials and personnel of the Silverstone circuit, the home of the British Grand Prix, plan to pay tribute to Mark Robinson, the fellow worker who was tragically killed at the end of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Robinson, 38 was a member of the l'Automobile Club de l'Île Notre-Dame and had been a track worker at the Canadian Grand Prix for the past 10 years.

He was tragically killed during the podium ceremonies when he was busy retrieving the damaged Sauber of Esteban Guttierez.

Robison was walking in front of the crane when he dropped his radio. He stumbled when he tried to pick it up and was caught under the wheels of the lift.

Several drivers, teams, members of the medias and F1 fans have sent their deepest condolences to his family and friends through various social networks.

Interbrand has published the results of its annual study of green brands around the world. This year's top 50 includes the likes of Siemens, Apple, and Nestlé, as well as nine automakers -- some of which have made a spectacular jump from their 2011 position.

Here are the rankings for 2011, 2012, and 2013:

BRAND	RANK IN 2013 TOP 50	RANK IN 2013 TOP 50	RANK IN 2013 TOP 50
Toyota	1st	1st	1st
Ford	2nd	15th	20th
Honda	3rd	3rd	7th
Nissan	5th	21th	Unranked
Volkswagen	7th	4th	6th
BMW	13th	10th	12th
Mercedes-Benz	17th	16th	16th
Hyundai	34th	17th	11th
Kia	37th	Unranked	Unranked

Source: Interbrand

Honda Canada is announcing a recall on 130 Honda S2000 roadsters from the 2006-2007 model years and 649 Acura RSX coupes from the 2006 model year due to a potential problem with the brake booster.

A production error may have allowed brake booster components to be manufactured outside of the original specifications, possibly causing decreased brake assistance over time. No related crashes or injuries have been reported so far.

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster in these vehicles.

A mailed notification to affected owners will be sent in mid-July. Alternatively, you can determine if your vehicle requires repair by going online to www.honda.ca/recalls or www.acura.ca/recalls, or by calling 1-888-9HONDA9 or 1-888-9ACURA9.

Photo: Acura

Photo: Honda

If you're like millions of Canadians, your ride is more than a transportation-related appliance. More likely than not, it's an important part of many activities-- from home renovations to camping to pet ownership to sports.

While at the wheel, today's driver demands to stay connected to their media—whether that media consists of music, entertainment, information or news. Further, the way drivers access their media on the go is changing-- and simply tuning into a terrestrial radio station is becoming the way of the past.

That's why automakers are offering more features than ever, at lower price points than ever, to make it easy for drivers to enjoy their media on the move. Here's a look at some must-have features for avid listeners who demand connected enjoyment on the go.

Hard-Drive Storage
With millions of drivers still listening to music stored on a CD or USB thumb-drive, more and more automakers are fitting their audio systems with a built-in hard-drive for music storage. In numerous models from Dodge, Cadillac, Acura and others, drivers can plug in their USB drive or favorite CD's and ‘rip' the tracks to the on-board hard-drive for future playback. After copying all of your favorite audio CD's to the hard-drive, that bulky CD case can be left at home.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Continue reading Top Features For the Connected Audiophile