Auto News 5

Chevrolet's Yvan Muller now holds a huge lead in the World Touring Car Championship after winning the first and second races at the Moscow Raceway.

After taking pole around the series' first ever outing in Russia, Muller took his fourth win of the season in Race 1 after holding off Tom Coronel's BMW.

Michel Nykjaer won an action-packed Race 2, chasing early leader Mehdi Bennani and eventually overtaking him to claim his third victory of the season. Muller finished second after a collision between Bennani and Robert Huff.

The result of the race was affected by a pile up on lap 3 that eliminated Tom Coronel, Gabriele Tarquini and James Thompson while they were fighting for the third position.

Muller left Moscow with a record gap of 113 points over Honda's Gabriele Tarquini. This is the largest gap in points between two drivers ever witnessed in the history of the WTCC.

Photo: FIAWTCC

A hybrid with fashion sense
Slowly, but surely, I'm warming up to the idea of hybrid-drive living. After many hours behind the wheels of vehicles such as the Prius c, Chevy Volt and even the Nissan LEAF, I've come to appreciate them quite a bit.

Now, after a week with the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, I'm once again singing the praises of a hybrid vehicle. It's amazing what a little evolution, and a good design package, can do for one's opinion.


What is a Ford Fusion Energi?
While definitely not the first hybrid Fusion to hit the streets, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is one of two plug-in hybrids from Ford. The Energi promises a 1,000km total range (gas and battery combined), with an MPG-e rating of 2.4L/100km (in full electric mode), and it's combined gas/electric rating is 4.1L/100km.

Sitting squarely in the midsize sedan segment, the Ford Fusion Energi offers up good looks, plenty of space and rather outstanding fuel efficiency numbers; something much of its competition has yet to do.

While definitely not the first hybrid Fusion to hit the streets, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is one of two plug-in hybrids from Ford. (Photo: Ford)

Technicalities
The base 2013 Ford Fusion model starts at $24,149 while the top tier Titanium tops out at just over $35k. Amidst the now five available Fusion models, there are four engines and two drive types (FWD or AWD), as well as both a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic, and an available E-CVT.

To save space and headaches with endless numbers, let's focus on the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi SE: With a starting price just under $39k, it sits at the top of the Fusion price bracket.

The engine in the Energi is a 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I4 good for a combined 195 horses, coupled with an Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) transmission. On a full charge, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi could potentially take you up to 34km in battery mode alone; however, much depends on driving style and other influencers along the way.

On a full charge, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi could potentially take you up to 34km in battery mode alone; however, much depends on driving style and other influencers along the way. (Photo: Ford)

Driving the Ford Fusion Energi
The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi was as big to drive as it looked -- with a dash that seemed to stretch on forever before me and a nose I felt was much too long -- it was also quite nimble to pilot.

Thanks to the e-CVT, in full EV mode the power delivery is smooth and silky... and silent. It's a strange thing driving a battery-powered vehicle, I was constantly sneaking up on people everywhere.

Of course, the 2.0L will kick on if you push the throttle to the floor hard enough (read: for passing manoeuvres on the highway). However, once the vehicle realizes you're done being a yahoo (and travelling under 137km, which you should be!) the gas engine will flick off and you'll be back in battery mode, provided you have the charge.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi features Ford's cute little “Efficiency Leaves” in the gauge cluster and it became a game; how many leaves could I get into that little screen? Every time one floated away, I felt quite defeated.

How efficient was the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi? Well, very. I travel close to 100km a day to and from work. The max range I was able to pull from the Energi in full battery mode, with regen kms added, was 39.1km -- not bad. After eight days of driving in all conditions (city/highway/traffic/country roads/hot/cold) for a total close to the 900km mark, I managed an overall average of 3.1L/100km and the highest battery range I managed after a charge was 33km. I used just over a ½ tank of gas.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi was as big to drive as it looked -- with a dash that seemed to stretch on forever before me and a nose I felt was much too long -- it was also quite nimble to pilot. (Photo: Ford)

Inside and Out of the Ford Fusion Energi
The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is a good looking sedan, truly. Parking it next to the previous generation is almost laughable. If we thought the old Fusion was nice to look at, the new Fusion is a super model by comparison.

Inside, the good looks continue. Large, comfortable seats up front and in the rear ensure the Ford Fusion Energi is accommodating to all who enter. Add in Ford's SYNC system, an easy-to-understand and operate gauge cluster and there's very little not to like.

Of note, the trunk in the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is, in a word: useless. At just 232 litres (8.2 cu-ft) it's not exactly practical. Why so small? The battery is back there.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is a good looking sedan, truly. Parking it next to the previous generation is almost laughable. (Photo: Ford)

Comparing the Ford Fusion Energi
Based on fuel efficiency numbers, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi's main competition is the Toyota Prius PHEV, which offers up the same fuel ratings. However, in its segment the Fusion is up against the likes of the brand new Honda Accord PHEV and the Kia Optima Hybrid. However, it seems to stand alone in terms of “the complete package” with great styling, drivability, practicality and great fuel efficiency.

From GMM

F1's governing body has confirmed a June 20 hearing date for the 'testgate' saga.

We first reported the June 20 date on Saturday, following rumours in the Montreal paddock that the FIA wanted to fast-track the international tribunal so that the matter is cleared up before the next race, at Silverstone ten days later.

A statement issued by the Paris-based federation said "charges" have been sent to Pirelli and Mercedes with their summons to the Place de la Concorde at 9.30 am.

"The decision ... will be published as soon as possible after the hearing," the FIA added.

Photo: Pirelli

There was a general consensus in Canada last weekend that Mercedes will be penalised for breaking the sporting regulations, but former F1 engineer Joan Villadelprat is not so sure.

"What I am sure of, is that Ross Brawn would not have used this year's car without assurances from the FIA," he wrote in a column for El Pais newspaper.

"I know Ross very well, I worked with him for many years, and I am convinced that he has a written document signed by the parties responsible for the FIA to justify their (Pirelli and Mercedes') actions.

"I'm also sure it was Pirelli who asked for this season's car to be used, because it (the 2013 Mercedes) was the one having the most problems (on this year's tires)," added Villadelprat.

With a time of 7:56.234 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive recorded the fastest lap ever by an electric car. In fact, it's the first to complete the loop in under 8 minutes, something the Audi R8 e-tron failed to do.

The SLS AMG Electric Drive now rivals the Ferrari F430 F1 and Acura NSX. Its four electric motors combine to produce 751 horsepower, allowing 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive will go on sale in a few weeks at €420,000 (Canadian availability and pricing have yet to be announced).

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

After McLaren, Williams Formula One team is getting involved in the new Formula E Championship for electric single seater that will begin in 2014.

From Williams

Williams announced that Williams Advanced Engineering, the division of the Williams group that commercialises Formula One based technologies, is to partner with Spark Racing Technology to design and assemble a battery system for the 42 cars that will be used in the FIA Formula E Championship.

Spark Racing Technology was created in 2012 and is focused on the manufacture of the cars that will compete in the FIA Formula E Championship, the world's first fully electric racing series.

Williams Advanced Engineering has signed an exclusive agreement with Spark Racing Technology and will be the sole supplier of battery technology to Formula E.

Photo: Spark Racing Technology

Williams' battery energy storage capability first originated from its F1 programme following the introduction of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) into the sport in 2009. Under the Williams Advanced Engineering brand name, Williams is now active in developing both battery and flywheel energy storage systems for motorsport and non-motorsport applications.

This has included developing a flywheel hybrid system for Audi's Le Mans winning R18 e-tron quattro, a flywheel system for London buses with Go-Ahead Group, and a battery hybrid system for the Jaguar C-X75 supercar.

Sales of plug-in cars in the U.S. have exploded from just 20,000 units in 2011 to 50,000 by the end of 2012 and now more than 100,000, according to Plug In America.

Back on May 17th, Plug In America's chief science officer, Tom Saxton, told the media: “Our current estimate, based on monthly sales figures from automakers, is that the 100,000th highway-capable plug-in vehicle will be sold on May 20th. We are calling this the #PIA100K mark, and we are excited to see the continued growth of the market."

Plug In America predicts that 100,000 plug-in cars will be sold in 2013 alone.

Source: Plug In America

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From GMM

Pirelli has called off its plans to change the design of its 2013 tires for the British grand prix and beyond.

F1's sole tire supplier has tweaked the design, replacing an inner steel belt with a kevlar one, so as to stop the delamination problems seen this year.

Some teams, notably Red Bull and Mercedes, have pushed hard for the tweaked design that was tested for the first time in Canada, having criticised the current tires.

But others who are more comfortable with the existing design, like Ferrari, Lotus and Sahara Force India, are reluctant to agree to the race debut of the modified tire.

Because it has said the delaminations is an aesthetic problem rather a safety one, the change can only be introduced if the teams unanimously agree.

"Pirelli has announced that there will be no new tires at Silverstone," the German news agency DPA reports.

Paul Hembery has reportedly said the reason for not debuting the tire in Britain is because of the weather-interrupted testing in Montreal on Friday.

Prototype tire of Pirelli, in Montreal. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

But it is also obvious that some teams are simply vetoing the change.

"From my point of view," Ferrari's Stefano Domenicali is quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, "changing the tires during the season is wrong."

And after Paul di Resta ran for 57 laps before his first pitstop in Montreal, Sahara Force India sporting director Otmar Szafnauer agreed: "We have had no problems with delaminations.

"Why should Pirelli change the tires if we have shown that everything is ok?" he is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

And Spain's El Pais quoted a F1 team source as suggesting that rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes will have to get used to the current situation.

"Let them change the geometry of the suspension and improve their aerodynamics," the source said.

From GMM

Team owner Gerard Lopez has snapped at suggestions the recent departure of highly rated technical director James Allison has caused a performance slump at Lotus.

Off the back of a stellar start to the season, Kimi Raikkonen has dropped from second in the world championship to third, following two less impressive outings for the black E21 in Monaco and Canada.

"It hasn't made the world championships any easier for us," Lopez admitted to Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper, as Lotus also drops to fourth behind Mercedes in the constructors' standings.

"It is clear we cannot afford a third consecutive miserable weekend at Silverstone," he added.

"Monaco is Monaco and we had a bad start to the weekend, off on the wrong foot, but we have now suffered badly in terms of both of the championships (after Canada)," Lopez continued. "This cannot be accepted. For Silverstone, I expect us to be absolutely as strong as we were before Monaco."

James Allison. (Photo: WRi2)

Gerard Lopez slammed suggestions Lotus' slump is connected to the recent departure of James Allison.

"It has no effect. He is a good man, but he's not a god," he insisted.

Lopez also rejected speculation lead driver Raikkonen, amid speculation he has been offered Mark Webber's Red Bull seat for 2014, is growing frustrated with the situation at Lotus.

"Everything is perfectly ok with Kimi," he said.

Lithia Motors has acquired three new-car dealerships in Oregon that will add $110 million in estimated annual revenues. Lithia said Monday it had purchased the O'Brien Auto Group of Salem in Salem, Ore.

Well, we've seen some images of the new Mustang out testing. We can say definitively that it's got four wheels and a longish hood.

Dutch sports car maker Spyker NV's $3 billion lawsuit accusing General Motors of trying to bankrupt Swedish automaker Saab was dismissed Monday by a federal judge who said GM had the right to block the sale of a company using its technology.

Dutch sports car maker Spyker's $3 billion lawsuit accusing General Motors of trying to bankrupt Swedish automaker Saab was dismissed by a judge who said GM had the right to block the sale of a company using its technology.

They used to say that what was good for General Motors was good for America -- and in 1960, that seemed to be driving. Yes, new owners of Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac automobiles just couldn't seem to keep off the road.

Several major auto suppliers named in an ongoing federal antitrust lawsuit have lost bids to have the case dismissed or to be removed from the government's probe into wire harness pricing.

Since Apple pulled out of the San Francisco Macworld event, the company's Worldwide Developer Conference has taken the place of primacy on its product-announcement calendar.

Pricing on the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee SUV will start at $23,990, including $995 for shipping, Chrysler Group announced today.

2014 Mazda CX-5 Driven

Making the grade.

Mazda's CX-5 has charmed us with its lively chassis, tidy size, and excellent fuel economy. The latter, however, comes at a cost, one that becomes immediately apparent the first time you point the CX-5 up a long grade. Although adequate around town, the 155-hp 2.0-liter is underpowered on uphill climbs, and the six-speed automatic transmission allows forward momentum to drain away before it finally downshifts and struggles to regain speed.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Driven - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Driven - Automobile Magazine

2014 Mazda CX-5 Driven | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Autoweek's Denise McCluggage traveled to Maranello, Italy to drive the new Ferrari F40: the red-painted, winged, air-ducted, mid-engined supercar.

General Motors has appointed Diana Tremblay, its top manufacturing executive in North America and a seasoned labor negotiator, to help tackle the company's notoriously thick bureaucracy.

Just because two cars don't belong on a drag strip together doesn't mean we'll never see them there. In fact, that's the point of drag racing: spec sheets be damned.