Auto News 5

A boutique carmaker led by a former GM executive Bob Lutz and China's largest auto parts supplier submitted an offer to buy cash-strapped automaker Fisker Automotive, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Volkswagen plans to refit more than a quarter million 2009-12 diesel cars to prevent North American customers from mistakenly pumping gasoline into the fuel tanks.

Two executives at Toyota-affiliated supplier Denso have agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to fix prices and have agreed to cooperate with an ongoing criminal investigation, the U.S. Justice Department said.

Automotive News Europe salutes the winners of the 2013 Rising Stars awards. Every day until June 12 one of the 18 winners will be featured. Today's Rising Star is Darren Cox, Nissan's global motorsports director.

Toyota has just released the first official -- albeit partial -- picture of the all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla ahead of its debut on June 6th.

The eleventh-generation Corolla is based on the Furia concept unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit earlier this year.

No specs have been announced; however, some sources predict that a 1.8L four-cylinder engine will find its way under the hood.

Source: leblogauto.com

Photo: Toyota

From GMM

Jenson Button on Wednesday refused to commit to McLaren for the beginning of the Honda era in 2015.

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh this week said he is happy with McLaren's current driver lineup, but managing director Jonathan Neale acknowledged that the Woking based team is merely "hoping" Button will still be at the wheel in two years.

When asked about 2015, when former works Honda driver Button will potentially be reunited with Japanese power at McLaren, the 33-year-old said in Monaco: "I don't want to think about the future too much at the moment.

"You've got to live in the moment and I don't think trying to agree a lengthy deal for the future is something that is interesting at the moment for me."

Button did, however, sound excited about the Honda deal -- not just for McLaren's sake, but also for F1 more generally.

"For us as a team, I think it's good news for the future. But I also think for the sport as a whole, it's fantastic news," said the Briton.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Renault and Red Bull Racing celebrate their third Formula 1 Constructors' world title together with the introduction of a limited edition Megane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8.

Photo: Renault Sport Technologies

For the second year in a row, Megane R.S. will be available in the colours of Red Bull Racing. In true Renault Sport style, this attractive limited edition version packs advanced technology.

An exclusive look, the result of combined input from the Renault and Red Bull Racing design teams

The exclusive Crépuscule Blue finish takes its inspiration directly from the race team's famous colours, while Red Bull Racing graphics at the rear and on the sides are further tell-tale hallmarks of this limited edition car.

Photo: Renault Sport Technologies

In addition to its sporty credentials, it stands out as particularly elegant, too, thanks to exterior Platinum Grey details (F1 blade, door handles, door mirror housing and rear lip spoiler) which harmonise splendidly with the striking Crepuscule Blue body colour. Last but not least, a monochrome laurel on the rear side windows celebrates the team's 2012 Constructors' world title.

Inside, the new limited edition version comes with a number of exclusive features, including Red Bull Racing branding on the numbered aluminium sill guards and carpet mats. The same logo appears on the head rests of the Recaro seats which are trimmed in a new leather/fabric upholstery.

Photo: Renault Sport Technologies

The limited edition version packs the same fundamental features as Mégane R.S., including a Cup chassis, a limited slip differential, the 2.0 16V 265 engine with Stop&Start (fuel consumption: 7.5 litres/100km / CO2 emissions: 174g/km) and Renault Sport trademark technologies.

The limited edition Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 offer will be withdrawn on September 30, 2013.

Driving aids are the next step being taken toward fully automated cars. Books and folklore have predicted self-driving and flying cars for decades. While the latter has yet to materialize on a real scale, driverless cars are already here.

Although not yet ready for mass consumption, the average consumer can already get a taste of what is to come.

Mobileye's collision avoidance technology, using just a display and sophisticated camera, is deceptively simple. There are two kits currently available: the 5-Series and the C2-Series. However, before I go into a few details on the products, I'm going to briefly describe how they work.

Mobileye's collision avoidance technology is based on sophisticated vision algorithms that are capable of reading and interpreting scenarios unfolding ahead of your vehicle in real-time. The mono-camera (a single camera as opposed to two or more in stereo), with set parameters, sends its recommendations and evaluations to a display, providing drivers with sometimes life-saving signals based on its analysis. Along with the visual warnings, an audible sound is also produced.

Photo: Mobileye

Carmakers are currently (and actually have been for a little while) integrating this technology in a number of their products. The safety application is best known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). In fact, Mobileye holds 80% of the collision avoidance market and its technology is found in BMW, Ford, GM, and Volvo cars and SUVs, among others.

The news announced at CES 2013 pertains to the fact that Mobileye has released a new app for the iPhone and iPad. These devices can now display the information from Mobileye's SeeQ2 image processing board. In fact, the iPhone and iPad's larger screens can exhibit more information than the standard high visibility Eye Watch display and control unit.

With the iPhone mounted in a holder on the dashboard, it doubles as a focal point for all pertinent driver information and maintains the crucial link to the lifeline that is our smartphone. This is bringing technology to the masses.

This new app works with the 5-Series product where Bluetooth connectivity allows consumers to use their own mobile devices. The C2-Series is a more basic system, if only because wires are required.

This new feature demonstrates Mobileye's commitment to bringing more of their devices to the masses with as little intrusion or complication for the consumer. And this is key. This ease of implementation will aid in the deployment of the next million devices they expect to sell in 2013, thus increasing the number of devices to 2 million.

Back in 2010, in the United States alone, 35,000 deaths were caused by car accidents. This statistic excludes injuries and other types of damages. It's no small wonder why the push for self-driving cars is fueled by those invested in safety and security.

As with stability control and ABS brakes, expect these types of detection systems to become standard issue on most, and eventually all, cars sold in North America.

For those interested in Mobileye's technologies, here's a breakdown of the features included in with their collision avoidance technology (copied from Mobileye's website):

• Daylight Pedestrian Collision Warning, including Bicycle Detection
• Forward Collision Warning, both in Highway and Urban areas, including Motorcycle Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Headway Monitoring and Warning
• Intelligent High-Beam Control*
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Intelligent High-Beam Control
• Speed Limit Indication

Mobileye's technology has generated much interest from insurance and leasing companies as well as fleet managers and consumers in general.

In time, and when the 5-Series becomes available, we at Auto123.com intend to test the product. We look forward to the opportunity, especially given that we test drive numerous different cars from the smart fortwo to the RAM 2500 Laramie Long Horn. We're curious to see if the single camera, installed as per the instructions, will be able to clearly do everything it is expected to do in wildly different vehicles.

At the time of writing, prices were not posted online.

For more information on Mobileye and their products, visit www.mobileye.com.

Photo: Mobileye

World Rally Champion points' leader, Sebastien Ogier will compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Monaco this weekend, driving a TAG Heuer sponsored 911 GT3.

The French driver will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the TAG Heuer Carrera timepiece and chronograph collection with a car specially decorated for the occasion.

Photo: TAG Heuer

“I am delighted to be in Monaco for a track race. It's a nice break in the middle of the WRC season. I'm being given a great opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Carrera, with a highly original car livery inspired by the sixties and Pop Art!” declared Sebastien Ogier in a press release.

The Swiss company has invited several guests to attend the launch of the new wristwatch, including actress Cameron Diaz, McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez, four-time World Champion Alain Prost and Lotus driver Romain Grosjean.

The Carrera model was created by the manufacture in 1963 as a tribute to a legendary race: La Carrera Panamericana.

Photo: TAG Heuer

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Great value, generous standard features list, versatile cabin, great road handling, crisp design and frugal fuel consumption make this 2013 Kia Forte5 a force to be reckoned with.

Cons
Notchy manual gearbox, inadequate driver seat adjustments, high beltline hurts visibility, lacklustre instrument panel and low resale value are the main caveats.


Price
No less than five versions of the 2013 Kia Forte5 are available: the LX, which starts at $18,250, and is equipped, as are the LX Plus and EX versions, with the 2.0 litre engine as well as standard 15-inch wheels, AUX and USB ports and steering mounted audio controls, among others.

The LX Plus adds AC, remote entry with theft alarm, Active ECO-System as well as an automatic transmission to the list of standard equipment, at a starting price of $20,850.

EX models include heated seats, speed control, 16-inch alloy wheels as well as chrome door and hatch handles, for a base price of $20,750.

Adding a sun roof will bring this total to $21,650, while adding the Active ECO-System and automatic transmission will fetch $ 21,950. The sun roof and automatic transmission combination brings this total to $22,850.

SX versions are equipped with a 2.4 litre engine, sport pedals, automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, sun roof and leather steering, for a total of $24,050.

Automatic transmission with paddle-shift and Active ECO-System raise the total to $25,250.

The top-of-the-line LX Luxury version, at $27,750, is equipped with standard automatic transmission, SmartKey with pushbutton stop/start, paddle shifters and navigation system.

Fuel Economy
The 2.0 litre engine/ manual transmission combination delivers fuel economy ratings of 8.1 L/100 km city and 5.7 L/100 km highway. Automatic versions consume an estimated 8.0 L/100 km city and 5.5 L/100 km highway.

Fuel economy ratings for the 2.4 litre engine are an estimated 9.2 L/100 km city and 6.2 L/100km highway for both transmissions. Highway estimates are pegged at 9.2 L/9.0L/100 km for both manual and automatic models respectively.

Exterior Styling
Sporty elegance. The tasteful, curvaceous design of the Forte5 attracts attention in an understated way. The rear end is sturdy and attractive, and the wraparound taillights add a well-balanced finishing touch to the overall visual effect.

Drivetrain
Base engine is a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 156 hp and 144 lb-ft torque. The 2.4 litre engine delivers 173 hp and 168 lb-ft torque. 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available according to engine option.

Cargo Capacity
LX and EX models can hold up to 550 litres while the SX and SX Luxury models, with a bigger engine, have an available 438 litres of trunk space.

Safety
Six airbags, whiplash protection, electronic stability control and assisted braking are all standard safety features of the 2013 Kia Forte5.

Comparable Models
Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Volkswagen Golf

Photo: Kia

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.338
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.358
Charette Daniel, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.332
http://www.kia.ca

Love it or hate it, Monaco is the jewel in the Formula 1 calendar's crown; if it wasn't, it wouldn't have been around for what will be 71 years.

The great, the good and the glamorous take to the various yachts, apartments and bars which surround the 3.3 kilometre street circuit to see Formula 1 drivers doing what they do best; race on an absolute knife edge on a track that has no margin for error.

Whilst the undulations and narrow nature of the Monaco circuit at times lead to processional races, when the circuit delivers a good race, it does so in style.

As a result, Auto123.com has delved into the archives and found top five of the most iconic Grands Prix of the last three decades held around the streets of the principality.

1
1992: Senna makes it four in a row

Following his disappointment of 1988, Ayrton Senna went on an offensive in Monaco between 1989 and 1993 to reign supreme and take five consecutive victories to add to his first there, which he scored behind the wheel of a Lotus Honda in 1987. Of all the Brazilian's victories around the principality however, 1992 would arguably rank as his finest. After inheriting the lead in a relatively average McLaren Honda on lap 70 when the first placed Nigel Mansell was forced to pit due to a loose wheel nut, Senna managed to keep Mansell at bay to take the win by 0.215s, despite the significantly quicker Williams managing to close the gap from 5.2 to 1.9 seconds in just two laps. After the race, Senna described the race as like “driving on ice” after having completed the entire 78 lap race distance on the same set of tires.

2
1988: Senna sees god and shunts

Although 1988 was marked by McLaren's inter-team battle, its on-track domination in which it won 15 of 16 races and to top it off, Ayrton Senna's first title, it was also the year that saw the Brazilian throw away victory whilst it was in his grasp. As expected, the Marlboro liveried cars dominated qualifying with Senna taking pole from teammate Prost by 1.4 seconds. Following the session, Senna claimed “suddenly, I realised that I was no longer driving consciously and I was kind of driving by instinct only, [...] I was well beyond my conscious understanding.” Come the race, Senna's form was such that by lap 67, he had a 40 second advantage over Prost with 12 laps to go, until he slammed his McLaren Honda into the barrier which separates the entrance of the tunnel from the Mediterranean sea. The incident saw the Brazilian immediately storm back to his apartment without debriefing with the team. Much like another McLaren driver, Kimi Raikkonen, did after suffering an engine failure in the 2006 race...

Ayrton Senna, McLaren-Honda. (Photo: WRi2)

3
1982: Running on empty; Patrese wins amidst leader chaos

In a race that was largely uneventful until the final four laps, the race win looked set to go to Renault's Alain Prost, who inherited the lead from teammate Rene Arnoux after the latter crashed. However, with an uncharacteristic mistake, Prost crashed his Renault coming out of the chicane and gifted the lead to Ricardo Patrese, who in turn spun and stalled his car at the Loew's hairpin. The lead changed once again, with Didier Pironi assuming the lead in the sole Ferrari, after the team elected to race one car following the death of Gilles Villeneuve at the previous race in Zolder. When Pironi's car slowed in the tunnel due to a lack of fuel, Andrea de Cesaris assumed what should have been first position, but the Italian's car suffered the same fate before it could pass the stricken Ferrari. Derek Daly, at the time driving a Williams-Ford, then took the lead, but suffered a gearbox failure as he crossed the line to start his final lap. Meanwhile amidst the chaos, Patrese had managed the bump-start his Brabham-Ford and crossed the line to take the win ahead of Pironi and De Cesaris.

4
2004: Trulli wins race he ‘shouldn't have won''

If you ask Jarno Trulli what his favourite Formula 1 memory was, Monaco 2004 will be the answer. However, he'll also tell you he wasn't supposed to win it, due to the Italian's wish to be released from his management contract with team principal Flavio Briatore, as well as seeking a pay-rise from Renault. However, Trulli put the politics behind him and turned up in Monaco nine years ago looking like a man who was destined to win his first and only Grand Prix after having solidly outpaced teammate Fernando Alonso in the previous races. He stamped his authority on the weekend by taking pole ahead of Ralf Schumacher, and then went on win ahead of Button and Barrichello on a weekend which saw drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Juan-Pablo Montoya lose their cool; the pair were caught up in a bizarre incident in the tunnel, which saw Montoya - who was a lap down - plough into the back of the Ferrari under a safety car period caused by the Ralf/Alonso incident, whilst Schumacher was warming his F2004's brakes.

Jarno Trulli, Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

5
1996: Panis wins Ligier's last Monaco race

Much like Jarno Trulli, Olivier Panis' sole Grand Prix win came at Monaco in 1996. The Frenchman qualified 14th in the Mugen powered Ligier, some two seconds off of Schumacher's pole lap. The early stages of the race seemed to signify that the win would come down to a battle between the dominant Williams of Damon Hill, Schumacher's Ferrari and Jean Alesi's Benetton. However, in a race that bucked the form guide, none of the three favourites finished, with Schumacher opening proceedings after he slid off halfway around the first lap, a mistake that gave Hill the lead. However, the Williams' engine gave way in the tunnel, which promoted Alesi to top-spot. The French/Sicilian's hopes of a second career victory were halted however, when his suspension failed on lap 60 with 15 to go. This gave Panis the lead after the Frenchman had made a well-timed stop for slick tires earlier in the race; a move which saw him move steadily through the field, to take his only, and Ligier's first win in 15 years by 4.8 seconds from David Coulthard's McLaren.

Olivier Panis, Ligier-Mugen. (Photo: WRi2)

Pros and Cons*
Pros
With its impressive power, well-calibrated suspension and effective brakes, the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT is a commanding sedan.

Cons
Some buyers might be deterred by the sedan's heavy fuel consumption, large size and weight.


Price
The SRT Super Bee starts at $44,445. Equipped with a 470 hp V8 engine, the Super Bee features a 4.3 Uconnect system, four-piston Brembo brakes, performance suspension and 3-mode electronic stability control.

You can recognize this model by its black brake calipers, rear matte black spoiler, black grille with a Super Bee badge and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

With distinctive forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, air intake sculpted on the hood, a same-body-colour rear spoiler and red brake calipers, the SRT is available for $48,345.

This model features an active and adaptive suspension, keyless entry and remote start, ventilated front seats, high-quality speakers, rear backup camera, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls and paddle shifters as well as power pedal and seat controls.

Fuel Economy
This V8's fuel ratings are estimated at around 15 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 L/100 km on the highway. Thanks to the VVT feature and active valve exhaust system, the fuel economy of this brand-new HEMI engine has improved by 25%.

Exterior Styling
This striking and brawny 2013 Dodge Charger SRT, with its LED racetrack shaped taillights and high beltline, struts its stuff with quite the attitude. Its hood swoop and SRT-badged grille gives it a potent look.

Drivetrain
Coupled with a standard 5-speed transmission, the 6.4-litre HEMI V8 delivers 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Cargo Capacity
The expansive trunk can store up to 462 litres.

Safety
The sedan is equipped with seven airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, automatic brake drying and hill start assist, brake assist and active headrests on the front seats.

Comparable Models
Cadillac CTS, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS

Photo: Dodge

*References
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.210
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.242
Duval Jacques, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.209
www.dodge.ca

From Renault Sport F1

The Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix is run on a tricky and challenging street circuit located downtown Monaco. It's on this track that the F1 cars reach the slowest speed of the season!

Monaco Grand Prix
Length (km) 3.34
Average Speed (km/h) 153
Top Speed (km/h) 279
% of lap at full throttle 34
Fuel consumption (kilos per lap) 1.5
Fuel consumption (litres per 100km) 64

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Monte Carlo: three corners in detail

Sainte Devote to Casino Square
The distance from pole position to Sainte Devote is just 140m - the shortest run to the first corner we see all season and the pole sitter will reach it in a touch over four seconds. From pole there is not enough time for KERS to be activated, but cars starting further behind may choose to use it. After braking down to 105kph for Sainte Devote, drivers get quickly back on the power for the climb up through Beau Rivage to Casino Square. The circuit gains over 30m in altitude in 10secs so engine maps will be designed to work with short gear ratios to maximise acceleration and hit the rev limit at the top of the hill. There is a possibility to use KERS on this climb, but the steep gradient will reduce its effectiveness. In fact, overtaking here comes down to who can get the best acceleration out of Sainte Devote so particular care is paid to pedal and torque maps in this corner.


Grand Hotel Hairpin
From the Mirabeau the circuit suddenly descends in altitude down to the Grand Hotel Hairpin. The drop and almost 180° turn make it the tightest corner of the season. When the cars round the hairpin the engine is running at the lowest speed and revs it reaches on track at any point in the year; just 44 km/h and around 7,000rpm. The driver's pedal and torque maps must be completely on point and the driver may even declutch to avoid too much push from the engine, which could result in a surge and cause a collision with a car in front or the wall. Large chunks of time can be won or lost by correct mapping here.

Tunnel section to chicane
The tunnel section is the only chance the cars get to hit top speed apart from the short pit straight. The engine needs to have good acceleration here so the driver can reach top speed (‘vMax') quickly as the straight is only 670m from the exit of Portiers to the chicane, or around eight or nine seconds. The cars reach 290 km/h just before the braking point for the chicane so in theory KERS could be used, but principally only for defending rather than for overtaking as going off line is very dirty. This chance for the engine to ‘breathe' is important as there are very few opportunities for the engine to intake fresh air. It is however somewhat of a poisoned chalice - the enclosed nature of the tunnel means the air going into the engine through the airbox is extremely hot. The air is also full of dust and rubber chunks that cannot be blown away due to the roof and walls of the tunnel building.

A survey by Redshift Research for Kijiji shows that car buyers in Quebec primarily focus on reliability and fuel economy, while other Canadians put a car's image above all else -- excluding the price, of course.

Overall, here's what drivers look for when shopping for a new car:

• Price (69%);
• Reliability (69%);
• Maintenance costs (48%);
• Driving dynamics (39%);
• Make (29%);
• Interior design (26%).

Source : Kijiji

Do you believe cars have certain personalities? Do you feel any physical attraction to certain models? We do.

The front of a car obviously tells a lot about its character, but don't forget the rear: Some manufacturers go to great lengths to make it as sexy as possible.

Too often, automotive rears make our eyes bleed. Fortunately, we can take solace in these 10 gorgeous creatures that all manage to execute rear-end styling almost to perfection. As you'll find out, pricing has nothing to do with how sexy a car looks from behind.

Audi TT

Photo: Audi

Pick any model in Audi's lineup. We chose the TT for its perfect combination of retro and modern styling cues in it automotive rear. There's something about this car that appeals to us on another level, and the rear section certainly deserves much of the credit. The bulging fenders and never-ending rear window, combined with sleek LED taillights, help the TT make a unique, powerful statement.

Continue reading Top 10 Sexiest Automotive Rears

From GMM

Jules Bianchi thinks it is possible Marussia is on the verge of breaking into F1's midfield.

Since the team debuted as Virgin in 2010, the red and black cars have always occupied the last rows of the grid, and Bernie Ecclestone even wanted Marussia to merge with fellow backmarker Caterham ahead of the 2013 season.

And as recently as this week, F1's chief executive has proposed a 'customer car' rule be introduced.

"Ecclestone says the new rule would particularly benefit Marussia, F1's worst-performing team," F1 business journalist Christian Sylt wrote in the Express newspaper following his latest interview with the 82-year-old.

But, actually, Marussia - despite being locked out of F1's income-distribution Concorde Agreement by Ecclestone for now - is the faster of the backmarker teams so far this year.

That is thanks in part to the increasingly highly-rated skills of F1 rookie Jules Bianchi, who found his way onto the grid this year only after Luiz Razia's sponsor money dried up.

Jules Bianchi. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

The Ferrari-backed Frenchman also credits Marussia.

"The team has done a great job with the car, which is not as bad as people may think," Bianchi, 23, told Spain's El Confidencial.

"If we had a little more downforce we could be half-way down the grid, so we need to continue in this way."

It could be said that, with Bianchi currently clearly outpacing teammate Max Chilton, all the pressure is on his shoulders to help Marussia finish tenth this year -- giving the team crucial access to F1's official prize-money pool.

"I'm used to pressure anyway," Bianchi answered, "but it is true that it is very important for Marussia to end up in that position, even if it will be very difficult, as Caterham is in the same situation as us."

There is also pressure to impress Ferrari, who could be on the lookout for a new teammate for Fernando Alonso for 2014.

"I don't know," Bianchi said when asked about Felipe Massa's seat, "I have no idea and in this world you never know which way it's going to go. I'll just try to do my best and if they decide to call me up I won't say no, of course, but we're far away from that now."

Lotus has confirmed that the new Exige S Roadster will go on sale this summer in select markets. Unfortunately, Canada isn't one of them.

As the fastest Lotus convertible ever built, this car joins a strong lineup that currently includes the Exige S Coupe, Exige Cup, and Exige Cup R.

Powered by the familiar 3.5L V6 engine, the new Lotus Exige S Roadster generates 345 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 233 km/h (electronically limited). It rides on 17” front, 18” rear tires.

Customers in the U.K., Europe and Japan can now order their Exige S Roadster for a cool €55,378 (approx. $73,500).

Photo: Lotus

I love talking about car manufacturers. To me, they are living, breathing entities that have immense influence on our daily lives from the hundreds of car ads we see every day to our using and living with our favourite mode of transportation.

One of the most “alive” manufacturers over the last few years has been Kia. Because life is not always easy or rosy, we tend to move towards “things” that emit life, fun, and pleasure -- either through appearances or through promises. Kia exudes youth and possibility, two emotions that raise hope and well being.

Too philosophical? I don't think so.

Kia has, for many still, showed up out of nowhere. Almost as if by magic, more and more Kias started showing up on streets across the country; and then 78,000 new Kia cars were purchased in 2012. If we zoom out, off our continent, over 2.7 million units were delivered the same year. This is success.

What about 2013? Kia expects that at least 80,000 new cars will end up in driveways; and worldwide, over 2.75 million deliveries will take place.

In my books, Kia's rise to fame and fortune is explained principally through emotions. We humans are fickle creatures and as our humour changes, we latch on to things we like. These “things” are called trends and, like Starbucks and Whole Foods, Kia is a trending trend.

The genius behind the happiness and go-luckiness of Kia is, obviously, Peter Schreyer. As Kia's star began to rise, so did Mr. Schreyer's; in the process, he actually starred in many commercials for the brand.

He's managed to tap into our psyche and create what could be considered desirable pieces of art that appeal to young and old alike, and they've been made affordable. This is pure genius.

Schreyer joined Kia in July of 2006, and has not missed a beat since. Get this: it ain't over. Between now and 2017, 47 new or upgraded models (including the next Sportage) will find their way from drawing board to auto show floor to showroom floor.

And surprise of surprises, brand loyalty is strong with Kia owners. Why would it not be? If the company and Schreyer keep giving consumers what they want, they will keep coming back for more.

The fire within also has to do with passion, and the brand has much of that as well. Although their latest offering, the 2014 Rondo, did not blow me away, I've no doubt the pipeline is stocked to capacity with fantastic product to come.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

During the break between the Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 team co-owner Jack Roush reflected on the Roush Fenway Racing season so far.

But first he was asked about the loss of Matt Kenseth to Joe Gibbs Racing after a 17-year association. 

“I often told Matt that when he decided that we couldn't do what we needed to do for him, that I wanted to go out the door the same time he did,” said Roush. “He bolted before me, so that was a disappointment. I'm not unhappy for Matt and his success. I wish he would have been able to realize the same success with us. The Gibbs organization has jumped off to a fast start this year, clearly going to be a factor in the championship with most, if not all, of their cars and Matt's a part of that. I'm happy that he's not having a transitional year that would have left him in the lurch.”

Not that long ago the Roush organization, before it became Roush Fenway Racing had daunting array of five drivers in the Sprint Cup Series. NASCAR legislated it had to be reduced to four. And, now, due to sponsorship issues he has only three pilots in his squadron.

Roush Fenway Racing drivers in action for testing, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle. (Photo: NASCAR)

The loss of Kenseth to JGR made it possible to move up Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. who came off two-straight Nationwide Series' titles.

After 11 races the rookie Stenhouse has been running steadily in the top-20 putting him 16th in the points standings.

According to Roush “He's doing great and, of course, his young crew chief Scott Graves is doing great as well. It's the rookie season for both of them. Scott is doing a lot to anticipate Ricky's needs, and to be sensitive to his rookie status, as he is for his status. By the same token, Scott is an engineer - a mechanical engineer - and he has a better than average, crew chief average, sense for what's going on behind the scenes. It's made a really good blend of both of them learning what they need to learn on what they need to do to survive in this sport. Ricky's not giving up his aggression. He charges the corner faster than it would dictate most of the time.

Carl Edwards has been the Roush driver closest to bringing home a Cup championship since Kurt Busch won it in 2004. Edwards was finished second in 2008 and lost the title to Tony Stewart at the last race of 2011 in a tie-breaker.

Last year Edwards went winless, did not make the Chase and he split with long-time crew chief Bob Osborne. This year he's been working with veteran Jimmy Fennig who was Kenseth's crew chief last year.

“Jimmy Fennig doesn't suffer fools very well,” said Roush. “Some days, some ways, he doesn't really have as much patience for a rookie program or rookie circumstances as he might have. He's to the point where he expects to be productive; he expects to be able to use his experience. He struggles and is challenged by all the new ideas that engineering brings him. Happily, he's got two good engineers behind him that wind up backing him up; that traditional and conventional experience that Jimmy has, tailored with the engineering that we're able to bring to it, has been really good for Carl this year.

Carl Edwards and his Roush Fenway Racing crew. (Photo: NASCAR)

Carl has been more engaged this year than he was last year. (Former crew chief) Bob Osborne would put up for him on the plate, here's the answer for you, I've got it sorted out, trust me on this. Carl would. Jimmy and Carl have more of a give and take, where Carl says what he thinks, Jimmy says what he thinks, and they reach an accommodation somewhere in the middle.”

From GMM

Ross Brawn has hinted that Mercedes has just appointed his successor.

Briton Brawn, 58, is currently Mercedes' team principal, but big rumours this year had linked former McLaren technical director Paddy Lowe with that job.

Mercedes has negotiated Lowe's early release from his McLaren 'gardening leave', but in a statement the Brackley based team said the 51-year-old is the new executive technical director -- not team boss as was speculated.

"Ross Brawn will retain overall responsibility for technical and sporting matters," said Mercedes.

For the longer term, however, it might be seen that Lowe is now preparing to succeed Brawn.

Photo: WRi2

Ross Brawn hinted at that in the official statement, saying the transition from this year's V8 regulations to the turbo V6s next year is not the only challenge facing big teams.

"It is perhaps less obvious," he said, "that we will also see major changes for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, as development progresses with the new generation of car design and power unit."

And Ross Brawn told Italy's Autosprint this week: "Paddy and I will find a way to live together. Sooner or later I will retire, but first I want to see the fruits of the hard work."