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Dongfeng Motor has taken a shareholding in MMC's joint venture partner Fujian Motor. The deal gives China's second largest OEM new access to manufacturing capacity in the country's south east.

Honda will return to Formula One racing as an engine supplier to help develop vehicle technology after exiting the racing series in 2008.

Lawyers for Formula One racing boss Bernie Ecclestone repeated that he had not bribed a German banker during the 2005-2006 sale of a stake in the motor-racing business, after a German newspaper reported he had been charged by prosecutors.

News 16 May, 2013

The new S-Class opens the door to self-driving cars, says Mercedes

Renault expects the European car market to shrink 5 percent this year over last year, Chief Operating Officer Carlos Tavares said.

We live in strange times. As Fisker, a rival with supposedly superior range-extending technology falls apart, the value of Tesla rises yet again, this time by almost two percent on Wednesday to US$9.7bn.

Volkswagen has begun construction of a new factory in Changsha, China, with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles, the company said in a statement today.

The Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have won top honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, becoming the only small SUVs to ace the group's new "small overlap" crash test.

U.S. supplier BorgWarner Inc. said it would build a new production line and engineering center in the United Kingdom to supply turbocharging systems to customer Jaguar Land Rover.

A religious experience set Dieter Zetsche on his path to becoming CEO of Mercedes-Benz.

The Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have won top honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, becoming the only small SUVs to ace the group's new "small overlap" crash test.

The DTM organizers will introduce a new light system to indicate which cars are shod on Hankook option tires.

The soft option tires have been introduced this season in order to improve the show on track, butduring the opening round in Hockenheim, it was difficult to identify which cars were running on option tires.

The option tires were initially marked with a yellow stripe, but it was still very difficult to see that mark when the cars were out on the track. In Brands Hatch, a LED system will indicate which cars are running on the soft compound.

A blue LED, located on each side of the car -- similar to the lights that indicate the number of pit stops already made -- will be activated when the car runs on option tires, and will be turned off when the car will run on the standard, harder tires.

Hankook option tire. (Photo: DTM)

Production of the Toyota Yaris in France started last week for export to the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. It's actually the first-ever Europe-built Toyota model exported to North America.

The assembly plant is located in Onnaing, near Valenciennes.

“With Quebec accounting for 65% of Yaris' Canadian sales, a warm welcome will be assured for this ‘Made-in-France' vehicle,” said Seiji Ichii, President and CEO of Toyota Canada Inc.

As a result, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) will now export its vehicles to more than 40 countries around the world, including South Africa, Egypt, Canada and the U.S.

Photo: Toyota

Mazda's on a roll
The completely redesigned 2014 Mazda6 is a stunner. There is no other way to describe the automotive physical specimen that sat silently parked in front of my house each morning of my test week.

The silence was fleeting as the moment the engine burst to life, the birds would scatter from the trees and passersby would turn in confusion. Seconds later, the engine would settle and the blissful driving experience delivered by the new Mazda6 commenced.

Mazda has hit a cycle with the 2014 Mazda6 as it caters to efficiency, performance, styling, and value. Mazda's on a roll for the 2014 model year.


What is a Mazda6?
The 2014 Mazda6 competes in one of the toughest segments in North America. In the U.S., midsize sedans still hold the top spot with the largest slice of the sales pie. In Canada, this category regularly finds itself in the top biggest sellers. In other words, the Mazda6 has its work cut out for it.

In essence, the new Mazda6 has become the brand's flagship car and for a number of reasons. Not only does it carry the brand's latest KODO design language and direction, but it is also built as a showcase for SKYACTIV technology; much like the 2014 CX-5, but meant for a larger audience.

Technicalities
The 2014 Mazda6 features one engine, regardless of trim and it is Mazda's SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 4-cylinder. The impressive piece of machinery pumps out 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. To it can be mated a 6-speed manual gearbox (a rarity in 2013) or, alternatively, a 6-speed automatic.

Currently, and probably for good as the wagon will probably sadly never come, the Mazda6 is available as a sedan and in three different trims. Prices range from $24,495 for a base GX all the way to $34,195 for the as-tested GT with automatic transmission and Technology Package.

The 2014 Mazda6 features one engine, regardless of trim and it is Mazda's SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 4-cylinder. The impressive piece of machinery pumps out 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the Mazda6
Once past the aural assault of the cold start, the 2014 Mazda6 drive as good as its exterior shell suggests. This is a rare treat for testers like me as I often find myself with a car that's all show, no go. The opposite can also be true.

Much like the CX-5, the transmission is especially good and it makes sense; both are identically geared, only the final drive differs. This translates to brisk acceleration and proper and clean up- and downshifts.

Some may protest the lack of a more powerful engine choice, but the 2.5L is plenty strong. Thanks to the transmission, passing manoeuvres are brisk as is acceleration from a dead stop.

Taking the 2014 Mazda6 out on the road is a good experience. The suspension expertly marries comfort and sporty handling. The rigid chassis plays a strong role in making this midsize sedan ride as well as it does. It positively rivals all other Japanese offerings in the segment, possibly surpassing all of them.

As for steering, the “conventional” (non-electric) variable-assist power assistance is pleasant and well calibrated. Where the brakes are concerned, they too perform admirably well.

The suspension expertly marries comfort and sporty handling. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and out of the Mazda6
I believe I've already made it abundantly clear here (and everywhere online) that the 2014 Mazda6 is honk-worthy hot. My evaluated GT sports the large (yet necessary) 19” alloy wheels that further add a layer of dynamism to the car's slippery shape.

The cabin is more of the same: Elegance and modernism blend to near perfection. In fact, there's a German quality to it where the level of seriousness is reminiscent of Volkswagen. Similarly, there's a beautiful flow to each of the dashboard's components mimicking the flow of the exterior body panels.

The off-white leather, black plastics and Soul Red Mica exterior make for a luxury car-like allure.

The front seats are quite comfortable, as is the rear bench. For the driver, the 2014 Mazda6 offers up a sporty driving position that works well with the thick-ish, 3-spoke steering wheel and the mounted shifter paddles.

i-ACTIVSENSE is Mazda-speak for all manner of active and passive safety features. Optional and part of the Technology Package ($2,000) with the GT trim it includes:

• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
• Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) which works with the MRCC
• Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)

There's a beautiful flow to each of the dashboard's components mimicking the flow of the exterior body panels. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the Mazda6
The 2014 Mazda6 is not in a league of its own. If ever there was a time for Mazda to introduce such a fine car, it was now. The 2013 Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat are impressive in their own right, offering quality and efficiency. While other midsize sedans may sell in greater numbers than the latter, these two have currently established the bar.

Had Mazda unleashed a lesser version of the 6, they would have found themselves in the same position as the last time around. The previous Mazda6 was nice, but that was it; however, this version is amazing and will definitely fare much better.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Excellent build quality, numerous storage options and its smooth, quiet ride are just some of the strong points of the 2013 Cadillac SRX.

Cons
Poor lateral seat support, sluggish transmission, unproven reliability, restricted rear visibility and excess weight are some of the sorer points.


Price
The base SRX has a MSRP of $40,495.

The SRX Leather Collection starts at $43,595 to which an additional $3,000 is required for all-wheel drive.

The all-wheel drive SRX Luxury Collection model starts at $50,295.

The SRX Performance Collection model and Premium Collection models start at $53,795 and $55,795 respectively.

Fuel Economy
The V6 engine consumes an estimated 12.7 L/100 km city and 8.3 L/100 km highway for a combined 10.7 L/100 km rating.

Exterior Styling
This slim-downed version has an angular, chiseled overall appearance. There is a total absence of curves and rounded angles in this remarkably-designed luxury crossover.

Drivetrain
Under the hood of this SRX is a 3.6 litre V6 that develops 308 hp and 265 lb-ft torque that drive either the two front wheels or all four through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity
There is an available 844 litres of cargo room with five passengers which can be expanded to 1,730 litres when lowering the rear seat.

Safety
The Cadillac SRX is equipped with six airbags, traction and stability control along with numerous optional safety features.

Comparable Models
Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Infiniti FX, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz Classe M, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90

Photo: Cadillac

*References
Laguë Philippe, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.162
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.200
www.gm.ca

Porsche has released the first pictures of the production 918 Spyder hybrid two-seater and confirmed that total output won't be 718 horsepower as previously announced, but rather 887 horsepower. It combines a mid-mounted 4.6L V8 engine with an electric motor and decoupler on the rear axle, plus an electric motor, decoupler, and transmission on the front axle.

Weighing 1,685 kg (1,640 kg with the Weissach package), the Porsche 918 Spyder boasts a carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) monocoque, two-piece Targa roof, and fixed roll-over protection system. It can sprint from 0-100 km/h in a ridiculous 2.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 340 km/h.

In full electric mode, the Porsche 918 Spyder offers a range of 25 kilometres or so, 0-100km/h acceleration in seven seconds, and a max speed of 150 km/h. The lithium-ion battery fully charges in less than seven hours using a 110V outlet, less than two hours using a 240V outlet, or less than 30 minutes with 400V power.

Great news: The 918 Spyder will act as the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future.

Photo: Porsche

How's that for a model launch: Mercedes-Benz yesterday had the all-new S-Class flown in directly from its birthplace in Stuttgart for its world premiere at Airbus in Finkenwerder on board an Airbus A300-600 DHL cargo plane. Around 750 international guests from the worlds of politics, industry and media attended the event.

"Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," said Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

From the ENERGIZING massage function of the rear seats to the new Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system, the new S-Class is said to be the true embodiment of a modern luxury sedan, complete with nothing but high-grade materials. It's also the first car in the world to dispense with conventional electric bulbs and exclusively use energy-saving LED technology both inside and outside.

Speaking of efficiency, the new Mercedes-Benz S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID burns only 4.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. And this will soon be followed by the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID, the first S-Class to achieve under 4.0L/100km.

Prices and release dates will be announced later.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Four motorsport categories will be in action to support Formula 1 during the weekend of the Grand Prix of Canada in Montreal, June 7, 8 and 9.

A total of eight races are on the agenda for a busy weekend.

Challenge Coupe Porsche GT3.

Ferrari Challenge, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Canadian Touring Car Championship and Formula Tour 1600 are the four series that will each present two races after their respective practice and qualifying sessions.

Sunday the 9th will be extremely busy with the CTCC at 9 am, the Formula Tour 1600 at 9:45 am, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge at 10:30 am and then Ferrari Challenge at 11;15 am. The Formula 1 race will begin at 2 pm.

CTCC, Honda. (Photo: Touringcar.ca)

Fans who would like to get tickets to attend the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada should communicate without further delay with the ticket service of the Grand Prix du Canada at 514 350-0000 or 1-855-790-1245, every day of the week, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets can also be ordered on secured websites www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca or www.admission.com.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
The 2013 Buick Regal benefits from a widely- acclaimed design, excellent road handling, comfortable seats, beautiful interior fit and finish and also from the fact that it is among the rare breed of sedans which offer a manual 6-speed transmission.

Cons
Caveats include an options list which quickly inflates the price, lack of rear-seat headroom, insipid 2.4-litre engine and questionable resale value.


Price

The eAssist-equipped base model starts at $36,845.

The Buick Regal Turbo 1SP and 1SR both start at $37,450.

The Regal GS has a MSRP of $41,455.

Fuel Economy
Fuel economy ratings for the 2.4 litre engine are rated at 8.3 L/100 km city and 5.4 L/100 km highway.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and manual transmission combination consumes an estimated 10.5 L/100 km and 11.1 L/100 km city and between 6.2 L/100 km and 7.4 L/100 km highway when equipped with the regular or high-output turbocharged engine option, respectively.

The automatic transmission brings these totals to 11.0 L/100 km and 11.4 L/100 km city and between 6.9 L/100 km and 7.4 L/100 km highway.

Exterior Styling
This modern sedan has fluid, contemporary lines with a semi-circle front grille and elegant rear tail light moulding that make it unique.

Drivetrain
The base 2.4-litre engine is equipped with eAssist electric drive and produces 182 hp and 172 lb-ft torque. It delivers this power to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

An optional 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 220 hp and 260 lb-ft torque is also available.

The GS model is equipped with a variant of this same turbocharged engine that produces 270 hp and 295 lb-ft torque that can be mated to either a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission delivering the power to the front wheels.

Cargo Capacity
The eAssist model offers 314 litres of cargo space while the turbocharged versions offer 402 litres.

Safety
The 2013 Buick Regal is equipped with no less than eight airbags.

Comparable Models
Acura TSX, Lincoln MKZ, Lexus ES, Nissan Maxima, Volkswagen CC, Volvo S60

Photo: Buick

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.152
Duval Jacques, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.159
www.gm.ca

German car manufacturer, Audi has won the classic endurance race of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 11 times over the past 14 years. The Audi cars have always run faster despite the reductions of engine output due to the regulations.

Audi engineers worked hard to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the LMP car.

With the innovative micro-tube radiator, Audi managed to make a major step ahead. The conventional aluminum louver-finned radiator that creates high aerodynamic drag is now a thing of the past.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

The coolant in the R18 e-tron quattro flows through a system made up of more than 11,000 small tubes per radiator, and the radiators no longer require fins. These radiators can be freely configured. With the same radiator size, the pressure drop of the airflow can be reduced by more than 25 percent. Alternatively, with pressure conditions remaining the same, the size of the radiator can be reduced accordingly.

“The lap times reflect the significance of the strides that have been made in aerodynamics,” emphasizes Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

“Of course there are many other influencing factors - the powertrain, the tires, the chassis, the ultra-lightweight design or the distribution of weight. To name just one example for the sake of comparison: In 2006, the fastest race lap at Le Mans was 3m 31.211s. The R10 TDI back then had 12 cylinders, 5.5 liters of displacement and, delivering more than 650 hp, was our most powerful LMP race car. Six years later, the best lap time was 3m 24.189s. Our cars had become more than seven seconds faster. But the V6 TDI engine of the Audi R18 ultra in 2012 was only allowed to have a displacement of 3.7 liters and delivered around 510 hp. A major share of these advances is owed to optimized aerodynamics. This year, we're competing with a long-tail body that we expect to deliver further advantages for Le Mans,” Dr. Ullrich explained.