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This year's North American International Auto Show kicked off the auto show calendar, promising the debuts of a number of models from some of the biggest names in the industry.

This year's North American International Auto Show kicked off the auto show calendar, promising the debuts of a number of models from some of the biggest names in the industry.

This year's North American International Auto Show kicked off the auto show calendar, promising the debuts of a number of models from some of the biggest names in the industry.

This year's North American International Auto Show kicked off the auto show calendar, promising the debuts of a number of models from some of the biggest names in the industry.

Audi saw the fastest sales growth among German premium marques in China last month after deliveries rose 13 percent to 38,710 vehicles in China and Hong Kong, the company said today.

BMW stuck to its goal of setting a sales record for the third consecutive year as new models help offset a slump in Europe.

Swedish supplier Autoliv is targeting annual revenue growth of 5 percent or more in the next five years based on an increase in Chinese and U.S. car sales.

Swedish supplier Autoliv is targeting annual revenue growth of 5 percent or more in the next five years based on an increase in Chinese and U.S. car sales.

News 14 May, 2013

Pictures of the revised BMW M5 have been leaked ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Autoliv has set out revised long-term growth targets based on its own position in the market and trends in the penetration rate of its core product offerings in automotive passive and active safety systems.

Auction prices for full-size pick-up trucks in the US are up nearly 7% through the first four months of 2013, according to the NADA Used Car Guide (May edition).

Research by the UK-based ICDP shows that the collapse to demand in Western Europe is leading to a decline in the number of main dealer sales networks across the region.

Nissan promises an innovative new look for the next Qashqai #8211; the automaker's top-selling model in Europe #8211; when the replacement debuts early next year.

Nissan has gone buttoned-down with a new steel-blue logo that spells out -- literally -- the distinction between Nissan the company and Nissan the brand.

Sebastien Ogier will contest the Porsche Supercup race in Monaco on May 26, joining his fellow rallyman, Sebastien Loeb.

Both drivers, who had great battles in this year's World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo, Sweden and Argentina (two wins for Loeb, one win for Ogier), will continue their duel in the Porsche Supercup in the streets of Monaco.

Sebastien Loeb already ran in Porsche Supercup in Barcelona, where he finished 11th.

Sebastien Loeb in Barcelona. (Photo: WRi2)

POWELL BUTTE, Oregon - A completely revamped Outlander, and a new compact car this fall add up to a busy year for Mitsubishi. Although a total vehicle lineup of five may not sound like much, it's a 20% growth increase for Canada's smallest mainstream auto manufacturer.

The Mitsubishi Outlander has sold more than 50,000 vehicles since its 2002 launch. However, it was being left behind in a forward-moving segment continually establishing new levels of sophistication.

Returning this June, the Outlander was dramatically overhauled. Does it have what it takes to succeed in this fiercely competitive market? We travelled to the high desert of Powell Butte, Oregon to find out.

More subtle visually than the outgoing model, the Outlander's signature "shark-nose" is replaced by a simple chrome-strip grille. While the new front-end treatment is more refined, some character is lost in the process.


There aren't many curves or bulges in the sheet metal. Wheel arches are modest while a single character belt-line saves the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander from slab-sidedness. It's sleeker overall -- most of which can be attributed to the design team's quest for greater aerodynamics -- and there's a 7% reduction in drag coefficient over the previous model.

The use of high-tensile steel helps this model shed over 100 kg which is of utmost importance in their segment-topping fuel consumption goal of 8.2L city/6.3L hwy (4-cylinder model).

Most dramatic improvement lies inside the cabin
The greatest area of improvement takes place within the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander whose interior has previously suffered from sub-par materials.

Gone are the cheap plastics. Instead of a dismal, dated cabin, the Outlander presents a stylish, modern dash featuring soft-touch materials, wood or piano black trim, and crisp chrome accents. A handsome centre stack features a 6.1” touchscreen.

Fit and finish are a quantum leap forward for Mitsubishi, but they're simply now on par with their competitors.

Prices won't be available until just before the June release date, but they're expected to remain similar to the current model's: ranging from $26,000 to $35,000.

Gone are the cheap plastics. Instead of a dismal, dated cabin, the Outlander presents a stylish, modern dash featuring soft-touch materials, wood or piano black trim, and crisp chrome accents. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Seven-passenger, third-row seating available
Four trim levels are available, beginning with the base ES 2WD, with a 2.4L 166 hp 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission.

ES AWC (all-wheel control) adds auto 4WD lock, a glass sunroof, 18" wheels, leather seating, roof rails and fog lamps.

SE Models add a 3.0L, 224 hp V6 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission and third-row seating.

Topping the lineup is the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT with Super All-Wheel Control, featuring an active front differential which distributes torque left or right for stability during cornering. It also features a power lift-gate, 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, a suite of safety technology, and an upgradeable SD-card-based Navigation system.

Leather seats are comfortably supportive, and the third row folds flat, creating 1,792 litres of cargo space. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Segment exclusive V6 engine
Our top-spec GT accommodates up to seven passenger, but the tiny third row's only suitable for children.

Leather seats are comfortably supportive, and the third row folds flat, creating 1,792 litres of cargo space. Thanks to improved insulation and engine mounts, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander's cabin is quiet, without any undue noise or vibration.

Steering, while devoid of feedback, is nicely weighted and column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters are standard across the lineup.

Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) has four different modes for a variety of conditions: Eco, Normal, Snow and Lock. Eco is designed for fuel efficiency, remaining in 2WD mode unless slippage is sensed.

Surprisingly, V6-equipped Outlanders are expected to be the volume-seller largely due to the 1,590 kg towing capacity. The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander has the last remaining V6 in its class, unlike the competition who have moved towards more efficient turbocharged 4-cylinders. The V6 is rated at an estimated 10.1L/100 km city and 7.1L hwy. A smooth and powerful drivetrain, the V6 has no trouble maintaining speed through the Oregon mountains.

We traded our GT for an ES AWC with the new "Smart MIVEC" engine, reengineered with a single overhead cam to be more fuel efficient. With 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque it's competitive in its segment, but lacks the refinement of the V6.

The V6 is rated at an estimated 10.1L/100 km city and 7.1L hwy. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Although Mitsubishi claims new software simulates a "natural shift feel," the CVT still drones monotonously when pushed. The lack of a turbocharged 4-cylinder is puzzling, as the 2.4 feels underpowered on the inclines, buzzing and groaning in protest when pushed. However, if it lives up to its estimated fuel claim, buyers may find its lack of sportiness more than compensated by savings at the pumps.

A suite of new safety technology
A host of new technology is available on top-end 2014 Mitsubishi Oultander models including Brake Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM). We tried the FCM on a closed course -- driving towards a padded barrier at 20 km/h. The radar-based system sounds a warning, then brakes the vehicle to a complete stop, all without driver intervention.

Overall, the 2014 Outlander has evolved nicely, which still only brings it up to the level of its competitors. It's a tough segment to compete in, yet those looking for a decent soft-roader with seven-passenger capacity and boat-towing capability might find the V6 option a compelling reason to buy a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander.

From GMM

If Bernie Ecclestone is charged with bribery, it will be the end of the 82-year-old Briton's long and famous reign over formula one.

That is the claim of a source, who was commenting in the wake of reports at the weekend that German prosecutors are close to indicting F1's chief executive over the Gerhard Gribkowsky affair.

According to Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, the next step would be a court deciding if it should hear the case, with a trial to shortly follow.

The Financial Times said one option for Ecclestone would be for him to negotiate a settlement with the prosecutors.

But "Irrespective of whether he manages to settle, he would be gone from F1 by the end of the year," a source told the newspaper.

Bernie Ecclestone told Reuters last weekend in Barcelona: "I've not heard from anybody. Let's wait and see what happens."

The IZOD IndyCar series confirmed Monday that long-time team owner and manager, Derrick Walker has taken the position of IndyCar president of operations and competition.

Hulman & Company chief executive officer Mark Miles confirmed the news and introduced Walker, 68, during a news conference at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Photo: IndyCar

Walker, general manager of Ed Carpenter Racing, will join IndyCar on May 27.

Among Walker's responsibilities will be enhancing communication with team owners, manufacturers and suppliers, fostering innovation within the current technical platform with an eye toward future development and sustaining safety initiatives.

A native of Scotland, Walker has been involved in multiple forms of racing -- from a mechanic to a team owner. Over his four-decade career, Walker has worked with teams such as Ferrari in sports car racing, Brabham and Penske Racing in Formula 1 and Porsche and Penske Racing in Indy car.

Considering how expensive gas is nowadays, many people look for anything to save a few bucks. Some are even willing to sing to get a free fill-up!

In a segment of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno called “Pumpcast News,” Jack Rafferty offered drivers in Burbank, Calif. to pay for their gasoline in exchange for a little karaoke. One couple performed Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi. The result was hilarious!

From GMM

Carlos Slim, the Mexican telecommunications billionaire, has already arrived as a sponsor at British team McLaren.

When Mexican Sergio Perez was signed for 2013 and beyond, speculation swirled that Slim's Telmex empire would replace departing McLaren title sponsor Vodafone in 2014.

The future has already arrived. On the rear wing of the MP4-28 in Barcelona last weekend were the words 'Claro Video'.

Photo: WRi2

Claro, currently also a sponsor of Perez's former team, Sauber, alongside Telmex, is a Mexican mobile phone operator in the Slim stable.

And according to Mexican reports dated Monday, May 13, Slim's son Carlos Slim Domit has announced that Claro will also be a McLaren sponsor in 2014.

The German news agency DPA said Slim Jr made the announcement at last weekend's Spanish grand prix.