Auto News 5

General Motors and Nissan today announced an agreement for Nissan to produce a small cargo van that GM will sell in the United States and Canada as the Chevrolet City Express. Based on the Nissan NV200, it will launch in the fall of 2014.

Pricing and specifications remain undisclosed, however.

“Our fleet customers have asked us for an entry in the commercial small van segment, so this addition to the Chevrolet portfolio will strengthen our position with fleets and our commercial customers,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales.

Joe Castelli, vice president of commercial vehicles and fleet at Nissan, added that “working with partners to expand markets for our innovative products enhances Nissan's growth and manufacturing efficiency by leveraging our capacity to meet growing demand in this space.”

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

Romain Grosjean sounds supportive of F1's move to enhance its penalty system.

Last year, the Frenchman became the first F1 driver in years to serve a race ban, following a string of first-lap crashes.

He admitted to RMC Sport it may seem "ironic" that he therefore supports a system that could lead directly to more race bans.

It is reported that errant drivers will earn 'demerit'-style points against their FIA super license for on and off-track indiscretions, leading to race bans.

Grosjean said: "If there is a nice system that comes in, why not? Right now, it is the stewards who decide: it's like boxing or judo, it's arbitrary."

Photo: WRi2

But not everyone on the grid is so accepting. Jules Bianchi, Marussia's rookie driver, said the new system also sounds too arbitrary.

"I've heard that the sanctions could vary from 1 to 3 points," he said. "They're going to say 'You did it in this way, so 1 point. You did it in another way, so 2 points. So it won't be consistent."

Another opponent is F1's reigning world champion, Sebastian Vettel.

"I don't like it," the Red Bull driver admitted. "I've seen a sketch of it (the plan) and I think you have the potential of scoring points for some things that are not entirely in our hands, and small things that at the end of the day the consequence could be very big."

From GMM

Pirelli is now well on the road to securing a new contract to continue as F1's official tire supplier beyond 2013.

That is the claim of the Italian company's chairman and chief executive Marco Tronchetti Provera.

In Bahrain, Pirelli's F1 chief Paul Hembery had hinted that, with Pirelli's existing contract expiring, a deadline was now fast approaching.

"There is a time scale and I'm pretty sure I know what it is," he said.

On Sunday in Barcelona, the Briton said negotiations had continued in the days and weeks since Bahrain, and some progress had been made.

Photo: Pirelli

"We are moving in the right direction," confirmed Tronchetti Provera, according to reports in the Italian media.

"We believe the conditions for the signing of a new contract with formula one have already been established. It will not take much more and I hope it will happen soon. There will be news in the coming months."

He added that Pirelli enjoys its collaboration because working in F1 "produces important results for the research of the products and materials for road cars".

From GMM

McLaren has denied a radio call to Sergio Perez during Sunday's Spanish grand prix was a 'team order'.

After Mexican Perez and teammate Jenson Button's wheel-banging recently in Bahrain, boss Martin Whitmarsh said the incident proved that McLaren lets its drivers race.

But in the closing stages in Barcelona on Sunday, Perez again closed on his experienced teammate Button's sister car but was told to look after his tires.

McLaren pitwall in Barcelona. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

The 22-year-old, who had apologised in the wake of the Bahrain incident, duly followed Button to the chequered flag, for ninth place.

"Checo (Perez) himself said at the end that his tires were finished," Whitmarsh is quoted by the Sapa-AFP news agency.

"What we didn't want was him to be battling until he ran out of rubber. So it was not tactical, it was practical.

"It was a fair fight, but if you are asking 'did we ask him to back off and not fight?' No, not at all," he insisted.

Perez also denied the 'team order' charge via his Twitter account.

"Just want to tell everyone (that) the radio message was all about saving the tires. Never a team order," he said.

Twenty-two drivers have earned a spot in NASCAR's exhibition race for winners with three more additions to be added.

Two drivers can race their way into the finale by finishing first and second in the Sprint Showdown and one driver can garner an entry by virtue of a fan vote which is up on the NASCAR website.

Photo: NASCAR

Here's the 22 qualified drivers listed alphabetically:

Marcos Ambrose                   
Greg Biffle                
Clint Bowyer              
Kurt Busch
Kyle Busch
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Carl Edwards
Jeff Gordon
Denny Hamlin
Kevin Harvick
Jimmie Johnson
Kasey Kahne
Matt Kenseth
Brad Keselowski
Joey Logano
Mark Martin
Ryan Newman
David Ragan
Tony Stewart

From GMM

In the days after the Spanish grand prix, the word on everybody's lips is the same -- tires.

Indeed, so crucial is the impact of Pirelli's controversial product this year is that rumours are swirling that Red Bull mogul Dietrich Mateschitz may have renewed his threat to pull out of formula one.

Reports say the Austrian met with fellow billionaire Bernie Ecclestone in Barcelona, shortly before hinting to reporters that he is losing his patience.

"Formula one tire management is not a race," Mateschitz told German newspaper Bild. "The tire is a means to an end -- it's how you transfer the potential and performance of the car and driver to the road."

But he said the current situation "contradicts" the very idea of motor racing.

Bernie Ecclestone and Paul Hembery. (Photo: Pirelli)

Whether Mateschitz threatened to quit or not, or whether the F1 chief executive heard Mercedes' Niki Lauda say the 2013 tires are "the biggest joke", Ecclestone is now on board.

"The tires are wrong," he is quoted by the UK newspaper Express, "(and) not what we intended when we asked Pirelli to produce something which did a half race. Pirelli know it and they're doing something about it. We'll go back to last season's type of tires, which gave us some close racing."

As ever in F1, however, it's not that simple. The complaining is not universal -- especially among teams who have made the tires work for them so far.

"It's not as simple as that to just change the tires," Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali told Auto Motor und Sport.

Lotus' Eric Boullier agrees that pulling the rug from under teams who are not complaining is "not fair".

"Pirelli was asked to build tires that last 20 laps, and they've done that. If our car can do it, the other teams should work just as hard," he told German RTL television.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Pirelli is also protesting about the fairness of the current situation; criticised if they do nothing, and potentially accused of favouring Red Bull if they make a change.

"If we do something that helps them," Paul Hembery is quoted by the Guardian, "we can understand that Lotus and Ferrari won't be happy. We will be damned if we do and damned if we don't."

He is quoted by Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper: "It would be much easier and cheaper to produce tires that last the whole race. Anyone can see the amount of tires we are manufacturing and taking to the race tracks. We could greatly simplify our task. As I've said, it's a choice between one or another kind of competition."

On the F1 grid, competition and politics speak the loudest. "The more frustrating the results," Welt newspaper correspondent Simon Pausch said, "the louder the complaints."

Times journalist Kevin Eason, characterising Mateschitz's words as a "declaration of self-interest', added: "(The) tires (controversy) is only a symptom of deep confusion and malaise in F1.

"Costs, 2014 engines, division of wealth etc," he added on Twitter.

From GMM

Pirelli is speeding up a scheduled change of tack for its 2013 tires.

Following harsh criticism both inside and outside the paddock amid the Barcelona four-stoppers, Paul Hembery announced that changes would be made for Silverstone.

But on Tuesday, the Italian marque's motor sport director said the changes will now make their debut one race earlier, in Canada, which is the race after next weekend's Monaco grand prix.

"Some structural changes," Hembery tweeted, "combining elements (of the) 2012 and 2013 products."

Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt said the 2012 tire construction will be revived, although the changes to the actual compounds will be minor "so as not to upset Ferrari and Lotus too much".

"The purpose of the change is that the compounds do not heat up as much, especially at the rear," Hembery is quoted as saying.

Photo: Pirelli

The change will have an aerodynamic impact on the cars, as the 2012 construction did not deform as much in the corners.

"This could be the salvation for teams like McLaren, Sauber and Williams. It will definitely also help Red Bull and Mercedes," Schmidt said.

Hembery explained: "It may well be that we keep the compounds as we used in Barcelona. If anything, the changes will be minor. We want to stay on the aggressive side, to keep the races exciting and not punish the teams who are doing a good job with these tires."

Paul Hembery is now stepping up the pressure on the teams to agree to some hot weather winter testing in the Middle East for early 2014, and also for an up-to-date test car.

"The Renault that we have is three years old and four seconds slower than today's cars," he said.

"Already this year we're seeing as much rear downforce as in 2011 with the blown diffusers. We cannot develop tires like this," added Hembery.

From GMM

Stefano Domenicali doubts F1's pecking order will change significantly as the 'development race' continues in 2013.

Speaking to Brazil's Totalrace, the Ferrari boss seemed relieved that the pecking order had not changed significantly between Bahrain and Spain.

Usually, the first race of the European season is the scene of a potential pecking-order shake-up, as teams returned to their headquarters after the initial 'flyaway' period.

"The Spanish grand prix," said Domenicali, "was important in my view so we could see the jump in performance of each team. From now until the end of July, we will see no more than one or two major steps in the development."

Start of the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

He is referring to the forthcoming summer period, when all of the teams will have to turn the bulk of their attention to the huge regulation changes for 2014.

Referring to the pecking order in Barcelona, Domenicali surmised: "It seems like everyone had the same kind of improvement, unlike what happened last year. After so many years with these regulations, it is difficult for someone to find a great performance leap."

So, from the middle of the season onwards, it seems obvious that the teams will have close to 100 per cent of their resources on honing a competitive package for the V6-powered future.

"We will be forced to focus more on the car for next year," said Domenicali, "because if we find something (for 2014), the improvement will not be two or three tenths, but two or three seconds. This is a crucial part of the season."

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.

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!

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.

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."

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.

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)

A Michigan couple sentenced to prison for stealing General Motors hybrid-car technology trade secrets filed appeals Friday with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.

2013 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive LWB

Luxury, speed, and a spacious back seat in the most powerful 7 Series.

The BMW Alpina B7 is exactly as you'd expect -- it's very fast, very luxurious, and very expensive. The Alpina-fettled V-8 is more than enough to hustle the 5050-pound car down on-ramps at something approaching "ludicrous speed," and the interior is lavishly appointed with slate gray Alcantara and oyster leather. The steering wheel gets not one but two colors of contrast stitching, and the exterior aerodynamic kit adds flair to an already gorgeous car.

Photo Gallery: 2013 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive LWB - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive LWB - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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General Motors' CFO says Cadillac will steer clear of what he sees as a "volume-at-all-costs mentality" among competitors battling for the luxury sales crown.

Hyundai Motor, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit, Nissan Motor and Toyota Motor have linked with the Department of Energy to prepare for the first major wave of hydrogen-powered cars, the department said today

Classic British roadsters offer the promise of endless, affordable motoring fun. But perhaps your height has prevented you from putting one in your garage.

Schaeffler, the largest investor in tire and components supplier Continental, plans to end an agreement between the two German companies as it continues to dismantle a plan for a gradual merger.