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From GMM

Toto Wolff turned down Dietrich Mateschitz when the Red Bull magnate offered to sell him Toro Rosso.

Wolff, who subsequently bought into Williams and is now Mercedes' new co-owner and motor sport director, said billionaire Mateschitz made the approach in 2009.

"One day, Dietrich Mateschitz landed by helicopter and offered to sell me Toro Rosso," Austrian Wolff told the French news agency AFP.

"With my company in Vienna, we analysed the business model of Toro Rosso, but having a private team doesn't work when you compare it to the hundreds of millions of euros spent by the manufacturers," he said.

Photo: WRi2

Read part 1 of: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SE Long-Term Test

As you can imagine, long-term tests on new cars can and do reveal both strong points and shortcomings. This is the principal reason why they are a worthy indicator of initial quality, and can serve as a window into the vehicle's future.

Having taken the first-come-first-serve approach to loaning out the Santa Fe to staff members, we managed to alleviate logistical issues. Well, sort of... Anyhow, let's get right into the thick of it.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The bad
Our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SE has been doing the rounds, and straight up: it's not been all fun and games. There have been a few reoccurring issues.

Fuel consumption
The first issue is fuel consumption. Despite our best efforts, using the Active ECO mode and resisting the turbo's addictive spool of power, we've not been able to lower our average below 14L/100 km. This is far off the predicted combined number of 9.8L/100 km. In fact, our numbers are somewhat frightening.

This has been our overall average from the onset of the long-term drive, which includes a few cold winter months. Even though the temperatures have risen as of late, we've not noticed any significant drop in fuel numbers in the last little while.

Transmission questions
The other niggles included an uncooperative transmission after a cold start. The unpleasant slipping followed by a second gear slam occurred on a few occasions. After the first few incidents, we did drop our 2013 Santa Fe off at the dealer for a check. They were unable to replicate the issue in similar cold conditions. We are happy to note that the transmission has been working as expected since.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

A few noises
Lastly, we've been dealing with a few rattles. One of which is a known problem and it originates from the dashboard. Hyundai have addressed the vibration on their production line.

And now, the good
And the good points are the ones that keep us coming back for more.

Handsome as heck
It's been four months since our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SE showed up at Auto123.com HQ and we still stop and take a moment to soak in this child of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. Truly, this is a good-looking CUV, regardless of trim.

Spacious and comfortable
The roomy cabin scores numerous hole-in-ones as well. Five passengers can comfortably be seated, if for a brief romp in the country. Regal levels of well being are a given with four people on board, even during the coldest winter months as the rear bench is heated.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Loaded with value
And that brings me to the next home run: equipment. To get the level of kit featured in our Santa Fe Sport SE, one could have to spend well into the $50k range, depending on the brand. At just over $35,000, the Sport SE is a bargain. And it's fast.

Serious power
The 264 hp turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is decidedly packed with power. Never suffering from much lag, the mill's torque is fully on tap as of 1,750 rpm and the Santa Fe really takes off. Now, I know what you're going to say, but we are not driving the Hyundai like we stole it every day. The fuel numbers are based on real-world driving.

Family friendly
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a great family friendly vehicle. Should the Sport not be enough, worry not as Hyundai has you covered with the longer wheelbase Santa Fe XL.

As a large compact or compact midsize crossover, the Santa Fe offers up plenty of room for a pair of car seats and two strollers in the trunk with space left over for day bags and more. In the video, I slide in the large 4moms origami stroller depth-wise and the hatch easily closes: bonus.

About the child seats (as Miranda demonstrates), they are easily installed and given the available room, you need not be a hair over 5-feet tall or less to set one up.

The mid-point
Having crossed the midway mark of our long-term test of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SE, we continue to amass comments from staff members. For our final installment of this test, we plan to publish a number of these insights in the review.

We will also do a final video review on the Santa Fe where we will pinpoint our top “thumbs-up” and “thumbs-down” as well as give it a final score.

As always, we welcome your comments, especially if you currently own one.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From GMM

Long Beach race founder Chris Pook has been signed up to help organise next year's inaugural formula one race in New Jersey.

On Thursday, amid scepticism the street race will ever take place, we reported that the project's chief marketing officer and chief financial offer have left.

But in a media statement issued after the publication of those reports, the 'Grand Prix of America' announced that Pook has now joined as 'special assistant' to organiser Leo Hindery.

Most recently, Pook - who brought F1 to Long Beach in the mid 70s - was linked with the sport's potential return to those same Californian streets.

But, now, Pook "will provide consultation with respect to all aspects of construction, planning and execution" of New Jersey's F1 race, the statement said.

"Chris has a history of great success in formula one, which I'm confident he'll bring to the grand prix of America race," Bernie Ecclestone is quoted as saying.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel has edged Ferrari's Fernando Alonso for the top spot in the second practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The reigning world champion set his best time of 1m22.808 seconds on soft tyres to finish a mere 0.017 seconds ahead of the Spaniard, who topped the time sheets ahead of teammate Felipe Massa in this morning's first damp practice session. FP2 saw Vettel's teammate, Mark Webber, finish the morning in third, just 0.083s behind the German's benchmark time.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: Red Bull)

Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen was fourth behind Webber, but ahead of Felipe Massa who dropped to fifth in the dry session and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton who spun at Turn 11 and failed to improve on the sixth best time he set this morning.

Hamilton headed a Mercedes powered 1-2 with Rosberg and Force India's Adrian Sutil, who, with teammate Paul di Resta in 10th, has shown good pace all weekend with the cars finishing fifth and 10th in FP1.

Adrian Sutil, Sahara Force India. (Photo: Force India)

Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne put in a good performance to split the two Force Indias with the 9th best time in FP2, as teammate Daniel Ricciardo also fared well with the 11th quickest time.

The #8 Lotus of Romain Grosjean had a strong performance in FP1 to finish third, but could only manage 18th in the afternoon.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

McLaren, who has brought a heavily revised car to Barcelona, elected to send only Sergio Perez out on track in FP1, with the Mexican recording the 13th fastest time.

FP2 was little better for the Woking squad as Button managed 12th, one place ahead of his teammate who failed to improve.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

Spanish Grand Prix - Barcelona
Friday May 10, 2013

Free Practice session 1 - Results*
1 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'25"252 - 20 laps
2 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'25"455 - 20
3 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'25"667 - 25
4 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'26"042 - 21
5 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'26"212 - 24
6 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'26"374 - 19
7 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'26"456 - 20
8 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'26"614 - 21
9 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'26"621 - 21
10 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'26"755 - 16
11 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'26"940 - 26
12 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'27"061 - 24
13 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'27"135 - 6
14 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'27"250 - 26
15 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'27"576 - 24
16 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'28"600 - 19
17 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'28"887 - 14
18 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'29"177 - 14
19 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'29"457 - 11
20 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'29"473 - 21
21 - Rodolfo Gonzalez (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'30"314 - 12
22 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - no time - 6

Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

Free Practice session 2 - Results*
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'22"808 - 34 laps
2 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'22"825 - 35
3 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'22"891 - 36
4 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'23"030 - 32
5 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'23"110 - 37
6 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'23"140 - 35
7 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'23"398 - 45
8 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'23"840 - 37
9 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'24"058 - 31
10 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'24"104 - 25
11 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'24"175 - 32
12 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'24"306 - 35
13 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'24"854 - 31
14 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'24"888 - 38
15 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'25"167 - 38
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'25"321 - 32
17 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'25"441 - 37
18 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'25"851 - 35
19 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'25"963 - 30
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'26"078 - 31
21 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'26"930 - 35
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'26"970 - 25

* Unofficial timings

From GMM

Mark Webber has played down reports he has already decided to quit formula one.

The British tabloid Daily Star claimed last weekend that the Australian "has told close friends" that 2013 is his twelfth and final season on the grid.

The report seemed to tie in with rumours Webber, 36, has agreed a deal to return to Le Mans next year with Porsche.

But he is quoted by Russia's f1news.ru: "It (Le Mans) is an interesting category, but it's not for me. At the moment I'm still focused on formula one. There are always a lot of rumours, some strange ones, but I don't pay much attention to it."

Mark Webber celebrating his 200th Grand Prix in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

A photographer claims Fernando Alonso broke his EUR 6,000 camera whilst trying to take pictures of the Ferrari driver and his model girlfriend, Dasha Kapustina.

According to reports, the photographer complained that Spaniard Alonso reacted angrily and manhandled him during the incident in Barcelona ahead of this weekend's Spanish grand prix.

The photographer, who said he has complained to authorities, said witnesses also saw Alonso attack him and smash the camera against the ground.

"Let's see if through this complaint he learns to have more respect for the press," the photographer is quoted by La Repubblica. "He is an example to millions of children? He knows perfectly well that he was not provoked."

Dasha and Fernando Alonso. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

After Antonio Felix da Costa, the next in line for a Red Bull-backed formula one future looks set to be Carlos Sainz Jr.

The Spaniard, the 18-year-old son of rally legend Carlos Sainz, is in pole position to drive for Red Bull's second team Toro Rosso in July's young driver test at Silverstone.

Marca sports newspaper said Sainz's debut has not been officially decided or announced.

Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: WRi2)

Speed Week said Portuguese younger da Costa is the favourite to drive the championship-leading Red Bull RB9 at Silverstone.

Sainz Jr will begin his GP3 campaign this weekend in Barcelona, driving for the team co-owned by Red Bull driver Mark Webber and his team boss Christian Horner.

"If I do well this year it's a step forward," he is quoted by Marca, "but right now F1 is not the first goal. First I need to do well here (GP3), then there are other steps, like the (Renault) world series."

From Formula1.com

Lotus Formula 1 driver, Kimi Raikkonen proved that driving is not his only talent on Thursday, when he tried his hand at spray painting as part of a Lotus team sponsor event in Barcelona.

In fact, Raikkonen's work was surprisingly impressive said the onlookers.

Photo: Coca-Cola

As part of the inaugural ‘burn yard live', the Finn helped to ‘re-livery' a Lotus race car under the guidance of world-renowned street artist, M-City. It was the first of a series of such workshops designed to bring together leading innovators from the worlds of youth art, music and sport.

“It looks cool,” proclaimed Raikkonen of his work.

“And it fits perfectly with the team's philosophy of being that extra bit creative. Would I like to race a car designed like this? To be honest, the livery or the colour is the least of my concerns. It has to be fast - that is all that matters.”

Photo: Coca-Cola

The location for Raikkonen's master class was the regenerated Astilleros shipyards on the shores of Barcelona's Mediterranean coast. But his artistic education will not stop there - future burn yard live events are planned for locations including Hungary, Korea and Brazil, with the former champion getting a lesson in a new field at each.

What was Texan A.J. Foyt thinking when he hired Takuma Sato to drive his IndyCar in this year's IZOD IndyCar Series? A.J. must have been particularly inspired that day because after four rounds this year, Sato-San is leading the series' point standings!

Don't imagine the ever-smiling Japanese driver is leading the championship by just pure luck or because he benefitted from the leaders' misfortunes. No, no; Takuma is there because of his great driving skills, and because of the professionalism and dedication of the crewmembers at Foyt Racing.

I think the Sato/Foyt combination has what's lacking at Penske Racing this season: a perfect package. Salot is a fast driver who is well supported by a drilled team that can execute slick pit stops and plan great race strategies.

However, things have not been that easy for the likeable Japanese. Most IndyCar fans and experts were fully aware that Sato carried a strong reputation as a wild driver from his Formula 1 days, and from his beginnings in North America.

Sato is undoubtedly fast, but he was also capable of the worst. His propensity to wreck cars at great speed made the team owners go crazy!

It seemed last year that a change started to operate within Sato. He went off the track less often, and he slowly began to run with the leaders, surprisingly on both the road courses and the ovals.

Most people will sadly remember his crash at the end of last year's Indy 500; the most prestigious race of all in IndyCar racing. However, that day Sato made a mistake that most drivers -- even the most talented -- will do one day during their career when the stakes are extremely high. I think on that occasion he made the right decision in trying to pass race leader Dario Franchitti in Corner 1.

For me, a new Sato has arrived: He now knows to control his feelings and to make the right calls. He now knows that it is better to settle down in certain sitatuations and to finish the race and score valuable points.

This is what differentiates great champions from other good drivers. Maybe that's what the legendary A.J. Foyt managed to pass on to his new driver from the Rising Sun.

Photo: LAT/IndyCar

From GMM

Barcelona's F1 circuit chief has played down reports a deal whereby the city and Valencia will alternate the annual hosting of the Spanish grand prix is now close.

After Catalunya president Artur Mas said recently that "If Valencia can host the grand prix in 2014, there will be the alternation", it was reported that the contract details could be finalised this weekend.

But Barcelona's track boss Salvador Servia thinks that sort of deal would be "a mistake".

He also told local Rac1 radio that he thinks rushing to a deal this weekend is not possible.

"These contracts are 200 pages and, if we must change, it should be thorough," said Servia.

"For now, we have not received any notification," he said, adding that he thinks many race sponsors "would disagree" with the alternation plans.

As a tribute to Bentley's six victories at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans (1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 2003), the British automaker is launching six new Le Mans Limited Edition specifications available on the flagship Mulsanne and the Continental family, exclusively for North America.

Each one is inspired by a driver from those six victories and will have a production run of 48 units.

Features include a unique Le Mans Edition numbered badge, a Le Mans Edition clock face, a Le Mans badge embroidered to each headrest, tread plates with the limited edition name, unique Le Mans Edition wheels, as well as specific interior wood trim and exterior colours.

Continental GT Le Mans Limited Edition models will be available in the second quarter of 2013, and Mulsanne Le Mans Limited Edition models will arrive in the third quarter.

Photo: Bentley

Similar to Alfa Romeo with the Giulietta, Dodge created three new TV commercials to promote its cars and the upcoming Fast & Furious 6 movie.

One of them, titled “How to Make Your Car Fast and Furious,” stars the 2013 Dodge Dart and includes high-octane sequences from the movie. The goal is to emphasize not only the Dart's speed and performance, but also its killer looks.

Many Dodge products will be featured in Fast & Furious 6 including a 2012 Charger SRT8 and Challenger SRT8, as well as a 1969 Dodge Daytona.

Starting this fall, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country will bolster the brand's premium truck lineup which currently includes the Silverado LTZ and Z71 models.

It stands out with a unique grille featuring horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, exclusive 20'' chrome wheels, as well as chrome body-side moldings, door handles and mirrors.

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country's cab boasts an exclusive saddle brown upholstery, heated and cooled perforated premium leather seats up front (with High Country logos on the headrests), Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8'' touch screen, Bose premium audio, and park assist.

Under the hood of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country is a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and achieves 9.0L/100km on the highway. A 6.2L V8 will be optional.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

Photo: Chevrolet

On 34 Ram 1500 pickup trucks in Canada, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant flow to the heater core.

Any loss of windshield defrosting and defogging functions may, under certain conditions, compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash.

Dealers will therefore inspect and, if necessary, replace the coolant bypass valve while reprogramming the powertrain control module with updated software.

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

In an effort to expand the use of renewable energy and take measures to help reduce pollution, Hyundai will install South Korea's largest rooftop photovoltaic power plant at its manufacturing factory in Asan, where vehicles like the Sonata Hybrid are built.

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) will purchase the electricity generated by the solar modules and sell it to nearby areas. Nearly 40,000 such modules will be installed on the rooftop by the end of this year, covering as much as 68% of total roof space.

This photovoltaic field will result in a peak power generation capacity of 10 megawatts. The completed plant will be capable of supplying 11.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, or enough to power about 3,200 households.

Consider this: To produce the same amount of electricity, a thermoelectric power plant releases 5,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Eliminating these emissions is the same as planting 1.12 million pine trees. Moreover, the sprinklers used to cool down the solar modules will also help the plant save energy by lowering indoor temperatures during the warmer months.

Photo: Hyundai

Former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch, completed the Indy 500 Rookie Orientation Program during a test Thursday, May 9 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, reaching a top speed of 218.210 mph in an Andretti Autosport car.

However, Busch is still taking a cautious approach toward any thoughts of participating in “The Double” of racing in the 97th Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.

(Photo: Chris Jones)

“I need to get more comfortable in the Indy car because on a day like today, I'm white-knuckle, my hands were tense and firm, and that was only after 10 laps,” Busch said. “And so then it started to settle in.

“So there's the mental side of it, there's the physical side, there's the sponsorship side that has to come together, and right now with Kyle Moyer (general manager, Andretti Autosport) looking sideways at Michael, Michael wants to do it, but they've already got five cars committed to trying to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 this year.

“To crawl, then walk, and then walk and then run, I think the proper thing is to go out and experience this car at another oval track and get into a race and experience what the buffeting is and the movement of the car when all the downforce changes.”

(Photo: Chris Jones)

Busch completed the Rookie Orientation Program in which all drivers must participate to compete in Indianapolis 500 practice and qualifying, under the supervision of INDYCAR officials. Busch fulfilled all three phases of the program: 10 laps at 200-205 mph, 15 laps at 205-209 mph and 15 laps at 210-plus mph.

The Las Vegas native totaled 83 laps in the Chevrolet-powered Dallara that reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay will drive in the Indianapolis 500.

(Photo: Chris Jones)

Busch entered into the test knowing that driving into Turn 1 at IMS in an open-wheel Indy car would provide different challenges from what he's experienced in a Sprint Cup stock car.

“Today, that was the biggest transition,” Busch said. “When you want to step into the real world, that's to hold it wide open, and when you do that, your brain says, ‘Wait a minute, you're not supposed to do that because in the stock car how heavy it is and the lack of downforce.' So, when I did hold it wide open, I was off on my line, actually apexed too early, had a little extra wheel input on exit, and it changed the game. But then once I left it on the floor, the car started to come back to me and the pace started to slow down in my mind, even though the pace kept getting quicker with lap time.”

(Photo: Chris Jones)

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Numerous affordable options, quality materials, an outstanding warranty and elegant design that will surely stand the test of time are just a few of the attributes of the 2013 Kia Forte.

Cons
Lack of adequate driver seat adjustments for optimal driving conditions, tight rear seats, imprecise manual transmission, lacklustre interior and small trunk opening hurt its overall appeal.


Price
LX, LX Plus and EX versions are equipped with standard 2.0 litre engine. The LX version starts at $17,450. It comes with standard 15-inch wheels, heated/electric rear-view mirrors, AUX and USB ports, Bluetooth compatibility and steering-mounted audio controls.

The LX Plus is delivered with standard automatic transmission, remote entry, theft alarm and Active ECO-System for a MSRP of $20,150.

Standard equipment on the EX includes air conditioning, heated seats, speed control, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome door handles. Active ECO and automatic transmission bring the MSRP to $21,250. The total climbs to $22,150 when adding the sun roof.

The SX version is powered by a 2.4 litre engine and starts at $24,550. 17-inch alloy wheels, sun roof, paddle shifters, leather seats and sport suspension are in addition to the EX standard equipment.

The 2.4 litre engine, start/stop button, SmartKey, self-dimming mirrors and navigation system are all standard equipment in the SX Luxury version, which starts at $27,050.

Fuel Economy
The manual-transmission equipped Kia Fortes consume 8.1 L/100 km city and 5.7 L/100 km highway in comparison to 8 L/100 km city and 5.5 L/100 km highway for automatic transmission versions.

The 2.4 engine with manual transmission consumes 9.2/ 6.2 L/100 km city/highway while the automatic transmission consumes no more than the manual version in city driving and 0.2 L/100 km less in highway tests.

Exterior Styling
This stylish compact sedan has a youthful and exuberant style that is very appealing. A sporty honeycomb grille envelops the corporate logo and is neatly surrounded by horizontal headlights that reach up into the fenders. The rakish rear end perfectly integrates the attractive taillights.

Drivetrain
The base 2.0 litre engine produces 156 hp and 144 lb-ft torque. It comes with available 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine in the SX and LX versions produces 173 hp and 168 lb-ft torque. A 6-speed Steptronic transmission is the only available transmission.

Cargo Capacity
The trunk can hold up to 415 litres.

Safety
Six airbags, 4-wheel disc ABS brakes, steering-mounted controls and active headrests are all standard safety equipment on this model.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta

Photo: Kia

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

Summary
Chevrolet will be launching a diesel-engine version of its popular Cruze this summer. This will be the first North-American diesel launch in the last 20 years. European diesel-power Cruze sales amount to 40% of total sales, but Europeans have the luxury of choosing between two diesel-engine options, a 1.7-litre or 2.0-litre, while only the 2.0-litre will be offered in Canada.

GM is confident that the Cruze Diesel will rival the German diesel models, which presently dominate the market in North America. The engines will be built in Europe, while final assembly will be in Ohio.

(Photo: General Motors)

Price
You'll be required to drop $24,945 (plus shipping and pre-delivery) in order to get your hands on the Diesel version, which is $4,000 more than a Cruze Eco...and more than $10,000 more than the base Cruze.

Fuel Economy
GM tests show the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel consuming approximately 4.6 L/100 km during highway testing. The new diesel engine emits 90% less emissions than previous generation diesel engines thus surpassing Canadian environmental standards

Exterior and Interior Features
Besides a few aerodynamic tweaks that were applied to improve fuel economy*, the Cruze Diesel is very similar to its gasoline-powered twin. It will be equipped with standard 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, optional aerodynamic package and leather seats. The MyLink system is also standard equipment.

Cargo Capacity
There is 376 litres of available cargo room, which is 50 litres less than the 2013 gasoline-engined models. It is also inferior to the 440 litres of the Jetta TDI.

Drivetrain
A standard 148 hp 258 lb-ft 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine powers this Cruze. The engine is equipped with a supercharger-like function that provides extra power for up to 10 seconds and raises torque to 280 lb-ft (according to GM) and helps acceleration during passing manoeuvers.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission which is the only available gearbox. The 8.6 second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) performance makes it better than the Jetta TDI automatic.

Comparable Models
The only competition for the Cruze Diesel comes from the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, as diesel-powered engines are not popular in this category. The 2014 Mazda6 will also offer a diesel option, and will be worth watching out for these next few months.

(Photo: General Motors)

References and Testimonials:
*auto.sympatico.ca
media.gm.com

According to reports, long-time open wheel team owner, Derrick Walker is about to become IndyCar's new president of racing operations, and a formal announcement is expected next week.

Although the news is not yet official, we know that Ed Carpenter has already informed his crew that his team manager would be moving to pursue other opportunities.

The Scott has always been well respected for his abilities to be competitive with a small budget, foster good relationships with sponsors and call smart races as a strategist.

Walker has been in racing for quite a long time; having managed first Roger Penske's Formula 1 effort in the late 1970s. Then, he stayed with Penske to become his team manager in the CART series in the ‘80s. He then took over the Porsche IndyCar programme.

In 1991, he started his own team -- Walker Racing -- and ran it for 18 years before shutting it down in 2008 after he could not find sponsorship.

Since then, Walker has worked in both ALMS and in IndyCar racing, running Ed Carpenter Racing.

Toyota's half-decade of fighting the yen is over, at least for now. The weakening yen breached 100 against the dollar in U.S.