Auto News 5

Audi has started the second quarter with further sales growth, up 6.6% year on year to 133,500 cars. The automaker said there was particular demand for the new A3 family and the Q3, Q5 and Q7 SUVs.

Toyota more than doubled its fourth-quarter net profit as the yen's depreciation helped the automaker export more profitably and U.S. sales of the Avalon sedan and Tacoma pickup were strong. The company posted net profit of 313.9 billion yen ($3.

Toyota more than doubled its fourth-quarter net profit as the yen's depreciation helped the automaker export more profitably and U.S. sales of the Avalon sedan and Tacoma pickup were strong. The company posted net profit of 313.9 billion yen ($3.

When the topic is luxury brands, Jaguar Land Rover North America CEO Andy Goss wants Jaguar to be mentioned in the same sentence as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus.

The top speed of vans in the EU should be electronically limited to 120kph (75 mph), according to a proposal backed by the European Parliament's environment committee.

The top speed of vans in the European Union should be electronically limited to 120 km (75 miles) per hour, according to a proposal backed by the European Parliament's environment committee.

Peugeot and Citroen have suffered for years because car buyers have trouble distinguishing one brand from the other. Citroen CEO Frederic Banzet is determined to change that.

Canadian, Gilles Villeneuve has undoubtedly been one of the most popular Formula 1 drivers of all time, despite a short career that saw him win just six of the 67 Grands Prix he contested between 1977 and 1982.

More than for his victories, Villeneuve's acclaim around the globe was for his great human qualities, his honesty and his stunning determination. His driving style and passing manoeuvres were incredibly spectacular, and he never, ever gave up despite the mechanical gremlins or the bad luck. He always gave his very best, whatever his starting position on the grid happened to be.

Here is a collection of the features, photos and videos we posted during the 2012 season to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his tragic death that took place Saturday May 8, 1982, during the second qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder.


The early days
At a young age, Gilles Villeneuve fulfilled his need for speed in a very unusual manner, competing in drag racing and in snowmobile racing on icy ovals.

He then followed his first road-racing course before he went on to win the Quebec Formula Ford 1600 championship and the North American Formula Atlantic series.

Breaking the ice (+photos and video)

His first driving course

His stunning Formula Ford 1600 debuts (+photos)

Making his mark in Formula Atlantic (+photos)


His maiden Formula 1 Grand Prix
Beaten by Villeneuve in the Formula Atlantic race held in the streets of Trois-Rivieres in 1976, British F1 driver, James Hunt, was so impressed that he spoke very highly of the young Villeneuve to his McLaren boss, Teddy Mayer.

His first Grand Prix with McLaren in 1977. (Photo: WRI2)

Villeneuve contested his first F1 race at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July 1977.

His first Formula 1 contract with McLaren!

His first Grand Prix with McLaren at Silverstone (+video)

His first Grand Prix with McLaren in 1977


The Ferrari years
Against all odds, Enzo Ferrari himself chose Villeneuve at the end of 1977 to drive the prestigious Scuderia Ferrari. A teammate of Carlos Reutemann in 1978, Villeneuve captured his first F1 victory in front of his home crowd in Montreal in October 1978.

Video of his lap of Zandvoort circuit on three wheels!

A few stories from his business manager, Gaston Parent

Video of his first Formula 1 victory in Montreal

Ferrari F1 car driven by Gilles Villeneuve vs Italian jet fighter (+video)

1978 Long Beach Grand Prix (+videos)

Gilles Villeneuve behind the wheel of the 312T3 at Fiorano. (Photo: Ferrari)

Memories from his arch rivals
Gilles Villeneuve's rivals talk about the racecar driver, but also the great human being that Villeneuve was.

When Patrick Tambay took over the No. 27 Ferrari

Memories from Alan Jones

Memories from Jean-Pierre Jarier

Testimony from his friend René Arnoux (+video)

John Watson's words about the tragedy

Mario Andretti's testimony


May 8 commemoration

The 30th anniversary of Gilles Villeneuve's tragic death

Remembering Gilles Villeneuve's tragic death

The tragic loss of Gilles Villeneuve

Video of Jacques Villeneuve driving the Ferrari 312 T4 of his father Gilles (+video)

Jacques Villeneuve drives his father Gilles' Ferrari 312 T4 at Fiorano

Details of the Ferrari 312 T4 Jacques Villeneuve will drive at Fiorano (+photos, video)


Rare and never published photos

Rare photos of the career of the late Gilles Villeneuve (Part 1)

Rare photos of the career of Gilles Villeneuve (Part 2)

Gilles Villeneuve ready to fly Walter Wolf's helicopter. (Photo: Lucie St-Jacques)

Since it is quite difficult to overtake at Circuit de Catalunya, the FIA has decided to use two DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones for this weekend's Grand Prix of Spain.

The first detection point has been located before the entry to Campsa (Turn 9), with the activation area following along the back straight until the braking zone for Turn 10.

Drivers will get a second opportunity to use the DRS on the start-finish straight, with the detection sensor being positioned alongside the entry to the pit lane.

Hopefully, this will generate more passing opportunities. Nine out of the last 10 races at the track have been won from pole position, and last year was no exception.

Image: FIA

From GMM

Niki Lauda has played down reports Mercedes is making a serious bid to secure the services of world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko revealed on Sunday that Lauda, Mercedes shareholder and chairman, "should absolutely be trying to get Vettel".

Lauda replied to Bild am Sonntag newspaper: "I continued what (former motor sport director Norbert) Haug began."

But speaking to Austria's Osterreich newspaper, 64-year-old Lauda played down suggestions his bid for Vettel is serious.

"Forget it," the outspoken triple world champion insisted. "We're not trying to get him, as he has signed a contract with Red Bull until forever."

Sebastian Vettel in Texas. (Photo: WRi2)

Niki Lauda said Mercedes is very happy with its current driver lineup, comprising Nico Rosberg alongside new signing Lewis Hamilton.

"With Hamilton and Rosberg we have the best pairing (in F1)," he insisted. "The two push each other forward positively, and the driver change has motivated the whole team."

Lauda also confirmed reports that Mercedes has engaged former BMW and Renault racer Robert Kubica as a driver for the team's sophisticated simulator at Brackley.

"He brings a lot of experience. Due to the limited testing, the simulators are becoming very important," said Lauda, referring to the Pole, who is bidding to return to F1 in the future following his near-fatal rally crash in 2011.

While Penske Racing didn't get a reversal of some of the severest penalties ever imposed by NASCAR it could claim a partial victory as Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook reduced seven team members' suspensions from six to two (points) races.

In his official ruling, Middlebrook said “After looking at all the facts and data and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties,” said John Middlebrook, Chief Appellate Officer.

Photo: NASCAR

“However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the all-star race to two points races and the all-star race.”

Thus the remaining points penalties (25) against drivers, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, and $100,000 fines against their crew chiefs remain in force. Still replacing key crew members (crew chiefs, car chiefs and the competition director) is a serious penalty and they will miss this week's race at Darlington and the May 26th 600 miler at the team's home track the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Suspension in NASCAR means not being able to be at the race track.

All-in-all Roger Penske was pleased with the decision. According to the 76-year old “the key thing” was getting his crewmen back to work.

"I think it was fair and equitable," Penske said. "After consideration by John Middlebrook, he felt the fines and penalties were overreaching and made the decision to reduce it.

"It was a good outcome for everyone. We're going to move on."

The penalties were issued after both Keselowski's and Logano's failed pre-race inspection in Texas for the mounting of the rear end suspension. During the appeal Penske said it was clear that his teams were working in "undefined" areas of the rulebook, and not necessarily "breaking" rules.”

The NASCAR appellate process, where suspensions were held in abeyance, also has allowed Penske Racing to start to put a strategy in place to provide interim crewman. Penske said the replacements would be named shortly.

Middlebrook, a retired General Motors Executive, has heard six appeals in his three-year tenure and has reduced penalties in five of those instances.

From GMM

Red Bull's new alternator supplier is actually McLaren, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports.

We reported last week that, after being dogged by recurring reliability faults with its Magneti Marelli units last year, Red Bull had instructed engine supplier Renault to seek a new supplier.

Italian reports identified that new supplier as 'Tag'.

It seems those reports were actually referring to Techniques d'Avant Garde, or TAG -- the well-known McLaren-affiliated company.

The Auto Motor und Sport headline reads: "Red Bull reliable, thanks to McLaren".

The report said Renault confirmed the news, insisting that - no matter the supplier of components - Red Bull's French engine supplier remains responsible for the adaptation and installation of the alternator.

Photo: WRi2

The One
There's always one whom everyone wants to be like; envied for doing everything right, gazed upon with lust and desire to be the same, The One isn't always perfect, but to everyone else they're damn near close.

Of the four minivans currently available on the Canadian market (not counting the Town & Country twin), the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan is The One; emulated by many, envied by most, and never beaten in the sales race.

As a new mother, and generally one who is rather judgemental of minivans, I was curious to see how I'd fair after a week with The One.


What is the Dodge Grand Caravan?
The Caravan is a Chrysler nameplate that's been around for three decades and they truly have held the market for the minivan. From the beginning, the Dodge Caravan, and longer-wheelbase Grand Caravan, were designed with a purpose: to move people and things at an affordable price.

While not free of problems over the years (low IIHS ratings for a few generations), with innovations like Swivel ‘N Go and Stow ‘N Go, plus a plethora of other amenities van owners want/need, the Dodge Grand Caravan continues to be the No. 1 bestselling van in Canada, with over 50,000 units sold in 2012 alone.

Technicalities
All 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan models share the same engine, a 3.6L Pentastar V6 that's good for 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Power is managed via a capable, albeit sometimes confused, 6-speed automatic transmission (but I'll get to that I a bit). The much-loved second-row Stow ‘N Go is only available as standard starting at the SXT trim level (starting at $23,345).

Starting at $27,995 (before massive discounts), the SE is well-equipped with power windows and doors, Uconnect, Bluetooth, steering-wheel mounted controls and dual climate controls. At the very top of the model range sits the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T at $39,995 pumping up style (with 17” alloy wheels, leather seats and steering wheel), technology (rearview camera, HDD radio) and practicality (second-row Stow ‘N Go). However, most of that can be had at the midrange point in the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT PLUS Stow ‘N Go starting at $33,345.

The possibilities seem endless.

All 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan models share the same engine, a 3.6L Pentastar V6 that's good for 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Oliver Delorme)

Driving the Dodge Grand Caravan
Piloting the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew PLUS isn't entirely horrible. I quite enjoyed the pep of the Pentastar, and while the programming was a bit strange at times (struggling to find the right gears when pushed), the 6-speed is pleasant in general.

As a day-to-day driver, the Dodge Grand Caravan makes sense. Where I did get a bit annoyed was in the turning radius and size. Manoeuvring parking lots was a task, and I was thankful for the back-up camera on more than one occasion. I've been in minvans with tighter turning radiuses (read: Toyota Sienna), and wished for that in the Caravan.

I expected better gas mileage from the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, but managed to average approximately 12L/100km throughout the week (both highway and city driving combined).

As a day-to-day driver, the Dodge Grand Caravan makes sense. Where I did get a bit annoyed was in the turning radius and size. (Photo: Oliver Delorme)

Inside and Out the Dodge Grand Caravan
Alright, here's where the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan falls a bit flat for me. If you look at the history of Dodge Caravans since the ‘80s I think it's pretty safe to say this has always been a less than attractive minivan. Style is not a priority to Chrysler, and that's fine, because they put their focus elsewhere and it shows.

When lined up alongside its Japanese counterparts, the exterior look of the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan looks so outdated and boxy it's almost shocking.

Inside, the amenities are almost endless: seats that store in the floor, dual drop-down entertainment screens, tri-climate controls, Uconnect, heated seats (up front) and steering wheel, power doors and windows, but the build quality is so poor it was hard for me to look past that.

Due to the need for storage thinness, the second and third row seats are uncomfortable to a fault. Panel seams are visible, as are wires, and various edgings. It's a bit like a large LEGO minivan.

Inside, the amenities are almost endless: seats that store in the floor, dual drop-down entertainment screens, tri-climate controls, Uconnect, etc. (Photo: Oliver Delorme)

Comparing the Dodge Grand Caravan
You'll want to take a closer look at our Minivan Comparison Drive Test to see the full results, but we did compare the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan with its closest competitors the 2013 Honda Odyssey and the 2013 Toyota Sienna.

There's a reason the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan sells as well as it does; there is no substitute for a minivan, and if you're in need of space for seven or more passengers plus cargo room, and you're on a budget then there's no substitute for a Dodge Grand Caravan.

Lotus' technical director, James Allison, is set to leave the team this season in a shock move to the Enstone squad.

Allison, who originally joined the team in 1991 in its Benetton days, re-joined the team in its 2005 championship-winning year after spells with Larousse and Ferrari, and was promoted to technical director in 2009.

The move will come as a blow to Lotus who lies second in the constructors' championship, as the highly rated designer's departure could affect whether Kimi Raikkonen - who lies 10 points adrift of Vettel in the drivers' title race - will stay with the team beyond 2013.

Allison's most likely destination is Ferrari, which has been on a technical recruitment drive, after McLaren ruled out any possibility for the Brit to join. However, Mercedes, with its raft of top-rated technical staff has been touted as another possibility.

Nick Chester, who has worked with the team for over 12 years, has been confirmed as Allison's replacement, and his appointment is not expected to affect the team's preparation for the 2014 season, which sees new smaller engines and regulations.

Nick Chester, new Lotus Technical director. (Photo: Twitter)

"We are pleased to announce Nick Chester as our next technical director," said team principal Eric Boullier. “He is already directly involved with this and next year's cars, ensuring a smooth transition which has been underway for some time.”

"The 2014 technical regulation changes present many challenges, while our current position in the constructors' and drivers' world championships mean we cannot lose sight of this year's development battle.

“Nick really has his work cut out, but we know he is more than capable of handling the tasks ahead.”

Highlights*
Generous passenger and cargo room, superb ergonomics, and comfortable seats attract drivers to the 2013 Subaru Legacy. Of course, standard AWD and above-average resale value also have a lot to say in the car's success.

Lowlights*
The base audio system is sub-par, vague steering takes some fun out of the driving experience, and the loss of a turbocharged GT model will disappoint many potential buyers. The noisy 4-cylinder engine doesn't help, either.

Pricing
The 2013 Subaru Legacy starts at $23,495 in base 2.5i trim. Equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats. Then you have the Convenience Package at $25,995 (16” alloy wheels, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat), the Touring Package at $27,295 (17” wheels, power sunroof, dual-zone climate control), and finally the Limited Package at $32,495 (multimedia system, leather seats).

Meanwhile, 3.6R models are priced from $34,695. Adding the EyeSight option demands an extra $1,500.

Photo: Subaru

Fuel consumption
The 2013 Subaru Legacy's most fuel-efficient model is a CVT-equipped 2.5i -- 8.6L/100km city, 6.5L/100km highway. It's also available with Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) equipment for even cleaner performance. On the other hand, expect 11.8L/100km city and 8.2L/100km highway with the 3.6R engine and 5-speed autobox.

New for 2013
The base powerplant delivers increased fuel economy, and is quicker off the line and more responsive than ever in all sorts of driving conditions. The second-generation CVT deserves some of the credit. Moreover, the newly available EyeSight technology utilizes two cameras to monitor activity on the road ahead.

Styling
The new front-end design incorporates a new hexagonal grille, bumper, headlights, and fog lights to create an even sportier and more attention-grabbing presence. Strong character lines and flared wheel arches further emphasize the 2013 Subaru Legacy's dynamic looks.

Powertrain
Producing 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, the 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER engine of the 2013 Legacy can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters. As for the 3.6L 6-cylinder BOXER engine, it develops 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque exclusively through a 5-speed automatic transmission.

In all cases, power goes to all four wheels via Subaru's symmetrical full-time AWD system.

Photo: Subaru

Cargo capacity
The trunk of the new Legacy can hold 415 litres of cargo. However, there's extra storage available underneath the floor, and levers to drop the rear seatbacks.

Safety
The 2013 Subaru Legacy received a “Top Safety Pick” award from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) thanks in large part to its six airbags, standard stability and traction control, whiplash-reducing front seats, and advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame. The aforementioned EyeSight features various advanced active safety systems: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, as well as Lane Departure and Sway Warning.

Competitors
Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.


*Based on expert reviews.
Charrette Daniel, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.514
Laguë Philippe, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.548
www.subaru.ca

McLaren fears its 2013 problems could run into 2014 if it doesn't rectify its correlation issues that have been causing its poor on track performance in the opening rounds of this Formula 1 season.

The team will bring a “significant volume” of new parts to its MP4-28 car to this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, which it hopes will kick start its difficult start to the year.

Photo: McLaren F1

However, the team's managing director, Jonathan Neale, revealed during a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes phone-in, that understanding how the team went off track in its design process is more important than making the 2013 car work immediately.

"We are essentially trying to sort out a correlation issue," he said during the teleconference. "It's really important that we sort out the issues with the car and the correlation.

"All of the time you've got that lingering doubt of 'hang on a second, what went wrong, where did it go wrong and how do we fix it?', you've got the opportunity for it to arise again."

Despite expecting the upgrades to improve the team's on-track performance, Neale kept a lid on expectations and stopped short of predicting a title challenge for the Woking based outfit.

"There's good reason why both Jenson and I would want to be relatively low key.

"None of us wants to be a hostage to fortune and setting ourselves up for a blow on the chin from [the media] isn't very funny.

"That's [a championship prediction] a long way out at the moment and we'll be better placed to comment on it as we approach the summer shutdown.”

I wrote the following paragraph for my Top 10 cult car gallery:

“Some cars strike such a serious cord with auto enthusiast that they practically become a religion. Over the years, some have even become a way of life for their owners. Here is our list of the top 10 currently available cult cars.”

As I read those few lines, I was reminded that I was talking to myself: On one hand, I was directly pointing a finger at the man in the mirror and on the other to a blurry version of the same guy.

The blurry Matt represents the guy who has longed for a Volkswagen GTI forever, but long ago selected its lesser-known twin, the Jetta GTX (Canada), aka GLI. My GTX is 102% what a GTI is if only because of the larger trunk and longer overall length... OK, I'm trying to make myself feel better about it.

The man in the mirror is the one who fell hard for the Subaru Impreza WRX and that the one who cannot get enough of it. And that's what makes it a cult car. As you can see in my 2013 WRX review gallery, I'm not alone.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The cult car is the one that speaks to its owner and to the enthusiast on a whole other level. It's not only meant to be a mode of transportation, it is an extension of the owner's beliefs and personality, and features the image that the person holding the pink slip wants others to bear witness to.

The WRX (and, by the same token, the STI) is not a car that people simply purchase because it is more expensive, as may happen with some AMG products, for example. No, buyers of the WRX, including a very good cardiologist friend of mine, own this car because of everything it promises and delivers and (more importantly) how it makes them feel.

Cult cars bring people together; create meets and events where like-minded obsessed people can discuss everything from accessory carpets to tree-trunk sized turbocharger upgrades. The common grounds brought forth by the cult car create friendships, relationships, camaraderie, and happiness. Cult cars also give birth to specialized repair shops and aftermarket businesses.

Could it be that these religions on wheels are the solution to our world's problems? They bring forth peace and are good for the economy.

I think I may have stumbled upon something here...

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has caught up with Fernando Alonso as F1's highest earner.

According to Business Book GP 2013, Briton Hamilton now earns an estimated EUR 20 million per season after switching from McLaren to Mercedes over the winter.

The publication claims Spaniard Alonso earns the same at Ferrari.

Curiously, F1's next highest earner is Jenson Button, with EUR 16 million, followed by reigning triple world champion and early 2013 title leader Sebastian Vettel (12m).

Also in double-digits are Nico Rosberg (11m) and Mark Webber (10m), while Brazilian Felipe Massa (6m) appears to have taken a pay-cut in the wake of his poor 2012 campaign.

Kimi Raikkonen's retainer at Lotus is just 3 million, but it is believed the Finn's income is boosted by huge per-point bonuses.

Mexican Sergio Perez is paid just EUR 1.5 million by McLaren, and the only other F1 millionaires are Romain Grosjean, Pastor Maldonado and Nico Hulkenberg (all 1m).

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

Here's a cool new ad pitting Leonard Nimoy (old Spock) against Zachary Quinto (new Spock) in the continued battle between Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

When Nimoy beats Quinto at online chess, the latter wants to take his revenge on a golf course. While he drives an Audi S7, his rival hit the road with a Mercedes-Benz CLS that feels too tight for him. It might just be the very first (and last?) time that you'll hear Nimoy use foul language.

Watch the ad to find out how this little race to the clubhouse ends...

From GMM

Gerhard Berger, the former McLaren and Ferrari driver, doubts Kimi Raikkonen can win the 2013 title.

The Finn, and his Pirelli-gentle Lotus car, are currently Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's closest challengers in the drivers' and constructors' tables.

Berger told Auto Motor und Sport: "Kimi is sitting in a very good car at the moment. But Lotus don't have the financial strength to compete with Red Bull and Ferrari over the whole year. He will make it uncomfortable for them, he will win races, but he won't fight for the world championship."

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, former Toro Rosso co-owner Berger, 53, tips a "close fight" for 2013 spoils between Vettel and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

The Austrian was also asked about F1's controversial tyre situation, commenting: "You can see it both ways. Basically, it's the same for everyone, and looking after tyres was always an issue, although maybe not quite as dominant as now. On the other hand, it makes little sense putting millions into developing cars and engines if the tyre just determines everything. And if he who looks after the tyres best is the winner, then there is a problem. Everything can be overdone. I thought 2012 was a better compromise."