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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Raffaele Marciello took two wins out of the three Formula 3 European championship races held at Hockenheim to increase his lead on top of the points' table.

The Italian clinched pole position in both qualifying sessions, before collecting an easy win in Race 1 ahead of Felix Serralles and Tom Blomqvist.

Marciello captured another win in Race 2, this time ahead of Joshua Hill (son of Damon Hill) and Tom Blomqvist.

In Race 3, the 2012 runner-up finished fourth, as Felix Rosenqivst bagged victory ahead of Felix Serralles and Tom Blomqvist.

Marciello, a member of the Ferrari driver academy, has now scored five wins in nine races, and he enjoys a 71.5-point lead over his closest rival, Felix Rosenqvist.

Photo: F3 FIA Europe

For the 2013 DTM season, Mercedes-Benz is concentrating on a smaller but harder-hitting DTM task force based on the well-experienced DTM teams of HWA and RSC Mücke Motorsport.

Gary Paffett (32, England), runner-up from 2012 and champion in 2005 heads the Mercedes-Benz DTM driver line-up. He drives the new EURONICS Mercedes AMG C-Coupé.

Gary Paffett. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)

Christian Vietoris (23, Germany) is back with Mercedes for a second year. The EURONICS logo also features on his car and racing overalls. Vietoris lines up in the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé co-sponsored by EURONICS brand media@home in his second year with HWA.

Christian Vietoris. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)

Robert Wickens (24, Canada) debuted last year in a DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé prepared by Mücke Motorsport but drives for HWA in his second DTM season. The Canadian is at the wheel of the new STIHL Mercedes AMG C-Coupé.

Robert Wickens. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)

Roberto Merhi (22, Spain) drives the fourth car prepared by HWA, the THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé.

Roberto Merhi. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)

The two DTM newcomers, Daniel Juncadella (21, Spain) and Pascal Wehrlein (18, Germany) are also in the junior squad and will contest their first season in the DTM with Mücke Motorsport. Juncadella debuts in the stern Mercedes AMG C-Coupé; Wehrlein's first DTM season is in the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé.

Daniel Juncadella. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)

Pascal Wehrlein. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)

Lamborghini is celebrating 50 years in 2013. Today, the exotic Italian automaker kicked off its 50th Anniversary Grand Tour in Milan. The 4-km long convoy of 350 cars is scheduled to arrive in Sant'Agata -- home of the Raging Bull -- on Saturday.

The most substantial representation of participants is from the United Kingdom (71 cars), followed by Italy, Germany and Switzerland with over 30 participants each. Twenty-five other countries are represented, from Canada to New Zealand.

As for the cars, the Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Grand Tour includes:

• 3 GT;
• 5 400 GT;
• 7 Miura;
• 8 Espada;
• 2 Jamara;
• 6 Urraco;
• 15 Countach;
• 1 LM 002;
• 21 Diablo;
• 36 Murcielago;
• 123 Gallardo (un record).

The Grand Tour will stop in Rome (Thursday) and Bologna (Friday). On Saturday morning in Piazza Maggiore, the ‘Concorso di Eleganza Lamborghini 50° Anniversario' will be held, followed by a gala dinner celebrating the Lamborghini 50th Anniversary in Sant'Agata.

Photo: Lamborghini

An increasing number of Canadian car buyers turn to the web. Unfortunately, so do fraudsters.

Earlier this year, we reported that a fake U.S. dealership scammed five people north of the border and stole $200,000 from them. In fact, the RCMP's Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre catalogued more than 1,300 online car sale scams in 2012. However, it's just the tip of the iceberg.

Classifieds websites like Kijiji and Auto Trader are particularly targeted by fraudsters due to their huge popularity: As many as 600,000 of the 3 million used cars Canadians buy and sell annually trade hands via these websites.

One of the most common frauds involves advertizing a fake vehicle way below its market value. Potential buyers are asked to make a deposit through wire transfer, after which the seller vanishes with the money.

According to the RCMP, roughly 20% of online used car buyers or sellers encounter at least one instance of fraud while looking for, or looking to sell, a vehicle. Fraudsters and curbsiders may be continuing to target Canadians in part because of how relatively difficult it is for provincial regulatory bodies and authorities to convict and prosecute these criminals.

With hundreds of consumers being scammed every year, the Automobile Consumer Coalition is recommending regulators and websites to pursue new fraud detection technologies. Meanwhile, consumers are advised to remain alert at all times and shop carefully online.

Source : Automobile Consumer Coalition

The completely redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will arrive in Canadian showrooms this June with a new 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine (a 4.3L V6 and 6.2L V8 will be available later).

The truck has received a plethora of upgrades including a stronger, quieter and more comfortable cab, a refined new interior design with features and connectivity tailored to the needs of truck customers, as well as revised steering, suspension and brakes for improved ride and handling.

The base manufacturer's suggested retail prices for all three configurations of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (plus an additional $1,600 destination freight charge) are:

• Regular Cab: $25,540
• Double Cab: $29,435
• Crew Cab: $30,995

Photo: Chevrolet

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."

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

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

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...

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.”

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

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.”

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.