Auto News 5

This weekend in Brazil, KV Racing's veteran, Tony Kanaan will reach the mark of 200 consecutive starts in his IndyCar career despite suffering torn ligaments in his right hand in a crash during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

His boss and former CART/Champ Car ace, Jimmy Vasser holds the record with 211 consecutive starts, which Kanaan will break fittingly Labor Day weekend at Baltimore, barring injury/illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

Kanaan's streak dates back to June 24, 2001 (Portland).

Al Unser Jr. is third overall with 192 from 1983 to 1995 while Michael Andretti (1983-92 / 1994-2002) and Emerson Fittipaldi (1984-95) are tied at 164 consecutive starts for fourth.

Among the still active drivers, Ganassi's Scott Dixon has 141 consecutive starts and Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti has 117.

Tony Kanaan and Jimmy Vasser. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

American Conor Daly will drive the Mercedes-powered Sahara Force India VJM06 tomorrow, Wednesday at Duxford aerodrome in Great Britain.

Conor Daly, son of former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver, Derek Daly, competes in the GP3 series this season and will also contest the Indy 500 at the end of May.

Daly has had his seat fitting done in the VJM06, and will perform aerodynamic tests on the main runway of the Duxford aerodrome tomorrow. The American takes the place of Jules Bianchi who is now a racing driver for Marussia F1 Team.

Sahara Force India VJM06. (Photo: WRi2)

The first NASCAR Camping World Truck series' race to be held at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will be sponsored by Chevrolet Silverado.

It was a christening of sorts. During the first-ever test day for the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, invited media had a first glimpse of the circuit's slick new special events centre, where they were gathered for a presentation.

Ron Fellows (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

"We're here today on behalf of General Motors and Chevrolet to make a very special announcement" said GM Spokesman George Saratlic.

"The first NASCAR World Truck Series race that's coming here to Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Labour Day weekend will officially be called the Silverado 250."

Canadian racing legend and co-owner of the park, Ron Fellows, said while he was proud of GM's support of the facility and the series, he couldn't confirm whether he would actually be taking part in the race. However he did hint that "if I had done the test (today), it would eliminate that as an option".

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

Instead, performing the test was Turner-Scott Motorsports of North Carolina, with driver Nelson Piquet Jr. behind the wheel.

Piquet described the track as "challenging" and predicted that many of the oval racers, used to long, sweeping turns, would find the tight corners hard to handle.

"The data that is gathered over the next two days, coincidentally in a Chevy truck" said Fellows, "will be shared amongst all the World Truck Series Teams”.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

The information will consist mainly of proper gear ratios and tire requirements for the circuit, ensuring that all competitors have a level playing field.

The Labour Day race at CTMP will be the first time in over a decade that the Camping World Truck Series will compete on a road course.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

The 2013 season of the DTM, the German touring car championship, will kick off this weekend at Hockenheim, Germany. Reigning series' champion, Canadian Bruno Spengler will be contesting the race aboard a BMW M3 carrying the No. 1 plate.

Timo Glock, BMW. (Photo: DTM)

Official entry list
Car number   Driver   Team Car
1 Bruno Spengler  BMW Team Schnitzer  BMW M3 DTM
2 Dirk Werner  BMW Team Schnitzer   BMW M3 DTM
3 Gary Paffett  Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
4 Roberto Merhi  Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
5 Edoardo Mortara   Audi Sport Team Rosberg   Audi RS 5 DTM
6 Filipe Albuquerque  Audi Sport Team Rosberg   Audi RS 5 DTM
7 Augusto Farfus  BMW Team RBM  BMW M3 DTM
8 Joey Hand  BMW Team RBM  BMW M3 DTM
9 Christian Vietoris  Mercedes AMG DTM   DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
10 Robert Wickens   Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
11 Mattias Ekström   Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline  Audi RS 5 DTM
12 Jamie Green   Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline   Audi RS 5 DTM
15 Martin Tomczyk   BMW Team RMG   BMW M3 DTM
16 Andy Priaulx   BMW Team RMG  BMW M3 DTM
17 Daniel Juncadella  Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
18 Pascal Wehrlein  Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
19 Mike Rockenfeller  Audi Sport Team Phoenix  Audi RS 5 DTM
20 Miguel Molina  Audi Sport Team Phoenix  Audi RS 5 DTM
21 Marco Wittmann  BMW Team MTEK   BMW M3 DTM
22 Timo Glock  BMW Team MTEK  BMW M3 DTM
23 Timo Scheider   Audi Sport Team Abt  Audi RS 5 DTM
24 Adrien Tambay   Audi Sport Team Abt   Audi RS 5 DTM

Gary Paffett, Mercedes. (Photo: DTM)

Race calendar
Date   Circuit    Circuit length   Number of laps
May 5  Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg  4,574 km  42 laps
May 19  Brands Hatch  1,929 km  98 laps
June 2  Red Bull Ring Spielberg  4,326 km   47 laps
June 16   Lausitzring   3,478 km  52 laps
July 14  Norisring  2,300 km  83 laps
August 4   Moscow Raceway  2,555 km  74 laps
August 18  Nürburgring   3,629 km   49 laps
September 15  Motorsport Arena Oschersleben   3,696 km   51 laps
September 29   Circuit Park Zandvoort  4,307 km  44 laps
October 20  Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg  4,574 km  42 laps

Timo Scheider, Audi. (Photo: DTM)

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Good seating position, low gas consumption, driveability, comfort, versatility and soundproofing are all pluses for this model.

Cons
The 2013 Nissan Rogue is hampered by its sombre cabin interior, tight back seats narrow and a lack of deft handling. Furthermore, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is somewhat noisy and is the only type offered.


Price
The basic model is the S front-wheel drive version and available from $23,978.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, Bluetooth as well as auxiliary audio jack and iPod interface.

The Special Edition of the S version comes with 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, sunroof and SE (Special Edition) logo. These add-ons cost an extra $1,400.

The all-wheel drive SV version distinguishes itself with 17-inch aluminum wheels, roof rails, heated front seats and rearview camera. Asking price is $26,678.

The Premium Edition package can also be added to this model for $1,950. It includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, trailer precabling, foglights, sunroof, fold-down passenger seat and a full size spare tire with alloy rim.

The all-wheel drive Rogue S has a base price of $26,778. Besides AWD, you get roof rails and full size spare here also.

The Special Edition of this model gives you 16-inch aluminum wheels, foglights and the Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start.

The all-wheel drive SV starts at $29,478. Add the Tech package for $1,850 and get 18-inch aluminum wheels, radio communication data system, six speakers, and navigation system with colour touchscreen and XM satellite radio.

The SL is available exclusively with AWD. It is equipped with leather seats plus all the features of the Premium and Tech packages including the 8-speaker Bose audio system, rear and sideview cameras and the Nissan Intelligent Key. The SL will set you back $34,398.

Fuel Economy
Gas consumption ratings for front-wheel drive models were 9 L/100 km and 7 L/100 km for city/highway, respectively.

AWD models came in at 9.6 L/100 km and 7.7 L/100 km for city/highway, respectively.

Recent Improvements
The radiator grille was redesigned in 2012.

Exterior Styling
Looking at this crossover, you'll immediately notice its curves and distinctive grille with its relatively bigger, squarish air inlets. The chrome touches are also quite distinctive. Indeed, door handles, roof rails of and side borders highlight the body's overall appearance.

Powertrain
The Rogue is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque through the CVT transmission, available for front-wheel drives and as an all-wheel drive option.

Cargo Capacity
When all seats are in the normal upright position, cargo space is 818 litres. The SUV's versatility enables the loading surface to be doubled to a cargo volume of 1,640 litres.

Safety
Six airbags are installed in this model. Furthermore, the US government awarded 5 stars to the Nissan Rogue in side collision tests. It boasts more than 50 standard features aimed at preventing or minimizing accidents.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan.

Photo: Nissan

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.492
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.462
www.nissan.ca

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko has admitted he is not satisfied with the minor tweak made by Pirelli ahead of next weekend's Spanish grand prix.

So far in 2013, world champions Red Bull have been putting pressure on F1's official supplier to significantly change this season's heavily-degrading tires.

But, after the first four 'flyaway' grands prix, Pirelli has announced that only a minor tweak will be made to the 'hard' compound tire for Barcelona and beyond.

Red Bull's Marko said on Monday: "We want - as soon as possible - a tire that does not limit our potential," he is quoted by DPA news agency.

"It should be that you are able to get the most out of your car," he said at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Spielberg, Austria.

Photo: Pirelli

Marko argues that the current Pirelli tires are penalising the very best cars, like Red Bull's RB9.

"If we use our full potential, we cannot even last a full lap of qualifying. To tell your drivers that they are not allowed to drive some corners properly is not easy," claimed Marko.

A Red Bull team insider told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "If we had a normal tire, Vettel would be half a second quicker than everyone on each track.

"We know it from our simulations," the source added.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
The generous storage capacity and cargo dimensions of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon are its obvious strong points. This sleek Mercedes shares the remarkable fit and finish, hush cabin, ideal driving position and innovative security features that we've come to expect from this brand.

Cons
On the flipside, its nonathletic nature is handicapped by vague steering, hard to modulate brakes and a significant weight problem. What's more, certain not-so-user-friendly controls, an interior noise level that is higher than its sedan siblings and expensive option packages hurt this model even more.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Price
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon starts at $70,400. 18-inch wheels, black roof headliner, electrical tilt and telescopic wheel, and the appearance package are among the standard equipment.

Different option packages are available, such as; driving assist package, for $800, advanced driving assist package for $2,700, the premium package, for $3,800, and a drive-dynamic multicontour driver seat for $900.

Fuel consumption
Fuel economy ratings are 11.2 L/100 km in city driving conditions and 7.3 L/100 km highway driving for this model.

Exterior design
This intermediate family wagon has a refined, conservative, yet distinctly modern design. The quadruple headlights add a dramatic effect to its stylish front end. Its aggressive aerodynamic profile is accentuated by the plunging black AMG roof rails. The straight-bar design DEL daytime running lights are neatly installed underneath the front bumper. It is 27 millimeters longer, 45 millimeters taller and 100 kilograms heavier than its E Class siblings.

Drivetrain
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 that produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

Luggage capacity
The rear cargo area offers 695 litres of capacity, which more than doubles, to 1950 litres when the rear seat is lowered.

Security
A total of seven airbags can be found in this model. Furthermore, Mercedes has an impressive list of active and passive safety features, and over 80 different sensors, all working together to protect the occupants.

Comparable models
BMW 5 Series GT, Cadillac CTS Wagon, Lincoln MKT, Volvo XC90

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

*References
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.424
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.446
www.mercedes-benz.ca

DTM champion, Canadian Bruno Spengler Monday received the key of a very special car: a BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition.

In honour of the 2012 DTM champion, BMW M GmbH designed this special edition of the BMW M3 in the matte black livery of the BMW Bank M3 DTM, with which Spengler won the title last year with four victories.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

In total, BMW M GmbH will make only 54 of this exclusive model available to its racing aficionados, which will be sold solely in Germany. Customers can also look forward to a driving lesson with Spengler on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. They will take part in the “BMW M Fascination Nordschleife” training course -- one of the most coveted driver training courses in the BMW Driving Experience.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

“I was presented with my own M3 DTM Champion Edition today. It's a gorgeous car, really nice, especially in that colour,” Spengler told Auto123.com.

“However, I could not keep it as it will be put on display this weekend at the opening round of the new DTM season in the paddock of the Hockenheimring. They'll give it to me after the race weekend. I just love it. It looks stunning and the performance is just breathtaking. I hope it will bring me luck for the new season,” Spengler added.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

Tesla Motors Club and Tesla Motors have joined forces to create Teslive, an action-packed conference event that will take place July 12-14, 2013 in San Jose, California, near the electric car company's headquarters. Participants will be limited to 300.

The program will include a tour of the assembly plant in Fremont, interaction with members of the Tesla team, discussion panels, meetings with experts, group drives, and much more.

Teslive organizers also hope to break the world record for the largest gathering of electric vehicles. Last November, Nissan lined up 225 LEAFs during a special event in the U.K.

Obviously, charging stations will be available at the plant and hotel.

Toyota has developed a new In-car Traffic Signal Alert system that monitors upcoming traffic lights to warn drivers of red lights. By knowing in advance the colour of the light at the next intersection, drivers can better prepare for what's ahead and reduce their speed earlier.

The Japanese automaker is currently testing the system on one of the roads in Toyota City.

The traffic information gets to the car through a 700 MHz bandwidth on the radio. It can also appear on the navigation display or be read out loud.

Toyota said the 700MHz band would be effective for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, as well.

Source: Autoguide

Chrysler-Fiat President and CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that the Italian automaker is negotiating with representatives of the UAW's VEBA health benefits organization to buy the 41.5% share in Chrysler it doesn't already own.

Apparently, Chrysler-Fiat has all the necessary funds, which financial experts estimate at $3.5-$4 billion.

Marchionne would like to merge the two manufacturers in hopes of becoming the world's seventh-largest automaker in terms of sales. This would also allow Fiat to use Chrysler's capital to compensate for losses in the European market.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

Sebastien Loeb, who is about to make his WRC return with Citroen this weekend at Rally Argentina, fears his lack of running will cost him dearly.

The Frenchman is back in world rallying after a three-month break. Argentina will be his first rally since Sweden. The nine-time World Rally Champion did not remain inactive as he made his debut in the FIA GT Series, running for his own team.

But Loeb, who missed the Rally Mexico and Rally Portugal (all won by Sebastien Ogier in his Volkswagen Polo), fears he will be disadvantaged due to his lack of running in world rallying.

Sebastien Loeb. (Photo Citroen Racing)

"Apart from one day of testing, I haven't driven on gravel since the 2012 Rally de Espana," he explained to WRC.com.

"So I don't know what sort of feeling I'll have on the first few stages in Argentina. I think that you can lose your rhythm pretty quickly, and that's why I'm cautious about my chances."

"There's no denying the fact that I have pretty much moved on from rallying and am now focused on the future. This reduced programme is a good way to continue to compete for Citroen in 2013, but I'm not as well prepared as Mikko (Hirvonen), Dani (Sordo) and the other guys. We'll see what happens when we'll put our helmets on..."

From GMM

Valencia's mooted return to the formula one calendar next year is now under a dark cloud.

We reported earlier this month that the Spanish port city - absent from this year's schedule - could be back in 2014, after its president Alberto Fabra met with Bernie Ecclestone in February.

"The agreement is (now) awaiting the signature of the Catalan president Artur Mas," wrote journalist Pedro Blasco, referring to a deal that would see Valencia annually alternate with Barcelona.

Photo: WRi2

But, whilst not completely ruling out an alternation, Mas said the Circuit de Catalunya is willing to continue to organise the Spanish grand prix each year.

"We are able to fulfil the contract that we signed," he is quoted by El Mundo Deportivo newspaper.

"Since more than a year ago, when I spoke of an alternation, we have worked very hard and we are able to take on the challenge of organising the race every year."

Mas said the issue is likely to be discussed further next weekend, when Barcelona hosts the 2013 Spanish grand prix.

It seems hardly a month goes by when there isn't one new form or another of the new Audi A3 being announced. Glenn Brooks, who attended the UK launch of the Sportback, looks at what's ahead for the local importer's best selling model.

Mercedes-Benz USA appointed a new general manager of the Smart brand and is transferring the head of the company-owned Mercedes-Benz Manhattan dealership in New York to a corporate position in Montvale, N.J.

Aston Martin drove the first lapand#8212;of many, we assumeand#8212;of its hydrogen-fueled racecar at the 13-mile Nürburgring circuit in Germany on Saturday. Aston CEO Dr.

President Barack Obama said Charlotte, North Carolina, Mayor Anthony Foxx will press ahead as transportation secretary with the administration's goals to rebuild and expand the nation's infrastructure.

"Everyone else was doing it," and "I had to go to the bathroom" extend beyond excuses used in a kindergarten classroom -- they actually top the most common excuses drivers use to get out of a ticket.

Successful car auctions are hardly surprising these days; it seems like there's a mad rush to throw money at every halfway desirable bit of steel, aluminum or fiberglass and not even a still-precarious global economy can cool buyers down.

Motorsports editor Mike Larson goes over this weekend's racing news and results.