Auto News 5

Together with Siemens, Volvo has developed a new 22 kW fast charger that allows the C30 EV to fully charge in just 1.5 hour using a three-phase outlet. The car also benefits from a more powerful electric motor and offers a total range of 164 kilometres according to the NEDC certification driving cycle.

Starting this summer, European leasing customers will drive and evaluate an upgraded demo fleet of 100 Volvo C30 EVs.

The new Siemens motor has a peak power output of 89 kW (120 hp) and a torque rating of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), with 0-70 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds.

“Adding the innovative fast-charging solution will radically improve the time and mileage for the daily usage of the car. [...] A quick 10-minute plug-in adds power for another 20 kilometres of driving,” says Lennart Stegland, Vice President, Electric Propulsion Systems, Volvo Car Group.

Photo: Volvo

As if adding a Lamborghini Aventador wasn't enough to scare speeding drivers, police in Dubai can now also count on a brand new Ferrari FF to patrol the city's popular tourist areas.

The car, which sports the green and white of Dubai law enforcement, will be driven by female cops only.

Similar to the Lamborghini, however, the Ferrari will essentially do promotional work and won't actually chase down offenders; that job still belongs to a fleet of Camaro SS coupes.

Police in Dubai also have the support of powerful German sedans and Japanese-branded 4x4s -- a sign of the city's luxurious and prosperous living.

Source: libération

A study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute reveals that voice-to-text applications offer no real safety advantage over manual texting. While they allow hands-free control of smartphone functions and keep the driver's eyes on the road, these apps don't make people any less distracted, apparently.

The 43 research participants first navigated a set course without any use of cell phones. Then, each of them completed three more laps performing a series of texting exercises - once using each of two voice-to-text applications (Siri for the iPhone, and Vlingo for Android), and once texting manually.

As it turned out, driver response times were significantly delayed no matter which texting method was used. In each case, drivers took about twice as long to react as they did when they weren't texting.

For most tasks, manual texting required slightly less time than the voice-to-text method, but driver performance was roughly the same with both.

I personally own a Dodge Grand Caravan with Uconnect. The latter is great when making phone calls, since I don't have to pull over to dial the number. However, when the system fails to understand what I'm saying, even after a few repeats, I start to lose patience and pay less attention to the road, even though I'm staring at it.

As the study rightfully points out, drivers generally feel safer when using a voice-to-text application than when texting manually. Whichever method is used, though, driving performance is likely to suffer.

In the end, one must remember that voice command systems, while legal and helpful to a certain extent, can also be a source of distraction behind the wheel. They sure as hell don't make us perfectly safe, let alone invincible.

And please, take all the time you need to learn how these systems and apps work before you hit the road!

McLaren's Sergio Perez feels he has been freed up by his aggressive drive to sixth place in Bahrain

The Mexican endured a difficult start to his McLaren career, scoring just two points from the first three races of 2013. However, following the Bahrain Grand Prix where he finished sixth and comprehensively beat teammate Jenson Button, Perez commented the performance of the McLaren at Sakhir allowed him to push all weekend.

"It was a great weekend all the way through,” he said. “It was a very nice surprise for us to compete at the front."

He also believes that despite gaining some criticism from Button for his aggressive on-track moves in Bahrain, his performance was a turning point in his McLaren career.

"We've been through some very difficult moments but I think this is the start of our season.”

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Price Range: $25,950 and up

Description: With an eye for sporty driving, the two-seater MINI Cooper Coupe is the lightest and most agile model in the MINI lineup. Iconic MINI design elements are applied to this striking new model, which features a steeply raked rear windshield, tapered roofline and self-deploying rear spoiler. Projector lights, large alloy wheels and any combination of stripes, colours and chrome the owner likes are all part of the package.

Best of all, with three models to choose from (MINI Cooper Coupe, MINI Cooper S Coupe or MINI John Cooper Works Coupe), there's a model that's just right for virtually any need or budget. Of course, MINI's exhaustive range of accessories and custom touches are available to shoppers after added exclusivity.

Photo: MINI

Drivetrain: All 2013 MINI Cooper Coupe models are powered by a 4-cylinder that drives the front wheels. Standard is a proven 1.6L, 121 horsepower mill that's available paired with manual or automatic transmissions. Step up to the Cooper S Coupe, and MINI tosses a turbocharger into the mix, bumping output to 181 horsepower and enabling 0-100 km/h sprints in as low as 6.9 seconds. The top-performing MINI John Cooper Works Coupe sees output dialed up even further, with output rated at 208 horsepower.

Consider it if: good on gas, fun to drive, instantly recognizable, and extremely sporty are descriptors on the wish list for your next ride. Also, especially in John Cooper Works trim, the MINI Cooper Coupe is ready for motorsports activities.

Skip it if: you need more than two seats, more than 208 horsepower or a highly spacious cabin.

Other Notes: Feature content? Oh, yes. Outside, look for chrome accents, projector headlights, a heated rear window, and fog lamps. On board, leather-wrapped accents, automatic climate control, mood lighting, and a full range of power accessories can be specified. Auxiliary audio inputs, Bluetooth, push-button start, and colour-keyed accents add connectivity, convenience, and style. Performance and visual upgrades from John Cooper Works can be added to any model.

Don't Miss: The twin-scroll turbocharger. This kicks in at a moment's notice with near-nil lag, translating into a seamless and robust power curve.

Torsional reinforcements have been incorporated into the bulkhead behind the front seats, which stiffens up the Cooper Coupe's body structure and increases agility and ride quality. The trunk behind this bulkhead is rated for 280 litres of storage space, and features a pass-through compartment for easy loading of larger or longer items.

A Sport button, available on select models, instantly dials in a more responsive steering calibration, more aggressive throttle-pedal response and a louder exhaust note.

The rear spoiler on the 2013 MINI Cooper Coupe auto-deploys to create additional downforce when drivers exceed 80 km/h.

Available bi-xenon headlamps provide world-class illumination after dark, utilizing xenon technology on both low and high-beams. Xenon produces a crisp, white light that's easier on the driver's eyes, translating into reduced vision fatigue on long trips after dark.

From GMM

Nico Rosberg thinks his voice is now heard more loudly at Mercedes following the departure of seven time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Although German Rosberg generally outperformed Schumacher during their joint tenure between 2010 and last year, the 27-year-old suggested he wielded less political power.

Asked if his role has changed since Lewis Hamilton signed up for 2013, Rosberg told Austria's Krone newspaper: "Yes, a lot. I now have a stronger voice, and for me it's been a great process in which I can help Mercedes to become the best team."

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG W04. (Photo: WRi2)

Nico Rosberg said being friends with former karting teammate Hamilton has also been a help, because finding common ground within the team is "easier".

Having secured pole in Bahrain but fallen through the field with overheating tires, Rosberg said he is looking forward to Barcelona next weekend.

"A lot," he told Osterreich. "I was fastest there in winter testing. I am confident we will sort out our tire problems."

Succumbing to the need for a minivan doesn't have to mean relinquishing your manhood and everything that makes you an interesting human being. Seriously. “Minivan” is almost as dirty a word as “station wagon,” when it comes to family vehicles, but it doesn't have to be. Just because you need a practical, seven-seater-plus ride with plenty of cargo space and amenities to the nines doesn't necessarily mean you have to skimp on performance, driveability and vehicle appreciation.

Our latest comparison drive proved just that. Minivans can be cool, even fun to drive, and there are a few viable options out there, even for the most discerning minivan shopper. From the go-to, has-everything-for-a-great-price model to one that could carry a prestigious badge, there may not be a plethora of options but there are options.

Why the urge to do a minivan comparison drive? Well, after looking around the office at the half-dozen employees who actually own late-model Dodge Grand Caravans, we got to thinking: What about the others out there? So, we looked to the numbers (as you do); for 2012 minivan sales, the results were staggering. The Dodge Grand Caravan outsold its three competitor's combined sales by nearly 250%.

Add to the fact that two of the comparison drive's three testers have young families and we had the perfect combination for a minivan drive day. Armed with two baby seats (two children under the age of 2), two strollers, two golf bags, and a bike we embarked on the day's drive in the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Plus, the 2013 Honda Odyssey Touring, and the 2013 Toyota Sienna SE.

Noticeably absent from the drive was the Nissan Quest. Why? Unfortunately, the Quest was unavailable on Nissan's press fleet at the time of our drive.

Since the Dodge Grand Caravan has been the bestselling minivan for some time, and is one of the top 10 bestselling nameplates in Canada, we wanted to remind ourselves how good it really was, and given there are so few options out there in the minivan segment, we also wanted to see who came out on top.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

Continue reading 2013 Minivan Comparison Drive

Price Range: $82,300 and up

Description: For driving enthusiasts of the most discerning variety, the BMW 3-Series Cabriolet is a car missing two little touches: a colourful little “M” badge on the trunk, and a high-strung little V8 that shrieks to a staggering 8,500 rpm.

Enter the ">2013 BMW M3 Cabriolet: the ultimate culmination of 3-Series performance and top-down driving thrills.

With the promise of generation's worth of motorsports engineering and research built into this highly exclusive package, the 2013 BMW M3 is a car like few other performance cars on the road. The extra power from its 4.0L engine is backed by aerodynamic and cosmetic upgrades, exclusive interior treatments, numerous track-validated chassis upgrades, and a wide range of support systems to help drivers extract maximum performance with minimal effort in the 2013 BMW M3.


Drivetrain: The latest M3 powerplant is a 4.0L V8 that develops 414 horsepower and nearly 300 lb-ft of torque while en route to a screaming redline approaching 8,500 revs. Variable valve timing, direct injection and spark plug mounted oxygen sensors help constantly fine-tune and analyze the combustion process for maximum performance and fuel efficiency.

Six-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmissions are available, and all 2013 BMW M3 variants are rear-wheel drive.

Consider it if: you're after a four-seat convertible that's nearly unrivalled in its blending of premium comfort, technology, and blazing performance for the money. Additionally, since the BMW M3 can be “fine-tuned” to the driver's exact tastes, it's easy and docile in daily commuting as needed, despite concealing a track-attacking onslaught of engineering efforts.

Skip it if: a radar detector is illegal in your province, or you don't have many demerit points left on your license.

Other Notes: The 2013 BMW M3 will get that for you -- whatever it is. Automatic lights, wipers, climate control, and seat-positioning memory function all self-activate and regulate, leaving drivers to simply sit back with the roof down and take in the sweet sound of combustion in their ears.

Navigation, Bluetooth, and premium leather seating surfaces are all on board for a high-tech, high-class atmosphere, and the iDrive system in the 2013 BMW M3 lets drivers manipulate hundreds of vehicle functions with a few millimeters of fingertip movement.


Don't Miss: the “M” button on the steering wheel. Press it and a fully customized vehicle dynamics program is called into action in mere milliseconds, putting the M3 on notice that the driver is after some thrills.

The driver can pre-program settings assigned to the M button, selecting various modes for steering, gearshift speed and harshness, suspension stiffness, steering calibrations, rear differential lockup factor, and more.

Also, be sure not to miss the active tachometer that changes its yellow and red segments based on oil temperature and suggests earlier upshifts until the engine is hot. An LED shift indicator, built into the top of the trim ring around the tachometer, also gives drivers a visual countdown to their next upshift at full throttle, without having to take their eyes off the road.

Photo: BMW

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed Toro Rosso's goal is to beat Williams and Sauber in 2013.

Last year, the second Red Bull team beat only the three newest teams on the grid - Caterham, Marussia and defunct HRT - but already this season Toro Rosso has more points than established duo Sauber and Williams.

"For now, our goal is to match and maybe beat the Williams and Sauber (cars)," Australian Ricciardo is quoted by Italiaracing. "At the moment I think Force India is too far away: it is a very fast car compared to ours."

Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Daniel Ricciardo, 23, has taken a feisty approach so far to his battle this year with teammate Jean-Eric Vergne.

But the Australian said he has the tension under control.

"There is obviously competition between us, but we are working together to develop the car," he insisted.

For the Toro Rosso pair, 2013 could be remembered as a true 'win or lose' contest.

Mark Webber's potential departure could open up a seat at the main Red Bull team, but one of the duo could be shunted aside altogether to make room for the energy drink company's latest young hotshoe, Antonio Felix da Costa.

"It's true," Ricciardo admitted, "there is always great pressure on us, but we're used to it. We are the best, we are in F1, we are part of a group like Red Bull, so we can't afford to make mistakes. If I'm not good enough, it's right that there's trouble for me. It may sound harsh, but it's the law of the sport and we know how it works."

From McLaren

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, McLaren will showcase a selection of legendary models from the company's heritage collection at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, including the stunning M8D.

Alongside some of the most famous race- and championship-winning models from the brand's illustrious past will be the latest model from McLaren GT which echoes a name with significant links to McLaren - the 12C GT Can-Am Edition - which will thrill crowds as it takes part in the run up the Goodwood Hill.

Photo: McLaren

The McLaren name is synonymous with Can-Am racing throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with the McLaren Racing team claiming five back-to-back world championships between 1969 and 1974, making it the most successful team in the history of the championship.

Photo: McLaren

The original McLaren Can-Am racers were campaigned by great names from motorsport history including Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, and are the inspiration for the 12C GT Can-Am Edition.

Photo: McLaren

The track-only 12C GT Can-Am Edition will be produced in strictly limited numbers, with no more than 30 being built globally. This exclusivity is fitting for the most powerful 12C produced to-date - a worthy tribute to the first McLaren model to wear the Can-Am name since 1972.

Williams Grand Prix Holdings has posted a £5million loss for 2012, despite winning the Spanish Grand Prix with Pastor Maldonado last season.

The group recorded a loss of 0.6mn for Williams Grand Prix Engineering, but increased its turnover by 21.5% to £124.3mn.

Despite team boss Sir Frank Williams admitting that his team still has a way to go to meet its on track targets, its performance last season had been encouraging for the business' future.

“At the end of the year the Williams F1 Team finished 8th in the constructors' championship. There is still a way to go for the team to get to where we should be, but improvements on previous seasons are evident,” said Williams.

“2012 saw Williams make encouraging progress on and off the track.

The win [at the Spanish Grand Prix] was a particular highlight and we continue to develop strong sponsorship partnerships and engineering relationships.”

Photo: Williams F1 Team

Alex Burns, the team's chief executive officer, was equally as encouraged as Sir Frank and claimed that £9.4mn had not been included in the accounts; had they been, then the group would have posted a profit.

“Strong turnover in the year of £127.0 million reflects our revenue from Formula One and our ability to earn commercial returns from diversification,” said Burns. “During the year the Group made an overall loss before taxation of £5.0 million.

“[A] revenue of £9.4 million, received under the Bilateral Agreement with Formula One World Championship Limited, the sport's commercial rights holder,” he continued, “has not been included in these results because of the technical interpretation of today's accounting standards.”

Despite the team's optimism, Williams has yet to score a point in 2013.

Adapted from GMM

Red Bull magnate, Dietrich Mateschitz has admitted his frustration with the dominant role being played this year by Pirelli's heavily-degrading control tires.

World champions Red Bull have not hidden their displeasure with the situation, putting pressure on F1's Italian tire supplier to make mid-season changes.

“Formula 1 no longer has anything to do with 'classic' racing. Today, it's not the fastest driver in the fastest car winning, but the one with the optimum tire management,” Mateschitz told Austria's Krone newspaper.

"We've even had to scale down our car, because the tires were not lasting. If we really went as fast as we can, we would need 10 to 15 pit stops," he exclaimed.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Vettel et Webber

Mateschitz has also confirmed reports Red Bull's drivers will no longer be subjected to team orders in 2013.

The 68-year-old confirmed: "Vettel and Webber can race freely to the end of the season. The motto is 'Go ahead of me if you can'," he told Krone newspaper.

Finally, Mateschitz said it is possible Webber will stay with Red Bull beyond 2013, amid talk the Australian may have been offered a Le Mans seat with Porsche.

"It all depends on Webber himself," he insisted. "How fast he is and what other offers he has."

From GMM

There would be "no bullshit" in the Red Bull garage if Sebastian Vettel is paired with friend Kimi Raikkonen in 2014.

Amid speculation Red Bull is considering the Finn as a potential replacement for Mark Webber next year, world champion Vettel suggested he would be happy with that choice.

"I don't care who my teammate is," German Vettel told Sport Bild. "If you want to win, you have to beat everyone. But if Kimi was my teammate: fine! We have no problem with each other and we're mature enough to deal with it even in a difficult situation."

"I get along well with him," Vettel, whose tetchy relationship with Webber fell to an all-time low with the recent 'Multi-21' affair, continued, still referring to Raikkonen. "He's just very honest. There's no bullshit with him."

Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel happy on the Bahrain podium. (Photo: WRi2)

Kimi Raikkonen has also spoken glowingly of Vettel, even though he has been careful to drop no hints about his plans beyond his Lotus contract.

"We trust each other in a duel to not do anything stupid," said the Finn. "We're both open and honest. If we were to crash, we would probably complain about each other, but that's just normal."

Toyota Racing press release

TOYOTA Racing's 2013-specification TS030 HYBRID will make its race debut at this weekend's 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Round 2 of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Photo: Toyota Racing

After finishing third and fourth in the 6 Hours of Silverstone earlier this month with the 2012-specification TS030 HYBRID, the team will bring one updated car to Belgium.

The No. 7 car of Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima - competing for TOYOTA Racing for the first time in 2013 after missing Silverstone due to Super Formula commitments in Japan - will drive the updated car.

Following their podium at Silverstone, the No. 8 line-up of Anthony Davidson, Stephane Sarrazin and Sebastien Buemi will again participate with a 2012-specification car.

Photo: Toyota Racing

The updated TS030 HYBRID features modifications to chassis and powertrain, with increased performance, reliability and serviceability the priorities.

A revised aerodynamic package, including an updated monocoque, delivers improved performance whilst minimising the impact of updated regulations in 2013 which an increase of the minimum weight for manufacturer LMP1 cars by 15kg.

Photo: Toyota Racing

The TOYOTA HYBRID System - Racing powertrain again uses a unique super capacitor to deliver 300hp of boost automatically, on top of the 530hp generated by a 3.4-litre, normally-aspirated V8 gasoline engine.

Ahead of a completely new development for 2014 due to regulation changes, TOYOTA's Motor Sport Division in Higashifuji has fine-tuned the powertrain to improve power, efficiency, management of component usage and reliability.

From GMM

The team that finishes last will no longer receive any formula one income, Bernie Ecclestone has revealed.

Marussia officials have been puzzling as to why they were not offered a new Concorde Agreement for this season and beyond.

The truth now emerges: F1 chief executive Ecclestone has revealed he has scrapped the $10 million prize-money for any teams that finish the constructors' world championship outside the top ten.

"They (Marussia) don't have a commercial agreement because they are not in the top ten. We pay the top ten, that's what we do," he told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt in the Telegraph newspaper. "For three years we did something different because we had an agreement with (former FIA president) Max (Mosley) but from now on we will pay the top ten and that is it."

The battle for the tenth position is more crucial than ever between Caterham and Marussia. (Photo: WRi2)

Bernie Ecclestone also revealed that the sport is pushing ahead with plans to float on the stock exchange.

"We have agreed to do it," he said. "It will happen this year and it will be up and running."

President Barack Obama is expected to nominate Charlotte, North Carolina, Mayor Anthony Foxx, a Democrat, to lead the Transportation Department. Foxx would replace Ray LaHood, who is stepping down.

Nissan is joining General Motors and Tesla Motors, the largest sellers of rechargeable autos in North America, in promoting the money-saving benefits of battery-powered cars over saving the planet.

Volkswagen may cut temporary posts in response to Europe's weak market but won't close factories or reduce its permanent workforce, CEO Martin Winterkorn said.

The Formula One road show will be stopping in Jerusalem this June, the Associated Press confirmed.

Jerusalem residents will be treated to a spot of F1 on June 13-14, when the "Jerusalem Peace Road Show" takes place.

Former grand prix driver Giancarlo Fisichella and bikers Max Biaggi and Chris Pfeiffer will be on hand for the display, in front of a crowd of 100,000 spectators, the AP report says.

Giancarlo Fisichella and Nir Barkat (Photo: Ferrari)

City mayor Nir Barkat has labelled the event as apolitical, in the hope F1 brings Israelis and Palestinians together.

An Israeli startup by the name of Phinergy claims it could launch by 2017 a metal-air battery technology that would provide a range of 1,600 kilometres. The struggling electric car market sure could use such a boost to win over potential customers.

However, since these new batteries are less convenient to charge/replace, they must be combined with traditional lithium-ion batteries. Still, some automakers have already shown interest. Tesla Motors, for one, has filed eight patent applications that reference "metal-air" batteries.

Whereas Phinergy talks about consumable batteries, Tesla is apparently looking to develop a specific charging system for metal-air batteries. The latter could use metals such as aluminum, iron, lithium, magnesium, vanadium, and zinc.

Sources : greencarreports.com

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour