Auto News 5

Being green has never been trendier, as evidenced by the growing presence of highly efficient automobiles on the road. These include vehicles powered by alternative energy such as clean diesel, electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane.

Here, we'll focus on electric cars.

100% electric cars
These models are completely emission-free since they make do without any combustion engine or gasoline-powered generator. They rely exclusively on an electric motor and battery, and their range can exceed 100 kilometres with a full charge (depending on traffic conditions and driving habits). That makes them ideal for daily commutes around town.

Charging electric cars can be done at home or at one of the hundreds of charging stations across the country. Three affordable models are currently available:

• Nissan LEAF
• Mitsubishi i-MiEV
• Ford Focus Electric

If money isn't really an issue, or if you're looking for the most luxurious EV around, consider these two:

• Fisker Karma
• Tesla Model S

Extended-range electric cars
In this case, a gasoline engine/generator can charge the battery that feeds the electric motor. So, whenever the battery is about to run out, the generator kicks in to extend the range - anywhere from about 60 to 500 kilometres. The only model that fits this description right now is the Chevrolet Volt.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

India is facing a long wait for another formula one driver, Karun Chandhok has warned.

Not too long ago, both Chandhok and Narain Karthikeyan were representing the populous nation on the grid.

Now, they have been priced out of the market.

Karun Chandhok testing for Team Lotus in 2011. (Photo: WRi2)

"F1 is F1, everyone knows the financial situation," Chandhok, who now races in Le Mans-style sports cars, told the Press Trust of India.

"F1 is difficult at the moment unless you have millions."

The 29-year-old lamented that, while he and Karthikeyan are locked outside of F1, there are no countryman poised to take their place in representing India.

Narain Karthikeyan, racing driver for HRT in 2012. (Photo: HRT F1 Team)

"(The) next F1 driver from India? At the moment don't see anyone else," said Chandhok.

"If any Indian has to be in F1 in future it would be either me or Narain. To be able to do well in F1, you need to win in Europe and so far only I and Narain have been able to win in GP2, A1GP and Formula 3. No other Indian has been able to do it. Have you seen anyone in the junior ranks? There are a few but no one is winning," he added.

Price Range: $26,190

Description: As Canada's best-selling passenger car for 14 consecutive years, the Civic returns for 2013 with a host of design upgrades and an onslaught of new standard features while maintaining the efficiency and value that have made it a household name.

The range-topping Civic, called the Civic Si, stands for Sport Injected. It's a badge that's been worn by the hottest factory Civic models for generations.

In its latest application, the Si treatment sees the best-selling Civic model fitted with various suspension, styling and chassis upgrades to handle the duties of high-performance driving. Track-validated brakes, tires and suspension components are all on board the 2013 Honda Civic Si.


Visual upgrades include a spoiler, special wheels, a sunroof, unique badging, and plenty more. The 2013 Civic Si is available in both two- and four-door configurations, both of which capitalize on the recent redesign and update of the Civic family. Look for 17” wheels, red contrast stitching, sport-tuned exhaust, and sport-tuned suspension. A full complement of airbags and a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system are both standard on the safety front.

Drivetrain: With motivation from a high-revving 2.4L V-TEC engine, the upgrades are no empty threat. The furious K24 engine under the 2013 Civic Si's hood generates 201 horsepower while spinning eagerly to its 7,000 rpm redline. When drivers enter the upper limits of the engine's rev range, the V-TEC system engages a more aggressive camshaft profile to ramp up power output and sound effects.

2013 Honda Civic Si models are available exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox featuring a lightweight and compact design and excellent shift-feel. Power is sent to the front wheels through a helical-style Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that helps increase handling potential while reducing wheel-slippage when powering out of tight corners.

Consider it if: you like the idea of a fun, efficient little sports car you can drive every day of the year, or if you're after a reliable nameplate with a proven reputation for no-nonsense ownership. The 2013 Honda Civic Si also makes a great starting point for custom tuning, visuals and other modifications. With two body styles, there's plenty of selection. Resale values are relatively high, too.

Skip it if: you're after all-out firepower for your dollar, or if you need an automatic transmission since one isn't available.

Other Notes: Feature content includes:

• Navigation
• Premium audio
• Remote keyless access
• Slick driver computer system

Full multimedia connectivity is also on board the 2013 Honda Civic Si, as are specially embroidered sport bucket seats.

Premium fuel is recommended.

Don't Miss: the V-TEC meter! As the system dials up engine power, a small meter with LED indicator lights comes to life, with more lights activating across the meter as the system is worked harder. The final light, achieved at redline, is a shift indicator that blinks quickly just ahead of the rev-limiter to advise drivers that an upshift is required.

Photo: Honda

Attention, Canadian drivers: Hyundai and Kia are now recalling 254,784 and 106,098 vehicles, respectively, because the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights.

Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Consequently, Hyundai and Kia dealers will replace the switch.

Affected models include:

• 2007 Kia Sedona;
• 2007-2012 Kia Rondo;
• 2007-2010 Kia Sportage;
• 2007-2011 Kia Sorento;
• 2010-2011 Kia Soul;
• 2011 Kia Optima;
• 2007-2009 Hyundai Accent;
• 2007-2010 Hyundai Elantra;
• 2007-2011 Hyundai Santa Fe;
• 2007-2009 Hyundai Tucson;
• 2008-2009 Hyundai Veracruz;
• 2010-2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe;
• 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Detroit Electric is making a comeback after an absence of over 70 years. Its all-new SP:01 electric sports car, based on the Lotus Exige, will be limited to 999 units and priced at $135,000 in the U.S. when it goes on sale this August.

This zero-emission two-seater reportedly offers a range of 288 kilometres. A full charge takes 4.3 hours through a 240V power source. As for performance, the SP:01 sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 249 km/h. The 201-horsepower electric motor draws energy from a 37kWh lithium-polymer battery pack.

Inside the SP:01, the Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment (SAMI) system provides access to a wide range of functions, including music, phone, navigation, regenerative braking adjustment, and interior lighting adjustment. Users can also check the vehicle status on their smartphone.

No word yet on the SP:01's Canadian availability.

Photo: Detroit Electric

Several IndyCar drivers will conduct tests at Pocono next week which will be used for tire evaluation by supplier Firestone. This will mark the first time that Indy-type of single seaters has been at the Pennsylvania trioval in more than 20 years.

Will Power, Dario Franchitti, Marco Andretti and Simon Pagenaud will be on hand on the fast race track which will join the Indianapolis 500 and Fontana in comprising the series' Triple Crown.

The series last visited the circuit in 1989 in its CART series' days before concerns over safety standards forced Pocono out of the schedule. It has since undergone significant upgrades and remains a regular stop on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule.

Photo: Pocono Raceway

Ana Beatriz
Meanwhile, Brazilian Ana Beatriz will remain behind the wheel of the second Dale Coyne Racing car until at least the Indianapolis 500. This coming weekend will mark her first race at the Alabama circuit.

Stefan Wilson was supposed to be at the wheel of the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Dallara for the Alabama round but the Briton has been unable to put together a deal in time, but remains optimistic of being able to race later in the year.

On Tuesday, April 2nd, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed the bill that officially repeals a controversial law forcing Canadian drivers to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) on the roads of the Sunshine State.

The law initially came into effect without notice, resulting in a backlash from Canadian tourists. Authorities agreed to defer enforcement of the law before finally opting for a repeal.

“Effective immediately, Canadians in Florida can go back to doing what they have always been able to do: Drive with peace of mind using their provincial driver's license,” said Jeff Walker, CAA Vice President of Public Affairs. “CAA is pleased that the voices of its members and others were listened to by state officials, and that the state of Florida has removed any uncertainty.”

Source : CAA

From GMM

The calmer tones of F1's new-generation turbo V6 engines could be artificially enhanced, according to Bernie Ecclestone.

The F1 chief executive is worried the sport will lose some of its appeal to fans when next year's engines fail to live up to the dramatic noise of the current V8s.

The grand prix circuit promoters, led by Australia's Ron Walker, are also worried.

"As Bernie will attest," Walker told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt, "it (the V6) sounds like a lawnmower engine, and we will be fighting this tooth and nail."

V6 engine. (Photo: Mercedes)

Less publicly worried are the engine makers themselves, who see the new regulations as a welcome step into the automobile's modern era.

It is also expected that Honda could now return to F1, amid rumours Volkswagen and Toyota are also interested in the V6 rules.

But Ecclestone thinks the radical change of regulations is actually a risk for the suppliers.

"The danger is that what will happen is what always happens with the manufacturers, which is that if it doesn't work they will stop," he told Autoweek.

And another risk is that the 'lawnmower' tones of the V6s will also drive the spectators away.

"What Ron (Walker) is saying is that you have to make sure that the engines will make it to 16,000 revs," said Ecclestone. "That was agreed and now we know they won't rev to anything like that. The fuel flow has been agreed so even if you have big tanks it still can't rev (to 16,000)."

Admitting it is not his preferred option, Bernie Ecclestone nonetheless revealed that artificially enhancing the V6 engine sound is a possibility.

"Maybe we can make them sound like the current engines," he said.

Ron Walker added that in 2011, "(FIA president Jean) Todt told me in Australia that the next thing is they are going to have a hybrid. I said 'what about the noise' and he said they will put a squeak box on the back of the car. God almighty!"

The bankrupt electric-car battery maker formerly called A123 Systems, renamed B456 Systems, reached a settlement in which Fisker Automotive reduced its claims by 89 percent to $15 million.

Pavement Be Damned

Crossing Utah in Ford's toughest truck.

Tomorrow we're supposed to cross into Arizona and return to the civilized, predictable world of pavement. The day after that, a plane will deliver us from Las Vegas to Detroit, back to our daily routine and roads so familiar we know where the potholes are. But today -- right now -- we are not where we want to be.

Photo Gallery: Pavement Be Damned - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Pavement Be Damned - Automobile Magazine

Pavement Be Damned | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

The average purchase price of a new car is on the rise, according to a recent report from automotive analysts at TrueCar.com.

For years, Carbon Motors Corp. has been teasing us -- and the nation's law-enforcement agencies -- with renderings and photos of its purpose-built E7 police cruiser.

Japanese car makers' sales in China in the first three months of the year have yet to recover fully from last year's slump, and foreign rivals are capitalizing in a market which expects 7 percent growth in 2013.

Also in this episode: NHTSA is requesting permission to change noncontroversial rules; Lewis Hamilton singing.

Chrysler Group has bought a 531-acre testing center in Florida, where it plans to expand its vehicle testing, especially in winter. The site has more than six miles of test track, including a 2.1-mile straightaway and a 1.

Hyundai is recalling 186,254 Elantra vehicles from model years 2011-2013 to replace a support bracket on the headliner.

Shelby American's customized version of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is seeing monster demand.

The Rimac Concept One electric supercar is fast. How fast, you ask? Fast enough to beat a

The Porsche Panamera has been restyled and the lineup gains a plug-in hybrid model, along with a new twin-turbo V6 for the Panamera S and 4S models that is more powerful than the former base V8.

Fiat Group Automobiles India and Chrysler India Automotive have named Nagesh Basavanhalli president and managing director for Fiat and Chrysler India operations as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the business position in India.