banner The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Auto News 5

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed

Do not miss the latest Auto News !

Apr
4th

2013 Infiniti G37 IPL Preview

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Price Range: $57,300 and up

Description: The first machine to wear Infiniti's new Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) badge is the popular G37 Coupe. Alongside its sedan and convertible siblings, this hopped-up luxury sports car benefits from upgrades intended to make things faster, tighter, more powerful, and more exclusive.

Designers applied discreet upgrades to the body including sports appliqués for the fascias in front and rear. Larger exhaust outlets, special badging, unique wheels, side-sill extensions, and other upgrades quietly convey the IPL model's sportier intentions.


Revised spring rates, a higher-performance braking system, and performance tires are also fitted on the 2013 Infiniti G37 IPL. Beyond that, much of the G37's refined, high-luxury motoring experience remains unchanged.

Drivetrain: The sole powerplant available in the 2013 Infiniti G37 IPL is a highly acclaimed 3.7L V6. Tuned extensively to punch out 348 horsepower, shoppers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed automatic with paddle-shift. The automatic transmission offers a fully automatic mode, but also shifts instantly via the steering-wheel-mounted paddles if the driver desires.

Power delivery is smooth and linear during city driving, and there's a notable ramp-up in forward momentum as the variable valve timing helps the engine in the 2013 Infiniti G37 IPL breathe all the way towards its 7,500 rpm redline.

The engine features dual low-restriction intakes, the Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) cam-timing system, low-friction piston coatings, and re-mapped engine management software for full optimization of the upgrades.

Drivers can expect added sound effects from under the hood, as the IPL-tuned powerplant gains some of its power boost by way of a low-restriction, high-performance exhaust system. All 2013 Infiniti G37 IPL models are rear-wheel drive.

Consider it if: you want a discreetly dialed-up version of a best-selling sports coupe for a discreet amount of additional money. The G37, even in IPL trim, is arguably equal parts luxury and performance thanks to the presence of upscale feature content, and a world class cabin. Sport suspension or not, the 2013 Inifniti G37 IPL is ready for long-haul comfort or track-day sessions, as well as anything in between.

Skip it if: you're after some pedigree or a reputation from your performance-branded premium coupe as the IPL badge is still largely unproven. The upgraded performance doesn't match that offered by moving into a BMW M car or a Mercedes AMG model. If you want the G37 with AWD, it's not available in the IPL.

Other Notes: A harddrive navigation system, Bose audio, backup camera, automatic everything, power memory seating, and seat heaters are all on board. Ditto for a keyless access system for maximum convenience in the 2013 Infiniti G37 IPL. Rear seats are small, but present.

Don't Miss: When you power-tilt the steering wheel, the instrument cluster moves with it, enhancing visibility. The VVEL cam-timing system works the engine in an ultra-efficient mode during highway cruising, which turns in relatively decent fuel economy as far as 348 horsepower coupes go.

2013 Infiniti G37 IPL Coupe side view
Photo: Infiniti


Apr
4th

Rally: Unfit Sebastien Ogier to miss Fafe Rally Sprint

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From wrc.com

Volkswagen Motorsport driver Sebastien Ogier has been forced to withdraw from Saturday's Fafe Rally Sprint in Portugal on medical grounds.

The World Rally Championship driver had planned to take part in the show event near Porto with co-driver Julien Ingrassia in preparation for Portugal's round of the FIA World Rally Championship that starts on April 11.

“Unfortunately I have been laid low by an influenza infection, leading my doctor to insist that I withdraw,” Ogier explained.

“I would really have liked to participate in this unique event, but my World Rally Championship commitments must take precedence. I hope the fans understand that.”

WRC Volkswagen Sebastien Ogier
Sebastien Ogier, Volkswagen. (Photo: WRC)

With Ogier sidelined, VW will be represented at the Rally Sprint by Andreas Mikkelsen who will drive a Polo R WRC alongside co-driver Mikko Markkula as a warm-up before his World Rally Car debut with the team next week.

Volkswagen says the Nordic duo will give it their all in front of the 100,000 spectators who are expected to pack the 6.34 kilometre course on April 6.




Apr
4th

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Preview

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Note: This preview is for the base Lancer sedan, only. Please refer to our spec sheets for information about the Lancer Ralliart, Lancer Evolution or Lancer Sportback.

Highlights*
The ninth-generation Mitsubishi Lancer offers lively steering, pleasant handling, great ride quality, and proven reliability from its powertrain components.

Lowlights*
This compact sedan lacks interior refinement as fit and finish leave a lot to be desired. What's more, sporty driving enthusiasts are no doubt disappointed that the manual gearbox is not available on all-wheel-drive models.


Pricing

The front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Lancer starts at just $15,998 in DE trim. Next up is the SE at $19,198, and then the GT at $23,998. Variants equipped with the brand's All-Wheel Control system retail from $23,098 (SE AWC) or $27,998 (GT AWC).

Fuel consumption
A manual 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer has ratings of 8.3L/100km in the city, 5.7L/100km on the highway, and 7.1L/100km combined. The optional CVT is a bit more fuel efficient with a rating of 7.9, 5.8, and 7.0L/100km, respectively.

AWC comes with a larger-displacement engine, so expect 9.2L/100km in the city, 6.9L/100km on the highway, and 8.2L/100km combined.

New for 2013
A special “10th Anniversary” edition of the Lancer is available this year. At $19,998, buyers get 5-spoke, 16” alloy wheels, a power sunroof, fog lights, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an exhaust finisher, and a “10th Anniversary” badge.

Styling
With an aggressively styled nose, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer continues to turn heads. The wide, horizontal headlights and menacing grille combine with slanted taillights for a sporty-looking exterior.

Cargo room
The sedan's trunk has a maximum cargo capacity of 348 litres, which is only slightly less than rivals such as the Honda Civic (353).

Powertrain
The aluminum-built MIVEC engine that powers FWD Lancers is a 2.0L 4-cylinder unit rated at 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. As mentioned earlier, the standard 5-speed manual transmission can be replaced by a CVT.

Meanwhile, AWC-equipped versions of the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer get a 2.4L variant that produces 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque exclusively through a Sportronic CVT with paddle shifters.

Safety
Lancer occupants stay on the right track thanks to stability and traction control, along with ABS and brake assist. Seven airbags come standard, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system.

Warranty
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer boasts a 5-year/100,000-km comprehensive limited warranty, a 10-year/160,000-km powertrain warranty, plus five years of roadside assistance.

Competitors
Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Volkswagen Jetta

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer side view
Photo: Mitsubishi

* Based on expert reviews.
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions de l'homme, 2012, p.476
Joubert Antoine, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.458
mitsubishi-motors.ca



Apr
4th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-04-04 00:00:00

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM

Jean-Eric Vergne has hinted just how high the stakes are at Toro Rosso this year.

His teammate Daniel Ricciardo came out fighting in 2013 by declaring his friendship with the Frenchman is over as he pushes to "blow it apart" this season.

Vergne, 22, is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace as admitting the stakes at Toro Rosso - the 'junior' Red Bull-owned team - are high.

While Mark Webber's contract at the senior team is running out, a new crop of Red Bull-sponsored youngsters are knocking loudly at Toro Rosso's door.

Jean-Eric Vergne admitted: "If my performances are good, I'll get a spot at Red Bull (Racing). Otherwise, they will replace me and I'll lose my place. But I am in Toro Rosso at the moment, I deserve my place and I have to prove it to everyone by getting results."

F1 Toro Rosso STR8 Jean-Eric Vergne
Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: WRi2)


Apr
4th

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Preview

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Highlights*
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL stands out from the regular, short-wheelbase Santa Fe Sport with a new 60/40-split third-row seat that boosts seating capacity to seven while increasing versatility. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Lowlights*
The lone engine option with the Santa Fe XL is a 3.3L V6 which means buyers can't take advantage of the Santa Fe Sport's 264-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder.


Pricing and equipment
Starting at $29,999, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL comes standard with heated front seats, sliding and reclining second-row seats, 7-passenger seating, and 18” alloy wheels. AWD models retail from $34,999. The top-of-the-line model is a 6-passenger Santa Fe Limited ($42,899), which replaces the middle bench with individual captain's chairs. Equipment includes premium items such as 19” wheels, HID headlights, a proximity key with push-button start, a 4.2” TFT display screen, and a 10-speaker Infinity audio system. A Saddle Leather “version” is also available, with limited exterior colour choices (only three), and a saddle leather interior, of course, for an extra $300 only.

Options
Customers can add to their 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL luxurious optional amenities such as heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof, just to name a few.

Fuel consumption
The bigger Santa Fe XL remains a fuel-efficient crossover, with ratings of 11.7L/100km (city), 8.0L/100km (highway), and 10.0L/100km (combined).

New for 2013
The Hyundai Santa Fe was completely redesigned and re-engineered for 2013. This latest generation hit the market last summer with the smaller, 5-passenger Sport variant (a direct evolution of what we used to know), while the Santa Fe XL is freshly arriving in showrooms.

Styling
Despite riding on a 215-mm longer wheelbase, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL's proportions look just right. Save for the larger wheels and newly designed fog lights, exterior styling is basically a carbon copy.

Cargo capacity
The trunk of the Santa Fe XL can hold 383 litres of cargo when all seats are occupied. Fold them down, and you wind up with an impressive 2,265 litres of space for goodies.

Powertrain
As mentioned earlier, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL exploits a 3.3L V6 with gasoline direct injection (GDI), and all-wheel drive is optional. Output is rated at 290 horsepower, while maximum torque amounts to 252 lb-ft. It's all handled by a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual mode.

Warranty
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL comes with a 5-year/100,000-km comprehensive limited warranty, identical coverage on the powertrain, plus three years of roadside assistance.

Safety
In the U.S., the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL with a 5-star crash rating. Look for safety features such as seven standard airbags, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability and traction control, downhill brake control, and hill-start assist.

Competitors
Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL side view
Photo: Hyundai

*Based on expert reviews.
Apr
4th

NASCAR: Denny Hamlin hopes for an early return to racing

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
In his first interview since his injury at Auto Club Speedway driver Denny Hamlin said he hopes to return two weeks earlier than the six week period his doctors mentioned previously.

The Virginia-born native is aiming to return to racing by the spring race at Richmond International Raceway. There are two obvious reasons, first it's his “home” race track and second he wants and needs points to make NASCAR's playoffs called “The Chase.”

Denny Hamlin, 32, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, said “I'm being very optimistic and I'm not following orders, but I'd like to be back in it at ... Richmond would be a target week I'd love to get back in the car.  I think it would be a great thing to be at my home track and back in the car, but obviously it's a little sooner than the timetable set for me.  I'm going to physically feel fine.  Unfortunately there's things going on inside my body that aren't going to allow me to get in the race car until they're ready.”

NASCAR Denny Hamlin impact
Caption: NASCAR.com

In a television interview on SpeedTV the driver didn't appear in any discomfort. “I feel not completely back to normal but I at least can walk around and be a little bit more mobile,” said Hamlin.  “I'm past the physical hurdles that this injury has given me.  It's just now the mental of not being able to get in the race car for the next six weeks.”

He was asked to explain about his ongoing feud with former JGR teammate, Joey Logano, who tangled with him on the closing lap of Auto Club Speedway.

“I ultimately spun him out at Bristol,” Hamlin said of the incident the week before. “I did not intend to spin him out.  It was a mistake. I said it was mistake.  Said I was sorry on the radio when it happened.  That was in retaliation to being chopped off twice and it frustrated me and I intended on bumping him, and then I did and it spun him out.  He crammed us on the restart and it made our day bad.  Blew a tire and we finished 25th.  In my opinion, he retaliated at Bristol, and it was over at that point.  I didn't realize going forward that it was going to continue.  Obviously he still had a good finish and I ended up 25th and flying to the hospital.”

On Monday Logano said the last lap accident was not intentional; it was just hard racing. “Obviously I know who I'm racing against and what happened a week before but going into turn three on the last lap, I remember ‘I'm going to win the race.'” Logano said on television. “ My number one goal is to go win a race. So did I intentionally wreck him? No, I did not intentionally do that. If I was going to do that I would have hit him in the left-rear tire. I hit him in the door. It's hard racing at that point. I hate that he got hurt.”

In NASCAR custom following an incident at the track drivers may communicate with each other to short cut bad feelings. Apparently a text exchange between the two drivers was not satisfactory to end the feud.

“I'm upset that things just couldn't be let go,” added Hamlin.  “We had a great opportunity at the end of that race to let bygones be bygones.  I literally played out in my mind that if he wins this race, I was going to shake his hand right there on pit lane and congratulate him and tell him, ‘This is how we should be racing each other.'  Unfortunately, it didn't play out for either one of us.  I was upset that we had an opportunity to change how we race each other and he just didn't let it go.”


Apr
4th

F1: The Finishing Line with Romain Grosjean

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Lotus F1 Team driver, Frenchman Romain Grosjean answered some funny questions about himself and his career.

The ‘Finishing Line' questionnaire of Formula1.com is designed specifically to provide an alternative insight into the minds of today's Formula 1 stars? Read on to find out...

The sportsperson I most admire is...
Romain Grosjean: I have many that I admire: (tennis player) Roger Federer, (skier) Didier Cuche, (rally driver) Sebastien Loeb and (former tennis player) Yannick Noah.

The best actor in the world is...
RG: Jean Reno

Romain Grosjean being interviewed by his wife, Marion Jolles.
Romain Grosjean being interviewed by his wife, reporter Marion Jolles. (Photo: WRI2)

The most memorable overtaking move of my career was...
RG: It was in GP2 at Barcelona in 2011. I overtook three cars in two corners at Turns 4 and 5. Two around the outside and one on the inside.

My favourite song of all time is...
RG: I like the songs of Adele.

The best thing about the off-season is...
RG: You can sleep as much as you want.

The last time I lost my temper was...
RG: It happens sometimes, yes. The last time, I guess, was in December. I dropped almost everything I had on me - my phone, my wallet...

My first pet was...
RG: It was a Jack Russell dog by the name of Milou.

My most treasured possession is ...
RG: My wedding ring.

The funniest person I know is...
RG: Hughes Trevennec from Mumm champagne.

My favourite drink is...
RG: Champagne on the podium.

You would never catch me wearing a...
RG: Pants made from floral fabrics.

The best excuse to give your team boss after crashing the car is...
RG: Sorry, I've got the wrong pedal...

The last time I lost something was...
RG: Touch wood, I almost never lose anything.

My favourite holiday destination is...
RG: Mauritius.

My favourite time of the day is...
RG: Dinnertime.

The strangest rumour I've ever read about myself was...
RG: That my wife was pregnant two years ago which was not true at the time. She is now...

The best present I've been given by a fan is...
RG: A mini model of myself carved from wood and painted.

The best cure for a hangover is...
RG: Time!

Apr
4th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2013-04-04 00:00:00

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From GMM

After the 'Multi-21' affair re-fired the old debate about team orders, Franz Tost insists it is "pointless" to reintroduce a ban.

In Malaysia recently, Sebastian Vettel ignored Red Bull's order to stay behind his teammate Mark Webber.

And behind them, in third and fourth positions, Nico Rosberg grudgingly followed the sister Mercedes to the line, having been told by Mercedes to resist the urge to pass.

The legality of team orders was reintroduced by current FIA president Jean Todt a few years ago, but the 'Multi-21' affair has intensified the calls for a new ban.

F1 Red Bull
Photo: WRi2

Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost told Speed Week: "Generally I am not a great fan of team orders, because we want to see battles and overtaking manoeuvres. Therefore, we keep it to an absolute minimum at Toro Rosso."

On the other hand, he answered "yes" as to whether Toro Rosso does sometimes impose orders to the benefit of the Faenza based team.

And he agreed that Vettel's controversial behaviour at Sepang reinforced that "Discipline is one of the most important requirements for success".

Franz Tost added: "Team orders have always been there (in F1) in some form, so it's pointless to ban them."

Right or wrong, Vettel's mischievous pass on Webber in Malaysia has divided opinion in the paddock.

Caterham rookie Giedo van der Garde told De Telegraaf newspaper that Sepang was "typical Vettel", but also the reason he "wins races and world championships".

1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve is far less forgiving, telling Spain's caranddriverthef1.com that the German showed a total "lack of respect to both Mark and the team".

"A huge lack of respect," he added. "In the circumstances, with engines turned down, it's not a race. Yes, in formula one you have to win at all costs, but you do need to respect some things.

"He (Vettel) is super fast but he's a man without honour and respect, so for me he is not a great champion or a great man," added Jacques Villeneuve.



Apr
3rd

Former A123 battery maker settles supply claim with Fisker

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
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.
Apr
3rd

Pavement Be Damned

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Pavement Be Damned
Pavement Be Damned - Automobile Magazine
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


Apr
3rd

Report: New-vehicle purchase price on the rise: Toyota, Hyundai and Kia prices increase

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
The average purchase price of a new car is on the rise, according to a recent report from automotive analysts at TrueCar.com.
Apr
3rd

Is Carbon Motors calling it quits? : Start-up automaker abandons Indiana factory

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
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.
Apr
3rd

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-04-03 16:38:44

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
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.
Apr
3rd

LoveFab sets out for Pikes Peak: Autoweek TV

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Also in this episode: NHTSA is requesting permission to change noncontroversial rules; Lewis Hamilton singing.
Apr
3rd

Chrysler buys former Ford testing site in Florida

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
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.
Apr
3rd

Hyundai issues recalls for faulty brake switch, loose bracket: Brake fix covers 1.7 million cars

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Hyundai is recalling 186,254 Elantra vehicles from model years 2011-2013 to replace a support bracket on the headliner.
Apr
3rd

Shelby American to offer more customized Raptors: Monster truck sees monster demand

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Shelby American's customized version of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is seeing monster demand.
Apr
3rd

Rimac Concept One takes on Ferrari 458 Spider: Electric supercar notches a win over tradition

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
The Rimac Concept One electric supercar is fast. How fast, you ask? Fast enough to beat a
Apr
3rd

2014 Porsche Panamera gets new hybrid

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
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.
Apr
3rd

INDIA: New Fiat-Chrysler chief named

Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
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.
Hosted by CifTech Hosting.