Auto News 5

Subaru Canada will recall 25,732 Legacy and Outback vehicles from 2005-2009 because corrosion may perforate the centre and rear brake lines (due to the design of the fuel tank protector).

This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances. Consequently, Subaru dealers will inspect all affected vehicles and either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the lines, or replace them as necessary.

Source: Transports Canada

Here's a nice photo of Sebastian Vettel's most precious tool - the steering wheel of his Red Bull RB9, he nicknamed “Hungry Heidi”.

Photo: WRi2

The function of most buttons and switches is well known, such as RADIO (to talk to the team), BBAL (to adjust brake balance), N (neutral), PIT (set speed limiter in the pit lane), OK (to acknowledge a message to the team).

Photo: WRi2

The function of the knobs is also well known: CLUTCH (to adjust the clutch bite point), KERS (to change the release of the KERS), TYRE (to tell the car computer the type of tires is fitted on the car), MIX (to adjust the fuel mixture) and FW.EN (to tell the team how to adjust the angle of the front flaps during a pit stop).

Photo: WRi2

The button and knobs are colour coded to make Vettel's life easier. It's easier to find them quickly when driving at 320 km/h!

Formula 1 fans should know that Amalgam Fine Model Cars, located in the U.K. makes stunning full-size replicas of F1 steering wheels. Click here to visit that page.

On April 21st, Porsche will host the world premiere of the new 2014 Panamera in Shanghai, China. The car will arrive in Canadian showrooms this fall with the following MSRPs:

• Panamera: $89,500
• 4: $94,800
• S: $106,600
• 4S: $112,500
• S E-Hybrid: $125,900
• GTS: $129,400
• 4S Executive: $143,600
• Turbo: $161,500
• Turbo Executive: $184,100

Next year, Porsche will add Turbo S and Turbo S Executive models (pricing has yet to be announced).

The new, more swept-back rear window creates an even more extended silhouette. The rear section itself was also redesigned, and includes a wider spoiler.

An all-new 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine will be available with S and 4S models, delivering 20 more horsepower than the 4.8L V8.

Meanwhile, the 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid achieves a mind-boggling 3.1L/100km -- a 56% improvement over the 2013 model. It can also travel 36 kilometres in EV mode.

Panamera S E-Hybrid 2014 (Photo: Porsche)

Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive (Photo: Porsche)

From GMM

Mark Webber may have been the victim of the 'Multi-21' affair at Sepang, but the Australian's behaviour also raised a few eyebrows.

As his teammate Sebastian Vettel ignored team orders and launched an overtaking attack, Webber pushed the sister Red Bull almost into the pitwall at 300kph.

He then showed his middle finger to his German cohort, and after the chequered flag was flown, he swerved into Vettel at high speed in one final act of frustration and anger.

The FIA, however, remained silent, and not a single stewards' investigation was launched.

"Other drivers have been punished for much less," an unnamed boss of a rival team is quoted by respected Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Now we're not certain whether GM pays out bonuses upon results, but if so then the Cadillac design team must be tripping to the bank with suitcases full of greenbacks. After all, has there ever been a more radical turnaround of a company than what we've witnessed from Cadillac over the past decade?

Yes, what was once Grandpa's favourite brand is now taking on the best from around the globe and kicking some serious world-class butt!

Much of this success lies with the company's golden child: the CTS. From what we've just seen, those designers are likely to need slightly larger suitcases in 2014.


The new Cadillac CTS
It barely seems like yesterday since Cadillac wowed us with its first CTS, yet 2014 hails in the 3rd generation. However, as much as the first gen made us gasp and cry, “You're kidding me, that's a Cadillac?!” The new 2014 Cadillac CTS is more about refinement and taking it all to the next level.

For 2014, the Cadillac CTS is longer (127 mm in length, including a 1.2” longer wheelbase), lower (the roofline and cowl -- the base of the windshield -- are about an inch lower), and leaner (its weight loss of 200 lbs is pretty impressive). There's also more luxury, more performance and a whole array of new high-tech bits and bobs.

Exterior
Cadillac's shield grille and signature vertical lighting elements evolve on the 2014 Cadillac CTS. The grille is wider and more detailed, while the headlamps flow up with the hood line, incorporating crystalline LED lights.

Active grille shutters are also now included on some models.

Interior
The cabin of the CTS has always offered a pleasing cockpit-like feel, and this continues for 2014. At the core of the 2014 CTS is CUE, Cadillac's infotainment system that uses smartphone/tablet-influenced controls to command and access information. Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition is standard with CUE, along with USB and SD card ports.

An 8” high-resolution colour touchscreen is standard fitment in the 2014 Cadillac CTS, yet there is also a 12.3” high-resolution unit available.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS offers a choice of eight interior environments, each trimmed with authentic wood, carbon fiber or aluminum.

The new CTS sedan is also the first Cadillac to offer Automatic Parking Assist which enables the car to parallel park itself.

Other technologies include Cadillac's first 20-way adjustable front seats, heated and cooled (ventilated) front seats and a heated steering wheel, electronic parking brake (and there's even something called a motorized cup holder lid in the center console, but no data available yet on the closed-to-open acceleration times!).

Performance and handling
If there's one outstanding quality the 2014 Cadillac CTS is surely known for it's superb handling and performance. Anyone who's driven those gorgeous V series models will certainly back us up on that, and this continues for 2014.

Lightweight features, including Cadillac's first aluminum door structures, contribute to the reduced/lower weight of the new 2014 CTS and help create a near 50/50 weight balance. And, for the first time, Magnetic Ride Control is available on base models.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS is available with a naturally aspirated 3.6L (321 hp) V6. However, the big news for 2014 is the new Twin-Turbo (420 hp) V6 (estimated 0-100kph of 4.6 seconds). Both come standard with Cadillac's first ever 8-speed transmission, which is sure to make a difference in ride comfort and fuel economy.

Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan

Safety
Together with the standard 10 airbags, the availability of AWD not only enhances performance but safety as well.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS also features GM's first automatic safety-belt tightening system that automatically takes the slack out of the safety belts once buckled, fitting them perfectly to each occupant.

There is also a Driver Awareness Package available which includes Cadillac's patented Safety Alert Seat technology. This uses vibrating pulses in the driver's seat to alert the driver to an imminent collision or to vehicles in the car's blind spot. The seat vibrates on the left or right side, or both sides simultaneously, depending on the direction of the risk.

Summary
As we said, the new 2014 Cadillac CTS is upping the stakes in the midsize luxury market. So, while the Cadillac designers go searching for larger suitcases there are probably several of their German counterparts feeling just a tad uncomfortable!

When is blocking justified in a Sprint Cup race? That question arose on the final restart of the NASCAR race at Auto Club Speedway in California two weeks ago.

Tony Stewart confronted Joey Logano on pit lane after the race was over. He said that the young driver blocked him on the final restart.

NASCAR officials said neither incident required a penalty.

Photo: NASCAR

Here's what the Dale Earnhardt Jr., the current points leader thinks of blocking:

“Well, I think that every driver is going to have a different opinion. My opinion is that ‑‑ I don't ‑‑ I might block in certain situations. I would expect and accept to be blocked in certain situations. But you've got to give me racetrack. You've got to give me somewhere to run. You can't just run me up into the fence. You've got to give me a lane. You've got to give me ‑‑ if you give me a reasonable amount of racetrack to race on, then I really can't complain in regards to what you're trying to do to maintain the position.

Also it depends on what time in the race it is. Is it time to be blocking? Is the position that important at that moment in time? Again, everybody will have a different opinion.

But when somebody blocks me, I'm not blown away by the notion. You know, some guys are more adamant about it than others. Some guys block stronger or block the whole racetrack and think that's okay. But everybody has got a different opinion. You've got to give me some racetrack where I can compete, give me a fair opportunity to race you cleanly and race you with respect, and you'll get the same from me.

You know, I'm not going to say that I've never blocked anybody because I have, and you do, you will. Being in certain situations, that's your only alternative. But you've got to give people racing room or expect to get turned around or expect to make a few people upset.”

Photo: NASCAR

On the other hand Ryan Newman thinks blocking is not a NASCAR style. As Tony Stewart's teammate and employee Newman might be a little biased.

“ I think that there were true frustrations in the blocking,” said Newman. “I think blocking is a chicken way to drive, not to ‑‑ it's just something I don't do. If you've got a run on me, take it. If I can get through the corner better than you, then we'll race, but blocking is an IndyCar form or F1 form or an open wheel type move it seems like. It's not to say they don't do it in NASCAR; obviously they do, but to me it's just a chicken way of driving and not very respectful for the guys around you. You're there to race, you're not there to block. So I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know if there will be retaliation, I don't know if they'll talk and never have retaliation, who knows, good question.”

From GMM

Porsche has refused to deny rumours it is lining up Mark Webber to lead its charge with a new Le Mans prototype next year.

Amid the 'Multi-21' affair and claims the Australian's place is now untenable alongside Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull, German newspaper Bild reported that the 36-year-old and Porsche have "already been in contact" regarding a 2014 deal.

Asked about the Webber rumours, a spokesman for the carmaker told SID news agency: "Porsche already has a squad of internationally successful works drivers.

"This is a very good basis for the assignment of the corresponding (Le Mans) cockpits. Whether and to what extent additional drivers are added will be decided at a later date," spokesman Oliver Hilger added.

Mark Webber and Christian Horner. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Tesla Motors has joined forces with USBank and Wells Fargo Bank to create vehicle financing and leasing products that allow consumers to lease a Model S electric sedan for a net payment of about $500 a month after a 10 percent down payment and...

Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales in March were its highest since May 2007, the company said today, led by sales of pickups and crossovers.

Faurecia North America Inc.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS shed its final pieces of camouflage at the New York auto show in March.

President Obama said he intends to nominate White House aide Brian Deese as the new deputy director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Also in this episode: Scion searches for a new direction, and GM shares details of the

BMW AG reported a 13 percent U.S. sales increase in March, cutting into the luxury-auto lead of Mercedes-Benz as both brands set records for the month.

Volkswagen brand's vehicle sales rose 3 percent last month from a year earlier with most of the gains coming from one nameplate: the Beetle.

General Motors' U.S. sales rose 6 percent in March, the company said today, as new nameplates helped Cadillac achieve a 50 percent gain and Buick rise 37 percent.

UPDATED-Honda Motor Co. and Detroit's three automakers, setting the pace, posted March sales gains of 5 to 7 percent, signaling the spring selling season is off to a solid start for the U.S. auto industry.

The big news for the 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S is its increase in power. Its 5.

Videos 2 Apr, 2013

The all-new Range Rover Sport has made its world debut at the New York Motor Show

Videos 2 Apr, 2013

The 355bhp Mercedes CLA 45 AMG has been unveiled at the New York Motor Show