Auto News 5

Volkswagen Is building the business case for a large SUV in the United States, top VW executives said. The vehicle is a key to the company's plan to nearly double the VW brand's U.S. sales to 800,000 units by 2018.

Pininfarina returned to profit in 2012, its first since 2004, as lower financial charges from a debt restructuring helped its bottom line and its design and engineering business improved.

Bentley and Lamborghini want to create a niche -- the ultraluxury crossover with a price tag of $200,000 to $250,000 -- and they're aiming for annual combined volume of more than 7,000 vehicles.

Volvo has uncovered widespread cheating by its car dealers in China, where retailers inflated sales to win cash rebates from the company for hitting volume targets.

Volvo has uncovered widespread cheating by its car dealers in China, where retailers inflated sales to win cash rebates from the company for hitting volume targets.

From GMM

Robert Kubica has revealed he turned down an offer to return to premier circuit racing in 2013.

The Pole, preparing for his first event of 2013 as he gears up to contest the second-tier world rally championship this season, tested Mercedes' DTM car over the winter.

It was expected that a DTM race seat for the former Renault and BMW driver, seriously injured in an early 2011 rally crash, could pave the way for a return to F1 for the highly rated and popular 28-year-old.

Photo: Citroën Racing

He told Spain's AS sports newspaper: "I had an offer to race in DTM, but I chose rally even though it's a hundred times more difficult. I made the decision late because I wanted it to be right and, hopefully, later this year I will be happy with my choice. DTM is a very difficult championship, with a very high level, and maybe for me it would have been easier to race on circuits, as it's what I know."

When asked if he has therefore shelved his F1 dream for now, Kubica agreed: "I don't think much about formula one."

"Definitely the easiest choice would have been to do the DTM. But today my limitations mean I cannot drive formula one on some of the most physically demanding circuits. I also have limitations to do the rallies and so I will work hard this year and if I can overcome my limitations, I'll have time to think about returning to formula one," he added.

For the first time, rallye Dakar will reach Bolivia next year, while Peru is no longer part of the 2014 road.

In 2013, the Dakar rallye started from Lima, Peru, with a finish in Santiago de Chile after several stages in Argentina. Next year, the event will start from Valparaiso, still in Chile, before heading to the north and the Atacama desert.

The road will then be split in two parts : motorbikes and quads will head for the first time to Bolivia, while the cars and trucks will remain in Chile before reaching Argentina, with an arrival in the city of Rosario.

Stephane Peterhansel, winner of the 2013 edition, MINI. (Photo: Dakar.com)

While Michael Schumacher's retirement announcement made a lot of noise last fall, his brother Ralf's flew well under the radar -- much like his career, actually.

Michael rewrote the entire F1 record book. With seven world titles (including five in a row), and 91 first-place finishes (13 of which came in 2004 alone), the guy is a legend.

Ralf, meanwhile, enjoyed the complete opposite. He never managed to dominate, and seldom made headlines over 11 seasons. He will forever be known as Michael Schumacher's little brother.

In 2004, in Indianapolis. Ralf hit a concrete wall at full speed in what was a 78-g impact. Amazingly, he came out with no broken bones. However, a severe concussion irreparably changed him.

Following his stint in F1, Ralf spent five lacklustre seasons on Mercedes' DTM team. His top finish was a third place in Hockenheim two years ago.

Although I pride myself on being an unbiased auto-racing writer, I must admit that I've never been a fan of the Schumacher brothers. Compared with Jim Clark, Gilles Villeneuve, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, and other greats, there was nothing charismatic about them. While many envied their driving skills -- especially Michael's -- the same could never be said of their personality.

Of course, I vividly remember Michael bumping into Damon Hill on multiple occasions, trying to take out Jacques Villeneuve in 1997, deliberately crashing in Monaco to prevent Fernando Alonso from stealing pole position, and shoving Rubens Barrichello against the pit wall in Hungary.

I know that Ayrton Senna had some controversial moments as well, like when he violently pushed Alain Prost off the track at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix. However, the Brazilian was merely taking his revenge for past attacks against him.

So what if Michael Schumacher dominated his era and went on to become the most decorated F1 driver of all time? For all his determination and dedication, for all his skills and sacrifices, the man was as cold, flat, and boring as slick ice.

We now have something we haven't seen since 1991: not a single Schumacher in international auto racing. Enjoy it while it lasts, though, because Michael's son, Mick, will inevitably take his turn behind the wheel of an F1 car.

Photo: WRI2

The first free practice session for the Malaysian Grand Prix saw a repeat of Australia, with the Red Bulls of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel claiming two of the top-three positions.

Mark Webber, Red Bull RB9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

It was Webber's turn to top the time sheets with a 1m36.935s whilst his team-mate finished the session in third, behind Kimi Raikkonen who did not join the track until almost an hour into the session due to a KERS problem on his Lotus.

The morning was characterised by teams opting to run long stints on heavy fuel loads, which again as in Australia, saw a severe drop off in pace and high tyre degradation with Lewis Hamilton claiming the Pirellis on his Mercedes were “destroyed”.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

Rounding out the top six behind the pace setters were the leading #4 Ferrari of Fernando Alonso, Mercedes Nico Rosberg and Adrian Sutil - who despite front wing damage, continued his smashing return to the sport - in sixth. Massa, di Resta, Hamilton and Grosjean completed the top-10.

Caterham's Giedo van der Garde finished as best of the backmarkers ahead of Jules Bianchi's Marussia by .2 of a second, Caterham stablemate Charles Pic and Max Chilton who finished last of the 22 runners.

The second practice session saw Kimi Raikkonen continue his strong start to the season by finishing first in the session ahead of Vettel by .019 of a second, and Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

The Finn clocked his best lap time of a 1m36.569 on medium tyres around 12 minutes in before the rain clouds looming over the Sepang circuit finally broke. Incidentally, it was also Raikkonen's first time in Lotus overalls that he set the fastest time in a practice session.

The rain shower, at its heaviest around turns 7-8, meant that the drivers were unable to improve on their best times and switched to intermediates; a move first made my McLaren's Sergio Perez just after the hour mark passed.

Felipe Massa, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

Despite the slower times, the wet weather running proved beneficial as weather forecasts suggest that teams and drivers may face similar conditions in qualifying and the race. By the end of the session however, the 30-degree ambient temperature had more or less rendered the track dry, albeit with some remaining wet patches which were most notable on the exit of turn 15 as drivers struggled for grip under braking.

Behind the Raikkonen-Vettel-Massa trio, Alonso finished once again behind his teammate, with Webber and Grosjean filling the rest of the top-six spots. Di Resta continued Force India's strong form by finishing eighth, splitting the Mercedes' of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in seventh and ninth. Sutil once again impressed by rounding out the top-ten runners.

At the back of the grid, it was Bianchi once again who put in a giant killing performance in the Marussia by finishing ahead of Williams' Valtteri Bottas in 18th. Pic, Van der Garde and Chilton occupied 20th to 22nd position.

Photo: Sahara Force India

Malaysian Grand Prix,
Friday March 22, 2013

Free Practice session 1 - Results*
1 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'36"935 - 15 laps
2 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'37"003 - 15
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'37"104 - 21
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'37"319 - 13
5 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'37"588 - 19
6 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'37"769 - 17
7 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'37"771 - 15
8 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'37"773 - 15
9 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'37"840 - 18
10 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'37"915 - 17
11 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'38"173 - 16
12 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'38"673 - 16
13 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'38"830 - 17
14 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'39"054 - 17
15 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'39"204 - 16
16 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'39"208 - 19
17 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'39"284 - 17
18 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'39"567 - 16
19 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'40"728 - 17
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'40"996 - 14
21 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'41"163 - 18
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'41"513 - 14

Free Practice session 2 - Results*
1 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'36"569 - 28 laps
2 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'36"588 - 27
3 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'36"661 - 33
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'36"985 - 23
5 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'37"026 - 29
6 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'37"206 - 26
7 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'37"448 - 32
8 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'37"571 - 30
9 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'37"574 - 32
10 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'37"788 - 10
11 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'37"838 - 21
12 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'37"865 - 29
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'38"068 - 31
14 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'38"645 - 23
15 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'38"738 - 31
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'38"801 - 27
17 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'38"738 - 31
18 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'39"508 - 30
19 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'39"660 - 28
20 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'40"757 - 29
21 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'40"768 - 32
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'41"438 - 23

* Unofficial results

From GMM

The latest subject of Mercedes' radical formula one shakeup is Nick Fry.

A stalwart of the Brackley based team since its days as BAR, 56-year-old Briton Fry, 56, is vacating his role as chief executive, according to a report in the Guardian newspaper.

He will be replaced by new shareholder and director Toto Wolff, who many regard as the new main 'boss' of Mercedes, despite Ross Brawn still being team principal.

Nick Fry. (Photo: WRi2)

Fry's departure is the latest major move at the team in the recent past, after Wolff, Lewis Hamilton and Niki Lauda arrived, Paddy Lowe looks set to join, and Norbert Haug and Michael Schumacher departed.

The Guardian report, written by correspondent Paul Weaver from Malaysia, said Wolff's new responsibilities will involve the "mostly commercial activities" that had been Fry's chief domain.

Fry's exit, to be completed by the end of the month, "is an amicable one," the journalist added.

From GMM

As Melbourne winner Kimi Raikkonen continues his top form in Malaysia, Lotus' rivals are beginning to wonder if the team has an unfair advantage.

At Sepang, arguably even more than in Australia, the keyword is tires.

"tires, tires, tires, tires, tires," grumbled Red Bull's Mark Webber on Friday.

Pirelli's more extreme 2013 product could be clearly seen flicking off the wheels on every one of the 15 corners at Sepang during Friday practice.

Yet serenely at the top is Finn Raikkonen.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport points out that the test car used to develop Pirelli's troublesome 2013 tires is the three-year old Renault.

It was designed at Enstone.

"The competition has a nasty suspicion," a report in the magazine read.

"Admittedly it (the 2010 Renault) is a very old car in terms of the speed of development in formula one. However, certain principles and philosophies of the chassis and aero balance survive for years," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Has that given Lotus an inherent advantage in how it treats the 2013 Pirellis?

"We overlooked and underestimated this impact," an unnamed rival team member is quoted as saying. "Maybe we need to think about how we deal with this better for the future."

Dodge is announcing the world premiere of the 2014 Durango at the New York Auto Show next week.

Offering many class-exclusive features, the 2014 Dodge Durango is said to be the most stylish, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced Durango ever built.

Come back on Wednesday for the official introduction.

Photo: Dodge

Nissan recently partnered with guitar maker Gibson to design a mobile guitar workshop based on a Nissan NV200 cargo van.

Featuring a guitar rack, a toolbox with supplies, and a sliding instrument repair table, the Gibson NV200 can come to the rescue of working musicians, recording studios, and music festival organizers.

Sporting Gibson's signature colours both inside and out, this rocking NV200 also includes wood veneers in the dashboard and rear cargo area, as well as special leather-appointed seats and a horn insert with the Gibson logo.

Photo: Nissan

A Maserati 300S Sports Racing Spider from the 1950s will be auctioned off by Bonhams this summer at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K.

This particular 300S (chassis number 3053) is the third unit ever produced. It was originally commissioned by American car collector Briggs Swift Cunningham for his race car-driving friend Bill Spear. The latter teamed up with Sherwood Johnston to earn a third-place finish at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1955.

According to Bonhams, it's extremely rare for such a car to enter a public auction. Time will tell just how much it can fetch.

Photo: Bonhams

From GMM

Felipe Massa has denied suggestions last Sunday's 2013 season opener was clear evidence he is still Fernando Alonso's 'number 2' at Ferrari.

Despite qualifying right on Spaniard Alonso's pace in Melbourne and then running ahead of him in the race, Brazilian Massa was not called in first for service when the second round of pitstops took place.

"Felipe should not be at all happy," former Renault boss Flavio Briatore was quoted as saying.

After the race, Massa admitted: "Yes I was upset when Fernando got ahead of me. That was the only problem of my race, where I lost two positions."

Felipe Massa leading Fernando Alonso in Melbourne. (Photo: WRi2)

One week on, preparing for round two in Malaysia, the 31-year-old Brazilian insisted he is happy to be back on top form in 2013, having slumped so badly last year.

But when asked if he thinks Ferrari deliberately moved against him in Australia, he told Brazil's Totalrace: "I was not penalised or disadvantaged. When we were in a group of cars, Fernando came in earlier ... it's always easier when you take more of a risk. It looked like it was going to hurt him, but it ended up working out."

"Of course, if you're fighting for the best and that happens, you're upset, but of course it was not a disadvantage or even team orders. Not at all. I was part of that strategy and it didn't work out. It was not easy to understand the tyres with such little practice," Felipe Massa added.

Chevrolet announced that the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada this summer. North of the border, it will carry a base price of $24,945 and boast a fuel consumption rating of 4.6L/100km.

The 2.0L engine in the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel produces an estimated 148 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. With a 6-speed automatic transmission, expect 0-96km/h acceleration in 8.6 seconds, which is faster than an automatic Volkswagen Jetta TDI. At the same time, this clean diesel powerplant generates at least 90% fewer NOx and particulate emissions than previous-generation diesels.

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel also features 17” alloy wheels, low-rolling resistance tires, and a rear spoiler. Inside, MyLink comes standard.

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

After Kimi Raikkonen eased to victory in Australia, and set the pace in Malaysia on Friday, the forgotten man of Lotus is Romain Grosjean.

The Frenchman suspected his problems in Melbourne were due simply to going the wrong way on setup in limited practice running.

But "We're seeing the same phenomenon as in Melbourne and we just don't understand it," Germany's Auto Motor und Sport quoted Grosjean as saying on Friday.

Team technical boss James Allison has one explanation -- 2007 world champion Raikkonen was one step ahead with the E21's development in Melbourne.

And the same is true this weekend.

"He's not had an easy weekend either here or there, because we haven't been able to provide two cars in exactly the same configuration on either occasions," said Allison at Sepang.

Romain Grosjean, Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2)

In Melbourne, Raikkonen had key aerodynamic upgrades that Grosjean did not enjoy, and the Finn is now enjoying the next wave of development from Lotus' Enstone HQ.

"Here, once again, we only have one set of kit and we've chosen to run that with Kimi and Romain is disadvantaged for that," said Allison.

"We will always try to get two sets available but (it's) not always possible. So he's had a difficult set of circumstances and he's also up against a teammate who is really firing on all cylinders," he added.

From Renault

Following the March 8 announcement of its entry for both the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours and this year's European Le Mans Series (ELMS), Signatech-Alpine today presented in Paris the endurance racing prototype that will defend Alpine's colours.

Alpine's return to endurance racing after an absence of 35 years plays a part in the brand's re-emergence ahead of the launch of the first car to be designed by Société des Automobiles Alpine-Caterham, planned for 2016.

Photo: Renault

Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues, the two drivers who will share the car at every round of the ELMS, will be joined for the Le Mans 24 Hours by Tristan Gommendy.

The N° 36 Alpine will make its first track appearance at the official ELMS test days at Paul Ricard, France, on March 26-27.

Photo: Renault

N° 36 Alpine-Nissan - Technical specifications

Chassis: Alpine
Engine: Nissan V8 (type VK45)
Maximum power: 500hp
Fuel and lubricants: Total
Transmission: Six-speed sequential X-Trac gearbox

Steering: Hydraulic power steering
Brakes: Brembo carbon brakes
Tires: Michelin

Length: 4,610mm
Wheelbase: 2,870mm
Width : 1,995mm
Weight: 900kg

Top speed: 330kph

Highlights*
The 2013 Lexus CT 200h performs seamless transitions between its various operating modes (EV and Hybrid), contributing to a smooth driving experience. It also boasts great fuel economy and very comfortable seats.

Lowlights*
Some people wish for more power given the price and prestige of the CT 200h. Also, the lone transmission choice is a CVT, and the interior proves a bit noisier than expected.


Pricing
The 2013 Lexus CT 200h is priced from $31,450. Option packages include Touring ($2,000), Premium ($5,050), F-Sport ($5,950), and Technology ($8,200). Also available are 17” F-Sport grey alloy wheels, an engine block heater, and a body paint protection film.

Fuel consumption
On average, Lexus says the CT 200h achieves 4.6L/100km. Like many hybrids, this one is more efficient in the city (4.5) than on the highway (4.8).

New for 2013
There are no major changes to report for 2013. However, the CT 200h now offers a 4-way power adjustable passenger seat, along with a centre armrest.

Styling
As Toyota's luxury division, Lexus sells the CT 200h as a more upscale and better-equipped variant of the Prius. Great visual execution makes for an attractive hatchback, no matter how old you are. Stylish lines and superb fit and finish are major draws here, as well.

Cargo capacity
Positioned as a premium compact car, the 2013 Lexus CT 200h has a 405-litre trunk that expands to 900 litres when you fold the rear seatbacks.

Powertrain
The CT 200h is powered by the advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system. A 1.8L 4-cylinder gasoline engine teams up with an electric motor to produce 134 net horsepower and instant torque. The battery that feeds the latter is a nickel-metal hydride type.

Safety
The 2013 Lexus CT 200h protects occupants with eight standard airbags, not to mention a host of electronic driving aids such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and Brake Assist (BA).

What other people say*
While the car's performance generates mixed reviews, most experts consider the Lexus CT 200h as a great hybrid with sporty looks and adequate pricing.

Competitors
Acura ILX Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Photo: Lexus

* Based on expert reviews.
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions de l'homme, 2012, p.390
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.364

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has denied Bernie Ecclestone's claim that he would have preferred a sabbatical in 2013 rather than stay at McLaren.

Referring to the 2008 world champion's soured relationship with McLaren as he considered a move to Mercedes last year, Ecclestone said: "Lewis told me that he would have rather taken a year off.

"In fairness to Lewis, he didn't leave McLaren over money," Ecclestone told business journalist Christian Sylt.

When Ecclestone's claims were put to Hamilton in Malaysia on Thursday, the 28-year-old driver responded: "I don't remember that. I don't think I would leave this sport unless I didn't have a good feeling about it, or a smile and an energy when I got in the car. I love racing, so there is no need to stop."

"I am happy -- I think Bernie has a better memory than me," he is quoted by the Telegraph.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Given McLaren's early crisis in 2013, many now see Hamilton's move to Mercedes as inspired.

But although outwardly happy with his new challenge, team and 2013 car, Hamilton said he does not feel quite ready to win races or push for the title.

"I don't feel 100 per cent yet, and I think that showed in practice in Australia in the wet," he said.

As for the weekend's challenge at Sepang, the Briton admitted: "I don't think I am quick here. Fernando (Alonso) beat me on this circuit in 2007, in only my second grand prix, and since then I have not had a spectacular race here."