Auto News 5

A final update of just-auto's list of concepts and production models which made their debuts at the Chicago auto show's 6 & 7 February press days.

The media preview days for the 2014 Chicago auto show are 6 & 7 February. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our world debuts list is updated.

The media preview days for the 2014 Chicago auto show are 6 & 7 February. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our preview list is updated.

The media preview days for the 2014 Chicago auto show are 6 & 7 February. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our preview list is updated.

The media preview days for the 2014 Chicago auto show are 6 & 7 February. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our preview list is updated.

The media preview days for the 2014 Chicago auto show are 6 & 7 February. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this event, our preview list is updated.

News 23 Jan, 2014

New engine options and xDrive all-wheel drive are now offered on BMW 2 Series, 3 Series GT and 4 Series variants

Toyota kept its crown as the world's biggest automaker while falling just short of becoming the first carmaker to sell more than 10 million vehicles in a single year. GM and VW followed, about 300,000 vehicles behind.

Toyota remained the world's biggest automaker, selling 9.98 million vehicles last year, as the Japanese company nearly became the first carmaker to sell more than 10 million units in a single year.

Toyota kept its crown as the world's biggest automaker, selling 9.98 million vehicles last year, as the Japanese juggernaut teetered at edge of becoming the first carmaker to sell more than 10 million units in a single year.

British car production reached its highest level since 2007 last year, buoyed by strong domestic demand and exports outside the EU. Nissan built the most cars in Britain, followed by Jaguar Land Rover and Toyota.

Our comprehensive annual guide to purchasing executives offers a helpful list of the people making the key procurement decisions at global automakers and suppliers.

Lincoln's oldest remaining nameplate is getting a new look. The re-engineered 2015 Navigator will go into production in late summer and on sale in early fall, providing a bonus for Lincoln dealers hungry for more product.

The Florida Winter Series got underway Wednesday, Jan. 22. This series is designed for young professional racing drivers who want to be as well prepared as possible for the 2014 racing season.

The first two test sessions were held on Miami-Homestead's road course, home of the first two races. The 11 participants got to grips with their Tatuus FA10Bs, a relatively basic, spec single seater.

In the morning session, Canadian Nicholas Latifi set the fastest time. Another Canadian Lance Stroll, member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, ranked sixth.

After the lunch break, Latifi was again quickest in front of Raffaele Marciello. Stroll was 8th fastest, one place behind Max Verstappen, son of former F1 driver, Jos Verstappen.

German car manufacturer, Audi shuffled its lineups in preparation for the 2014 season of the DTM.

In 101 days, the new DTM season will start at the Hockenheimring and the Audi driver teams have now been confirmed.

Timo Scheider and Mike Rockenfeller, Audi 2013 (Photo: Audi)

“Audi has always been committed to continuity with the drivers, as well as to a consistent approach of working with young talents,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

“That's why it's nice that we managed to retain all of our previous DTM drivers for Audi - including our three DTM Champions. In Nico Müller we've got a promising youngster as a new member of our squad, who will probably attract a few fans from Switzerland to the DTM. Plus, we're already very eager to see how Timo (Scheider), Edoardo (Mortara), Miguel (Molina) and Jamie (Green) will be gelling with their new teams,” he added.

Audi Sport Team Phoenix
Mike Rockenfeller (reigning DTM champion)
Timo Scheider (moves from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)

Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline
Miguel Molina (moves from Audi Sport Team Phoenix)
Edoardo Mortara (moves from Audi Sport Team Rosberg)
Mattias Ekström
Adrien Tambay

Audi Sport Team Rosberg
Jamie Green (moves from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)
Nico Müller (new to DTM)

VIA Motors last week announced that it has received an $80 million purchase agreement from Sun Country Highway to electrify Best Western hotels and other business as part of a transcontinental electrification project. A total of 1,000 extended-range EVs and more than 100 charging stations will be deployed.

The Best Western Seven Oaks in Regina will be the first Best Western hotel to offer electric shuttle van services in North America.

VIA's VTRUX provides a range of approximately 65 kilometres in fully electric mode, while its solar-powered generator ensures unlimited extended range.

Source : viamotors.com

Pros: The 2014 Volvo S80 proves supremely comfortable both in terms of seating and ride quality. The interior is remarkably quiet and upscale, while power delivery is always smooth. Add top-notch safety and reliability, and you get an extremely relaxing driving experience.

Cons: The S80's design is getting pretty old now, with the last major revision dating back to 2007. Inside, the layout is bit too simplistic. Also, expect the S80 to lose much of its original value after a few years. This car is in desperate need of a do-over.


2014 Volvo S80 Price: There are 6 trim levels to choose from this year, ranging from the base 3.2 FWD at $48,300 all the way to the luxurious and powerful T6 AWD Platinum at $60,400.

2014 Volvo S80 Fuel Economy: A 3.2 FWD model will burn 10.5L/100km in the city and 6.8L/100km on the highway. These numbers will increase to 11.7 and 8.0L/100km, respectively, with a T6 AWD model.

Improvements and Changes: Beyond a few cosmetic upgrades, the 2014 Volvo S80 gets a new Sensus communication interface, a 7'' display with infrared activation, a heated windshield and steering wheel, a customizable TFT gauge cluster, revised transmission ratios, new ambient lighting, as well as a new pedestrian and cyclist detection feature for the frontal collision mitigation system.

2014 Volvo S80 Powertrain: Volvo offers two inline 6-cylinder engines with the S80. The naturally aspirated 3.2L unit produces 240 horsepower, while the turbocharged 3.0L variant generates 300 horsepower. Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

Cargo Capacity: The S80's trunk will swallow up to 422 litres of cargo, which is a fairly good amount, but not as much as many competitors offer.

Safety: Volvo enjoys a stellar reputation for safety, and it shows in the 2014 S80, which includes ABS, brake assist, stability and traction control, adaptive cruise control, adaptive lighting (headlights that swivel in corners), pedestrian and cyclist detection, distance alert, driver drowsiness alert, lane departure warning, and collision warning with full auto brake. Some of these features are optional, mind you.

Comparing the 2014 Volvo S80: In this luxury sedan segment, you'll also find the Acura RLX, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti Q70, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, Lincoln MKS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Photo: Volvo

Ford's luxury division today unveiled its all-new 2015 Lincoln Navigator. The model will officially make its global debut in a few weeks at the Chicago Auto Show.

The third-generation Navigator (first one came in 2007) will use a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 rated at 370 horsepower to replace the outgoing 310-horsepower 5.4L V8.

The 2015 Lincoln Navigator will come in standard-wheelbase (207.4'') and long-wheelbase (222.3'') configurations, ride on 20'' wheels (optional 22'' wheels), and feature modern technologies such as the latest-generation MyLincoln Touch and SYNC, a 4.2'' LCD monitor on the dashboard, and a rearview camera.

Look for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator to arrive in showrooms this fall.

Source : motorauthority.com

Photo: Lincoln

Photo: Lincoln

Young Canadian race car driver, Mikael Grenier, is still in talks with KV Racing about driving one of their Dallara DW12s in this year's IndyCar series.

Grenier, who raced karts, Formula Star Mazdas and Indy Lights in the past, got a test with KV Racing back in November on the Sebring road course in Florida.

“The test went very well, and I got along really well with the team members,” Grenier told Auto123.com on Wednesday. “Since that day, we've been working hard to put together a program that would see me drive the second car of the team this season. KV Racing has some sponsors that cover part of the budget. I don't have to find the entire budget, but only part of it.”

Mikael Grenier driving KV Racing's Indy car. (Photo: Vanessa DC)

“We are currently in contact with several potential sponsors, but finding money is never easy. I expect to hear back from them within a week and a half,” he continued. “Our goal is to drive the team's second car. However, there's still the possibility of driving the third car. KV Racing has fielded three cars in the past such as when Rubens Barrichello drove for them two years ago.”

The young man from Stoneham, Quebec also mentioned a third option.

“If I only find a certain amount of sponsorship money, I could participate in specific races in 2014,” Grenier explained. “I could do a little more testing and run, for example, just the road course races. But nothing has been decided yet and we're still talking.”

Mikael Grenier (Photo: Vanessa DC)

From GMM

The mandatory minimum weight of F1 cars will be raised by 1 kilogram for 2014, Italy's Omnicorse reports.

That is because Pirelli, having controversially grappled with failures throughout last season, has advised that their new tyres need more reinforcing kevlar to cope with the higher torque of this year's new turbo V6 engines.

The report tipped the rule tweak, raising the minimum weight to 691kg, to be promptly ratified by the World Motor Sport Council.

Omnicorse also claims that Caterham has followed McLaren and Ferrari's lead in designing its 2014 car around innovative pull-rod front suspension.

Photo: WRi2