Auto News 5

Following its world premiere in Los Angeles at the end of last year, the 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, the most powerful and technologically advanced vehicle in Acura's history, made its Canadian debut today at the Montreal Auto Show. Look for it to arrive in showrooms this spring.

Offering a long list of advanced features as standard equipment including a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Blind Spot Information (just to name a few), the 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD houses a 310-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine and a pair of electric motors (one for each axle) that generate a combined 377 horsepower through a new 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

Acura technology firsts on the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD also include an electronic gear selector that replaces the conventional, centre console-mounted shift lever with an efficiently packaged push-button array allowing the driver to easily select the desired mode -- Park, Drive and Reverse, as well as Sport and Normal driving modes.

Photo: Acura

All eyes at the 2014 Montreal Auto Show are on the sensational Felino cB7, a new supercar designed by race car driver Antoine Bessette and built in Quebec. Actually, there are two copies of the prototype to marvel at.

Featuring one-of-a-kind styling and a lightweight body made of fibreglass and carbon fibre, the Felino cB7 weighs under 1,000 kilograms. While its predecessor housed a 200-horsepower, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, the new model gets a big V8 rated at 500+ horsepower.

The Felino cB7 will be produced this summer in very limited numbers. Pricing has not been announced yet.

Photo: Felino

Toro Rosso Formula 1 team will launch its new 2014 turbo hybrid Formula 1 car the day before the start of the first winter test session in Jerez, Spain.

The STR9 is the first Toro Rosso F1 car not powered by a Ferrari engine. For 2014, the Italian has reached an agreement to use 1.6L Renault V6 power units.

The car, designed under the guidance of James Key, will be unveiled Monday January 27 at 5:30pm on the Jerez circuit pit lane.

The press release mentions that Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne will drive the car for the first time the following day.

F1 rookie, Russian driver Danii Kvyat will then take over the driving duties.

As reported last week, the Nissan Micra is back in Canada. The new Japanese subcompact officially made its debut yesterday at the 2014 Montreal Auto Show.

"Micra will truly be a car for every Canadian," said Christian Meunier, President, Nissan Canada Inc. "It's been specifically designed for this market and has been thoroughly tested right here in Montreal in driving conditions Canadians typically face. It's ready for Canada. And we think Canada is ready for Micra."

The 2015 Nissan Micra will arrive at Canadian dealers this April in three trim levels: S, SV, and SR. All will feature a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that produces 109 horsepower through a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic.

Despite its subcompact footprint, the 2015 Nissan Micra rides on 15'' or 16'' wheels -- sizes that are widely available as snow tires. Depending on the model you select, the list of options may include a rearview camera, heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 4.3'' audio interface capable of displaying album art.

Prices and fuel economy ratings will be revealed at a later date.

Photo: Nissan

Adapted from GMM

Two more potential teams are bidding to join the Formula 1 pit lane.

Bernie Ecclestone revealed on Thursday that he is in talks with two new outfits, and the first reared its head in the form of NASCAR team co-owner Gene Haas.

But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that there is not one more potential bidder for the 12th and final pit lane garage in 2015, but two.

One is Colin Kolles, the former Jordan, Midland, Spyker, Force India and HRT team boss, who for years has also run his own Formula 3 and sports car teams.

And the other is Stefan GP, headed by Serbian businessman Zoran Stefanovich, who some years ago set up office in Cologne and tried to enter F1 with departed Toyota's 2010 car.

Stefan GP's Zoran Stefanovich and Mike Coughlan a few years ago. (Photo: Archives Auto123.com)

Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt said the FIA intends to decide by the end of February whether one of the three will be given the 12th team slot.

"The most interesting candidate is definitely Gene Haas," said Schmidt, who said the 62-year-old Californian would have a three-digit million budget, and also heads one of the best wind tunnels in the world, Windshear located in Concord, North Carolina.

"The cars would be designed in-house, but initially built by Dallara," he added.

Dallara has a state-of-the-art facility in Indianapolis, IN where it builds the DW12 Indy cars.

"The engine and transmission partner would be Ferrari. Haas prefers to be in the background, so the team leader would be the former Red Bull Racing chief designer, Gunther Steiner."

The Montreal Auto Show marked the Canadian debut of the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX, featuring a new, stiffer chassis, a lighter, wide-body design, and more aggressive styling.

Driven by a new 268-horsepower 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, the WRX debuts its first six-speed manual transmission (a new Sport Lineartronic CVT is also available). Look for it to arrive in Subaru showrooms this March. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.


The Canadian-spec 2015 Subaru WRX comes in three trim levels including:

• WRX with a new D-shaped steering wheel, sport seats with contrast stitching, and 4.3'' colour display;
• WRX Sport Package with LED low-beam headlights, a low-profile lip spoiler for the trunk, as well as an 8-way power driver's seat;
• WRX Sport-tech Package with proximity key, push-button start, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, and an improved voice-activated in-dash GPS navigation system with 6.1'' high-resolution touchscreen.

The wheelbase of the 2015 Subaru WRX has been enlarged by 25 millimetres in order to improve rear legroom, while the new 60/40-split folding rear seats, along with a larger opening, have expanded trunk space for greater versatility.

Photo: Subaru

Truly, I'm not a pickup kinda girl. Sure, I love the country. Heck, my parents even have horses (and donkeys), and I ride on occasion. However, if I had the choice (and the dollars), I'd spring for a luxury off-roader to haul my horse trailer and get around the muddy back roads over a pickup. Of course, such is not usually the option for the everyday farmer or the urban cowboy.

So, there are pickups to pick up the luxury SUV slack (pun fully intended). Today's market has some stellar choices, one of which is the brand new 2014 GMC Sierra. Part of our Pickup Truck Comparo, the GMC Sierra not only performed rather well against its immediate competition, but I think I have a bit of a soft spot for it somewhere in my automotive heart.



What is the GMC Sierra?
Also known as the Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra has been in existence since the 1930s. They have been the same truck since then, and remain as such separated by a badge, a name and a few aesthetic differences. The first generation of light-duty Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra pickups appeared on the road in 1999, and the Sierra is now in its third generation.

The Sierra is, like the Silverado, a workhorse -- it is a purpose-built pickup that offers a multitude of engines, cab configurations, and bed sizes. This is a working vehicle through and through.

The first generation of light-duty Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra pickups appeared on the road in 1999, and the Sierra is now in its third generation. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 GMS Sierra 1500 SLT Crew Cab Price and Specs
The Sierra can be had (in base trim with no options) for just over $26k. Of course, my particular tester was decked out and while it started at just over $48k, the final tally pushed it all the way to $57,060.

Equipped with a 5.3L V8 good for 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, the my tested 2014 Sierra GMC is just powerful enough, but not excessively so. Handling the power is a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Payload for the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT with a standard box and equipped with the 4SA package is 1,830lbs and the max towing capacity is 9,500lbs.

Equipped with a 5.3L V8 good for 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, the my tested 2014 Sierra GMC is just powerful enough, but not excessively so. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Crew Cab
Wholly big Batman. Seriously. I know, I know, I'm little and big vehicles are going to feel “big,” but never have I actually felt like an entire CUV was riding in front of me at all times -- and it was just the hood of the pickup. This thing is massive.

It was a bit hard to get used to manoeuvring the 2014 GMC Sierra and I was pretty uncomfortable in tighter city street situations. I've not felt that in other pickups of similar stature.

The 2014 GMC Sierra's transmission is a bit disappointing. I thought I liked at first until its lazy personality reared its head. The throttle response is laggy at best, and when I really wanted the Sierra to go (i.e., highway manoeuvres) it seemed confused as to what I wanted it to do. I'd throw the suspension set-up to the list of things I wish were better (along with the weak-feeling brakes) on this particular truck.

Let's not forget that the 2014 GMC Sierra does have a V8 and it sounds quite nice (but not as nice as the Tundra!), and it is easy enough to drive loaded and unloaded. The cabin is a welcome place to be, and longer hauls will pass without discomfort or complaint.

To read more about how the 2014 GMC Sierra handled trailer tows and a loaded bed, you can check out our results here.

The 2014 GMC Sierra have a V8 and it sounds quite nice, and it is easy enough to drive loaded and unloaded. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab
If nothing else, this truck looks insanely manly and like a pickup should look; badass. I love the massive chrome front grille and squared off haunches. The GMC Sierra is a guy's truck if ever there was one, and the new 2014 look is stellar and pulls off that manly trait perfectly.

Of note, the GMC Sierra sports nifty little step-ups on each exterior corner of the bed beside the tailgate, and they are uber useful. I was grateful to have them during our hay bale loads, and think they are very well integrated into the design.

Inside, the 2014 GMC Sierra SLT is all business, but in a luxurious kind of way. Pickups are, after all, working trucks so their interiors have to be functional and comfy. GMC managed to pull that off to near perfection with comfortable seats and a driving position I found spot-on.

GMC's onboard HMI is easy to use and the gauge cluster is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Moving into the 2014 GMC Sierra for the week was not a chore, even my son enjoyed his elevated and roomy seat on the rear bench.

Inside, the 2014 GMC Sierra SLT is all business, but in a luxurious kind of way. Pickups are, after all, working trucks so their interiors have to be functional and comfy. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab
Compare the Sierra is just what we did, and against its closest competition: the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra. While the Sierra was slotted to do extremely well (at least on paper we all thought it would), it disappointed in areas we'd not anticipated. Make no mistake, the Sierra is a fabulous pickup truck, and GMC fans will not be disappointed, but there are other (slightly better) options out there if you're in the market.

Swiss Formula 1 team Sauber will launch its new, 2014 turbo hybrid F1 car a couple of days prior to the start of the first winter test session in Jerez, Spain.

Sauber will unveil the new Ferrari V6-powered C33 online.

The team will release information and pictures, as well as video recordings of the launch of the C33 at 4pm, January 26.

In addition, interviews with drivers Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutiérrez, as well as Team Principal, Monisha Kaltenborn and Chief Designer, Eric Gandelin will be posted on the Sauber F1 Team YouTube Channel.

The C33 will be tested for the first time January 28 at circuit Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

Adapted from GMM

McLaren is going back to the future with Ron Dennis, casting major doubt on the ongoing role of boss Martin Whitmarsh.

Whitmarsh took control after former long-time supremo Dennis' stepped down at the end of the 'spy' and 'lie' scandals five years ago.

But the British team announced on Thursday that Dennis is back as chief executive of the F1 division. The statement, making no mention of Whitmarsh, said further changes are looming.

Ron Dennis and Martin Whitmarsh. (Photo: WRi2)

Many have linked former Mercedes chief Ross Brawn with the Woking based team, who will switch to works Honda power for 2015 and beyond.

"My fellow shareholders have mandated me to write an exciting new chapter in the story of McLaren, beginning by improving our on-track and off-track performance. Over the coming weeks I intend to undertake a thorough and objective review of each of our businesses with the intention of optimising every aspect of our existing operations, whilst identifying new areas of growth that capitalise on our technologies, and where appropriate further investing in them," Ron Dennis said on Thursday.

Dennis' return follows McLaren's dire 2013 season, and means Whitmarsh never succeeded in delivering a title as chief executive.

Sabine Kehm, Michael Schumacher's official spokesperson has clarified that despite some ongoing rumours, the German champion's condition remains stable in a medically-induced coma.

Kehm's press release comes after a full week of silence.

Michael has been put in an artificial come after suffering from serious head injuries in a skis accident in Meribel, France, December 29, 2013.

She said today, Friday January 17 that Michael was “in a stable condition”.

For the first time since the accident, Kehm did not mention the word “critical”.

“I also repeat that Michael's family is very happy and confident with the work of the team of doctors treating Michael, and they trust them completely. Michael's condition is still considered as stable,” she said.

Sabine Kehm has also once again urged fans not to heed any unofficial updates.

“Unfortunately I have to repeat that any information regarding Michael's health not coming from the doctors treating him or from his management must be treated as pure speculation,” she added.

(Update: On Day 2 Friday, Robert Kubica was forced to retire after leaving the road.)

Frenchman Bryan Bouffier stunned the rally world by taking the lead of the Monte Carlo Rally in his M-Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

The Frenchman fared the best when it came to juggling all of the elements that are needed to be successful on Rallye Monte Carlo and his reward was a comfortable lead over Citroen's Kris Meeke.

Meeke made a cautious start but his confidence increased with each stage and he was able to overtake Robert Kubica for second place on the final stage.

Robert Kubica, Ford Fiesta RS WRC, M-Sport. (Photo: WRi2)

Driving an M-Sport-prepared Ford Focus RS WRC, the former Formula 1 driver was the standout performer on the opening loop of stages, as he set two fastest times. But he adopted a more cautious approach on the remaining stages to ensure he made it to the end of the leg.

Hyundai lost both its i20s: Thierry Neuville crashed on the first stage his car while Dani Sordo retired with an electrical failure.

Sixty years ago on this date, the Chevrolet Corvette made its debut as a concept vehicle at the 1953 General Motors Autorama in New York City. It was such a success that a limited run of 300 production Corvettes began on June 30th of that year.

All 1953 models were Polo White with a red interior, and they were priced at $3,498 USD. Under the hood was an inline six-cylinder engine. However, in 1955, 90% of Corvette buyers chose the optional V8 instead, so the six-cylinder was dropped a year later.

The fixed-roof 1963 “split-window” Corvette Sting Ray coupe launched the second-generation Corvette. Sales doubled and it became a year-round car for drivers in colder climates.

Approximately 1.56 million units have been produced since the Corvette's launch.

Photo: Chevrolet

Pros: Japanese engineered performance to challenge comparable models from BMW's M division and the AMG branch of Mercedes-Benz, the Lexus IS-F enters 2014 with a familiar high-powered punch. This four-door sedan will accommodate four adults and seeks to thrill discerning driving enthusiasts with its track-validated chassis and powertrain, as well as exceptionally potent styling.

The market's latest communications and connectivity technologies are on board, as are numerous luxury touches expected of the brand. Blending luxury, quality and performance have made the IS-F -- nicknamed The Beast -- a popular choice in its segment.

Cons: The IS-F is a high-performance variant of a sensible luxury sedan, so expect elevated purchase prices, insurance, and fuel bills. Also, because it's built on the now last-generation IS platform, it's beginning to show its age.


2014 Lexus IS-F Pricing: The 2014 Lexus IS-F starts at $73,900 and offers numerous options and packages to fine-tune it to individual tastes and budgets.

2014 Lexus IS-F Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is rated at 13L/100km during city driving, and 8.5L/100km during highway cruising. Premium fuel is required.

Improvements and Changes: The IS-F is carried over from last year's model with negligible changes.

Don't Miss: The Mark Levinson audio system. To offer the market's premier mobile listening experience, Mark Levinson audio engineers have been working exclusively with Lexus on mobile audio since 2000 -- they create systems optimized specifically to each vehicle to deliver unmatched sound quality and music reproduction. Mark Levinson audio systems put upgraded components, powerful subwoofers, and 7.1-channel surround sound audio at the Lexus driver's disposal.

Also, be sure to note the performance enhancements, including Brembo brakes, BBS forged alloy wheels, and a Torsen limited-slip differential for maximum traction.

2014 Lexus IS-F Powertrain: Drivers can expect 0-100km/h times of under 5 seconds, thanks to a specially developed and highly tuned 5.0L V8 that delivers 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque. Advanced electronically driven Dual Variable Valve Timing ensures optimal power delivery at all times, while maximizing efficiency. An active air intake system boosts high rpm power and sound output, and a direct ignition system and numerous high-performance components ensure the Lexus “F” V8 powerplant is ready to perform at any prod of the throttle.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift control. The powertrain can be dialed into various drive modes to suit the current conditions and driver intentions.

Safety: Advanced airbags, potent brakes and the industry's most advanced stability and traction assist systems all work to help drivers maintain control in all situations. Standard are eight airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, Smart Stop Technology, and an on-board first-aid kit. A backup camera, LED taillamps, and front windshield de-icer help add further confidence.

Comparables: The Lexus IS-F competes largely with the BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V, Audi S4, and other hot-rod sedans from around the globe.

Photo: Lexus

American businessman, Gene Haas, has shown interest in setting up a Formula 1 team. Find out why this bizarre idea does in fact make a lot of sense.

Gene Haas, 62, is a billionaire and the owner of Haas Automation Inc., America's leading manufacturer of CNC machine tools with branches in Belgium, China, and India.

His company reports that 2012 was the best year in the company's 30-year history, with revenues exceeding $967 million -- an increase of 11.5% over 2011 -- and CNC machine tool production exceeding 13,300 units, an increase of 5%. The 2012 numbers reinforce Haas Automation's position as the world's leading CNC machine tool builder.

Gene Haas already owns Windshear, one of the best wind tunnels in the world, located in Concord, North Carolina.

Haas said his Formula 1 cars would be designed in-house, but built by Dallara. The Italian company already has a state-of-the-art facility in Indianapolis, IN where it builds the current DW12 Indy cars, chassis, and spare parts.

Gene Haas and Tony Stewart. (Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Haas and racer Tony Stewart co-own Stewart-Haas Racing, a very successful NASCAR Sprint Cup team.

In June 2011, Tony Stewart and Lewis Hamilton traded race cars at Watkins Glen, NY. Hamilton took the wheel of Stewart's Sprint Cup car while the American drove (quite successfully, too) the Mercedes-powered McLaren.



NASCAR driver, Tony Stewart, is a living legend in the United States. His presence in F1 would instantly create a serious buzz around F1 in the USA, and probably insure the long-term success of the Grand Prix in Austin, and the one in New Jersey when it becomes a reality.

Tony Stewart's involvement in F1 would also create an interest amongst NASCAR fans for Grand Prix racing.

Less seriously, even the name of the team -- Haas Racing Development -- would please Bernie Ecclestone. Why? Because as the owner of Brabham back in the '70s, Ecclestone registered the team under Motor Racing Development.

The 2015 Audi A3 sedan will be appearing in dealerships in a few months, and the trim and pricing details have been announced for the U.S. market.

The Treasury Department plans to sell $3 billion of Ally Financial common stock, reducing taxpayers' stake in the firm to 37 percent. After the sale, the government will have recouped about $15.

News 17 Jan, 2014

Government ministers use car top-up system to send documents for them

Ford is recalling about 46,000 Edge SUVs from the 2012 and 2013 model years on a fuel system leak that could lead to a fire, the company and federal regulators said.

Vice President Joe Biden said the federal government's wager on the nation's automotive industry has paid off. "We bet on American ingenuity, we bet on you and we won," he said today during a speech at the Detroit auto show.

Contrary to the perception that Generation Y doesn't like to drive as much as previous generations, a study released today says 61 percent of millennials in the United States are expected to buy or lease a car in the next three years.