Auto News 5

The One Club made its way back to the 2014

While the rest of the country dug out from the Polar Vortex, Phoenix was applying SPF30, adjusting its straw boater hat and parking a collection of beautiful cars on the lawn of its historic Biltmore hotel.

After several years of below normal car markets in Europe, replacement demand should provide a market boost in 2014 according to Ford of Europe boss Stephen Odell, speaking in Detroit.

News 15 Jan, 2014

Chinese manufacturer BYD launches the plug-in hybrid Qin in China, with other hybrid models expected in Europe by 2015

Audi's range of A3 sedans gets a flagship with the arrival of the 300-hp S3 sporty variant, which debuts next month in Europe.

Automakers, taking cues from gadget makers such as Apple, are developing cars to receive software updates that include new tools or even improve fuel efficiency, much in the way an iPad gets new capabilities with each successive operating system.

Nissan's Infiniti brand is developing a new platform with Daimler that will spawn four models including a crossover vehicle.

Automakers, taking cues from gadget makers such as Apple, are developing cars to receive software updates that include new tools or even improve fuel efficiency, much in the way an iPad gets new capabilities with each successive operating system.

From GMM

Robin Frijns looks set to secure a role in the F1 paddock for 2014.

The only remaining vacancies on next year's grid are at Caterham, but the green-coloured team looks set to sign former Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi, and Swedish rookie Marcus Ericsson.

That would be bad news for Caterham's existing race drivers Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic, who in that scenario would be locked out of formula one for now.

For Dutchman Frijns, however, Caterham could be his F1 life savor, after the highly-rated 23-year-old lost his reserve seat at Sauber last year amid the Swiss team's financial troubles.

The Dutch newspaper Dagblad de Limburger reports that Frijns has "almost certainly" secured the Caterham race seat for 2014.

The report cited sources "close to the team and the driver", confirming that the deal is "almost complete".

Giedo Van der Garde and Charles Pic, Caterham CT03-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

With his reserve role, Frijns will reportedly get 16 guaranteed days at the wheel of Caterham's 2014 car -- eight on Friday mornings and eight additional test days.

Dagblad de Limburger added that Frijns' debut will be at Jerez later this month, followed by more running in Bahrain ahead of the start of the 2014 season.

Robin Frijns would not confirm the news.

"We are working on options for 2014, and of course formula one is a part of this," he is quoted by Speed Week.

Pros: The top-line model in Japanese automaker Mitsubishi's popular Lancer lineup, the Lancer Evolution is exhaustively engineered to deliver exceptional performance on any road, in any weather, from key-on to key-off. Virtually any driver can enjoy this machine's high-performance attributes in any driving condition. With standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is ready for action, 365 days a year. Look for a wide range of safety features, the latest communications technology, and four-door functionality as part of the package.

Cons: As a powerful performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution will present drivers with elevated insurance, fuel and speeding ticket costs. The trunk, made shallower by the inclusion of the AWD system in this special Lancer variant, is also limited in size.


2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Pricing: The Lancer Evolution -- or Evo for short -- is available in two distinct models starting from $41,998 for the base GSR, and $51,995 for the loaded-to-the-nines MR model. A Handling Package is available for $3,000 on the GSR model with added track-ready hardware, and a full range of accessories is available for further customization.

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Fuel Economy: Depending on the transmission selected, Evo drivers can expect fuel economy to land just under 9L/100km during highway driving, and around 12.5L/100km during city driving -- expect a combined average consumption around 10.8L/100km.

Improvements and Changes: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution gets minor changes for 2014, including a new touchscreen display audio system, HD Radio, and a new, high-definition navigation system interface.

Don't Miss: The Mitsubishi Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). This automated gearbox offers the best of both an automatic and manual, with clutchless shifting that's instantaneous and responsive, thanks to steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.

A performance-enhancing transmission with computerized internal clutch control, it enables better fuel mileage and more efficient power delivery -- just like a manual transmission. Left in drive, it functions just like a normal automatic. Drivers can select one of three shift “modes” to suit their tastes on the fly, too.

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Powertrain: The Evo's 4B11 powerplant is a compact and lightweight 2.0L 4-cylinder unit that's turbocharged and intercooled to help produce a potent 291 horsepower. Variable Valve Timing works to enhance responsiveness and efficiency. Rich with torque and driving all four wheels via the award-winning S-AWC system, the Lancer Evolution makes full use of its performance-enhancing network of systems -- including traction control, braking, throttle, and steering -- to maximize performance in all situations.

Safety: Built on Mitsubishi's proven RISE crash-optimized body structure and featuring seven standard airbags, the Evo lays a solid foundation for occupant protection. Performance brakes, a grip-enhancing AWD system, and a full stability control system help drivers maintain full control at all times, while available xenon lighting ensures optimal visibility. Brake Assist, Brake Override, and Tire Pressure Monitoring are all on board, too.

Comparables: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's most direct competitor is the Subaru WRX STI.

Photo: Mitsubishi

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has reportedly kicked off the new year by becoming a father.

The news of the world champion's impending parenthood broke only in December, when the German newspaper Bild said Vettel's girlfriend Hanna was eight months pregnant.

On Wednesday, the Darmstadter Echo newspaper claimed it had learned exclusively that Hanna gave birth to a Swiss-born girl on Sunday.

Ford Canada is recalling 3,409 Edge crossovers from 2012-2013, all equipped with a 2.0L engine.

In some cases, the fuel line pulse damper may have been manufactured incorrectly and could develop cracks. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Ford dealers will therefore replace the fuel line assembly.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Ford

From McLaren Group

McLaren F1 team is involved in a study has been launched to test whether technology developed to win races on the Formula 1 circuit could help to tackle the problem of obesity.

This unique healthcare collaboration between McLaren Applied Technologies (MAT), Stowhealth (a GP surgery based in Stowmarket) and academics at University Campus Suffolk is being funded by healthcare provider Simplyhealth.

Engineers rely on telemetry to keep an eye on the car when it is out on the race track. (Photo: McLaren)

Telemetry technology, which is inspired by equipment used to collect data about the on-track performance of McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 cars, has been developed to monitor the activity levels of obese individuals in an innovative year-long research study.

The Helping Health Change study, which highlights the role technology can play in supporting healthy futures, aims to educate individuals about the relationship between the energy in their food versus the energy that their body burns through physical activity. This is intended to help them make healthier lifestyle choices, thus preventing long-term health issues from developing.

This cutting-edge weight management programme, supported by insurer Simplyhealth, aims to recruit 90 patients within Stowhealth medical practice.

Screen shot of the telemetry data, as used in Formula 1. (Photo: WRI2)

A sample of individuals will be given a McLaren Applied Technologies device that will monitor their physical movements and calories burnt. During the research programme participants will receive exercise advice and help with healthy eating habits. Their progress will be analysed by researchers at University Campus Suffolk.

The project is also intended to demonstrate that a partnership of diverse organisations with fresh perspectives on healthcare challenges can help to address significant issues, hopefully inspiring the formation of further innovative projects in future.

Yesterday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michelin launched the Premier A/S tire with revolutionary new EverGrip technology, which provides drivers with superior levels of safety even as their tires wear down.

"The MICHELIN Premier A/S with EverGrip is a compelling new safety technology that helps keep the driver in control and the car firmly planted on the road,'' said Scott Clark, chief operating officer of Michelin North America's passenger and light truck tire division. "EverGrip continues Michelin's industry-leading commitment to research and development of tire technology."

EverGrip uses three main elements to provide extra traction over time:

• Extreme amounts of silica and sunflower oil for high traction in wet conditions, even at lower temperatures;
• Expanding rain grooves positioned around the circumference of the tire with a special geometric shape that gets wider as the tread wears. This helps maintain the amount of water that the tire can channel away even as these rain grooves lose depth;
• Another set of grooves along the tire's shoulder that emerge as the tire becomes worn. More than 150 hidden grooves emerge to provide additional help in channelling water away and maintaining wet traction as miles are logged.

Available this spring, the Michelin Premier A/S will initially be available in 30 sizes (ranging from 185/65R15 to 245/45R18) and backed by a limited 100,000-kilometre warranty.

Photo: Michelin

This season will mark the 20th anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death, which occurred on May 1st, 1994 during the San Marino Grand Prix at l'Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy.

Throughout the year Auto123.com will publish a series of exclusive features on the amazing life and accomplishments of the legendary F1 driver from Brazil.

I personally met Senna for the first time in June 1984, a few days before the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. I already knew him quite well after closely following his racing career right from his international karting days as a factory driver for DAP.

An avid motor sport enthusiast since 1978, I was a student in Physical Education at McGill University. In 1984, I had just finished writing a complete physical and psychological training program for race car drivers. Along with two professors, Drs. Jacques Dallaire and Dan Marisi, I decided to invite some Formula 1 drivers to help them with their preparation.

Ayrton Senna was one of the first to show up. We evaluated his physical condition and psychological profile inside the lab at Currie Gymnasium, located on Des Pins Avenue in Montreal.

Canadian Grand Prix Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacques Bouchard, made arrangements for us to have a Holter (a portable device for continuously monitoring heart rate) which Senna agreed to wear during the race.

Later, Senna paid us a number of visits at the lab, and we remained in close contact up until his last stop at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in 1993 -- his last year racing for McLaren.

Ayrton Senna. (Photo: WRI2)

For 2014, 20 years after Senna's tragic accident, we will publish various articles based on one-on-one interviews with high-profile individuals who personally knew and/or worked with him during his career.

We'll also post rarely seen photos and recommend a few books on Senna that you should definitely check out if you want to learn more about this iconic driver with exceptional skills and mesmerizing appeal.

Come back regularly to Auto123.com Racing to read all our features remembering Ayrton Senna, 20 years after his death.

The all-new and highly anticipated 2015 Subaru WRX STI made its global debut on Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Driven by the legendary 305-horsepower, 2.5L turbocharged BOXER engine that produces 290 lb-ft of torque (with a 6-speed manual transmission), the 2015 WRX STI debuts a new four-door wide-body design (+25 mm), built on a stiffer chassis for even greater handling agility and precision.

Photo: Subaru

Exterior highlights include LED headlamps, taillamps and centre brake lamp, as well as special hood (in aluminum), fender, door and quarter panels.

Offering more legroom than its predecessor, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI's interior presents new Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black leather bolsters and red stitching. There's also a new flat-bottom steering wheel and new whiplash-reducing front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints sporting the STI logo.

Subaru will offer a WRX STI Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 units and exclusively featuring WR Blue paint, gold BBS forged alloy wheels, and unique interior trim.

Photo: Subaru

RSR Racing announced Tuesday that veteran IndyCar series' driver, Canadian Alex Tagliani will drive one the team's two Prototype Challenge in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

The Lachenais, Quebec native is no stranger to RSR or team owner Paul Gentilozzi, having driven for the Michigan-based team in CART/Champ Car from 2003-04.

Tagliani will race alongside 2013 PC class runner-up Chris Cumming in the No. 09 entry, with Bruno Junqueira and Duncan Ende completing the season-long lineup in the No. 08 car.

PC car No 9. (Photo: ALMS)

Completing the lineup in the No. 09 entry for Daytona will be Rusty Mitchell and Mazda Road to Indy graduate Conor Daly, who will be making his sports car racing debut.

Tagliani is under contract for two races: the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

“I have a contract (with RSR) but I am still looking to find a ride in the IndyCar series”, Tagliani said.

“If there's a conflict, I have the right to leave RSR to race the Indy car,” he added.

Law enforcement authorities in the West Midlands (U.K.) are following the lead of Dubai police by using exotic sports cars to catch speeding offenders. In this case, it's a McLaren 12C Spider that can reach velocities of up to 333 km/h.

“Shows like [Autosport International] are a fantastic opportunity for us to meet and engage with motorists who are interested in performance cars and are out and about on our roads," said Chief Inspector Paul Keasey.

The McLaren 12C Spider won't actually be used to patrol highways, but rather to attend various events to educate young motoring enthusiasts about the dangers of speeding, obviously, as well as drunk driving and all sorts of distractions behind the wheel.

Germany currently has the world's fastest police car -- a Barbus Rocket that can fly at more than 410 km/h. Autobahn lovers are warned.

Source: The Mirror

From GMM

Lotus owner Gerard Lopez has moved to allay fears the Enstone based team is on the verge of collapse.

When the FIA issued the official 2014 entry list recently, Lotus' place was marked with a conspicuous asterisk, fuelling rumours of financial doom.

"We just had the wrong team name on the list, namely the one of two years ago," Lopez told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport on Wednesday.

"I can assure you -- everything is still the same."

Despite the reassurance, however, many wonder if the now-terminally delayed 'Quantum' buy-in has derailed Lotus, who have turned to the lucratively-backed Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado to replace unpaid Finn Kimi Raikkonen.

Gerard Lopez insists Kimi Raikkonen has now been "partly paid". "He will get the rest," he added.

But Lotus is also sitting out the forthcoming Jerez test, where every other team is expected to put the newly V6-powered single seaters through their paces for the first time.

Like the entry list, Lotus' absence will be conspicuous.

"We are very satisfied with the development of our car," Lopez said, "which will perhaps look a bit different from the others.

"We believe it is better to use the next few weeks in the wind tunnel, which will give us more than one test on the track would."

He insists that missing Jerez will not give Lotus' rivals a head-start when it comes to understanding the new turbo 'power unit'.

"There is also Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Caterham testing (the Renault engine), and the findings will also benefit us," said Lopez.

"Any changes Renault makes before the Bahrain test will also be in our car," he explained.

"The first real test is in Bahrain," said Lopez. "Before that, we can find more laptime in the factory."

But, actually, Lotus or Renault never officially announced a new deal for 2014. Does the team even have an engine for 2014?

"We have the Renault engine," Lopez insisted, "but Lotus is not just a customer of Renault. Our engineers for example have helped develop the KERS. So we have tried to agree that it is more than just an engine deal, which has delayed the negotiations somewhat."

Teaser of the E22 posted on the Lotus website. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

But now terminally delayed, Gerard Lopez admitted, is the Quantum deal.

"The money never arrived," he said, "so we cancelled it. For 2014, our budget is complete with our new sponsor PDVSA."

Finally, Lopez played down reports of a link with the Italian marque De Tomaso.

"There is currently nothing to it," he said, but he did admit that he is looking into developing a carbon sports car, and "De Tomaso is an option".

"But this has nothing to do with formula one," added Lopez.

Red Bull Racing team principal, Christian Horner, said he expects to see a high retirement rate at the opening round of the 2014 Formula 1 season in Melbourne, Australia.

During an interview on Bloomberg TV, Horner said the introduction of the new, 1.6L turbo hybrid engines in F1 this season really is major.

“It is a massive change. It's also extremely expensive. It will definitely be a game changer,” said Horner.

“We'd love everything to be frozen as it was at the end of last year!” he added with a smile on his face.

“But this change in technical regulations was long overdue and it brings the F1 engine technology more in line with the automotive sector. However, timing isn't great because it's a huge investment for all the teams. But it's part of the game. Regulations change every year and we have to adapt to them,” Horner declared.

Horner added that he thinks the smaller teams will have even more problems in 2014.

“For the back of the grid, it is a huge challenge. The differences between the teams will be bigger this year. Every time there's a reset, teams that have the resources will always turn out with a better product. Yes, I think F1 could become a two-speed sport this year,” he explained.

The Brit added that he expects the first races of the season to be a major hurdle for some teams.

“I think you could see a very high retirement rate early in the season -- maybe even 50% in the first race. Petrol is a problem this season as we are limited to just 100kg of fuel for the race. Reliability will be a major concern,” Horner concluded.