Auto News 5

Nissan Canada is recalling 22,245 X-Trail SUVs from the 2005-2006 model years due to a newly discovered rust issue.

On certain vehicles, the fuel filler pipe could corrode and become perforated, allowing fuel to spill onto the ground while refuelling the X-Trail or shortly thereafter. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Nissan dealers will therefore replace the fuel filler pipe.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The buzz surrounding the Tesla Model S doesn't appear to be fading anytime soon. Christian Roy, a taxi owner from Quebec City, will soon own the very first Tesla taxi in North America. 

Roy is expected to take delivery of the car a few weeks from now. He's already excited about the huge savings he's going to make both in terms of energy and maintenance. As you may know, the Tesla Model S is an all-electric sedan that burns no fuel, and its 85kWh battery is backed by an 8-year/unlimited km warranty.

Considering how badly some people want to enter the world of Telsa, Roy's phone likely won't stop ringing from customers eager to drive around in a Model S.

Source : roulezelectrique.com

Photo: Tesla

From press release

Sahara Force India has expanded its driver development programme by teaming up with Hilmer Motorsport to create Sahara Force India's official GP2 team.

The new partnership will see Facu Regalia and Daniel Abt race on the GP2 grid in the distinctive colours of Sahara Force India in the Hilmer Motorsport GP2 car.

The development programme expands on the success of Sahara Force India's reserve driver programme, which has already helped progress several drivers to Formula 1 race seats.

It also represents a logical addition to the team's ‘One From A Billion' talent hunt, which helped unearth a selection of young Indian karting talents.

The most successful candidate has been Jehan Daruvala, a 15-year-old from Mumbai, who graduated into the team's Academy last year and was crowned British KF3 Junior champion.

Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

Attention, small pickup truck lovers: Nissan has just introduced the Frontier Diesel at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show in an attempt to gauge customer response. Based on the U.S.-spec Nissan Frontier Desert Runner 4x2, it uses a 2.8L Cummins engine that produces 200 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque while burning 35% less fuel.

Photo: Nissan

The body is painted in "Arrest Me Red" and Matte Silver. Same thing for the 16'' wheels, which were borrowed from a Frontier PRO-4X. Inside the colour-matched cabin, the front and rear seats feature carbon-print leather appointments with grey accent stitching and black-on-black "Tracks" embroidery. The carbon film-wrapped instrument panel is highlighted by red-tined gauges and a special black-faced, three-gauge pod on top of the C-cluster.

Photo: Nissan

Also making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show is the new 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR, which adds a wide range of exclusive features including the first-in-class Around View Monitor, a dark headlight treatment, standard fog lights with black and chrome accents, a unique rear spoiler, high-contrast, machine-finished 16'' sport aluminum wheels, a 370Z-inspired steering wheel, suede-like fabric seats with sporty orange accents and double stitching, as well as a redesigned piano black centre instrument panel with silver accents and chrome knobs.

Photo: Nissan

The 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR stays true to the regular model's fuel-saving habits with ratings of 6.1/4.8/5.6L/100km (city/highway/combined) thanks to a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine producing 109 horsepower.

This new model will join the Versa Note family this spring at a price that has yet to be announced.

Photo: Nissan

Mont-Tremblant, QC -- I'm always a bit harsh when it comes to Nissan products. I'm not quite sure why, but I think it has something to do with the fact that Nissans have been in my family for the better part of 14 years in the form of various models. In fact, my very first vehicle was a Sentra... but I digress.

When it came time to drive the brand new 2014 Nissan Rogue, I was the logical choice for the test. And to make things a little more interesting, I decided to bring along my mother's 2011 Nissan Rogue SV AWD for a direct comparison.

Bigger (but not) and bolder, this new Rogue is set to keep model loyalty high while also bringing in a whole new host of buyers in the market for a functional, stylish CUV (with a possible third row available).


What is a Nissan Rogue?
The Rogue first appeared in 2007 as a replacement for Nissan's X-Trail model in Canada. A compact crossover, the Rogue offered an affordable option to the Murano, with optional AWD models available and a decent amount of cargo and passenger space. The Rogue is entering its second generation with this 2014 model, with its first facelift and the same engine, transmission and drivetrain as the previous model.

2014 Nissan Rogue Price and Specs
As with the previous generation, this new Nissan Rogue is offered in three trim levels, FWD or AWD, and there are two packages available as well (Family Tech Package/Premium Package). At the bottom of the Rogue ladder sits the base, FWD Rogue S for $23,498. Head right up to the top and you've for the SL AWD with Premium Package for $33,098.

In terms of mechanicals, the 2014 Nissan Rogue houses the same engine (2.5L 4-cylinder good for 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque) and transmission (Xtronic CVT) as the outgoing model. However, Nissan did add some creature-comfort features like a panoramic sunroof and an optional third row that turns the Rogue into a seven-seater when needed.

Of note; Nissan made the 2014 Rogue taller, wider and with a longer wheelbase, but managed to shorten the length (while making it “third-rowable”, as well). They also managed to squeeze even better gas mileage out of exactly the same engine and transmission through improved components and mapping of the CVT.

The Rogue first appeared in 2007 as a replacement for Nissan's X-Trail model in Canada. A compact crossover, the Rogue offered an affordable option to the Murano. (Photo: Nissan)

Driving the 2014 Nissan Rogue
I've spent the past three years driving my mother's 2011 Nissan Rogue often. I've never been impressed with it, rather dislike the CVT's performance, and was always left wanting more from the AWD system in the winter. So, this 2014 Nissan Rogue had some serious impressing to do when I got behind the wheel.

Now, I've not completely changed my opinion on the Rogue, but I'll give Nissan props for making some definite improvements in areas that were lacking in the previous gen.

While the CVT remains, it was a little less intrusive than my mother's version (read: not as obnoxious under heavier acceleration). However, it is a shame they couldn't squeeze a bit more power into the Rogue as it's still a bit of slowpoke. Steering is much tighter and more precise than the previous model, which is great and makes the vehicle feel that much more solid and responsive on twistier roads.

In terms of the AWD system, it is the same 70/30 split found in the outgoing model with an AWD Lock option that turns off when you exceed 40km/hr. I was pleasantly surprised with the 2014 Nissan Rogue's improved torque-splitting technology and something they call “Active Trace Control” that will automatically engage your inner or outer brakes to keep you in line when cornering.

The 2014 Nissan Rogue is not a sporty vehicle to drive (Nissan gave us the JUKE to get our sport CUV yahoos out), but it is a pleasantly comfortable vehicle that will surely impress those in the market for just such a car.

While the CVT remains, it was a little less intrusive than my mother's version (read: not as obnoxious under heavier acceleration). (Photo: Nissan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Nissan Rogue
Here's where I have to give serious kudos to Nissan; they did a great job on the redesign of this particular compact crossover. The Rogue finally has a look that's all its own, while still maintaining its Nissan look and roots with elements that carry over from the rest of the family lineup.

Instead of a bulbous, almond-y shape, this new Rogue is much more angular and masculine, with a stubby front nose and edgy rear. They checked all the right boxes with the new exterior look.

Step inside the 2014 Nissan Rogue and those checks continue; soft touch materials, redesigned centre stack, and a new 5” TFT colour screen in the gauge cluster (available on all models) ensure this new Rogue is as forward-thinking as it is looking.

Now, that optional third row is a nifty trick the 2014 Nissan Rogue has up its sleeve, however, it's not exactly a use-everyday-option.

Step inside the 2014 Nissan Rogue and those checks continue; soft touch materials, redesigned centre stack, and a new 5” TFT colour screen in the gauge cluster. (Photo: Nissan)

Comparing the 2014 Nissan Rogue
While my main goal was comparing the new Rogue to the old (because 40% of all Rogue owners will buy another Rogue, and it has the second-highest customer loyalty in their lineup), it has much stiffer competition than just itself in the brand new Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

Is the Rogue better? Yes and no. The 2014 Nissan Rogue has some great attributes and will appeal to a specific customer in the market for a vehicle that will save them money at the pumps and still offer up a comfortable, good-looking and reliable ride.

From GMM

Representatives of the Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Caterham teams will reportedly be present when Lotus does its 'filming day' at Jerez on Friday.

With the Enstone team having sat out the first official test in southern Spain, Brazil's Globo claims troubled engine supplier Renault has invited its other customers back to Jerez as the E22 makes its track debut.

The report said that while Lotus was not keen on the idea, Renault wants all of its V6 customers at Jerez "to monitor" the E22 rollout, presumably to get to the bottom of the technical problems that marred the official Jerez test.

To sweeten the deal for Lotus, who preferred that the 'filming day' remain private, Renault has reportedly vowed to pay for the outing.

Globo said the new Lotus will "debut some of the changes" devised by Renault since Caterham, and particularly Toro Rosso and Red Bull, struggled to merely run their new 2014 cars at Jerez last week.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

As Auto123.com had already revealed sometimes ago, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced today that it had signed an agreement with the Army National Guard to be the primary sponsor of the No. 15 entry driven by Graham Rahal.

“This is an historic day for all of us at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” team co-owner Bobby Rahal said. “I can't overstate how proud and how privileged we feel to represent the men and women of the Army National Guard.”

The National Guard sponsorship is one of the most important in the IndyCar series and it is estimated at between 12 to 15 million$ a year and will allow Rahal's team to put also a second car on the starting grid for the upcoming season.

That announcement is a huge lost for Panther Racing which was still hopeful about keeping this important sponsor that had been with the team for a number of years.

Graham Rahal, 25, enters his second year driving for the team co-owned by his father. The season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is March 30.

Ryan Briscoe, Panther Racing, sponsored by National Guard in 2013. (Photo: IndyCar)

From GMM

Mercedes is being touted as the early 2014 favourite, but Ferrari is reportedly also ahead of the game as F1's new V6 era dawns.

The German-language Speed Week reports that, when Ferrari-powered cars decelerated at the recent Jerez test, they sounded "very different" to their Mercedes and Renault-equipped counterparts.

Ferrari F14-T. (Photo: WRi2)

Rumours in Italy say engine designer Luca Marmorini has devised an unique system that stops the flow of fuel when the driver is not accelerating, improving not only fuel consumption but also the effect of engine-braking.

Also attracting attention at Jerez were Ferrari's airboxes and sidepods, amid suggestions the Italian marque is ahead of the game in the challenging area of cooling the all-new engine, turbo and energy-recovery systems.

Ferrari F14-T. (Photo: WRi2)

When asked about the Ferrari layout, Mercedes' engine boss Andy Cowell told Auto Motor und Sport: "Cooling has become such an important issue, both for power and for the aerodynamics, so a lot of research has gone into this field."

Meanwhile, McLaren's Jenson Button has said he was impressed with how all the Mercedes-powered teams - including Sahara Force India, Williams and the Brackley based works outfit - have worked together in the new V6 era so far.

"While we are here to fight each other as teams," he is quoted by the Mirror, "the more information we can share in the next weeks or months can really help us.

"So we are all in good shape if we continue like that," Jenson Button said.

From GMM

One of the very last seats in formula one is set to be filled by rookie Felipe Nasr.

Last November, we reported that following countryman Felipe Massa's move to Williams for 2014, another Brazilian looked set to become the official reserve driver at Grove.

21-year-old Nasr, a GP2 frontrunner, is backed by Brazilian sponsors Banco do Brasil and Sky Brasil, and managed by Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson.

Italy's Autosprint now reports that Nasr looks to have signed an agreement with Williams that will involve running in Friday morning practice sessions at about half of the 19 grands prix this year.

The deal for Nasr, whose surname rhymes with Massa's, will also include "a substantial number of testing kilometers" during the season, the report added.

Felipe Massa, Williams FW36-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

To the outside world, the North American International Auto Show is just that: an auto show. One of the world's largest, certainly, but still an auto show nonetheless.

For the automotive media and public relations representatives from each automaker, it's a social engineering battle zone. The assembled press can bring carefully crafted questions directly to executives to which they must reply with the pertinent information without giving too much away about future plans.

Following the reveal of Nissan's Sports Sedan Concept, I had some time with Senior Vice President, Shiro Nakamura, to talk about the company's design direction and the concepts on display. Instead of calling the concept by its given name, I substituted it for Maxima, sometimes correcting myself, and sometimes not.

Then it happened... Shiro himself started calling it “Maxima.”

Photo: Nathan Leach-Proffer

It's no surprise really, and Nissan knew everyone would make the connection, as they listed the dimensions of the concept along with the official press release. The current Maxima and this new Sport Sedan Concept are so close in measure, I wonder if Nissan will just give the old Maxima some new clothing and call it a day.

Featuring the same V-Motion design as the rest of the range, the Sport Sedan Concept receives a very flamboyant version of this Nissan design language. Up front, the grille treatment, with the V-chrome hoop, is evident. As are the boomerang headlights that first showed up on the 370Z back in 2008.

However, the V-Motion language is not the only influence for what will be the new range-topping sedan. As Shiro pointed out to me, being the top sedan in the Nissan stable also comes with certain responsibilities.

“This car is the top end of the Nissan lineup, except for GT-R, and design-wise this needs to be a symbol for what Nissan design can achieve,” explained Shiro.

“Compare this to the GT-R, even the front grille shape is similar; the shape of the hood is similar. I think the Sport Sedan Concept connects the GT-R with the rest of the lineup. That is another allure of this car.”

Photo: Nathan Leach-Proffer

The Sport Sedan Concept may also be fairly flashy compared to a road-going sedan for public consumption, but Nissan has been investing highly in this new, expressive design language. Following the Resonance (Murano) and Friend-Me concepts, the Sport Sedan Concept continues certain, distinctive design elements -- such as a “floating roof” -- that are bound to stay and put into production.

It will be produced. During the press conference, as the “Maxima” sat spinning on its turntable between the IDx Freeflow and NISMO, Chief Planning Officer, Andy Palmer proudly proclaimed, “Today, I can tell you that we have at least two of these models set for introduction within our strategic plan.”

A rose by any other name is just as sweet, and taking away the show-time glitz and incredibly boring Sport Sedan Concept moniker gives us exactly what we expect: a production Maxima, set for introduction sometime in 2015.

Expect the new model to continue using the same 3.5L V6 found in the current Maxima. Though, if we can derive anything from what's being done with the Pathfinder (which now uses a similar front-drive-biased setup), we can also expect the Maxima to get a hybrid version using a supercharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.

Photo: Nathan Leach-Proffer

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo will have to make his own way at Red Bull, champion teammate Sebastian Vettel has declared.

24-year-old Australian Ricciardo, with just 50 grands prix with HRT and Toro Rosso under his belt, has arrived at the reigning title-winning team to replace Vettel's retiring teammate, the highly-experienced veteran Mark Webber.

German Vettel and Webber, who like Ricciardo is Australan, endured a notoriously strained relationship at Red Bull, and now Vettel has made clear he will not be actively helping Ricciardo get up to speed.

"Obviously there's a lot of new things this year that everybody will have to adapt to," he said.

"But I'm sure (Ricciardo) will find his way quickly: to give advice is difficult because everybody has his own style.

"He doesn't have the experience Mark had but he's earned his place and I'm sure he'll give me a hard time," said Vettel.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Ricciardo, on the other hand, said he is hoping to "learn as much as I can" from quadruple world champion Vettel, "and hopefully challenge him of course".

David Coulthard, a former Red Bull driver, said he thinks Ricciardo has less pressure on him this year than Vettel.

"If he (Ricciardo) matches him, people will say 'well, he's really got some pace'. If he beats him, then people are going to really sit up and take notice," the Scot told AAP news agency.

"So I think the pressure is off Daniel in many respects," David Coulthard said.

An influential senator, Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, warned automakers and technology executives on Thursday that he'll propose regulating in-car use of mobile phones to Internet-connected entertainment and information systems unless they do...

Nissan revealed the 2015 Versa Note SR at the Chicago Auto Show on Thursday.

Here is a roundup of expert analyses of General Motors' fourth-quarter financial report:

During a recent QandA over at Jalopnik, Jerry Seinfeld revealed that the

PSA is sticking to a $4.1 billion stock-sale plan it's negotiating with France and Dongfeng amid criticism by investors and Peugeot family members.

Federal-Mogul said one of its co-CEOs is stepping down to be replaced by a board member and executive affiliated with its controller shareholder -- longtime Wall Street player Carl Icahn.

Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford's Americas unit, took Japan and specifically Toyota to task today for benefiting unfairly from currency manipulation.

Toyota, looking to keep its Camry as the top-selling car in the United States, plans to introduce a sport hybrid version of the family sedan, said Bob Carter, senior vice president for the world's largest automaker.

GM CEO Mary Barra has been named the world's most powerful woman in business by Fortune magazine in its inaugural list of the 50 Global Most Powerful Women in Business.