Auto News 5

Pros: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK is a great seller that you can almost spot around town on any given day. Sharp lines, two excellent engines, a superb gearbox, fourth-generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and all the luxury and confort you'd expect from a Mercedes are part of the package.

Cons: The GLK can get quite expensive when you start adding options and accessories. The trunk's capacity is below average; in fact, you can enjoy more cargo room in most mid-to-large sedans. Elsewhere, operating the paddle shifters takes some getting used to.

2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK Price: There are two trim levels on the GLK menu for 2014, and they start at $43,500 and $45,500, respectively.

Photo: Mercedes

2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK Fuel Economy: On one hand, you have the very efficient, diesel-powered GLK 250 BlueTEC, which achieves 8.3L/100km in the city and 5.9L/100km on the highway. On the other hand, the more powerful GLK 350 4MATIC burns 11.1L and 8.1L/100km (premium gas required).

Improvements and Changes: The biggest news is obviously the introduction of a 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The COMAND system adds a surround-view camera. New colour options have been added to the mix.

2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK Powertrain: The German automaker offers two different engines with the GLK, namely a 2.1L 4-cylinder turbodiesel (200 hp, 369 lb-ft) and a 3.5L V6 (302 hp, 273 lb-ft). All models benefit from 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

Photo: Mercedes

Cargo Capacity: There are 450 litres of trunk space in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK, although you can fold the rear seats and triple that number to 1,550 litres.

Safety: Seven airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution along with stability and traction control are standard. You can get a rearview camera, lane keeping assist system, blind-spot monitors, and an emergency calling system.

Comparing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK: Competition includes the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lexus RX 350, Lincoln MKX, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60.

From GMM

Pirelli says it is too early to assess the performance of its new-for-2014 tires, despite four days of running at Jerez last week.

The Italian marque endured a nightmarish 2013 season, marred by blowouts and claims its tires wore inconsistently and excessively.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, however, said after the Jerez test: "The (2014) tires are a little bit better.

"They're more durable, so you can do maybe 30 laps and have a lot less wear on them," he told the British broadcaster Sky. "But they still overheat, like any other tire."

Photo: WRi2

Pirelli, however, is not endorsing Hamilton's comments, on the basis that the lack of running at Jerez meant "very little tire work was carried out".

Indeed, Paul Hembery was scheduled to conduct media interviews on the last day of the test, but it was called off on the basis that not enough about the tires was learned at Jerez, according to Speed Week.

"The emphasis was not on tires during this test," motor sport chief Hembery confirmed.

"The upcoming tests in Bahrain should allow them (the teams) to focus on tires a little more, having had two weeks to develop their cars and remedy any issues that have been identified at Jerez," he added.

Here is a video of the shakedown of the new, turbocharged Mercedes AMG W05 Formula 1 car at Silverstone.

On Friday January 24, the German team led by Toto Wolff completed a successful shakedown of its new W05. A shakedown is basically a car system check.

Nico Rosberg completed a total of 40 km with the brand new V6 turbo hybrid powered F1 car.

Click here to see photos of the Mercedes AMG W05.

From GMM

After Red Bull's catastrophic opening test at Jerez last week, even F1 backmarkers Marussia and Caterham are currently ahead of the formerly-dominant world champions' game.

Indeed, despite sitting out half of the four-day session in southern Spain, Ferrari-powered Marussia ultimately got its new MR03 up and running with more laps in the bag than the troubled title-defending RB10.

And Caterham, despite running the very same Renault engine as Red Bull, coped better with the French supplier's high-profile problems.

Caterham CT05. (Photo: WRi2)

According to Italy's Omnicorse, having likened the unseemly green CT05 to an 'armoured car' at Jerez, running with initially ultra-conservative packaging was a deliberate strategy by technical chief Mark Smith.

In stark contrast, Adrian Newey's extreme packaging for the RB10 reportedly proved too much for the Renault internals at Jerez, while Caterham managed more than triple Red Bull's mileage with its 'test car'.

"We were aware of the risks," said Mark Smith, "but it was important for us to come back with a sufficient amount of data in order to do an accurate analysis."

Also struggling at Jerez was Red Bull's sister team Toro Rosso, who having switched from Ferrari power over the winter was able to collect just 239 kilometres of running with the troubled Renault V6 last week.

"I arrived in Jerez expecting that we might have some difficulties," team driver Jean-Eric Vergne told France's RMC.

"But this (the 2014 rules) is a revolution," he insisted, "and I think modern F1 has not experienced something like it before.

"I trust Renault," Vergne added. "They won all of the world championships in the past years and I'm confident they will be working hard so that we will have a very good engine."

Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) will celebrate its 25th year with the start of the 2014 season. CGRT, which began as Target Chip Ganassi Racing in 1990, is recognized as one of the most successful teams in the motorsports industry.

The organization has compiled historic victories in some of the most iconic races around the globe. CGRT has claimed five wins in the Daytona Rolex 24, four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500 and a Brickyard 400 victory. In total CGRT has claimed 17 series championships and more than 150 race victories.

Currently CGRT fields seven cars in three different series; four cars in the IndyCar Series, two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and one Prototype in the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.


Here are some stats:
• First Win - Michael Andretti, March 20, 1994 (Surfers Paradise, Australia)
• First NASCAR win - Sterling Marlin, Aug. 19, 2001 - (Michigan International Speedway)
• First Grand-Am win - Scott Pruett, Max Papis, May 23, 2004 - (Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Quebec Canada)
• Indianapolis 500 wins (2000, 2008, 2010, 2012)
• Rolex 24 At Daytona wins (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013)
• Championships (CART 1996, 1997,1998,1999), (INDYCAR - 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013), (GRAND-AM - 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
• NASCAR Daytona 500 - 2010
• NASCAR Brickyard 400 - 2010
• 100th win - July 7, 2013

Test-driving the crossover SUV marketplace is like visiting an international 100-item buffet restaurant with numerous tempting choices designed to whet the appetite. From beneath the heat lamps, crispy, tangy, steamy and delicious options call out for your consideration, and you can have a nibble or two of everything that looks appealing.

But alas, one can only bring one tasty crossover SUV home to the garage—meaning that when the heat-lamps are replaced with dealer showroom lights and the breading, chicken, salad and sauces give way to sheetmetal, glass and plastic, there's an important choice to be made.


What is a 2014 Subaru Outback?
The Japanese-designed, Australian-named, American-built Subaru Outback is one of the crossover SUV buffet's most highly-sensible station wagon crossover medleys -- cooked up to target folks shopping a vehicle with a tasty combination of safety, fuel mileage, driving confidence, functionality and low running costs.

Packing decades of experience building reliable, no-nonsense All Wheel Drive (AWD) models, the Outback capitalizes on Subaru's gleaming reputation amongst active and levelheaded shoppers.

2014 Subaru Outback Prices and Specs
My basic tester came in from under $28,500 with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the addition of the CVT automatic transmission spiked the price to about $29,800. An atmospherically-responsible ‘PZEV' designated model can be had from $30,495, while Touring and Limited Packages provide opportunity to spike the Outback's price into the high-thirties with four-cylinder power. A six-cylinder model is available from $34,495 and tops out just under $40,000 with all the goodies.

My tester got none other than Subaru's 2.5L BOXER 4-cylinder engine with 173 horsepower, and the 3.6L BOXER 6-cylinder mill outputs 256. In any case, as it is with all Subaru models, All Wheel Drive is standard.

Packing decades of experience building reliable, no-nonsense All Wheel Drive (AWD) models, the Outback capitalizes on Subaru's gleaming reputation amongst active and levelheaded shoppers. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Driving the 2014 Subaru Outback
Getting in and out is simple—you just plunk down a little, but still get a good forward view of the road. This might just be the perfect ride height for someone after a commanding view without stepping up or climbing in.

Outback's turning circle is tight and all-around visibility is pretty good, so parking the Subaru is pretty easy. It's easy to drive on the highway too—with wind and road noise levels kept decently hushed, the suspension sprung comfortably but with a hint of taut sportiness, and steering which is slightly sporty but not excessively so.

The included CVT is growing in popularity for its fuel-saving benefits, though it does accelerate like a ski-doo at full throttle, with no shifting, which feels weird. However, driven gently, drivers will likely appreciate the smoothness, and how engine RPM stays virtually locked as the Outback accelerates. There are paddle shifters for pretend manual-mode shifting, and better yet, you can save yourself a grand and a bit by going with the six-speed stick that's still offered here with the 2.5L.

Power output is modest and comes with a little more noise and vibration at full throttle than you'll find in a comparable RAV4 or Outlander, though the CVT helps make the best use of the 173 horses, and most drivers will find it thoroughly adequate.

The standard, fully automatic and invisible Symmetrical AWD system sends a touch more power to the front wheels, which is more stable and predictable when the going gets slippery. The tester rolled on less-than-ideal all-season rubber which often made for greasy handling in the snow—but with winter tires, it'd be largely unstoppable.

Notes? Outback heats up quickly when it's cold, the seat heaters are powerful, and the braking system works well to provide quick, straight and drama-free stops even over mixed traction surfaces.

Ultimately, as a product, Outback makes you feel like it's very keen to do exactly what it's supposed to, very, very well. There's nothing mind-blowing going on, but for what you're probably buying it for, Outback does its job exceptionally. It's a wholesome sort of ride.

The included CVT is growing in popularity for its fuel-saving benefits, though it does accelerate like a ski-doo at full throttle, with no shifting, which feels weird. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Subaru Outback
Styling is distinctive but won't blow anyone's socks off—and the fog-lamps and roof-rails were welcomed for adding a uniquely sporty and functional bit of visual flare. Outback's long body conceals a deep, long and wide cargo area, making it easy to load full of your stuff. Rear seats fold flat if you've got to transport area rugs, ladders or six bags of insulation for your shed, like me. And, when you've got people in the back seats, even the largest of them will enjoy plenty of space and headroom.

Up front, the basic tester got heated cloth seats with motorized driver seat adjustment, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth so you don't get a chatty driving ticket and a driver computer. On a test drive of a basic Outback like my tester, you'll likely find everything you need, and nothing you don't.

Styling is distinctive but won't blow anyone's socks off. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Comparing the Subaru Outback
My favorite comparison to the Outback is the Outlander, from Mitsubishi. Output and mileage figures are similar, but the Subaru has a more cohesive-looking cabin and a slightly more refined ride. The Mitsubishi offers a superior powertrain warranty, a more refined powertrain and more driver control over its slick AWD system. Test-driving both of these models is highly advised.

Two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series' champion Andrew Ranger has confirmed that he will be back full-time in the Canadian championship for the upcoming 2014 season behind the wheel of a DJ Kennington Racing Mopar Dodge Challenger.

The 27-year-old driver has signed a two-year deal with Kennington's team and he will try to become the second driver to earn three titles after Scott Steckly.

Moreover, the driver from Roxton Pond, Quebec is still negotiating with NDS Motorsports to take part in between 8 to 10 races in Nationwide, ARCA and K&N series.

Ranger also stated that Kennington's offer was really the only one he had received that allowed him to pursue his career with a minimum of stability and financial security.

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo agreed behind closed doors that the controversial 'double points' innovation is necessary for formula one.

That is the claim of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, despite Ferrari president Montezemolo having claimed on record that he is opposed to the unpopular idea.

"It's too artificial. I would not be surprised if the rule is soon abolished," the Italian said recently.

Luca di Montezemolo and Bernie Ecclestone. (Photo: WRi2)

However, Bernie Ecclestone has told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt this week that the 'double points' concept was designed specifically to help the sport's most famous team.

"He (Montezemolo) was talking about it and I said 'It is very simple why we got that (double points rule)'," Bernie Ecclestone is quoted by City A.M.

"'It is because you (Ferrari) aren't performing'," the 83-year-old recalled telling Montezemolo.

"'If you were doing what you should be doing there wouldn't be any need for it'. He (Montezemolo) said 'I know, I know'," Bernie Ecclestone added.

From El Martillo Racing

The Dakar has many histories to tell and many records to beat, in the 2014 edition, Matt Campbell from el Martillo Racing became just the second Canadian racer ever finishing the Dakar Rally, the most amazing and challenging off road race in the world.

Campbell, 62, started racing in the Baja California Sur, Mexico peninsula three years ago, and maybe he never though he and his team would get that far.

The Calgarian racer built a team and a race car especially for the Dakar and participated thinking in three basic goals: firstly: finish; secondly: get a podium and third: to be in the Top 20.

For a “rookie” in a race like this but not a rookie in real life, Campbell knew what it takes to be competitive in this event, so he did all in his hands to set up a team to get at least the first of those three goals he had in mind... “My entire life has prepared me for the Dakar Challenge. I'm a competitor” Matt Campbell said.

Matt Campbell (Photo: Photo: El Martillo Racing)

After a rough, nasty, grueling two-week race, with two times just at the edge to abandon the competition, Campbell and his two Mexicans crewmember Luis Ramirez and Nicolas Ambriz made it to the end and became a finisher, second place in his class and the second Canadian driver ever achieving to finish the Dakar Rally in 37 years.

After that amazing adventure, Matt shares some of his impressions about the race he conquered from January the 5th to the 18th.

Question: Mr. Campbell, when was the most difficult moment of the race for you?
Campbell: “Stage five when we had the second clutch failure in the dunes and the temperatures were +50C and we had no spare clutch with us and then spent the next 36 hours meeting our start times and still had to change the clutch on the track before the rest of the day. When we finally started into the 6th stage late at night with lightning in the mountains I feared there was going to be a major rainstorm and was concerned about flash floods in the Arroyos”.

Q: Did you think the team would not make it? When?
Never—but the issue is some things are beyond your control, but I knew if we had a half a chance we could overcome the technical and mechanical issues, just running out of time is what naturally finishes you off.

Q: Which was the stage you enjoyed the most?
Every stage that we did not have clutch problems!! And even then the support and encouragement from everyone, other racers, on site fans, and the huge online fan community. The challenge of each different stage is an enjoyment, be it hot, dunes, stuck, regular breakdowns, the fan support really kept our spirits up, the fans in South America are the best!

Q: How you find different the Dakar to the Baja Sur races?
The big difference is fan behavior, there seems to be very little drinking in South America vs. Baja, it is really pretty scary in Baja with the fans who drink so much and being so close to the track. And while the track is really no rougher the two big differences are the Fesh Fesh or Talc and the dunes.

Then naturally the day after day after day is something we do not do in Baja, here we race a day and fix for a month, The Dakar you race day after day and fix the car night after night. The crews really got tired.

Q: What did you feel when you and the team were in the podium?
A great achievement for each and every one on the team. With Dakar everyone is so important to the successful outcome and everyone works so hard, one missing link in that chain of the team and you will not complete.

I cannot emphasize how pleased I was that the entire team stayed intact, no one quit and sure there was stress but everyone stayed a true professional to the end. Half the Dakar is between the ears.

From GMM

US media companies Liberty and Discovery have moved to buy a major stake in formula one from CVC, according to reports.

The New York Post said the bid is headed by John Malone, but Reuters and the Telegraph said the talks about a 49 per cent sale are only at an early stage.

Writing in the Telegraph, journalists Katherine Rushton and Christian Sylt said the bid is in direct competition with News Corp's Rupert Murdoch, who in 2011 was reported to be interested in buying the sport.

CVC would not comment, but F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone said he was not specifically aware of the Malone bid.

"You've got all these people that buy and sell companies, like people that buy and sell anything," he said. "They always think that somebody who wants to sell is in trouble. They think they (CVC) are in trouble."

From GMM

Romain Grosjean is not so sure Fernando Alonso will have an easy time alongside new Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen in 2014.

The Frenchman's comments follow those of Alonso's last teammate Felipe Massa this week, as the Brazilian tipped Alonso to be faster this year because he "combines talent with brains".

Romain Grosjean, however, may also be well placed to comment, given that he too has been paired in F1 with both Alonso (2009) and more recently with Raikkonen at Lotus.

"Good luck to them!" he grinned to Brazil's Totalrace.

"They are two very strong personalities. It will be interesting," said Romain Grosjean. "Kimi is very much like Fernando in several respects. Both like to be number one, so we'll see what happens. If there is something I could learn from Kimi and Fernando it is that they never quit. Whenever they get into the car, they get 100 per cent from it, whether it is a good car, bad car, if it's dry, wet."

Eric Boullier and Romain Grosjean, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

Meanwhile, the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat reports that Grosjean, 27, will no longer work with his manager Eric Boullier, after the former Lotus boss moved to McLaren.

The Lotus-linked management stable Gravity is now headed by Gerard Lopez, but correspondent Heikki Kulta cited sources in claiming Boullier's long-term successor will be appointed before the forthcoming Bahrain test.

On February 12th, Ferrari will host the world debut of what is currently known as the ''149M Project.'' The rumour mill is spinning quite a bit about this model, which may turn out to be a modified version of the California, codenamed ''F149.''

According to Supercar Team and World Car Fans, the Ferrari 149M Project could get the Maserati Quattroporte's 3.8L twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 552 horsepower.

Look for more details next Wednesday, as well as on March 4th when the 2014 Geneva Auto Show kicks off.

Sources: supercarteam.com, worldcarfans.com

Kia Canada is recalling 1,852 Sportage crossovers from the 2014 model year because the certification label does not contain correct tire pressure information. Depending on tire size, the label may indicate 1-2 psi below the correct tire pressures.

Consequently, Kia dealers will install a partial label overlay to block out the error. In addition, a sticker with the correct tire pressures will be affixed to tire pressure information in the Owner's manual.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Kia

The new Ferrari-powered Sauber C33completed 193 laps of the Jerez circuit last week and team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said the Swiss team is quite happy with the first outing of the turbo hybrid car.

“We are satisfied with the first test. Our car was ready just in time. We wanted to see if the mechanical components and all the systems were working. The cars are very complex this year because of the new power unit, but, as a matter of fact, we have reached a good level already,” Kaltenborn said in a team press release.

Adrian Sutil, Sauber C33-Ferrari (Photo: WRI2)

She confirmed that the lap times are almost meaningless because every team ran a different programme, including different fuel loads. She also confirmed that the loss of downforce due to the new technical regulations was causing some problems with the Pirelli tires.

“The tires were another important factor to consider. Both our drivers struggled to get temperature into the tires. And it certainly didn't help them that we only had a provisional aero package with limited downforce on the car,” she said.

“However, this didn't come as a surprise to us. We know what to expect. It was our top priority to be ready from the first day of testing, so to be able to drive and collect as much data as possible,” Kaltenborn added.

“Fundamentally, the C33 has a very extensive aero package. We plan to have most of the parts on the car for the first test in Bahrain. This includes new front and rear wings, side pod deflectors, as well as several other small elements on the car. A few other parts will follow for the second test in Bahrain,” she concluded.

The arctic temperatures that hit key Honda markets in the Midwest and East Coast kept some car buyers out of Honda showrooms last month, leading American Honda to a 2 percent decline in United States sales.

Automotive shopping Web site CarGurus has launched a formula to sniff out potential bait-and-switch listings that lure consumers into dealerships.

Automakers issued more recalls in 2013 than the year before, with Toyota again recalling the most cars and trucks, a new government report shows.

A potential defect that is preventing Toyota dealers from selling some vehicles on their lots had little effect on January sales and is expected to have a 'minimal' impact in February, company executives said today.

There are ambitious project cars, and then there is this: a 1971 Mercedes-Benz600 Six-Door Pullman Landaulet that'll be offered at

Mercedes-Benz, the top-selling luxury-auto brand in the United States in 2013, started out this year in the lead with record January sales as carmakers broaden their lineups to bring in younger buyers.