Auto News 5

News 27 Mar, 2014

BMW M Sport package gives 2 Series Active Tourer aggressive edge, on sale November from around £24,500

Pictures See all 7 pictures 27 Mar, 2014

Sponsored 27 Mar, 2014

Depreciation is the biggest cost connected to owning a car, find out how Volkswagen engineering keeps it under control

Continuing just-auto's series of interviews with global component manufacturers, Matthew Beecham spoke to Karl-Friedrich Stracke, President Fahrzeugtechnik & Engineering of Magna Steyr about its MILA Blue concept, lightweight technologies and tomorrow's powertrain.

-- Citroën launched its DS with the help of Claude Puech, a sales clerk who knew absolutely nothing about advertising. He learned fast.

Ferrari and amateur racecar driver Sammy Wasem are in a legal battle over a fan page Wasem started that has become one of Facebook's most popular car sites. The case may help define freedom of expression rights in social media.

From GMM

Claire Williams has denied the British team simply lucked into being powered by the best F1 engine for the sport's new turbo V6 era.

Having struggled to just ninth in the 2013 standings with Renault power, Grove based Williams is now working with the field-leading Mercedes.

And the FW36 is regarded as probably the best 2014 car behind the works Mercedes.

Some think Williams simply lucked into the best engine for the revolutionary new era, but deputy boss Claire Williams insists that is not so.

Claire Williams (Martini Williams) and Toto Wolff (Mercedes) in Australia. (Photo: WRi2)

"We were in our second year with Renault after a long history with them," she is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"But we did a huge amount of research into understanding how Renault and the other manufacturers would go with the rule changes. It was obvious early last year where some of the manufacturers were in the developmental stage," Williams explained.

"We talked with Renault and Mercedes about it, and we decided to go with Mercedes. It was a very conscious decision," she added.

Williams admitted that the team's close ties to Mercedes' Toto Wolff - still a co-owner and also husband of test driver Susie - helped the talks along.

"We were able to exchange information with him," she revealed.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso is working hard to "destroy" his new teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

That is the view of F1's outspoken 1997 title winner Jacques Villeneuve, who acknowledged that the predictions of outright war between the two world champions have not yet been proved right.

But the psychological war, according to Villeneuve, has most certainly begun.

"Fernando's plan is obvious -- he wants to beat Kimi at all costs," said the French Canadian. "In the tests it was all calm, but in Melbourne Fernando showed his true potential."

Indeed, Finn Raikkonen struggled with the handling of his 2014 Ferrari throughout the Melbourne weekend, while Spaniard Alonso comfortably beat him in qualifying and the race.

"In the first three races Fernando is trying to destroy Kimi psychologically and get the team to rally around him," Villeneuve said.

But Jacques Villeneuve tips Kimi Raikkonen to fight back.

Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

"Kimi is not an 'iceman'," he insisted. "He has created this image to isolate himself, but like any driver, he doesn't like bad results. But I don't think Kimi fans should worry -- he also had problems with the handling in 2007 but he still became world champion.

"I think the rule changes will even play into his hands," Villeneuve told Germany's Sport Bild. "In qualifying, Alonso will be faster, but this year that's not so important."

From GMM

Michael Schumacher's manager has hit back at claims 'really bad news' about the F1 legend is now just around the corner.

Former F1 doctor Gary Hartstein claimed that, more than 12 weeks into the great German's coma, it is "less and less likely" Schumacher will recover.

He thinks "really bad news" about the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver's prospects might be issued soon, due to the "terribly dismal prognosis".

Citing sources, Hartstein was also critical of Schumacher's early treatment following his skiing fall on the French ski alps, and predicted doctors at the Grenoble hospital will eventually move the 45-year-old out of his bed if a patient with better prospects needs it.

In the wake of Hartstein's comments, Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm told Bild newspaper: "What I said in my last statement is still true. We remain confident that Michael will pull through and wake up, and we are fighting for that together with a team of doctors that we trust".

The German newspaper report questioned Hartstein's claims that his comments were based on the information of "usually impeccable sources".

"Bild knows that, during his time in formula one, Hartstein was never close to Michael Schumacher. He has not had contact with Schumacher's family or the doctors," the report added.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has finally won the coveted Laureus world sportsman of the year award.

It was the Red Bull driver's fifth nomination since he began to dominate formula one with Red Bull several years ago.

But, according to an official Laureus statement issued after Wednesday's gala ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, only his 2013 triumph saw him "join motor racing legends Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost" in winning four titles, "but he did it more quickly than them".

"To be nominated for the award is a great honour for me and to win the award is truly very special," Vettel said after receiving the award in Malaysia.

"It is totally a very special moment for me as I can sit among the great sporting legends," he told a press conference.

The Laureus statement said Vettel, 26, is now "one of the greatest drivers of all time".

Sebastian Vettel beat fellow nominees Usain Bolt and Mo Farah, both athletes, as well as basketball's Lebron James, tennis' Rafael Nadal and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

From GMM

Zoran Stefanovich has admitted he had to withdraw his bid to enter formula one in 2015 because he could not agree an engine deal.

Alongside Gene Haas and Colin Kolles' separate bids, Serbian Stefanovich - who also tried and failed to enter F1 with departed Toyota's assets in 2010 - recently renewed his push to join the sport.

F1's governing body has delayed making a decision about the twelfth team for 2015, but Stefanovich has confirmed reports he is no longer in the running.

The biggest problem, he told Italy's Omnicorse, was that he was unable to agree terms with either Mercedes, Ferrari or Renault for a customer turbo V6.

"Our view is that everyone should play the game on the same field," he said, "but we were not able to close a contract for the supply of an engine with one of the existing manufacturers, and we talked for a long time with all of them.

"Since we did not reach an agreement on the power unit, our participation was compromised and we were forced to stop in the middle of the selection process," said Stefanovich.

"There was no equality of treatment," he complained, "but we do have a future in F1."

Photo: Renault Sport F1

Indeed, it is rumoured that Stefanovich has been in talks with Marussia.

When asked about those contacts, he answered: "I have had contact with several teams for several years, which is a known fact. I don't think I need to go into the details of any ongoing negotiations at this time."

Santa Barbara, CA -- The new 2015 Subaru WRX STI is a gargantuan, low-volume player in a microscopic segment. The STI is Subaru's flagship car and one by which many other affordable supercars are measured.

It's not that the previous STI was lacking in the bulge, it's more like the new car has more girth and is better suited at pleasing drivers. Massive power, stupendous brakes, and grip that will get panties in a bunch, the 2015 WRX STI is a fantastic car. Hell, even Tommi Makinen thinks so. Who am I to say differently?


What is a Subaru WRX STI?
The 2015 Subaru WRX STI is the most extreme volume production car ever created by Subaru. The STI is as close to a road-legal, race-prepped rallye car as you can get. It is a no compromise (still with all the amenities) track-biased automobile that can be a daily-driver if one is willing.

2015 Subaru WRX STI Price and Specs
The 2015 Subaru WRX STI starts at $37,995. The STI Sport retails for $40,495 and the Sport-Tech goes for $44.995.

Both packages include stuff that's useless in regards to this car, namely a sunroof, 8-way power driver's seat, push-button start, a Harman Kardon audio system, leather, and navigation. The only worthwhile items are the giant trunk spoiler and foglights. Sadly, I'd have to live with a sunroof to get both...

The 2015 STI still relies on the 2.5L 4-pot that puts out 305 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 290 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm. A delicious 6-speed manual ‘box is the only way to go here. SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive) is also standard.

What has changed about the powertrain is the 2.5L's ECU and mapping. Max hp comes in a little earlier, but the real difference is the magical throttle response. A new sound creator that channels engine intake sound into the vehicle cabin is a pointless gimmick for a car this serious. Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive with active torque vectoring is standard.

Driving the 2015 Subaru WRX STI
In the 2015 WRX STI, the burble remains! Like the WRX, the new STI is somewhat more civilized than the previous car. Enhancements are subtle, and mostly reserved to the incredibly stiff chassis.

Happily, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI is not so quiet and under load does growl for enthusiast's appreciation. Back-to-back drives of the ‘14 and ‘15 STIs at Buttonwillow Raceway Park demonstrated that not only was the go-pedal's reaction far more immediate but also that flat-out acceleration is less radical.

By roughly 3,500 rpm, things get really interesting as the rush towards redline increases, but the kick in the groin is not as sharp. This car is mad-fast and will crush the 0-100 km/hr sprint in well under 5 seconds, but feels faster than the numbers suggest. The torque peak at 4,000 rpm is very noticeable. It's as if the STI is straining at the leash...

Like the WRX, the 6M's shifter is fantastic. Rev-matches and heel-and-toe are proper and easy. The suspension and chassis improvements turned what was a very good track car into something of a track superstar. Grip is phenomenal and tenacious. The most noteworthy aspect of the suspension's tuning is reduced body roll.

The sharper ride all around could pose problems on normal roads. The upgraded chassis with stronger anchor points and other such reinforcements should curb the development of shakes and rattles over time.

The largest difference between the WRX and STI: the brakes. The STI's Brembos blew my mind. The crushing clamp of the calipers on the discs is immediate and eyeball-popping. Even after repeated track abuse from Mr. Makinen repeatedly they still held out amazingly well on the drive back through twisty mountain roads and passes.

This car has never been more firmly anchored to the road's surface with the AWD system consisting of a helical-type limited-slip front and TORSEN limited-slip rear differentials -- AWD porn-speak for good times.

The 2015 STI's quicker steering ratio is a godsend. The 2014's slack is gone, and the pump weights up nicely and firmly. One “complaint:” the on-center feel is plagued by a minute dead spot. Subie engineers already hinted that the first update to be made to the STI will be adopting the WRX's rack for this and other considerations.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Subaru WRX STI
The new 2015 WRX STI only takes the mundane WRX's look one or two steps up. The addition of 18” wheels -- a vast improvement over the WRX 17s -- and the optional giant wing are what separate the two.

The sum of these two parts is far greater than it sounds. The STI has an aura about it that elevates it to deity levels. If the WRX is the Holy Grail then the STI is God holding it, about to chug some high-octane race fuel.

Few upgrades are made to the STI's cabin over the WRX. Seats are the same -- short on lateral support -- but feature Alcantara or can be leather-covered. A few red accents are strewn about the dashboard and the “STI” logo ahead of the shifter lights up with the headlights.

Comparing the 2015 Subaru WRX STI
The 2015 WRX STI is a mountain of a car. The more I drove it, the more I could see one parked in my garage. The one constant competitor that came to mind was the Volkswagen Golf R that's more refined in every aspect, but is not as ferocious as the Subie.

Other considerations could include the Audi A4, BMW 2 Series, and its greatest rival, the Mitsubishi EVO -- at least for now.

As General Motors recalls 1.6 million vehicles that have defective ignition switches linked to at least 12 deaths, it faces another potential risk -- this time in the spare parts market.

Here's another addend in the complex driver-training equation: Many parents influence their kids to become both a greater danger when driving and more susceptible to the actions of other poor drivers.

SUV drivers should get ready to pay more at the parking lot, especially in big cities.

French President Francois Hollande and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, oversaw the signing of a deal that will see Dongfeng Motor and the French government take matching 14 percent stakes in PSA/Peugeot-Citroen.

Italian design house Bertone has confirmed it entered bankruptcy proceedings in Italy, The Telegraph reports, amid recent reports that it laid off a significant percentage of its workforce.

Toyota said it will buy back stock for the first time in five years as its cash pile swells and profit climbs. Toyota will repurchase as many as 60 million shares, equivalent to a 1.9 percent stake, for 360 billion yen ($3.

Tenneco says authorities in Europe and the US have requested information as part of an ongoing global anti-trust investigation concerning multiple automotive suppliers.

News 28 Mar, 2014

New Kia Sorento caught heading to UK, set for unveil at Paris Motor Show 2014