Auto News 5

The newly created Mercedes-Benz Vans USA unit that sells the Sprinter van will add dealers and models and will increase sales in the next few years.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to use sporty new Alfa Romeos and sleek Maseratis in a bid to repeat in Italy what British brands like Mini and Jaguar have achieved under foreign ownership.

Citroen is taking a bold step with its new C4 Cactus compact car that debuts at the Geneva auto show ­#8211; just like Nissan did when it launched the Qashqai in 2007.

Volvo design chief Thomas Ingenlath has been turning heads and winning styling awards since joining the Swedish automaker from VW Group. The question is whether the success will result in an irresistible new XC90.

VW and Volvo will use the Geneva auto show to present their plans to make pinch and swipe gestures as common in the car as they are on an iPad.

Model: 2008 to 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan/Coupe

The Verdict: The majority of owners of this generation of C-Class report minor issues, if any at all. A healthy, properly maintained unit free of troublesome signs or one from a Certified Pre-Owned program with extra warranty should deliver plenty of worry-free luxury driving.

Price: Pricing varies wildly in the used C-Class market, due in no small part to the very wide range of powertrains and equipment levels. There's no shortage of selection across the country -- and $20,000 to $35,000 should find you a model that suits your needs, exactly.

Photo: Charles Renny

History/Description: The latest generation C-Class entered the market for model-year 2008 with new styling, power, and technology. As the entry-level Mercedes sedan in North America, standard models initially offered a range of V6 engines with no less than 201 horsepower, and up to 300-plus horsepower, depending on the model selected. Look for automatic transmissions and available All-Wheel Drive as designated by the 4MATIC badge. Rear-wheel drive was standard.

Later in this model's life, a coupe variant joined the lineup, as did a 1.8L turbocharged, 4-cylinder, base engine. Feature content included premium audio, push-button start, climate-controlled leather seats, xenon lights, navigation, Bluetooth, and plenty more.

Key competitors included the Lexus IS, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

Photo: Charles Renny

What Owners Like: Owners report stable handling, an opulent cabin, a great up-level stereo system, and even good fuel mileage -- especially with the 7-speed automatic that was added mid-cycle. Easy-to-use technology and styling rounded out the package.

What Owners Dislike: Complaints include noisy power-seat adjustment, sometimes-noisy brakes, limited rear-seat headroom for taller passengers, and the awkward placement of some of the controls around the steering wheel.

Photo: Charles Renny

The Test Drive: Start your test drive by noting the condition of the tires and brakes on the C-Class as some owners reported premature wear of these components. A squeaking noise from the braking system could indicate worn out pads or just the result of a somewhat common brake-pad material issue. Ask a mechanic for help if you're unsure. Many owners had the brake system serviced or new/revised pads installed to help stop the unwanted sounds.

Sit with the vehicle in park and turn the steering wheel fully from one side to the other, quickly, a few times. Any “knocking” sound from beneath the vehicle in the process could be the result of a faulty or worn-out bushing in the steering system. Not a major issue, but one that should be addressed.

Hard shifting or check-engine lights in a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class are likely caused by faulty sensors, although they could indicate transmission or engine trouble. In any case, be sure to have a mechanic scan the model's computer brain to investigate any issues, warning lights or messages. A computer scan takes just a few minutes and can reveal potentially hidden issues waiting to show themselves.

Though largely inconsequential, numerous owners reported issues with the newer 7-speed automatic transmission, meaning that the older and more proven 5-speed unit may be a better choice if you're not opting for extended powertrain warranty coverage. Trouble signs in a model with the 7-speed automatic may include jerky shifting, especially at speed or just after overtaking another vehicle at full throttle.

Test drivers are advised to be sure they confirm proper operation from the stereo system and Bluetooth system, as well as all power-seat adjustments, door locks, windows, and the sunroof.

Photo: Charles Renny

British racing driver Lewis Hamilton was quicker than everyone, Sunday at the Bahrain International Circuit, as winter testing ahead of the 2014 F1 season came to a close.

The 2008 world champion's effort put Mercedes' factory outfit back on top of the timing sheet, the rest of the four-day test having been dominated by customers Sahara Force India and Williams.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05 (Photo: WRi2)

As he racked up a total of 70 laps, Sunday at the wheel of his Mercedes W05, Hamilton posted a 1min33.278s, a time only two tenths short of Felipe Massa's benchmark for turbo cars at Bahrain.

Valtteri Bottas, Williams FW36 (Photo: WRi2)

Massa's teammate at Williams, Finn Valtteri Bottas, was second quickest aboard the FW36. Despite an engine change, Bottas completed 108 laps over the day to bring to 936 laps the Grove based team's tally.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T (Photo: WRi2)

First of the non Mercedes-powered drivers was Spaniard Fernando Alonso with the third fastest lap. He was followed by Nico Hulkenberg, whose race simulation was ended prematurely by an unspecified failure.

Nico Hulkenberg, Sahara Force India VJM07 (Photo: WRi2)

Sauber drivers Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez took turns at the wheel of the C33 to turn a total of 177 laps. They posted the sixth and eighth fastest lap respectively.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10 (Photo: WRi2)

World champion Sebastian Vettel was only ninth fastest, but at least he was able to complete 77 laps, which is 77 more than what he managed Saturday. Down in 10th, Jenson Button recorded the least amount of laps (22), having suffered from both engine and electronics problems.

Difficult day also for Lotus, as Romain Grosjean rounded out the classification.

The paddock's next meeting is the Australian Grand Prix, in less than two weeks.

Third and final winter test session, Bahrain, Day 4*:
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1m 33.278s, 70 laps

2. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1m 33.987s, 108 laps

3. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1m 34.280s, 74 laps
4. Nico Hulkenberg, Force India, 1m 35.577s, 74 laps
5. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1m 35.701s, 74 laps
6. Adrian Sutil, Sauber, 1m 36.467s, 91 laps
7. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1m 36.835s, 61 laps

8. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1m 37.303s, 86 laps
9. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1m 37.468s, 77 laps
10. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1m 38.111s, 22 laps

11. Kamui Kobayashi, Caterham, 1m 38.391s, 106 laps

12. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1m 39.302s, 32 laps
*Unofficial timing

From WRC

New Zealander Hayden Paddon is the newest addition to Hyundai Motorsport's World Rally Championship's (WRC) program.

The 26-year-old's programme will compete for the first time behind the wheel of the i20 at Rally Italia Sardegna in June. He will also contest the rounds in Poland, Finland, Australia and Britain along with two more rounds from Germany, France and Spain.

The Korean manufacturer will enter Paddon and co-driver John Kennard in a second team called Hyundai Motorsport N, which will be registered to score points in the manufacturers' championship.

Paddon, who won the PWRC world title in 2011, made his World Rally Car debut in October last year when he drove a Ford Fiesta RS for the Qatar M-Sport squad at Rally de Espana. He finished eighth.

Hayden Paddon with Hyundai Motorsport president Gyoo-Heon Choi (Photo: WRC)

“It is an incredible opportunity to be part of the team in these very exciting times,” said Paddon, pictured with Hyundai Motorsport president Gyoo-Heon Choi. “It's a chance that we are ready for and are going to work very hard to make the most of to help the team continue to develop towards 2015.

“Same as the team, I am here to learn my way through WRC and to succeed in the end. It is also a fantastic opportunity for me to work and learn alongside some very experienced people within the team and, of course, the other drivers,” he added.

Paddon joins lead driver Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo, Juho Hanninen and Chris Atkinson in the Hyundai set-up.

He will test the i20 WRC for the first time in April but before then he will attend next week's Rally Mexico independently for the recce.

He races in IndyCar. He's Canadian. He's the mayor of Hinchtown. And he never wears socks and sandals. He's James Hinchcliffe.

James Hinchcliffe (Photo: IndyCar)

Date of birth: December 5th, 1986

Hometown: Oakville, Ontario (Canada)

Occupation: IndyCar driver for Andretti Autosport

Favourite corner: Turn 11, 12 at Barber Motorsports Park
Best friend on the grid: Charlie Kimball

Charlie Kimball (Photo: IndyCar)

Career highlight: First win at St Pete

Toughest competitor: Scott Dixon

Oval or road course?
I like both of them equally.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

What would you do if you weren't an race car driver?
Racing really is my life.

Who do you owe your success to?
My family.

Three key elements to a good lap:
1. A brave driver
2. A lot of commitment
3. A good set-up

James Hinchcliffe (Photo: Walter Kuhn)

Favourite actor: Robert Downey Jr

Favourite song: Sweet Child O' Mine

Favourite drink: Hinchtown Hammer Down (Hinchcliffe's own beer)

Best thing about the off-season: Scuba diving

If you could introduce one new rule to IndyCar: Allow banana peals like in Mario Kart.

Best piece of advice you've ever had: "Never give up."

Best excuse after crashing the car: "That guy cut me off."

From press release

Officials of the Bahrain International Circuit announced today they would be naming the first corner of the BIC after F1 legend Michael Schumacher, as part of the track's 10th anniversary.

Schumacher won the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix back in 2004, and still holds the lap record. The former Mercedes and Ferrari driver also helped designed the track.

"With the support of his family, it is a great privilege to be able to honour arguably the greatest racing driver in the history of F1 and someone who the people of Bahrain hold close to their hearts," said Zayed Al Zayani, Chairman of the BIC.

Michael Schumacher (Photo: Ferrari)

"I am convinced Michael will love the idea and feel very honoured about having a BIC corner named after him," replied the great German's spokesperson, Sabine Kehm.

The seven-time world champion remains in intensive care, following his ski accident in late December.

Also as part of the 10th anniversary, Bahrain will host its first F1 night race, on April 6th, 2014.

From Audi

The Audi teams competing in the GTD class of the Tudor United Sports Car Championship have nominated their driver squads for the next major classic racing event.

In the Sebring 12 Hours on March 15, Flying Lizard Motorsports will be relying on Nelson Canache, Tim Pappas, Spencer Pumpelly and Markus Winkelhock, who are currently runners-up on the leaderboard of the North American Endurance Challenge.

The sister car will be shared by Filipe Albuquerque, Alessandro Latif, Dion von Moltke and Seth Neiman.

GMG Racing will be contesting the race with Marc Basseng, James Sofronas and Alex Welch. Fall-Line Motorsports will be competing in Florida with Charles Espenlaub, Christopher Mies and Charlie Putman.

Finally, the R8 LMS of Paul Miller Racing will be driven by Matthew Bell, Christopher Haase and Bryce Miller, who are currently in third place of the standings.

Audi R8 LMS ultra, Sébastien Loeb Racing (Photo: Audi)

Meanwhile, in related Audi news, Sébastien Loeb Racing took delivery of two Audi R8 LMS ultra cars at quattro GmbH in Heilbronn-Biberach.

The squad of the nine-time World Rally Champion relies on Audi's customer sport race car for the first time this year and will be competing in the French GT Tour Championship.

In addition, Sébastien Loeb Racing is planning to run in the GTC class of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

From press release

The new challenger makes its debut while preparations for the start of the BMW M4 DTM's first season enter the finishing straight.

The submission of the necessary papers for the aerodynamic homologation of the 2014-spec DTM cars to the Deutsche Motor Sport Bund (DMSB) also marks the end of a busy, and yet exciting, period for BMW Motorsport.

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

Development work on the BMW M4 DTM, which will compete in the forthcoming DTM season, has been in full swing in recent weeks and months. As of today, it is no longer possible to make modifications to fundamental areas of the car, heralding a new phase of preparations for the start of the season in Hockenheim (DE) on 4th May.

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

The forthcoming tests will primarily focus on optimizing detailed aspects of the total package and understanding how to exhaust the full potential of the BMW M4 DTM.

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

The new car will make public appearances out on the track at the official ITR tests in Budapest (HU, 31st March - 3rd April) and then at the final test in Hockenheim (DE, 14th - 17th April).

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

Like last year, the official presentation of all eight BMW M4 DTMs on 25th April in Munich's BMW Welt will provide BMW Motorsport fans with a mouth-watering taste of what they can look forward to in the new season.

BMW M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

Technical data for the BMW M4 DTM
Chassis: carbon-fibre monocoque with integrated tank and steel roll cage; carbon-fibre crash elements on sides; carbon fibre crash elements on front and rear
Length/width/height: 4,775 mm/1,950 mm/approx. 1,200 mm
Tank capacity: 120 litres
Engine: 90° V8 aspirated engine, four valves per cylinder, 2 x 28.0 mm air restrictors (in accordance with regulations)
Capacity: 4,000 ccm
Output: approx. 480 bhp (with air restrictors, in accordance with regulations)
Max. torque: approx. 500 Nm
Engine management system: Bosch MS 5.1 engine control unit, central display
Transmission: Sequential 6-speed sports gearbox, operated via pneumatic shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel; 4-plate ZF Sachs carbon-fibre clutch; adjustable multi-disc limited-slip differential
Front axle/rear axle: Double wishbone axle with pushrods and adjustable shock absorbers with six settings; H&R coil springs
Brakes: Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system; monoblock, light-alloy brake callipers; inner-ventilated brake discs at front and rear; brake-force distribution can be adjusted by driver; electromagnetic starting valve
Wheels: Forged aluminium rims; 18" x 12" front, 18" x 13" rear
Tires: Hankook; front: 300-680-18, rear: 320-710-18

BMW M4 and M4 DTM (Photo: BMW)

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to use sporty new Alfa Romeos and sleek Maseratis in a bid to repeat in Italy what British brands like Mini and Jaguar have achieved under foreign ownership.

The planet that Henry Ford put on wheels is poised for a stall. The world will reach "Peak Car" -- a point at which annual global sales growth will top out -- in the next decade, analysts predict.

Top GM executives are under intense pressure to explain why it took them a decade to order a fix for a faulty ignition switch.

A breakdown of where states with Tesla storefronts stand on the issue.

From WTCC

For the first time Castrol Honda and Citroën Racing factory teams faced each other on the racetrack, as they shared a test session in preparation of the 2014 FIA World Touring Car Championship.

After running previously on their own on different racetracks, the two teams had their first confrontation this week at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet.

Honda (Photo: WTCC)

Changeable weather provided all different track conditions during the three days. It was sunny on Monday and rainy on Tuesday, while on Wednesday the track was wet in the morning and dried up in the afternoon as the sky cleared.

The Castrol Honda Racing, that will defend the WTCC Manufacturers' Championship title they won last year, ran one single Civic car. Tiago Monteiro took the wheel on the first day, while Gabriele Tarquini took over from Tuesday.

This was the third test session for the TC1 version of the Japanese car, built in compliance with the championship's new technical regulations. 

Citroën C-Elysée (Photo: WTCC)

Citroën Racing continued the approach to their first season in the World Touring Car Championship, adding another test session to a long list that began eight months ago.

The French team tested with two C-Elysée cars that were shared by the three works drivers; Sébastien Loeb, Yvan Muller and José María López were very busy and completed a great deal of laps.

Canadian IndyCar racer James Hinchcliffe was excited to hear about the return of one of his childhood heroes to the Indy 500.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Jacques Villeneuve would be coming back to open-wheel racing to contest this year's race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the aforementioned Indy 500.

Reached by Auto123.com, Hinchcliffe admitted he was "a big fan" of the 1997 F1 world champion.

"I'm excited (about his return) because that means I get a chance to race against one of my heroes," the Andretti Autosport driver said.

Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: Albatec Racing)

"But it's definitely going to be a big challenge for him. I'm not sure what exactly motivated him to come and do it but I think if you got the motivation to get back behind the wheel, then you know... why not?

"Especially in a race like the Indy 500."

42-year-old Villeneuve, a former champion of the CART series (which became IndyCar), will be driving Schmidt Peterson Motorsports' third Dallara-Honda for a one-off appearance at the Brickyard.

"He hasn't been at that track in 20 years (and) unfortunately, doing a one-off, you don't get that much time in the grand scheme of things to practice and get up to speed," warns Hinchcliffe.

"So it will be a huge task but he's obviously experienced and talented so hopefully it will go well."

Williams newcomer Felipe Massa set a new benchmark for the turbo cars, Saturday in Bahrain.

Driving the FW36, the Brazilian clocked a lap of the Sakhir circuit in 1min33.258s, to become the fastest man in Bahrain this winter. The former Ferrari driver completed a total of 99 laps.

Felipe Massa, Williams FW36 (Photo: WRi2)

"Of course you are always happy when you see your name at the top in first place," he said. "But as well as performance, today was good for the mileage and reliability of the car which we know is needed for Australia."

But the biggest story was the return of Red Bull's crisis. After an encouraging day Friday, the team ran into more problems Saturday. Quadruple world champion Vettel ventured out of his garage to go on track only twice. Both times he failed to make it around.

"Having run so well yesterday it is frustrating to have had these problems today, but all we can do is keep solving the issues," commented Red Bull's race engineering co-ordinator Andy Damerum.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10 (Photo: WRi2)

Despite an engine change in the morning, German Nico Rosberg completed 103 laps, setting the second fastest lap of the day. 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen was third on his last day behind the wheel of the F14 T before Melbourne.

Ferrari overcame morning problems to put the Finn on a race simulation in the afternoon: "We continued to get more data relating to fuel consumption strategies and tire degradation, even though the strong wind upset the driving a lot," said Raikkonen.

Kevin Magnussen (Photo: WRi2)

Rookies Kevin Magnussen (McLaren) and Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) were fourth and fifth fastest and Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) sixth. Caterham rookie Marcus Ericsson was only eighth fastest, but managed more laps than everyone with a total of 117.

Romain Grosjean (Lotus) and Adrian Sutil (Sauber) joined Vettel at the bottom of the timing sheet, their respective teams having also encountered mechanical problems.

Third and final winter test session, Bahrain, Day 3*:
1. Felipe Massa, Williams, 1m 33.258s, 99 laps

2. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1m 33.484s, 103 laps

3. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1m 35.426s, 87 laps

4. Kevin Magnussen, McLaren, 1m 35.894s, 88 laps
5. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso, 1m 36.113s, 81 laps
6. Nico Hulkenberg, Force India, 1m 36.205s, 115 laps
7. Jules Bianchi, Marussia, 1m 37.087s, 78 laps

8. Marcus Ericsson, Caterham, 1m 38.083s, 117 laps

9. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1m 42.166s, 33 laps
10. Adrian Sutil, Sauber, No time, 1 lap

11. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, No time, 0 laps
*Unofficial timing

Romain Grosjean, Lotus E22 (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

The worry lines at Red Bull eased temporarily on Friday, as Daniel Ricciardo had a better deal at the wheel of the troubled RB10.

"A big improvement everywhere," said the Australian driver in Bahrain, "and a much more optimistic outlook now I think."

The optimism, however, was short-lived, as the Renault-sponsored gremlins returned with a vengeance on the penultimate day of pre-season running in Bahrain.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull RB10 (Photo: WRi2)

Sebastian Vettel hardly turned a lap all Saturday.

But McLaren's Jenson Button says he has sensed some pace from the reigning world champions.

"When they do get reliability, if they do, they'll be very competitive," he said.

Ten days into the winter, a clear pecking order is emerging, and Mercedes is right at the very top.

Lewis Hamilton, however, is rejecting the favourite tag.

"We have a strong package but I don't feel we are guaranteed to be the guys ahead," he said.

But rival big-hitters Ferrari and McLaren are clearly not quite on the Brackley team's pace.

"We need more downforce," Button conceded.  And Ferrari's Fernando Alonso admitted the new F14-T "could be better in both performance and reliability".

The situation is giving the other two Mercedes-powered teams, usual midfielders Williams and Force India, an opportunity to scoop up big points at the start of the season.

"At this test the Mercedes is still as quick as it was, and the Williams too, but you also now have the Force India that is competitive," said Button.