Auto News 5

The 2015 Dodge Challenger has more power, an available eight-speed transmission and few changes to its retro exterior. Engineers coaxed 15 more hp from the top-end 6.

The 2015 Dodge Charger underwent a nose job that trades its previously bulbous front fascia for a more subtle look reminiscent of the smaller Dodge Dart.

Mercedes has started series production of the B-class Electric Drive, which the automaker developed in partnership with Tesla.

Canadian rally star Antoine L'Estage has launched a fundraiser to help him capture a 7th Canadian Rally title and 7th North American Cup.

L'Estage is offering for sale a limited series of just 2,500 personally autographed “Never give up” t-shirts.

“Several of my sponsorship contracts expired recently. I was convinced everything would work out for the best, but despite my victories, prizes and championships, negotiations with my prospective sponsors have been difficult and time consuming and I may be forced me to cancel my trials in RALLY AMERICA,” L'Estage wrote on his web site.

Antoine L'Estage (Photo: René Fagnan)

“As you know, racing is prohibitively expensive at this level of competition. Over the years, I have personally invested a lot of money and effort to make it this far and I'll never give up! So I am asking you, my fans and fans of extreme sports, to help me achieve my dream.

"My team and I are organizing a fundraiser to ensure our on-going success and we will be offering a unique collector's item, a Limited Edition T- shirt personally autographed by myself. Each and every sale counts towards our success,” Antoine explained.

The t-shirts are sold for $99 and can be ordered from this dedicated web site: http://antoinelestage.com/nevergiveup/en/

No, this is not a typo: Honda today provided a glimpse of the all-new 2015 HR-V compact CUV that will debut next winter.

Photo: Honda

Slotted below the popular CR-V, both in terms of pricing and size, the 2015 Honda HR-V shares its platform with the Fit, making it a direct threat to small CUVs like the Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi RVR, and others.

The 2015 Honda HR-V features the company's exclusive Magic Seat, which allows for multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the second-row seat completely flat for added cargo space.

More details will come in the next few months.

Photo: Honda

Honda also took advantage of the New York Auto Show to present the redesigned 2015 Fit, which offers a long list of standard and optional features including a multi-angle backup camera, Bluetooth, HondaLink with a 7'' touchscreen, heated leather seats, and more.

Photo: Honda

Pros: The magic of German engineering endows the 2014 BMW 228i with a powertrain that's equally dynamic and efficient, world-class handling capabilities, and a driving experience that's pure fun. As an entry-level vehicle, the price is attractive, and given how fresh this product is, consumers on the lookout for the latest trends and models are bound to jump on it.

Cons: This small coupe demands compromises where interior space is concerned. Some potential buyers won't like the fact that the automatic transmission is a no-cost option in the U.S. but not in Canada.

Photo: BMW

2014 BMW 228i Price: You can buy a new 2014 BMW 228i for just $36,000. Obviously, it will be hard to resist adding some of the available packages and options, including the Sport M line ($2,000) which offers goodies such as exclusive alloys and adaptive M suspension.

2014 BMW 228i Fuel Economy: Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, a sophisticated transmission, advanced aerodynamics, as well as auto stop/start and brake energy regeneration, the 228i can burn as little as 9.1L/100km in the city and 5.6L/100km on the highway in manual configuration, or 8.7L and 5.4L/100km with the autobox.

Improvements and Changes: The German automaker revised its nomenclature, using odd numbers for sedans/wagons and even numbers for coupes/convertibles. Introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the new BMW 2 Series effectively replaces the 1 Series. The design is both sportier and sleeker, in part thanks to redesigned headlights and taillights. Larger in every way, the car also offers a bit more passenger room.

2014 BMW 228i Powertrain: The front-engine, rear-wheel drive setup contributes to a perfect 50/50 weight distribution over the axles. The 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, allowing 0-100km/h sprints in less than 6.0 seconds. The 228i also makes good use of a 6-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, an 8-speed automatic. Three drive modes can be selected: Comfort, Eco Pro, and Sport.

Don't miss: Launch control. One short press of the DSC button, slide the gear lever into ‘S', set the brakes, and activate the kick-down function with the accelerator -- now release the brakes and experience what torque really means.

Safety: The available Driving Assistant warns you of an unintentional lane change at speeds from approx. 70 km/h by means of vibrations in the steering wheel. When a collision with other vehicles or pedestrians is imminent, the collision and Pedestrian warning with city braking function alerts you in good time and self-brakes in an emergency. Meanwhile, Speed Limit Info shows you the current speed limit of the road you're driving on. A rearview camera and parking assistant can be specified, too.

Comparing the 2014 BMW 228i: The Audi A3, Cadillac ATS Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz CLA all prove to be compelling alternatives to the 228i.

The all-new 2015 Nissan Murano made its global debut yesterday at the New York Auto Show. The third-generation crossover will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2014 at a yet-to-be-determined price.

The wild new exterior of the 2015 Nissan Murano is really something to behold, especially the boomerang-shaped headlights and complex rear-end treatment. Meanwhile, the interior features a refined, lower-height instrument panel, wide centre console, advanced Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating (inspired by NASA), and a panoramic moonroof.

In related news, Nissan used the 2014 Rogue to demonstrate its new, highly innovative Smart Rearview Mirror that utilizes advanced camera technology to enhance the driver's view behind a vehicle.

Photo: Nissan

Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon ended-up the fastest driver in what was a windy IndyCar Firestone tire test at Texas Motor Speedway.

Eighteen cars took part in the test and teams took the opportunity to evaluate aero configurations ahead of the race at the venue in June. However, race engineers stressed that gaining meaningful comparisons was difficult due to the conditions.

Also among those present was Juan Pablo Montoya, who said that his recent experience at the track in NASCAR actually made it more difficult to settle in with a Dallara DW-12.

Meanwhile, KV/AFS Racing driver Sebastian Saavedra has been fined and placed on probation for a full-course yellow infraction at last weekend's IndyCar race at Long Beach.

Scott Dixon, Ganassi Racing. (Photo: LAT for IndyCar)

The luxury car is a very complex breed. Despite their lower sales volume when compared to common cars, they still represent 50% of all new automotive sales revenue. It is with this in mind that major automakers such as the Volkswagen Auto Group continue to offer up such variety to its luxury car buyers.

The Porsche Panamera is the thinking man's flagship super-executive performance luxury limo. From its arrival in 2009 to this very day, the Panamera has (like the Cayenne before it) redefined the brand and made it more relevant on the world's car map. Porsche has allowed the product to do all the talking and this has solidified the make's positioning as possibly the most desirable of all.


What is a Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive?
The 2014 Porsche Panamera is dapper, baller. To own and drive a Panamera means you are not content with the best of the best. To select Porsche's range-topping Panamera is to distinguish oneself from the heard of Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 sheep.

Do not get me wrong, the above cars are all prodigious, however, the Pan makes a different statement. This message is one of not only prestige but of serious performance. The Porsche Panamera does not stand alone as the alternative to the “sedan” as its shape is more akin to one of the latest design fads in the car business: 4-door coupes.

2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive Price and Specs
Stepping aboard the basic Panamera will require parting with $89,500, but no one in his or her right mind would do so.

As bespoke as any high-class suit, the big Porsche can practically be built in the image of its lucky future owner. It beings with no less than eleven trims that are customizable beyond reason.

From a drivetrain point of view, selection varies from a 3.6L V6, to a twin-turbocharged 4.8L V8. The S now gets a new twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 and let's not forget the eHybrid which sports a supercharged 3.0L V6. Max power for the new Turbo S is only 570 horsepower...

Our 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive featured the V8 along with its 520 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque (568 lb. with the Sport Chrono Package). Turbo (or 4) equals AWD and it also gets Porsche's beyond-excellent Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) 7-speed autobox. It retailed for a whopping $212,000. Pick your jaw up off the floor. It's unsanitary.

Driving the 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
One of the vast number of high points of a Porsche is the fact that the car is easy to drive. Despite the Pan Executive's 5.2 metre length, from the driver's POV, little changes from driving a regular 911. Being mindful of not clipping concrete dividers in a parking lot is a must, but otherwise barrelling down the open road requires nothing more than average attention.

Two hands on the steering wheel are recommended as speeds do climb at a rapid rate. Between the lag-free turbo V8 and lightning sharp PDK ‘box, this Porsche moves faster than any 2,070 kg (4,554 lb.) car ever should.

Although reaching 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds sounds violent, it really isn't with this car. Of the lot of cars compared, the Panamera Turbo was by far the most gentleman-like (and slowest...). Immediate swells of boost are calmly dispensed to all four wheels, and when compared to the RS 7, M6 Gran Coupé and CLS 63 AMG, the driver needs to consult the speedo to fully understand how fast they are going.

The 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive rides with civility and poise. The degree of refinement and class is on a scale that bridges the gap between an S-Class and a Cayman. In fact, this car's abilities are fascinating and easy to take for granted. Carving snow-covered country roads at speed was as simple as looking ahead and steering. Grip was phenomenal as was confidence in the car's abilities.

As with all Porsches, finagling with the Sport and suspension controls livens up the entire experience. One note on the paddles: they suck. The non-heated Sports steering wheel includes proper paddles. I think Porsche should fix that for good.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
As the most grownup of this lot of supercars, the Panamera is more about dignity and elegance than brutish force and in-your-face looks. The big Porker's exterior shape may still leave some onlookers scratching their heads, but everyone will agree that the cabin is extraordinary.

The Executive's extra 15 cm (9.4”) in overall length skewers the Panamera's lines and does require some visual adjustments to fully accept. A “regular” Panamera looks small by comparison...

If you like buttons and techy stuff, the Porsche Panamera has you covered. There are over 30 buttons and switches on the centre console alone, never mind the dashboard. Wrap all of that in sumptuous leather, woods, and top it all off with a gorgeous clock/chrono and fabulous seats and you'll never want to leave the car.

The winners in the Executive are clearly the rear passengers who gain massive legroom, but I must say that Porsches are meant to be driven.

Comparing the 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
We did exactly that, and we agreed that the Panamera is the most docile and gentle, the most gentlemanly of the lot. Don't be fooled by the fact this is a nice car still offering performance and Porsche greatness.

Volkswagen is offering a sneak peek at the new Golf R 400 concept, which will make its world debut on Saturday at the Beijing Auto Show.

Based on the current, 300-horsepower Golf R, the Volkswagen Golf R 400 concept cranks the engine up to 400 horsepower. Designers also revised the body panels (including bumpers and wheel arches) and the cabin.

Volkswagen insists there are no plans to build the Golf R 400.

Photo: Volkswagen

Austin, TX. Imagine getting a severe puncture or hole in your tire but you don't get a flat. Seems magical, right?

Indeed, but that's the engineering mastery of run-flat tires. It's not a new concept. In fact, it has been around for more than a decade. Now there's a new type of run-flat in town and it comes in the shape of Bridgestone's DriveGuard.

Say you're driving and the unforeseen happens, you drive over something and that something happens to aggravate your tire. With DriveGuard, you can drive up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) and still be able to function.

How it Works:
To get technical, the DriveGuard has a NanoPro-Tech sidewall, which means they're sturdy but not too heavy. The cooling fins around the tire prevent intense heat buildup in the event of a flat as you keep driving. DriveGuard also supports the vehicle weight at zero pressure so you're not driving on your rims; causing more damage.

Photo: Alexandra Straub

Impressions:
A group of media tested out the capabilities the new DriveGuard. The test vehicle was a Toyota Camry SE and the front driver's side was flat. There were two parts to the test.

The first was a slower speed circuit with bends and kinks, the second, a higher speed “highway-like” driving environment. At low speeds, you obviously need to keep in mind that the tire is not performing at its best, but even when deflated, the rim of the car didn't touch the ground. Common sense would tell you to take corners slower so you do. That said, I wasn't going at a snails pace and it still performed to the task.

At higher speeds, I felt it did even better. When driving in a straight line, I took my hands off the wheel to see what direction the vehicle would pull. Surprisingly, the car kept moving in a fairly straight line. Under heavy braking was most impressive. There was no need to fight with the wheel to brake in a straight line. Furthermore, the car didn't pull to one side or another.

Overall, with a flat, the DriveGuard maintains its shape, helps you stay safe and still permits you to get to where you need to go. Granted, you'll have to change the tire eventually, but at least you can do it when it's a little more convenient.

Who It's For:
Everyone. There were, however, two groups mentioned who particularly gravitated towards the tire technology; women and college students. Knowing you don't have to be stuck at the side of the road, waiting for assistance to come along, is worth the investment, or so said a lot of the study groups. Heck, who likes getting a flat? Not me!

Warranty?
Traditionally, run-flat tires didn't come with a warranty. Luckily, these do.

It is backed with a Platinum Pact Warranty with 30-Day Buy & Try Guarantee.

There's also a Treadwear Limited Warranty for 80,000 km (W speed rating) / 96,000 km (H and V ratings) and a DriveGuard Link. This is a 24-hour live assistance 1-800 toll free number. All of this is topped off by a 1 year DriveGuard supplemental road hazard limited warranty.

Photo: Alexandra Straub

Pricing:
Pricing varies from size to size so check with your local dealer. Expect them to be in a similar ballpark as the average priced Turanza Serenity Plus.

Specifications:
The Bridgestone DriveGuard sizes are aimed at many of today's popular sedans, coupes, and wagons. In the past, run-flats were somewhat limited to vehicles that came with the tires as original equipment.

There will be 32 sizes available ranging from 15” to 19” in diameter, in 35-65 series profiles and in the abovementioned speed ratings.

Availability:
The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires will be available starting at the beginning of May.

The new Audi A3 family expands with the return of the A3 TDI Sportback, unveiled today at the New York Auto Show and scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the summer of 2015.

The compact luxury hatchback combines fuel efficiency and coupe-like looks with the utility of a crossover, Audi says. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbodiesel engine with direct injection that produces 150 horsepower through a 6-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission.

Plans for the Canadian market will be announced later, so stay tuned.

Photo: Audi

From GMM

Mercedes could pull even further clear of the field in Shanghai, after readying for its debut arguably the most expensive new front nose in Formula 1 history.

Actually, Mercedes wanted its ultra-short nose to be fitted to the silver W05 in Melbourne, but it had failed the mandatory FIA crash test.

It then failed the test two more times.

But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports from Shanghai that, on the fourth attempt, the constantly tweaked new design finally made the grade.

The successful test was held on Wednesday -- yesterday.

Nose of the Mercedes AMG W05, circuit of Shanghai (Photo: WRI2)

"Experts had doubted that Mercedes could ever meet the crash test standards with such a short nose," correspondent Michael Schmidt said in China.

Schmidt added that the nose, so short that the tip is actually behind the main element of the wing, will now be raced this weekend.

"The car will be easier to balance with this solution," said designer Aldo Costa.

Team boss Toto Wolff explains: "The car was designed for the short nose. What we have had until now has been only a stopgap."

If Mercedes takes another step forward in performance, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are likely to be left out the front of the field, possibly fighting wheel-to-wheel for victory as in Bahrain.

German Rosberg, second two weeks ago, hinted on Thursday that he was not entirely happy with some of Hamilton's aggressive tactics in Bahrain.

"The majority was tough but respectable, so let's go with that, rather than pick out one small example," he said.

Volvo will use the upcoming Beijing Auto Show to unveil its new S60L PPHEV (Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a concept which the company says is like an electric car, hybrid, and high-performance car all rolled into one.

Equipped with all-wheel drive, the S60L PPHEV promises an impressive combination of dynamic driving pleasure (0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds) and superb fuel economy (2.0L/100km) by combining a 238-horsepower, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with a 68-horsepower electric motor.

The range is estimated at approximately 1,000 kilometres in hybrid mode. The battery pack will fully charge in 4.5 hours through a 10-amp (220-240V) outlet.

The Volvo S60L PPHEV will go on sale in China early next year. No word yet on North American availability.

Photo: Volvo

Our photo agency, WRI2 took two very interesting photos of the Mercedes W05 Formula 1 car without its engine cover in the garages of the Shanghai circuit.

We adjusted the contrast to enhance the details.

Beneath all those ducts and coolers there really is a 1600cc V6.

The Power Unit packaging is very tight and the photos illustrate why maintaining these cars is so much more work than in previous seasons.

Mercedes W05 F1 car, Shanghai (Photo: WRI2)

The silver component at the bottom of the car is the V6 engine.

With the engine sitting so low in the chassis, Mercedes have included a raised stiffening rib between the front engine-to-chassis mounting and the interface between the engine and gearbox. This helps maximise torsional stiffness, something vitally important to an F1 car's performance.

Mercedes W05 F1 car, Shanghai (Photo: WRI2)

We can also see the many coolers required to maintain the temperatures of the hydraulic oil, gearbox oil, engine oil, water, ERS battery pack and control unit and the intercooler for the forced induction system.

Underneath the top carbon fibre box is a black connector. It goes from the cold side of the turbo (the compressor) to the airbox itself, where the air pressurised by the turbo is fed into the V6 engine.

Ford is set to unveil a production version of the Escort sedan at the

News 16 Apr, 2014

Mercedes' performance arm AMG confirms to Auto Express that hybrid models are on the way

News 16 Apr, 2014

Rolls-Royce has refreshed its Ghost saloon, unveiling the Series II model at the 2014 New York Motor Show

GM today gave its dealers a revised ordering process that the retailers said should speed the shipment of parts, ease repairs and ensure the job gets done right.

VW has pulled back on plans to sell a souped-up diesel Golf called the GTD in the United States because importing the GTI sibling's engine would add too much cost.