Auto News 5

Opel will focus on crossovers as part of its product push to boost sales and return to profit, Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann said.

Ford says its EcoSport small SUV could become one of the company's best-sellers in Europe if it receives enough product supply from India.

Hyundai and Toyota have key product debuts at the New York auto show. BMW will unveil the X4 crossover while Mercedes debuts the S63 AMG coupe, a high-performance version of the S-class coupe.

Some Fiat employees at two Italian factories got a surprise last week: their foreign-made cars from brands such as VW, Peugeot and Toyota were 'wrapped up' in a giant plastic bags.

Some Fiat employees at two Italian factories got a surprise last week: their foreign-made cars from brands such as VW, Peugeot and Toyota had been 'wrapped up' in a giant plastic bag.

Gillette is enhancing its collaboration with McLaren Mercedes, bringing to life an innovative marketing campaign focused on Precision Engineering.

The partnership covers the Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Gillette and McLaren are coming together for an exciting new marketing campaign emphasising the ways the two brands push boundaries of technology.

“Ultimate precision technology and a passion for winning are deeply encoded in the DNA of both brands. Gillette and McLaren lead engineering refinement, whether that's seen in developing blades thinner than a wave length of light, or engineering car components that are accurate tolerances of a fraction of a human hair,” says the team press release.

This passion for the best will be further leveraged through a pioneering sports marketing campaign that aims to reach and inspire millions of men with cutting edge communication behind TV, Digital, PR and In-store programs.

Photo: McLaren

From GMM

F1 drivers are threatening to strike if their teams do not pay them.

Germany's Sport Bild reports that, in Bahrain recently, Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson was seen arguing in the paddock with Lotus team boss Federico Gastaldi.

Reportedly, that is because the Finn, who switched to Ferrari at the end of last year, still has not been paid in full by Lotus for the 2013 season.

The magazine claims that Romain Grosjean, Nico Hulkenberg, Adrian Sutil and Kamui Kobayashi are all also waiting on overdue payments.

It is believed that, under the auspices of their union, the GPDA, the F1 drivers have signed a document vowing to strike if the growing trend of not being paid continues.

Sport Bild claims that Raikkonen - not a GPDA member - and one of F1's very highest earners, Lewis Hamilton, have refused to sign the document.

Starting grid in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

Nico Hulkenberg would not comment.

"What we talk about in meetings, we keep to ourselves," said the German, who moved from Sauber to Sahara Force India for the 2014 season.

He admitted, however, that unpaid wages is an issue for the drivers.

"That's right. The teams are aware of the situation -- the driver can be easily replaced. Maybe not with the same quality, but they (the teams) do take advantage of that."

Nico Hulkenberg also expressed some understanding for the situation of the teams.

"They are not doing it (failing to pay drivers) for fun," he acknowledged. "The money just isn't there. The sport is too expensive."

The Honda CR-V is sort of like a Jaguar XKR, Porsche 911 or Lamborghini Gallardo: the name and reputation and brand loyalty help to sell a lot of units, because certain attributes and characteristics are guaranteed to be part of the package. You buy the CR-V, the XKR, the 911 or the Gallardo because it's the CR-V, XKR, 911 or Gallardo. For different reasons, mind you, but it's all in the name.


What is a 2014 Honda CR-V?
The 2014 CR-V carries over from this generation's launch in 2012 unchanged. As such, it remains a compact crossover staple that competes largely with the Mazda CX-5, Dodge Journey, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe and other familiars.

All models get four cylinders, four-doors, five seats, available four-wheel drive and are available in numerous trim grades to suit a variety of needs and budgets.

2014 Honda CR-V Prices and Specs
For 2014, CR-V starts at $25,990 in LX trim with front-wheel drive, while an LX with AWD will relieve shoppers of $28,290. The EX trim grade starts at $29,190 spinning the front wheels and $31,290 driving all four. The EX-L, with standard AWD, starts at $33,490, and the top-line Touring model tested here was priced at $35,390.

All models get a 2.4L, free-revving VTEC 4-cylinder, making an athletic 185 horsepower, which are handled by a 5-speed automatic.

Driving the 2014 Honda CR-V
Honda's ‘Real Time' All Wheel Drive (AWD) with intelligent control system was fitted to the tester, working to ensure quick and intuitive responses in low-traction situations. With winter tires mounted, traction was abundant-- even on a late night drive through four hours of thick, heavy slush and snow. Driven through these conditions, your writer found the winter tires and AWD system to be only two of many attributes the CR-V boasts to help generate confident winter motoring.

Communicative steering and a ‘light on its feet' feel mean drivers quickly feel a loss of traction right as it begins. There's no false sense of SUV winter-busting confidence here: if the CR-V is running out of grip, you'll know straight away. The brakes bite positively from an initial press, and the ABS activates with minimal noise or pedal vibration while turning in straight and drama-free stops on virtually anything. The stability control system increases dramatically in sensitivity at highway speeds too, often activating its warning light to correct slips and slides that aren't even perceptible yet.

Should traction be lost, understeer or ‘plowing' is the likely result. This is typically easily recovered from, as the driver's natural reaction to ease off of the throttle and slightly apply the brakes will typically bring the CR-V right back in line. This is all to do with the way the suspension, AWD and stability controls are calibrated—and those shoppers after a machine that feels confident, predictable and stable on slippery roads will appreciate it.
Driven in nasty weather, CR-V drivers should expect to feel very connected with the road conditions, with the CR-V's limits, and very well backed-up.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Honda CR-V
CR-V's biggest strength and weakness both lie in its cabin. The key weakness is the styling. Even pushing $35,000 in ‘Touring' trim, the tester was lined with fifty shades of grey plastic and lacking any accenting or flare. There's no color other than black or grey beyond the loonie-sized ‘ECON' button on the dash, which sticks out like a sore thumb since its bright green.

Otherwise, it's simple and un-stimulating. Do you frequent the cardigan isle at Sears and sometimes fall asleep halfway through an episode of Matlock? It'll work well for you. Do you seek to derive enjoyment from your compact crossover's dashboard? You'll need to look at something else.

But the bland cabin is also a big strength where functionality and space are concerned. There's huge headroom. Clever door-mounted cubbies, 3 to be precise, are fitted to the front doors. The centre console is elbow-deep and fully covered. I was able to fit an entire, multi-lens SLR camera kit inside. You may choose to use it for a large water bottle, purse, small laptop and an assortment of children's toys or the like.

Front seats are comfortable and cushy and have great fold-down arm-rests, and build quality feels solid, dense and of high-quality, even if the materials selection won't blow anyone's socks off. The high-resolution backup camera was appreciated, as were the very easy to use control pads mounted to the steering wheel.

Comparing the 2014 Honda CR-V
Shoppers are advised to compare the Honda CR-V to comparable crossover offerings from Ford, Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota. Notably, crossovers from these manufacturers provide similar size and value, while some offer up-level engine options and features at the same price point.

From GMM

Sergey Sirotkin's F1 future is suddenly in doubt.

Closely linked with a Russian rescue deal that reportedly saved Sauber from financial collapse last year, the 18-year-old is backed by Russia's SMP bank.

The bank is owned by Boris Rotenberg, who reportedly has close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Russia's Ria Novosti news agency now reports that Rotenberg's Putin link has endangered Sirotkin's F1 future, along with dozens of other Russian athletes.

That is because Rotenberg, a "childhood friend" and in Putin's "inner circle", has been included in US and European sanctions against Russia's behaviour in the Ukraine crisis.

SMP Racing, the motor racing arm of the bank, has confirmed that its European bank accounts have been frozen, describing it as "political blackmail".

"We ask Europe and the US to listen to the voice of reason by removing the limit on Russian athletes' participation in international competitions," SMP added.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that public perception already depicts him as being defeated amid the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption affair.

Next week in Munich, his trial on bribery charges is set to begin, and it has already emerged that prosecutors do not believe his defence - that he was blackmailed by Gribkowsky over his tax affairs - is plausible.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone, however - who faces up to ten years in jail if convicted - insists that the already-jailed Gribkowsky 'shook me down'.

"I think he (Gribkowsky) knew what he wanted in life, and it wasn't working for the bank," the 83-year-old Briton told German television ARD.

"He wanted to do something more interesting, and I can't really blame him," Ecclestone added.

However, publicly, it is already widely regarded that it was Ecclestone who did the wrong thing.

He agrees: "People talk badly about me, without really understanding what it's about. But the whole thing is just a very small part of my life."

However, Ecclestone admits that preparing for the case has taken up "a lot of time".

It is for that reason that he will seek help in running the sport once he is needed in court for two days a week, beginning next week.

"We need somebody who can sell sponsorship," he told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt.

"Not a successor, but somebody to help me," City A.M. quotes Ecclestone as saying.

From GMM

Within hours of Ferrari's confirmation that Stefano Domenicali has left the team, Mercedes announced its own split with technical director Bob Bell.

Irishman Bell, who worked with Fernando Alonso when the Spaniard won his titles at Renault, only joined Mercedes in 2011, so speculation he might be in line to be Domenicali's longer-term replacement at Ferrari is obvious.

Domenicali's immediate replacement is Ferrari North America chief Marco Mattiacci, who although close to Luca di Montezemolo has no experience within the F1 paddock.

It is believed Bell is staying in F1, as he will only officially leave Mercedes at the end of November. This fits with the customary 'gardening leave' served by team personnel when they switch allegiances.

Mercedes said only that he will pursue "new challenges outside the company".

Ross Brawn and Bob Bell, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

But while Bell is probably not in the frame at Ferrari, F1 insiders do agree that Mattiacci's appointment is only temporary.

Autosprint correspondent Cesare Maria Mannucci suggested he will perform only "a transitional role", perhaps to eventually be replaced by Gerhard Berger.

Tobias Gruner, writing for Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, added: "The Italian rumour mill has been speculating about a return for Ross Brawn."

From GMM

Michael Schumacher's family will stop releasing information about his condition once the former F1 driver leaves hospital.

Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm has told German television that since the former Mercedes and Ferrari driver started regaining consciousness, further "small improvements" have been observed.

Sabine Kehm was, however, highly critical of some medical commentators and reporters throughout Schumacher's long coma, warning that updates will cease altogether once the great 45-year-old leaves hospital.

"Our plan and our desire would be that from the moment in which Michael can go into a rehab clinic, this media coverage will stop," she told ARD television.

The Schumacher clan has been criticised by some for failing to release more information about his condition, but Kehm said that is only what he would want.

"Michael Schumacher is in a coma and cannot decide what is reported about him," she explained. "We, of course, know how he deals with such things and try in his interest to handle these matters for him."

Meanwhile, Schumacher's 15-year-old son Mick scored his first international karting podium in Italy last weekend, and promptly dedicated the win to his ill father.

To ease the pressure of his famous surname, Schumacher Jr races under his mother's maiden name, Betsch.

Corinna and Michael Schumacher. (Photo: WRi2)

ITR, the organiser of the DTM series, has released Monday a list of changes to the 2014 sporting and technical regulations.

Starting this season, there will be only one mandatory pit stop per driver each race instead of two.

This mandatory pit stop must not be executed during the first third of the race or during a full-course yellow.

Bruno Spengler, BMW M4 DTM. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

The soft Hankook tires can only be used for no more than 50% of the total distance of the race.

The winner of a race and the other drivers of that same car manufacturer who finished in the top 10 will need to carry an extra 5kg for the following race.

The other drivers of the same car manufacturer who finished outside the top 10 will need to carry an extra 2.5kg.

The drivers of the constructor that finished second will not see the weight of the cars changed.

The drivers of the constructor that finished in third place will need to carry 2.5kg less if they finished in the top 10, and 5kg if they finished outside the top 10.

The qualifying format will also be changed. It will be reduced from four to three rounds. The fourth round -- the Superpole -- has been eliminated.

Drivers will be allowed to use their DRS until the end of the race.

Finally, teams will be allowed two engine changes during the season instead of just one.

On Thursday at the 2014 New York Auto Show, Infiniti will officially introduce the 2015 Q70 sedan (formerly known as M) and 2015 QX80 full-size SUV.

All we know at the time being is that the 2015 Infiniti Q70 will sport a fresh new look and offer a long-wheelbase variant (Q70L) with 127 mm of extra legroom in the rear.

Meanwhile, the 2015 Infiniti QX80 will feature a more modern design inside and out. A super-luxurious trim level called QX80 Limited will be available.

Source: Infiniti

The redesigned 2015 Kia Sedona has just made its debut in the Big Apple on the eve of the 2014 New York Auto Show. The new minivan is scheduled to arrive at Canadian and U.S. dealerships this fall, with prices to be announced later.

Replacing the old 3.5L V6 is a new, direct-injected 3.3L V6 that produces 276 horsepower ― the same engine that currently powers the Kia Sorento and Cadenza. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The clean and modern interior of the 2015 Kia Sedona is available in 7- or 8-passenger configuration. Solid or 2-tone colour options in beige, grey and burgundy create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The SXL model comes standard with Nappa leather.

A next-generation UVO infotainment system with expanded capabilities, Forward Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert can be had to boost safety and convenience. For easier parking and manoeuvring, the available Surround View Monitor provides real-time images from cameras placed around the vehicle.

Photo: Kia

The Smart Highway project has finally become a reality with a 500m stretch of highway in the Netherlands that uses glow-in-the-dark road markings.

Developed by a young Dutch designer named Daan Roosegaarde, this unique highway even features weather markings, like snowflakes that appear when the temperature reaches a certain level to warn drivers about potentially slippery conditions.

The markings use a photo-luminescent powder integrated into the road paint, and their glow lasts up to eight hours once “powered” throughout the day. Additional ones could eventually be added to serve various purposes, such as defining lanes for electric vehicles.

Source : arstechnica.com

From press release

Tagliani Autosport and Canadian IndyCar/NASCAR and SportsCar racer, race winner and Indianapolis 500 pole sitter Alex Tagliani, announced one of the fastest-rising racing star drivers in Canada has been chosen to drive the Team EpiPen/Dicom Express entry in the 2014 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season opener May 18th at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park/Mosport.

Alex Tagliani, the regular driver of The Team EpiPen/Docom Express No. 18 Dodge Challenger Tagliani Autosport entry, turns over the wheel to Edmonton Alberta native Stefan Rzadzinski for that weekend.

Tagliani will be busy attempting to score his second career pole for the 98th running of The Indianapolis 500, driving The No. 68 SFHR/RW Dallara/Honda IndyCar for Sarah Fisher-Hartman Racing on Pole Day at the fabled Brickyard.

Partnering with Alex in the new Tagliani Autosport venture is long time friend and business associate Colin Livingston, President of CanTorque Incorporated of Edmonton Alberta.

"We are so fortunate to have amazing partners in EpiPen/Pfizer and Dicom, so it was important for Colin and I to go with a young driver who not only has talent like Stefan has in abundance, but a driver who's also well spoken and intelligent to represent our partners in the best way possible'” said Taglinai.

“Being from Edmonton, he also gives Tagliani Autosport and the team very valuable Western Canada exposure and visibility. We're very excited to bring Stefan on board!"

The iconic Ford Mustang turns 50 this week, more specifically on April 17th. The milestone is obviously a cause for celebration at Ford, but also across the auto industry.

Ford of Canada has gathered in Toronto with the Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association and GTA Mustang Club to form a gigantic ''50'' using Mustangs of all generations.

Even competitors wanted to mark the occasion: GM sent a Happy Birthday card on behalf of the Mustang's long-time rival, the Chevrolet Camaro.

Source : carscoops.com

Photo: Ford

From GMM

Danica Patrick, the world's most famous female racing driver, will apparently not be making the switch to formula one with Haas.

The 32-year-old drives in NASCAR for new F1 entrant Gene Haas' team, but Haas said on Monday he plans to hire from within the sport for his first year and hopefully pair that driver with a young American.

But he warned that it would be "impossible" for any driver to juggle a NASCAR seat whilst preparing for the big switch to F1.

"I'd certainly never expect any of our current lineup of drivers to want to be able to do that," said Haas at a news conference alongside his F1 team boss, former Jaguar and Red Bull chief Gunther Steiner.

"It would be really impossible to accomplish that and survive. Just the thought of jumping into a formula one car from a (NASCAR sprint) cup car would be very, very difficult," he insisted.

From GMM

Red Bull has lost its appeal against Daniel Ricciardo's Melbourne disqualification.

Following Monday's hearing in Paris, the FIA announced on Tuesday morning that the judges "decided to uphold the decision" to exclude Ricciardo's car for exceeding the maximum allowed flow of fuel.

Red Bull argued that the FIA-homologated sensor was faulty.

The FIA did not, however, accept title rival Mercedes' submission that Red Bull should be further penalised in order to deter the team from committing similar breaches.

A full explanation of Tuesday's decision will be published later this week.

In a media statement, Red Bull said it "accepts" the court's decision, even if the reigning world champions are "disappointed".

"(The team) would not have appealed if we didn't think we had a very strong case," Red Bull added.

"We will now move on from this and concentrate on this weekend's Chinese grand prix."

The two Red Bull RB10-Renault in Malaysia. (Photo: WRi2)