Auto News 5

This week at the 2014 New York Auto Show, Volkswagen will host the world premiere of the all-new 2015 Jetta and Golf SportWagen (Wagon) concept.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta
The popular sedan features restyled front and rear ends with improved aerodynamic properties and new bi-xenon headlights accented by LED daytime running lights.

Inside, you'll find piano black trim pieces on the centre stack and around the shifter, as well as new seat colours and designs.

Available safety features include a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross traffic alert, and frontal collision warning.

Set to go on sale in the U.S. during the third quarter of this year, the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta will offer three gasoline engines (2.0L, 1.8L turbo, and 2.0L turbo), a clean diesel engine (2.0L TDI), and a turbo hybrid system.

Photo: Volkswagen

2015 Volkswagen Golf Wagon
The Golf SportWagen concept to be shown at the New York Auto Show is equipped with a clean diesel TDI engine and all-wheel drive. It's larger and roomier, yet more fuel-efficient, than the outgoing model. U.S. dealers will begin sales early next year.

The new Golf Wagon will offer a choice of two engines including a 170-horsepower, 1.8L gasoline unit and a 2.0L clean diesel TDI engine that produces 150 horsepower, or 10 more than its predecessor.

The exact on-sale dates for Canada have yet to be announced.

Photo: Volkswagen

Now that Gene Haas gotten permission to go ahead with his Formula 1 team the first tough decision is when will it race.

The American machine tool magnate said “2015 is too soon and 2016 will be too late,” at a press conference held Monday in Concord, NC.

The team will be based in a campus in Kannapolis nearby his Stewart Haas Racing NASCAR team he said "it's not going to be a European organization."

Although his personal wealth has been reported in the $750 million dollar range he promised to field a team and not just "throw money at it.”

Gene Haas (Photo: NASCAR)

"I've been in Formula 1. I've seen the waste” added team principal, Gunther Steiner, who had been the technical director at Jaguar and Red Bull previously.

One thing Haas won't have to worry about is a wind tunnel as he already owns one in Charlotte, Windshear. But it's a full-sized one and he said that he'll have to modify it for scale models as required by the FIA.

Haas has to overcome scepticism about a Formula 1-based team like no other. Especially in light of the epic failure of the USF1 team announced about five years ago in Charlotte.

Haas said USF1's failure "cast a long shadow... I'm here to prove we can do it. I wouldn't be doing it if I thought I would fail."

“I have a wind tunnel at my disposal, he added “where they failed I can figure out how not to fail. The biggest reason if I didn't do it I'd feel worse.

"I'm sure most people are betting we do fail.”

Chef Andrew Zimmern has a great personal rule: he must try something twice. Much like judging a book by its cover, making up one's mind after one single sampling or based on a first impression is the best way to potentially miss out on some great life experiences.

With the hype surrounding the arrival of the new GM pickups, I knew I needed to sample the offerings, and quickly. Sadly, my first encounter with the twin GMC Sierra left me scratching my head, wondering if I had missed something. In fact, in last year's comparo test, the Sierra came up far short of our expectations.

My 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1LT 4X4 packed the same visual punch, both inside and out, but the whole driving experience once more left me cold (if somewhat frustrated). What should have been wasn't. The ride feels overburdened and heavy, and throttle response lags severely. Despite these important elements, I still love this truck.


What is a Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is GM's bestselling pickup nameplate, out-delivering the GMC Sierra. Much rides on the Silverado's shoulders and GM has gone through great efforts to improve it for the 2014 model year.

This is the 3rd generation of the Silverado, which was born from the long line of C/K Chevy and GMC pickups before it.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Price and Specs
The starting price of the 2014 Chevy Silverado range is $26,290. At the other end of the spectrum, a 1500 High Country retails for $53,315. Highly customizable, options can and will bring the price of the Silverado to well over $60,000.

As tested, my 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1LT crew cab with standard box and 4X4 tipped the price scale at $49,705.

One of three engines can be selected for duty in the Silverado. The range starts off with the 285-horsepower 4.3L V6. Most Chevy pickups will feature the 5.3L V8. It produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. If the LTZ trim is selected, a 420-horsepower 6.2L V8 is optional. All of the above come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

A MAX trailering package and a snowplough prep package are only two available ways to make your Silverado ready for hard labour.

2WD and 4WD are available as well as various suspension and convenience and equipment groups, all in the name of making your truck your own.

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
If only the driving experience mimicked the new Chevy Silverado's outer shell and inner core. The two already mentioned elements, ride quality and throttle response, severely mar what should be a great pickup.

Off the line, the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500's go-pedal needs to be seriously stabbed for something to happen. Perhaps it's designed this way with heavy, steel-toe boots in mind, but for every non-working day, the effort required to keep things moving is annoying as is the delay between depressing the throttle and the get-up-and-go. Another negative is the transmission that automatically drops into first, causing a slight jerk, when performing an “American” stop.

Whether in the city or on the highway, the Chevy Silverado's suspension seems unable to cope with most road imperfections, regardless of speed. The rear semi-elliptical two-stage multi-leaf springs will help the truck float over the small stuff, but it feels as though the moment wheel travel goes beyond 2 inches, the dampers and springs have the urge to decompress immediately, upsetting the insanely quiet cabin.

During our comparo, we'd hoped the loaded test would improve the situation, but such was not the case. For certain, the Silverado's frame is extremely rigid, giving off the highly desirable impression that it can drive through a brick wall unscathed; however, repeated poorly controlled chassis movements over less than perfect tarmac is unacceptable in 2014. The RAM and the Ford do not suffer.

Despite these two unfortunate elements, the 2014 Chevy Silverado is still quite relevant as a work truck.

The 5.3L V8 is an excellent engine and actually enjoys being pushed hard into the rev range. It really comes alive somewhere north of 3,500 rpm and pulls effortlessly to 6,000 rpm. In these acceleration events, the transmission proved to be a top partner. To go along with the power, the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 has strong brakes and heavy yet sharp (for a truck) steering.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet's pickup has a styling that rocks the truck world. It's smug, powerful, and confidant that it will never disappoint you. Parked on a lot surrounded by other competitors, the GM trucks seriously stand out.

The front grille, headlights, and mildly boxed fenders all work great. The only negative noteworthy point is the running boards that break the Silverado's lines and are pretty much useless other than for dirtying pant legs.

Climbing aboard the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 is worth it. The cabin in my mid-range 1LT was well appointed, nicely finished and very roomy. The dashboard's design is modern and robust, and perfectly suited for the truck.

The front perches are wide and generally comfortable. The rear bench is huge; four adults could fit back there in a jam. Storage spaces are plenty, perfect for an office away from home.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Having accolades thrown at it before it landed on the auto show floor, it is odd that Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra sales have slowed in the US, whereas Ford's have remained nearly level and RAM's have jumped impressively year over year.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for this, as pickup buyers are the loyal type. My bottom line is that if GM can revise the suspension's calibration, their trucks should eventually return to positive sales growth numbers.

Pros: The Genesis Coupe is the only sports car on the market to offer both four-cylinder turbo and V6 engines, both of which have seen significant upgrades over the years to make them more competitive. Aggressive design and helps the Genesis Coupe carve out a great niche for itself between the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ and the much more expensive Nissan 370Z.

Cons: It's not as engaging as the Toyobaru twins, but it's so close that this sentence is barely even warranted.

Photo: Hyundai

2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Pricing: Base 2.0T models start at $26,499 while offering automatic climate control, keyless entry, six-speed manual transmission, and 18-inch alloys. Adding an automatic transmission raises the price tag to $28,299. Premium Package models add navigation, Infinity 10-speaker audio, and sunroof, bringing the price up to $31,099 for the stick shift model and $32,899 for the automatic. The 2.0T R-Spec, only available with a manual transmission, adds Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and a Torsen limited slip differential while ditching navigation and other heavy bits for $28,799. 3.8 GT models get the big V6 motor and are priced at $36,999 for the stick and $38,799 for the slushbox.

Improvements and Changes: Hyundai's rear-drive coupe gets a host of enhancements for 2014, including new bucket seats for R-Spec models, hill start assist for manual transmission models, as well as rev-matched down shifts for automatic models when using the wheel mounted paddle shifters. 2.0T Premium trimmed models get new LED daytime running lights, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, rear parking assist sensors and camera, and new touchscreen navigation system.

Don't Miss: Optional performance equipment, such as Brembo brakes, Torsen limited slip differential, and sport tuned suspension can be added to other trims and are not only available on the 2.0T R-Spec.

2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Powertrain: Two motors, a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine, are available in the Genesis Coupe, both offered with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0T sends a valiant 274 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels while V6 models crank the horsepower up to 348 with only a minor improvement in torque to 295 lb-ft. Both engines drink premium, not well shots.

Safety: While not a traditional safety marketing segment, Hyundai loads up the Genesis Coupe with a number of active and passive safety features so you keep having fun in the driver's seat. Front, front seat-mounted side impact, and side curtain airbags come standard, as do active front head restraints. Brake Assist aids drivers in emergency braking situations and Electronic Brake-force Distribution manages those forces in a number of loading conditions. Genesis Coupe also offers three Electronic Stability Control programs - Full-on, Intermediate (retains braking function), and Full-off.

Comparables: Genesis Coupe plays in two separate segments. 2.0T models are aimed squarely at the Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, and (to a lesser degree) the Mazda MX-5. The V6-powered 3.8 GT models do battle with the Nissan 370Z, Ford Mustang V6, Chevrolet Camaro V6, and Dodge Challenger V6.

Pros: Hyundai starts its vehicle range with a well positioned, value packed subcompact sedan still offering a manual transmission and the choice of foregoing air conditioning. And while Hyundai may not be able to claim many “best in class” attributes for the Accent, it's still a tempting purchase thanks to careful packaging, such as heated seats standard on mid-trim models.

Cons: Your choice of transmissions immediately disappears once leaving the base L trim, as all upper trims include six-speed automatics as standard equipment. Also, to the determent of the Accent, Kia essentially sells the same car across the street in an arguably better looking wrapper.

Photo: Hyundai

2014 Hyundai Accent Sedan Pricing: Pricing for the Accent Sedan (4-door) $13,499 for the base model L trim and manual transmission. GL models jump to $17,199 and add a six-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, front heated seats, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, telescopic steering wheel, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. GLS models receive leather wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and fog lamps starting at $18,699.

2014 Hyundai Accent Sedan Economy: While only available with a single motor - a 1.6L direct injection four-cylinder - both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are offered. On the EnerGuide cycle, manual transmission models are rated at 7.5/5.3/6.5L (city/highway/combined) per 100 km. Automatic transmission models rate almost exactly the same at 7.6/5.2/6.5L (city/highway/combined) during the same testing.

Improvements and Changes: For 2014, Hyundai's subcompact gets some additional equipment. All trims now get an included sliding sun visor. A voice activated audio system with Bluetooth trickles down from the GLS trim and is now available on GL models. Those looking for telescopic steering can now find the feature on both GL and GLS models.

Don't Miss: Adding air conditioning to the base L model tacks on an additional $2,005.95. Unless you really want a manual transmission, just opt for the GL, and enjoy all the additional goodies for not much more cash.

2014 Hyundai Accent Sedan Powertrain: Only one engine is offered, however it is fairly modern and features direct injection. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder mill produces a class-leading 138 hp at 6,300 RPM while coaxing up 123 lb-ft of torque at 4,850 RPM. It's slightly thirstier than some of its subcompact competitors, but the increased power more than makes up for it. Also, the Accent is the only car in its class to offer six-speed transmissions in both manual and automatic flavours.

Safety: The Accent Sedan comes standard with six airbags (front, front seat-mounted side, and side curtain) available on all trims. Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control System will do there best to keep you between the ditches, as will the standard four-wheel disc brakes and ABS. However, should you find yourself on the other side of a guard rail, front active head restraints work in conjunction with the six standard airbags.

Comparables: The Accent sedan competes with its crosstown rival, Kia Rio sedan, as well as four-door versions of the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa.

Ed Carpenter Racing's Mike Conway won the IndyCar Grand Prix of Long Beach by literally surviving a chaotic race marred by numerous accidents all through the race.

The action started when polesitter Ryan Hunter-Reay showed a bit of impatience while trying to pass Josef Newgarden as he exited the pits with cold tires.

The Andretti Autosport driver tried to sideline Newgarden with an ill-conceived lunge at Turn 4, only to clatter into the Sarah Fisher Hartmann car and bounce off the wall.

His teammate James Hinchcliffe had nowhere to go but into the wreckage, triggering a chain reaction that also accounted for Jack Hawksworth, Tony Kanaan and Takuma Sato.



Many drivers were able to get through the traffic jam but Helio Castroneves, who at first was able to avoid the accident, was clipped by Hunter-Reay's car as it bounced across the track.

Other drivers would have their share of problems as Simon Pagenaud was hit by Will Power mid-race and Sebastien Bourdais did the same on his own by making two trips into the wall that put him out of contention.

Scott Dixon took the lead in the latter stage of the event but was running low on fuel and had to make a 'splash & go' in the pits but not before putting Justin Wilson, who was running second, into the wall when the pair accidentally made contact on a late restart.

Conway took over the lead and kept Will Power at bay for the final two laps to secure the win.

Rookie Carlos Munoz claimed third ahead of Juan Pablo Montoya and Simon Pagenaud.

Race results - 80 laps:

Pos Driver Team/Engine Time/Gap
1. Mike Conway Carpenter/Chevy 1h54m41.6418s
2. Will Power Penske/Chevy +0.9005s
3. Carlos Munoz Andretti/Honda +1.5591s
4. Juan Pablo Montoya Penske/Chevy +2.0226s
5. Simon Pagenaud Schmidt/Honda +2.8169s
6. Mikhail Aleshin Schmidt/Honda +3.8574s
7. Oriol Servia Rahal/Honda +4.9621s
8. Marco Andretti Andretti/Honda +8.1948s
9. Sebastian Saavedra KV/Chevy +8.9029s
10. Carlos Huertas Coyne/Honda +24.2295s
11. Helio Castroneves Penske/Chevy +30.0552s
12. Scott Dixon Ganassi/Chevy +30.7310s
13. Graham Rahal Rahal/Honda +1 lap
14. Sebastien Bourdais KV/Chevy +3 laps
15. Jack Hawksworth Herta/Honda +3 laps

Retirements:
Justin Wilson Coyne/Honda 64 laps
Ryan Briscoe Ganassi/Chevy 60 laps
Tony Kanaan Ganassi/Chevy 55 laps
Josef Newgarden Fisher/Honda 55 laps
Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti/Honda 55 laps
James Hinchcliffe Andretti/Honda 55 laps
Takuma Sato Foyt/Honda 55 laps
Charlie Kimball Ganassi/Chevy 41 laps

Pros
The Toyota Tacoma is a well-built, small truck with a large range of models and equipment available. Dealers have plenty of accessories, as do the aftermarket suppliers, to ensure you can personalize your truck to suit your needs.

Cons
Handling isn't great, and the jump seats in the Access Cab could be improved. Some Tacomas have a poor feel to the brake pedal which does not inspire confidence under hard braking.

Photo: Toyota

2014 Toyota Tacoma Price
MSRP for a basic 4-cylinder, 2WD Access Cab starts at $22,350. For a 4-cylinder, 4WD Access Cab prices start at $27,125. The V6 Access Cab starts at $28,110 and the V6 Double Cab starts at $29,600.

2014 Toyota Tacoma Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined in L/100km)
Manual

• 4-cyl 2WD: 9.9/7.5/8.8
• 4-cyl 4WD: 11.3/9.0/10.3
• Automatic
• 4-cyl 2WD: 10.8/7.8/9.4
• 4-cyl 4WD: 11.6/8.9/10.4
• V6 4WD: 13.1/9.8/11.7

Improvements and Changes
The Toyota Tacoma comes into 2014 unchanged. The last major revision was in 2012. Minor adjustments through trim packages and adjustments to the MSRP are hard to notice.

Exterior styling
The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab is the best looking due to vehicle proportions, moulded wheel wells and the 6' truck box. Double Cab models just don't look as good, although the more you pay the more bling you get. Blacked-out grille and front fascia try to provide a work-oriented look on the Toyota Tacoma. Along the sides the black theme continues along the wheel arches front and rear. Only the flat aluminum alloy wheels provide any relief from the paint.

Interior
The only significant difference between Access Cab and Double Cab is the extra space in the rear seat and extra doors. The jump seats in the Access Cab are suitable for children or willing adults for a short distance. The Double Cab rear seat is a proper rear seat suitable for long-term trips. Trim level and optional equipment significantly shapes the look of the interior. Leather interior, heated seats, and all the electronic hook-ups are available.

Cargo/towing/payload capacity
Maximum towing capacity is 1,587 kg (3,500 lb). Cargo capacity ranges between 475 kg (1,050 lb) and 540 kg (1,200 lb) for the 2014 Toyota Tacoma.

Safety
Dual front, front seat side impact and curtain airbags are standard in the 2014 Toyota Tacoma. All seating positions have three-point lap belts. A STAR safety system includes stability control, traction control, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist with smart stop technology is standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes. Tire pressure monitoring system and LATCH system for anchoring a child seat is standard. On the Double Cab, child-proof rear door locks are standard.

Comparables
Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon.

From press release

Ron and Loretta Thiering, promoters at Edmonton International Raceway (located in Wetaskiwin) announced the return of the popular NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to the Edmonton area.

On July 11, NASCAR race fans can watch Canada's best stock car drivers such as defending series champion Scott Steckly, two-time champion D.J. Kennington and past Indy 500 pole sitter Alex Tagliani go head-to-head local stars including Noel Dowler and James Van Domselaar in a 300-lap battle for western supremacy.

Multi-time Edmonton International Raceway champion and local product Erica Thiering, from Sherwood Park will be making her Canadian Tire Series debut, as well.

Erica Thiering. (Photo: Edmonton International Raceway)

"We are thrilled to make this announcement today," said Ron Thiering.

"Loretta and I have been long-time supporters of NASCAR through the Whelen All-American Series and Home Tracks program. We started the dialogue with NASCAR about hosting a Canadian Tire Series event over two years ago. Now it's a reality and we can't wait to bring Canada's premier racing series to Alberta's oval track fans."

The popular Super Stocks and Stacker Cars local divisions will share the stage with the Canadian Tire Series on that Friday date which will also include practice and qualifying for the feature series.

The Super Stocks will line up again the next evening and be joined by the Thunder Cars, Mini Cups and Baby Grands.

"In preparation for this new venture, we have invested in improvements around the facility," said Loretta Thiering.

"New pit road walls, concrete corners and a full repaving in May will make the track a treat for competitors while a new scoreboard, additional bleachers and corporate hospitality suites will enhance the entertainment experience for fans and sponsors."

Tickets are on sale now through the track's website, edmontonraceway.com.

To help the Jetta level the playing field in terms of crash safety and fuel economy with Japanese rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, VW has made substantial tweaks to the compact for model year 2015.

Chevrolet is refreshing the compact Cruze, General Motors' top-selling car in the United States, and adding enhanced connectivity features for 2015. It will be introduced this week at the New York auto show.

The golden shine from the Mustang's spectacular launch in 1964 has long since faded.

The auto industry is always full of head-to-head rivalries, and right now the battle between Honda and Nissan is one of the hottest.

Federal regulators looking into GM's Chevrolet Cobalt noticed a surprising statistic: warranty claims over the car's air bags were four times higher than for competing vehicles.

From press release

Earlier this year Nandan said Portugal would be the first opportunity to properly benchmark the i20's performance, after the specialized challenges of the rounds in Monte Carlo, Sweden and Mexico.

“The verdict is that we are a bit closer than what was expected,” Nandan told wrc.com. “If we look at times when there were no problems on the car and you compare the same tyre choices, then let's say it's between 0.1 and 0.4 seconds per kilometre. Which is quite encouraging.

Michel Nandan is happy with the performances of his car (Photo: WRC.com)

“We know we have still a lot of work to do on the development of the car, on the chassis as well on the engine, but okay, I think it's quite promising. From what we can see, we are not really far away from VW or Citroen. And sometimes, in the more muddy conditions especially, it was possible to fight them.”

However Nandan ruled out any immediate ambition to challenge for rally wins.

“I think the progress is going quite well and, of course, we can be happy with the results so far, but no, it will not change our target to progress and improve the car. In Portugal we had some problems as well, but we are here to have problems and then to try and solve them. For now we will not focus on different things.”

Pros
The design of the Cadillac SRX is edgy and gets your attention. Underneath the skin is a world-class vehicle. As a cCrossover Utility Vehicle the SRX is plush, comfortable, and fun to drive. Electronic
connectivity is easy and complete.

Cons
The edgy design may be bold, but it is a “love it or hate it” situation. The interior suffers the same fate; you either love it or don't. In addition, fuel economy isn't quite as good as is expected for a vehicle of this class.

Photo: Cadillac

Pricing
The 2014 Cadillac SRX can be ordered in four different trim levels: Base, Luxury, Performance, or Premium. The Base model can be ordered in either front-wheel drive (which carries a sticker price of $40,285) or AllWheel Drive (at $50,085). On each, optional equipment can move the purchase price considerably higher.

Fuel Economy
Transport Canada's EnerGuide rating for the front-wheel drive SRX is 12./8.3/10.7 while the AWD version is rated at 13.2/8.8/11.2 (city/highway/combined in L/100km)

Improvements and Changes
2014 sees the Cadillac SRX improve with a few minor changes with Intellibeam headlights included in the Driver Awareness Package. Eighteen-inch chrome wheels were added as a late introduction on the Luxury collection. Graphite Metal, Terra Mocha Metallic, and Sapphire Blue Metallic are the new colours that will grace the flanks of the SRX, while the new interior colour Caramel with Ebony accents will perk up the inside. Of note is noise cancellation that significantly lowers the interior noise level due to external sources.

Powertrain
Power comes from a DOHC, 32-valve, 3.6L V6 with continuously variable valve timing that produces 308 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic gets the power to the wheels. When ordered with AWD, a single gear ratio transfer case takes the power to the rear wheels unitl all four are needed.

Safety
Dual front, side-mounted side impact, and full-length side curtain airbags are standard. Traction control, stability control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Brake Assist are standard. Radar-based, distance control cruise control is standard. The LATCH system to anchor child seats is standard. Forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear vision with dynamic guidelines, and Safety Alert seat are optional. Side blind zone alert and cross traffic alert are available on select models. The SRX is designed to meet European pedestrian impact standards. OnStar™, a provider of connected safety, is standard for one year, then available for a yearly fee depending on the level of service desired.

Comparables
The Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Infiniti QX 50, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

From press release

This weekend, Canadian driver Kuno Wittmer contested the third round of the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar series, at the Long Beach street circuit.

Teamed up with Californian Jonathan Bomarito, Kuno begrudgingly recorded his first DNF of the season when his number 93 SRT Viper GTS-R suffered transmission problems 20 minutes before the end. 

"We knew that the Viper GTS-R was at a disadvantage on this temporary street circuit. We were simply hoping to score enough points to remain in the hunt for the championship title after our excellent performances at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring," indicated Kuno Witmer.

Kuno Wittmer, Viper GTS-R (Photo: Richard Prince/SRT Motorsports)

"Unfortunately, during the free practice, we started experiencing a power steering problem. The SRT Motorsports team attempted to remedy the situation but the problem reoccurred in qualifying, as well as during the race," added Kuno, who took the start and drove the first 60 minutes.

Thanks to a pit stop strategy slightly different than his rivals, Kuno, who started in tenth in GTLM class, was in sixth place when he handed the wheel over to teammate Jonathan Bomarito. It was 20 minutes from the end of the race when mechanical problems ended Bomarito's drive.

The second Viper GTS-R (No.91) entered by the SRT Motorsports team finished the race in seventh spot... California's Laguna Seca race will take place on May 4th.

Pros
German engineering, diverse range of models, and engines including an AMG version.

Cons
Mercedes-Benz has its own way of doing things that is often not the same as most other manufacturers, and getting used to these systems prejudices potential buyers against the GL-Class.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Price
Base MSRP prices:

• GL 350 BlueTEC (diesel) 4MATIC; $74,900
• GL 450 4MATIC; $77,100
• GL 550 4MATIC; $99,100
• GL 63 AMG 4MATIC; $126,400

Fuel Economy (city/highway L/100 km)

• GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC; 11.9/8.6
• GL 450 4MATIC; 15.4/10.9
• GL 550 4MATIC; 15.7/11.2
• GL 63 AMG; 15.9/11.4

Improvements and Changes
After a full redesign in 2103, the 2104 Mercedes-Benz undergoes minor changes for 2014. Climate comfort seats have been added. Second row EASY-ENTRY system is now power operated. Heated rear seats are now standard on the GL 550 4MATIC. Climate controlled cup holders are optional on all models. Splitview is optional on all models. COMMAND now has Online functionality and MB apps.

Exterior styling
Boxy, purposeful, and staid are words that come to mind when looking at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL's edgy design. Chrome accents highlight the grille, lower side mouldings, door handles and window trim, which all add a touch of elegance.

Inside
Bucket seats up front fit a broad range of backsides, while the second and third row seats are nearly as comfortable as the front and the movies on the 8” headrest mounted video screens (optional) tends to be more entertaining than watching traffic go by. The optional Splitview up front is not a split screen; it is actually two different views of different bits of available information. The driver, for example, can see a full-view map while the passenger scrolls through satellite radio channels on a full screen. A Bang & Olufsen stereo with 1,200 watts and 14 speakers is available.

Cargo/towing/ payload capacity
All GLs are rated for a towing capacity of 3,402 kg (7,500 lb), except the 63 AMG which is rated at 3,175 kg (7,000 lb). Storage volume behind the 3rd row seats is 295 litres, and with all seats folded down it is 2,300 litres.

Powertrain
GL 350 BlueTEC 4Matic utilizes a 24-valve, DOHC, turbo diesel that produces 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.

GL 450 4MATIC and 550 4MATIC utilize a 32-valve, DOHC, 4.6L biturbo V8 that produces 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the GL 450 that gets pumped up to 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in the GL 550.
The 63 AMG utilizes a 5.4L, DOHC, 32-valve, biturbo V8 elevated to 550 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.

All GL-Class models use a 7-speed automatic with permanent AWD and a manual mode for shifting.

Safety
Dual front, front side impact, full-length side curtain, and a driver's side knee airbag are all standard. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control, stability control, roll over mitigation, and brake force distribution are standard. Three-point lap belts, child-proof rear door locks, pinch protection on power windows, and the LATCH system to anchor child seats are standard. Blind spot and lane departure assists are standard. Night view assist is optional.

Comparables
Infiniti QX 80, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, BMW X 5, Lexus LX, Lincoln Navigator.

Red Bull Racing's Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed he will not there to see his team trying to overturn the stewards' decision to exclude him from the Australian Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old finished second on the track in Melbourne a month ago, but was disqualified after the race over fuel flow issues.

Red Bull appealed the decision, and the hearing is tomorrow, in Paris. Meanwhile, Ricciardo will be getting ready for next week's Chinese Grand Prix, in Shanghai.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull RB10 (Photo: WRi2)

“I'll obviously wait to hear the result from the team, I'm sure they'll give me a call,” Ricciardo told Crash.net.

“There's nothing that I can do, there's nothing that I can really worry about. As far as I'm concerned let's say the damage was done on Sunday night in Melbourne. I'm not going to be any more upset than I was then.

“Obviously I would love to get them back; I would be pleased but in a way I've sort of dealt with it now and whatever happens, happens.”

Pros: The Lexus CT 200h combines the attributes of a sporty 5-door hatch and a fuel-efficient, atmospherically responsible Lexus hybrid into a flexible, high-utility package. With a freshened premium presence, street-smart looks, and the sensible luxury that comes along with Lexus ownership, the CT 200h should connect readily with a shopper after performance and luxury that's easy on the wallet and easy on the environment.

Cons: The CT 200h is available only in a single 4-cylinder, front-drive, CVT-equipped powertrain configuration, so shoppers after AWD, more power or the ability to row their own gears will need to look elsewhere.

Photo: Lexus

2014 Lexus CT 200h Pricing: Pricing for the recently refreshed 2014 Lexus CT 200h represents improved value through revised feature packaging and lower MSRPs across the lineup. The CT 200h with Touring Package opens the model range at $34,150, while the Premium Package, which adds a premium stereo, backup camera, and plenty more starts from $37,750. A Technology Package adds leather memory seating, rain-sensing wipers, navigation, and more from $39,350. Enthusiast shoppers can also check out the sport-enhanced CT 200h F SPORT, complete with unique styling, chassis, and feature upgrades from $38,400.

2014 Lexus CT 200h Fuel Economy: Lexus CT 200h shoppers get a total system output of 134 horsepower alongside Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions, and a combined mileage figure of just 4.6L/100km.

Improvements and Changes: For 2014, the CT 200h boasts a fresh, more sculpted new body that incorporates Lexus' new spindle grille treatment, as well as new wheels, features, colours, and a revised interior with added refinement.

Don't Miss: the road-trip readiness. The 2014 Lexus CT 200h packs over 400 litres of cargo space behind its rear seats, while giving four grown-ups ample room onboard. A 45-litre fuel tank means plenty of highway cruising range, and features like automatic climate control, premium audio, and a sunroof dial up comfort along the way.

2014 Lexus CT 200h Powertrain: Utilizing an all-aluminum 1.8L 4-cylinder gas engine with numerous fuel-saving technologies lays the foundation for great mileage while the CT's high-output electric drive system completes the package. The gas and electric systems can combine their efforts or take turns powering the CT, depending on the type of driving at hand. A drive-select dial lets drivers customize powertrain response in real time, encouraging fuel efficiency or sportiness on the fly. Eco, Sport, and other modes are available.

Safety: All models feature Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, and a cutting-edge antilock brake system that ensures fuss-free stops on all surfaces. A backup camera system and Vehicle Proximity Notification System, which makes a sound comparable to a gasoline engine when the CT is in its noiseless electric mode, make the area around the CT even safer, too. Active front head restraints are fitted to reduce whiplash-related injuries should the vehicle be rear-ended.

Comparables: The 2014 Lexus CT 200h is comparable to other sporty, fuel-saving compact hatches, including the Audi A3 TDI and Mazda3 Sport Skyactiv.

Pros: When it comes to efficiency, maneuverability, low running costs and a solid reputation for reliable hybrid-car ownership, the Toyota Prius c is a tough choice to beat. A 4.8-meter turning radius helps make this model ideal for a city dweller after a nimble and flexible compact boasting premium features and a not-so-big pricetag. Prius c is one of the latest new models in the award-winning Prius lineup.

Cons: Prius c's small size and limited output may scratch it off of the lists of some shoppers right off the bat. No manual transmission is available to help fans of shifting their own gears save money on the purchase price. Further, some must-have options, including split-folding seats and variable intermittent wipers aren't standard.

Photo: Toyota

2014 Toyota Prius c Pricing: Pricing starts from $20,440 with standard Bluetooth, power accessories, automatic climate control and USB audio input. An upgrade package is available, adding premium seats, a leather-covered dash, upgraded audio, cruise control, split-folding rear seats and more. With the Technology Package, Prius c will relieve shoppers of $23,145 in exchange for a Display Audio system with Navigation, 15-inch wheels, push-button start, keyless entry, satellite radio and more. From that basis, shoppers can devise the ultimate Prius c by adding the Premium package, which fits premium SofTex material over the seats and steering wheel, seat heaters, a power moonroof, fog lamps and more.

2014 Toyota Prius c Fuel Economy: With 99 hybrid horsepower on tap, Prius c sips its way along—using as little as 3.6L/100km and drastically reducing harmful emissions in the process.

Improvements and Changes: For 2014, the recently-launched Prius c carries over unchanged.

Don't Miss: the drive modes. At the touch of a button, drivers can activate ‘ECO' mode, which recalibrates climate controls and throttle response to help maximize fuel efficiency. Further, an ‘EV' mode allows for all-electric driving for up to one kilometer if speeds stay below 40 km/h. The drive modes are employed to help drivers extract the most benefit from the Prius c's Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant.

2014 Toyota Prius c Powertrain: Toyota engineers revisited the award-winning Hybrid Synergy Drive system for its use in the compact Prius c, redesigning and down-scaling key components to be smaller and lighter for improved efficiency. Heavy powertrain components, like the engine, transaxle and power control unit, are strategically placed within the Prius c to optimize weight balance. At the heart of the system is a 1.5 litre Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with a smooth, fuel-saving CVT transmission.

Safety: Like all Toyota models, the Prius c includes the STAR safety system as standard equipment, regardless of trim grade. Toyota's STAR safety system includes six active safety technologies: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). The various systems all play a role in maintaining driver control, helping to avoid altogether. Should one prove inevitable, advanced airbags and a crash-optimized body structure provide protection, as does instantaneous shut-down of high-voltage hybrid system components.

Comparables: Though Prius c has no direct competitors, it's ideally cross-shopped with other city-friendly, high-efficiency compacts like the Fiat 500, Smart fortwo, Mini Cooper and Scion iQ.