Auto News 5

From Audi Motorsport

Audi has developed a new concept for the Le Mans R18 e-tron quattro's ergonomics for the 2014 season. The configuration of the elements in the cockpit is even more logical now, their functions have been rethought, and the seating position has been improved.

“Long before the 2014 season, we took an in-depth look at how we could support our drivers even better,” says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport.

“The result is a cockpit in which we practically changed everything - from the pedals through to the functions on the steering wheel and on the dashboard. Additionally, the seating position has been changed according to the regulations.”

Steering wheel of the 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

The innovations start in the foot well. The drivers no longer operate the clutch using a foot pedal but by means of paddles behind the steering wheel.

The configuration of the controls between the dashboard and the steering wheel has changed as well.

“Our objective was for the driver to be able to reach all the functions he frequently uses as easily as possible without having to take his hands off the wheel,” explains Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport.

Steering wheel of the 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

One of the new features is a multi-functional rotary switch for selecting tasks that used to be performed by using various controls.

Two push-buttons make it possible for the driver to easily change individual functions to adjust the car's balance, for instance through traction control or brake force distribution. As balance changes when the fuel load decreases, the driver can quickly readjust the set-up of the R18 this way.

Steering wheel of the 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

From GMM

A bright spot on Fernando Alonso's 2014 season so far is that he is beating his teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

The impending rivalry between the two former champions was a big talking point of the pre-season, but Finn Raikkonen emerged from the winter struggling with the handling of Ferrari's new car.

But in Malaysia, Spaniard Alonso once again outqualified and outraced his teammate.

"I would prefer to have won in Australia and Malaysia, but as long as you are in front of your teammate, you are doing something extra compared to the expectations of people," Alonso is quoted by Italy's Tuttosport.

The two Ferrari drivers at the start of the Malaysian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Speaking to Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper, Raikkonen did not want to compare his current situation to 2009, when he also struggled in a Ferrari and was ousted at the end of the season.

"I have no desire to make comparisons like that," he said, "and it doesn't change anything anyway.

"For sure it has not been an ideal start, but we improved the car for Malaysia and the weekend started well even if it finished badly," said Raikkonen, whose race was affected by a clash with Kevin Magnussen.

"Without the accident I see no reason why I shouldn't have done the same as Alonso," he insisted.

Kimi Raikkonen is hoping for another improvement in Bahrain.

"We're getting some new parts that should help me, at least that is the plan," he said. "The front end should feel better."

Meanwhile, Toto Wolff says he expects Ferrari to eventually join Red Bull in chasing down Mercedes' current advantage.

"I very much fear their (Red Bull's) recovery on a technical level, it has been impressive. And I also fear Ferrari, of course," he told Italy's La Repubblica.

Told by the interviewer than he did well in delivering his final comment without laughing, Mercedes' Wolff insisted: "I'm serious."

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposed rule requiring all new cars and light-duty trucks to have "rear-view visibility systems" would start phasing in on May 1st, 2016 and be at 100% two years later.

This means that the entire vehicle fleet in the U.S. will be equipped with backup cameras by 2054, helping save up to 69 lives each year, according to NHTSA estimates.

In a 2010 report, the NHTSA said that 210 people die and 15,000 are injured annually in light-vehicle backup incidents, with about 31% of the deaths among kids under age 5 and 26% among adults over 70.

The proposed rule states that all backup cameras would have to give the driver a view of 10'x20' directly behind the vehicle.

Source : usatoday.com

Photo: Subaru

From GMM

Two former Formula 1 drivers on Tuesday said they thought Felipe Massa was wrong to have ignored Williams' team orders during the Malaysian Grand Prix

Although the Brazilian has only just left Ferrari, where in 2010 he was ordered to give up a win to Fernando Alonso, Karl Wendlinger said he should have let Valtteri Bottas past at Sepang.

"As a team boss I would not be pleased with him," former Sauber driver Wendlinger told Austrian television Servus TV.

"The reason was not just that they wanted Bottas ahead of Massa," he added, explaining that Williams simply thought Bottas' fresher tyres gave him a better chance of passing Jenson Button's McLaren.

"That would have given them more points, which can be extremely important at the end of the season," said Wendlinger.

Likewise, German racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck admitted he was "surprised" by Massa's obstinacy.

"In my long career, I have been on both sides -- benefitting from team orders, or being the one who has to go behind the other. But I always followed," he said.

Asked how he would feel if he was Williams' team boss, Stuck admitted: "I would not be happy. He is an employee of the team and, quite simply, he needs to follow instructions."

General Motors has just announced a new recall on more than 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. and an additional 200,000 in Canada and Mexico because they may experience a sudden loss of electric power steering assist.

Affected models include:

• 2004-2006, 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu;
• 200402006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx;
• 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR;
• 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt;
• 2008-2009 Saturn AURA;
• 2004-2007 Saturn ION;
• 2005-2006, 2008-2009 Pontiac G6.

In addition, 309,160 non-turbocharged Chevrolet HHRs from the 2006-2008 model years (and several hundred 2009 models) and 96,324 Saturn IONs from the 2003 model year that are not subject to this recall will be given lifetime warranties for replacement of the electronic power steering motor.

This comes as GM CEO Mary Barra is set to appear before congress today to shed light on why the automaker failed to alert regulators in a timely fashion about now-recalled vehicles with previously known problems.

Since the beginning of 2014, more than 6.26 million GM vehicles have been recalled.

Chevrolet Cruze also hit
What's more, 26,757 Chevrolet Cruze sedans from the 2013-2014 model years are being recalled in Canada due to a passenger side halfshaft that could fracture and separate. If this were to occur on the road, it could result in a loss of propulsion. If it happened while the car is parked on an incline without the parking brake applied, it could result in unintended movement.

Chevrolet dealers will therefore replace affected halfshafts.

Source: General Motors

Dutch driver Robin Frijns will be driving a Caterham Formula 1 car at Bahrain International Circuit this Friday.

The team has yet to announce which Caterham driver (Kamui Kobayashi or Marcus Ericsson) the former Formula Renault 3.5 series' champion will be replacing during Friday's first free practice session.

Frijns will also be driving a Caterham CT05 during one of the two test days that will be held after the Grand Prix.

Robin Frijns, Caterham 05-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

I'm not one to judge a book by its cover. I've learned over the years that cars, like books, have much more beneath their sheet metal, and sometimes you just have to cover your eyes, reach for the door handle and hope for the best. Such was the case with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee I had recently.

Looking a bit like it had sucked on one too many lemons from the front, and like an old man with his pants pulled up to his armpits in the back; the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is no stunner, however, step inside and things actually start to look up (and much more appealing).


What is a Jeep Cherokee?
Now in its fifth generation, the Jeep Cherokee is the compact SUV when compared to the Grand Cherokee. Available as a two-door until 2001, the Cherokee offered up a smaller footprint while still being as Jeep as one would expect, with 4x4 capabilities.

This latest iteration of the Jeep Cherokee features a unibody chassis and a transversely mounted engine.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Price and Specs
With seven different models available (unfortunately all sporting a near identical exterior look), the 2014 Jeep Cherokee starts at just a hair over $23k. The top-of-the-line Cherokee Limited 4x4 tips the price scale at $32,195 (base) and was my particular tester. While it may seem like a lofty amount of pennies, this particular Cherokee comes so well equipped as-is that the price is justified, trust me.

Across the lineup, two engines are available. The 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir I-4 delivers 184 horsepower. Then there's the 3.2L Pentastar VVT V6 that's good for 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. Both are coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Yup, nine gears.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee offers two towing weight capabilities based on engine choice; the Tigershark will see you tow up to 2,000lbs, while the Pentastar jumps to 4,500lbs.

Driving the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Once I got past the sourpuss front fascia and made my way into the driver's seat of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, I have to say it wasn't a horrible place to be. As far as driver comfort goes, I was very much at home in the Cherokee.

Where I did take issue with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee was in the transmission. First off, I'm fairly certain I never got anywhere near that 9th gear. Had I been traveling at 300 km/h or more, perhaps, but in general it seemed to keep in the middle gear range, or so that was my impression. Also, no matter the temperature (cool or artic-hell-cold), gear changes from 2nd to 3rd were far from pleasant. Choppy and clunky, it was not a pleasant feeling.

Reluctant gear changes aside, acceleration was smooth otherwise, and the 3.2L is pleasantly lively and responds well. Steering is also quick and connected for a compact SUV. Jeep's 4x4 system is great in the snow and slush. Of note: The 2014 Jeep Cherokee's new powertrain features a disconnecting rear axle for greater fuel efficiency -- an industry first.

What I found a bit much was the lane-departure system. I wasn't aware my particular tester was equipped with said technology and so was driving home in the wee hours of the morning, changing lanes on the highway without a turn signal (I was alone!). Each time I tried to change lanes I felt as if the steering was broken, stuck in molasses and not responding at all. It wasn't until the following morning that I discovered the 2014 Jeep Cherokee doesn't just warn you of a lane departure, it actually takes over and steers you back into the center of your lane.

Autonomous driving truly isn't far off, and systems like this one scare me just a bit.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Truthfully, there are no “correct” words to describe the outside look of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee save for: sour, squinty, grouchy, scowl, grumptastic... So, I'll just say it again: I really don't like the Cherokee's exterior look. However, that doesn't mean it's inherently ugly. That's the beauty with design; there's something out there for everyone's tastes and somewhere someone is totally in love with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee's look -- I've yet to cross paths with them, though.

Inside, the look of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is much more appealing and much less polarizing. My particular tester was decked out in chocolate brown and navy leather with chrome accents throughout; a great overall look that was both sophisticated and comfortable. Ergonomics in the 2014 Jeep Cherokee are spot on, and everything is well within reach.

There's not a huge amount of space in the back seats, but door openings and height are decent for baby-seat installation and getting a toddler in and out without too much trouble.

Comparing the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Perhaps the polarizing exterior looks of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee will help it excel in a segment that's growing almost too quickly to keep up with. The compact SUV is becoming ever more appealing and with the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and brand new Nissan Rogue, the Cherokee is up against some serious staples in the segment.

From Williams

Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC announced Tuesday the sale of Williams Hybrid Power Limited from Williams' subsidiary, Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited, to GKN Land Systems Limited in a multi-million pound transaction. This will see Williams Hybrid Power rebranded as GKN Hybrid Power.

GKN has agreed to purchase the whole of the issued share capital of Williams Hybrid Power Limited from Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited.

Under the terms of the transaction, Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited will also receive additional consideration based on future sales and licences of the flywheel energy storage technology transferred with Williams Hybrid Power to GKN.

Williams Hybrid Power has been majority owned by Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited since 2010, and is a clean technology SME developing electric flywheel energy storage technology.

The company was initially engaged in developing this technology for Williams' 2009 Formula 1 car, and supplied the flywheel energy storage system for the Porsche 911 GT3 Hybrid and the Le Mans winning Audi R18 e-tron quattro.

Canadian Paul Tracy, who won the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach four times, will add his insights about competing on the temporary street circuit to the NBCSN telecasts on April 12-13.

The 2003 CART champion joins NBCSN as an analyst for six of its 13 races this season.

The 1993 Long Beach race was Tracy's first of his 31 career victories.

Here is the on-track schedule of the 2014 Grand Prix of Bahrain, Round 3 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

The 57-lap race will be held on Bahrain International Circuit's 5.412km layout.

Friday April 4
GP2 Practice Session 12h00 - 12h45
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 13h00 - 13h45
Formula 1 Practice 1 14h00 - 15h30
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 15h45 - 16h55
Porsche GT3 Cup Middle East Practice Session 16h30 - 17h00
Formula 1 Practice 2 18h00 - 19h30
GP2 Qualifying Session 20h00 - 20h30
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 20h00 - 21h00
Track Activity Marshal Pit Lane Walk 21h00 - 21h45

Saturday April 5
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 11h30 - 12h40
Porsche GT3 Cup Middle East Qualifying Session 11h55 - 12h25
Formula 1 Team Pit Stop Practice 12h10 - 12h30
GP2 First Race (32 Laps or 60 Mins) 13h10 - 14h15
Formula 1 Practice 3 15h00 - 16h00
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 16h15 - 17h30
Porsche GT3 Cup Middle East First Race (10 Laps or 30 Mins) 16h30 - 17h05
Formula 1 Qualifying 18h00
Formula 1 Drivers Autograph Session 20h00 - 21h00

Sunday April 6
GP2 Second Race (23 Laps or 45 Mins) 14h15 - 15h05
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 15h30 - 17h15
Porsche GT3 Cup Middle East Second Race (10 Laps or 30 Mins) 15h35 - 16h10
Formula 1 Drivers Track Parade 16h30
Formula 1 Starting Grid Presentation 16h45 - 17h15
Formula 1 National Anthem 17h46
Air Display Gulf Air Flypast TBC 17h48
Formula 1 Race 18h00

Lotus F1 Team Technical Director Nick Chester revealed that the brake-by-wire, electronic system of the E22 was still far from being perfect, and that was causing the drivers a lot of problems.

“We've made some improvements with the braking of the car, but there is still a lot more to come”, said Chester in a team press release.

“We have more work to do at Enstone including improving the set-up and operation of our brake-by-wire system, which is one of the areas where the drivers have the biggest complaints. It's spoiling their entry into the corner and costing them quite a lot of time”, the British engineer added.

The brake-by-wire has been introduced in Formula 1 to counterbalance the huge braking effect caused by the MGU-K, which operates as a generator.

Chester provides more insights about this system.

“The system looks at what the driver is requesting from the brake pedal and then the demand is split between a braking force generated by the power unit and a normal hydraulic braking force from the callipers,” he explained.

“The difficult part is fine tuning those two different types of braking demands so that they work together in a natural, predictable way for the driver. It's very important to have a brake-by-wire system that responds the way you want and to get the mapping correct so that you have the right braking behaviour to make it easier for the driver to control wheel locking.

“When you initially apply the brakes you want to get the pressures up high as quickly as you can, for good retardation. But for corner entry, how you come off the brakes is really important. Being able to carry good speed into the corner apex makes a massive difference to the lap time,” he concluded.

From GMM

Red Bull has denied rumours it is preparing to drop its appeal against Daniel Ricciardo's Melbourne disqualification.

The story goes that FIA president Jean Todt, angry with world champion Sebastian Vettel's crass dismissal of the new turbo V6 engine rules as "shit", was offering to drop a disrepute charge if Red Bull agrees to drop the appeal.

"Utter nonsense," Dr Helmut Marko is quoted by Germany's Sky.

"I have no idea where that came from. We are preparing for the appeal hearing," he insisted.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Team boss Christian Horner on Monday denied that the FIA had even contacted Red Bull about Vettel's swearing.

But when asked about the incident, Todt said: "It is something we will deal with internally.

"Unfortunately we have a tendancy to forget the beauty of motor racing and formula one and concentrate on behaviours that are not my priority," he is quoted by French television BFMTV.

Even with the appeal hearing looming, arguably Red Bull's bigger priority is the performance of its Renault-powered RB10, and the deficit to dominant Mercedes.

Christian Horner is expecting a tough weekend in Bahrain.

"Their (Mercedes') advantage will be bigger than it was (in Malaysia) because it's quite a power dominated circuit," he said.

Mercedes, however, is not resting on its laurels.

"We saw one of our competitors here (in Malaysia) receiving 50 boxes of new parts on morning and evening flights. We need to do the same," Toto Wolff told Austrian television ORF.