Auto News 5

The UAW still has several options to unionize VW Group's Tennessee car plant in the U.S., labor law experts said, after the union failed to win enough support in a February ballot.

Mitsubishi's European operations ended a three-year profit drought because of foreign exchange windfalls, demand for the Outlander plug-in hybrid and the closure of its Dutch plant. The unit reported an operating profit of 261 million euros.

The Audi TT, Renault Twingo and Peugeot 108 were big Web winners during the first quarter because of their debuts at the Geneva auto show. The quarter's top performers, however, were the Volkswagen Golf and Land Rover's Range Rover.

The UK is the only European market that will get a 'greener' Porsche Macan SUV with a four-cylinder engine. The model is the automaker's first four-cylinder car in almost 20 years.

TrelleborgVibracoustic supplies the Porsche Macan's optional air springs that allow the crossover to sit 15mm lower to the ground. The lower ride helps reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 5 percent.

The U.S. government says it lost $11.2 billion on its bailout of GM, more than the $10.3 billion the Treasury Department estimated when it sold its remaining shares in the company in December.

The Audi TT, Renault Twingo and Peugeot 108 were big Web winners during the first quarter because of their debuts at the Geneva auto show. The quarter's top performers, however, were the Volkswagen Golf and Land Rover's Range Rover.

Climbing into this week's 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport tester, my passengers and I cursed the bitter wind while I fumbled at the heat controls with stiff fingers. My friend's son, safe in his back seat refuge from boring, old-people conversation, was blissfully enjoying his toasty buns, as this particular Santa Fe boasts rear-seat warmers, too. Wrapping my frozen mitts around the steering wheel, I praised the Korean company for blessing the Santa Fe Sport with a heated wheel - which, I might add, was noticeably absent in the $100,000 German sports car I'd been in the week before.


What is a Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T AWD?
The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T AWD Limited is a midsize crossover now in its third generation. The Santa Fe is the final vehicle in the Hyundai lineup to be fully recreated in the crisp "Fluidic Precision" design language. It's available in two models: a long wheelbase Santa Fe XL, and our more compact (by 21.5 cm) Santa Fe Sport. It can accommodate up to five passengers in a pinch, though I wouldn't want to be in the middle over the long haul. What the Santa Fe lacks in boast-worthy status, it makes up for in versatility and features. Not all of the premium sedans I've driven lately were as loaded as this midrange crossover. Bluetooth? Yes. Reclining rear seats? Likewise.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T AWD Price and Specs
Standard are such features as keyless entry, cruise, air, and tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

My Sport 2.0T model automatically comes with heated mirrors, rear-view camera, auto headlights, fog-lights, roof rails and an 8-way adjustable seat, blind-spot monitoring and rear window sunshades. The Technology Packages adds xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front and heated rear seats, Navigation system with 8" touchscreen and a 12-speaker Infinity System.

All those extras come at a cost: While a base model 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L FWD stickers at $28,359, my top-of-the-line Sport 2.0T Limited will set you back $38,899.

With 264 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0T has slightly more low-end power than the popular V6 it replaces, but offers 8% better fuel economy. The single transmission choice is a 6-speed automatic.

Driving the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T AWD
The 2.0L turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine has a lively character that makes this crossover fairly enjoyable to drive. The wide power band provides plenty of available torque for quick passing maneuvers.

The steering has three modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport, via a button found beside the wheel. I found "Normal" to be a bit "dart-y" while "Sport" had the most comforting sense of weight -- it doesn't provide much feedback.

Despite the extra weight added by safety technology and sound-deadening insulation, the new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is 120 kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the use of high-tensile steel manufactured by Hyundai's own plant in Korea.

The result is an extremely composed chassis that feels nimble over the roughest pavement. The MacPherson strut front, and independent multi-link rear suspension does a great job absorbing bumps, without too much noise or vibration intruding into the cabin which feels very well insulated, although there is a bit of wind noise over the side mirrors.

Travelling the snowed-in country lanes around my area was a snap with the available 4x4 mode -- a feature that will make it attractive to most Canadians.

The Sport 2.0T has been criticized for being less fuel efficient than some of its competitors, so I decided to put it to the test. Over a four-hour road trip that included highway and inner city I achieved an overall 9.9L/100km. However, for a two-hour highway stretch at the speed limit, it hovered between 7.5L and 7.9L/100km. That's pretty impressive for a 1,681kg, five-passenger, AWD vehicle.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T AWD
The Santa Fe's design features crisp, flowing lines, an upright grille, and subtle use of chrome brightwork. Flat-black body cladding along rocker panels, wheel arches and front and rear fascia have a visually slimming effect.

The cabin of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe features many of the same elements as the rest of the Hyundai lineup. The modern, geometrically shaped centre stack is flanked by angular air vents, with premium soft-touch materials and aluminum and wood trim.

The interior of my tester was strikingly laid out in a warm tobacco colour and contrasting charcoal. Switchgear is intuitive and easy to use, with an optional 8" touchscreen display on models equipped with the Technology package. Overhead, one of the nicest panoramic sunroofs I've ever seen lets in plenty of light. Leather seats are cushy and comfortable, and rear seats recline and fold flat to provide 2, 025 litres of cargo space. Overall, there's a sense of decent craftsmanship and refinement.

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T AWD
This is a tough segment with an extensive list of worthy competitors, including the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Kia Sorento. Overall, the Santa Fe scores high in all the important categories: versatility, technology, features, and warranty.

From GMM

In the three-week gap between grands prix, F1 chiefs on Thursday are headed to Biggin Hill, Bernie Ecclestone's airport in London.

It is there that the F1 chief executive will meet with the governing FIA and the bosses of the sport's 11 teams, amid a potentially explosive debate over cost cutting.

The May 1 meeting was called after F1's six most powerful teams, sitting in the controversial new Strategy Group, vetoed FIA president Jean Todt's plans for a mandatory budget cap from 2015.

The non-Strategy Group teams are furious, and have alerted the attention of the European Commission, flagging the potential breach of competition laws.

"Discrimination against any single team would on the face of it seem to be an abuse of a dominant position," small teams Marussia, Caterham, Sauber and Sahara Force India wrote in their recent letter to Todt.

"The European Union competition laws are supposed to prevent abuse of market power and ensure that free competition prevails," they added.

We reported on Monday that the European Commission is now "monitoring" the situation.

Now, the body told the Telegraph in a statement: "The Commission is following developments in the sports sector, including in formula one, and monitors compliance with EU competition rules."

It remains to be seen if the small teams are happy with the proposed cost-cutting alternatives to the axed budget cap, to be discussed on Thursday.

Italy's Autosprint reports that, as well as extending paddock curfews, the ban on tyre warmers has been singled out as the sort of measure that would reduce costs through the technical and sporting regulations.

The magazine also said things like the sophisticated 'Fric' suspension innovation could be banned, while areas of the fuel, brakes and aerodynamic rules could be simplified.

The alternative cost-cutting plan would be introduced over three years beginning in 2015, with greater standardisation of parts from 2016 and the return of active suspension in 2017.

FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Effective today, Donald Romano becomes the new president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., replacing Steve Kelleher who elected to retire at the end of April after 28 years with the company.

Romano has previously held senior positions in Canada, the U.S., and overseas with the Nissan, Mazda, and Toyota brands. With over 29 years of experience in the auto industry, he joined Hyundai as COO back in January.

"In Canada and around the world, Hyundai is a brand with limitless possibilities," said Romano. "Hyundai has established its position as an industry leader by developing world-class products with a reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, premium features customers actually use, and great design. Under Mr. Kelleher's guidance, Hyundai grew into one of Canada's largest and most successful automotive companies. My task -- and my opportunity -- is to help take the business to the next level."

Hyundai Canada appoints Donald Romano as president and CEO

Effective today, Bill Porter will quit his role as senior vice president of sales & service, marketing for the motorcycle, ATV, and marine divisions to replace Satochi Shimizu as president of Suzuki Canada.

Shimizu, who enjoyed a 3-year reign, will become president of Suzuki Motor de México.

Source : Suzuki Canada

As previously reported, Mark Fields will take over Alan Mullaly as Chief Executive Officer at Ford. The company today announced that the move will be effective July 1st.

Mark Fields has been working for the Blue Oval since 1989, and as Chief Operating Officer since late 2012. He was president and CEO of Mazda Motor Corp. back when Ford had a majority stake in the Japanese automaker.

Ford had been searching for Mullaly's successor for the past two years. The former Boeing chief is credited with turning Ford around through the crisis that shook up the North American auto industry in the later part of the previous decade with his ''Way Forward'' plan, not to mention a $23 billion loan. Ford managed to avoid bankruptcy, unlike GM and Chrysler.

After losing $30.1 billion from 2006-2008, Ford made $42.3 billion in revenue during the last five years.

Source: autonews.com

Photo: Ford

On the 20th anniversary of the death of Ayrton Senna, McLaren May 1st releases a specially commissioned short film that commemorates Formula 1's most enduring icon.

Filmed on location in Monte-Carlo and at the McLaren Technology Centre using the actual race car and overalls once used by Ayrton, the film vividly recreates the great Brazilian's most famous performance - his pole position lap at the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix.



Driving the dominant turbocharged McLaren-Honda MP4/4, Ayrton Senna qualified an astonishing 1.427 seconds clear of the rest of the field.

It was a superhuman effort, a performance he later discussed with great emotion: "I was driving by instinct," he said. "I was in a different dimension - like I was in a tunnel; well beyond my conscious understanding."

The film also incorporates audio from that legendary interview, conducted with the great motorsport writer Gerald Donaldson - who also contributes a brilliant account of the circumstances of that memorable conversation to www.mclaren.com/formula1.

Here's something that's never been done before: In a unique effort to promote the launch of the all-new 2015 Golf and Golf GTI, Volkswagen Canada will cut down prices by over one cent a second up to a maximum $1,000 daily rebate!

Simply head to VW.ca/golf-countdown, wait for the amount you want to pay, then jump in and LOCK IT IN. Test your patience and your nerves until another buyer beats you to it.

This special offer ends June 24th.

Source : VW Canada

From press release

Single-day tickets to the Honda Indy Toronto, taking place July 18-20, are now on sale.

With two Verizon IndyCar Series races in one weekend, fans can now "choose their day" to get their hearts racing and take in some of the best racing that North America has to offer.

“Our fans have a real appreciation for all that the event has to offer,” said Charlie Johnstone, President of the Honda Indy Toronto.

“There's really nothing quite like the Honda Indy Toronto. The world-class racing, with its energy and excitement, has always been a highlight of the weekend, but the event is so much more than that. This event is truly a festival of festivals.”

For a second consecutive year, the 2014 edition of the Honda Indy Toronto will feature two full-length, points awarding Verizon IndyCar Series races, headlining the action on Saturday and Sunday.


While the off-track programming will feature returning favourites like a craft beer festival, food trucks and gourmet food vendors, alongside numerous interactive games and activities.

Tickets to the Honda Indy Toronto start at $35 for general admission and $60 for reserved grandstand seating. Complete pricing and event information is available at www.hondaindy.com.

Scott Dixon set the best time during IndyCar's official test on the new 2.439-mile, 14-turn Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

Driving the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car, Dixon set a 1m09.5969 to top the charts.

Ryan Briscoe was second quickest in the No. 8 NTT Data car for Ganassi Racing (1m09.6558)

Frenchman Simon Pagenaud was third (1m09.7544) in the No. 77 Schmidt Peterson Hamilton Motorsports car and posted the most laps (57).

Three-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves (1m10.0209) was fourth in the No. 3 Verizon Team Penske car, and Ryan Hunter-Reay (1m10.0237) was fifth in the No. 28 DHL car for Andretti Autosport.

Originally laid out for the Formula 1 race, the road course underwent a $5 million reconfiguration and infrastructure upgrade that includes new viewing mounds for spectators looking over the oval Turn 2.

From press release

The FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA announced May 1st that grandstand number 1, located in the infield, facing the grid and the garages at the start-finish line, is now sold-out, fans having claimed all the seats.

It is the second grandstand to have all its seats reserved, number 34 having been also declared sold-out several weeks ago.

Reserved seating is still available in grandstands 2 (also located in front of the grid and the garages), 11 and 12 at the “Senna Corner”, 15, 21 and 24 at the “Hairpin” and 31 and 33 respectively in the “Island Bridge” and “ Canada Pavilion” chicanes.

It is also possible to purchase on a daily basis, access to the Popular Grandstand, located at the “Hairpin” exit and in General Admission.

The fans who intend to purchase grandstand or general admission tickets must reach the box office at 514 350-0000 or 1-855-790-1245, seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets can also be purchased on our secure websites at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca or at www.admission.com.

Smirnoff vodka begins a new partnership with Sahara Force India Formula 1 Team.

The partnership provides a high profile, truly global, platform for Smirnoff within one of the world's most iconic sports enjoyed by millions of fans around the world.

The press release says responsible drinking will lie at the heart of the partnership. Smirnoff will use its position as an official partner of the Sahara Force India Formula One Team to deliver a powerful anti-drink drive message.

The partnership will see Smirnoff branding featured on the VJM07s of Sahara Force India drivers from next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

Logos will appear on the rear wing and top of the chassis, with branding on the sidepods at key races. Drivers' suits, helmets and team clothing will also carry the famous Smirnoff eyebrow logo.

Sahara Force India VJM07. (Photo: Sahara Force India)

Austrian Formula 1 driver Roland Ratzenberger embodied the spirit and drive that often define sporting greats. While not blessed with the same natural gifts as Ayrton Senna, Roland will forever be linked to that tragic Imola weekend.

He was that rarest of characters: charismatic, yet humble; shy, yet vivacious; able to climb the ladder without breeding enmity. His was a life dedicated, and ultimately surrendered, to a singular passion - motor racing.

Simtek
His big chance finally arrived in 1994 with the small Simtek team, where he would partner David Brabham.

"We spent some time together early on, training together and also going down to Monaco," recalls Brabham on Formula1.com.

"The thing about Roland was he was immediately easy to get on with - he was a great guy. For me he was the model racer: fit, good looking, and someone who lived life to the full.

Roland Ratzenberger, Simtek, 1994 San Marino Grand Prix (Photo: WRI2)

"He struggled for money - he always had to find it and raise it by himself. He didn't have a silver plate; it was always a personal battle. That was why he'd gone to Japan, because he could make money. He would go wherever he could to drive. He and I had both raced at Le Mans and were now in F1, which was something fairly unique to us really. Reaching F1 had always been his goal though, and he achieved it."

Ratzenberger failed to qualify for 1994's opening race in Brazil. He missed dry practice due to mechanical issues and was then prevented from setting a competitive time as rain washed out final qualifying. He did, however, make the grid for round two in Japan where he would finish 11th, despite a less than compliant car.

Imola
During qualifying at Imola, Ratzenberger ran wide and off the road at Acque Minerali, apparently damaging the front wing of his Simtek. He opted to stay out, but approaching the flat-out Villeneuve kink on the next lap his wing failed, and he was pitched into the barriers at over 300km/h.

"There are parts of Imola I can't remember, for obvious reasons," Brabham recalls. "Like anything in life, you can't fully understand the experience before you actually go through it. It was devastating; there is no other word. I was numb”.

“ I'll forever remember his smile. He was a very committed driver, and very honest both on track and off, but it's his smile that is my enduring memory. He was a racer through and through; he lived and loved the sport. I've never once regretted racing that day in tribute to him,” Brabham said.

Just one day later, Ayrton Senna's fatal accident would send shockwaves around the world. It later emerged that the Brazilian had been carrying a furled Austrian flag in his cockpit, in planned tribute to Roland Ratzenberger.

The opening round of the all-new FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy will kick off in Portugal this weekend with more than 50 of the world's best rallycross drivers set to battle it out in three categories.

The line-up will also include two former World Champions as former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve and former WRC Champion Petter Solberg join the Supercar line-up.

The Championship is made up of 12 rounds: Portugal, Great Britain, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey and Argentina.

Round 1, World RX of Portugal, will be based in Montalegre: a municipality in northern Portugal, located in the district of Vila Real on the border with Spain.

Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: World RX Championship)

The draw for Saturday's first qualifying heat will be made on Friday afternoon (2 May). The second qualifying heat also takes place on Saturday with the remainder of the heats plus the semi-finals and finals to take place on Sunday (4 May).

There will be six World RX two-car teams present in Portugal including the manufacturer-backed squads of Ford-OlsbergsMSE (Andreas Bakkerud and Reinis Nitiss), VW-Marklund (Topi Heikkinen and Anton Marklund) and Peugeot-Hansen (Timur Timerzyanov and Timmy Hansen). Also in Portugal and fighting for Supercar victory will be PSRX's Petter Solberg with team-mate Alex Hvaal.

Albatec Racing is fielding two Peugeot 208s for Jacques Villeneuve and Andy Scott.

Villeneuve spoke positively ahead of his World RX debut: “Rallycross is both fast and exciting. The power in the cars is unbelievable, they're like rockets but driving is what I know - it's what keeps me alive. The extra elements that make up rallycross are what I need to learn this year - the strategy, the close driving, the tires - that's what's new for me.”

Other notable entrants in Portugal include top female driver Ramona Karlsson who will be driving a Per Eklund Motorsport run Saab 93.

CIRCUIT INFORMATION:
Name: Pista Internacional de Montalegre
Length: 945 metres / 1,050 metres with joker lap
Composition: 40% gravel and 60% tarmac
Direction of the track: Clockwise
Number of laps in the Qualifying Heats: 4 laps
Number of laps in Semi-Finals and Finals: 6 laps

The 2014 drivers. (Photo: World RX Championship)

Entry list, Supercars category:
No  Driver  Nat.  Competitor  Car
1 Timur TIMERZYANOV  RUS Team Peugeot-Hansen Peugeot 208
3 Timmy HANSEN  SWE Team Peugeot-Hansen Peugeot 208
6 Alexandre THEUIL  FRA Alexandre Theuil Citroën DS3
11 Petter SOLBERG  NOR PS 110% AB Citroën DS3
12 Alexander HVAAL  NOR PS 110% AB Citroën DS3
13 Andreas BAKKERUD  NOR OlsbergsMSE AB Ford Fiesta ST
15 Reinis NITISS  LVA OlsbergsMSE AB Ford Fiesta ST
22 Koen PAUWELS  BEL Koen Pauwels Ford Focus
21 Bohdan LUDWICZAK  POL Bohdan Ludwiczak Ford Fiesta
25 Jacques VILLENEUVE  CDN Albatec Racing LTD Peugeot 208
26 Andy SCOTT  GBR Albatec Racing LTD Peugeot 208
33 Liam DORAN  GBR LD Motorsports  Citroën DS3
41 Joaquim SANTOS  PRT Joaquim Santos Ford Focus
44 Krzysztof SKORUPSKI  POL LD Motorsports  Citroën DS3
47 Ramona KARLSSON  SWE Per Eklund Motorsport Saab 9-3
54 Jos JANSEN  BEL Jos Jansen Ford Focus
57 Toomas HEIKKINEN  FIN Marklund Motorsport VW Polo
66 Derek TOHILL  IRL LD Motorsports  Citroën DS3
92 Anton MARKLUND  SWE Marklund Motorsport VW Polo