Auto News 5

European automakers, suppliers and retailers increased their value in the first quarter of this year, according to the Automotive News Europe/PricewaterhouseCoopers Transaction Services Shareholder Value Indices.

Luxembourg-based supplier International Automotive Components (IAC) has promoted Marcus Nyman to senior vice president of commercial operations for the European region.

Vodafone plans to expand into automotive telematics by acquiring Cobra Automotive Technologies, an Italian provider of security, telecommunications and vehicle tracking data.

The wild success story of the week is Volkswagen's spot "Eyes on the Road," which in one week has garnered 21,191,996 views.

The eighth round of the World Championship sees the F1 circus head for Austria's Red Bull Ring.

With only nine corners, this track at 4.326 km in length, although the third shortest after Monaco and Sao Paolo, is going to be the shortest in terms of lap time.

Like all teams, Scuderia Ferrari will be relying more than usual on simulation work to provide a set-up baseline, although one aspect that cannot be simulated is tire wear.

“We will have the Soft and Supersoft Pirellis, just as we did in the last two races. You need to ensure you get the tire prepared for a hot lap in Q2, while being sure the tire can then cope with the first stint of the race,” said James Allison, Scuderia Ferrari's technical director.

Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T, in Canada. (Photo: WRi2)

The British engineer is heavily involved in Ferrari's efforts to speed up development on the F14 T.

“Every season is dominated by the efforts back at the factory to try to improve the package. If you're in front you work to stay in front and if you're not, then your efforts are aimed at moving your way up the grid,” said Allison.

“Currently, we're doing our level best across every aspect of the car: mechanically, aerodynamically, electronically, every single component, set-up wise, everything we can do to try to improve is being done. In recent races we have brought more upgrades than usual to the track and this has improved our position marginally. We just need to keep fighting the same fight; we have upgrade plans race by race. If we do a good job with all of those, it will start to tell and we will start to see Ferrari run more consistently relatively to the opposition,” Allison explained.

Peugeot confirmed that Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel will contest the 2015 Dakar rally-raid behind the wheel of a 2008 DKR.

Peterhansel will be part of the Team Peugeot-Total alongside Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres in the most punishing cross-country competition in the world.

The French driver is a true living legend in the world of cross-country rallying. Having tallied six triumphs in the motorcycle category and five in cars, he is the indisputable record-holder on the notoriously gruelling event.

His talent - showcased on innumerable occasions - and his experience are vital assets for Team Peugeot-Total, which has now completed its ‘Dream Team'.

“I kept a close eye on the return of the Peugeot, Red Bull and Total triumvirate at Pikes Peak - not to mention the outstanding success that was achieved there,” Peterhansel said.

“When we entered into discussions, the team's motivation, commitment and technical resources were immediately evident. There is a tremendous level of engineering expertise here, and the working environment is first-class. We share the same fighting spirit and the same hunger for victory.”

Caterham F1 Team has confirmed that its Will Stevens will drive the team's 2014 Renault-powered CT05 F1 car on July 8th at the Silverstone F1 test, taking place after the British Grand Prix.

Stevens is the team test driver and a member of the Caterham Racing Academy.

Stevens is currently fourth in the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 Series with 68 points, having won the opening race of the season in Monza and with two further podium finishes to his name.

In addition to his commitments in that championship he has also been playing a central role in the development of Caterham F1 Team's driver-in-the-loop simulator at its Leafield Technical Centre headquarters in Great Britain.

The simulator is now an integral part of the team's engineering toolbox and as well as helping to develop and fine-tune its technical capabilities, Stevens has also been providing race weekend support in the cockpit in his role as the team's test driver.

This will be Stevens' second outing in an F1 car.

Will Stevens, Caterham CT03, Silverstone 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

The relative high altitude of the Red Bull Ring - scene of the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend - causes some concerns to the Formula 1 engine suppliers.

“There are only nine corners at the Red Bull Ring, which will not give the MGU-K many opportunities to recover significant energy under braking,” Remi Taffin, Renault Sport F1 head of track operations said.

“That said, we will need the MGU-K to feed the ICE with extra power, so making efficient use of the little energy recovered will be extremely important',” he added.

The Austrian circuit is located around 700m above sea level, comparable to Interlagos, Brazil.

Normally aspirated engines, which rely on oxygen content in the air, are around 7% down on power at this altitude since power decreases by approx. 1% for every 100m in height, as there is less oxygen to burn at a higher altitude.

The Red Bull Ring. (Photo: Red Bull)

A turbocharged engine does not have this power drop off. It instead always pressures the ambient air to the same level inside the turbocharger and then compressor, ensuring there is always the same amount of oxygen content in the air inside the engine.

“The high altitude will cause the turbo to spin at a much higher rate to compensate for the low ambient pressure - very close to the hardware limit,” Taffin explained.

“We have recreated some of these climatic conditions on the dyno and feel confident we have a good handle on the preparations,” the French engineer said.

An anonymous Volvo executive told Automotive News that the Swedish automaker will export Chinese-made cars to the U.S. and Russia as early as next year.

Volvo's global head of media relations David Ibison confirmed the report, although he said the timing and target markets weren't decided yet.

American customers will be able to order a long-wheelbase variant of the S60 called S60L, while Russians will get the XC90. About 10,000 copies of the former are planned to be exported each year.

The same executive claims Volvo sales in China are likely to exceed 90,000 vehicles in 2014, making the country its biggest market ahead of the U.S. Last year, Volvo sold 61,146 vehicles in China, just 77 shy of its U.S. total.

A strong relationship between the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan seems to outweigh consumer concerns about the quality of products made in China.

Source : autonews.com

General Motors is now recalling 3.36 million vehicles in North America (the vast majority in the U.S.) because the ignition switch may inadvertently move out of the “run” position if the key is carrying extra weight and experiences some jarring event.

There is an effect on power steering and power braking. Also, the airbags may not deploy.

GM is aware of eight crashes and six injuries related to this recall. Affected models include:

• Buick LaCrosse (2005-2009)
• Chevrolet Impala (2006-2014)
• Cadillac Deville (2000-2005)
• Cadillac DTS (2007-2011)
• Buick Lucerne (2006-2011)
• Buick Regal LS and GS (2005)
• Chevrolet Monte Carlo (2006-2008)

Rework of the ignition keys at GM dealerships is expected to begin in the next few weeks. Until the rework or replacement is completed, owners of the recalled vehicles are urged to remove additional weight from their key chains and drive with only the ignition key.

More recalls
As if that wasn't enough, GM is also recalling 68,887 Cadillac ATS sedans from 2013-2014 and 21,683 Cadillac CTS models from 2014 (all with an automatic transmission) because the shift cable may not be fully secured to the shifter bracket or transmission bracket.

Meanwhile, 57,192 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD pickup trucks from 2015 will require an inspection for proper attachment of power steering hose clamps to the power steering pump.

In addition, 16,932 Cadillac CTS AWD models from 2011 may have a gasket leak where the constant velocity joint meets the rear propeller shaft. The latter could separate or become loose, making contact with the vehicle floor above and causing the rollover sensor to deploy the curtain airbags.

Finally, 712 model year 2014 Chevrolet Corvettes with optional Competition Sport Seats are being recalled because an unbelted child and door trim may block the passenger seat side airbag vent in a deployment, while the accessory all-weather floor mats in 184 model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups can slip under the driver's feet because the vinyl floors have no attachments to secure them in place.

So far this year, GM has recalled more than 20 million vehicles.

Source: General Motors

Bentley today unveiled the new Continental GT3-R, a rare and dynamic luxury coupe that's set to find a home in just 300 driveways worldwide by the end of 2014.

This two-seater boasts a retuned version of Bentley's race-proven, high-performance 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine. Producing 572 horsepower, together with a 100kg weight reduction and shorter gearing, the Continental GT3-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever built, going from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Outside, you'll notice the massive 21'' wheels, new front splitter, and new fixed rear wing in carbon fibre. All 300 units will be finished in Glacier White and sport two-tone green graphics.

The interior of the Bentley Continental GT3-R features new custom sport seats with additional side support, Beluga black leather, and diamond-quilted Alcantara. Both the centre console and fascia panels are handcrafted in carbon fibre, while green accents and stitching provide unique contrast.

Pricing for the Continental GT3-R has yet to be disclosed, but like any self-respecting Bentley, this car will be far out of reach for most people.

Photo: Bentley

A 21-year-old man from Tonbridge has been arrested after a normal road car was driven on to the track at Brands Hatch, UK during a Fun Cup championship race.

On Saturday afternoon during a race meeting at Brands Hatch, an unauthorised private car gained access to the live circuit while the Fun Cup race was in progress.

The race was immediately red flagged and all cars left the circuit.



The arrest comes after a video was posted online of a white VW Polo entering the former F1 circuit during the race.

A police spokesman said: "On Sunday, June 15, Kent Police was made aware of a report of possible offences committed at Brands Hatch race track in West Kingsdown. Officers have today (Monday, June 16) arrested a 21-year-old man from Tonbridge on suspicion of false imprisonment. He remains in police custody."

An investigation into the incident by Kent Police, the Motor Sports Association (MSA) and circuit operators MotorSport Vision (MSV) has been launched.

From a three-time champion, to a veteran of more than 200 Grands Prix and a man with just one F1 start but who was still competing at Daytona at the age of 73, Austrians race car drivers have been pretty successful in Formula 1.

Here are the statistics of these great Austrians.

Niki Lauda
Active: 1971-1979, 1982-1985
Grand Prix starts: 171
Teams: March, BRM, Ferrari, Brabham, McLaren
Best result: 25 victories (First win: Spain 1974)
Best home result: 1st, 1984
Three-time World Champion

Niki Lauda. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Helmut Marko
Active: 1971-1972
Grand Prix starts: 9
Teams: BRM
Best result: 8th (Monaco, 1972)
Best home result: 11th, 1971

Helmut Marko. (Photo: WRi2)

Dieter Quester
Active: 1974
Grand Prix starts: 1
Teams: Surtees
Best result: 9th (Austria, 1974)
Best home result: 9th, 1974
Contested the 24 Hours of Daytona at the age of 73!

Hans Binder
Active: 1976-1978
Grand Prix starts: 13
Teams: Ensign, Wolf, Surtees, ATS
Best result: 8th (Netherlands, 1977)
Best home result: 12th, 1977

Gerhard Berger
Active: 1984-1997
Grand Prix starts: 210
Teams: ATS, Arrows, Benetton, Ferrari
Best result: Ten victories (First win: Mexico 1986)
Best home result: 7th, 1986

Karl Wendlinger
Active: 1991-1995
Grand Prix starts: 41
Teams: Leyton House, March, Sauber
Best result: 4th (Canada 1992; Italy 1993; San Marino 1994)
Best home result: N/A

Alexander Wurz
Active: 1997-2007
Grand Prix starts: 69
Teams: Benetton, McLaren, Williams
Best result: 3rd (Great Britain 1997; San Marino 2005; Canada 2007)
Best home result: 5th, 1999

Alex Wurz. (Photo: WRi2)

Patrick Friesacher
Active: 2005
Grand Prix starts: 11
Teams: Minardi
Best result: 6th (USA, 2005)
Best home result: N/A

Christian Klien
Active: 2004-2006, 2010
Grand Prix starts: 49
Teams: Jaguar, Red Bull, HRT
Best result: 5th (China, 2005)
Best home result: N/A

Gone, but not forgotten...

Jochen Rindt
1970 F1 World Champion

Jochen Rindt and Graham Hill, Team Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

Harald Ertl

Jo Gartner

Helmuth Koinigg

Roland Ratzenberger

As previously reported, BMW has been talking to Tesla about a possible alliance, and now Nissan wants in. A major part of the deal is to develop a universal charging standard.

“It is obviously clear that everyone would benefit if there was a far more simple way for everyone to charge their cars,” said one executive, who preferred to remain anonymous.

These three companies currently account for about 80% of global EV sales.

“Nissan welcomes any initiative to expand the volumes of electric vehicles,” the Japanese manufacturer said. “Nissan is the market leader in EVs and has worked with other manufacturers to help proliferate the technology.”

High prices, lengthy charging times, and a lack of charging stations (which results in range anxiety) keep holding EV sales down. Tesla badly wants to change that, going as far as to share the patents of its Superchargers to accelerate development on a global scale.

Source : electric-vehiclenews.com

German motorsport web site Motorsport-Total claims that organisers of the FIA World Touring Car Championship are debating on staging a race on the long loop of the Nurburgring next year.

The FIA has not provided a confirmation of this rumour.

Motorsport-Total explains that the WTCC race would be held in conjunction with the famed 24 Hours of the Nurburgring.

However, WTCC race distances are always equal or below 60km. That would mean that the race would only be three laps long as, the Nordschleife is 20.8km in distance.

Nurburgring Nordschleife. (Photo: FIA WTCC)

The Austrian Grand Prix last appeared on the Formula 1 calendar in 2003. Eleven years later, the circuit has been modified and now returns as the Red Bull Ring for round eight of this year's world championship.

Here are six things to know about this race.

1
Mastering the wet weather, Italian driver Vittorio Brambilla, driving a March 751, won the 1975 Austrian Grand Prix. As Brambilla took the flag on lap 29, he crashed into the barriers and the March team celebrated a historic victory.



2
The last Austrian race was held in 2003 and saw Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) win from Kimi Raikkonen (McLaren) and Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari).

3
In 1987, Stefan Johansson hit a deer with his McLaren after it wandered onto the circuit during Friday's practice. The McLaren, traveling at close to 225 km/h, killed instantly the terrified deer. Johansson was fortunate to escape with little more than a headache.

4
The first Austrian F1 race - a non-championship event - was held in 1963 on Zeltweg's airport and saw Jack Brabham captured victory in a Braham-Climax

5
Roger Penske collected his first and only Formula 1 victory in Austria. His driver, John Watson won the 1976 race in a Ford-powered Penske PC4. After the race he shaved off his beard, the result of a bet with Penske.

John Watson, Penske-Ford (Photo: WRi2)

1975
The 1975 event was marred by the fatal accident of American Mark Donohue. During a practice session for the race, Donohue lost control of his March after a tire failed, sending him careening into the catch fencing at the fastest corner on the track. Donohue did not appear to be injured significantly but his head had received a major blow. At the hospital, Donohue lapsed into a coma from a cerebral haemorrhage and died.

There was such a car. We wouldn't lie to y'all. The wagon may be all but dead at the moment, but there was a time not so long ago when they roamed the earth as freely and commonly as crossovers do today.

Some we remember fondly, others not so much, and a few most of us never knew existed. Here are some examples of station wagons that were sold in Canada that you likely do not remember.

Nissan Maxima Wagon (1987-‘88)

Photo: Wikipedia

Honda Civic Wagon (1988-‘90)

Photo: Honda

Toyota Corolla Wagon (1992-‘96)

Photo: Toyota

Toyota Camry Wagon (1992-‘96)

Photo: Toyota

Nissan Sentra Wagon (1987-‘89)

Photo: Wikipedia

Hyundai Elantra Wagon (1995-2000)

Photo: Hyundai

Continue reading Top mass-produced wagons from the past 30 years you never knew existed

From GMM

An alternative to Danica Patrick is a 'pay driver', F1's newest team owner Gene Haas has admitted.

Earlier, American Haas said the world's most famous female driver, who already races for his NASCAR team, "would be the dream driver" for his 2016 outfit.

However, 32-year-old Patrick said this week that she is "happy where I am".

At the same time, there are rumblings that Haas, 61, and his new team principal Gunther Steiner are having fundamental disagreements about the project.

Gunther Steiner, for instance, is said to be opposed to involving Danica Patrick.

"This is just the latest divergence that every day becomes more pronounced," said Omnicorse correspondent Franco Nugnes, claiming the disagreements could lead to Steiner's departure from Haas.

Gunther Steiner and Gene Haas in Montreal, for the Canadian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

In the end, the team may opt for the more traditional 'middle of the grid' F1 model, featuring an experienced name alongside a so-called 'pay driver'.

Gene Haas told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt: "Having an American driver would be one of those 'knock it out the ballpark'-type moments.

"I think initially what we really would like is probably a veteran formula one driver, preferably someone who has driven the 2014 car, to help us.

"Then the remaining seat would go to someone who has a lot of promise, that could be an American, or someone else that brings some sponsorship money to the table too," he added.

From GMM

Doctors have urged caution following Monday's official news that Michael Schumacher is no longer in a coma.

Lewis Hamilton summed up the mood of almost the entire world when he hailed the statement issued by Schumacher's management as "amazing news".

"I've been trying to keep an ear out for what's going on but not really hearing much improvement. To hear this is really encouraging," said the Mercedes driver.

As well as saying the seven time world champion's almost six-month coma is now over, Monday's statement revealed Schumacher left the hospital in Grenoble for a "long phase of rehabilitation".

It said little else, but warned of legal consequences should the media report further, including the location of Schumacher's next destination.

But publications promptly claimed Schumacher, 45, was moved to Lausanne university hospital, a 30 minute drive from the family's home in Switzerland. The hospital confirmed the news.

The media also began to quote the opinions of medical experts, like Oxford university neurosurgery professor Dr Tipu Aziz, who told AP news agency it is clear the former Ferrari driver will suffer "long-term side effects".

"With rehabilitation, they will try to train him to cope with the disabilities that he's got to achieve as much life function as possible," he said.

"If he's had a brain injury, he may have weakness in his limbs secondary to loss of brain function. He may have problems with speech and swallowing."

Bild newspaper, claiming that Schumacher cannot yet talk, also reported that the rehabilitation "could take months if not years".

"But there are hopeful signs," British rehabilitation consultant Dr Ganesh Bavikatte is quoted by the Telegraph.

"He is physically fit, he is relatively young and I assume he did not have many pre-existing medical conditions."

Others are less optimistic. Germany neurosurgeon Dr Andreas Pingel told the Focus publication that "Only between 10 and 30 per cent" of patients in Schumacher's situation have "disabilities which are tolerable".

And Germany's society for neurology president Dr Andreas Ferbert warned that Schumacher could now be in a "waking coma", resulting in a "permanent vegetative state".

However, Bild newspaper had claimed Schumacher was communicating with his family.

"We do not know exactly what 'communication' means," Finnish neurosurgeon Dr Mika Niemela told the MTV3 broadcaster. "Eyes open does not necessarily mean communication.

"I do not want to be a pessimist," he added, "and I hope he does improve, but if the information that has been given is correct, then yes, the chance of recovery is fairly poor.

"If he has been five and a half months in ICU, the trauma was significant. Yes, he is probably in constant need of assistance."

The medical consultant for French television BFMTV, however, said Monday's news was a "real step", because earlier updates indicated Schumacher remained at least partially in coma.

"Now it is possible to do a complete neurological evaluation and know exactly what has happened. Based on this information, an appropriate rehabilitation will start," said Alain Ducardonnet.

Another expert, the chief of neurology at Tampere University, said that Monday's news makes the "Forecast of recovery slightly better" than before.

"But I am unable to comment on what his ability to function in the future will be," Dr Heikki Numminen told Turun Sanomat newspaper.

Professor Heinzpeter Moecke, of Hamburg hospital, agrees that it is not publicly known what level of consciousness Schumacher is currently achieving.

At any rate, he said the F1 legend will "probably have to relearn everything: swallowing, movement, walking, talking. It is a very long and tedious process with many small steps."

Asked if Schumacher can recover, he answered: "No one can say at this time. In principle, nothing is impossible. But that he will go back to before is at least unlikely."

Former F1 driver Olivier Panis told RTL television on Monday that his friend "will not be paralysed, that's for sure. He will not be disabled in a wheelchair. But as for the brain, we do not know. We have to be patient."

From GMM

The fabled Nurburgring is set to ramp up its presence on the F1 calendar.

Currently, the circuit and another German venue, Hockenheim, annually alternate a single spot on the sport's schedule.

But earlier this year, the insolvent Nurburgring secured its future when it was sold to a Dusseldorf automotive group called Capricorn.

Boss Robertino Wild said at the time that the Nurburgring would "basically go as it was before".

But a report in the German newspaper Rhein Zeitung claims the Nurburgring has in fact agreed a new contract with formula one, where the circuit will host a grand prix each year until at least 2019.

The new deal with Bernie Ecclestone could even entail a "long-term strategic partnership beyond the next five years", the report added.

The news could endanger the future of the Hockenheim race, as F1 is unlikely to revert to having two German grands prix on a single annual calendar.

DPA news agency said a spokesman for Capricorn declined to comment.

Aerial view of the Nurburgring track.