Auto News 5

Nissan expects to double sales of the X-Trail in its European markets after giving the latest generation of the mid-sized SUV a less rugged design and a front-wheel-drive option.

Nearly 30 years after joining Nissan, Trevor Mann travels the globe as Nissan's chief performance officer, visiting every business region, from India to Canada, to help local sales and manufacturing executives stay on track with objectives.

Renault is narrowing its European sales gap with rivals in its bid to rise to No. 2 from No. 4 by 2017. To get there it will need to pass third-ranked Opel/Vauxhall and current No. 2 Ford.

Doug Park, GM's Vice President of Global Product Programs and former chief engineer of the Chevrolet Cobalt, found out about 10 years ago that an ignition switch defect in certain vehicles could prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash, according to internal documents released by the U.S. Congress on Thursday.

In an email sent on June 27th, 2005, another chief engineer for the Cobalt, Ray DeGiorgio, said he had talked to Parks about the faulty ignition switch.

"Here is an update of our review w/Doug at Milford," DeGiorgio told another GM employee in the email titled "UPDATE: GMX001 Ignition Cylinder Changes - Unintentional Turning Off Engine."

Earlier this year, GM recalled 2.6 million Cobalts, Saturn IONs and Skys, as well as Pontiac Solstices and G5s manufactured from 2003-2011 — nearly a decade after said defect had been discovered and resulted in at least 13 deaths and 54 accidents.

So far, GM has fired 15 employees, mostly engineers and company attorneys, while five others are facing disciplinary actions. A number of investigations are still underway, too.

An internal GM investigation exonerated the leadership in early June, concluding that management was only made aware of the mechanical problem in December 2013.


_{Source: AFP}

Reports from Australia indicate that Hyundai is working on a new system that uses GPS data to identify speed cameras and automatically slow the vehicle down to the legal speed limit.

Photo: Hyundai

A company spokesman, Guido Schenken, told journalists that the car ''will beep 800 metres before a camera and show the legal speed, and it will beep at you if your speed is over that."

Of course, we're talking about stationary cameras, here. Drivers would still have to beware of patrol officers along the highway.

This innovative system that prevents speeding tickets will reportedly be featured on the new Hyundai Genesis along with active cruise control and emergency braking technology.


_{Source: Drive.com.au}

From GMM

Just before closing down his high-profile Twitter account on Friday, Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes hinted he is pulling out of F1.

The AirAsia chief has been conspicuously absent from the paddock in 2014, having warned that Caterham was being given one final season to shine.

Eight races in, the green-coloured team is still yet to score a single point after nearly four and a half years on the grid, and rumours of a sale to Arab investors are beginning to swirl.

The Times correspondent Kevin Eason on Friday said it is "an open secret in F1 that Fernandes wants out".

At the very same time, there is speculation team boss Cyril Abiteboul could soon return to Renault to lead the struggling French engine supplier's restructuring.

And as Malaysian entrepreneur Fernandes shocked his followers by suddenly quitting Twitter on Friday, he hinted it wasn't the only one of his projects on its last legs.

"F1 hasn't worked, but love Caterham Cars", he tweeted before departing.

Caterham CT05-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

According to GTSpirit.com, a British dealer has leaked official details and pictures of the new 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant Plus. They were available long enough to take screenshots.

Photo: Audi

Using an upgraded version of the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine that bumps output from 560 to 600 horsepower, this model will be lighter and more agile, too.

More good news: Whereas the old 2004 RS 6 Plus was limited to just 999 units around the world, the new 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant Plus will be a full production model.

Of course, market availability, on-sale dates, and prices have yet to be announced. Count on Audi to issue an official press release shortly... but don't expect to see the car in Canada.

The rebranded Amlin Aguri Formula E Team has contracted Katherine Legge as one of its drivers.

Due to a new main sponsor revealed on their official website, the team has been renamed as Amlin Aguri Formula E Team.

Katherine Legge is an experienced driver who has proved her prowess on both sides of the Atlantic. She became the first confirmed woman driver to compete in the FIA Formula E Championship.

"At first glance insurance and high performance electric motorsport might seem an unusual combination, but look closer and there's real continuity at work," the team states. "Like all performance racing, Formula E is driven by innovative and informed risk taking based on the accurate analysis of data - exactly like our day-to-day insurance work."

Katherine Legge said: "For me this is a really exciting opportunity. The car is fantastic, it looks amazing and it will be very quick. Racing through the streets of the world's leading cities will be an incredible experience and I think it's a great chance to bring racing to the people. We will be driving in their cities on their streets."

Katherine Legge. (Photo: Amlin Aguri Formula E Team)

From GMM

The FIA has approved restarting races from the grid after safety car periods from 2015.

The controversial rule change, undoubtedly designed to spice up the 'show', was agreed by the decision-making F1 Commission recently but only rubber-stamped by the World Motor Sport Council in Munich on Thursday.

The change has split opinions within the paddock, with many believing the idea of mid-race grid starts is too "artificial", or compromising safety for spectacle.

"I guess it's maybe a bit more exciting because there's a bit more variability with the standing start," said Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, arguing that a grid restart could unfairly punish the race leader because it is less predictable than the current safety car procedure.

"I don't think it's that bad how it is (now). For spectators, it would be better for a standing start but it's probably not the most fair idea," said the Australian.

Fernando Alonso, however, is ambivalent, recalling that kart races are often restarted from the grid.

"I did both and it makes no difference, I think, to me. I don't have any preference," the Spaniard is quoted by Britain's Sky.

FIA motorhome. (Photo: WRi2)

To celebrate a milestone 15 million fans on Facebook, Ferrari is taking you out on the track at Fiorano with GoogleGlass and the LaFerrari.

Take a seat next to Raffaele De Simone, chief test driver at Ferrari, and enjoy this hot lap where speed and sound effects combine for memorable times.

From GMM

Mercedes, the dominant team of 2014, and defending quadruple world champions Red Bull, are the perfect F1 enemies.

After winning on Red Bull's home soil last weekend, Mercedes released an advertising hoarding with the slogan: "Silver Arrow gives you wings".

And, also after Sunday's win at the Dietrich Mateschitz-owned and promoted Red Bull Ring, silver-clad personnel climbed the enormous iron bull statue in the centre of the circuit and decorated it with a huge three-pointed star necklace.

All in good fun. But less jovial have been scraps over cancelled hotel bookings, or when Mercedes lawyers urged the FIA to ban Red Bull for three races over the fuel flow saga this year.

Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

It is obvious that the bad feeling has affected the relationship between Red Bull and Mercedes' respective Austrian chiefs, Dr Helmut Marko and Toto Wolff.

Mercedes' Wolff confirmed to the Austrian weekly NEWS that the pair are not on speaking terms.

"No, we do not (speak)," he said. "He's just not a point of contact for me in his role and therefore there is no reason for us to talk to each other."

He stopped short of saying the pair 'hate' one another.

"'Hate' would be too emotive. We are competitors on the track, that's our job and it's important that we obtain the greatest possible success," Toto Wolff insisted.

"I respect the Red Bull team. Nevertheless, life is too short to drink bad wine," he said.

Kelley Blue Book has just published its Top 10 coolest cars under US$18,000 of 2014. Unsurprisingly, the all-new 2014 Mazda3 came out on top based on two criteria: fun-to-drive and fun-to-own.

"Low-priced new cars are getting cooler with each passing year and the mass-appeal, bread-and-butter small cars are becoming increasingly stylish and tech-savvy," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

"On the strength of a well-received redesign for 2014, the Mazda3, which could be called king of the Coolest Cars Under $18,000, reclaims its spot at the top of our annual list. Stylish and fun from day one, the Mazda3's engineering innovation that results in great benefits like high fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive make it cooler than ever."

KBB's top 10 coolest cars under US$18,000 of 2014:

1. Mazda3
2. Hyundai Veloster
3. Kia Soul
4. Honda Civic Coupe
5. Volkswagen Jetta
6. Fiat 500
7. Dodge Dart
8. Ford Fiesta
9. Chevrolet Sonic
10. Nissan Versa Note

From GMM

F1's last chance to slash costs for struggling teams has now passed.

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council met in Munich on Thursday, less than a mere handful of days before the end-of-June deadline for rule changes to be made for 2015 without the near-impossible need for unanimity.

With the budget cap proposal already dead in the water, many struggling teams had hoped meaningful cost reductions would be agreed before the final deadline.

But the new and powerful 'Strategy Group' - dominated by the most competitive and richest teams - has ceded only a handful of minor measures.

They were rubber-stamped by the FIA on Thursday.

Engine use has been reduced by one 'power unit' per driver to just four in 2015, wind tunnel usage per week has been reduced for 2015 from 80 to 65 hours, the Bahrain winter test has been banned and the personnel 'curfew' at races has been lengthened.

Moreover, the use of computational fluid dynamics has been further restricted, teams will no longer be able to use more than one wind tunnel for testing, and two of the four in-season tests have been scrapped.

Many agree that the changes amount to 'tinkering', rather than a substantial move to ensure the survival of struggling teams.

Roger Benoit, the veteran correspondent for Swiss newspaper Blick, wondered: "Is this the end for Marussia, Caterham or Sauber?"

Grille de départ. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, with both Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone acknowledging the prospect of losing teams, it is known that detailed talks about three-car teams have already taken place.

"At the moment we have eleven teams and hopefully they stay in formula one," said Toto Wolff, boss of the dominant Mercedes team.

"But the last 50 years has shown that some teams come, some teams go. If it falls below a critical level, having a third car could be a way of filling up the grid."

Franz Tost, boss of Red Bull's second team Toro Rosso, also admitted "the risk is there" that the F1 grid of 2015 will not feature all 22 cars of today.

But as of today, the rules do not allow three-car teams, and the June 30 deadline for non-unanimous rule changes for 2015 will imminently pass.

"No," Tost insisted. "If it was needed, I would not be surprised to see third cars in 2015," he is quoted by Italy's Omnicorse.

Meanwhile, at its Munich meeting on Thursday, the FIA also banned the ugly 'anteater'-style noses for 2015, and rubber stamped the use of titanium skid blocks so that they are "lighter" and "better contained".

Titanium skid blocks were tested in practice in Austria last weekend, with the aim of spicing up the show with 80s-style sparks.

I pride myself on my driving. I may not be the most defensive of drivers (quite the opposite, in fact), but my mind is always on what's going on around me. My concentration on where I am relative to other cars and trucks on the road is unbreakable.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

On the road
At the drop of a phone, a moment's inattention, or a false manoeuvre, an accident can rapidly occur. I always wear the proper footwear when driving as the interaction between the synapses in my brain and what my feet will do with the pedals must be unobstructed and true. It can mean the difference between life and death.

On the track
High-speed driving on a track requires way more presence of mind and unimpeded focus. Communication between mind and body must be pure.

For most track applications, one needs a helmet for the head, gloves for the hands, and shoes for the feet. Of all the basic track-driving attire, shoes are the most important after the helmet.

I've spent countless weeknights and weekends over the better part of the last two decades honing my skills on various racetracks, and every time, I've worn driving shoes. I will admit that I've owned and still own Oakleys and Sparcos, but deep down, I've always had a desire to lace up a pair of Pilotis. In fact, many driving instructors wear them, as do some auto journalists I hold in high esteem, namely Jim Kenzie.

The return of Piloti
On the eve of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Piloti put their best foot forward with a booth on Crescent Street looking to reintroduce their brand to the public. If you're like me, you probably hadn't noticed that Piloti was not “around” given that they are still quite popular, but the fact is that they disappeared from 2012 until now. Founded in 1999, the company made some serious waves in a relatively short period of time.

Their history and major endorsements from the likes of Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Ron Fellows will likely help make the road to “recovery” as easy as slipping on a pair.

Not just for drivers
Piloti (which means “driver” in Italian, by the way) isn't just about driving shoes: They've got everything from racing shoes to luxurious Italian leather casual shoes now. This idea is not especially new since other shoe companies also dabble in low- and high-end markets, however it's in the execution where Pilotis stand out.

The key ingredient with these shoes is the Piloti Roll Control Heel that provides cushioning behind the heel bone, ideal for perfect heel-toe operations and precise foot movements for pedal play. Vibrations are also lessened, improving control over his or her feet. That's right: As part of Piloti's rebirth, they will launch a collection aimed at the fairer sex (it won't make them faster than us anyhow, right guys?).

Crossing over to everyday applications
I've seen numerous people use their Pilotis on a daily basis. I regularly wear my Sparcos to work... even if I'm driving a minivan that given week!

The Pilotis can be worn every day, and that rings even truer with the Luxury collection, another piece of cool news from the shoe company. Pricing ranges from $150 up to $450.

The men's footwear collections include Performance, Casual, and Luxury. Each line offers 3-4 different versions. Beyond shoes, Piloti also has apparel and accessory lines. The Piloti lifestyle is very possible and highly desirable if you ask me.

From GMM

Ferrari test driver Marc Gene has played down reports Fernando Alonso could be considering a move for 2015.

Spaniard Alonso, regarded as perhaps the very best driver in F1 today, has been mentioned along with fellow champions Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton as McLaren seeks a truly top driver to spearhead its new Honda era beginning next year.

Indeed, having hinted recently that Jenson Button will be re-signed, McLaren team boss Eric Boullier is now wavering.

"It is a question where I cannot say yes and I cannot say no," he told reporters this week. "We are evaluating and assessing every strategy for the future."

Alonso's single year at McLaren in 2007 ended more than acrimoniously, but team sources have made clear nothing would stand in the way of a reunion with Ron Dennis some eight years later.

The 32-year-old has often sounded frustrated by his title-less five-year stint in red, culminating in yet another disappointing campaign for the start of the new turbo V6 era this season.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T, Austria. (Photo: WRi2)

McLaren-Honda would be a fresh start and a blank canvas for Alonso's ambition of adding a third title to his tally.

"It is something I am working for and hoping for," he told the BBC earlier this month. "It is not that I'm not happy with two but the third puts you in a list of very important names.

"I think I can carry on long enough to win and to be competitive for some good years," added Alonso. "I don't know how many -- three, five, seven. I don't think it should be any problem."

As far as Ferrari test driver and fellow Spaniard Marc Gene is concerned, however, Alonso is perfectly happy at Maranello.

"Si, si (yes, yes)," he told Spanish publications this week.

"I think since 2010 we have seen the best of Fernando. In 2010, 2012 or this year his driving is perfect," Gene added.

"He is definitely the best driver there is right now in F1; the most complete. And it's a shame this has not been reflected in more titles -- at least two. He deserved them. That said, he is happy at Ferrari; he could not be in a better place," Marc Gene added.

Subaru has always been a quirky kid, marching to the beat of its own drummer and finding loyale followers along the way. In recent years, with some backing from fellow automaker Toyota, Subaru has been breaking from its own steadfast mold. Though, some of that oddball character still remains in its older products.

The Legacy is as normal as it gets at Subaru. With a midsize sedan bodystyle and two normally aspirated engines to choose from, the Legacy's only real quirk is styling. Though, it does have one saving grace: the Legacy is the most affordable all-wheel drive midsize sedan in Canada.


What is the Subaru Legacy?
If your first desire is all-wheel drive, the Legacy is where you start. Our tester, a 2.5i Limited Package with EyeSight Option model, is as far up the ladder as you can get without opting for the 3.6L H6 model.

The fifth generation car is in its final year of production for 2014. As 2015 models start rolling out to dealer lots, this Legacy will slowly vacate those same spaces.

The Legacy is priced quite competitively as well, often below some of its front-wheel drive rivals. If you can get beyond its looks, it can be quite the bargain.

2014 Subaru Legacy Price and Specs
Two BOXER engines are available for the Legacy. The base engine is a 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder mill developing 173 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power, the Legacy can also be had with a 3.6L horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine with 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.

The Legacy is available in seven different trim lines: 2.5i, 2.5i Convenience Package, 2.5i Convenience Package with PZEV Option, 2.5i Touring Package, 2.5i Limited Package, 2.5i Limited Package with EyeSight Option, and 3.6R Limited with EyeSight Option. The 2.5i base model starts at $23,495 with pricing topping out at $36,195 for the 3.6R. Our particular unit was priced at $33,995.

Driving the 2014 Subaru Legacy
Not particularly exciting, but not mind-numbingly boring either, the Legacy is an all-rounder with safety at the forefront. Its 2.5L mill is spirited without the captivating pull of larger or turbocharged engines, especially when mated to the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. Equipped with all-wheel drive, wheel slip is not a concern.

In an equal mix of highway and city driving, the midsize Subie was able to return 8.4L/100km by the end of the week, matching its official EnerGuide city rating on the nose.

Ride quality in the Legacy is a great mix of comfort and athleticism; compliantly soft when needed but providing grip for those sweeping cloverleaf turns. You would never categorize the Legacy as firm, nor soft, instead finding that sweet spot eluded by so many automakers.

Steering is precise with a fair amount of feedback for the inner racer in all of us, though turning the wheel is definitely not heavy nor difficult to deal with day to day. Throttle response is a bit on the safe side, mostly due to the CVT, and braking feel could use some tweaking.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Subaru Legacy
And this is where it all falls apart, at least metaphorically.

Pretty, the Subaru Legacy is not. Instead, it's that gangly, awkward boy who hit puberty in fourth grade.

This generation of the Legacy has the clumsiest looking front fascia since the model's inception in 1989. Between the too-busy chrome grille, boss-eyed headlights, and what seems like nine different bodylines, the face of the Legacy is a mess. Thankfully, the new model coming out in 2015 is much more conservative and refined.

Wheel arches also add to the awkwardness of the design, sticking out like 22” biceps on a midget. Making it even worse, the rest of the Legacy's profile is ultra-bland.

At least they designed the rear with some modicum of restraint, keeping it fairly basic and unassuming.

I can forgive a vehicle for being ugly-but-utilitarian on the inside, as long as I can find everything I need to operate the vehicle effectively, I'm satisfied (though, it won't get full marks). Unfortunately, the Legacy lets me down on both fronts.

The gauges are decidedly old in appearance thanks to a screen with next to no customization. Infotainment is poor at best, thanks to confusing, unintuitive controls and bad design. Materials used for the center console also give the impression the interior was molded before Seinfeld went off the air.

Overall, the interior is either dated or badly executed, to which there is no excuse in a segment with some much better contenders. If there is any saving grace, the seats are fairly supportive.

If you are looking for an AWD midsize on the cheap, you may be able to scoop up a 2014 Subaru Legacy with some cash on the hood.However, if you can wait, you should. The 2015 model promises to be better in almost every conceivable way.

Comparing the 2014 Subaru Legacy
Attacking snowy roads in an entry-level midsizer with all-wheel drive is a job suited to few vehicles. The Legacy trudges through the slush with the Ford Fusion AWD and forthcoming Chrysler 200S AWD. Adding some cash to your budget provides two more options in the Buick Regal AWD and soon-to-be-launched Acura TLX SH-AWD.

Mitsubishi will build 500,000 compact sedans annually for FIAT-Chrysler at one of its plants in Thailand, all of which are destined for Asian markets, the Japanese newspaper Nikkei reports.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2015, although an official announcement will be made early next week. The deal will allow FIAT-Chrysler to expand its product portfolio and regain some lost ground in Asia.

Mitsubishi and Chrysler once teamed up in the mid-'80s, but the former neglected to make critical recalls in the early 2000s, which led to a major scandal and put an abrupt end to the relationship.

Things have changed since then, and Mitsubishi has been able to secure partnerships with a number of automakers including Renault, PSA, and Nissan.


_{Source: Libération.fr}

The highway safety division of Northern Ireland's Department of Environment has recently posted a shocking video to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding.

An accident that left a Georgia woman blind in one eye and a subsequent lawsuit led GM Thursday to recall about 33,000 Chevrolet Cruze sedans in North America for potentially defective airbags made by Takata.

The chairman of the U.S. Senate committee that oversees auto safety proposed a bill late Thursday that would give U.S. regulators more funding and greater power to deal with light-vehicle defects.