Auto News 5

Hyundai's second-quarter profit fell 7 percent as a strong won, weakening global sales and incentives in the U.S. took their toll on earnings. To combat a strong currency, the automaker will now consider adding production overseas.

New vehicle sales in Thailand fell by 30.4% to 73,799 units in June, from 106,033 units a year earlier, according to data released by the Federation of Thai Industries.

UK car production grew by 3.5 percent in the first six months of 2014 thanks to new models, but the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) warned today that further growth must be backed by a bolstering of the UK's parts supply chain.

UK car production grew by 4 percent in the first six months thanks to new models, but the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warned that further growth must be backed by bolstering the UK's parts supply chain.

General Motors has announced six safety recalls covering 717,949 recent model vehicles in the US. The numbers per incident vary from 22 to 414,000.

News 24 Jul, 2014

SEAT reveals first design sketch for the fifth-generation SEAT Ibiza which will represent a ‘significant step forward’ for SEAT design

Daimler's first series-production hydrogen vehicle could have been ready about now, but the company is putting off the vehicle's debut until 2017.

Volkswagen today announced significant changes to most of its North American lineup while tolling the bell for the Eos cabriolet and Routan minivan.

In the U.S., for the last production year of the Eos, the Sport trim is replaced for 2015 with the Final Edition, which offers added value at the mid-level trim with 18'' Vicenza wheels as well as unique Cornsilk Beige and black two-tone Vienna leather. Canadian availability has yet to be confirmed, though.

Meanwhile, the low-selling Routan won't even be offered in 2015.

Photo: Volkswagen

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf family expands with the addition of the Golf Wagon, the high-performance Golf R, and the all-electric e-Golf. The last one is set to arrive in North America in November of this year.

The compact 2015 Jetta brings with it a fresh new face and some important updates underneath that make it more efficient. New available driver assistance systems include a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning, and Park Distance Control.

The 2015 Beetle, Golf, and Jetta are all available with a new clean diesel TDI engine that delivers 10 extra horsepower over the outgoing unit.

As for SUVs, the 2015 Touareg sports redesigned front and rear fascias, a more refined interior, and a host of new driver assistance technologies.

Source: Volkswagen

Small-car lovers, take note: The redesigned 2015 Toyota Yaris will soon arrive at dealerships in 3- and 5-door body styles.

For 2015, the popular Yaris sports an aggressive new look with a horizontal chrome grille treatment that appears to continue right into the headlights. A larger, bolder grille opening gives it a bit more character, as well.

Inside the 2015 Toyota Yaris, you'll find a standard 6-speaker Entune Audio system with a 6.1'' touchscreen, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, hands-free phone capability, voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth. Also, for the first time in a Yaris, a navigation system is available as a dealer-installed option.

Other updates to the Yaris include — depending on the trim level — cruise control, power mirrors, windows and door locks, keyless entry, fog lights, a rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights, 15'' or 16'' wheels, a sport suspension, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

As for motivation, the 1.5L 4-cylinder DOHC engine returns with 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The broad torque curve will make those numbers seem even bigger, Toyota says. Buyers will have a choice of 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions.

Pricing and on-sale dates for Canada will be announced later.

Photo: Toyota

Pros: The 2014 Audi S7 delivers a rich combination of performance, luxury, refinement, and technology in a 4-door coupe body style that's equal parts stylish and versatile thanks to a rear hatch. The V8 is intoxicating, yet fuel-efficient, balance between ride and handling is remarkable, and the world-class interior has lots of cool technology features.

Cons: Rear-seat headroom is tight for taller passengers. Also, beware of pricey options.

Photo: Audi

2014 Audi S7 Price: This high-performance variant of the A7 comes in a single trim level that starts at $92,100. However, there are several attractive options including head-up display ($1,500), ventilated front seats with massage function ($2,000), and a fantastic 1,200W Bang & Olufsen sound system ($6,500).

2014 Audi S7 Fuel Economy: Expect to burn 12.7L/100km in the city and 8.2L/100km on the highway with the S7, which is impressive given the power on tap (see below). Cylinder-on-demand technology improves fuel efficiency when cruising. Of course, premium gas is required.

Improvements and Changes: The equipment list has been revised. A black optics package ($2,200) adds glossy black accents, 20” two-tone wheels with performance tires, and aluminum/beaufort black inlays in the interior.

Powertrain: The 2014 Audi S7 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds thanks to a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine with direct injection. It produces 420 horsepower from 5,500-6,400 rpm, along with 406 lb-ft of torque accessible from 1,400-5,200 rpm. The lone transmission on the spec sheet is an excellent 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch unit. As mentioned earlier, power is distributed to all four wheels by way of Audi's acclaimed quattro system, featuring a sport rear differential that can actively distribute power laterally across the rear axle for even more balanced handling.

Don't miss: Enjoy the magic of an electronically controlled sport air suspension with continuously adaptive damping at all four wheels from the comfort of Valcona leather sport seats offering tremendous support, even when the car's performance abilities are put to the test. These buckets come with 8-way power adjustments and a distinctively designed upper backrest section with embossed S7 logo.

Cargo Capacity: Thanks to the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, the trunk can expand from 694 to 1,390 litres -- enough for skis, golf clubs, luggage, and more.

Safety: In addition to standard features like six airbags and electronic stability control, the 2014 Audi S7 can be equipped with rear side airbags, adaptive cruise control, and active lane assist (which helps the car stay in its lane). Standard LED headlights and an available night vision system improve visibility.

Comparing the 2014 Audi S7: The main rivals of the S7 are the Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 4MATIC, Porsche Panamera 4S, and BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe. Don't miss our 4-door luxury coupe comparison!

Talking to journalists in the paddock of the Hungagoring, Lewis Hamilton declared both he and Mercedes AMG F1 team have indicated to each other that they want to continue their relationship beyond 2015.

The 2008 F1 World Champion, whose current contract ends in 2015 said so only one week after his teammate Nico Rosberg extended his own contract with Mercedes AMG.

In Hungary, Hamilton denied formal discussions had yet started, but said his wish was to stay on at Mercedes AMG.

“My representatives haven't [sat down and talked with Mercedes], but we've both shown interest in sitting down and talking,” Hamilton told journalists.

“We haven't sat down yet but the team know that I would like to push to continue and they have made it clear that they would like to do the same.”

In their early karting days, Hamilton and Rosberg drove for team MBM.com, which stands for Mercedes-Benz McLaren.

“I've been with Mercedes since I was 13 so I very much feel like I have Mercedes imprinted in my chest,” Hamilton admitted when asked if Mercedes was the only team he wanted to drive for at the moment.

From GMM

Jacques Villeneuve has lamented the lack of "heroes" on today's formula one grid.

But the outspoken 1997 world champion says it is not just the drivers' fault, as the F1 of today does not bring out the "wild animal" in them.

"The rules are too restrictive. I have always regarded formula one as an extreme sport, but not really anymore," French Canadian Villeneuve told Schwetzinger Zeitung newspaper.

"The sport is no longer pure enough, because of the rules. Everything has become much too artificial," the 43-year-old insisted.

That, Jacques Villeneuve says, means an easier time for the drivers.

"The drivers no longer have to make a real effort," said the former Williams, BAR and Sauber driver. "You used to come into formula one maybe still as a 20-year-old, but you would already be a man. Now you get the impression they think racing is like playing with lego."

Start of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. (Photo: WRi2)

And Villeneuve said the latest rules overhaul has proved the final straw for many departing viewers and spectators.

"It is boring, we're losing fans. You can feel that something is missing," said the winner of 11 grands prix, who now attends the races as a television pundit.

Meanwhile, Villeneuve tipped former champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel to leave their current teams.

"Lewis Hamilton will not be at Mercedes for long," he told Sport Bild. "Everyone in the German team wants a German to be world champion. Lewis was only brought in to make Nico (Rosberg) even better."

As for quadruple title winner Vettel, Jacques Villeneuve said: "Sebastian has to leave Red Bull. The public is already changing its opinion of him, as in a middle class car, he is starting to look like a middle-class driver."

From GMM

Max Verstappen has turned down an offer from reigning world champions Red Bull as he turns onto the road to formula one.

The talented son of former Benetton and Minardi driver Jos Verstappen visited the Hockenheim paddock last weekend, reportedly at the invitation of 'several' F1 teams.

Young Dutchman Verstappen, 16, is the hot talent of European F3 since moving up from karts, and now the target of top F1 teams including McLaren and Ferrari.

Jos and Max Verstappen at the Formula 1 German Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Father and son reportedly sat down with Dr Helmut Marko ahead of the German grand prix, undoubtedly to discuss Verstappen joining Red Bull's famous young driver programme.

"When the time is right, we will bite the bullet, but not before," Jos told De Telegraaf newspaper.

It appears, however, that the Verstappens ultimately said no to Red Bull.

Italy's Autosprint said the Dutch rookie has decided instead to team up with Mercedes, with the relationship to be formalised 'in the coming days'.

The report said Verstappen jr hopes to make the move to the F1 feeder category GP2 for 2015, "but in the short term there are rumours of a test in a Mercedes F1 car of 2012".

Marussia Formula 1 team announced Thursday that 22-year-old American Alexander Rossi becomes the team's official reserve driver for the remainder of the 2014 season.

The American joins us with immediate effect from this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Rossi has spent the past two seasons in the role of reserve driver for the Caterham F1 Team, whilst also competing in the GP2 Series.

With Marussia, he will be on hand throughout the season to deputise for either race driver in the event that they are unable to compete.

“We are very pleased to welcome Alexander to the Marussia F1 Team in the role of Official Reserve Driver,” said John Booth, team principal.

“He is a proven talent whom we have observed in GP2 and we have also been impressed by his performances during Friday morning free practice sessions over the past two seasons. The US is an exciting market for the sport and Alexander has a great deal of support there, so it is nice to develop new links to that audience. Alexander will be an integral part of the Team, immersing himself in our engineering activity so that he is fully prepared should he ever be required to deputise for one of the race drivers.”

Alexander Rossi declared in a press release: “Today is a good day and next step in my Formula 1 career. Since my initial discussions with the Marussia F1 Team management, I've felt right at home. I'm looking forward to working with the Team in Hungary and building for the rest of the season. The timing of my affiliation with the Team is perfect, especially beginning in Hungary before the summer break. My goal is Formula 1, and I'm delighted to be immersed into the Team as Official Reserve Driver, where I have the opportunity to prepare for this next step, with plans to drive in Free Practice 1 this season.

“Marussia is in an exciting place right now and the progress at the team is clear for all to see. I'm thrilled that now I have the chance to be part of that journey, to progress and play a useful role in the development of the Team. I want to thank Marussia F1 Team for the opportunity this season.”

Formula 1 group CEO Bernie Ecclestone confirmed on Wednesday that Mexico is set to host a round of the 2015 FIA Formula One World Championship.

The race, the first Grand Prix to be held in Mexico since 1992, will be run at the 4.421-kilometre Mexico City circuit.

"I'm happy to announce we've concluded an agreement to have a race in 2015," said Ecclestone. "Don't miss this race!"

The latest podium in Mexico, in 1992. Nigel Mansell, Riccardo Patrese and Michael Schumacher. (Photo: WRi2)

Tavo Hellmund, who helped bring the United States Grand Prix to Austin and is a co-founding partner of the 2015 Formula 1 Gran Premio de Mexico, said he was delighted that negotiations had proved successful.

"Ever since Bernie and I began working on a race at Austin, it's been a dream of mine to help F1 return to Mexico," said Hellmund.

"This announcement has therefore been years in the making, but we've gradually been able to assemble all the right pieces. I'm absolutely delighted."

Two Mexican drivers currently compete in F1 racing: Force India's Sergio Perez, who scored a podium earlier this year in Bahrain, and Sauber's Esteban Gutierrez.

Mexico's return to the F1 calendar remains subject to final negotiations.

From Pirelli

Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli has revealed the tires that will be taken to the Grands Prix of Belgium, Italy and Singapore.

Belgium
At Spa - one of the most spectacular and demanding circuits on the calendar - the P Zero White medium and P Zero Yellow soft tires will be used, which will be well-suited to the varied track and weather conditions often found in Belgium.

Italy
For Monza, the ‘temple of speed' and Pirelli's home event, the two hardest compounds in the range have been nominated: P Zero Orange hard and P Zero White medium. This is to combat the high-energy loads that are put through the tires as the result of high traction and braking demands, sustained high speeds and frequently warm temperatures.

Singapore
Singapore is the final street circuit of the season and held at night, providing a unique combination of conditions. The two softest tires in the range will be used: P Zero Yellow soft and P Zero Red supersoft. These will provide maximum mechanical grip.

Photo: Pirelli

After a major redesign in 2013, Hyundai's Genesis Coupe is largely unchanged, but returns with a few notable tweaks. The coupe now features front fog lights, available Hyundai BlueLink Telematics interface, downshift rev matching on automatic transmission-equipped models, and Hill-hold Assist for manuals.


What is the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT?
The Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's first rear-wheel drive coupe, which arrived in North America in 2009. It replaced the front-wheel-drive Tiburon as the Korean company's flagship sports car.

2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Price & Specs
The engine choices remain the same: the base 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder with 275 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.8L V6 (my tester) with 348 hp and 295 lb-ft While a 3.8 GT with manual transmission is $37,199, it's available with automatic for $38,999.

The optional $799.95 axle-back exhaust is an absolute must for performance fans.

Driving the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT
I'd driven the V6 coupe back in 2011 and decided it was an interesting car if not perfect. What I liked (the looks, the engines) balanced out with what I didn't (the suspension, the shifter).

Those flaws have all been addressed and the result is that the Genesis becomes a nicely balanced sports car that's really enjoyable to drive. A strut-style suspension setup keeps the front end planted with a multilink rear setup behind. Springs, dampers, and bushings were all re-engineered for 2013 providing noticeably tighter handling with less roll. Track enthusiasts will probably opt for the Torsen limited slip differential of the Track and R-Spec packages, which also feature stiffer suspension settings.

While previously on the numb and rubbery side, the speed-sensitive hydraulic steering has been recalibrated to be tighter and quicker. Much improved, it could still use a little more feedback.

Previously, the shifter was one of the Genesis' biggest faults. Lifeless and floppy, it had the personality of a limp handshake. Happily, this has been rectified and while there's no satisfying "snick" of a well-performed shift, it's much easier to find the correct gates. The transmission has also been updated with carbon-coated synchronizer rings. Combined with the improved clutch take-up and shifter, the 6-speed Genesis is fun to drive aggressively, yet smooth enough for the urban commute.

The performance exhaust adds a nice burble to the V6's mellow tone. Although not an obnoxiously loud system, it does tend to drone while highway driving.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT
While Hyundai's Fluidic Design has done a bang-up job transforming the rest of the lineup, nowhere is it more effective than on this low-slung, sporty coupe. Razor sharp creases divide the sheet metal into planes like the facets of a prism creating a play of light over the body that the camera just loves. Last year's addition of LED running lights lend a more upscale look to its wide face. The hood vents, while adding a snarky look to the long hood, are merely decorative and not functional. Red Brembo calipers peeping through 19" alloys hint that this Genesis has just as much "go" as it does "show."

My Casablanca White tester featured tobacco-coloured seats and contrasting charcoal cabin. The level of craftsmanship and style is decent for this segment with tight seams and gaps, and contrasting stitching. However, the hard plastics remind us that this is a budget-priced sports coupe. The sweeping centre stack features a 7" touchscreen with backup camera, and the interface is easy to use. The 10-speaker Infinity sound system is decent, but many buyers will replace it with a custom unit.

Drilled aluminum pedals, stitched leather hand brake, leather-wrapped wheel and push-button start are among the sports-oriented touches. Analog gauges relaying fuel economy and oil pressure add a racing element to the cabin. Sports style seats feature plenty of bolstering, but they're comfortable for long road trips, too with excellent support. As expected for a raked-back coupe, rear seating is somewhat limited. Trunk space at 283 litres (10 cu. ft.) is about average for the segment, and rear seats flip down to increase cargo space.

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT
The Genesis' more aggressive character is necessary in a segment where attitude is everything. While it's fun to drive and great to look at, its name lacks the status of the BMW 1 Series or the muscle-car heritage of the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger. It also faces tough competition from the more expensive (but less roomy) Nissan 370Z and the less expensive, less powerful, yet fine-handling Scion FR-S.

Hyundai continues to impress with its extensive list of standard content, reliability, and high safety ratings at an affordable price. At the rate the Genesis has continued to improve, it may overtake some of those segment leaders yet.

The new 2015 Porsche Cayenne will launch on the Canadian market this fall in four trim levels: Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and Cayenne S E-Hybrid — the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment.

Consequently, Porsche becomes the only automaker in the world to offer three plug-in hybrid models (the Panamera S E-Hybrid and 918 Spyder are the other two).

The design of the front body, the front fenders and the hood is all new. Meanwhile, the bi-xenon headlights standard in Diesel and S models feature "hovering" 4-point LED daytime running lights. The Cayenne Turbo offers standard LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS).

Inside the 2015 Porsche Cayenne is an impressive list of standard features including a new multifunction sport steering wheel with paddle shifters whose look and functions are based on the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder. Rear passengers will enjoy even more comfort than before, and rear-seat ventilation can be ordered as an option for the first time.

Available powertrains include:

• Cayenne S E-Hybrid: 3.0L supercharged V6 (333 hp) and electric motor (95 hp) that produce a combined output of 416 hp at 5,500 rpm and 435 lb-ft of torque from 1,250-4,000 rpm. While acceleration from 0-100 km/h is accomplished in 5.9 seconds to a top speed of 243 km/h, fuel consumption is rated at 3.4L/100km according to Europe's NEDC. A 10.9kWh lithium-ion battery provides an all-electric driving range of 18-36 km with a top speed of 125 km/h.
• Cayenne S: 3.6L twin-turbo V6 generating 420 hp (+20) and returning fuel consumption figures between 9.5-9.8L/100km, according to the NEDC. With its standard 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission, the Cayenne S accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds (5.4 with the Sport Chrono package) and reaches a top speed of 259 km/h.
• Cayenne Turbo: 4.8L twin-turbo V8 that cranks out 520 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds (4.4 with the Sport Chrono package). Its top speed is 279 km/h. Fuel consumption amounts to 11.2-11.5L/100km.
• Cayenne Diesel: 3.0L V6 engine producing 240 hp and burning 6.6-6.8L/100km of fuel. The emission control system is now equipped with selective catalyst recuperation (SCR). This model can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds (7.2 with the Sport Chrono package) to a top speed of 221 km/h.

Canadian fuel consumption ratings will be announced later.

Photo: Porsche

Source : Porsche Canada

From nascar.com

In front of a packed house at Eldora Speedway, Darrell Wallace Jr. won Wednesday's night second annual 1-800 CarCash Mudsummer Classic.

Wallace earned his second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win of the season. On a dirt track.

Wallace led the final 97 laps of the 150-lap race and withstood a relentless effort by Kyle Larson.

However, Larson creamed the wall with two laps remaining, sealing Wallace's third-career victory in NCWTS competition in the No. 54 ToyotaCare Toyota Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports.



The 20-year Wallace old took the lead from Ron Hornaday Jr. on lap 49 and led the field to the first competition caution on lap 60, completing the first of three segments. Under the yellow, Wallace brought his truck to the attention of the Jerry Baxter-led team where they changed tires and added fuel.

On the restart, Wallace checked out on the field and led the entire second segment, until the sixth caution flag of the night waved on lap 112, ending segment two.

Wallace, along with a majority of the leaders, elected to stay out, setting the tone for the final 40-lap dash to the finish.

During the final stint, Wallace found himself being haunted by last year's runner-up finisher Larson, with the lead exchanging in the waning laps. However, Larson it the wall several times before a broken brake line sent him hard into the Turn 1 wall.

With no pressure from behind, Wallace was able cruise to give Kyle Busch Motorsports its eighth triumph of the season in 10 races overall.

Ryan Blaney, who finished third, took over the points lead from Matt Crafton by four points.

From GMM

Toto Wolff was not the only senior member of Mercedes' management team hurt in a cycling pileup this week.

In a team-building exercise along the Danube river on Tuesday, the 42-year-old Austrian crashed, badly breaking his arm in four places.

Bild newspaper reveals that, as well as suffering concussion, he had titanium screws inserted to repair his wrist, and was set to travel to Hungary direct from Vienna's Lorenz-Bohler hospital.

"I landed on my head in a massive crash, and the helmet was split at the front. I was very lucky," said Toto Wolff.

Even luckier, however, was Mercedes team boss Paddy Lowe, who emerged unscathed except for cuts and bruises.

"Paddy Lowe crashed with another guy and I would say we hit them at about 40kph," said Wolff.

Jock Clear, a well-known engineer on Lewis Hamilton's side of the garage, has reportedly broken three ribs.

Jock Clear with Jacques Villeneuve, back in the Williams' days. (Photo: WRi2)

The cycling tour was organised as a 'team building' exercise.

"Next year we will do a backgammon tournament instead," Wolff laughed.

Luckily, drivers Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were not in the doomed peloton. Bild said Hamilton is still resting a sore neck after his Hockenheim qualifying crash, while Rosberg did not want to risk injury.

Instead, also in the spirit of team building, they went out to dinner in Vienna with team chairman Niki Lauda.