Auto News 5

The all-new smart fortwo and forfour made their world debut in Berlin this week as the pair readies for a market launch in Europe four months from now.

No word yet on Canadian dates.

The new smart models will offer a selection of 3-cylinder engines including a 71-horsepower unit and a turbocharged variant rated at 90 horsepower. A 60-horsepower gasoline engine will join the lineup at a later time.

Buyers will also get to choose between a 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Again, we don't know the exact powertrain options that will be available in Canada.

Despite being slightly larger than their predecessors, the new smart fortwo and forfour are said to be more nimble and easier to manoeuvre due in large part to a significantly shorter turning radius.

In terms of design, the automaker mainly revised the front grille, headlights, and hood. The signature tridion safety cell remains untouched.

The smart forfour offers up to 975 litres of cargo room, making it possible to haul objects up to 2.2 metres in length. The fortwo has 350 litres of cargo capacity.

Finally, advanced driver assistance systems which were previously the reserve of higher classes of vehicles further enhance safety and comfort. These include Crosswind Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist.

Photo: smart

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen will contest this weekend's German grand prix.

After bruising his ankle and knee with a 47G impact at the start of the British grand prix, the Finn sat out Ferrari's post-race Silverstone test.

But the Finnish broadcaster MTV3 said the 34-year-old is fighting fit for Hockenheim.

"Kimi Raikkonen will be at the wheel of his F14-T in the German grand prix" the Maranello based team confirmed.

Raikkonen caused a stir by saying at Silverstone that he will "probably" quit after 2015, but he insists he is still enjoying his time at Ferrari.

"I think it's a very good place to be," he told Britain's Sky.

"Obviously the racing hasn't been very good this year but that's the way it goes sometimes. We are trying to fix things, I need something very specific to be happy with the car and right now it's not happening, but for sure if I could choose to race for any team, I would take Ferrari. The day I hate racing I will stop, even if it's in the middle of the year I would walk away, but it's not now," Raikkonen added.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

Meanwhile, Italy's Omnicorse reports that, as part of a restructuring at McLaren, Jenson Button has a new race engineer for Hockenheim and beyond.

The report said Tom Stallard replaces Dave Robson.

And it emerges that the driver steward at Hockenheim this weekend will be Jochen Mass, the famous German driver who is perhaps best known for being involved in Gilles Villeneuve's fatal crash in 1982.

From GMM (story updated below)

"At least 50" Caterham staff have left the Leafield based team, according to Speed Week.

Ahead of the British grand prix, the Tony Fernandes-founded team's new advisor Colin Kolles admitted that up to a hundred of the 300-strong workforce might have to go as he makes Caterham more "efficient" for the future.

The BBC, Reuters and the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf on Wednesday said "more than 40" employees were let go in the days between Silverstone and this weekend's German grand prix.

Reportedly among the departures were technical boss Jody Eggington and track operations chief Gerry Hughes.

Test driver Alexander Rossi also exits with immediate effect, although - for now at least - fellow tester Robin Frijns is safe, as are racers Kamui Kobayashi and Marcus Ericsson.

Speed Week, however, reports that "at least 50" Caterham staff are in fact leaving, including designer Lewis Butler and head of research and development Elliot Dason-Barber.

Caterham, now owned by mysterious Middle Eastern investors operating out of Switzerland, would not comment.

UPDATE
Caterham has confirmed reports "a number of employees" have left the team.

In a press release, Caterham announced on Thursday morning a number of appointments, whilst also admitting it has "parted company with a number of employees".

"Christijan Albers is now Team Principal, supported by Manfredi Ravetto, General Manager and Deputy Team Principal. Simon Shinkins has also joined the team as COO, as well as Miodrag Kotur who is now Team Manager. Michael Willmer is the team's new Director of Legal Affairs and Gianluca Pisanello is promoted to Head of Trackside Engineering. Finally, John Iley is now the team's Technical Director, leading the work being done to improve the 2014 car and the 2015 new car project."

"This is a necessary step taken by the new owners of Caterham F1 Team whose priority is the future of the team," the media statement read.

"No further comment will be made at this time."

Caterham's factory in Leafield, UK. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

Officials of the Verizon IndyCar Series have release the official entry list for the 2014 Honda Indy Toronto to be held this weekend.

This year's Toronto Indy features a full length IndyCar race on both Saturday July 19 and Sunday July 20. Each race will be an equal length, championship points' race.

ENTRY LIST
Number  Driver  Car Name  Engine
2 Juan Pablo Montoya  Team Penske  Chevrolet
3 Helio Castroneves  PPG Team Penske  Chevrolet
7 Mikhail Aleshin  SMP Racing  Honda Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
8 Ryan Briscoe  NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing  Chevrolet NTT Data
9 Scott Dixon  Auckland, New Zealand Target Chip Ganassi Racing  Chevrolet
10 Tony Kanaan  Target Chip Ganassi Racing  Chevrolet
11 Sebastien Bourdais  Hydroxycut KVSH Racing  Chevrolet
12 Will Power  Verizon Team Penske  Chevrolet
14 Takuma Sato  ABC Supply A.J. Foyt Racing  Honda
15 Graham Rahal  National Guard  Honda Rahal
16 Luca Filippi  Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing  Honda
17 Sebastian Saavedra  Automatic Fire Sprinklers KV AFS  Chevrolet
18 Carlos Huertas  Dale Coyne Racing  Honda
19 Justin Wilson  Dale Coyne Racing  Honda
20 Mike Conway  Fuzzy's Vodka/Ed Carpenter Racing  Chevrolet
25 Marco Andretti  Dr Pepper Andretti Autosport  Honda
27 James Hinchcliffe  United Fiber & Data Andretti Autosport  Honda
28 Ryan Hunter-Reay  DHL Andretti Autosport  Honda
34 Carlos Munoz Cinsay  AndrettiTV.com HVM  Honda
67 Josef Newgarden  Hartman Oil/Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing  Honda
77 Simon Pagenaud  Schmidt Peterson Hsamilton Motorsports  Honda
83 Charlie Kimball  Levemir FlexTouch Ganassi  Chevrolet
98 Jack Hawksworth  Castrol Edge  Honda

From GMM

Gene Haas proved his seriousness about entering formula one by paying a $20 million deposit.

That is the claim of F1 business journalist Christian Sylt, who told us the "more than $20m" deposit was paid at F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone's request.

Ecclestone told Forbes at Silverstone that he said to FIA president Jean Todt: "'You must see how honest they (Haas) are. Tell Haas to put a deposit down' and apparently they have."

US-based Haas, a NASCAR team co-owner who for the F1 project is already aligned with Ferrari, intends to make its debut in 2016, probably with at least one American at the wheel.

The identity of that American could be Californian Alexander Rossi, who has now left Caterham as a F1 test and GP2 driver.

"We have a great opportunity to grow the sport in the States," he said on Wednesday, "and I believe the timing is perfect.

"I'm also very pleased to see an American F1 entry, Haas Formula, with plans to join the F1 grid in 2016," Alexander Rossi added.

From nascar.com

Former Canadian Formula Ford Champion, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin finally got the oval-track win he was looking for.

The road-course specialist from Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, came out on top in a wild green-white-checkered finish to the Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 Wednesday in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series action at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway.

Dumoulin and Joey McColm stayed out when the leaders pitted under caution inside of 10 laps to go to setup a dramatic finish on the .333-mile progressive-banked track.

Louis-Philippe Dumoulin. (Photo: Matthew Murnaghan/Gett Images for NASCAR)

On the restart, new leader McColm get loose coming to the white flag and Dumoulin powered to the front. He then held off Jason Hathaway and Scott Steckly in a race to the checkered flag.

It was the third career Canadian Tire Series victory for Dumoulin in the No. 47 WeatherTech Canada/Bellemare Dodge. His first two came on the road course at Ontario's Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in 2013. He also took over the championship points' lead by 10 over JR Fitzpatrick.

Behind Steckly, Andrew Ranger and Alex Tagliani brought home the top five. Like race winner Dumoulin, it was the best career oval finish for Tagliani.

McColm salvaged a sixth-place finish, followed by Fitzpatrick, D.J. Kennington, Noel Dowler and Eric Thiering.

It was shaping up to be a second straight victory at Auto Clearing for Steckly, who paced both practices and captured the pole earlier in the day. The defending event and series champion led the first 80 laps from the pole and a race-high 153 in total. He had a commanding lead late in the race as he led 72 laps during an extended green-flag run -- putting all but five other cars down a lap -- before the final caution came out.

McColm and Dumoulin had pitted much earlier in the race (Dumoulin on lap 36) for their right side tires; drivers were allowed a maximum of two tires for this event. That left them out to fend off the challenge of Steckly and Co. on fresh tires.

Louis-Philippe Dumoulin. (Photo: Matthew Murnaghan/Gett Images for NASCAR)

The race featured eight lead changes among five different drivers. Dumoulin's only two laps led were the last two of the event.

Point standings:
1   L.P. Dumoulin  209 points
2  J.R. Fitzpatrick  199
3  Andrew Ranger  191
4  Jason Hathaway   187
5  D.J. Kennington  183

From GMM

Championship leader Mercedes will remove its sophisticated 'Fric' system from the dominant W05 car for the German grand prix.

It is understood other teams - including Red Bull, McLaren, Force India, Toro Rosso and Caterham - are also preparing to run without the hydraulically-controlled suspension aid at Hockenheim.

That is because they fear some rivals might lodge official protests against the technology, following the FIA's announcement that 'Fric' might in fact be contrary to the technical regulations.

Mercedes W05. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

But it is believed the system aboard Mercedes' silver car, which has won eight of the nine races so far in 2014, is perhaps the most sophisticated of all, and worth up to half a second per lap.

Still, "It makes no sense to complain," boss Toto Wolff told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport on Wednesday.

"Whether it (banning Fric) makes sense during the season is a moot point. I have my personal opinion, but it doesn't matter. We need to analyse all of the data very carefully in order to be best prepared for the change," he revealed.

"Everyone has said that a Fric ban will hurt us most, but we want to prove that is not the case," Toto Wolff added.

Auto Motor und Sport claims Mercedes conducted trials without 'Fric' aboard the car at the recent Silverstone test.

"The difference between 'with Fric' and 'without Fric' is not so great," championship leader Nico Rosberg insists.

"For sure you notice it, but other teams have also been using it this season. I don't even want to think about it too much. I have the fastest car and I want to win at Hockenheim," the German added.

From GMM

The "most difficult time" in Michael Schumacher's "struggle" is now over.

That is the positive message delivered by the F1 legend's wife Corinna, in a brief letter of thanks in the official 2014 German grand prix programme.

The message, in German, said the Schumacher family had been overwhelmed by the support shown by the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver's supporters since his skiing accident.

"It's good to know that we have all come through the most difficult time together," Mrs Schumacher, whose 45-year-old husband is now in a Swiss rehabilitation clinic in the wake of a six-month coma, reportedly wrote.

"Now a period that is expected to take a long time has begun. We trust that in this struggle you will be Michael's allies once again, as you were for so many years in formula one," she added.

This week, our Top 10 focuses on the youngest winners of a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Take note that the Indianapolis 500 race was a round of the World Drivers Championship from 1950 to 1960.

Drivers competing in the Indy 500 during these years were credited with participation in a World Championship race and the top five finishers were credited with World Championship points.

The drivers are placed in order, from the oldest to the youngest.

Top photo shows Emerson Fittipaldi in a Lotus back in 1970.

Emerson Fittipaldi, Brazilian, 23 years and 296 days, winner of the 1970 United States Grand Prix

Continue reading Top 10 youngest Grand Prix winners

From GMM

Jean Todt has revealed he is prepared to listen to any proposals to revise formula one's rules.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has been arguably the harshest critic of the sport's 'new' era, but FIA president Todt insists F1 was right to bring in the greener, quieter V6 engines.

"It was the right way to go," Frenchman Todt told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport, "but so far we were not able to communicate it well.

"But the future of formula one is in this direction," he added.

"In formula one there is now this search for the highest efficiency with the least amount of fuel in the tank but going as fast as possible," said Todt.

Start of a 2014 Formula 1 Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

He denied claims the 'new' F1 is fundamentally flawed.

"Just look at what Dietrich Mateschitz has done, awakening the enthusiasm of the people in Austria," said Todt.

At the same time, however, he declared he is "open to proposals for the improvement" of the sport as it steps into the future.

"I'm going to the sponsors, media, new media, organisers, drivers of today and yesterday and the designers to bring to the table all the most interesting ideas," said Todt.

UPDATE
The first to accept Todt's invitation was Niki Lauda, a three-time World, Champion and Mercedes' team chairman.

"We should draw up a list of all the rules that have been introduced or rewritten in the last ten years," the great Austrian told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

The German magazine says it counts 77 major technical and sporting rule changes since 2005, including to qualifying, points, tyres, spare cars, long-life engines, traction control, testing, KERS, DRS, bodywork, team orders, exhausts, diffusers, and many more.

Lauda said: "We should do a rule-by-rule check of what every change brought to us -- what made sense, what did not."

The segment leader that is the BMW 3 Series will have another strong competitor to ward off: Tesla CEO Elon Musk told Auto Express that the company's much-anticipated compact sedan will be called “Model 3” and hit the market in 2017.

The announcement was made official via Tesla's Twitter account.

This smaller version of the increasingly popular, all-electric Model S will reportedly start at US$35,000 and offer a range of about 200 miles (322 kilometres) with a single charge. In terms of size, it will be pretty similar to the 3 Series.

“A versatile, usable all-electric car at $35,000 would be a hit in the marketplace, but an important key to versatility and usability is range. If Tesla Motors can figure out the range issue and the associated charging time/charging station issue, they will strike gold,” said Jack Nerad, an analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Elon Musk mentioned that he initially planned to use the name “Model E,” but took a different route after Ford called dibs.

We don't know exactly when the new Tesla Model 3 will make its public debut, but the Los Angeles Times once suggested that the 2015 Detroit Auto Show could be a possibility.

Stay tuned...

Source : autonews.com

Photo: Tesla

The original Genesis Sedan proved that Hyundai could replicate a world-class luxury motoring experience to rival the world's best, without making shoppers go all Walking Dead style and severing an appendage or two when it came time to pay the bill. All the world-class luxury sedan must-haves were fitted, and it drove and felt just about as comfortable as any of the most coveted posh-rockets on the road.

Newly launched in its second generation, the 2015 Genesis Sedan represents an all-new model that advances on the original in a range of areas and proves, again, that Hyundai is on a bit of a product rampage.


What is a 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 5.0?
The 2015 Genesis Sedan is Hyundai's way of putting a world-class motoring experience within the reach of value-minded masses. Targeting the most lusted-after luxury sedans in terms of comfort, quality, and performance the Genesis generates an authentic luxury sports sedan experience at a price point thousands shy of comparable models from Japan and especially Europe.

2015 Hyundai Genesis Prices and Specs
For 2015, the Genesis starts at $43,000, though the tested 5.0 model -- which only comes fully loaded in Ultimate trim -- carried a sticker of $62,000. Equipped thusly, drivers get a 5.0L, 420-horsepower “TAU” series V8 that targets top-notch output-per-litre, as well as standard H-TRAC AWD technology that's now standard across the model range.

Driving the 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
On any drive the underlying sensation is one of comfort and relaxation. The Genesis sedan rides like a truly premium piece, maintaining composure over the rough stuff and letting only a little pitter patter from the tires into the cabin as they pass cracks in the road. It feels heavy, smooth, creamy, and quiet where the ride is concerned, which makes it a great place to relax, reflect, and feel like a big-dollar shot-caller.

Drive gently, and you'd be hard-pressed to hear or feel anything, including shifts from the 8-speed paddle-shift automatic. That's backed up by the steering which is light and laid-back, a bit heavier in sport mode, but still luxury first.

The TAU V8 is very smooth, and works at the direction of a soft and gentle throttle calibration that ensures power never comes on too abruptly. Still, opened up for passing or out of a red light, it piles on the juice urgently as the revs climb, plowing torsos into seatbacks with nearly electric-car smoothness in the process as a tastefully restrained growl seeps into the cabin. It's fast and potent enough to make some drivers second-guess whether there's a rocket thruster sticking out the back.

If you push it a little, or a lot, the Genesis delivers heaps of grip with minimal drama. Or drive gently, and a sense of pure effortlessness to the acceleration, imperceptible gear changes, and world-class levels of quiet add to the relaxation. A surprisingly tight-for-its-size turning circle makes the Genesis easy to maneuver in small quarters, too.

Though the Genesis holds its own in fast cornering and was tuned on the track to handle, I did leave it wishing for a bit more feel, feedback, and urgency from the steering, handling and throttle, as well as faster responses from the paddle-shifters. Think of this as luxury sedan with a great big engine, rather than a great big performance car that's luxurious.

Inside and Out of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0
The first Genesis was a little statelier and laid-back where cabin styling was concerned, as the new one exudes pure high-tech modern luxury. The shapes are less soft and boring, and more angular and bold. It's fresh and new and dotted with interfaces and displays that proudly show off a little high-tech flare, too. Don't miss the analog clock, either; it's classy as all heck.

Plus, as a luxury sedan should be, it's all lined in plush leather, thick carpeting, and a suede ceiling -- not to mention a tasteful touch of matte-finish wood trim and a little accent stitching. There is generous room for four adults on board, too -- and room aplenty in the giant trunk for all of their things.

Feature content includes gadget-lover items like a Head Up Display (HUD), a magnificent Lexicon stereo system, push-button start, rear-window sunshades, climate-controlled seats, radar-guided cruise control, and an array of camera and radar-based hazard-detection systems.

Comparing the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0
Would you pay $62k for a Hyundai like this? Hyundai thinks you would, especially when you consider that a European luxury car with this level of equipment and performance is going to easily push into six-figure pricing territory.

In contrast to the Genesis' luxury-first character is the Chrysler 300C SRT8, which packs 470 horsepower, track-tuned chassis implements, and more aggressive, distinctive styling along with similar equipment levels for several thousand less -- although it lacks AWD.

Ultimately, where discreet performance and world-class luxury are priorities at a relatively reasonable price, the Genesis Sedan 5.0 should be considered a priority test-drive.

From GMM (story updated, see below)

FIFA, the governing body of world football, "wants to ban" Nico Rosberg's special helmet livery for the German grand prix.

Earlier this week, delighted with the national team's world cup victory in Brazil, Mercedes driver Rosberg announced he will wear a "special edition helmet" this weekend in Hockenheim.

The 29-year-old German revealed on social media that the livery includes an image of "the FIFA trophy".

Photo: Facebook/Nico Rosberg

But according to the major German daily Bild-Zeitung, FIFA "wants to ban" Rosberg from wearing it.

Indeed, in its public guidelines, FIFA warns that it vigorously protects the 'official marks' of the world cup, including the image of the famous golden trophy.

"Any unauthorised use of the official marks not only undermines the integrity of the FIFA world cup and its marketing programme," said FIFA, "but also puts the interests of the worldwide football community at stake."

UPDATE
Nico Rosberg has modified his proposed world cup-themed helmet ahead of the German grand prix.

Rosberg's public relations manager Georg Nolte confirmed: "There will be an update on Nico's Germany helmet design today.

"(It) will be without (the) world cup trophy, but (now) with four stars on it."

The four stars correspond to each of Germany's world cup wins, in 1954, 1974, 1990 and now 2014.

Helmet adjusted for the German Grand Prix. (Photo: Facebook/Nico Rosberg)

Pros: The 2015 Acura MDX is a well-crafted midsize luxury crossover with a host of high-performance features, dynamic handling mixed with a smooth, comfortable ride, as well as a quiet cabin. It also drives with confidence thanks to an acclaimed AWD technology as standard equipment.

Cons: According to our very own Matt St-Pierre, the exterior design lacks pizzazz, brake pedal feel could be better, and manipulating the third-row seats remains a chore. Others don't like the confusing dual-screen layout and unintuitive navigation/audio controls.

Photo: Acura

2015 Acura MDX Price: The lineup consists of four trim levels including the base MDX at $49,990, MDX Navi at $54,990, MDX Tech at $58,990, and MDX Elite at $63,990. Standard features include 18” wheels, LED headlights, a power moonroof and tailgate, keyless access, a 432-watt audio system, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control.

More upscale models add 19” wheels, navigation, a premium sound system, advanced safety features, and more.

2015 Acura MDX Fuel Economy: Based on Natural Resources Canada's new 5-cycle testing procedure to determine fuel consumption ratings, expect to burn 12.7L/100km in the city and 8.5L/100km on the highway with your MDX.

Improvements and Changes: No significant changes. The MDX was redesigned just a year ago.

2015 Acura MDX Powertrain: The MDX features a 3.5L V6 with i-VTEC and direct injection, two of the components of Earth Dreams technology that help it produce 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque while enhancing fuel economy significantly. It's handled by a 6-speed SportShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, as well as Acura's famous Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

Cargo Capacity: The 2015 Acura MDX offers 447 litres of cargo room behind the third row, 1,277 litres behind the second row, and 2,575 litres behind the front seats.

Safety: Beyond ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution, you'll find Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Trailer Stability Assist, and seven airbags. Additional advanced safety features include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, and a Blind Spot Information system.

Comparing the 2015 Acura MDX: The new MDX will likely continue to dominate a market segment that also includes the Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, and Infiniti QX60.

From GMM

Hockenheim is not looking at this weekend's German grand prix as its last.

That is the claim of circuit boss Georg Seiler, amid reports a deal between Bernie Ecclestone and the Nurburgring could end an alternating scheme that currently sees Hockenheim host a grand prix every second year.

Recently, the Nurburgring's new owners Capricorn issued a press statement indicating that it will be the exclusive host of the annual German grand prix beginning next year.

Seiler, however, told the German news agency DPA that Hockenheim is not giving up.

"The fact is that Capricorn issued this message, not Bernie Ecclestone," he said.

"To do that four weeks before the German grand prix was, I think, a shame. As a rule, you maintain silence during negotiations, until a contract is signed."

It has been reported that Seiler will meet with F1 chief executive Ecclestone this weekend.

"We talk with him regularly," he confirmed. "But that is precisely the point -- you do not give details of these confidential conversations."

Start of the 2012 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. (Photo: WRi2)

Nevertheless, it appears Ecclestone and the Nurburgring are in the process of making their plans for a future without Hockenheim.

"Of course, one must pay respect to someone like him (Ecclestone)," Seiler insisted. "We have known him for more than 35 years and have a very good relationship.

"Logically, a relationship of trust has been established and we appreciate his professional approach."

Asked if he is worried about Hockenheim's future, Seiler insisted: "I'm not worried, as we have a contract until 2018.

Toyota says the appeal of autonomous cars carries the risk of adding to urban sprawl and pollution as they may encourage commuters to travel farther to work.

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn dialed back expectations that autonomous cars will be on the road by 2020.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, whose company made waves last year by pledging to develop autonomous cars by 2020, today dialed back those expectations.

SsangYong's locally assembled 'Nomad', an SUV based on the Actyon, has gone on sale in Kazakhstan.

One of GM's China joint ventures, SAIC-GM-Wuling, has broken ground for the construction of a new R&D centre and proving ground in Liuzhou, Guangxi.