Auto News 5

Ford today announced Canadian pricing for its all-new 2015 F-150, which will arrive at dealerships across the country in late 2014. The lineup includes five models -- XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum -- with prices ranging from $21,399 to $66,999.

Lets not forget that the F-150 has a body made ​​entirely of aluminum, which reduces its weight by 700 pounds over the outgoing model.

XL Reg. Cab 122 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$21,399
XL Reg. Cab 141 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$21,799
XLT Reg. Cab 122 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$32,399
XLT Reg. Cab 141 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$32,699
XL Reg. Cab 122 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$32,699
XL Reg. Cab 141 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$32,999
XLT Reg. Cab 122 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$36,899
XLT Reg. Cab 141 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$37,199
XL Super Cab 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$33,899
XL Super Cab 163 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$36,999
XLT Super Cab 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$36,399
XLT Super Cab 163 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$38,899
Lariat Super Cab 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$48,099
Lariat Super Cab 163 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$48,099
XL Super Cab 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$38,399
XL Super Cab 163 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$41,999
XLT Super Cab 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$40,399
XLT Super Cab 163 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$43,499
Lariat Super Cab 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$52,299
Lariat Super Cab 163 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$52,799
XLT Super Crew 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$38,199
XLT Super Crew 157 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$39,499
Lariat Super Crew 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$49,399
Lariat Super Crew 157 Inch Wheelbase 4×2	$49,399
XL Super Crew 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$43,099
XL Super Crew 157 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$43,099
XLT Super Crew 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$41,549
XLT Super Crew 157 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$43,349
Lariat Super Crew 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$53,799
Lariat Super Crew 157 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$54,299
King Ranch Super Crew 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$64,999
King Ranch Super Crew 157 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$64,999
Platinum Super Crew 145 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$66,999
Platinum Super Crew 157 Inch Wheelbase 4×4	$66,999

Source : www.autos.ca

A new study of American drivers reveals that nearly 70% have driven while drowsy, while millions have engaged in other risky behaviour that put the lives of road users in danger.

According to CarInsurance.com, U.S. drivers routinely use vehicles that should either be parked or repaired. More than 60% have overlooked a “Check Engine” light, while 30% have headed out on a winter morning when they couldn't see through snowy or icy windshields.

What's more, 10% of drivers have driven cars whose doors had to be held closed because of faulty locks.

Drowsy driving is causing one in eight highway deaths, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Experts caution that the problem could be under-reported because motorists may not realize when they've experienced a second or two of so-called “micro-sleep.”

Fatigue is not the only cause of “impaired” driving, mind you. The CarInsurance.com study indicates that 53% of drivers hit the road despite having a headache, while 35% did so when they were sick enough to be in bed. A full 23% admitted driving because they were less drunk than a friend, while 16% got behind the wheel without the contact lenses or glasses they normally should wear.

While the study was conducted in the U.S., it's safe to assume Canadian drivers are no different.

Source : thedetroitbureau.com

Nissan and Mitsubishi have partnered to build and sell a small, affordable electric vehicle by 2016-2017, according to the Japanese newspaper Nikkei. It would be priced at around 1.78 million yens, or $16,000.

Both Nissan (LEAF) and Mitsubishi (i-MiEV) already have one electric car in their portfolios. They've also formed an alliance to develop the Dayz and Dayz Roox microcars in Japan, among other projects.

Nissan told AFP that further details will be announced at a later date, but insisted that the company is moving as fast as it can to bring this new electric vehicle to market.

Source : auto.lapresse.ca

From GMM

Mercedes has vowed to stick with Michael Schumacher as the F1 legend continues his recovery from a skiing fall last December.

In June, as Schumacher remained in intensive care, one of the great German's personal sponsors - the bottled water brand Rosbacher - said it would end its advertising deal with the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver.

Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche, however, said Mercedes-Benz is not looking to terminate its contract with brand ambassador Schumacher despite the seven time world champion's continuing recovery in a Swiss rehabilitation hospital.

"We are pleased with the positive development," Zetsche, referring to the reported improvement in Schumacher's condition, told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

"We hope fervently that it continues," he added.

When asked about Mercedes' commitment to Schumacher despite his injuries, Zetsche answered: "We have given no thoughts to changing something in the contract."

He said he had not visited Schumacher in hospital or rehabilitation since the skiing accident due to his "highest respect" for the family's privacy.

Michael Schumacher. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

From GMM

Mere days after officially leaving Ferrari, Luca Marmorini looks set to take another high-profile job in formula one.

The 53-year-old's departure was interpreted as the latest rolling head at Ferrari amid the fabled Italian team's poor start to the new turbo V6 era.

Marmorini, formerly Ferrari's engine and electronics chief, could now take some of his closest colleagues at Maranello with him to another struggling F1 engine supplier, Renault Sport F1.

That is the claim of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, reporting that Marmorini's arrival is part of a restructuring at Renault after also erring with its first turbo V6 prominently supplied to reigning world champions Red Bull.

The newspaper said the news could be announced officially within days.

Luca Marmorini, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

And although the period of summer 'shutdown' is now beginning, there are also prominent developments elsewhere in formula one.

Italy's Autosprint reports that the well-known Toro Rosso engineer Laurent Mekies is on the move.

Reportedly arriving at the Faenza based team, meanwhile, is Jody Eggington, Caterham's technical boss who was among 40 staff controversially axed by new advisor Colin Kolles.

From GMM

Niki Lauda says F1 should "welcome" the news that Bernie Ecclestone looks to have settled the high-profile corruption case that threatened his role at the top of the sport.

Suddeutsche Zeitung has reported that the 83-year-old Briton has agreed with prosecutors and the Munich court that a $100 million compensation payment will see serious criminal charges - which could have left him in jail - dropped.

"On behalf of formula one, Mercedes and all the other teams, I would only welcome it if Bernie can concentrate on formula one and together with the teams solve the existing problems," the newspaper quoted Lauda as saying.

"If Bernie stops, it would have been a disaster for formula one," the triple world champion and Mercedes team chairman added.

"He has built everything up over three decades and is the only one who knows everything -- the business, the details of the teams. Everything is in his head," said Niki Lauda.

A guilty verdict would have seen Ecclestone, F1's chief executive and long-time 'supremo', almost certainly ousted from his position by CVC chief Donald Mackenzie.

"If all the allegations are gone from the table, then Bernie has done everything right," Niki Lauda insisted.

"Then all the speculation ends. Continuity is very important at the top of formula one for the future," he added.

From GMM

Timo Glock has admitted he has all but given up on the thought of returning to formula one.

After Toyota withdrew from F1, the talented German raced for Virgin/Marussia for three years until he accepted a plum works BMW seat in the premier touring car series DTM last year.

And Glock, now 32, told the German news agency DPA that he is not thinking about mounting a bid to return to F1.

"It is pretty clear that in the current situation there are just three or four teams who can choose and pay for their drivers," he said.

"The rest look for how much money the driver can bring. In my eyes, that's not the purpose of the sport. That's why at the moment I don't see a future and don't waste thoughts thinking about it," Timo Glock added.

He said he is happy with BMW in the DTM.

"At the moment I'm having a lot of fun so I would be happy if I could continue for a few more years," said Timo Glock.

Timo Glock, BMW. (Photo: DTM)

From WTCC

The WTCC Race of Argentina was a sweet dream for both the numerous Argentine fans that flocked to Termas de Rio Hondo and local hero Jose Maria Lopez.

In front of a huge crowd - 50,000 over the two days according to the official figures released by the circuit - the Citroen driver took a double victory, becoming the first driver this year to win both races in the same weekend, and bringing his personal number of successes this season to seven.

The emotional side of Lopez's triumph added something special to a weekend that won't be forgotten by anyone present at Termas in a very hot Sunday.

Lopez's perfect weekend started with the pole position and a lights-to-flag win in Race 1, while Race 2 saw him battling to emerge from the middle of the group and taking the lead seven laps from the end.

With Yvan Muller finishing third twice, Lopez has now extended his lead in the standings to 60 points.

The Argentine round had other and unexpected heroes: the LADA Sport Lukoil team that ended the weekend with its first WTCC podium ever, three other point finishes and having led a WTCC race for the first time since their involvement in the championship.

Rob Huff started from the reverse pole in Race 2, led for eight laps and finished a brilliant second, being beaten only by Lopez. The Russian team duly celebrated the achievement of the much-improved Granta cars.

Now the championship faces a two-month break before resuming at Beijing's Goldenport Park, China, on October 5, for rounds 17 and 18.

From GMM

A leading contender to become a test driver for Honda's F1 return has emerged.

The publication Racer said Honda-powered IndyCar frontrunner Simon Pagenaut is in talks to make his F1 test debut with Japanese power next winter ahead of Honda's works McLaren foray for 2015.

"I've been in touch with some people, some promising things are happening, so we'll see," the Frenchman said.

Asked if Honda will support his push to test a formula one car, Pagenaut laughed as he answered: "I hope they would ... why wouldn't they?"

Simon Pagenaud is reportedly in the last year of his current contract with the IndyCar team Schmidt Peterson.

Simon Pagenaud, IndyCar driver. (Photo: Simon-Pagenaud.com)

Adapted from GMM

Max Verstappen, the 16-year-old son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, in the midst of a meteoric switch from karting to junior single seaters, recently visited the paddock on the invitation of several Formula 1 teams.

Father and son sat down with the boss of Red Bull's prolific driver development programme, Dr Helmut Marko, but reportedly ultimately decided to sign with Mercedes.

As the Red Bull Ring hosted the latest F3 round, the Verstappens apparently had a "long meeting" with Marko.

Marko has reportedly promised Max, who will be a mere 17 at the time of the 2015 season opener, his F1 race debut in a Toro Rosso next year.

Verstappen would most likely take the seat currently occupied by Jean-Eric Vergne, who has been at Toro Rosso for three years but is being overshadowed in 2014 by the 20-year-old rookie Daniil Kvyat.

However, it was believed Vergne's seat would be filled for 2015 by another Red Bull-backed hotshoe, Carlos Sainz jr.

As the 'silly season' shapes up, however, there are other possibilities.  Perhaps Verstappen and Sainz will be paired at Toro Rosso, while Russian Kvyat moves to Red Bull Racing.

"Daniil has been sensational so far," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is quoted by the Spanish sports daily AS.

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

With McLaren pushing hard to sign a top driver like Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull could pair its on-form surprise of the 2014 season, Daniel Ricciardo, with Kvyat.

Horner, however, played down the possibility of a driver change for 2015.

"We have 100 per cent the best driver pairing in formula one," he told Sport Bild.

"Seb is comfortable with us, trusts us.  He has won 38 races with us and you don't forget that easily.

"And I don't think Seb actually wants to go somewhere else," Horner insisted.

From GMM

Toto Wolff began his summer break in hospital, the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reports.

During a pre-Hungary team building exercise, Mercedes' team boss broke his arm in several places in a high speed road cycling pileup.

Wolff, 42, had surgery to repair the damage but nonetheless made it to the paddock for the Hungarian grand prix.

But just days after the race at the Hungaroring, Wolff was due to travel to London for a meeting with fellow team chiefs.

The meeting was reportedly cancelled because the Austrian fell ill.

In fact, he was in hospital.

"After the race in Budapest I suddenly had a fever and had to return to the clinic," Wolff confirmed.

The newspaper said the doctors ordered that his mobile phone be switched off for at least 48 hours.

"I just had to rest as the injuries were easily inflamed," Wolff explained.

But his period of rest did not prevent him from lashing out at the cloud of 'negativity' that is sweeping F1, particularly after the crowd numbers at Hockenheim recently were so low.

"Just because Hockenheim had lower numbers doesn't mean the sport is bad," he exclaimed.

"I can't stand this permanent bad-talk about formula one. It is simply wrong. We haven't had so much overtaking in the last 20 years. We have Alonso keeping Ferrari in there with his amazing performances. We have the exciting question of whether Ferrari throw Kimi Raikkonen out. We have Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel desperately fighting back after four world championships. And we have our two drivers fighting freely for the title," said Toto Wolff.

Nonetheless, the cancelled crisis meeting has been rescheduled.

"We do not need a revolution, but an evolution," Toto Wolff insisted.

Despite my (some would say) advanced age I still get excited about cars. Like, really excited. Like, so excited that when I left Mazda Canada's regional office with my MX-5 presser, I may have done so slightly slideways, with my right foot as close to the bell housing as possible, lifting only to upshift a few rpm before the redline, slamming the shifter into 2nd, then repeating for 3rd...

An hour prior, I was romping the earth in no less than a Porsche 911 Turbo.

I've referred to the Mazda MX-5 as a fountain of youth in the past, and I still believe this to be the case. The 2014 Mazda MX-5 is not fast, doesn't handle like said 911 nor will it break any existing track record. What it will do is beckon you to drive on, lower the roof even when grey outside (cold and drizzly, in my case) and reveal to its driver the meaning of "life is beautiful."


What is a Mazda MX-5?
A roadster. A car with two seats. An instrument of pleasure. OK, I may have gone a little too far with the last comment, but the fact is that the MX-5 will make you happy and has been plastering smiles on driver's faces for 25 years.

The first MX-5 Miata hit showrooms in 1989 as a 1990 MY car and has since been revamped just three times. The current generation is on its last legs as Mazda has already begun the process of introducing the next MX-5 for 2015.



2014 Mazda MX-5 Price and Specs
The most basic MX-5 sports a sticker price of $29,450. At the other end of the pricing spectrum we find the GT, which retails for $40,250. This is where my tester of the week sits.

The GT -- as with all MX-5s -- features the same MZR 2.0L 4-cylinder which develops 167 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm. There is a 6-speed autobox available as an option, but not only is it a bad idea but it robs the 2.0L of 9 hp.

The MX-5 is a proper car with hydraulic steering, RWD, a sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers (GS and GT), and a limited-slip differential (GS and GT). Everything one wants; nothing more, nothing less.

Driving the 2014 Mazda MX-5
Street-light races will not end in glory, lapping days or time trials shan't reward you with a spot on the podium, but the bottom line is that pleasure, fun, and an enormously all-encompassing feeling of accomplished driving will fill your soul.

The Mazda MX-5 strikes the ideal balance between power and weight, and all of it is held within the right proportions. The grins come from the amalgam of all the car's driving characteristics. The 0-100 km/h sprint requires a little less than 8 seconds, but it's not the time that counts, it's the how.

A few engine revs, side stepping the clutch and up goes the car's nose as the weight travels rearward. Quickly, the right hand flies over to the stubby meaty shifter for a rapid flick into 2nd. As the clutch is depressed, masses flow forward, left pedal is dropped, and the go-pedal returns to the floor and once more, weight returns to the rear. The engine's growl is mechanical and reminiscent of what left British assembly lines 50-plus years ago.

The mill comes alive sometime over 4,000 rpm and pulls nicely to 7k. As it does, the rush forward is pleasant and controlled. When surrounding traffic hampers forward momentum, the binders clamp hard on the discs with firm and responsive pedal feel. Should time be too illusive for slowing down, the MX-5 will rapidly change lanes thanks to its sharp and direct steering.

As a daily driver, only the number of passengers it can carry limits the MX-5. The suspension, even with the sporty Bilstein dampers, is the opposite of harsh or stiff. I would further qualify the MX-5's ride as comfortable, soaking up some of the harshest potholes with nothing more than the occasional jitter.

The Mazda MX-5's chassis is stiff but malleable enough for some hoonage. Much like the Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ, the tire's grip is lesser than what the car's suspension setup and components can handle. Thus, leaning heavily on the throttle results in some manageable opposite lock action. I may have tried it out a few times...

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mazda MX-5
A beauty contest will not be won if this is the intent behind owning an MX-5. The car's shape is still classic and I can only surmise that the next ND MX-5 will be a proper evolution of its existing style.

I'm not crazy about portions of the front-end, but the whole of the car is charming. The power-retractable top requires about 10 seconds to do its thing, and it does it well. Myself, I would prefer the soft top, however, it is only available with the base GX that settles for a 5-speed manual and is not equipped with the Bilstein suspension.

The cabin's design dates the car. Although functional and with easy ergonomics, it lags far behind in presentation and technological appeal. Personally, I don't give a damn.

The seats provide sufficient comfort and plenty support to hold occupants in place while the steering wheel rotates in the opposite direction the car is headed. The pedals, shifter, and steering all fall perfectly in hand, ideal for spirited driving.

Comparing the 2014 Mazda MX-5
In a nutshell, the Mazda MX-5 currently has no competitors. Should the FR-S (or BRZ?) ever be offered as droptops, then the MX-5 may have something to worry about.

With fixed roofs, Bob Hall's baby tangos with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Volkswagen GTI, the two aforementioned twins, and a few more. We pitted all of these a few years ago: See for yourself how the MX-5 ranked.

Daimler has seen booming growth in the Russian auto market weaken due to the Ukraine crisis, CEO Dieter Zetsche told a German newspaper.

Daimler has seen booming growth in the Russian auto market weaken due to the Ukraine crisis, CEO Dieter Zetsche told a German newspaper.

GM has asked one of its Tier 1 suppliers in China to find an alternative source of components after an explosion ripped through a factory on Saturday, killing at least 75 people and injuring 185.

GM has asked its main Chinese supplier to find an alternative source of components after an explosion ripped through a factory in Kunshan, China, killing 71 people.

Valeo has developed an electric turbocharger that it says eliminates turbo lag. The new turbocharger is powered by an electric motor instead of exhaust gases.

French supplier Valeo has developed an electric turbocharger that it says eliminates "turbo lag." The new turbocharger is powered by an electric motor instead of exhaust gases.

For the first time in decades, more people are buying SUVs than sedans. Americans are feeling a little jauntier as the economy improves and are willing to indulge in a lifestyle upgrade.

From press release

There have been many initiatives over the years to raise financial support for Racing For Cancer, and the latest involves renting Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe's face.

Hinchcliffe shaved a good part of his beard, leaving a Jason Lee-like "My Name is Earl" mustache for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio race weekend, to step in for Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Team 'Stache, a group of Hunter-Reay fans, donated $1,028 with the request that Hunter-Reay join their facial follicle group. Alas, Hunter-Reay isn't up to the challenge.

"It would take a whole season if I were to grow a moustache," the reigning Indianapolis 500 Mile Race champion and 2012 Verizon IndyCar Series champion said.

James Hinchcliffe with teammate Marco Andretti (Photo: Joe Skibinski/IndyCar.com)

In stepped his Andretti Autosport teammate, who's had facial growth going for months.

"This morning he offered, he said, 'Ryan, if you raise another thousand dollars, I'll just go moustache,' '' Hunter-Reay said. "I was, 'Done.' ''

Added Hinchcliffe: "This is in support of Racing For Cancer and my homeboy Ryan Hunter-Reay, who is not as awesome at growing a mustache."

Asked if Hinchcliffe would match the donation, he replied "I donated my face, my ego and embarrassment."

Hunter-Reay founded the charity after his mother died of cancer in 2009, and he drives the No. 28 car to honour the 28 million people living with cancer around the world.