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Opinion 18 Sep, 2014

Mazda has perfected the MX-5 in such a way that not even Ferrari could do better, says Mike Rutherford

Magna Powertrain supplies the all-wheel-drive system for the new Mercedes-Benz GLA. The supplier eliminated seal rings and bearings in the system to reduce drag by about 14 percent and decrease weight by more than 2kg.

Deliveries by the Volvo Group's truck operations in August 2014 fell 8% year on year to 11,809 vehicles.

Mentor Graphics is a major supplier of software tools that help engineers design electronic systems and components. Headquartered in Oregon, US, Mentor generates annual revenues of some US$1bn. Its tools are involved in the design of almost every electronic gadget you can think of. To find out about its automotive business, Matthew Beecham spoke to Martin O'Brien, General Manager, Integrated Electrical Systems Division Mentor Graphics.

ZF, which agreed to buy TRW Automotive Holdings for $11.7 billion, sees a need for more acquisitions as even the largest auto suppliers seek size and technology.

Toyota will unveil the C-HR concept at the Paris auto show. The concept previews a potential new entry in Europe's booming crossover segment.

The executives chosen as 2014 Automotive News Europe Eurostars rose above the rest by pushing their companies to new heights. Toyota Europe CEO Didier Leroy is this year's winner for European Operations CEO.

From GMM

Lawrence Stroll may now have moved his attention from Sauber to Marussia.

In the paddock at Monza recently, it was strongly rumoured that the Canadian fashion industry billionaire and racing enthusiast was in detailed negotiations to buy financially embattled Sauber.

Rumours quickly followed, however, that the deal had collapsed at the final hurdle.

"Lawrence Stroll received a negative response from Peter Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn regarding his offer to take over the Swiss team," said a report by Italiaracing.

But Stroll may now be switching his attention from one embattled Ferrari customer to the next, the Italian report added.

He has close links to the Maranello marque, with his son Lance also a member of Ferrari's driver 'academy'.

Ferrari's other 'power unit' customer in F1 is Marussia; another team grappling with obvious financial problems, and already housing 'academy' driver Jules Bianchi.

Marussia MR03-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Mark Webber thinks "small, subtle details" are all that is holding back his former F1 colleagues Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen in 2014.

Both champions have struggled this year as F1 took the step into the radical turbo V6 era, with Webber's former teammate Vettel notably failing to match the impressive pace of his Red Bull successor Daniel Ricciardo.

Australian Webber, who stepped out of F1 at the end of last year and now races a prototype Porsche at Le Mans, joked that it is as though Vettel inherited his old car for the new era.

"Don't you think so?" he smiled to Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper. "It does seem as though all the difficulties happen in that one car."

Webber and Vettel shared a tetchy relationship at Red Bull, but he declines to jump on the bandwagon of those who say 2014 has simply revealed the German's true colours.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked why he thinks Vettel is struggling, Webber answered: "It's impossible to say for sure, but almost certainly it is small, subtle details between the car and the driver.

"It is clear that Seb and Kimi have not got the feeling they need, while Daniel seems to be very comfortable with these new cars.

"At this level, the way F1 is, that's all about how a driver gets those last 2-3 crucial tenths out of the car.

"I think Seb and Kimi have two problems: a lack of feeling for the car and then not getting the setup they need. It's not easy and then you start to dig the hole deeper and deeper for yourself," said the 38-year-old.

Mark Webber said he also thinks Raikkonen's vast experience in formula one has actually contributed to his struggle in 2014 with the radically different, turbo V6 'power units'.

"When you've been driving at F1 level for 10, 12 years, it means you've driven V10, V8 and now V6. An experienced driver can almost have too much information and too much sense of what the cars used to be. Sometimes less experience is better when the rules change, and that does seem to be the case especially this season," he added.

"In fact, I feel that I left just at the right time," Mark Webber smiled.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel on Thursday batted away the most recent 'silly season' speculation.

Earlier this week, Italy's Sky had triggered rumours the Ferrari and Red Bull drivers could be about to complete a sensational cockpit swap for 2015.

Spaniard Alonso said the fact the speculation originated in Italy, where fabled Italy is based, is "sad".

"Sometimes it's sad when it comes from Italy and they create for some strange purpose these rumours, which are not helping Ferrari," he said in Singapore.

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) won't swap their seats. (Photo: WRi2)

Earlier, Vettel had immediately denied the speculation, and he repeated the news on Thursday.

"As I've often tried to explain, I drive for Red Bull," said the reigning world champion.

"I have a contract, it has not changed," Vettel was quoted by the German news agency SID.

Not only that, the German says he has a "very special" bond with his energy drink-making employer as the partnership dates back "since I was twelve".

"Since I have worn the Red Bull helmet," Vettel added.

"I have a very, very strong connection to Red Bull and nothing has changed -- and it does not look as though anything will change."

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_{“Is there a bug?” CONTEST RULES}

Continue reading Auto123.com Contest: Is there a bug?

From GMM

A haze is hanging over Singapore's skies ahead of the highly popular night Formula 1 race.

The city-state's environmental agency said air pollution has reached "unhealthy" levels in the past days, due to rainforest fires in nearby Indonesia.

A spokesman for the Singapore grand prix organisers said: "We are working closely with the authorities concerned.

"But I can think of only two scenarios that would affect the racing: if visibility for the drivers was too bad, or if people's health is at risk," he is quoted by Speed Week.

The situation in Singapore has improved in the last 24 hours, with air pollution levels dropping and heavy rain having a further cleansing effect.

The Wall Street Journal reports that many automakers are now using super adhesives instead of welds, rivets, bolts and screws during vehicle assembly. This will make cars about 4.5kg lighter in the near future.

Similar to airplanes, phones and countless other items, the 2015 Ford F-150, Chevrolet Corvette and some BMW models rely on glue to hold a number of parts together, even with different materials such as aluminum with carbon fibre or steel, for example.

The Cadillac CTS and ATS sedans use approximately five times more adhesive than any other GM vehicle. Of course, such adhesive serves only in specific areas of the car, but it's a great solution for reducing noise and eliminating unsightly welds, as well.

Today's vehicles contain about 27 lbs of glue compared to just 18 lbs a decade ago, ChemQuest Group director Daniel Murad told the Wall Street Journal. Since they don't withstand high temperatures, these adhesives can't be used around the engine. However, engineers are working precisely on that to increase the proportion of glue in future vehicles.

Source : Wall Street Journal

Ford of Canada is recalling 3,568 Escape Hybrid vehicles from 2005-2008 because the motor electronics coolant pump may wear out and fail, resulting in a loss of coolant flow and high temperature condition within the motor electronics system.

This could result in a partial or full loss of propulsion, resulting in a sudden stall-like condition while driving.

Note: Power steering and power braking system function would be unaffected in the event of such an occurrence.

No remedy has been identified so far. Owners will be contacted shortly.

Source : Transport Canada

From press release

A crisp, cool morning met the competitors on Wednesday morning as they started the 3rd Leg of Targa Newfoundland.

The Eastlink South Bonavista leg provided some stunning scenery along the Bonavista Peninsula shoreline as the rally took in the bottom part of the peninsula with ten stages. Yet, additional mechanical issues plagued several competitors, while others truly enjoyed the late summer weather and positive results.

Most of the teams that had mechanical issues from Tuesday were back on the start line. The Peter Andrews/Michel Jullian entry with their 1999 Honda Civic did complete repairs overnight, but had another issue arise after the 1st stage, causing them to miss the remainder of the day. They will, however, be back on the start line come Thursday morning.

The New Brunswick entry of Randy Wheaton and Andy MacNeil will no longer be competing in the Targa division, since their engine troubles have officially taken them out of the event in that division.

Instead, they will now be entering in Fast Tour to simply enjoy the atmosphere, the people, and the experience of what Newfoundland has to offer, in another vehicle. They are extremely disappointed that they will not be competing for a Targa plate, but are trying to maintain a positive face under the circumstances.

A crisp, cool morning met the competitors Wednesday. (Photo: Targa Newfoundland)

Targa Newfoundland has been called the 'Ironman of Motorsports' and it can still be called that after additional issues created havoc for other competitors during today's stages. With better road conditions expected tomorrow, some mechanical issues may be resolved or become non-existent.

Results of the Grand Touring, Equipped division after Leg 3 still shows John Hume Sr. and Craig MacMullen at the top, but have increased their lead on the competition by 34 seconds.

The top 4 overall Grand Touring spots are held by either an entry from the Hume Media Inc. team or the Racing with the Reverend team. Both teams are highly competitive and scream professionalism. It looks like one of these four entries will come out on top after Friday's stages.

In Grand Touring, Unequipped, Reverend Canon David Burrows and Jason Fancey are still leading their teammates Geoff and Lester Pike.

Jack Rogers and CJ Strupp in their 1965 Mustang are still leading the Classic division in Targa. They've increased their lead to over 5 minutes over the 'Targa Truck' of Mark Bovey and Miles Markovic. It'll be interesting to see if the only truck in the event can make up the time and keep things interesting within Classic over the last two days.

Three teams are still tired at the top of Modern division, as John Hume Jr./Justin Crant, Matthew/Brian Oldford, and Stan Hartling/Andy Proudfoot battle it out stage over stage to see who'll make the first mistake and let the others move ahead in the standings. Doug Mepham/John Solecki seem to be the only remaining team close enough to make a strike at the top three should either stumble.

The Open division finally has some ground being put between the top runners and the rest of the pack. The five teams that were once tied are now down to three teams, while the fourth is only one-second back. Mike Davenport/Brad Benson, Richard Atkinson/Kevin Corbett, and Barry Stewart/Darren Smith are now the three to beat in Open.

The new stages on Leg 4 of the Hume Media North Bonavista on Thursday will certainly allow for movement within the division and possibly at the top.

From GMM

The FIA could back down over its newly-imposed radio communications ban.

It was the hot topic of controversial conversation in Singapore on Thursday, as the teams and drivers prepare for the rest of 2014 with tight restrictions on what they can and cannot say over the pit-to-car radio.

Then the team managers headed for their usual pre-race briefing with Charlie Whiting.

"It might be a long one," said Lotus' Alan Permane, according to Auto Motor und Sport.

Some chiefs had prepared to go into the meeting with the message that, irrespective of the merits of the ban, the haste in which it is being imposed is unreasonable.

Williams' Pat Symonds said: "In every sport, some coaching is allowed. In football, the coach is constantly giving his players instructions and nobody gets upset about it.

"We might have to at least wait until 2015," he added, "to give everyone sufficient time to prepare."

Ferrari's pitwall. (Photo: WRi2)

Others had a safety argument.

"The drivers will suddenly be playing with much more information on their screens, which could distract them, overwhelm them and they end up in the wall," said Sauber's Beat Zehnder.

And the struggling Swiss team's manager added: "We had also warned the drivers to look after the differential -- they forget that they can ruin the transmission."

Zehnder also said the ban disadvantages F1's minnows, because the rich teams can afford to respond quickly, for example at the controls of their sophisticated simulators.

And some teams do not even use the new McLaren-supplied LCD steering wheel display in 2014, which would mean the mid-season ban unfairly punishes some drivers who will have less information at their disposal.

In the end, the team managers' meeting with the FIA was the longest of the season -- three hours and 40 minutes.

"There were more questions than answers," an unnamed F1 chief said.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that Whiting promised to think over the teams' concerns, amid speculation the FIA might agree at least to wind back the severity of the clampdown.

A decision is expected early on Friday, before the first practice session in Singapore.

Ever wondered what happens back at the factory when the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team returns after a race weekend?

Wonder no more as Red Bull take you behind the scenes in Milton Keynes to follow team director Christian Horner as he gets to grips with the Monday after Italian Grand Prix.

What's discussed within the team? What's planned for Singapore? What are the team's next steps?

And most important of all, what exactly appears on Daniel Ricciardo's expense claims sheet?

Watch our latest film to find out the answers to all those questions and more...

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Cons: Pricing is fairly high, especially when you go up the ladder and start adding extras. Given the Highlander Hybrid's weight and girth, handling in tight corners is limited. Also, the rear passenger quarters (third row) are not the most accessible or spacious.

Photo: Toyota

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Price: There are three trim levels to choose from including the base LE at $45,930, the mid-level XLE at $48,355, and the top-of-the-line Limited at $54,905.

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Fuel Economy : Expect your Highlander Hybrid to achieve 8.6L/100km in the city and 8.5L/100km on the highway.

Improvements and Changes: There are no significant updates for 2015 since the Toyota Highlander Hybrid was completely redesigned in 2014.

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Powertrain: Under the hood of the Highlander Hybrid is a 3.5L DOHC V6 engine mated to an electric motor. Together, they produce 280 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike the regular Highlander, towing capacity amounts to 1,587 kilos (3,500 lbs).

Cargo Capacity: The trunk alone will swallow 390 litres of cargo. Folding the third-row seats will expand the area to 1,198 litres. If that's not enough, drop the second-row seats and enjoy up to 2,370 litres.

Safety: Standard features include stability and traction control, disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, eight airbags, and hill-start assist. In Limited trim, you also benefit from a lane departure warning system, pre-collision system, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.

Comparing the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: The only direct threat comes from the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid. Other alternatives include the efficiency-minded Ford Explorer EcoBoost, Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel (5 passengers), and Volkswagen Touareg TDI (5 passengers).

From GMM

Susie Wolff insists she is not disappointed she did not get promoted by Williams for the 2015 season.

Along with fellow F1 tester Simona de Silvestro, who works for Sauber, the 31-year-old Scot is the closest female driver to the F1 race grid.

Married to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, she travels the grand prix calendar with Williams, and this year made her official weekend debut with a couple of Friday morning appearances.

The Grove based team, however, has re-signed its race lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa for 2015.

Asked if she was hoping to secure one of those seats, Wolff told Germany's Sport1: "No, not at all. I am very ambitious, but also realistic. Felipe and Valtteri have done a great job this year and it was clear that they would stay."

Susie Wolff aboard the Williams FW36-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

Former DTM driver Wolff, however, admitted that it remains her "goal" to race in F1 one day.

But she said she is happy with her Williams role for now.

"There are so many good drivers who are fighting for a chance in formula one, so I need to defend the place I have," said Wolff.

"If I wanted to fight for a single race, I might have to go somewhere else, but I don't because I'm very proud to be a part of Williams. And I want to stay with this team. I have been in the paddock for a while now and I know where there are opportunities and where there are not. And I don't see a better opportunity for me. Williams has made a big step forward this year and our goal is to be back fighting for the world championship soon. If I can be a part of that success, I would be very happy," Wolff added.

Meanwhile, as her husband Toto Wolff grapples to manage Mercedes' intra-team title duel, Susie tipped the war to rage on right until the last metres in 2014.

And she declined to say whether she thinks Nico Rosberg or Lewis Hamilton is the favourite.

"It's very hard to say," said Susie Wolff. "Both are very different in their character and personality, but both have done a great job so far. I believe that it won't be decided until the last race."