Auto News 5

News 9 Sep, 2014

Mercedes’ new 100+mpg S500 Plug-In Hybrid to start from £87,965 when it arrives in showrooms from November

Renault has signed a deal with French conglomerate Bollore to build the EV it uses for its car-sharing program in France. Renault will start production of the Bluecar in Dieppe, France, during the second half of 2015.

Renault signed a partnership deal to build electric cars for French billionaire Vincent Bollore's car-share programs.

European sales of supercars are on the rebound as automakers begin to replace aging models and consumer confidence returns after the recent recession.

Land Rover is teaming up with commercial space flight company Virgin Galactic in a competition promoting its recently unveiled Discovery Sport.

From GMM

Formula 1's governing FIA has rubbished the latest conspiracy theory in the wake of the Italian grand prix.

After the Monza race, multiple authoritative media publications and F1 officials suspected Nico Rosberg - perhaps in atonement for the Spa crash - deliberately faked braking mistakes on Sunday to gift Lewis Hamilton the win.

And it wasn't just the sensational British press causing all the fuss.

Corriere dello Sport, a respected Italian sports daily, said the change of positions came as the result of "two strange errors" from Rosberg.

And a poll in Italy's famous La Gazzetta dello Sport showed that only 22 per cent believe Rosberg's "mistakes" were genuinely accidental.

That would explain the latest spate of booing on the Monza podium for the increasingly pressurised championship leader Rosberg.

"Did he really make the same braking mistake twice in the same place?" Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko is quoted by Bild.

And former driver and commentator Marc Surer said the video replays "left me with an odd feeling".

Nico Rosberg's breaking mistake at Monza which made Lewis Hamilton take the lead of the race. (Photo: WRi2)

But F1's most experienced active driver, Jenson Button, slammed the conspiracy theories about clandestine 'team orders' issued by an oddly-smiling Toto Wolff.

"It is a stupid theory," the McLaren driver said. "No driver would do that. No driver."

Mercedes was also pouring scorn on the theory on Monday, 'tweeting' a tongue-in-cheek picture of pigs flying over Brackley with the headline 'Breaking news!'

Even the FIA is on side.

The driver steward on duty at Monza was Derek Warwick, who told the Mirror newspaper the incident was "not even on our radar" during the Italian grand prix.

"Gut feeling tells you a lot and my gut says it was straightforward," he said, adding that "Mercedes are allowed to have team orders" anyway.

"I saw mistakes at that chicane twenty times over the weekend," Warwick insisted.

Charlie Whiting, the F1 race director, was even more scathing of the conspiracy theorists.

"Spare me," he told the Times newspaper.

"No, we didn't even give the conspiracy theory a moment's thought at the time. A few drivers had problems at that chicane in practice, including Nico, who had a few problems there as well as in the race. I really don't think there is anything in it," he added.

So an exasperated Niki Lauda, the Mercedes team chairman, insists it is time for the conspiracies to stop.

"Once and for all -- we do not have team orders. Period," said the F1 legend.

Before anyone jumps to some crazy conclusions here (mum, please don't call me), I am not the one with triplet woes, trust me. Now that's cleared up, let's get back to the triplet issue at hand: the Chevrolet Traverse.

One could read that sub-header in a few ways: Is a family expecting triplets and therefore in need of a three-row vehicle in which case the Traverse is the ideal candidate? Or is it that the Traverse is stuck in a trio that has it pushed to the bottom of the triplet barrel?

A bit of sibling rivalry is healthy and keeps things interesting, but it's an entirely different scenario when your siblings (at least one, anyway) are stealing your potential thunder and success. All. The. Time.

To check out our full review on the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse, head on over to Auto-Venus.com.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The management of Michael Schumacher issued this official statement on his condition, September 9, 2014.

“Henceforth, Michael's rehabilitation will take place at his home. Considering the severe injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months. There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the entire team at CHUV Lausanne for their thorough and competent work.

We ask that the privacy of Michael's family continue to be respected, and that speculations about his state of health are avoided.”

Michael Schumacher and Sabine Kehm. (Photo: WRi2)

PROs: As is the case for just about every Kia product, there's no faulting the 2015 Sportage's design. Plus, over the years, Sportage has upped the ante regarding the internal finish, so that means it's a real pleasure to drive. In terms of standard equipment, as is the way at Kia, the Sportage comes fully loaded. Last but not least, there are some great powertrain choices, backed up by an excellent guarantee.

CONs: There's also some nit-picking to do for the 2015 Kia Sportage. Rear and side windows are relatively narrow and restrict back-end vision. You'll still find some hard plastic in the cabin. Plus, the suspension is a little stiff and the steering could be more precise. For those who wish to go upscale, you might want to have second thoughts about the SX Luxury whose price will empty your wallet of more than $46,000, including taxes.

Photo: Kia

2015 Kia Sportage Price: For 2015, Kia markets their SUV crossover compact LX for $22,995 and $25,195 (manual or automatic versions, respectively). The EX automatic starts at $28,995, the SX automatic at $32,695, the EX Luxury automatic at $34,895 and the SX automatic Luxury at $38,495.

Fuel Economy: For the 2015, consumption rates (city/highway litres per 100 km) vary according to the model: LX,12.9/9.2 (manual or automatic); EX, 11.4/8.3; SX, 12.6/9.7; SX 12.6/9.7; EX Luxury, 12.0/9.1 and SX Luxury, 12.6/9.7 L/100 km.

Improvements and Changes: For 2015, no major changes to the Kia Sportage.

2015 Kia Sportage Powertrain: The 2015 Sportage offers a choice of two 4-cylinders engines: the LX gets a 2.4 L DOHC rated at 182 hp (offered with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission). The EX and EX Luxury versions take advantage of the same engine but with automatic transmission only. As for the SX and SX Luxury, they both feature a turbocharged 4-cylinder DOHC generating 260 hp and matched with an automatic 6-speed gearbox.

Cargo Capacity: Storage aboard the 2015 Kia Sportage varies between 740 and 1,547 litres, depending on whether the back seats are lowered or not.

Safety: The 2015 Kia Sportage safety benefits include: 4-wheel ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and hill assist system for starting on an incline or going downhill.

Comparing the 2015 Kia Sportage: In this compact crossover SUV segment, the Sportage is up against the Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Mitsubishi Outlander, Rogue and Toyota RAV4 Nissan.

The SAAQ today launched its fourth awareness campaign about the dangers of texting while driving. The theme is “Ne risquez pas votre vie pour un message banal. Au volant, on ne texte pas.” (Don't risk your life for a trivial message. Don't text and drive.), highlighting the pointlessness of texting behind the wheel.

In addition to a French-language, 30-second TV commercial set during a 19th-century war, the campaign includes English- and French-language radio ads that reference famous figures from history who have given their lives for a message.

Furthermore, drivers are invited to join the movement against texting while driving by displaying an SAAQ-designed rear window sticker. They can also activate the Focus Mode application that blocks text messages and incoming calls.

Source : saaq.gouv.qc.ca

Just two months after having joined forced with Caterham F1 Team, former Grand Prix driver and team principal Christijan Albers has left the team.

Albers was appointed team principal following a takeover that involved Colin Kolles and a consortium of Swiss and Middle Eastern investors.

“Over the past months I have dedicated all my energy to ensure the takeover of the team would go as smoothly as possible and to achieve the best possible result for our investors, sponsors and all the people involved with Caterham F1 Team,” wrote Albers in a press release.

“As such I worked tirelessly to reconstruct the team while, at the same time, making technical updates on the car. In doing this we created both a better foundation for the team's future and achieved significant improvements on the speed of the car.

“Due to private reasons and in order to be able to spend more time with my family, I will resign from my position as CEO of Caterham F1 Team. I wish the team all the best in the future.”

Caterham's deputy team principal Manfredi Ravetto has taken over from Albers.

After Albers' departure, former Williams F1 CEO, Adam Parr, sent the following tweet: “This is the last year of F1 as we know it. In 2015 eight teams will contest the championship, with several teams entering three cars.”

Looks like Parr is aware that three teams in (serious) financial difficulties will close their doors at the end of the season, which would allow the major teams to run three cars next year.

Adapted from GMM

It is tough times for the team's reigning quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is said to now be seriously considering a big-money offer to spearhead the new McLaren-Honda campaign.

In an interview with the German at Monza, F1's official website asked Vettel about the "impression" he gave at Spa-Francorchamps "that the team is no longer fully behind you".

Sebastian Vettel denied that, but the very same impression returned with force at Monza.

In a friendly interview with Spanish television immediately after the Italian grand prix, Vettel reportedly said: "It seems that Spanish television sometimes has more faith in me than my own team does."

Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull, at Monza. (Photo: WRi2)

Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko played down Vettel's remarks.

"That was just the first emotion that came out of him. He was naturally disappointed that his teammate beat him, although in qualifying he was better than Ricciardo. I think it was a very normal reaction," the Austrian insisted to German television Sky.

Daniel Ricciardo has requested number 1 status for the rest of his 2014 title campaign against the dominant but warring Mercedes pairing, which at the moment boss Christian Horner is unwilling to cede.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel will use yet another new Red Bull chassis in Singapore -- his fourth RB10 in 2014.

The reigning world champion has struggled from the very first laps of the radically new turbo V6 era, initially with the chassis he affectionately called 'Suzie'.

The team reportedly suspected the first chassis was deformed, so he got at the wheel of another monocoque for the Spanish grand prix in May.

And - still struggling to match on-form teammate Daniel Ricciardo's pace - Vettel used yet another RB10 at Monza last weekend, which the German driver initially said felt "a little better".

Dr Helmut Marko told Germany's Sport Bild: "The chassis in Monza was actually an older one that was used in testing at Silverstone. It (the change) was more for psychological reasons.

"Now he's going to get a brand new one."

Marko said that while Vettel looked initially competitive at Monza, even outqualifying Ricciardo, "with the harder tires he had inexplicable problems".

Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo at Monza. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

All signs continue to point towards a major change of direction at crisis-struck Ferrari.

Although long-time president Luca di Montezemolo played down the waves of speculation at Monza, his likely successor Sergio Marchionne issued a series of highly critical statements about the 67-year-old on Sunday.

Italy's specialist Autosprint then published a photo of Marchionne, being driven in a Maserati road car, leaving the area of Montezemolo's office within the factory grounds at Maranello on Monday.

Even the formerly combative Montezemolo now seems resigned to departing, as Marchionne - chairman of Ferrari's 90 per cent owner - looks to pull back the current separation between the fabled Italian marque and the Fiat-Chrysler empire.

"Ferrari is now American," Montezemolo reportedly told close associates, according to Corriere della Sera newspaper.

He added that it is "the end of an era".

Ferrari's entrance at Maranello. (Photo: René Fagnan)

From press release

Nearly every speedway in the province has concluded the regular season portion of their schedules and now it's time to roll out the red carpet for the battle that has become known as the Super Bowl of Stockcar Racing at Peterborough Speedway.

The 22nd Annual Autumn Colours Classic - presented by Lucas Oil Products - takes centre stage October 10, 11 and 12 at Peterborough Speedway.

In 2013, more than 300 different teams - in close to ten divisions - signed-in to tackle the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road west of the Liftlock City, hoping to add 'Autumn Colours Classic Champion' to their racing resume. Peterborough Speedway owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says a strong turnout for the fall finale is the culmination of a solid season.

"We had a great year all around and this will be the icing on the cake," said Josiasse. "People plan their annual vacation time to be here and Autumn Colours has long been the 'must attend event' for drivers, race teams and fans. The haulers start lining-up early to get the prime pit area parking spots and that's usually when things get rolling for the entire weekend. Put that many racecar drivers in one spot for an entire weekend and there'll be highlights on and off the track."

A pair of home track heroes used last year's Autumn Colours Classic wins to fuel their success in 2014. Ryan Babin took the Mini Stock title and on August 30, he was named the division's track point champion. James Townsend raced a car put together at the last minute to a 'Colours' victory and Saturday, September 6 he steered his Mini Stock to a second place finish during Flamboro Speedway's Memorial Race Weekend.

In the OSCAAR pit area, Andrew Gresel and Gary McLean wheeled their way to 2013 Autumn Colours Classic wins and while each driver leads their respective division's point standings, Thanksgiving Weekend success on Canada's Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval could translate to a season championship. Gresel is in the hunt for a second consecutive ACC win to pave the way to his first Super Late Model crown, with McLean searching for his third triumph that will allow him to remain the only OSCAAR Modified champion the young division has known.

After starting their personal win streaks in 2012, Dwayne Baker and Mike Bentley are looking for three victories in a row in the Late Model and Pro Late Model fields respectively, with Randy Rusnell hoping to become a back-to-back Autumn Colours Classic Thunder Car victor. Drivers from all divisions will have the chance to test their equipment during the open practice session Saturday, September 13 starting at 9am.

Make your plans now to catch the Super Bowl of Stock Racing at Peterborough Speedway's 22nd Annual Autumn Colours Classic - presented by Lucas Oil Products - October 10, 11 and 12. Pit gates open daily at 10am.

Certain 2017 model year vehicles from Cadillac will begin offering advanced “intelligent and connected” technologies, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said.

What's more, an all-new Cadillac vehicle will offer customers an automated driving technology called “Super Cruise,” which includes hands-off lane following, braking and speed control in certain highway driving conditions. The system is designed to increase the comfort of an attentive driver on freeways, both in bumper-to-bumper traffic and on long road trips.

Photo: Cadillac

Meanwhile, the 2017 Cadillac CTS will be enabled with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology, which could mitigate many traffic collisions and improve traffic congestion by sending and receiving basic safety information such as location, speed and direction of travel between vehicles that are approaching each other. It will supplement current active safety features such as forward collision warning.

“A tide of innovation has invigorated the global auto industry, and we are taking these giant leaps forward to remain a leader of new technology,” Barra said. “We are not doing this for the sake of the technology itself. We're doing it because it's what customers around the world want. Through technology and innovation, we will make driving safer.”

Source : Cadillac

Monterey, CA -- I was fortunate enough to be present when the giant screen lifted to reveal the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 only a few short days ago.

Although there is much to say about the new car's design, I must begin this piece by congratulating Mazda Corporation for having kept details and images of the new car so tightly under wraps. Truthfully, it was refreshingly pleasurable to be held, with bated breath, in anticipation of the unveiling of a new car.

Many of us on-hand longed for the days when auto shows were actually shows; no longer are we ever surprised given the countless inevitable online leaking of images.

There was something palpable in Derek Jenkins' speech moments prior to the ND MX-5's world premiere, something that is typically lacking at an auto show press conference: enthusiasm and excitement. Derek was about to release the new MX-5 live and to the world for the first time. And he was right to be eager.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

I honestly could not tell you what I was expecting the ND Miata to look like, but as it rolled onto the catwalk I went from elation to slight disappointment back to being blown away.

Initially, I thought I was staring at a British-Italian hyper roadster, then as the smoke cleared a shrunken Maserati Ghibli front end tacked onto an F-Type body complete with BMW Z4 taillights emerged. The more I stared at it, the more bothered I became as I began noticing that the front end held a striking resemblance to the Honda CR-Z as well.

My expectations, without having materialized, were let down. Once the initial shock wore off, and I took a slight step back and took in the car as a whole, I fell in love.

The first important specification to remember is that the ND-generation (aka 4th) is actually smaller overall than the NB (2nd generation) and for that, I further applaud Mazda.

Specific details remain scarce on the car; however, it is obvious that it will be phenomenal to drive. Weight is down by 100kg over the NC (3rd generation MX-5) and, as the wheels are pushed as far as possible to the corners, it will handle impressively well.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

The rear fenders are properly flared allowing for my imagination to fit 15” or even 16x9” wheels and tires for either a meatier look or, preferably, to fit some slicks for track applications.

Back to serious things: Mazda's KODO design language conveys both attitude and balance and it properly works with the ND. As a whole, the 2016 MX-5 is pure and purposeful. The “S” curve that is the beltline lowers perfectly where the elbow will sit for ultimate top-down cruising, rising again from the low hood-line up front, and again, in the rear, exhibiting power and poise.

Although it cannot be seen in the pictures, the 2016 MX-5 will sport a soft-top that will be easy to operate while remaining seated. Expect a power-retractable hardtop to also be offered.

The balance in the 2016 MX-5's lines is mimicked by the car's perfect 50/50 weight distribution, further pointing to the fact that the driving experience will once more set the bar for what is attainable in the $30k price range.

The car's cockpit has grown, not in dimension, but in class with nicer materials and more attention to detail.

All we know at the moment is that the MX-5 will carry Mazda's full line of SKYACTIV goodies, from a yet undisclosed engine (2.0L with at least 160 horsepower, my guess...), to two new 6-speed transmissions (manual and auto), as well as a slew of revised and upgraded mechanicals.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

The bottom line with this latest generation is that the 2016 Mazda MX-5 remains true to its Kansei Engineering philosophy and, as such, the Jinba Ittai driving experience should also be unspoiled.

What Mazda continues to do, unlike most manufacturers, is remember why they created the car in the first place. The ND Miata will continue to captivate enthusiast's imagination and ensure that the MX-5 will remain the bestselling sports car in the history of the world.

Then, we'll get to drive it... OMFG I can't wait to drive it!

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. is introducing the new Toyo Versado Noir, a premium all-season touring tire for sedans and coupes. Offering over 30% more tread life than a leading competitor, the Versado Noir also improves fuel efficiency and delivers a quiet, comfortable ride throughout the life of the tire.

Toyo Tire backs it up with a 75,000-mile warranty and “No Regrets 45-Day/500-Mile Trial Offer.”

The distinctive asymmetric tread pattern of the Versado Noir has rigid outside tread blocks which act as a sound wall for a quieter ride, and stabilize the tread for improved wear while being tuned for responsiveness. Sipes also extend into the main grooves on the outside of the tread to improve performance in the snow. The inner portion of the tread has a higher sipe density to further improve traction in both the rain and snow.

Available sizes for the all-new Toyo Versado Noir range from 15”-18” in wheel diameter, fitting most popular cars.

Prices and Canadian availability have yet to be announced.

Source: Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

Source: Toyo

Photo: Toyo

From FIA

Formula E is the FIA's new single-seater championship and the world's first fully electric racing series.

The first race - or ePrix - takes place on Saturday in Beijing, China, on a temporary street circuit around the Olympic ‘Bird's Nest' Stadium.

The inaugural season runs from September 2014 to June 2015, competing in the heart of 10 of the world's leading cities including London, Buenos Aires and Miami.

For the inaugural season, 10 teams, each with two drivers, will go head-to-head creating a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans.

CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Beijing ePrix
Length: 3.44km
Turns: 20
Laps: 25 lap race


EVENT FORMAT
Car - Spark-Renault SRT_01E
All drivers use an identical fully-electric single-seater designed and built by Spark Racing technology together with a consortium of the leading manufacturers including McLaren, Williams, Renault, Michelin and Dallara.

Practice
All events will open with a 45-minute practice session followed by a further 30-minute session, giving drivers their first experience of the circuit. They will have up to two cars available to them giving them the option to change cars should they wish. Full power (200kw / 270bhp) will be available throughout.

Qualifying
The qualifying session is a straight fight for the fastest laptime and determines the order for the day's race. The session will last 55 minutes (40 minutes track) and see drivers divided into four groups of five cars, with each group having 10 minutes to set their best time. Full power (200kw / 270bhp) will be available throughout with drivers only able to use one car. The driver setting the fastest time will be awarded three points.

ePrix
Races will begin by standing start and last for approximately one hour with drivers making one mandatory pit stop in order to change cars. Power will be restricted to 'race mode' (150kw / 202.5bhp) but for those drivers with FanBoost, the power output can be temporarily increased to 180kw / 243bhp for 5 secs per car. Points will be awarded using the standard FIA system with the driver setting the fastest lap also receiving two additional points.

FanBoost
Fans can give their favourite driver an extra speed boost by voting for them prior to the race. The three drivers with the most votes will each receive a 5-second ‘power boost' per car per driver, temporarily increasing their car's power from 150kw to 180kw. Just click here to cast your vote. You can change your mind as many times as you want until voting closes a short time before the start of the race.

Points
Drives will score points using the standard FIA system of: 1st = 25pts, 2nd = 18pts, 3 = 15pts, 4th = 12pts, 5th = 10pts, 6th = 8pts, 7th = 6pts, 8th = 4pts, 9th = 2pts and 10th = 1pt. Three points will be awarded to the driver securing pole position, whilst the driver setting the fastest lap receives two points.

SCHEDULE (All times local, all sessions take place in one day):
8:15 - 9:00 Free practice 1
10:30 - 11:00 Free practice 2
12:00 - 12:10 Qualifying group 1
12:15 - 12:25 Qualifying group 2
12:30 - 12:40 Qualifying group 3
12:45 - 12:55 Qualifying group 4
16:00 Race (25 laps)

From GMM

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA has reportedly banned certain radio communications between engineers and drivers with immediate effect.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that the increasing trend for radio instructions about how the drivers should actually drive the cars have proved a major turn-off for the fans.

One example crackled over the TV-transmitted radio on Friday at Monza, when championship leader Nico Rosberg asked his Mercedes engineer Tony Ross: "Give me driving instructions."

And Ferrari's Andrea Stella told Fernando Alonso, regarded as perhaps the very best F1 driver, to "take another line in turn 10" of the fabled Italian circuit last weekend.

According to Auto Motor und Sport on Tuesday, the FIA is now banning these types of radio messages to drivers, effective as of next weekend's Singapore round.

It is also believed the FIA wants to clamp down on instructions to drivers including which dials and buttons they should press on the steering wheel.

The report said the Paris federation is enforcing the 'ban' simply by invoking a clarification of the existing Article 20.1 of the sporting regulations, which states: "The driver must drive the car alone and unaided."