Auto News 5

Mitsubishi will unveil the Outlander PHEV Concept-S on October 2nd at the Paris Auto Show. The first few images released by the company hint at the design direction of future Outlander and Outlander Sport (RVR) models.

Photo: Mitsubishi

This new concept, based on an earlier version that premiered in Paris two years ago, features a more upscale exterior and interior treatment. Actually, “Sporty and Sophisticated” is the theme.

Photo: Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S will likely use the current Outlander PHEV's powertrain, namely a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine mated to a pair of electric motors. Drivers should expect a quiet operation and superior performance, the automaker says.

Source : motorauthority.com

The fight against Tesla and its unique business model continues in the U.S. After battling with dealer organizations nationwide over its rights to sell cars directly to shoppers, the company now has to deal with a petition filed by the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association (GADA), which claims Tesla is illegally selling cars.

Georgia's state law allows for sales of up to 150 vehicles at automaker-owned stores, but Tesla has sold 173 copies of the Model S at its one and only store, the GADA argues.

The electric car maker responded by pointing out that sales restrictions are applicable on a calendar year basis. The aforementioned 173 units were sold from October 2013 to June 2014.

Tesla spokesman Simon Sproule told Automotive News on Tuesday that the petition “is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to stifle new innovation and eliminate consumer choice by trying to establish a monopoly that restricts the way consumers can buy new vehicles.”

Atlanta has the second-highest percentage of new electric car registrations in the U.S. (the No. 1 market remains the San Francisco Bay Area). It's a city known for long commutes and awful traffic, while Georgia is one of the few states offering a tax credit to encourage drivers to buy alternative fuel vehicles.

Source : money.cnn.com

Similar to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Ford wants to use GPS data to increase the fuel efficiency of its hybrid vehicles. Called “Green Zone,” the new system will automatically switch to EV mode whenever the time is right.

With the help of the navigation system, Green Zone is able to detect when a car is entering a corner, approaching a hill or driving on the highway. As a result, the car could save its battery charge for the most EV-friendly situations.

Green Zone may wind up in Ford's next-generation hybrid vehicles if it meets efficiency and safety expectations. In its preliminary form, a driver would go to a website (or use the navigation screen) to set up specific zones, displayed in green, where the vehicle would automatically opt to run on battery power if possible.

Source : nbcnews.com

From press release

The 2014 Race Of Champions will be held at the Bushy Park Circuit in Barbados on December 13-14 after the Caribbean venue saw off a wide range of contenders from all round the world to host the prestigious motor sport event.

The annual end-of-season contest, which has been held for over 25 years, brings together the world's greatest drivers from motor sport's major disciplines - including Formula 1, World Rally, Le Mans, MotoGP, Nascar, IndyCar, Touring Cars and the X-Games - and sets them free to battle head-to-head in identical machinery.

In recent years the Race Of Champions has visited the Stade de France in Paris (2004-2006), London's Wembley Stadium (2007-2008), the ‘Bird's Nest' Olympic Stadium in Beijing (2009), Düsseldorf's ESPRIT arena (2010-2011) and Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium (2012).

Photo: Race of Champions

The public was asked to contribute to the decision on this year's ROC host via a vote on the Race Of Champions website, Facebook and Twitter. The Bushy Park Circuit was one of the most popular choices - and after final discussions with all the leading contenders, the Barbados venue has now been selected to stage ROC 2014.

Newly renovated this year to become a multi-purpose motor sport facility, the Bushy Park Circuit has a 40-year history of hosting big racing events.

Situated a short drive from the Barbados capital city Bridgetown and the international airport, the circuit has now been extended from 1.3km to a licensed FIA Grade 3 circuit just over 2km long with capacity for tens of thousands of spectators. The redevelopment also features a new clubhouse and pits complex along with a drag strip and a kart track.

Photo: Race of Champions

Tonight is the official launch of the highly anticipated 2016 Mazda MX-5, which will simultaneously take place in the U.S., Spain, and Japan.

Simply tune in here at 9 p.m. ET to watch the event live below.

From GMM

The plans of F1's newest team are marching on.

Although it will only debut in 2016, the American outfit Haas Formula has announced a name tweak.

The team is now called Haas F1 Team, with the name-change decision made by founder and chairman Gene Haas "to better correlate his team with motor racing's most prestigious series".

Gene Haas, who also co-owns a leading Nascar team with Tony Stewart, has also this week launched an official website for the F1 team and social media pages.

Explaining the name-change, Haas - whose company Haas Automation already sponsors Ferrari - said: "When you hear 'F1' you know exactly what it is -- a global racing series that showcases the latest technology and attracts the best talent in engineering and design."

The press release issued on Tuesday said construction of a F1 headquarters adjacent to the Nascar factory in Kannapolis, North Carolina is "scheduled to be completed in November".

Stewart-Haas' factory at Kannapolis, North Carolina. (Photo: Stewart-Haas Racing)

Gene Haas told Forbes recently that his interest in F1 was piqued when officials of the USF1 project approached him to get involved in the ultimately stillborn team.

"I started watching the races more out of curiosity about it," he told the F1 business journalist Christian Sylt. "I was kind of amazed that there weren't more people trying to do it. There are so many super rich people in America I kind of thought 'why haven't any other Americans done this?'"

The next step for Haas is to announce a European base for the team, probably in England.

He said: "We are not going to be swayed by any smooth talking about dreams. This is a tough business and we know what we have got to do. There is a tremendous amount that we need to learn from this whole sport because we are pretty novice at it."

Ryan Blaney thrilled the huge crowd on hand at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Sunday, winning the Chevrolet Silverado 250.

Blaney captured victory with a last second pass to over German Quiroga Jr. The No. 29 Brad Keselowski Racing Ford driver took the win by a mere 0.049 seconds.

Erik Jones followed the duo to the line.

Andrew Ranger of Roxton Pond, Quebec was the top finishing Canadian who brought home the No. 53 Mopar Ram in fifth place.

See our photos from the exciting event!

2014 Chevrolet Silverado at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Photos by Remi Fagnan)

PROs: With its Coupé, Hatchback and Sedan, the 2015 Hyundai Elantra covers a wide-ranging spectrum...to suit all tastes. And like all the automaker's other models, it is dependably reliable, offering good value for money. The Elantra has reasonable fuel consumption rates and offers excellent standard features with the emphasis on comfort and roominess.

CONs: The 2015 Elantra's suspension is perhaps a little too stiff. Furthermore, steering could be more precise and responsive - and maybe the type of tire fitted should be changed too. And last but not least, it should be noted that the 1.8 L engine lacks power and needs more oompth.

Photo: Hyundai

2015 Hyundai Elantra Price: For the 2015 version, Hyundai is selling the Elantra in three configurations: the Coupé, the Sedan and the Hatchback. The Coupé kicks off the show with six versions: the manual GL at $18,999, the automatic GL at $20,249, the manual GLS at $20,949, the automatic GLS at $22,199, the SE manual at $24,349 and finally, the SE automatic at $25,599.

As for the Sedan, you're looking at seven models: the L manual at $15,999, the GL manual at $18,749, the GL automatic at $20,099, the Sport automatic at $20,398, the GLS manual at $21,049, the GLS automatic at $22,399 and the Limited at $25,649.

Plus, it's possible to get yourself one of seven versions of the 5-door Hatchback: the GT L manual at $18,449, the GT GL manual at $19,599, the GT GL automatic at $20,849, the GT GLS manual at $21,799, the GT GLS automatic at $23,049, the GT automatic at $24,799 and the GT Tech automatic at $26,799.

Fuel Economy: Consumption rates for the Hyundai Elantra vary according to the model and powertrain. For the Coupé, it's 8.4L /100 km (city) and 5.6L/100 km (highway). For the Sedan: 8.8L /100 km (city) and 6.3L/100 km (highway)...for the 1.8L engine it's 9.8L /100 km (city) and 6.7L/100 km (highway) for the 2.0L engine model. As for the power-driven 2.0L Hatchback, consumption is 8.5L /100 km (city) and 5.8L/100 km (highway).

Improvements and Changes: The 2.0L motor is now offered on the GLS models.

2015 Hyundai Elantra Powertrain: Under the hood of the 2015 Elantra, Hyundai gives you the choice of two 4-cylinder DOHC engines: an inline 1.8 L providing 145 hp and a 2.0 L with an output of 173 hp. Both types are matched with a 6-speed transmission (manual or automatic).
Cargo Capacity: If you opt for the Sedan or the Coupé, you can pack in 420 L of storage space. If you go for the Hatchback, load capacity jumps to 651 L (with upright seats) and 1,444 L with the back seats lowered.

Safety: On the safety side, the 2015 Hyundai Elantra boasts ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control and traction control.

Comparing the 2015 Hyundai Elantra: In this compact car segment, compare with the Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Sentra Nissan, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla and Jetta Volkswagen.

From press release

Ohsweken Speedway officials are proud to announce a new event during Canadian Sprint Car Nationals weekend, as the Kevin Ward Jr. "Young Stars Challenge" presented by TJSlideways.com is now scheduled for the Night Before the Nationals on Friday, September 12.

The event will honour Kevin Ward, Jr., who passed away following a tragic accident in the Empire Super Sprints event held at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday, August 3.

Despite his young age, Kevin had already competed in four editions of the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, including a top 10 finish in 2011.

Kevin's No. 13 will be represented in several ways in the Young Stars Challenge, as 13 drivers will compete in the 13 lap race, with $513 awarded to the winner.

A plaque commemorating the winners of the new event will be housed and updated annually at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa, while ImageFactor.ca Motorsport Designs & Photography will be giving away over $500 in photos to the winner and participants.

The youngest drivers signed in for competition on the Night Before the Nationals will make up the 13-car starting field for the Kevin Ward, Jr. "Young Stars Challenge" presented by TJSlideways.com.

The Ohsweken Shootout event will now become the Dave McLeod Memorial Shootout, replacing the Dave McLeod Memorial "Mr. Sprint Car Challenge" match races held in the past, with $400 going to the winner.

The 10-lap Dave McLeod Memorial Shootout line-up will consist of 12 drivers, including top finishers from the Patriot Sprint Tour, Southern Ontario Sprints, and Empire Super Sprints challenge events held at Ohsweken Speedway in 2014, plus the August 29 Corr/Pak Merchandising 360 Sprint Car event, and top drivers from the Sprints on Dirt and National Racing Alliance championship standings.

The Night Before the Nationals on Friday, September 12 will also include Twin 15-lap features for 360 Sprint Cars, and a full program for the HRW Automotive Mini Stocks.

The winners of Friday's Twin 15-lap features will be guaranteed starting spots in the $12,000-to-win feature race in the 10th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals event scheduled for Saturday, September 13, along with the Affordable Towing & Recovery Thunder Stocks.

Visit the official Ohsweken Speedway website at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com.

From nascar.com

The 10-year agreement with XFINITY replaces Nationwide as No. 2 NASCAR series sponsor.

XFINITY is the cable and broadband division of Comcast, providing video, high-speed Internet and phone service to residential customers.

The 10-year agreement officially begins Jan. 1, 2015 and will see the series renamed the XFINITY Series.

XFINITY becomes only the third title sponsor in the program's history, following Anheuser-Busch (1982-2007) and Nationwide ('08-14).

The series will now be the XFINITY Series.

From GMM

Former team director Flavio Briatore would be a good addition as Formula 1 finds its direction for the future, says Fernando Alonso.

Recently, a man always closely aligned with the trajectory of Alonso's career - Briatore - was linked with a return to the sport as chairman of a new popularity working group.

It comes amid a period of introspection for F1 as it grapples with popularity at the crossover of the sport's old model with new, greener rules and the social media era.

Fernando Alonso said 2014 has been a "tough year" for him.

"First, because we (Ferrari) are not competitive," he told Sky, "and also because it is quite boring to drive the car. It is too slow and too heavy and we are not able to have the noise that we used to enjoy."

According to Italy's Tuttosport, Alonso thinks Briatore - a highly controversial figure within formula one - could help the sport at this time.

"Flavio has often had winning ideas; I think he is a brilliant person," said the Spaniard.

"He always has a very clear vision of how to solve problems. To me, he is someone who could help this sport a lot."

Start of the 2014 Canadian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

For others, F1 is something that is being left in its illustrious past. Jaime Alguersuari, dropped by Red Bull at a young age at the end of 2011, sees the future in the form of the new Formula E electric series.

"At the moment I don't consider formula one as a sport," he told the Spanish newspaper Diario Sport.

"It has lost everything because of the engines, the tires and the performance in general.

"Driving the cars was difficult - very difficult - but today a 16-year-old can get into cars that are five or six seconds slower than they were and be competitive.

"I find it disrespectful that someone like Carlos Sainz Jr., leading an international series like the world series that takes many years of training, is overlooked in what looks like a non-sporting decision.

"It seems that what is most important is the business and the money to be made.

"I've moved on," said Alguersuari, still just 24. "I just say, publicly and openly, that I do not want to know anything about Formula 1 because I think what is happening is ridiculous and shameful for me and many other drivers who are at the level to be there."

From GMM

Andre Lotterer has turned down the chance to make a second appearance for Caterham this weekend at Monza.

Earlier, it was expected Spanish rookie Roberto Merhi, and not the reigning Le Mans winner Lotterer who replaced Kamui Kobayashi at Spa, would be in action this weekend for the Italian grand prix.

But it is believed Merhi, a World Series and DTM driver, has run into trouble with securing from the FIA his mandatory F1 super license.

However, Spain's Diario AS on Wednesday reported that Caterham chief Colin Kolles' 'plan B' was to run Merhi in Friday morning practice, before Lotterer takes over for the rest of the race weekend.

Andre Lotterer, Caterham, Belgium. (Photo: WRi2)

Lotterer is quoted as saying he initially accepted Kolles' proposal to race again in Italy.

"I had my doubts," he reportedly said, "but the team insisted and I accepted.

"When Colin Kolles told me on Tuesday that Merhi would take my place for the first practice session, I changed my mind and told them I would not participate.

"I am a newcomer in formula one and I need to drive," he explained.

Kolles' plan is to run the reportedly Russian-backed Merhi on Friday in Italy in order to satisfy the FIA to grant him a full racing super license.

"I need 300 kilometres," he said, "and if on Friday I am able to perform this test then at the next grand prix is another opportunity to get more experience to be on the grid.

"It's best to go step by step," Merhi, 23, added.

Here are seven interesting and noteworthy facts about one of the oldest race on the calendar: the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Italy.

1
Monza was one of seven tracks on the original world championship calendar in 1950. Three others are still on the calendar: Silverstone, Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps.

2
The Italian Grand Prix has been run 64 times previously, all but once at Monza. The only exception was the 1980 race, which was held at Imola.

The original banking of the Monza circuit. (Photo: WRI2)

3
Italians Vincenzo Lancia and Felice Nazzaro laid the last two bricks at Monza, and at that time, the circuit was 10 km (6.25 miles) long, with a banked section and a road circuit combined into one.

4
The track is the quickest on the calendar, with top speeds of up to 340 km/h. On the approach to the first chicane, F1 cars decelerate from 340 to 80 km/h in the space of just 150 metres.

Peter Gethin crossing the line in front of Ronnie Peterson in 1971. (Photo: WRI2)

5
Peter Gethin made history by winning the closest F1 race in history, which took place in 1971 at Monza. The British driver beat Ronnie Peterson across the line by just 0.01s and the first five cars were separated by just 0.61s.

6
The Italian Grand Prix is also famous for having produced the oldest Grand Prix winner of all time - Luigi Fagioli, who won the 1951 French Grand Prix aged 53 years and 22 days.

Sebastian Vettel, winner of the 2008 Italian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRI2)

7
Four-time F1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel took his first F1 win at Monza, with Toro Rosso in 2008, becoming the sport's youngest race winner at the age of 21.

Scuderia Ferrari announced Wednesday Sept. 3 that it has reached a technical collaboration agreement with new American F1 team, Haas F1 Team to supply it with Formula 1 power units.

The press release reads: “The multi-year agreement is for the supply of the entire power unit starting from 2016.”

“We're delighted to announce this important strategic partnership with Haas F1 Team and to welcome an American player as a new entrant in Formula 1”, said Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Marco Mattiacci.
“A few months ago we joined forces with Gene Haas on a commercial level and this is the natural next step of our growing relationship. While our objective is to reinforce our power unit development programme for all our customer Teams, we believe this new partnership has the potential to evolve beyond the traditional role of supplying our power unit and all related technical services. United States continues to be one of the most important markets for Ferrari and it offers many interesting opportunities. We look forward to supporting Haas F1 Team in its efforts to become a competitive player on the Formula 1 grid.”

Tesla Motors, facing a challenge from Georgia dealerships over how it sells cars, said claims made in a petition filed on behalf of auto retailers in the state that it breached its license agreement aren't valid.

The seven-seat Discovery Sport, the first vehicle in a new family of Land Rovers aimed at buyers in the middle of the luxury market, will go on sale in early 2015 with a base price of $38,920, including shipping.

Chevrolet dealers requested nearly 30,000 Colorado pickups in the month since GM began taking orders for the midsize truck -- about five times more than the company had forecast.

Tesla Motors shares rose to another record high after an analyst report cited the electric-car maker's increasing production and said it may be worth $400 a share even before it starts making a lower-priced model.

Dealership software supplier VinSolutions has promoted two of its top managers, effective immediately, upon the departure of executive Brian Skutta, the company said today.

Ford's UK operation is recruiting 250 new employees as production operators for a new diesel engine production line being installed at its Dagenham Engine Plant.