Auto News 5

Bentley's long-awaited luxury SUV will be called the Bentayga and will go on sale in 2016 after the wraps finally come off the production model later this year.

Ford certainly captured media attention on the first press day of the Detroit show with the unveil of a new GT, an ultra-high-performance supercar that serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fibre construction.

General Motors' Chevrolet brand has shown its Bolt EV concept at the Detroit Show. Chevrolet claims the Bolt sets out a vision for an affordable, long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range and a price starting around USD30,000.

BWI Group's MagneRide suspension systems are being increasingly featured in top end cars. In the EU they work on high end integration of chassis components with advanced control and sensory systems to produce vehicles that take safety, ride dynamics and sophistication to a new level. Conversely, BWI also work within the advancing Chinese market that sits in a very different end of the spectrum, where basic safety and control devices like ABS and ESC are just starting to take hold, and where AEB and autonomous driving are concepts reserved for the very top layer of the social elite who can afford to import EU and NA models. Matthew Beecham spoke to Craig Diem, BWI Group, Director - Strategic Planning about how the Group deals with the different challenges that these markets bring.

Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum believes that company founder Sir William Lyons would approve of the first crossover in the automaker's 80-year history.

The redesigned Lincoln MKX takes much of the same formula that led to a successful first year for the MKC crossover and applies it to a larger package, at a time when utility vehicles are booming.

Mercedes could become the first luxury carmaker to launch new models in China before rolling them out in Europe and the U.S. after it strengthened its local randd operations in a bid to narrow the gap with Audi and BMW in the market.

The hot-selling Ram pickup lineup will expand to ten trim versions later this year with the addition of the 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel, featuring dramatically different exterior styling, bigger tires and off-road ready equipment.

Kia embraces the X gene in its latest spot to top our weekly viral video rankings.

Monday, Ford unveiled at the Nord American International Auto Show in Detroit the all-new GT, an ultra-high-performance supercar that serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fibre construction.

The all-new GT supercar features rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell.

It is propelled by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever - a next-generation twin-turbocharged V6 producing more than 600 horsepower.

Beginning production late next year, the GT hits the road in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans with the famed GT40.

Ford GT. (Photo: Ford)

Will it race, and if yes, where?

It seems evident that the car will contest the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTLM category. However, will it contest the full season of the World Endurance Championship or will Ford focus on the classic French endurance race? Will it also compete in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship?

Several American publications link this new Ford GT to Chip Ganassi Racing. “The two-car assault will be campaigned by Chip Ganassi Racing when the United SportsCar Championship opens 2016 with the Rolex 24 at Daytona,” wrote Autoweek.

“Ford will have at its disposal a top-notch, all-American line-up in at least one car [Scott Pruett and Joey Hand] when it attempts to win the GTLM class at Le Mans - 50 years after its GT40 Mk. II,” the magazine said.

Time will tell. Stay tuned!

From press release

Unquestionable star of the 1955 Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS is celebrating its sixtieth birthday this year.

As a nod to this landmark anniversary, the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT DS 3 WRCs are to feature exclusive decals starting at this month's Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo.

Simplified to provide greater legibility, the white, red and gold livery includes an imposing “60” spread across the rear wings.

Citroen DS 3 WRC (Photo: Citroen Racing)

The start of the new World Rally Championship season also sees the arrival of two new partners. Official WRC timekeeper since 2013, Certina will feature on the bodywork of the cars and the overalls of the crews.

Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg will also wear watches made by the famous Swiss brand.

Citroen DS 3 WRC (Photo: Citroen Racing)

Already heavily involved in motorsport, the automotive equipment manufacturer Sparco becomes an official Citroën Racing supplier. This transversal partnership covers all of the series in which the Brand is competing, including WRC, WTCC and customer racing.

Citroen DS 3 WRC (Photo: Citroen Racing)

Hyundai Motorsport has announced the signing of Dutchman Kevin Abbring in the role of test driver for the coming season of the World Rally Chamionship.

Abbring, who turns 26 next week, is a young and talented driver with a bright future in the WRC. He carried out some driving duties for the team last year, taking part in a number of pre-event roll-outs.

“His attitude and skill behind the wheel impressed the engineers, who found him to be a valuable addition to the team,” says the press release.

Abbring will take part in a number of official tests with the main focus on development of the New Generation i20 WRC and will compete in selected WRC events with the team, alongside his co-driver Sebastian Marshall.

Hyundai Motorsport also announced new partnerships with affiliates Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai WIA and Hyundai Steel.

Kevin Abbring, Hyundai. (Photo: Hyundai Motorsport)

Former Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver, Jean-Eric Vergne Tuesday visited Ferrari's F1 facilities located in Maranello, Italy.

December 19 of last year, Ferrari announced that Vergne was joining the Scuderia in the role of test driver to work on car development in the simulator.

“I feel very honoured to be joining the Ferrari family and becoming a part of the most prestigious team in the history of Formula 1,” commented Jean-Eric Vergne at the time.

The Frenchman visited the factory today and posted a photo on his Twitter account.

“First day in #Maranello, first day in red. Nice color ;) #Ferrari @ScuderiaFerrari”, he wrote.

He spent the day at the factory, meeting management and engineers, before getting some virtual mileage under his belt.

“The first day as a Ferrari man is really something special,” said Vergne to Ferrari.com.

“But already last night, I took a short trip around Maranello and I realised that this is a city that lives and breathes Ferrari. This year, I will be doing a lot of work in the simulator and this first introduction to it was very useful. I know Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen well and I can't wait to work with them.”

(Photo: Jean-Eric Vergne Twitter)

From press release

McLaren announced Tuesday that the McLaren Group has changed its name to the McLaren Technology Group.

“The change represents an on-going shift at McLaren, as we increasingly develop into a diversified high-technology company, applying our unique innovation and technology to industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, aviation and financial services”, the release says.

“Some time ago we set McLaren on a path of diversification, and as a result we are today far more than just a racing team. The McLaren companies now employ more than 3000 people, three-quarters of whom are not involved in motorsport,” said Ron Dennis CBE, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the McLaren Technology Group.

“Technology drives everything we do - creating the world's most advanced road cars, working with blue-chip companies to enhance their performance and their products, and/or developing the world's most robust electronic control systems. Our new name therefore reflects our ever-increasing focus on innovation and the creation of disruptive technologies that will have a positive and far-reaching impact.”

To facilitate McLaren Applied Technologies' planned growth, the company has submitted a planning application for the construction of a new 'applied technology centre' of 57,000 square metres (gross internal area), including additional aerodynamic research facilities, workshops, research and development space, offices, meeting rooms, teaching and training space, and vehicle preparation and assembly areas, thereby doubling the existing McLaren Technology Group footprint.

From GMM

Valtteri Bottas thinks the odd look of formula one cars is about to end.

Last year, unseemly 'anteater', 'vacuum cleaner', 'walrus-tusked' and other descriptively-derided solutions filled the grid as designers made the most of the new aerodynamic rules and loopholes.

Those regulations have been tidied up for 2015, and Williams' Bottas thinks the outcome will result in "a far neater appearance" at the front of all the cars this year.

"The rules are quite strict now," he is quoted by the Finnish broadcaster MTV3, "so I think they will all be basically similar.

"I do not think we will see any more unusual solutions," Bottas added.

Valtteri Bottas, Williams, fighting with Sahara Force India and McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

The minimum weight of the cars has also been slightly lifted, at the same time as designers get to grips with the radical set of regulations that arrived last year.

It means drivers can now relax slightly, after drastically dieting this time a year ago.

"I have set a certain (personal) weight limit," said Bottas, "but the situation is not as bad as last year. But it's true that some other teams had bigger problems than we ever did."

In 2003, Renault inaugurated a new racing series aimed at developing future F1 stars: Formula Renault V6.

At the time, the French manufacturer had set up two support series - Formula Renault 1600 and Formula Renault 2.0 - but it needed a more powerful machine. Renault teamed up with Tatuus, an Italian company, to design the RFV6 around a carbon chassis, a 370-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, and a 6-speed transmission with paddle shifters.

As a PR man working in the Fran-Am series, I was invited to test drive the car at Circuit de Catalunya in early spring. I flew from Montreal to Paris to Barcelona and arrived at my hotel. The very next day, someone took me to the track along with Andrew Bordin, a former Formula Atlantic driver.

In the parking lot, the presence of multiple service trucks and motorhomes immediately raised a few concerns in my mind. I was told it was an official test day, the last one before the start of the season, meaning I would not be alone on the track.

Within a fraction of a second, I realized that I would have to:
• Drive among a bunch of speed-obsessed drivers;
• Get familiar with a brand new car;
• Get familiar with the track;
• Learn how to brake with my left foot.

That was quite a challenge for a modest journalist and amateur driver like me!

Last minute changes before my first run. (Archives René Fagnan)

The other drivers invited by Fran-Am officials took turns in the yellow test car (chassis No. 01). Then, Andrew had his go, and I was due next. Unfortunately, the rain started just as I was ready to put my helmet on!

The Tatuus crew quickly installed Michelin rain tires and I slid into the cockpit before learning about the various controls on the steering wheel.

Getting the explanations about the dashboard and commands. (Archives René Fagnan)

The engine came to life with a somewhat muffled growl, and I didn't feel anything as I released the clutch paddle because it was all electronic. God had mercy and I didn't stall the engine.

My first lap with the Formula Renault V6 car could hardly have been any slower. To tell you the truth, I didn't know exactly whether the track turned left or right!

On the straightaway, I decided to sprint until the shift indicator lit up. In sixth gear, right in front of the stands, I hit about 260 km/h.

Turn 3 is a famously long, sweeping right-hander that I found impressive. Given the wet, slippery conditions, this was no time to tempt the devil, however.

Driving in the rain, in front of empty grandstands. (Archives René Fagnan)

On the ensuing lap, I slowed down to attack the first corner and the transmission locked: Despite my repeated pulls on the left paddle, it remained stuck in sixth gear.

I completed the lap and returned to the pits. Upon close inspection, the mechanics determined that a small drop in hydraulic pressure was to blame. They reset the transmission, allowing me to get back in action.

Under the guidance of Tatuus big boss, Gianfranco de Bellis (white jacket). (Archives René Fagnan)

I caught up with another car and surprisingly managed to keep pace for a while. After three corners, however, my guardian angel whispered - no, shouted - something into my ear: “slack off!” At Turn 10 (La Caixa), which is a left-hand slow corner, I locked the front wheels.

I later made yet another stop by the pits. The crew gave me more front wings and adjusted the tire pressure. Once back on the track, I spun around like a rookie in Turn 12 and, although the engine didn't stall, I was unable to engage reverse. Finally, someone waved the red flag and I was shamefully pulled out of the way by a truck with a winch.

Stuck in gear, once again... (Archives René Fagnan)

My last run was marred by the transmission, which once again got stuck in sixth gear. No need to risk damaging the unit or the entire car by going any further, so I exited the cockpit. Overall, I did a mere seven laps in one full hour!

The Formula Renault V6 series ended up lasting two seasons. Argentina's José María López won the first title in 2003, while Switzerland's Giorgio Mondini became the champion the following year. Renault later developed a new car, which you're probably familiar with since it still exists - Formula Renault 3.5.

From GMM

Sergio Marchionne has warned Ferrari fans yet again that 2015 will be a difficult season for the fabled Scuderia.

Speaking at the Detroit auto show on Tuesday, he refused to wade in deeper on a war of words with the Italian marque's ousted long-time president, Luca di Montezemolo.

"Unfortunately we have dropped back, but I will not argue with those who want to make a controversy," Marchionne is quoted by Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We start behind but we will keep our heads down and try to win."

Italian-Canadian Marchionne is also chief of Fiat-Chrysler, and reportedly focused on finding strategic partnerships for the group whilst also preparing a stock market floatation for Ferrari.

"I would like to say to the fans that I will go to some grands prix," he revealed, "but we have appointed a team leader (Maurizio Arrivabene) and he will deal with the management directly."

Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

According to the Spanish news agency EFE, Marchionne also said Ferrari has "much work to do" after a tumultuous period, and warned that improved results are likely only in the "final five or six races" of 2015.

"I'm encouraged," he said, referring to the political victory on the engine 'unfreeze' issue, "because now we have the ability to make changes during the season.

"My hope is that we will see improved performance on the track at the end of the season. I think the most interesting part of 2015 will be the last races," added Marchionne.

From press release

JR Motorsports will expand into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for 10 races in 2015 with teenager Cole Custer, general manager Kelley Earnhardt Miller announced.

Custer, who turns 17 this month, became the youngest winner in NASCAR national touring series history last year with a truck series victory in only his seventh start.

Custer, a native of Ladera Ranch, California, and the No. 00 Chevrolet Silverado team will receive primary sponsorship from Haas Automation Inc., the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America.

Custer's trucks will be based out of a JR Motorsports satellite shop in Mooresville, North Carolina. Joe Shear, Jr., will serve as the team's crew chief.

Custer's 10-race NCWTS schedule includes races at Martinsville Speedway (March 28), Dover International Speedway (May 29), Gateway Motorsports Park (June 13), Iowa Speedway (June 19), Eldora Speedway (July 22), Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 19), Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Aug. 30), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Sept. 26), Martinsville Speedway (Oct. 31) and Phoenix International Raceway (Nov. 13).

From press release

Red Bull Global Rallycross released its 2015 schedule on Monday.

The series will feature a 12-race schedule across nine venues.

The schedule kicks off in Florida for a race in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area on May 31 and ends with a return Las Vegas on November 5.

This year's calendar is also marked with three doubleheader events, including the second straight doubleheader in the series' home city of Los Angeles, and the expansion of the series' popular Barbados race.

One of those doubleheader weekends is scheduled to be in Detroit, July 25-26.

2015 Red Bull Global Rallycross calendar:
May 31: Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.
June 21: Daytona Beach, Fla.
July 5: United States Military Base (TBD)
July 25: Detroit (I)
July 26: Detroit (II)
August 15: Washington, D.C.
August 30: Seattle, Wash.
September 12: Los Angeles (I)
September 13: Los Angeles (II)
October 3: Barbados (I)
October 4: Barbados (II)
November 5: Las Vegas

From GMM

Bahrain is blocking Qatar's plans to join the F1 calendar.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said last month that despite negotiating with a keen Qatari group, a race in the oil-rich Arab state is actually unlikely.

That is because he made one of his famous "handshake deals" with Bahrain's crown prince years ago not to install any new races in the Persian Gulf.

"I put the people together and said 'Can you sort this out between you?'. They haven't managed to do it," said Ecclestone.

Since then, Qatar has stepped up its F1 bid, securing the backing of the Emir, hosting the FIA's recent gala awards and now unveiling images of a proposed new street circuit in Lusail.

Despite agreeing to the spectacular floodlit Abu Dhabi grand prix, however, Bahrain is refusing to budge in similarly allowing Qatar on the calendar.

"My personal opinion of having another race - wherever it is - I don't think we are ready for that," Bahrain circuit chief Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa is quoted by British newspapers.

Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bernie Ecclestone and Jean Todt in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)