Auto News 5

Car sales in Europe rose 6 percent in September, helped by automakers' price cuts and strong demand in the region's top markets of Germany, the UK and France. Ford's registrations were up 6.

Karim Habib, BMW Group's design chief, is responsible for styling the 2-series convertible, debuted recently at the Paris auto show. The 44-year-old Lebanese-Canadian shared his thoughts about car design.

Audi expects its new TT to boost its market share in compact sports car sales even though demand is shrinking in the segment and it is unrealistic to expect the third-generation TT to surpass previous generations in sales.

Volvo is testing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that uses three turbochargers to crank out at least 450 hp.If the powerplant goes into production, its rating of 225 hp per liter would be one of the highest ever for a regular production engine.

Autonomous cars may be a decade away, but the sensors they will need for collision avoidance -- radar, cameras, ultrasound and lidar -- have become a big business. Global sales of such sensors may rise to $9.90 billion in 2020 from $3.94 billion now.

From GMM

Top F1 drivers are calling on the sport's sole tire supplier to improve its wet-weather product.

The now critically injured Jules Bianchi lost control of his Marussia in worsening rain conditions at Suzuka recently when raining on worn 'intermediate' tires.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton said drivers often prefer to run on that tire when it is wet, because the 'full wet' Pirelli is so much slower.

"It is no secret that they are not the greatest wet tires that I have known," said the Mercedes driver.

"The slick will always be improved, but I guess not so much focus gets put on the wet," he is quoted by the Daily Mail.

"You want a tire that clears the water and does not force us to go to the intermediate when it is so much quicker, and when it is probably not safe enough to do so," Hamilton added.

Rain in Japan. (Photo: WRI2)

Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel admits the drivers' concerns have been passed on to Pirelli.

"It's definitely something we've passed on already, not just after Japan," he said, reportedly having raised the issue in the pre-race briefing last week in Russia.

"As soon as you've got rid of most of the water (with the full wet tire), you try to put the intermediate on, taking a lot of risk into account, just because it's the quicker tire," the Red Bull driver added.

"That's something we need to work on," said Sebastian Vettel.

From GMM

Carlos Sainz jr says he is being "patient" as Red Bull decides his future in formula one.

Before Sebastian Vettel blew the 'silly season' wide open and Daniil Kvyat got the call to replace him at Red Bull Racing next year, Spanish rookie Sainz was licking his wounds at having missed out on a Toro Rosso debut for 2015.

But with Daniil Kvyat now headed to the parent team, a seat is once again available at Faenza and 20-year-old Sainz jr, the next cream of Red Bull's junior programme, is an obvious favourite.

Carlos Sainz father and son discussing with Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Team boss Franz Tost and owner Dietrich Mateschitz, however, have hinted it might make sense to keep experienced Frenchman Vergne on board after all, given that the only confirmed Toro Rosso driver for 2015 is the unprecedentedly-young and inexperienced Max Verstappen.

This weekend at Jerez, it is little more than a formality for Sainz to wrap up a dominant title win in the highly-regarded Formula Renault 3.5 series.

Ahead of that finale, he was asked by Spain's El Confidencial if missing out on the 2015 Toro Rosso seat for a second time would be too disappointing to bear.

"When everybody was saying I was already sat in the Toro Rosso, I was the first to lower the expectations," said Carlos Sainz jr, whose father is the world rally legend.

"I was telling people I am a Red Bull driver, like any of the others and with Red Bull you never know what is going to happen," he explained.

"If you think about logic, merit, numbers and results then it would be me, but we know that in formula one things do not always go this way.

"It is necessary to be patient," Sainz added, "because things can change very quickly."

From GMM

Brazil had to spend millions on upgrading the ageing Interlagos circuit or risk losing its place on the formula one calendar.

That is the claim of Sao Paulo mayor Fernando Haddad, after inspecting the first phase of $65 million improvements to the popular venue this week.

The biggest change ahead of next month's Brazilian grand prix, set to be the penultimate round of the 2014 world championship, is a full resurfacing of the asphalt.

But by the 2015 edition, F1 teams will be housing themselves in a completely new pit and paddock complex.

Interlagos' garages, Brazil. (Photo: WRi2)

Fernando Haddad is quoted by the Spanish news agency EFE as saying a federal government programme funded the improvements.

"If it were not for the (programme), we would be in a very delicate and serious risk of losing this race to another city," he said.

Brazil's Globo also quoted him as saying: "It is the biggest reform since 1990 because we were at risk of losing F1 to another Latin American cities like Buenos Aires."

And Haddad was quoted as saying by Totalrace: "We were at a delicate moment because the track is loved by drivers and the teams, but there was a technological gap."

With this being the last year of production for the Eos, many are hoping this will signal the return of the Golf Convertible, which is currently only offered overseas. However, the Eos is not going out without a splash as the company is offering a rather special Wolfsburg Edition for its final fling.


What is a VW Eos?
The VW Eos was first unveiled to the North American public in January 2006 during the Los Angeles Auto Show. With its unique bodywork, the Eos was designed as a stylish mainstream alternative to the funky “New” Beetle Convertible which had previously replaced the much-loved Golf Cabriolet. The success of this endeavour is somewhat questionable and the answer rather depends on which side of the VW fence you tend to reside. While many Golf fans found the Beetle styling a tad far out, the Eos never quite captured the hearts of former soft-top Golf owners.

2015 VW Eos Wolfsburg Price & Specs
The new Wolfsburg Eos carries a starting price of $42,990, and apart from a Tech/Nav package ($2,625) there's very little that you don't actually get as standard fitment. In fact, searching through the list, the only other option I could find was Metallic Paint, and even that was a no-charge option! So the vehicle comes very well equipped, indeed.

Driveline wise, there's only one box to tick: The 2.0 TSI (200hp) 4-cylinder, coupled with a 6-speed DSG Automatic with Tiptronic. It's a great setup and buyers certainly won't be disappointed.

Driving the 2015 VW Eos
The Eos drives extremely well. The 2.0 TSI offers up plenty of playful fun and the vehicle is well mannered. While not as sporty as certain other convertibles in this price range ($40k+), the Eos does benefit from being a proper 4-seater (it's a little cozy back there, yet considerably better than most of its rivals). Its full-metal retractable hardtop is appealing in many ways, as it does assist greatly with blocking out exterior road noise and makes the cabin area almost church-pew quiet. It also somewhat suits our climate here in Canada.

However, there's a slight price to pay for this, as the handling characteristics of the vehicle alter quite dramatically once the roof is lowered. You see, in order to house such a huge metal lid, its designers were forced to enlarge and shift the trunk substantially rearward. This now sits well behind the rear wheels and when filled with a rather hefty lump of roof, it rather alters the vehicle's weight distribution.

Not a big deal for a RWD car, but the Eos is powered from the front!

Perhaps I'm being a tad overly picky here as very few Eos buyers will have sleepless nights worrying about 0-100km/hr times and/or weight transference under heavy braking, it's just not that sort of vehicle. No, the Eos is more your fun wind-in-your-hair summertime cruiser, yet I had to mention this as it's my one and only bug bear with the vehicle. Apart from that, the Eos is a first rate sunbed on wheels.

Inside & Out of the 2015 VW Eos Wolfsburg Edition
This final Eos Wolfsburg Edition comes in a choice of five colours, which all sound rather pleasant (Pure White, Flash Red, Black Oak Brown Metallic, Night Blue Metallic, and Deep Black Pearl) and any colour chosen is complimented by a stylish set of 18” Vicenza alloy wheels. It's a good look, I like it a lot.

Stepping inside, it's a similar story. The two-tone Vienna leather comfort (12-way power) seats appear inviting and are as comfortable as they look. Volkswagen has gone to great lengths to give its Wolfsburg Eos that extra touch of class. The leather-bound steering wheel feels like true German quality and its stylish two-tone door coverings (matching the seats) helps bring the interior together in a way in which others often fail.

Now, although I'm not a huge fan of Piano Black, this somehow works for the Eos as it's been thoughtfully placed alongside brushed aluminum finishes. Both are used as accent pieces, yet in a subtle pleasing-to-the-eye manner.

Volkswagen did a fine job. This is an upmarket-looking vehicle without a doubt, and those stylish little Wolfsburg badges certainly add to its distinction.

Comparing the 2015 VW Eos Wolfsburg
The Volkswagen Eos is a vehicle that can be somewhat difficult to compare to other four-seater convertibles. Perhaps comparable though are the MINI Cooper Cabriolet (smaller rear seat), BMW 2 Series Cabriolet (sportier, yet less comfortable), Beetle Convertible (fine, if funky is your thing!), and Ford Mustang Cabriolet (more powerful, less refined).

Basically, the Eos is part luxury/part mainstream. It's not out-and-out sporty like the 2 Series, yet it's no floating gin palace, either.

No, what it is, is utterly unique, and for that reason you either love or loathe the Eos. Me? I love it for what it is, because it plays so many roles so well. Of course, I'm going to say the same about the new Golf Cabriolet when/if it arrives... nudge, nudge, wink, wink, hint, hint Volkswagen!

RTL's contributor in Japan met with Christine Bianchi, Jules' mother Friday, October 17.

Jules Bianchi, driver of the Marussia Formula 1 team, received serious head injuries when he crashed into a heavy tractor during the wet Japanese Grand Prix, almost two weeks ago.

Bianchi remains in a serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit of the Mie medical centre in Yokkaichi.

As it was the case with Michael Schumacher's skiing accident last December, access to Jules' room is strictly controlled.

Mother Christine, Jules Bianchi and his father, Philippe. (Photo: WRI2)

RTL's contributor met mother Christine in the lobby of the hospital. She is obviously devastated and she's not inclined to speak. In fact, according to the reporter, she's not allowed to speak with the press.

She confirmed that Jules is still unconscious.

“Jules is treated well here. The medical centre is perfect. The doctors are really great. They are all experts, they are very respectful,” she told RTL.

However, she attacked the critics. “You know, certain people said certain things to evade responsibility”, she added.

The reporter asked her why she was not saying more. “Did someone told you not to speak?” he asked.

After a pause, and using carefully chosen words she replied: "The F1 is a business. A very big business.”

From Pirelli

After a meeting of the Tire Working Group, the tire nomination for the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, scheduled for November 6-9, has been changed, following Pirelli's proposal and with the unanimous agreement of all the teams.

Although the hard and medium nomination has been used in Brazil for the last two years, the recent resurfacing of the Interlagos track has prompted the change to medium and soft.

This new choice is the same nomination as the United States Grand Prix the weekend before.

“We've always said that we would be open to any changes if they were required” said Pirelli's motorsport director Paul Hembery.

“After further technical analysis of the impact of the revised circuit surface, together with a risk assessment suggesting a low probability of compound overheating due to extreme track temperatures, we have made this change with the unanimous agreement of all 11 teams.”

Start of the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos. (Photo: WRi2)

The BBC claimed Friday that McLaren driver Jenson Button might leave Formula 1 at the end of the season to switch to endurance racing.

McLaren has yet to announce its 2015 driver line-up, and on-going rumours suggest that Fernando Alonso will race for the British team next season.

Sources say Button, age 34, has had talks with Porsche, for whom former Red Bull F1 racer Mark Webber drives.

The Porsche 919 Hybrid (Photo: WRI2)

Richard Goddard, manager of Button, said his protégé is only interested in remaining in F1 if he can secure a competitive car.

"Jenson is still focused on F1 but would only want to be in one of the top teams. So we're always open to talking to anyone,” Goddard told the BBC.

Goddard described the FIA World Endurance  Championship (WEC) as a "formidable series that is gaining strength".

"It is a very credible race series to compete in”, he added.

"Jenson is an incredibly competitive racing driver who wants to race. He's too good to sit at the back of the F1 grid. So he either gets a competitive car in F1 or he goes to get one elsewhere."

From McLaren

McLaren Formula 1 team details here the most frantic 30 minutes in Grand Prix racing - the half-hour that leads up to the start of the race.

00:30 minutes The pit lane opens, and remains open for 15 minutes - this allows drivers, equipment and personnel to get out onto the grid, from where they can begin the countdown to the start.

00:28 Our communication team hook into the garage wifi to Tweet shots of the cars leaving the garage before heading out to the grid.

00:25 The cars arrive at the back of grid. The rules dictate that once they arrive at the rear of the field, they need to cut their engines and be pushed through the throng to their grid positions. This is when the grid is at its most frantic and exciting.

Jenson Button's McLaren MP4-29 being pushed on the grid. (Photo: McLaren)

00:24 As soon as the car arrives at its appointed slot, it's jumped on by an army of mechanics, who plug in coolers, laptops and cables to monitor the car's life support systems. The race engineer, clipboard in hand, gives the instruction: “1m to fire-up.”

00:23 The ignition is flicked on, the rear wheels are removed - but kept in their heating blankets - and the engine is started. It turns over - enabling the water temperature to be measured and monitored.

00:15 The pit lane closes - any cars that have yet to leave the pit lane will no longer be permitted to start from the grid. Front wing flap settings are cross-checked by the mechanics on the grid and the mechanics back at the garage, who'll also adjust the spare front wings

00:12 The mechanics are instructed to carry out a wheelgun check, testing the hydraulic bottles to make sure there's power in the system. The race engineer gives another instruction” “One minute to fire-up.”

Kevin Magnussen receives the last-minute instructions. (Photo: McLaren)

00:11 Another fire-up. The race engineers radio to the driver physiotherapists to make sure both Button and Magnussen are ready to return to the grid after their hurried trips to the toilet.

00:10 The drivers get suited up, pulling on their balaclava and zipping up their overalls. They fit their helmets and HANS devices and climb into the cockpit, where they're strapped in by one of their mechanics. Once properly fitted and comfortable, they'll don their gloves. The 10-minute marker is also the point at which the race start can be aborted due to weather conditions.

00:08 The wheels and tires currently fitted to the car are removed. Another instruction: “One minute to fire-up.”

Kevin Magnussen getting ready in the cockpit. (Photo: McLaren)

00:06 Race tires are fitted. The set-number is cross-checked, tire blankets are double-checked to ensure they're still powered on, and that the tie-cords that tighten the blankets aren't snagged between the tires, the hubs and the brake ducts.

00:05 Four lights are illuminated on the starting gantry as the countdown continues.

Driver and race engineer conduct a quick radio check. The race engineer runs through a list of steering wheel switch settings ahead of the start. At the five-minute marker, the start can now be officially delayed - but with no option to change tires.

00:04 The mechanics raise the car up on its front and rear jacks, reaching underneath to remove the short-stands that have kept it suspended for the past 20 minutes.

00:03 There are three lights illuminated on the starting gantry. Race tires must be fitted by this point. The race engineer instructs the mechanics to remove all the fans, coolers and ancillaries that are currently plugged into the car

00:02 The tire blankets are removed - the mechanics drape the unplugged covers over the tops of the wheels to keep the rubber up to temperature.

00:01 There are now two lights illuminated on the starting gantry. The race engineer gives the instruction: “Engine start. Start dropping the car down.” The car's jacks are released.

30s left “Clear the grid of personnel.” The 30-second instruction is given to the driver.

20s left The driver is instructed over the radio to initiate the start systems.

15s left There is one light illuminated on the starting gantry. All grid personnel must now be clear of the track and behind the white lines that mark the track limits.

10s left Race engineer to driver: “Launch map on. 10 seconds to go.”

5s left Race enginer to driver: “Five seconds to go.”

0s left The red lights go out and the parade lap starts.

The cars return to the grid. The first pair of red lights illuminates. The race to get to the grid is over - the race to the finish line is just about to start...

Parade lap, before the start (Photo: McLaren)

GP2 organisers confirm that UK based GP3 team Status Grand Prix have signed an agreement to acquire Caterham Racing.

The GP2 team will compete as Caterham Racing for the remainder of the 2014 season, and will become Status Grand Prix in 2015. The current driver line up is unaffected by the takeover for the final round at Yas Marina Circuit.

Status Grand Prix have been successfully racing in GP3 Series since the category's inception and thus become the sixth outfit to run in both Series. By acquiring the Caterham Racing team and personnel, Status Grand Prix are building on the Malaysian squad's strengths and experience.

Caterham Racing. (Photo: GP2 Series)

GP2 Series CEO Bruno Michel said: “I am pleased to welcome Status Grand Prix to GP2 Series. They've been in GP3 since the beginning and have been successful over the past five seasons. I have no doubt that with the help and the experience of the current staff, they will be able to achieve the same level of performance in GP2 and will adapt quickly to the demands of the category.”

Status GP team principal Teddy Yip said: "Status Grand Prix has been part of the GP2 family for 5 years and, having been multiple race winners in GP3, we have always had the ambition to move up into the senior formula when the time is right. The opportunity to take over an established and highly-regarded team such as Caterham Racing makes that time now. I would like to thank Tony Fernandes and Mia Sharizman at Caterham Racing for their constructive approach to this agreement, and Bruno Michel at GP2 for his valuable support during the negotiations."

Caterham Racing Team Owner, Tony Fernandes said: “I would like to say that this announcement is very positive for us and Status Grand Prix. We have built a strong GP2 team with excellent personnel over the last four years, and we can be proud of the multiple race wins and podiums we have achieved in the Series.

“Following in-depth discussions with Status Grand Prix, we have reached an agreement that will strengthen and secure the future of the GP2 team. I would like to thank Bruno Michel and the GP2 Series for four successful years and wish Status Grand Prix the best of luck for the future.”

From press release

German car constructor Audi will launch the new Audi Sport TT Cup that will be held as part of the DTM starting in 2015.

This spec series will be launched in Germany first.

Audi Sport TT Cup. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

The racing version of the new Audi TT with a weight of only 1,125 kilograms delivers 228 kW (310 bhp).

By means of a so-called push-to-pass function the output of the two-liter TFSI engine can be briefly boosted by 22 kW (30 bhp).

Audi will prepare and enter the 24 cars. Six of them will be reserved for guest drivers.

Audi Sport TT Cup. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

Interested drivers can apply worldwide for the other 18 remaining places on the grid at www.audi-motorsport.com effective immediately. The multi-stage selection process will take place in close cooperation with the Audi driving experience.

Markus Winkelhock will be on hand to coach the participants of the Audi Sport TT Cup as an experienced professional race driver.

The winner of the new Audi Sport TT Cup can look forward to receiving support in Audi's successful GT3 sports car program. A subsequent promotion to the DTM or the WEC with Audi is another dream of many young race drivers.

Audi Sport TT Cup. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

An airbag defect is forcing Chrysler to recall approximately 184,000 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs including 126,000 in the U.S. and the rest in Canada, Mexico and other markets.

Short circuits may cause the airbags and safety restraints to fail. The problem may also cause the airbag warning lights to come on, alerting the driver that there is something wrong with the airbags and the seat-belt pretensioners.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. Dealers will fix the problem at no cost to vehicle owners.

Last week, Ford had to announce a recall on 850,000 vehicles for the same issue.

It's the second major recall by Chrysler in just a few weeks. The first involved a faulty ignition switch on 350,000 vehicles.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

From press release

James Hinchcliffe will be back in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario on Saturday 25th October attending a fundraising charity event that's close to his heart on behalf of the Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation of Canada (WMFC - www.wmfc.ca), hosted at the Bata Shoe Museum on Bloor Street West.

The three-time Verizon IndyCar Series race winner, set to drive for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports from 2015 onwards, has long supported the work of WMFC as it was created by his mother, Arlene, after her own father passed away from the blood cancer.

With the Foundation created to provide information and to support those living with WM, this year's fundraiser will see the launch of the ‘Imagine A Cure' campaign with the goal of raising $1million within five years to fund more research into the disease. Currently WMFC is funding a two-year research project at the British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver.

Always eager to support the charity, in addition to attending next weekend's event, Hinchcliffe will also be donating several items for the evening's silent auction.

Included amongst his donations are his race suit from this year's Indy 500, where he qualified on the front-row for the second time in three seasons, as well as various race car parts and some of his own famed ‘Hinchtown Hammer Down' ale.

The WMFC charity fundraiser on Saturday October 25 starts at 7:30pm at the Bata Shoe Museum (www.batashoemuseum.ca), 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario.

Tickets can be purchased online at: www.wmfc.ca/events

On October 22 and 23, Adderly Fong and Roy Nissany will test a two year old Sauber C31 on the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

Adderly Fong will be driving during the first day of testing on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Chinese driver has competed in several single seater championships in Asia and Europe. This year he has focused on the Audi R8 LMS Cup, an Asia-based sprint race series.

“I am very pleased I am going to test a Sauber C31 in Valencia. It will be my first time driving a Formula 1 car with this high a power to weight ratio, and I am looking forward to it,” stated Fong.

Sauber C31-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Roy Nissany takes over the car on Thursday. The 19-year-old Israeli, who also holds a French passport, is currently competing in his second season in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Over the last five years, Roy has competed in single seaters in Europe.

“I am delighted to have the chance to test the Sauber C31, and I will put lots of efforts into it to do a good job,“ said the young Israeli.

NBA superstar LeBron James, following his high-visibility return to the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, has signed on with Kia Motors America as its first luxury ambassador.

China's once blistering auto sales growth has cooled significantly this year, damped by a slowing economy.