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News 16 Oct, 2014

Jaguar has launched a driving experience day with a difference: you get to drive some of the rarest classic Jaguars in existence

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles boss Sergio Marchionne was on the floor of the New York stock market on Monday, the newly merged company's first day of trading - we wonder what he was thinking two days later when the world's financial markets plummeted after poor data from the US heightened fears for the global economy.

Japan's carmakers are bringing more foreign-built models into their domestic market as the yen continues to weaken, a move seen by the Nikkei's Asian Review as a sign that companies are steadily establishing global production systems immune to exchange rate fluctuations.

Volvo says it is to start a third shift at its Torslanda plant in Western Sweden, creating around 1,300 new jobs.

Volvo will add 1,300 jobs and a third shift at its plant in Sweden next year to meet rising demand for its cars, including the new flagship XC90.

France says selling its 15 percent state stake in Renault is not a priority for the government as it plans to sell 5-10 billion euros of its 100 billion euros ($127.90 billion) in assets over the next 18 months as part of a privatization drive.

Ferrante Zileri has been appointed head of treasury for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Andrea Faina head of the group's financial services activities.

Toyota has launched its first car-sharing service outside Japan in the French city of Grenobles. Consumers can hire EVs using a smart phone app in a scheme that may be expanded to other cities after a three-year trial.

BMW's 2-series Active Tourer breaks new ground for the automaker as the brand's first minivan and first front-wheel-drive model of its modern era. BMW says the Active Tourer nevertheless retains the brand's sporty driving dynamics.

Ford may join rival Volkswagen by introducing plug-in hybrid models in Europe. Ford already sells plug-in versions of its Fusion and C-Max in the U.S., but the company hasn't launched plug-ins in Europe because of low demand.

Ford may join rival Volkswagen by introducing plug-in hybrid models in Europe. Ford already sells plug-in versions of its Fusion and C-Max in the United States, but the company hasn't launched plug-ins in Europe because of low demand.

From GMM

F1's governing body has formed an 'accident panel' in the wake of Jules Bianchi's life threatening crash.

The news, confirmed in a letter from the FIA to "all F1 teams" this week, follows Marussia angrily hitting back at media reports the team and its French driver were to blame for Bianchi's crash into a recovery vehicle at Suzuka 11 days ago.

The FIA letter asked teams to forward to the Paris federation "any information which you may have regarding the circumstances of this accident, and to keep all documents, testimonies and any pertinent information which may be of interest to the accident panel".

The publication that revealed the disputed and highly controversial information about Bianchi's crash was Germany's Sport Bild, claiming Marussia told the now critically ill Frenchman to speed up to keep Caterham's Marcus Ericsson behind him in the moments before the crash.

Marussia also strenuously denied claims Jules Bianchi did not slow down for the yellow flags.

Jules Bianchi's crash at Suzuka. (Photo: WRi2)

But in the wake of the team's angry denials, Sport Bild has published even more new information.

It claims Bianchi went through the high-speed Dunlop corner at 217kph on the lap before he crashed. Next time around, he was reportedly recorded at 212kph.

The information is reportedly based on an official FIA document.

When asked about the document's existence, FIA spokesman Matteo Bonciani told Germany's Sport1 that "all relevant information about Jules Bianchi's accident was reported by race director Charlie Whiting at Suzuka."

He also would not confirm the existence of the radio messages from Marussia to Bianchi, as originally alleged by Sport Bild.

"This (not commenting on speculation) is a principle of the FIA -- especially in the case of Bianchi," Matteo Bonciani insisted.

From GMM

Stefano Domenicali has accepted an offer to work for the German manufacturer Audi.

Earlier this week, we reported that the former Ferrari team boss could be moving to the Ingolstadt-based marque to replace Le Mans team chief Wolfgang Ullrich.

It appears that was wide of the mark.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Italian Domenicali, 49, will instead start in a non motor racing role on 1 November.

But the news, reportedly confirmed by Audi, will almost certainly trigger a new round of speculation about Alonso's future.

Prior to his ousting by Ferrari, Domenicali was known to be close to Fernando Alonso, who according to Luca di Montezemolo is also leaving the Maranello team.

Stefano Domenicali and Fernando Alonso at Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Alonso's next stop is not known, but when he visited the fabled 24 hour Le Mans race in June, he stopped by the Audi garage.

"It's a very attractive category for sure," said Alonso before officially starting the 2014 edition in June. "Definitely I will race here (one day)."

Whilst clearly negotiating with McLaren-Honda about 2015, Alonso has obviously also coveted a seat at the dominant F1 team, Mercedes.

Team bosses have consistently ruled that out.

Indeed, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff told Austria's Sportwoche this week: "Maybe he (Alonso) will leave formula one, take a break. This year he went to see his friend Mark Webber at Le Mans -- it is obviously a race that fascinates him."

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has hit back at suggestions he was ousted as Ferrari president because of the Italian team's struggles.

"A lack of results?" the 67-year-old, who was replaced by Fiat's Sergio Marchionne on Monday, reportedly told Italian television Rai on Wednesday.

"Remember that since 1999 we won 14 titles in 15 years.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, sport is not an exact science, and in formula one there are cycles. Ours was very long.

"In the last years we are the team that won the most. In 2008 and in 2010 and 2012 we lost the championship in the last race. The most disappointing was the last one, but that's sport.

"Renault had its cycle for two years, we're coming out of Red Bull's and into Mercedes'.

"Now Ferrari opens a new cycle with a lot of work and investment, taking into account that today's cars are hybrids," he said.

Sergio Marchionne and Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Montezemolo said the most disappointing thing about his departure was the manner in which it took place.

"I've always had a very strong relationship with the Agnelli family," he said, "and I think I did something important in 2004, when I agreed to be chairman of Fiat in extremely dramatic circumstances.

"Perhaps a 'thank you' in the least would have been expected.

"I do not hide that I was not very pleased about how, but it is part of life and it is right that it is the owner who can make decisions," Montezemolo added.

He explained that his removal as president was related to parent group Fiat-Chrysler's debut on the New York stock exchange.

"Everything happened a little fast in relation to the listing of Fiat-Chrysler on the American stock exchange," said Montezemolo, "which happened two days ago.

"There was a need to have Ferrari in a large group and I think this accelerated time a little."

Finally, Montezemolo commented on the accident suffered recently by the critically injured Jules Bianchi.

"We have made tremendous progress with safety. Unfortunately some accidents still happen as was the case with Jules Bianchi, our boy, but the tractor should not have been there," he said.

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has admitted Fernando Alonso is leaving Ferrari.

The Spaniard's falling out with the Maranello team and recent dissolving of his contract is an open secret in F1 circles, but it is yet to be officially confirmed.

Also not yet announced is Sebastian Vettel's impending arrival to replace him, but countryman Nico Rosberg insists: "This is great news for our sport.

"It's interesting for all the fans when the four-time world champion changes teams and they wonder 'Can he take his new team back to the front?'" the Mercedes driver told Bild.

Insiders believe Ferrari's confirmation of the Alonso-Vettel news must now be imminent, although talks between the Spanish driver and McLaren-Honda are believed still to be taking place.

However, Italy's Autosprint believes a deal between Alonso and McLaren's new works engine supplier Honda is essentially agreed, and the last detail is the driver's desire for an exit clause.

Fernando Alonso out of Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

"Fernando is leaving (Ferrari) for two reasons," Montezemolo, who was officially replaced as Ferrari president by Sergio Marchionne on Monday, told Italian television Rai on Wednesday.

"One because he wants to cement himself in another environment. And two because he's at an age where he cannot wait to win again. He has been disappointed not to have won (a title) in these years and he needs a new stimulus," Montezemolo added.

Luca di Montezemolo only confirmed what is already widely known in the F1 paddock, and even his likely destination - McLaren-Honda - is no secret.

The bigger question is how arguably the sport's biggest name and best talent found himself playing contract poker with his old nemesis Ron Dennis in possession of a clearly inferior set of cards.

"He has been released from one contract without having another in place," said David Coulthard, "and that does have implications for his negotiations, however badly McLaren want him.

"What will happen to Alonso? Will he take a year out? Race a year in sports cars?" wondered the former McLaren driver, who now commentates for British television BBC.

"From controlling the market, he appears now to be left with a choice between McLaren and a year out," Coulthard added.

Coulthard's former McLaren teammate, the double world champion Mika Hakkinen, doubts a move to Woking will result in immediate success for Alonso.

"During my own career, I worked with many engine manufacturers. There was never success in the first year," the Finn said in his latest interview for sponsor Hermes.

"Based on my own experience, I would consider it to be a small miracle if Honda can go straight to the top," Hakkinen added, "although they do have extensive experience with the world of motor sport."

Málaga, Spain -- Like every other model in the Audi lineup, the redesigned TT gets the S treatment in an effort to appeal to performance enthusiasts who want more than just good looks. Based on my recent albeit brief experience in Spain, I guarantee that anyone who takes the hot and spicy 2016 Audi TTS for a spin will have a smile on their face the entire time.


How the TTS stands out
While Audi prefers to use subtle design upgrades to set its sportier models apart from the rest, the TTS does have some distinctive attributes including specific badges, a chrome grille, and larger front intakes.

Another giveway -- and a big one -- is the pair of twin tailpipes in the rear, separated by a contrasting diffuser. Upon closer inspection, you'll also notice that the ventilated discs and black brake callipers up front are larger. As for the wheels, the 2016 Audi TTS comes standard with 18” alloys that can grow to 20” via the options menu.

Juiced-up engine
The German automaker didn't try to reinvent the wheel here, either; they only improved upon it. The 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection returns, but gains 45 horsepower for a total of 310. Meanwhile, torque has increased to 280 lb-ft (+22).

Power is handled by a 6-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission, and then distributed to all four corners through Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. While European models also offer a 6-speed manual gearbox (same thing with the regular TT), this unit sadly won't be available in North America.

Time to hit the road!
Audi held the media launch of the new 2016 TT and TTS in the gorgeous region of Málaga, in the southern part of Spain. First, I got my hands on a manual version, if only to get a taste of what we'll be missing out on. We left the beach in the wee hours of the morning and headed toward the mountains where we found a surprisingly crowded road. Fortunately, the high-intensity discharge headlights and powerful engine combined to make passing manoeuvres a breeze.

The manual transmission sure is super-precise, but it doesn't match the performance of the S tronic. Through Audi Drive Select, you can select Dynamic mode to improve throttle response, firm up the suspension, and add weight to the already sharp steering. The new TTS is a fascinating car to drive on small, winding roads.

The brand's S models have really found their voice in recent years, and this one serves as a further example. Audi engineers clearly have a knack for dialling up the perfect exhaust note. Every acceleration provides auditory delight as the transmission upshifts and breaks off the sweet, sinister growl of the 4-cylinder engine.

Ascari is a wonderful place
The icing on the cake was a lapping session at Ascari, a private race-track near Ronda. This world-renowned circuit is the longest (4.1km) in Spain and arguably one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The elevation changes make the driver's job harder, but the TTS brilliantly rose to the challenge and made me look like a champion.

Once again, the quattro system contributed to rock-solid handling, while the Dynamic mode ensured extra pleasure for the senses. On a few occasions, with traction control working to keep me safe and sound, I noticed a bit of understeer; however, I can't say it significantly affected my experience on the track.

Conclusion
I have no doubt in my mind that the new 2016 Audi TTS eclipses the current generation in every respect. It's much more powerful and more capable on the road, while still proving functional and friendly in everyday driving, which is a definite plus.

Audi Canada will announce pricing next summer, but don't expect a huge difference from the 2015 model ($60,800). The wait will be long but totally worth it, believe me.

In an effort to redefine the brand's image and become more competitive, Acura is planning to follow Subaru's lead by making all-wheel drive standard on all of its models.

Offering more powerful engines is another possibility.

"I think that's the way we should go," said Koichi Fukuo, Acura's top global executive.

Half of all Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. this year featured AWD, and other premium makes are posting similar numbers (BMW: 58%; Audi 90%).

AWD is currently available with the TLX midsize sedan and will be standard on the upcoming RLX Sport Hybrid full-size sedan.

Source : autonews

Photo: Acura

From press release

McLaren has launched a new interactive app, providing mobile and tablet users with the most elegant and seamless access to the world of McLaren and Formula 1.

The McLaren App, which is available to download from Apple's App Store via this link: https://appsto.re/gb/MuBZ2.i, pulls together all of the team's social media content, McLaren.com stories, and a wealth of app-only content that has been specifically designed for the platform.

At its heart is the Transmission Centre, a central hub that constantly updates a stream of chat, photography, video and comment from a variety of social media sources.

During race sessions, the Transmission Centre's LIVE panel expands to accommodate constantly updated insights and commentary from the track, including radio conversations and real-time data. During race weekends, the McLaren App becomes the ultimate second-screen viewing experience.

Photo: McLaren

Also available on the app are driver biographies and galleries, data and videos about the team's 2014 car, and info on every circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. App-only content includes an exclusive F1 glossary, which provides the most comprehensive guide yet to modern grand prix racing's complex rules and regulations.

Fans also get a taste of the wider world of McLaren with social feeds from our fans, partners and road car company, McLaren Automotive. The sheer volume and concentration of content means that the dedicated McLaren fan will never miss a thing.

The McLaren App is available now from Apple's App Store for iPhone and iPad devices - or via this link: https://appsto.re/gb/MuBZ2.i

An Android version is due for release in early 2015.