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News 10 Sep, 2014

Ferrari chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, is to stand down after nearly 23 years at the helm

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo will step down as chairman of Ferrari as of Oct. 13 and will be replaced by Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, Fiat said.

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo will step down as chairman of Ferrari as of October 13 and will be replaced by Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, Fiat said.

Denza, Daimler's 'made in China, for China' electric vehicle, is now production line at Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology (BDNT).

BMW's current German sales region chief Roland Krüger has been named president of Infiniti and SVP of parent company Nissan Motor.

BMW will begin sales of the 2-series convertible in February. The rear-wheel-drive model, which has a folding softtop, replaces the smaller 1-series convertible.

Nissan has poached BMW veteran Roland Krueger to head Infiniti. The appointment comes a week after Andy Palmer, Nissan's Chief Planning Officer who oversaw Infiniti, resigned to lead Aston Martin.

From GMM

Juan Pablo Montoya says F1 legend Michael Schumacher blocked his potential move to Ferrari a decade ago.

The Colombian, now 38 and having switched to Indycars at the end of a long stint in NASCAR, was back in the formula one paddock last weekend at Monza.

It was a rare visit to a grand prix for Montoya, but he said he has nothing against the sport he left suddenly in 2006.

"I have seen so many friends here," he is quoted by Italy's Autosprint as having said at Monza. "It's not like when I had to work," Montoya smiled.

He was also asked about rumours that, when his F1 career transitioned from Williams to McLaren in the middle of last decade, he also toyed with a switch to Ferrari.

"It was never possible," Juan Pablo Montoya explained. "Michael Schumacher was there and he hated me. But I'm really sorry about how he is now -- I just hope he continues to recover."

Montoya said he doesn't have a strong opinion about today's F1 compared to the V10 monsters he drove to 7 grand prix wins between 2001 and 2006.

"They still seem difficult to drive, challenging," he said. "They're slower, but that's because of the tires."

Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, Canada, 2005. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemelo will step down after 23 years at the helm of the most prestigious Italian automaker. He will be replaced by Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne effective October 13th.

Automotive News reports that escalating clashes between the two executives over strategy and the role of Ferrari within the Fiat group accelerated Montezemelo's departure.

While Marchionne plans to use Ferrari to expand in luxury cars and better compete with Volkswagen, which owns Lamborghini, Montezemolo wanted to limit sales to about 7,000 units a year to preserve the brand's exclusive allure. The recent disappointing performance of Ferrari's F1 team didn't help his cause.

In addition to his 23-year stay as Ferrari chairman, Montezemelo was the Fiat Group chairman from 2004-2010, yet he wasn't appointed to the board of the newly merged entity, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

"Ferrari is now American. This is the end of an era," Montezemolo told close associates last weekend.

Italian newspapers including Il Messaggero reported that he might be chosen to head Italian airline Alitalia.

Source: Automotive News

From press release

The 2014 edition of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Can-Am Cup will take this place this Saturday, September 13 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

The race will be a part of the BEMC Indian Summer event and promises to be a 22-minute shootout between some of North America's best open wheel racers.

American superstars Tristan DeGrand and Max Hanratty will face-off against Canadian hard chargers Chase Pelletier, Craig Willis, Jeff Kingsley and Zacharie Robichon. 2013 winner Jesse Lazare will also make his return to the series from the Porsche GT3 Cup to try and retain the crown in what is sure to be one of the best races this season.

In another exciting development, founder of the Can Am Cup Allan Craighead will make an appearance as the Grand Marshal and spend the day with the F1600 competitors.

The Can-Am Cup is an annual, highly sought after race within the Toyo Tires Championship and remarkably it has only been won by four competitors, Shane Jantzi has multiple wins, Matt DiLeo, Caitlin Johnston and Jesse Lazare each have one win.

As previously reported, Yamaha bought the designs of the T.25 electric car from former F1 engineer Gordon Murray to create the MOTIV-e. Together with the man himself, Yahama recently unveiled the car during CENEX.

Initially shown at last year's Tokyo Auto Show, the MOTIV-e is a small electric vehicle with F1-sourced technologies that reaches new levels of safety, lightness and driving dynamics while boasting a tiny carbon footprint.

Standing 2,690mm long and 1,470mm wide, the MOTIV-e can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 15 seconds and tops out at 105 km/h. Range is estimated at 160 kilometres. There's a 13kg Zytek electric motor and a single-speed Vocis transmission.

Source : Yamaha

Photo: Yamaha

Former GM dealers in Ontario, Alberta and Price-Edward-Island claim they were misled by General Motors of Canada when the dealer network got restructured following the crisis of 2009.

Represented by their lawyer, David Stern, they argue that the automaker ignored provincial laws requiring companies to send a 14-day notice before closing a store. GM reportedly told its dealers that they could receive a compensation if they reached an agreement within six days after a closing announcement.

Stern said that GM wanted to close some of its dealerships to avoid filing for bankruptcy. It also put itself in a conflict of interests by hiring Cassel Brock, a law firm that already represented GM and its dealers in a different battle.

The aforementioned dealers now demand $750 million in compensation, minus the amount that's already been allocated by GM of Canada. The latter countered by asking dealers to return the money they received, even though this would violate the deals signed in 2009.

Source : auto.lapresse.ca

As a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Goldfinger, the first James Bond film to feature the now iconic Aston Martin DB5, the creators recently commissioned a 24-carat gold-plated replica that will soon go on the auction block.

The third scale (1:3) model is expected to sell for £40,000-£60,000 ($70,000-$106,000) and will be available for bidding online at www.christies.com/goldfinger from September 8-17.

Also included in the sale will be a unique Goldfinger Seamaster Aqua Terra wristwatch created by Omega to celebrate the anniversary of the film. It is estimated to fetch between £8,000-£12,000 ($14,000-$21,000). Let's not forget the first-edition book Goldfinger by Ian Fleming (estimate: £1,000-£2,000 / $1,700-$3,500).

The auction coincides with the release of the Goldfinger Limited Edition gold SteelBook Blu-ray on September 22nd.

Source: Aston Martin

Photo: Aston Martin

From GMM

The signs are growing stronger that Jenson Button will secure at least one more year at McLaren.

The British team's quest for a star champion like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso to spearhead the new Honda era beginning in 2015 has been an open paddock secret.

But the latest reports suggest McLaren-Honda may now instead try to impress with a solid first season next year and try again to lure a top name for 2016.

McLaren protege and rookie Kevin Magnussen appears almost assured of a second season.

The Dane's wheel-to-wheel driving was penalised by the stewards not only at Spa but again at Monza, but team boss Eric Boullier says Magnussen, 21, should not be deterred.

"I think he needs to keep building up his confidence by doing what he's doing," the Frenchman told reporters this week.

"It's clear that he's stepping up," Eric Boullier added. "He might be punching above his weight because he doesn't have the car to be fast enough for a better result. Obviously his self-confidence is growing massively and that's good for his racecraft which is only going to get better and better."

Button's prospects going forward have been much more clouded, but the 34-year-old - the second-oldest and most experienced driver on the grid - now appears headed for a 2015 extension.

The Daily Mail quotes him as revealing he spent "a lot of time" with McLaren supremo Ron Dennis over the Italian grand prix weekend.

"Forgetting the driver situation with Kevin and myself," said Jenson Button, "it was good to talk about the future of the team, the direction it is going and how it is performing. It was all interesting and encouraging, which comes on the back of the last couple of races in particular which have been good in terms of atmosphere within the team."

Jenson Button, McLaren-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

On paper, however, Button's seat is still technically unsecured beyond 2014.

Lotus' dissatisfied Romain Grosjean at Monza admitted that Ferrari and McLaren were at the top of his list of dream alternatives for the future.

His current boss Gerard Lopez admitted it is possible the Frenchman will leave.

"One (driver) - Pastor (Maldonado) - has already been confirmed" for 2015, he told F1's official website.

"And Romain has in his contract -- it is no secret that he could step out of the contract given the bad results, but I am pretty sure we will stay with what we have," Gerard Lopez added.

This year the Lexus CT 200h has undergone a major mid-model refreshment. In short, everything except the powertrain has been changed, including my opinion of the car. Originally, I considered the CT 200h to be an upscale Prius. It shared the powertrain and hence performance traits with the Prius. Suspension components were up to the standard of a luxury car. That has changed with the addition of the F SPORT package. Anyone who is the least bit interested in practical driving fun had best put the Lexus CT 200h F SPORT on the shopping list


What is the Lexus CT 200h F SPORT
The CT 200h is the current entry-level Lexus hybrid that uses the latest generation of power controllers to make the best use of both the gasoline and electric motors. When you add the F SPORT package the car transforms into something that handles and rides much better than other trim levels.

2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT Price and Specs
The Lexus CT 200h F SPORT is almost a separate model unto itself. It has its own spec sheet and carries a sticker price of $38,400 without any additions. Loaded with every option and accessory, the total price is $39,359. Prices from Lexus do not include taxes, freight and/or dealer fees.
For your hard-earned cash, you can choose from eight different colours and three interior fabrics. The only interior finishing trim used on the F SPORT is an aluminium trim which does tie the interior together quite nicely.

Driving the 2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT
Power still comes from a 1.8L Atkinson cycle inline-4 that has DOHC, four valves per cylinder, as well as VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence), and an electric motor. Total horsepower is 134. Lexus does not specifically say so, but common opinion is that the gas engine puts out 98 horsepower and the electric motor produces 36 horsepower. The transmission is a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) unit that works seamlessly in gas, electric or combined modes.

Driving the CT 200h F SPORT turned out to be full of surprises. My expectations of mediocrity were quickly laid to rest. The addition of the F SPORT option is more than just a set of rims and some trim bits. Engineers recalibrated the suspension components so that straight-line comfort has not suffered and cornering ability has improved. You can tell me that there are no changes in horsepower and torque for 2104, but the F SPORT suspension is so much better that the CT 200h feels faster. When pushing hard, the suspension lets you stay on the power longer and get on the brakes later thus putting a grin on your face and altering your perceptions! This is a radical departure in what a hybrid is supposed to be like.

Add in a bit of electronic wizardry for the transmission and the paddle shifters really make the CVT feel as if you are shifting it. Technically you really do “shift” because the electronic control does move the CVT about altering the drive ratios just as a geared transmission would do.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Lexus CT 200h F SPORT
Fully refreshed, the CT 200h F SPORT has the Lexus trademark spindle-style grille with its own unique format. Headlamps and fog lamps are set in a new front fascia that enhances the fluidity of the sportback design. At the rear, Lexus provided the CT 200h F SPORT with a model-specific rear spoiler complete with cutouts to improve downforce at road speed. The wheels, with their split five-spoke design, make the side view stand out. The slightly rounded sides hold generously cut doors with a large side glass area making all around visibility quite good.

Front leather seating surfaces cover comfortable seats with thigh and side bolsters that hold you in place without being obtrusive or edgy. In the rear, a leather-faced 60/40 split seat is a bit cramped with three adults and quite comfortable with just two. Leg room is a bit on the tight side if the front seat occupants are long legged. Connectivity is not an issue with Bluetooth ™ as well as ports for USB and your personal entertainment system which feeds into the Mark Levinson Stereo system.

Comparing the 2014 Lexus CT 250h F SPORT
The Lexus CT 200h competes in several market segments including, but not limited to, hybrid cars, luxury cars and sports cars. A few of the competitors include the Audi A3 TDI, Mazda3 Sport SKYACTIV and the Prius V.

From GMM

Reports that Bob Bell's future could be in red have resurfaced this week.

At around the same time Stefano Domenicali stepped down at Ferrari earlier this year, Mercedes technical director Bell's split was also announced.

The fact Bell's Ferrari link has returned now is interesting, given the likely shakeup at Maranello with president Luca di Montezemolo's departure.

It has been rumoured Bell, with experience at running a F1 team in the wake of 'crashgate' at Renault, might succeed Marco Mattiacci as Ferrari principal.

Italy's Omnicorse reports this week that Bell has "met with Mattiacci" recently "but has not yet signed a contract with Ferrari".

Marco Mattiacci, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Before I get too old and start to forget a few things, I'd like to write a series of articles about some of the fantastic race cars I had the opportunity to drive over the years, starting with an F1 car that I took for a spin at Magny-Cours in France. Pure bliss!

It was the real thing, too — not one of those hybrids consisting of an F1 chassis with an endurance or Formula 3000 engine bolted to it.

More specifically, I drove Erik Comas' 1994 Larrousse LH94 equipped with a normally aspirated Series 7, 3.5L Ford HB V8 that produced 730 horsepower. Not a single part or component had been modified (including the paint) except the semi-automatic transmission.

The author in the Larrousse LH94. (Photo: Jean-Claude Loustau)

F1 International
About 15 years ago, a wealthy French businessman bought some F1 cars and founded a company called F1 International, allowing anyone to drive these engineering marvels (or monsters or whatever you want to call them) for a certain price.

As an motor racing journalist, I was invited to participate. Thank heavens!

I headed to France on a cold and gloomy autumn day to drive this Larrousse. After getting familiar with the track in an F3 car, I was allowed five laps with an F1 — just over 20 kilometres in total.

My small size made me feel right at home inside the carbon monocoque. The steering wheel had two paddle shifters, but as was the case back then, the good old clutch pedal remained.

The director of the school leaned toward me and said that they had some issues with the transmission. OK, good to know.

I was a bit (should say pretty) nervous because the track was still wet and I'd be forced to use rain tires. As you can imagine, these were not ideal conditions for a first experience behind the wheel of a 700+ horsepower machine of just 600 kilos.

With some air-start assist, the V8 suddenly came to life and the vibrations tickled every inch of my spine. The engine idled at 4,000 rpm, but the sound was almost deafening.

I engaged first gear and the clutch proved surprisingly easy to modulate, provided I revved the engine up to about 7,000 rpm.

I exited the stands and the wind cleaned all the rain drops on my visor. The initial jitters made me keep a slow pace, as if there was an egg under my right foot.

Leaving the (wet) pits... (Photo: Jean-Claude Loustau)

Locked transmission
Upon approaching the Adelaide hairpin, I hit the brakes and the transmission locked in fifth gear. Since I didn't want to wreck anything, I stopped the car in the small exit lane on the left. The emergency staff arrived and put the transmission back to neutral so I could resume my driving session.

I tiptoed my way to the finish line, but now that the track was almost completely dry, I started to push the car a lot harder to really test its mettle. Time to mash the throttle. Whoa! This thing flies!

With the revs climbing all the way to the limit, I pulled the right paddle to shift into second gear. What happened next felt like a giant, violent kick in the butt.

My head slammed backward and I feared that the transmission was still stuck in first gear. I looked at the indicator and saw the “2” in bright red. OK then...

The same thing happened when I shifted into third gear. Heck, at the end of the operation, it was impossible for me to tell the difference between second and sixth gear without looking at the instrument panel.

All about the brakes
Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the car's top speed. Driving the Larrousse at 300 km/h felt a lot like doing 100 km/h in a production car.

The brakes are another story, however. There were two cones on the straight leading up to Adelaide to remind us when to apply the brakes, but they seemed to be way too close to the corner. And yet, the car slowed down in astonishingly quick fashion, causing my safety harness to loosen up a bit.

The braking zone at the Adelaide hairpin corner. (Photo: Jean-Claude Loustau)

In the long and fast Estoril corner, the Larrousse tended to sway at a troubling rate. I was told this was caused by the significant caster angle of the large rear tires.

The transmission kept giving me trouble when downshifting, so I had to rely on heel-toe shifting to drop gears. I kept blipping the throttle and pulling the left paddle until the lower gear engaged. Vroam.... Voram.... Vroam....

That proved tedious and tiring at times, but something about the grating sound of the V8 invigorated me and captivated my senses.

My five-lap session at the world's most exhilarating amusement park ended in the blink of an eye, or so it seemed. I could have spent the entire day driving the Larrousse at Magny-Cours.

I undid the harness and slowly crawled out of the tight cockpit, a bit dizzy and with strained muscles in the front of my neck. I flashed a huge smile as my helmet came off, and understandably so: I had just driven an actual F1 car!

The inaugural season will see 10 teams, each with two drivers, competing in the 2014/2015 FIA Formula E Championship.

For season 1, each team will run four Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E cars, two per driver, with the cars/teams based at a purpose built central workshop at Donington Park during the off-season.

The opening race will be held this Saturday on a street track designed in Beijing, China.

Amlin Aguri (Japan)
Katherine Legge
Antonio Felix da Costa

Andretti Formula E (USA)
Franck Montagny
To be confirmed

Audi Sport ABT (Germany)
Lucas di Grassi
Daniel Abt

China Racing (China)
Nelson Piquet
Ho-Pin Tung
RESERVE DRIVER - Antonio Garcia

Dragon Racing (USA)
Jerome d'Ambrosio
Oriol Servia

e.dams-Renault (France)
Nicolas Prost
Sébastien Buemi

Mahindra Racing (India)
Karun Chandhok
Bruno Senna

Trulli (Italy)
Jarno Trulli
Michela Cerruti

Venturi (Monaco)
Nick Heidfeld
Stéphane Sarrazin

Virgin Racing (UK)
Jaime Alguersuari
Sam Bird

British magazine Autosport revealed Wednesday that Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin will make his Formula 1 debut at home in Sochi.

Sirotkin will drive a Sauber in Friday morning's free practice session.

The 19-year-old tested a 2014 Sauber C33-Ferrari in Bahrain last April.

"In the World Series by Renault, Sergey had a difficult start to the season with many technical problems, but in the meantime he was able to recover and to win the race in Moscow. We decided that this is the right time to give Sergey this chance,” Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn told Autosport.

Sitrokin is the test driver of the Swiss team.

The team has yet to decide which of its race drivers -- Adrian Sutil or Esteban Gutierrez -- will step aside for Sergey Sirotkin on the Friday morning in Sochi.

Sergey Sirotkin, Sauber C33-Ferrari, Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

Emilio Botin, chairman of the banking giant Santander, has died aged 79, the Spanish company has announced.

The bank said Botin died of a heart attack on Tuesday night.

Botin was widely regarded as one of the most powerful people in Spain over the past three decades.

An avid golfer, one of his daughters was married to golf star Severiano Ballesteros.

Botin was also a big fan of Formula 1, and especially his fellow countryman, Fernando Alonso. Santander still sponsors the Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren F1 team.

Emilio Botin and Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari stand. (Photo: WRi2)