Auto News 5

Cadillac dealers nationwide are frustrated over the choppy rollout of the '15 Escalade, the first redesign of the luxury barge in eight years.

So much for Tom Finelli's honeymoon phase as Chrysler Group's new purchasing chief for North America. The protégé of the late and highly respected Dan Knott has little time to win the trust of wary suppliers.

Ford Motor Co. is trying to take the guesswork out of dealership inventory ordering, using advances in big data technology to offer its stores sophisticated recommendations for their orders. Some dealerships are resisting.

Aston Martin's U.S. stores could be put out of business when a new federal safety rule lands next month, a top dealer said in a petition.

The long-awaited decline in used-vehicle prices has finally arrived, only it may turn out to be steeper drop and a bigger threat to the overall market than almost anyone expected.

Sonic Automotive is naming its new used-vehicle business EchoPark and eventually aims to put the stand-alone stores in more than 50 markets across the country.

The services of Chaplain Roy Inzunza is part of the spiritual and wellness benefits for employees of the 12-franchise dealership group.

In its recall-induced quest to strip customers' key chains of any dangling tchotchkes, GM has raised the alarm about promotional key tags.

Ford and Chevrolet #8212; both looking to claw back market share they have relinquished this year #8212; have touched off an earlier-than-usual round of late-summer incentives.

Ford is the latest automaker to borrow ideas from tech giant Apple. The automaker is rebranding 500 European dealerships as Ford Stores ahead of launching its new Vignale premium trim line.

Volvo's latest tease of the redesigned XC90 crossover focuses on the headlights and grille, and evokes the Swedish brand's future and its past.

From GMM

Former grand prix driver Jan Lammers thinks 16-year-old Max Verstappen is ready for Formula 1.

Verstappen, the fresh-faced son of another former Dutch F1 driver Jos, has signed up with Red Bull's famous driver development programme after an impressive transition from karting to F3.

The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf has reported repeatedly in the past days that Verstappen will be announced shortly as a Toro Rosso race driver for 2015.

The reports say the news could be made official ahead of this weekend's Belgian grand prix.

Max Verstappen (Photo: F3 Euro Series)

If true, that would make Verstappen, at the age of 17 next March, the youngest F1 race driver in the sport's entire history.

Former F1 driver Lammers said: "In terms of age it is no problem.

"At the age of 4, Max was already in a kart. And the transition from Formula 3 to formula one is not illogical. Alain Prost, Kimi Raikkonen, myself, we all did it.

"No one should forget that Max is a talent of the highest quality," he added.

"Personally, I think 17 is very young, but some just mature earlier than others. I look at myself -- I was absolutely not ready for formula one at that age.

"But of course it helps that in Jos he has a father who knows exactly how everything works in Formula 1."

Sometimes, your biggest competitor isn't the one that's right in front of you or even the one coming up from behind trying to overtake you.

Sometimes, it's you.

When it comes to premium sedans, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is no stranger to being its own best and worst enemy. Why is that? Because it's the bread-and-butter of the German automaker's smorgasbord.

To check out our full review on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, head on over to Auto-Venus.com.

Photo: Alexandra Straub

Canadian rally driver 'Crazy Leo' Urlichich will face a new challenge this weekend, as he will race on tarmac for the first time in a WRC event.

Running in the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy this season, Leo is getting ready to contest the ADAC Rally Deutschland in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta R2.

“I have never completed in Deutschland before, nor on tarmac. But I've always liked higher grip situations, so I'm really looking forward to the fun!” Leo told Auto123.com.

“I'm teaming up with a fourth new co-driver this season, and I can only hope that we are able to finish the event,” said the only Canadian to compete in the prestigious FIA World Rally Championship this year.

'Crazy Leo' Urlichich at Rally de Portugal. (Photo: 'Crazy Leo' Facebook)

“I have done a one-day test in Belgium on tarmac, and I have to say that I loved it! One of the biggest challenges for me this year is the switch from an all-wheel drive car to front-wheel drive, and on tarmac that difference is less noticeable, because the car is a lot more planted.

“I'm dead last in the championship, but at least that's not really through my own fault. The bad luck in the shape of bizarre co-drivers' injuries caused us to withdraw from WRC Poland early on, and not start Finland.

“I am, however, still happy that I haven't made any major driving errors so far, and that I haven't lost any of my passion and excitement, despite this difficult stretch!” Leo explained.

“I also thank M-Sport for their understanding and support, as well as all my sponsors (particularly Can-Jam Motorsports and CSCS) for not giving up on me!” ‘Crazy Leo' ended.

The promise of confidence and peace of mind, on many levels, are key reasons so many Canadians are gravitating towards the ever-expanding sea of crossover SUV models.

Part of that confidence and peace of mind comes from the promise of top-notch traction -- be it for safer navigation of icy roads or more confident trips down the road less travelled. Whatever your need for crossover confidence, enhanced traction is likely part of the appeal.

Many crossover models today go above and beyond in delivering enhanced traction, offering features that turn the dial to 11 on the all-important peace of mind that comes from sure-footed traction. Here's a closer look at some of the unique confidence and traction-enhancing features winding up in more crossover models than ever to try and win over today's crossover shopper.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Four Wheel Drive LOCK
Many crossover models run a computer-controlled, four-wheel or all-wheel drive system that automatically divides engine power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions. To save fuel, most of these systems prefer to power just two wheels, most of the time. Some, however, offer a LOCK setting -- typically engaged with a button on the dashboard -- to force the four-wheel drive system into action, locking in an even power split between the front and rear axles whenever it's engaged.

Ideal ahead of tackling extra-slippery terrain, extra-deep snow or before pulling the boat up a steep launch, the LOCK setting is sought out by many shoppers looking for maximum grip at the push of a button. Look for extra traction at the touch of a button via a LOCK setting in models including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Cherokee, and Nissan Pathfinder.

Downhill Assist
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) or Hill Descent Control (HDC) is marketed with various names by various automakers, but the underlying principle is the same. Going down a steep hill, and especially a steep and slippery hill, can be dangerous. Simply engage the Downhill Assist system fitted to your crossover before heading down the grade, release the pedals, and focus on steering.

Using inclination sensors and advanced, ultra-precise control over the vehicle's throttle, brakes and transmission, the system inches the vehicle carefully and predictably down even the most challenging slopes working the brakes on a wheel-by-wheel basis, if needed. Downhill Assist works to ensure the vehicle goes straight down the hill with minimal drama and at an extremely slow speed, regardless of incline and traction levels. This makes life safer and less stressful in the driver's seat. Look for Downhill Assist systems in models like the Volvo XC60, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Acura MDX, Nissan Rogue, and others.

Photo: Mathieu Germain

Uphill Assist
Getting up a hill can be tricky business, too -- especially if there's a need to stop and get going again. Not only can this cause wheel-spin that may impede your ability to make it to the top or result in a loss of control, but the effect of a vehicle trying to move forward while it's rolling backwards is very hard on the transmission, too. Solution? Hill Hold Assist or Hill Start Assist.

Like the downhill assist systems, this one is covered by numerous names and one simple concept: When you move your foot from the brake pedal to the throttle after stopping on a hill, the system “freezes” the brake pressure a moment after the brake pedal is released, effectively leaving the brakes on, even if you're not on the pedal. The system releases the brakes only as enough throttle is applied to get the vehicle moving again. The result, from the driver's seat, is largely non-dramatic. The system neutralizes the effects of momentum and gravity, and eliminates rolling backwards, so the vehicle simply starts moving up the hill again without any wheel spin, slipping, digging or loss of control.

In virtually all models, this system engages automatically whenever you're stopped on a hill -- no buttons to press. Look for Hill Start Assist in the Subaru Forester, Honda Pilot, Ford Escape, Lexus RX, Kia Sorento, and many others.

Custom Terrain Management
For serious off-road conditions, numerous crossover models offer an all-terrain dynamics management system, which lets drivers choose from various “modes” that best match current on- or off-road driving conditions. Special modes are typically available for Snow, Sand, Mud, Ruts, Rocks, and more. The all-terrain dynamics management system, marketed with names like Selec-Terrain or Terrain Response, instantly calls up special system calibrations for the throttle, transmission, the AWD or 4x4 system, traction control, and even the differentials to help fully optimize vehicle operation for whatever surface is passing beneath. Throttle response, allowable wheel spin, gear-change logic, and power split between the axles are all fine-tuned for maximum grip on the terrain in question.

With the ability to tell your crossover the type of terrain you're about to tackle, traction can be considerably enhanced. Most of these systems have an AUTO setting too, which is applicable to most normal driving conditions. Look for an all-terrain dynamics management system in the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover LR4, and others.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Torque Vectoring
This fancy-sounding term refers to a simple premise. Torque vectoring basically “shapes” the direction of the vehicle by overpowering one or more wheels in a cornering situation to help steer the vehicle, in addition to actual steering-wheel inputs. Imagine you're in a big boat with someone paddling at each corner, and the two paddlers on the right hand side of the boat are paddling harder and faster. Without using the rudder to steer, the effect of more propulsion on one side of the boat will tend to point it in the opposite direction. So, in an all-wheel drive crossover, like a Nissan Juke or Subaru Forester, torque vectoring works similarly, but with wheels not paddles. More power is sent to the outer wheels in a cornering situation, helping point the vehicle into the corner. This doesn't create more traction it simply makes better use of the traction available, and enhances handling and control in all conditions as a result.

BMW will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2016 and rumour has it that the German automaker may launch a plug-in hybrid supercar to rival the Porsche 918 Spyder and others. It would likely be based on the upcoming i8, but so much more powerful.

According to Auto Moto Und Sport, the BMW i9 could sprint from 0-100 km/h in under four seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h. Just like the i8, it would achieve a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

BMW has yet to confirm these reports, of course, so let's be patient.

Source : insideevs.com

Adapted from GMM

Several Formula 1 teams will completely revisit the noses of their cars for 2015, or even sooner.

Lotus
Lotus' technical director Nick Chester insists the innovative nose of the E22 is a "pretty good solution" that will stay on the current car for the rest of the season but it will not be kept for next year.

"The way the nose structure rules are written, it would be very hard to do," Chester told F1's official website when asked if Lotus will stick with its double-pronged solution next year.

"It is actually easier to design a more conventional low nose, so going that route it's easier to pass the crash test," he added.

Chester admitted, however, that Lotus might run an early iteration of a more conventional nose later this season during a Friday practice session.

But in the actual races, the forked nose is staying put for now.

"There's not really a benefit (to changing it in 2014)," Chester said, "because all the work we have done in the tunnel says we would lose downforce by doing it."

Nick Chester, Lotus F1 Team (Photo: WRI2)

Caterham
Manfredi Ravetto has confirmed Caterham will debut a new nose at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

The first fruits of second-half season effort, involving a wind tunnel programme at Toyota's Cologne facility, includes a new nose to replace the unique and unseemly 'double' nose at the front of the uncompetitive 2014 car.

Italy's Omnicorse quoted Ravetto as confirming that it will debut this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.

"The new nose is part of a package of innovations we are bringing to Spa as a demonstration of how we are trying to revive our performance, even if we are restructuring the team and living difficult days from which we hope to emerge soon," he said.

"The changes in Belgium are, in fact, just the beginning -- the most important things you will see later," Ravetto added.

Caterham CT05 (Photo: WRI2)

From GMM

Enzo Ferrari's only living son says he wants Fernando Alonso to stay with the Maranello team for the rest of his Formula 1 career.

The Spanish driver, widely recognised as perhaps the best and undoubtedly the highest paid on the grid, is under contract to Ferrari but also linked with a potential move to a rival team like next year's Honda-powered McLaren.

"Honestly," Piero Ferrari said, "I hope Alonso remains at Maranello until the end of his career.

"I do not follow the chatter of the market," Ferrari, whose father founded the great Italian marque, told Italian insider Leo Turrini's blog.

"I am not responsible for negotiations, I speak only of the value of the driver and I still think Fernando is the right man for our hopes.

"After that it is up to us to give him and Kimi [Raikkonen] a competitive car," he added.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T (Photo: WRI2)

Unsurprisingly for a senior figure of the Italian marque, Ferrari was also highly critical of F1's current regulations, although he insisted it should not be an "excuse" for the team's situation in 2014.

"Among the many stupidities of modern formula one is this rule requiring the closure of the racing teams in August," he said.

"Dad would turn in his grave -- he hated to leave; he was always in the office in mid August.

"Today everything is forbidden," Ferrari complained. "Testing during the season, the frozen engines. I hardly see Formula 1 anymore.

"But I know in advance the counter (argument)," he added. "Even Ferrari agreed to certain solutions that, in the end, were wrong."

From GMM

Sauber Formula 1 driver Esteban Gutierrez has revealed his management is in talks with "other teams" about 2015.

With the prominent backing of Telmex, the 23-year-old has driven for the struggling Swiss team since last year.

When asked about 2015, he told local media whilst in his native Mexico at the weekend: "We are in negotiations with Sauber and we have opened discussions with other teams.

"We are in a period of evaluation to see what direction we want to go," added Gutierrez, who like his teammate Adrian Sutil is yet to score a single point in 2014.

Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber C33 (Photo: WRI2)

He continued: "Over the next two months we have to make a decision and now we are evaluating all the possibilities that we have open.

"Sauber is happy with me and wants to go on," he revealed.

Gutierrez also admitted that he expects the next two grands prix, in Belgium and Italy, to be difficult for the Ferrari-powered 2014 Sauber.

"The car itself is very difficult to drive, it is a very complex car in many respects, but I think we have improved it since the start.

"But the truth is that we have difficulties especially on the straights. In the short term, Spa and Monza will not be good for us," he acknowledged.

From GMM

Luca Marmorini has lashed out at Ferrari after being ousted as the fabled team's engine boss.

Also well known for his position at Toyota, the Italian's F1 career dates back more than two decades to Maranello.

But he was ousted by new team boss Marco Mattiacci a few weeks ago, amid the general feeling that he was to blame for Ferrari's underpowered turbo V6 'power unit'.

Marmorini told Italian F1 insider Leo Turrini that he had no intention of getting involved in any "needless controversy" in the wake of his departure.

"Unfortunately there are people in Maranello who should be silent who like to blame," he said. "So I open my mouth in response to a series of provocations."

Marmorini hit out the hardest against the notion that "all the woes of the F14 T are the fault of the power unit.

"As if a company with the history of Ferrari has forgotten how to make engines!

"I mean, I accept any criticism, but do not tell me that there are people at Maranello who do not know the business of turbos, hybrids.

Ferrari F14 T (Photo: WRI2)

"Let's set the record straight -- with my colleagues I made a smaller size (engine) than Mercedes and Renault because that is what Mr (Nikolas) Tombazis, the project manager of the car, asked for.

"He said he wanted a very compact PU, with small radiators, because the reduced power would be compensated by aerodynamic solutions that give us an advantage over the Mercedes and Renault cars.

"It was exactly like that, except that when we found the competition, we had less power but the compensation from the aerodynamics was not there."

Marmorini said he was dismissed by Mattiacci, even though "in three months we saw each other twice -- first for a greeting, the second when he gave me a letter that confirmed my departure from the company".

"Look, I don't want to accuse anyone," he added. "Really. But Ferrari is entrusting its racing department to inexperienced people who are putting blind faith in certain people who so far have shown nothing."

Marmorini said he is referring to Britons Pat Fry and James Allison.

"Ferrari also runs the risk of damaging the bedrock on which the many past successes were built," he added. "I don't speak for me as I'm already gone.

"But I'm sorry for the good engineers who are still there and demoralised."

Marmorini also responded to reports his future lies at Renault, another marque that has struggled at the start of F1's all-new 'power unit' era.

"It's not true that I have signed already with Renault," he insisted.

"Indeed, at the moment in a Formula 1 that imposes an engine freeze, I like it very little. But I'm honest -- grands prix have their charm and maybe in a month I will change my mind," said Marmorini.