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News 18 Jul, 2014

Smart looks to demonstrate the safety of the new ForTwo by crashing it head-on into the flagship Mercedes S-Class

News 18 Jul, 2014

Ford has confirmed performance details for the US-spec Ford Mustang 2015, with the flagship V8 getting 429bhp

Veteran supplier executive Paul Schockmel is the new CEO of Europe's partmakers association, CLEPA. He succeeds Jean-Marc Gales who is now CEO of sports car maker Lotus.

PSA will start producing cars in Nigeria this year through a local manufacturing partner. Rival Renault-Nissan began SUV output in Africa's largest economy in April.

Beijing Hyundai and Dongfeng Citroen topped mass-market brands in a J.D. Power survey of Chinese consumers' satisfaction with the car-buying experience. The joint ventures scored significantly higher than other mass-market brands.

Honda hopes that sleek styling and a smart interior will help its new Civic Tourer station wagon boost the automaker's flagging sales in Europe.

PSA will start producing cars in Nigeria this year through a local manufacturing partner. Rival Renault-Nissan began SUV output in Africa's largest economy in April.

From GMM

Deep into a second consecutive bad season for the grandee team, the changes at McLaren have begun.

The most noticeable sign of the restructuring process at the Woking based team in Hockenheim is that Jenson Button - whose own future in grey is also under review - is working with a new race engineer.

If Tom Stallard's name sounds familiar, it's because he won a silver medal rowing for Britain in the 2008 olympics.

He replaces Dave Robson, who is heading for a factory-based job.

"It's not about getting rid of people," Jenson Button insists, "it's moving people to better suited roles or making them feel refreshed.

"There are people who are being employed as well, because I think we need that."

The experienced British driver, however, hopes he is not involved in the McLaren reshuffles, as the team prepares for its works Honda era beginning next year.

Among the highest profile names linked with Button's seat have been his former McLaren teammate, Lewis Hamilton, and another 2007 McLaren driver, Fernando Alonso.

According to the Hamilton rumour, the highly-rated Briton might not want to stay at Mercedes in 2015 if his newly re-signed and now highly paid teammate Nico Rosberg is wearing the number '1' on the silver car.

Hamilton played a straight bat to the rumour at Hockenheim.

"I'm very happy in the team and naturally I assume I'll sit down with the bosses," he said.

"It's very difficult for me to see myself anywhere else but you never know what the future may hold," Hamilton added.

Lewis Hamilton, winner 5 times in 2014 with Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

As for the Alonso rumour, the Spaniard is famous for being central to F1's customary 'silly season', particularly since he began to show signs of frustration with his continuing struggle to win a title wearing Ferrari red.

Alonso was at Maranello last week for simulator tests, but perhaps he also sat down with Marco Mattiacci and Luca di Montezemolo to talk about the future.

"I talk to the president and Mattiacci every day," he said on Thursday. "There is no news in that regard.

"The same thing has always happened to me in July, probably since 2003. These questions about contracts, signings and extensions," said Alonso.

"I haven't talked to any team, or anything of the sort. It's not the priority."

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

Here's the thing; you can't really go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie. You know exactly what you're biting into when you pick up that chocolate chip cookie. They're easy to make and even easier to ingest. No matter what, you always know what you're getting with the tried and true chocolate chip cookie. No surprises here.

That's pretty much what it's like to drive and own the RAV4. Perhaps not as flavourful or calorific (thankfully for the latter), but it is essentially the same experience. You know what you're getting, and it's a pretty safe bet you're going to at least feel satisfied with it, if a little bored at the banality of it all. After all, it's just another chocolate chip cookie.


What is a Toyota RAV4?
To be exact, RAV actually stands for Recreational Activity Vehicle, the 4 for its 4WD capabilities. So, Toyota brought the RAV4 to market in the hopes that it would attract young, active families to purchase its vehicle.

Since it's launch in the late-‘90s the RAV4 has, thankfully, seen some heavy aesthetic changes. The latest design, now in its fourth generation, is the best-looking by far, and officially ditches the optional V6 in favour of a sole 4-cylinder mill.

2014 Toyota RAV4 Price & Specs
Available in both FWD and AWD, Toyota offers up five variations of its crossover RAV4. Regardless of trim level and extras, all come with the same engine: a 2.5L 4-cylinder VVT-I that'll push out 173 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the AWD drivetrain and you'll also get Toyota's active torque control system. A 6-speed automatic Super ECT (yes, that stands for Super Electronically Controlled Transmission) controls the power to either the front or all four wheels, respectively.

As for pricing, you could walk away with a base, bare-bones (but still plenty useful and perfect for the get-from-A-to-B commuter who needs extra space) Toyota RAV4 for just $23,870. However, if it's a more “luxurious” and AWD version of the RAV4 you're after, then hop to the front of the line with the AWD Limited equipped with a technology package for $35,345.

Our tester was an AWD XLE trimmed example with navigation system that retails for $31,080.

Driving the 2014 Toyota RAV4
Dress it up however you want, it's still the same cookie deep down. It'll satisfy that initial craving, but will get pretty bland by the end. It's not exotic or enticing other than offering something you fully expect to receive.

So it goes with any time you'll spend behind the wheel of the Toyota RAV4. It's not unsatisfying in any way; in fact it's quite pleasant. It's precisely how you'd expect it to be upon looking at the crossover in the parking lot. Handling is standard, ride quality is all right if a bit rough at times, and throttle response and braking are ideal for city settings. Nothing drastic, nothing over the top and nothing very exotic; it's no peanut brittle.

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 has enough oomph to merge on the highway and for passing maneuvers, and the steering response can seem vague at times, but then it's not meant to be sharp and sport-like.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Toyota RAV4
This is most definitely the chocolate-chunk type cookie, no Chippits here. Toyota pulled out all the stops with the redesign and managed to create a RAV4 that's kind of sexy and still inherently utilitarian. With a beefier version and interpretation of the brand's front end, the RAV4 is much more appealing than its predecessors, that's for sure.

Inside, the Toyota RAV4 has a bit of a taste explosion (imagine that first bite into a recently warmed-up up chocolate chip cookie). The interior space - especially in the upper trim levels - is actually quite impressive for the crossover. With an available 6.1” touchscreen (standard on XLE and Limited and optional on LE), reclining back seats, and dual-zone climate control, Toyota definitely stepped it up with the new RAV4.

Aesthetically, the interior is quite pleasing, too. I've never really been a fan of Toyota/Lexus interiors, but this is one of the better ones, and something I could live with in the long-term.

Comparing the 2014 Toyota RAV4
While the old RAV4 was eons behind the competition, it's not stepped up its game enough to really go head to head (and chocolate chip to chocolate chip) with the likes of the Ford Escape and Kia Sportage.

From GMM

After over 40 staff were shown the exit this week, arguably the most nervous drivers in the Hockenheim paddock are wearing green.

Marcus Ericsson is probably safe due to his healthy sponsorship purse, but bringing much less to Caterham's table in 2014 is Japanese Kamui Kobayashi, who was signed by the now-departed Tony Fernandes mainly for his fight and experience.

"If I'm not doing a good job tomorrow, maybe I'll be fired tomorrow," he said in Germany.

The rumours at the newly-sold Caterham could be tying in with rumours at Sauber, another team struggling at the back of the grid this year.

Motorhome Sauber. (Photo: WRi2)

The Swiss team's boss Monisha Kaltenborn refused to categorically back drivers Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil as she mused Sauber's pointless year so far in Hockenheim.

"In our history, we have never been so bad," she was quoted by German reporters.

"For me, it is not acceptable. I am not satisfied with the performance of the team," Kaltenborn added, when also asked about her happiness with the drivers.

At around the same time, German Sutil's manager Manfred Zimmermann was spotted in Caterham's paddock motor home.

Motorhome Caterham. (Photo: WRi2)

As Sutil's future wavers, has Caterham advisor Colin Kolles spotted a potential stream of additional revenue?

"It depends what they want," said Kobayashi, continuing to speculate on his future.

"I'm more experienced than the other drivers, so I just have to focus on my job. I cannot bring anything money-wise. It's fine to lose out to a driver with money -- this is formula one unfortunately."

Indeed, Caterham team boss Christijan Albers confirmed paddock suspicions that, after many members of staff were made redundant in recent days, the drivers are also not immune.

"As with any business, we are constantly evaluating all our employees, and our drivers are no different," he told F1's official website.

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has hit back after critics called on him to be banned for his British grand prix crash.

The Finn has recovered from a bruised ankle, knee and ribs after the 47G crash at Silverstone, in which Felipe Massa was also involved and Max Chilton's head narrowly avoided a flying tyre.

"Why does he come in balls out like that and crash?" F1 legend Niki Lauda had said at Silverstone, referring to the way in which Raikkonen rejoined the circuit after running wide.

Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari after the crash. (Caption: FOM)

Jo Ramirez, the former McLaren team manager, said Raikkonen's driving was "ludicrous".

"He could have seriously hurt himself, or worse, he could have hurt Massa as well," the Mexican told motorline.cc.

"And yet he gets away without any punishment. I thought Derek Warwick was the steward so I wrote to him, but it was Nigel Mansell. But Warwick replied to me 'You're right! Raikkonen should have been punished!'" Jo Rarirez revealed.

"If it would have been Maldonado or Grosjean, they would have sat out Germany, for sure," he charged.

At Hockenheim, however, Raikkonen dismissed his critics, telling the Finnish broadcaster MTV3 that punishments are not necessary "every time a driver goes off the track".

"Of course, everyone can have their opinion," said the Finn, "but usually it's people who have never driven who are the first to say someone should be punished."

From GMM

With Michael Schumacher fighting for recovery in a Swiss clinic, his family has also been fighting on another front.

EFE news agency reports that the publisher Hubert Burda Media, owner of the German news weekly Bunte, has been legally banned by a Munich court from publishing certain photographs of Schumacher's wife Corinna.

The photos of Mrs Schumacher were reportedly taken in Grenoble on January 3, the day the former Mercedes and Ferrari driver turned 45 whilst in a coma just days after his skiing accident.

The news agency said that, at lawyers representing the Schumacher family's instruction, the court found that the photos are private and therefore not eligible for publication.

A spokesman for Hubert Bunte Media said it will consider the ruling but probably appeal on the grounds that the judge did not properly assess its arguments.

EFE said Schumacher lawyers are also taking action against other media outlets in Cologne, Hamburg and Frankfurt.

From press release

Campos Racing takes on the technical direction of the Formula E Team China.

The agreement signed by Steven Lu, Team Principal of Team China and Adrian Campos the owner of Campos Racing agree that Adrian Campos will be Team Manager of the Formula E Team China and his engineers and mechanics will carry out this ambitious new project.

The team has its headquarters in the facilities of the Donington Park circuit where the team is already working at full capacity in the development of the new SRT-01E cars Renault Spark-monocoque carbon fiber and aluminum constructed by Dallara.

Team China Formula E at Donington Park. (Photo: FIA Formula E)

Adrian Campos is finalizing the incorporation of the new team drivers to start the Championship next September 13 in Beijing (China).

With the incorporation to Formula E Championship and the participation of Campos Racing in GP2 Championship, Euroformula Open, WTCC and ETCC, Adrian Campos complete one of the most important structures in the Motorsport World.

For the first time, Toyota is revealing a new vehicle completely online, introducing the 2015 Sienna minivan with a series of three custom videos titled “Action Movie Kid,” “Eh Bee Family,” and “Convos with My 2-Year-Old.”

In order to show how the spirit of the 2015 Sienna inspires real families in their daily lives, the Japanese automaker enlisted parents to spend time in the new Sienna and create their own unexpected adventures.

Safety remains a top priority for families, and the 2015 Toyota Sienna delivers in the form of a class-leading eight airbags, a panoramic backup camera (standard) with virtual guidelines to help navigate the driveway with greater confidence, and as many as four LATCH locations to securely install child seats.

Exterior changes include a revised front grille, while the interior boasts a new and improved dashboard.

There are many more features and amenities on the 2015 Toyota Sienna worth mentioning such as:

• Available LED daytime running lights and headlights.
• An optional 4.2” colour multi-information display can put turn-by-turn directions right in the driver's instrument panel for the best viewing.
• Capacitive switches on the optional 7” touchscreen allow users to swipe items on and off.
• An optional pull-down, conversation mirror called Driver Easy Speak lets the driver check on passengers without turning around.
• Available black leather interior with white contrast stitching.
• Gauges in the instrument panel have a new, modern look.

Source : pressroom.toyota.com

All Formula 1 have confirmed that they will not run the controversial ‘Fric' suspension system at the German Grand Prix.

The FIA's F1 technical delegate Jo Bauer has confirmed Friday that none of the cars that will take part in this weekend's will be fitted with a Front-and-Rear Interconnected Suspension (FRIC) system.

The news follows a technical directive sent to the teams by the FIA's race director Charlie Whiting following the last race in Great Britain, which called into question the legality of some of the ‘Fric' systems being used this season.

The FIA made it clear that they believed some of the systems being used may break technical regulations regarding moveable aerodynamic devices, raising the possibility of one or more teams being reported to the stewards this weekend.

However, with all of the teams having removed FRIC suspension from their cars, the risk of a team being reported appears to have disappeared.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG, in Germany. (Photo: WRi2)

Contrary to rumours that sent him to Microsoft, former Ford CEO Alan Mulally has been appointed to Google's board of management last week.

His arrival is a boon for the technology giant which unveiled the latest prototype of its self-driving car just two months ago.

“Alan brings a wealth of proven business and technology leadership experience,” said Larry Page, Google's CEO.

Mulally, 68, who will serve on the audit committee, will receive an initial grant of $1 million in Google stock, an annual equity award of $350,000 with a $75,000 cash retainer, as well as reimbursement of expenses, according to a Google statement.

“This is really an inspired move,” Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, associate dean of the Yale University School of Management, told Bloomberg. “Mulally has a great deal to bring to Google. He's an engineer's engineer who has a great feel for consumer product innovation. This is a way to let us know that there's no limit to the scope and scale of where Google is going.”

Despite stepping down from Ford on July 1st, six months earlier than expected, Mulally will remain in touch with the automaker and provide counsel to his successor, Mark Fields.

As previously reported, Google plans to roll out at least 100 fully autonomous vehicles in trials starting this year.

Source : bloomberg.com

Photo: Ford

Ford today announced the three engines that will be available with the all-new 2015 Mustang when it goes on sale at the end of this year.

The standard unit will be a 300-horsepower, naturally aspirated V6, which is a familiar unit in the Mustang range.

Customers will also have the option of a brand new 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that's turbocharged and direct injected to produce 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque -- the best-ever power density from a Ford engine.

“This EcoBoost engine delivers the healthy output Mustang drivers expect, regardless of the car's speed,” said Scott Makowski, EcoBoost powertrain engineering manager. “It delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to -- with a broad, flat torque curve and great driveability under any conditions.”

Of course, let's not forget the almighty 5.0L V8 at the top of the range. This one boasts 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, as well as an improved power-to-weight ratio. It benefits from a host of upgrades that can be credited to the development of the special-edition 2012 Mustang Boss 302, including:

• Larger intake and exhaust valves;
• Revised intake and exhaust camshafts
• Stiffer valve springs ensure valves close completely at high rpm;
• New cylinder head casting;
• Sinter forged connecting rods are lighter and more durable;
• Redesigned piston tops;
• Rebalanced forged crankshaft to support higher-rpm operation;

All three engines can be mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, the latter featuring SelectShift paddle shifters.

Source: Ford

Photo: Ford

Cosworth owner Kevin Kalkhoven told Racer magazine that a final decision in regards to the company's supply of IndyCar engines for next year would be taken soon, probably by August 30.

The American single seater series currently has two engine suppliers: Honda and Chevrolet.

Cosworth has an IndyCar motor ready to go, and according to its owner, the motor could be on the grid in 2015.

"Yes, we are in serious discussions with a number of companies - two in particular - and it doesn't take a huge imagination to think about who might be bringing a new car into the U.S. for the first time in a long time," Cosworth owner Kevin Kalkhoven told Racer magazine, possibly alluding to Alfa Romeo.

"Specifically, the project with one manufacturer is going to final recommendation sometime in the next month. That decision's going to be binary: Yes they will, or no they won't."

However, the magazine points out that one potential stumbling block are aero kits.

In fact, the IndyCar series will introduce the manufacturer-specific body kits next year, and both of the series' current engine manufacturers are at advanced stages with their designs.

For any new manufacturer to become competitive, such as Cosworth, commissioning an engine would only be half of what's needed to be produced by 2015.

For a new manufacturer to be competitive not only requires an engine, but also a body kit, which requires a lot of work, time, and money.

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed an Android-based app that would help pedestrians wearing headphones detect nearby vehicles and thus minimize the risk of a collision.

How does WiFi-Honk work? It's simple: by using the wireless signal sent by another device that runs the app.

Car drivers would share their GPS location and speed with other devices such as the smartphone of an unsuspecting pedestrian who's busy listening to music. WiFi-Honk will sound an alert through the headphones if a vehicle is approaching at high speed.

Such an app would prove very useful when you consider that the number of collisions involving pedestrians wearing headphones has tripled in the U.S. in recent years.

Source : cnetfrance.fr

Nico Rosberg set the pace in opening practice for the German Grand Prix on Friday morning before his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton beat him in the afternoon session.

Practice 1
In the first session, Rosberg lapped the 4.574km Hockenheim circuit in a time of 1m19.131 to go 0.065s quicker than Hamilton.

Fernando Alonso was third fastest in his Ferrari, about three tenths off Rosberg's pace, with Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull fourth ahead of Jenson Button's McLaren and Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG (Photo: WRI2)

Susie Wolff set the 15th fastest time behind the wheel of Valtteri Bottas' Williams FW36-Mercedes.

Practice 2
After the lunch break, Hamilton once more came to the fore in the second practice to head Rosberg.

Interestingly, the Red Bull-Renaults were not that far behind the Mercedes. Montreal race winner Daniel Ricciardo was third, just one tenth of a second back on Hamilton.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari (Photo: WRI2)

Kimi Raikkonen was fourth quickest in his Ferrari ahead of  Kevin Magnussen in a steadily improving McLaren.

Brazilian Felipe Massa was fifth in his Williams-Mercedes although he did show particularly strong long-run speed late in the session.

Jenson Button (McLaren), Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing), Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) and Valtteri Bottas (Williams) completed the Top 10.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing (Photo: WRI2)

With the ambient temperature at over 30 degrees C throughout the afternoon, track temperatures hit 58C, the highest so far this season. The high temperatures are not expected to last, with a changeable weather forecast for the rest of the weekend, including a possibility of rain.

German Grand Prix, Hockenheim, free practice 1*:
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m19.131 - 29 laps
2 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m19.196 - 25
3 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m19.423 - 21
4 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m19.697 - 27
5 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m19.833 - 24
6 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m20.097 - 28
7 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m20.105 - 32
8 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m20.210 - 21
9 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m20.337 - 28
10 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m20.505 - 18
11 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m20.542 - 19
12 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m20.586 - 23
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m20.592 - 22
14 - Sergio Perez (Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m20.598 - 24
15 - Susie Stoddart (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m20.769 - 22
16 - Giedo Van der Garde (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m20.782 - 23
17 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m21.603 - 20
18 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m21.854 - 30
19 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m22.572 - 31
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m22.982 - 24
21 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m23.256 - 35
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m23.299 - 22

German Grand Prix, Hockenheim, free practice 2*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m18.341 - 38 laps
2 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m18.365 - 39
3 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m18.443 - 35
4 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m18.887 - 38
5 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m18.960 - 40
6 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m19.024 - 36
7 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m19.221 - 40
8 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m19.248 - 35
9 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m19.329 - 32
10 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m19.385 - 34
11 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m19.417 - 41
12 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m19.452 - 27
13 - Sergio Perez (Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m19.581 - 28
14 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m19.593 - 32
15 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m19.760 - 32
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m20.158 - 35
17 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m20.358 - 35
18 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m20.504 - 40
19 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m21.328 - 31
20 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m21.870 - 21
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m21.898 - 28
22 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m23.728 - 12
*Unofficial timing