Auto News 5

Renault plans to expand its production capacity in China soon after manufacturing begins in 2016, reports Reuters.

With Nissan's 'No Charge to Charge' promotion, new Leaf buyers in certain markets will potentially benefit from two years of free public charging.

News 11 Jul, 2014

We explore the UK's top luxury car contenders in the countdown to the Auto Express New Car Awards on July 15th

News 10 Jul, 2014

Latest innovation from Audi will use new lightweight polymer springs to improve the suspension on certain models

Honda is recalling 175,356 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in Japan, including the Fit subcompact, over a software glitch in the engine control unit.

News 11 Jul, 2014

We explore the UK's top performance car contenders in the countdown to the Auto Express New Car Awards on July 15th

News 11 Jul, 2014

We explore the UK's top executive car contenders in the countdown to the Auto Express New Car Awards on July 15th

Sales of new cars in Russia plunged by the most in more than four years in June as a weaker ruble curbed demand. Automakers sold 199,398 vehicles last month, down 17 percent from a year earlier.

Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover says it has developed - with the help of the latest artificial intelligence technologies - a "self-learning vehicle" that can offer a "completely personalised driving experience".

Four projects by Germany, Spain and Hungary are being examined by the European Commission concerning the compatibility with EU state aid rules for Volkswagen, BMW and Ford.

Nissan has priced its Pulsar compact hatchback to undercut equivalent versions of the Ford Focus and VW Golf, the segment's top-selling models.

Callaway's formula for making the C7 Corvette even more potent should be familiar to anyone who's followed the cars coming out of this tuner. For the Corvette, Callaway has added a 2.

Bugatti may build a hybrid successor to its 1,200-hp Veyron, sources said. The new model will beat the top speed of Bugatti's Veyron Super Sport, the sources added.

Bugatti may build a hybrid successor to its 1,200-hp Veyron, sources said. The new model will beat the top speed of Bugatti's Veyron Super Sport, the sources added.

News 10 Jul, 2014

All-new Ingenium engines to go in Jaguar XE first and join Disco Sport range in late 2015

Sales in the once-strong volume mid-sized sector are forecast to fall to less than 500,000 in western Europe this year, down from more than 800,000 in 2011, as pressure from premium alternatives mounts.

Sales in the once-strong volume mid-sized sector are forecast to fall to less than 500,000 in western Europe this year, down from more than 800,000 in 2011, as pressure from premium alternatives mounts.

From GMM

Patrick Head has applauded Mercedes for letting its drivers race in 2014.

Williams co-founder Head, 68, is now only a rare sight in the F1 paddock, having effectively retired from the sport.

But he was spotted during the British grand prix weekend, telling Germany's Auto Motor und Sport that dominant Mercedes is doing "the right thing" by letting Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg go wheel-to-wheel rather than imposing team orders.

"A team that is so dominant, has a duty to the sport," Head said.

"Williams and McLaren know that, and we always did, often at a high price. Only Ferrari in the Schumacher era believed that it was bigger than the sport," the Briton added.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG, in the streets of Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

Meanwhile, Head said he is happy with his life post F1, answering "no chance" when asked if he might be considering a return.

"I'm going sailing now," he grinned.

Pros: With its signature soft top, which opens in a mere 15 seconds and takes just two seconds longer to close, the 2014 Audi S5 Cabriolet brings open-air freedom to the heightened performance of the S5. The three-layered design of the acoustic roof gives it outstanding noise and heat insulation properties. This convertible also stands out with a lowered and tightened suspension, sexy and discreetly aggressive looks, standard all-wheel drive, a powerful V6 that's commendably fuel-efficient, as well as a rich combination of luxury, refinement, and technology.

Cons: Once again, the MMI controls will not prove user-friendly to all drivers. The back seat is pretty tight, and the coupe's manual gearbox is nowhere to be found in the cabriolet.

Photo: Audi

2014 Audi S5 Cabriolet Price: As was the case last year, the lineup includes two trim levels -- Progressiv and Technik. The first one starts at $68,800, and the second retails from $74,100.

2014 Audi S5 Cabriolet Fuel Economy: Expect to burn 11.8L/100km in the city and 8.0L/100km on the highway with the S5 Cabriolet.

Improvements and Changes: The newly available Audi Drive Select helps you customize individual vehicle components at the push of a button and thus alter the dynamics of the car. Other changes are in the areas of enhancements to packages and standard-equipment lists.

Powertrain: The 2014 Audi S5 Cabriolet accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds thanks to a 3.0L supercharged TFSI V6 engine with direct injection that channels its 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque through a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. As mentioned earlier, power is distributed to all four wheels by way of Audi's acclaimed quattro system.

Cargo Capacity: When the top is stowed away, it has little effect on the trunk thanks to its intelligent Z-fold design. That means you get 288 of the S5 Coupe's 346 litres of cargo room.

Safety: Front and side airbags keep 2014 Audi S5 Cabriolet occupants protected, while stability control helps secure the trajectory at all times. In the event of a collision, intelligent sensors automatically unlock the doors, switch on interior and hazard lights, and cut off fuel flow to the engine. Adaptive cruise control and a rear parking system are available.

Comparing the 2014 Audi S5 Cabriolet: The BMW 435i xDrive Cabriolet, Lexus IS 350 C, and Infiniti Q60 Convertible all compete against the S5 Cabriolet.

From GMM

Jo Ramirez, McLaren's former long-time team manager, has slammed fellow Mexican Sergio Perez.

McLaren ousted Perez, 24, after a single season at the end of last year in favour of Danish rookie Kevin Magnussen.

"As a driver Sergio was actually not bad (at McLaren)," Ramirez, a former advisor to Perez, told motorline.cc. "I think he was also getting better.

"Sergio was just not good enough as a person. He didn't really cooperate with the team, he was too cocky. His attitude was very bad," he claimed.

"He was unpopular with the engineers, with everyone. I often criticise him in the media, but I do not criticise him as a driver. He's a good driver."

"It's such a shame," Jo Ramirez continued. "I was at the Jerez test this year and spent time with McLaren and Sauber, and no one was able to say something good about Sergio. They all say that he needs to change his attitude if he wants to stay in formula one."

Sergio Perez in the McLaren garage, in 2013. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)