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Pictures See all 6 pictures 13 Mar, 2014

News 13 Mar, 2014

Citroen has teamed up with Benefit Cosmetics to create two special editions DS3 models. A third is on the way

Pictures See all 2 pictures 13 Mar, 2014

-- A town in North Dakota has a curious problem: Some deranged miscreant has been leaving

Beniamino Calchera, a 32-year-old architecture student from Frankfurt, had just quit his job and bought a modest vehicle: a 1995 Renault Espace, in that teal color worn by every car of the mid-'90s.

BMW is bolstering its lineup for the New York auto show. Along with a handful of revised vehicles, the

Editors note: Tuesday we gave you our quick take impressions on the Audi A3; today we bring you senior editor Davey Johnson's full review on the redesigned small Audi.

The third-generation Mini looks very much like its predecessor but beneath the longer body shell a lot has changed including the switch to a new front-wheel-drive platform.

The third-generation Mini looks very much like its predecessor but beneath the longer body shell a lot has changed including the switch to a new front-wheel-drive platform.

The true worth of the Porsche sports car brand to Volkswagen Group became apparent when VW released its 2013 financial results.

French billionaire Vincent Bollore has unveiled plans to launch a car-sharing fleet of 3,000 electric cars in London by 2016 to help cut congestion and reduce pollution in the British capital.

Tesla is hiring a veteran of Carlos Ghosn's Renault-Nissan alliance to manage its marketing and message as it prepares to push into China.

PSA has narrowed the search for a new supervisory board chairman to ex-Airbus Group CEO Louis Gallois and former Nexans CEO Gerard Hauser, a source said.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo wrote a letter Thursday to the Ferrari fans, less than 24 hours before the start of the 2014 Formula 1 season.

Maranello, March 13 2014

Dear tifosi,

It seems incredible but another season is about to begin and I, like you, am anxious and in a state of strong trepidation - as happens to me every year, even though I have gone through so many championships as President and, before, as sporting director.

There are more unknowns and uncertainties about this season than in the past. The rule changes are profound and numerous. It's not just a matter of the new six-cylinder turbo engine, but also systems with integrated electric engines, control units with innovative and complex software, a new package of aerodynamics... In essence it's a complicated car that will also require a different driving style.

So the first target is reliability, as we clearly saw in the test sessions.

Everyone has issues; we have lined ours up and we are in the process of resolving them. We're also putting into practice an intense plan of development, which can count on the fact that the data from the wind tunnel have been confirmed by the track comparisons, something that has not happened in recent years.

It will also be a difficult championship for the spectators to follow. The drivers will have to take care that they do not wear out the tyres and save fuel. I have already said that I hope they don't turn into taxi drivers and I say that with the greatest respect to taxi drivers, but they obviously do a different job. I, like all of you, love an extreme Formula 1 where technology and drivers are always on the limit.

Such an important set of changes to the regulations is bringing some grey areas, for example fuel, software, consumption... In these I am fully expecting the FIA to be vigilant - as I'm sure they will be - to avoid any trickery, which has also taken place in the recent past but must not happen any more for the good of this sport.

So what should we expect from tomorrow? I have asked for the highest commitment from Domenicali and his team and I know that they are all doing their best. We have a strong team, the best driver pairing - who are experienced and very talented - and everyone knows what they have to do.

We can count on an important factor that only we have: the immense affection from you, our tifosi, all over the world. I ask you for your usual great support: let's not go overboard in the good moments and let's not give up in harder ones. The championship is long and the objective is clear.

Forza Ferrari!

The latest recall that affects 1.62 million Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn vehicles in North America (including 850,000 in Canada) is hurting General Motors big time, with two separate U.S. investigations and numerous lawsuits by families who lost a loved one.

The automaker is accused of not alerting regulators in a timely fashion about the switch failures.

Apparently, engineering concerns ― and consumer complaints ― started to arise in 2004. Then, in March 2007, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informed GM that a first related death occurred less than two years earlier. However, GM waited until February 2013 to issue a recall.

Overall, there have been approximately 30 related accidents and a dozen casualties.

GM could soon be hit with a $35 million fine, which would seriously damage its reputation and sales, leading to hundreds of millions lost.

Source: autonews.com

Watch this video of a miniature Subaru WRX STI trying to outrace a ''stick bomb,'' basically a spring-loaded device constructed out of flat sticks woven together under tension.

Also, don't miss the making-of video!

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has adopted the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Test Procedures (WLTP) to replace the current NEDC protocol, which has been used since 1996.

The much more accurate WLTP will significantly reduce the gaps between lab tests and real-world fuel consumption numbers, although they won't quite match them.

“Consumers who purchase a new car will feel more confident about the fuel ratings advertized by car companies, and they won't face unpleasant surprises at the pump,” a UNECE spokesman told AFP.

Countries that will soon enforce the WLTP protocol include the entire European Union, Australia, China, India, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Moldavia, Russia, South Africa, and Turkey.

Canada and the U.S. have yet to join in.

Source : jta.eu

Lake Tahoe, CA -- As I hopped from the Tahoe/Suburban's upscale sibling, the 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali, under the warm Californian sun I couldn't help but take a moment and pause to take in the absolute size of the vehicle I was about to pilot. These vehicles truly are massive, but I love them.

Why? Because they are proud to be so, and General Motors has built a history and longevity with their Tahoe and Suburban vehicles by being just that; big people carriers that offer comfortable, spacious capabilities on the road.

With a brand new look and a new EcoTec3 engine the bowtie twins are sure to impress those in the market for a large SUV.


What is the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban?
Well, for starters, the Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in the industry. The first Suburban Carryall was introduced in 1935. Since then its evolved into the 12th generation version we see on the road today, however, it's always remained a larger-than-life vehicle, and has offered four-wheel drive since 1957.

With room for up to nine, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban twins are popular with an affluent crowd who are well aware of their status and their needs, also 45% of Tahoe/Suburban drivers are female...

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Price and Specs
With a wide range of models, as well as a few drivetrains and wheelbases to choose from, let's keep it simple and just focus on the top and bottom of each. In the 2015 Chevy Tahoe realm, pricing for the base 2WD model starts at $49,155; while the top-trim Tahoe 4WD LTZ sits at $67,795. The Tahoe is the shorter wheelbase of the twins, sitting just 20.4” shy of the Suburban's length.

The 2015 Chevrolet Suburban starts the pricing game at $52,145 for the 2WD version, and jumps to $70,785 for the 4WD LTZ model.

No matter which wheelbase or trim level you choose, you will have Chevy's new and improved 5.3L V8 engine good for 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel efficiency numbers range from the high 12L/100km range to 14L/100km (combined) across the board depending on whether or not you opt for a 2WD or 4WD configuration. Not too shabby for a vehicle that weighs nearly 6,000lbs (4WD Suburban with 20” wheels).

Well, for starters, the Suburban is the longest-running nameplate in the industry. The first Suburban Carryall was introduced in 1935. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
I started my drive day in the 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali, and was expecting to feel like I'd taken a huge step down once I got behind the wheel of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, if only because the Denalis is so “luxurious.” However, such was not the case.

True, the Chevy Tahoe drives “smaller” than the Yukon, but then that's because it is. Also, the 5.3L V8 is a little less peppy than the Yukon's 6.2L. However, the big SUV isn't sluggish, nor is it slow. Both the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban feel weighty under throttle pressure, but in a good, solid SUV way.

I was also quite impressed with the turning radius on both models. And while the Magnetic Ride Control suspension of the Yukon Denali was missing (at least on the non-LTZ models), the ride is far from uncomfortable and actually very pleasant in both models.

I was expecting to feel like I'd taken a huge step down once I got behind the wheel of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, if only because the Denalis is so “luxurious.” However, such was not the case. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Inside and Out of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
Without the fancy curb appeal of the Yukon Denali, the Chevy twins still manage a robust, modern look that's sure to attract even the most discerning SUV buyer. With a new front fascia and an updated profile, regardless of its boxy silhouette, the Tahoe/Suburban still manages to look “sleek” somehow.

Inside, that utilitarian yet modern look continues with a set-up that's pretty much identical to the GMC Yukon, if but a bit less sophisticated. All means of high-tech gadgetry are found including an 8” colour touchscreen (on LT and LTZ models), as well as six USB ports and 12 charging locations.

If nothing else, your Chevy Tahoe/Suburban will become the next best thing to Starbucks for charging your iPhone and getting online, especially with Chevy's brand new OnStar 4G LTE Connectivity Wi-Fi hotspot also available.

Of course, space abounds in both with a max cargo space of 94.7 cu ft in the Tahoe, and 121.1 cu ft in the Suburban. You will be comfortable no matter where you sit, and yes, almost anything will fit in the trunk. I promise you that.

Inside, that utilitarian yet modern look continues with a set-up that's pretty much identical to the GMC Yukon, if but a bit less sophisticated. (Photo: Chevrolet)

Comparing the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
Just like the GMC Denali, the big Chevy behemoths compete with a number of other large SUVs. Ford offers up its revised Expedition while Chrysler doles out the Durango. The Japanese are not to be ignored with the Toyota Sequoia and the Nissan Armada. However, neither of the latter two can seriously tango with the Americans on this front or on the pickup front for that matter.

The GM trucks are seriously impressive for all the right and large reasons. Not having evaluated the new Expedition, I can't pass judgment on it although I can state that the Durango, with the V8, is a remarkable SUV.

Next month at Auto China 2014 in Beijing, Nissan will host the world premiere of a new sedan concept that builds on the success of last year's Friend-ME concept in Shanghai. In fact, both cars were penned by Nissan Design China.

Unfortunately, no pictures of this new concept have been released so far.

Also on display at Auto China 2014 in Beijing will be Nissan's BladeGlider concept, as well as a 10th anniversary edition of the Chinese-sold Nissan Teana.

The completely redesigned 2015 GMC Yukon XL made its Canadian debut yesterday at the 2014 Calgary Auto Show.

More powerful and more refined than the outgoing model, the 2015 GMC Yukon XL features new fold-flat rear seats and a quieter interior. The company also promises best-in-class fuel economy.

Under the hood of the 2015 GMC Yukon XL (and the regular Yukon) is a standard 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine, while upscale Denali models get a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8. These new engines debuted a few months ago in the 2014 GMC Sierra.

Look for the 2015 GMC Yukon XL in Canadian showrooms soon.

Photo: GMC