Auto News 5

Meet the 2015 Jeep Renegade, arriving today at the Geneva motor show.

Sales in the European minicar segment, the region's third-largest after subcompacts and compacts, are forecast to rise by nearly 20 percent in the next three years as automakers reveal a host of new models.

BMW sales chief Ian Robertson says that the auto industry's next-generation leaders will need to have open minds and international backgrounds.

You can't go wrong with JFK and fast cars.

The 2015 Jeep Renegade is the first Jeep designed for sale around the world since the first Jeep was designed to sail around the world -- in military transports.

Sebastien Blin is a professional journalist/photographer who travelled the karting circuits around the globe in the ‘90s and early 2000s. He got the chance to follow several young drivers who were making their debut in karting, such as Nico Hulkenberg.

Born on August 19, 1987, Hulkenberg has been involved in Formula 1 as a race driver or test driver since 2008 with teams Williams, Sauber, and Sahara Force India.

Photo: Sébastien Blin

Blin met Hulkenberg on the karting circuits in 2001.

“Before he started racing cars in 2005 -- to compete in the German ADAC Formula BMW series -- Hulkenberg had already made a strong impression in karting,” said Blin.

“Despite his tender age, the young German did not hesitate to be part of the most impressive international karting team, CRG Holland. The team was directed by Michel Vacirca, and the engines were built by none other than former F1 driver, Jos Verstappen. Hulkenberg managed to build a strong team of experts to support him,” Blin continued.

Photo: Sébastien Blin

Interestingly, the young “Hulk” was wearing spectacles at the time.

“Nico was a short kid at the time, and was quite the introvert. However, he was incredibly single-minded; you could see it in his eyes. He was very quiet and did not talk much to his entourage. Whatever the reason was for this behaviour -- strict discipline from his parents or an amazing ability to focus -- Hulk was a front runner in every karting category he raced in,” Blin continued.

“I followed him for three years, and I could feel that he had what it took to make it to the top. He was only 12 when he competed in the famous Paris-Bercy indoor karting race in 2001. He climbed on the podium with his good friend and rival, Sebastian Vettel. Despite the fact that Vettel beat him in the finale, young Nico couldn't stop smiling!” Blin recalled.

Nico Hülkenberg and Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: Sébastien Blin)

“Hulkenberg clinched the Italian Junior title in 2001 and 2002, and then captured the German title. However, he did enjoy the same success in international competition. Hulk won the Open Master in 2004, his last season in karting. The year after, he was off to car racing,” Blin concluded.

Photo: Sébastien Blin

Photo: Sébastien Blin

One year after launching the VIZIZ concept at the Geneva Auto Show, Subaru strikes back with the VIZIV 2 concept.

This new crossover, whose name stands for ''Vision for Innovation,'' features four doors instead of just two like its predecessor. It can also sit four adults comfortably.

The Subaru VIZIV 2 concept is powered by a direct-injected 1.6L turbo engine and three battery-fed electric motors (one up front, two in the rear) mated to a CVT.

Outside, you'll notice the hexagon-shaped grille and large circular headlights that contribute to a dynamic-looking crossover.

Photo: Subaru

Malaga, Spain -- Emerging trends are sometimes easy to spot, and the entry-level compact premium/luxury crossover utility craze is blazing quite a trail.

Now, if this new category still requires some time before it becomes better outlined, there is no doubt that the GLA-Class is highly defined in what it is and what it is expected to do. In reality, the GLA can do even more than what you might expect. Remember, this is a “G” and thus has robustness built in.

Mercedes' new 2015 GLA-Class is truly a means to many ends. Its overall size makes it highly manoeuvrable, especially in a tight urban setting, its interior dimensions and trunk lend themselves to daily comfortable transportation, and its powertrain not only entertains but also adds surefootedness even in difficult conditions. Could this be an ideal small car for the luxury-car-craved masses?


What is a Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The latest arrival from Mercedes-Benz' very large line-up of products inserts itself in a burgeoning category. This relatively new segment is growing and will likely find many likers in the near future.

The GLA-Class is meant to bridge a gap between the B- and C-Class vehicles without ever feeling like a compromise. In fact, it may be that those who preferred the previous C-Class wagon might find what they are looking for in the GLA, if the GLK-Class seems too SUV-like.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Price and Specs
The all-new Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC rides on a shared platform that also underpins the current B- and CLA-Class cars.

The 250 runs on a turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder that produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 7G-DCT 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission transmits the power to all 4 wheels via Mercedes' 4MATIC AWD system.

The 45 AMG utilizes the same hardware, although beefed up, as its turbo 4-pot mill but produces 355 horsepower and 332 torques.
Production of these little beasts begins in July of 2014. As far as pricing is concerned, it will be announced closer to the release date, which will be sometime in late summer or early fall.

The GLA-Class is meant to bridge a gap between the B- and C-Class vehicles without ever feeling like a compromise. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
I'm reiterating the fact that I've become a huge fan of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. For all compact and most midsize applications, the right amount of boost and refinement can be achieved with a 2.0L mill, and Mercedes' line of 250 vehicles is proof of this.

The 2015 Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC is a spirited and efficient performer. Not only does the power come on early and strong, but the 7G-DCT transmission is perfectly adapted to it. In this application, the ‘box jumps from cog to cog with decisive precision -- decidedly one of my favourite aspects of these transmissions. I toyed between manual, sport and eco (normal) modes and each came in handy depending on the driving environment.

With the right amount of throttle pressure, the engine comes to life and produces a lovely spooling whistle that adds street cred to the compact vehicle. On the smooth southern coastal roads of Spain we navigated, the GLA 250 excelled at keeping all 4 wheels in constant controlled contact with the pavement even under strong acceleration. The suspension, coupled with the permanent 4MATIC AWD system doled out infallible grip and a dynamic driving experience.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250's ride quality is a perfect mix between sporty intentions and an appreciable level of comfort. Despite the GLA's rather tall-ish stature, body roll is kept to a strict minimum. That extra level of ground clearance comes in handy as the GLA can and does enjoy leaving the beaten path.

In fact, an Enhanced On/Off-Road Package is standard and includes Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and revised shift points. It also includes an on- and off-road screen that displays the selected driving mode, the activation of DSR, steering angle, and a few other specs.

Steering feel and assistance are my only gripes with the GLA's drive. I thought the electric power assistance to be too great at times, especially in the twistier bits of road we traversed and this, in turn, affected road-to-driver communication. I'd hoped that this was to be addressed in the 45 AMG, but sadly is not. (More on that shortly.)

The 2015 Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC is a spirited and efficient performer. Not only does the power come on early and strong, but the 7G-DCT transmission is perfectly adapted to it. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
It's difficult not to want to describe the 2015 GLA as nothing more than a jacked-up hatchback. Basically, this is what it is and I'm all for it. I strictly adore the 5-door setup as it blends properly with the stubby, forceful front-end, high beltline, and squat, wide rear end.

The available wheels and colours do wonders for the car aiding in a muscular look, and most importantly making it every bit a Mercedes product.

The cabin is equally all Mercedes. The seats are spot on and I love the low-slung driving position. Once more, it matches the 2015 GLA's sporty demeanour. The dashboard layout is also Mercedes fare, but I would note that the control wheel for the on-screen menu is far too rearward for easy manipulation.

Part of this car's high capture potential comes from its configuration as a hatchback. It's not boxy like the GLK, but improves upon the CLA- and C-Class' trunk access all wrapped in touch of class, both in and out.

The cabin is equally all Mercedes. The seats are spot on and I love the low-slung driving position. Once more, it matches the 2015 GLA's sporty demeanour. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The new 2015 Mercedes GLA-Class parks itself in the middle of one of the fastest growing and latest emerging segments. The compact premium sport utility/CUV category has grown into a sub-branch that will include the likes of the upcoming Audi Q3 and Infiniti Q30 (not confusing at all...) and join the ranks of the BMW X1, 3 Series GT, Buick Encore, and a few others yet to come.

As I've only experienced half of these vehicles, it is difficult to put my seal of approval on the Merc; however, it's every bit a Mercedes product and that says quite a lot.

Audi today hosted the world premiere of the new TT and TTS coupes at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show. Both will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year, with prices to be announced in the meantime.

Photo: Audi

Featuring new engines and a heavily revised quattro AWD system, the all-new Audi TT is 50kg lighter thanks to an aluminum and steel hybrid construction. The exterior hasn't changed much, although it's worth noting that the standard xenon headlights can be replaced by the pioneering Audi Matrix LED technology (first seen on the A8 luxury sedan) with an H-shaped design. The car sits on wheels ranging from 17” to 20” in size.

The interior of the new Audi TT includes sports seats, a multifunction steering wheel, and a 12.3” TFT screen that's part of the new, all-digital “Audi virtual cockpit.” The trunk, meanwhile, increases from 292 to 305 litres.

Photo: Audi

Audi will offer a choice of three engines with the new TT (all performance figures are provisional):

• 2.0L TDI rated at 182 hp, 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, top speed of 235 km/h;
• 2.0L TFSI rated at 227 hp, 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds (5.3 seconds with quattro), top speed of 250 km/h;
• 2.0L TFSI rated at 306 hp, 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, top speed of 250 km/h (TTS).

The new Honda Civic Type R concept made its debut today at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show. Described by the design team as a ''racing car for the road,'' it signals a new era at Honda.

The shape and angle of the stand-out rear spoiler has been designed to provide additional downforce, while the front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate 20'' tires.

When it goes on sale, the Honda Civic Type R will be the first model in Europe to feature one of the brand new VTEC TURBO engines from the Japanese manufacturer's Earth Dreams Technology range, including a 2.0L unit rated at around 280 horsepower.

Photo: Honda

Dubuc Super Light Car (SLC), based in Quebec City, today unveiled the electric version of its innovative Tomahawk kit car at the 2014 Quebec City Auto Show - less than two months after creating a buzz in Montreal.

While it was just a prototype, company president Mario Dubuc, who describes himself as a dreamer, visibly was quite emotional and proud of this culmination. The Tomahawk project started eight years ago, and Dubuc always thought about making an electric variant.

To make his dream a reality, he teamed up with two key partners: Local-based Gentec will supply the entire electric powertrain including the rear-mounted battery, while the University of Sherbrooke will take care of the control modules. This makes the new Tomahawk a 100% electric kit car that's 100% designed and engineered in Quebec.

Photo: Guillaume Rivard

While the gasoline-powered Tomahawk represents a $30,000-$35,000 total investment, Dubuc says Tomahawk EV buyers will have to spend about twice as much.

However, the beauty of this two-seat sports car lies in its all-aluminum unibody chassis wrapped in very lightweight polymer body panels, which results in a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio. What's more, it can be assembled approximately eight times faster than comparable vehicles (around 250 hours instead of nearly 2,000 hours).

Production will start in a few months with the first deliveries of the Tomahawk EV scheduled for 2015.

Quebec City mayor Régis Labeaume, who took part in the unveiling, used the opportunity to announce an investment of $200,000 for 18 new charging stations across the city.

The Pagani Zonda will bow out at the Geneva Auto Show with the final Zonda Revolucion (limited to only five units worldwide) set to join its new owner in Japan after the event.

As the ultimate version of the non-street legal Zonda R, this Pagani Zonda Revolucion comes in Carbon Blue and is priced at €2.2 million.

Weighing just 1,070 kilos thanks to its advanced carbon fibre body, the car is motivated by a 6.0L V12 engine that produces 800 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed sequential transmission it's mated to changes gears in 20 milliseconds.

Source : gtspirit.com

Photo: Pagani

I know, I know, winter is coming to an end... eventually. But until the mercury creeps up past the 5C mark on a more regular basis and the white stuff melts away, winter tires are still very much on every driver's mind. Sadly, there will be another winter to deal with at the end of this year. So, best to be prepared, no?

When it comes to winter tires vs. all-season tires, there are some major differences, and major reasons as to why winter tires are always going to be the better option (especially if you live in an extreme-climate kinda place where temperatures drop crazy low and lots of snow and ice accumulate on the roads you travel on).

So, I'm going to give you a heads up on the top 5 winter tire features you should know about that are better than all-seasons and the reason you should spring for a set to sport during the colder months.

No. 5 -- It's all in the compound
Winter tires are designed with specialized high silica tread compounds that perform best at cold temperatures. As the temperature drops, non-winter tires (read: all season or summer) harden and lose grip with the road beneath. Imagine rolling around on hard plastic wheels on snow, you wouldn't exactly have a great deal of traction. So, winter tires feature compounds that ensure your rubber stays pliable and “soft” in order to offer that contact patch you need to keep your car safely planted on the snowy, icy, cold road surfaces.

No. 4 -- Tread patterns
A good winter tire will usually feature a unidirectional tread design that helps evacuate water and slush from the road's surface. An open tread design (as is featured on a winter tire) is better prepared to conquer snow, water, and slush. All-season tires have much smaller v-groove tread designs, and just don't have the ability to clear as much of the thicker moist stuff as well.

No. 3 -- Sipe is the word
What is a “sipe” you ask? Well, it's a tiny slit in the tread block of a tire. These sipes, which are usually referred to as 3D since they are in the tread blocks, ensure a better grip and performance on wet/moist pavement. They work in conjunction with the tread pattern. Bridgestone's brand new [link aritd="164644"]Blizzak WS80[/link] winter tires feature 3D sipes that are even featured on the tire sidewall for better lateral grip (cornering).

No. 2 -- It's -30C
All-season tires stop performing well below 7C. That's really not that cold at all. Winter tires are rated to -30C. True, the temperature can and does drop below that, but you've already got a jump on those all-season tire users with your winters that are able to perform and keep you safe on the road as the mercury drops.

No. 1 -- Because it's a matter of life and death
Truthfully, there is no better reason to get winter tires over all-seasons other than to preserve your own life and the lives of those around you. A winter tire could mean the difference between stopping in time and crashing into another vehicle or obstacle. It could mean the difference between making a corner and understeering into a barrier. A winter tire could mean the difference between leaving a light on time and being rear-ended by the car behind you because you can't move.

There is a truckload of choices out there, and there is a tire that's ideal for your vehicle and your driving habits. Make sure you visit our Winter Tire Buying Guide to help you figure out just how to keep yourself (and others on the road with you) safe in throughout the winter months.

From GMM

Jenson Button has tipped usual F1 backmarker Marussia to take a big step forwards in 2014.

Yet to score a single point in its Marussia or Virgin guises since 2010, the team did finally beat rival Caterham to the coveted tenth place in the constructors' championship last year.

And in pre-season testing ahead of the 2014 season, Marussia's new MR03 - powered by a Ferrari 'power unit' for the first time - looks considerably quicker than Caterham's struggling Renault-powered machine.

McLaren driver Button is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace: "It's interesting to see how some teams have improved their cars suddenly.

"There are several teams that are strong at the moment. Even Marussia -- their car is much better than last year. I think people will be surprised at how they are actually competitive," added Button.

Marussia MR03-Ferrari. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has tipped his departed Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa to be a "strong rival" in 2014.

After eight years in red, Brazilian Massa's move to the once-great British team Williams was seen as a clearly backwards step for the 11-time grand prix winner.

But after pre-season testing, Mercedes-powered Williams has emerged as one of the strongest forces for 2014, with Massa tipped as an outside chance for outright victory in Melbourne.

"I've talked with Felipe several times this year already," Spaniard Alonso is quoted by Brazil's Globo.

"He is happy, Williams has so much history in formula one and is not just any team, and they have had a very strong pre-season," he admitted.

"It is very positive because now they can be fighting. Felipe will definitely be a strong rival this year," added Alonso.

Felipe Massa (Williams) and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari). (Photo: WRi2)

Alonso also played down the constant suggestions that both he and Ferrari will struggle to cope with his rivalry with Massa's 2014 replacement, fellow champion Kimi Raikkonen.

"We are trying to work together, working for Ferrari and arriving in Australia to fight for the race. So let's have this internal competition - normal in every team - because we all want to be ahead of the other one, and hopefully this can help Ferrari," Alonso added.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has hinted for the first time that he may need to voluntarily step back from running formula one.

Until now, the F1 chief executive has been resolute in the face of the bribery affair, insisting the sport's owners CVC support him unless he is found criminally guilty in a forthcoming trial.

"We don't have any changes planned at the moment," a CVC source told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt, writing in the Guardian. "The board constantly reviews facts and circumstances and the current position is that no changes are planned."

But now, Ecclestone has been quoted as suggesting the affair is actually limiting his ability to run formula one effectively.

"I've been spending time on this (civil) case and to spend time on Munich I am not able to give what I normally would do, 24-7, to the business," he told the Financial Times.

"I've been looking, over the last few years, for somebody who can join me to assist with what I have to do. I will eventually be in a position, if I decide to retire - or unfortunately become dead - to have someone to step into my shoes," Ecclestone added.

However, it is believed the 83-year-old's Financial Times comments were made weeks ago, while Ecclestone told Sylt this week that the journalist "misunderstood him".

Christian Sylt also asked Ecclestone if he will be able to continue to run F1 during the Munich trial, and the diminutive Briton answered "of course".

Articles 3 Mar, 2014

Pictures of what appears to be a Maserati sports car concept leak online ahead of Geneva debut

Pictures See all 2 pictures 3 Mar, 2014

Two of the eight Corvettes swallowed Feb. 12 by a sinkhole at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky., were lifted out of the hole today and placed back in the showroom.

McLaren Automotive pulled the covers off the 650S at a special event on the eve of the show.