Auto News 5

Federal-Mogul, which counts on Europe for nearly half of its sales, said one of its co-CEOs is stepping down. It is the third time in less than two years that there is a new person in the job.

Two Chinese-backed companies are locked in a bidding war, culminating next week, to take over bankrupt carmaker Fisker Automotive. The prize is 18 patents and a possible toehold in the U.S. and Chinese markets.

Japanese car manufacturer, Honda says it is making ‘steady progress' in developing its new V6 turbo hybrid power unit ahead of their return to Formula 1 racing in 2015 with McLaren.

Honda made and supplied a V6 turbo engine in F1 back in the ‘80s, supplying engines to teams such as McLaren, Lotus, Williams and Tyrrell.

The Japanese engine powered the McLaren team to four consecutive championship doubles between 1988 and 1991.

Honda has already set up a European headquarters for their F1 operations, in Milton Keynes in the UK, where installation of test benches and assembly facilities will be completed in June.

It follows the establishment last month of a new Honda motorsports base in Japan, with the move to the new location in Sakura City, Tochigi, designed to further strengthen the famed car manufacturer's F1 development organization.

From press release

Eddie Cheever's racing days began as a young boy in Italy and led him to Victory Lane of the Indianapolis 500. Now his son, Eddie Cheever III, is ready to pursue his dreams.

The 20-year-old aspires to drive in the Daytona 500. And for the second-generation driver who was born and raised in Rome, Italy, the next step to fulfilling that dream is the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

Eddie Cheever III (Photo: NASCAR Whelen Euro Series)

The younger Cheever announced Friday that he will run for the Elite Division championship for Italian-based CAAL Racing in 2014.

Cheever began racing karts at age 12. At age 15, he graduated to open-wheel competitions, racing in professional series in Italy and throughout Europe winning the 2012 Italian F3 European championship.




Last December, he tested a Ferrari GT3 with the Italian team AF Corse. His goal, however, has always been to be a professional race car driver in the U.S.

And NASCAR has been his primary focus.

“I really like the NASCAR style of racing,” Cheever said.

“There's more action and more things a driver can do. The driver seems to have a bigger input in NASCAR than open-wheel racing. You feel like you're more in control. I like both kinds of racing, but I think the right thing for me at this point is to focus on NASCAR”.

Cheever's teammate Simone Laureti who will run in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series' Open Division. The season will open on April 12-13 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

From GMM

Mercedes is being touted as the early 2014 favourite, but Ferrari is reportedly also ahead of the game as F1's new V6 era dawns.

The German-language Speed Week reports that, when Ferrari-powered cars decelerated at the recent Jerez test, they sounded "very different" to their Mercedes and Renault-equipped counterparts.

Ferrari F14-T. (Photo: WRi2)

Rumours in Italy say engine designer Luca Marmorini has devised an unique system that stops the flow of fuel when the driver is not accelerating, improving not only fuel consumption but also the effect of engine-braking.

Also attracting attention at Jerez were Ferrari's airboxes and sidepods, amid suggestions the Italian marque is ahead of the game in the challenging area of cooling the all-new engine, turbo and energy-recovery systems.

Ferrari F14-T. (Photo: WRi2)

When asked about the Ferrari layout, Mercedes' engine boss Andy Cowell told Auto Motor und Sport: "Cooling has become such an important issue, both for power and for the aerodynamics, so a lot of research has gone into this field."

Meanwhile, McLaren's Jenson Button has said he was impressed with how all the Mercedes-powered teams - including Sahara Force India, Williams and the Brackley based works outfit - have worked together in the new V6 era so far.

"While we are here to fight each other as teams," he is quoted by the Mirror, "the more information we can share in the next weeks or months can really help us.

"So we are all in good shape if we continue like that," Jenson Button said.

Former Minardi F1 team owner, Gian Carlo Minardi said in an interview that he thinks the 2014 turbo hybrid F1 cars are dangerous, but no one seems to care.

After the first winter test session at Jerez, Minardi focussed on the dangers of the noses if the new cars, especially in the case of a side collision or, even worse, in case of rear-end impact.

“What about Formula 1 safety today? Today, I heard people talking about new turbo engines and reliability, but only Adrian Newey talked about safety,” Minardi said in a press release posted on minardi.it.

“What I'd like to understand is whether everything is under control and I'd like to hear that from FIA. Formula 1 introduced many major changes, which can turn to be dangerous. It's the case of the new batteries which, if they overheat, can set off unexpected blazes”, said Minardi.

The former team owner added that he is not convinced that the track workers are sufficiently trained to deal with a turbo hybrid car that has stopped. Each car sports a set of colored lights to tell the workers if it safe to touch it.

“Do they know exactly what to do? Do they know what kind of LED light allows them to touch the car?” Minardi questioned.

“Not to mention also shipping problems. In the past, batteries, which were smaller and technologically less advanced, were shipped inside bespoke boxes. Now they have to be put inside special boxes both in the case of air way and roadway shipping”, he concluded, adding that this goes against the costs limitation.

Enstone, UK's Lotus F1 Team is to shakedown its new and controversial E22 today, Friday February 7 at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

Lotus new recruit, Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado - who has left Williams at the end of last year - will be driving the Renault-powered E22 in this promotional filming day.

Nose of the Lotus E22. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team Twitter)

F1 teams are allowed two 100 km promotional days during the season. However, cars must be shod on hard demonstration tires only during its time on track.

"Finally back to the track work, planning a filming day in Jerez today," Maldonado wrote on his Twitter account.

"Looking forward to drive the new E22."

Lotus even tweeted pictures of the E22 from the garage at Jerez, including the E22's eye-catching twin-tusk nose arrangement and the new steering wheel.

Steering wheel of the Lotus E22. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team Twitter)

Having the Duck Dynasty folks as a three-year sponsor of the April NASCAR Sprint Cup race is another coup for Texas Motor Speedway.

The track's president, Eddie Gossage, could be called a modern day P.T. Barnum for getting his Texas-sized race in the news all the time.

And that's a compliment.

Although Barnum, a 19th century circus impresario, is known for some derogatory remarks about his customers; it would be a mistake to leave it at that.

As he once said “without promotion, something terrible happens... nothing!”

While it's true that the entire staff of the parent Speedway Motorsports Inc. works hard at getting their venues in the news another cliché, “everything is bigger in Texas,” still applies.

New Duck Commander 500 sponsorship and trophy at Texas Motor Speedway. (Photo: TMS PR)

Charlotte Motor Speedway, the mother ship of the company, started a competition with the “World's largest HD television.” Completed in 2013 it had a 16, 000-square-foot screen.

Around 90 days after the CMS TV was fired up Gossage responded that TMS was building its' own 20,000 square-foot television to be completed this spring and claim the title as largest HD televisions.

The television size competition pales in comparison to last year's controversial race sponsorship, by the National Rifle Association. TMS gained media coverage nationwide if not globally. The NRA is both a well-funded and politically powerful lobby in Washington, D.C. for pro-rifle politics.

Coming on the heels of front page gun violence the sponsorship was lightning rod for controversy.

Gossage defended it. He said that he only received seven complaints about it. He added that there were more complaints about the food vendors. He told the Dallas Morning News “who determines what's controversial?” he asked. “Is there a board somewhere that says this is controversial and this isn't? ... The media loved it and wanted to make it controversial.”

In fact, there were neither demonstrations at the Speedway nor any disruption by protestors who had previously voiced opposition in verbal form in various traditional and social media.

But NASCAR, the sanctioning body did react. It now requires that it must approve naming sponsors of races. Gossage said it could be called the “Gossage Rule.”

While Duck Dynasty is a pop culture/reality television phenomenon, the show, which reaches over 11 million viewers edged over into the controversial news category when family patriarch, Phil Robertson, made anti-gay remarks and denied maltreatment of minorities in the South (prior to the Civil Rights Act) in a magazine article.

The A&E Network suspended Robertson - even though the taping of this season had completed. Around one million Facebook users demanded his re-instatement and the family said they wouldn't work without their founder.

The cable network caved within days.

Whether you call these sponsorships controversial or not; that's not what's going on.

Gossage and Texas Motor Speedway remain in the news for weeks leading up to the big event.

P.T. Barnum would approve.

From WTCC

Honda has released images of its 2014 Civic WTCC works car, taken during its first test session at Motorland Aragón in Spain, earlier this year.

The pictures were unveiled today in Tokyo, on the occasion of Honda's annual motorsport press conference.

The design of the new look Civic WTCC reflects the latest technical regulations and shows the subtle style of the wheel arch extensions, 18” wheels, sleeker aero package and extended rear spoiler.

2014 Honda Civic WTCC (Photo: WTCC Eurosport)

In Tokyo, Takanobu Ito, President & CEO of Honda Motor Co. Ltd, outlined Honda's ambitions in the Championship this year: “We achieved four victories and captured the Manufacturers' title in 2103 that was our first year of full-participation in WTCC. In the upcoming season we will strive to win the double title for Drivers' and Manufacturers' fielding a total of four cars run by three teams.”

Under the banner of the ‘Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team', Honda will enter two works cars, driven by Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro and run by J.A.S. Motorsport.

Private outfits Zengö Motorsport and Proteam Racing will also compete with one car each, driven by Hungary's Norbert Michelisz and Morocco's Mehdi Bennani respectively.

2014 Honda Civic WTCC (Photo: WTCC Eurosport)

From press release

This weekend, racing fans who visit the Canadian Tire display at the Canadian Motorsports Expo in Toronto will have an opportunity to sit in the No. 22 Canadian Tire Dodge replica of three-time Canadian National stock car champion Scott Steckly.

Last fall, Steckly earned his record setting third NASCAR Canadian Tire Series title, racing against the country's best NASCAR racers. In addition to the No. 22 car, Steckly's Championship Trophy will also be on display in the Canadian Tire booth.

The CME takes place February 7, 8 & 9 in Hall 5 of Toronto's International Centre, across from Pearson International Airport.

From 10:45 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. on Sunday, February 9 racing fans will also have the opportunity to meet Steckly at the Canadian Tire booth where he will be signing autographs.

He'll also take to the CME Stage at 11:40 a.m. that same day to be part of an announcement regarding his upcoming racing season.

The Canadian Motorsports Expo opens at 1 p.m. on Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The first 25 people who show Canadian Tire Money or a Canadian Tire Options MasterCard at the neighbouring Canadian Tire Motorsport Park booth, on each day of the CME, will receive a $10 voucher valid to use on merchandising at CTMP on the Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend.

Canadian Tire is also supporting the CME's Canadian Short Track Night of Champions presentations that will take place starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 8 on the Inside Track Stage. The awards will honour the 2013 Ontario champions from every stock car series and short track - dirt and asphalt. In addition to plaques and other prizes, Canadian Tire will contribute 100 $25 Gift Cards to the attending champions.

The all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy made its global debut today at the Chicago Auto Show, barely two months after the company introduced the Legacy concept in Los Angeles.

The launch of the sixth-generation Legacy marks the sedan's 25th anniversary. More athletic and more refined than the outgoing model, the 2015 Subaru Legacy sports a body-integrated hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights. LED lamps are employed for the tail and brake lamps, and optimal light distribution has improved night visibility.

The roomy interior of the 2015 Subaru Legacy was designed to offer maximum comfort on long trips, including extra legroom in the back. On the dashboard, the head unit has an available navigation system and audio with intuitive touch operation. A wide, flat centre display is employed to allow passengers to enjoy various media and provide them with various information.

As for powertrains, the 2015 Subaru Legacy will use a 175-horsepower, 2.5L, DOHC, horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder engine or an optional 256-horsepower, 3.6L, DOHC, horizontally opposed, 6-cylinder engine. Both are mated to a Lineartronic CVT.

Stay tuned for pricing and on-sale dates.

Photo: Subaru

Nissan Canada is recalling 22,245 X-Trail SUVs from the 2005-2006 model years due to a newly discovered rust issue.

On certain vehicles, the fuel filler pipe could corrode and become perforated, allowing fuel to spill onto the ground while refuelling the X-Trail or shortly thereafter. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Nissan dealers will therefore replace the fuel filler pipe.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The buzz surrounding the Tesla Model S doesn't appear to be fading anytime soon. Christian Roy, a taxi owner from Quebec City, will soon own the very first Tesla taxi in North America. 

Roy is expected to take delivery of the car a few weeks from now. He's already excited about the huge savings he's going to make both in terms of energy and maintenance. As you may know, the Tesla Model S is an all-electric sedan that burns no fuel, and its 85kWh battery is backed by an 8-year/unlimited km warranty.

Considering how badly some people want to enter the world of Telsa, Roy's phone likely won't stop ringing from customers eager to drive around in a Model S.

Source : roulezelectrique.com

Photo: Tesla

From press release

Sahara Force India has expanded its driver development programme by teaming up with Hilmer Motorsport to create Sahara Force India's official GP2 team.

The new partnership will see Facu Regalia and Daniel Abt race on the GP2 grid in the distinctive colours of Sahara Force India in the Hilmer Motorsport GP2 car.

The development programme expands on the success of Sahara Force India's reserve driver programme, which has already helped progress several drivers to Formula 1 race seats.

It also represents a logical addition to the team's ‘One From A Billion' talent hunt, which helped unearth a selection of young Indian karting talents.

The most successful candidate has been Jehan Daruvala, a 15-year-old from Mumbai, who graduated into the team's Academy last year and was crowned British KF3 Junior champion.

Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

Attention, small pickup truck lovers: Nissan has just introduced the Frontier Diesel at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show in an attempt to gauge customer response. Based on the U.S.-spec Nissan Frontier Desert Runner 4x2, it uses a 2.8L Cummins engine that produces 200 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque while burning 35% less fuel.

Photo: Nissan

The body is painted in "Arrest Me Red" and Matte Silver. Same thing for the 16'' wheels, which were borrowed from a Frontier PRO-4X. Inside the colour-matched cabin, the front and rear seats feature carbon-print leather appointments with grey accent stitching and black-on-black "Tracks" embroidery. The carbon film-wrapped instrument panel is highlighted by red-tined gauges and a special black-faced, three-gauge pod on top of the C-cluster.

Photo: Nissan

Also making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show is the new 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR, which adds a wide range of exclusive features including the first-in-class Around View Monitor, a dark headlight treatment, standard fog lights with black and chrome accents, a unique rear spoiler, high-contrast, machine-finished 16'' sport aluminum wheels, a 370Z-inspired steering wheel, suede-like fabric seats with sporty orange accents and double stitching, as well as a redesigned piano black centre instrument panel with silver accents and chrome knobs.

Photo: Nissan

The 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR stays true to the regular model's fuel-saving habits with ratings of 6.1/4.8/5.6L/100km (city/highway/combined) thanks to a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine producing 109 horsepower.

This new model will join the Versa Note family this spring at a price that has yet to be announced.

Photo: Nissan

Mont-Tremblant, QC -- I'm always a bit harsh when it comes to Nissan products. I'm not quite sure why, but I think it has something to do with the fact that Nissans have been in my family for the better part of 14 years in the form of various models. In fact, my very first vehicle was a Sentra... but I digress.

When it came time to drive the brand new 2014 Nissan Rogue, I was the logical choice for the test. And to make things a little more interesting, I decided to bring along my mother's 2011 Nissan Rogue SV AWD for a direct comparison.

Bigger (but not) and bolder, this new Rogue is set to keep model loyalty high while also bringing in a whole new host of buyers in the market for a functional, stylish CUV (with a possible third row available).


What is a Nissan Rogue?
The Rogue first appeared in 2007 as a replacement for Nissan's X-Trail model in Canada. A compact crossover, the Rogue offered an affordable option to the Murano, with optional AWD models available and a decent amount of cargo and passenger space. The Rogue is entering its second generation with this 2014 model, with its first facelift and the same engine, transmission and drivetrain as the previous model.

2014 Nissan Rogue Price and Specs
As with the previous generation, this new Nissan Rogue is offered in three trim levels, FWD or AWD, and there are two packages available as well (Family Tech Package/Premium Package). At the bottom of the Rogue ladder sits the base, FWD Rogue S for $23,498. Head right up to the top and you've for the SL AWD with Premium Package for $33,098.

In terms of mechanicals, the 2014 Nissan Rogue houses the same engine (2.5L 4-cylinder good for 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque) and transmission (Xtronic CVT) as the outgoing model. However, Nissan did add some creature-comfort features like a panoramic sunroof and an optional third row that turns the Rogue into a seven-seater when needed.

Of note; Nissan made the 2014 Rogue taller, wider and with a longer wheelbase, but managed to shorten the length (while making it “third-rowable”, as well). They also managed to squeeze even better gas mileage out of exactly the same engine and transmission through improved components and mapping of the CVT.

The Rogue first appeared in 2007 as a replacement for Nissan's X-Trail model in Canada. A compact crossover, the Rogue offered an affordable option to the Murano. (Photo: Nissan)

Driving the 2014 Nissan Rogue
I've spent the past three years driving my mother's 2011 Nissan Rogue often. I've never been impressed with it, rather dislike the CVT's performance, and was always left wanting more from the AWD system in the winter. So, this 2014 Nissan Rogue had some serious impressing to do when I got behind the wheel.

Now, I've not completely changed my opinion on the Rogue, but I'll give Nissan props for making some definite improvements in areas that were lacking in the previous gen.

While the CVT remains, it was a little less intrusive than my mother's version (read: not as obnoxious under heavier acceleration). However, it is a shame they couldn't squeeze a bit more power into the Rogue as it's still a bit of slowpoke. Steering is much tighter and more precise than the previous model, which is great and makes the vehicle feel that much more solid and responsive on twistier roads.

In terms of the AWD system, it is the same 70/30 split found in the outgoing model with an AWD Lock option that turns off when you exceed 40km/hr. I was pleasantly surprised with the 2014 Nissan Rogue's improved torque-splitting technology and something they call “Active Trace Control” that will automatically engage your inner or outer brakes to keep you in line when cornering.

The 2014 Nissan Rogue is not a sporty vehicle to drive (Nissan gave us the JUKE to get our sport CUV yahoos out), but it is a pleasantly comfortable vehicle that will surely impress those in the market for just such a car.

While the CVT remains, it was a little less intrusive than my mother's version (read: not as obnoxious under heavier acceleration). (Photo: Nissan)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Nissan Rogue
Here's where I have to give serious kudos to Nissan; they did a great job on the redesign of this particular compact crossover. The Rogue finally has a look that's all its own, while still maintaining its Nissan look and roots with elements that carry over from the rest of the family lineup.

Instead of a bulbous, almond-y shape, this new Rogue is much more angular and masculine, with a stubby front nose and edgy rear. They checked all the right boxes with the new exterior look.

Step inside the 2014 Nissan Rogue and those checks continue; soft touch materials, redesigned centre stack, and a new 5” TFT colour screen in the gauge cluster (available on all models) ensure this new Rogue is as forward-thinking as it is looking.

Now, that optional third row is a nifty trick the 2014 Nissan Rogue has up its sleeve, however, it's not exactly a use-everyday-option.

Step inside the 2014 Nissan Rogue and those checks continue; soft touch materials, redesigned centre stack, and a new 5” TFT colour screen in the gauge cluster. (Photo: Nissan)

Comparing the 2014 Nissan Rogue
While my main goal was comparing the new Rogue to the old (because 40% of all Rogue owners will buy another Rogue, and it has the second-highest customer loyalty in their lineup), it has much stiffer competition than just itself in the brand new Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

Is the Rogue better? Yes and no. The 2014 Nissan Rogue has some great attributes and will appeal to a specific customer in the market for a vehicle that will save them money at the pumps and still offer up a comfortable, good-looking and reliable ride.

From GMM

Representatives of the Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Caterham teams will reportedly be present when Lotus does its 'filming day' at Jerez on Friday.

With the Enstone team having sat out the first official test in southern Spain, Brazil's Globo claims troubled engine supplier Renault has invited its other customers back to Jerez as the E22 makes its track debut.

The report said that while Lotus was not keen on the idea, Renault wants all of its V6 customers at Jerez "to monitor" the E22 rollout, presumably to get to the bottom of the technical problems that marred the official Jerez test.

To sweeten the deal for Lotus, who preferred that the 'filming day' remain private, Renault has reportedly vowed to pay for the outing.

Globo said the new Lotus will "debut some of the changes" devised by Renault since Caterham, and particularly Toro Rosso and Red Bull, struggled to merely run their new 2014 cars at Jerez last week.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

As Auto123.com had already revealed sometimes ago, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced today that it had signed an agreement with the Army National Guard to be the primary sponsor of the No. 15 entry driven by Graham Rahal.

“This is an historic day for all of us at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” team co-owner Bobby Rahal said. “I can't overstate how proud and how privileged we feel to represent the men and women of the Army National Guard.”

The National Guard sponsorship is one of the most important in the IndyCar series and it is estimated at between 12 to 15 million$ a year and will allow Rahal's team to put also a second car on the starting grid for the upcoming season.

That announcement is a huge lost for Panther Racing which was still hopeful about keeping this important sponsor that had been with the team for a number of years.

Graham Rahal, 25, enters his second year driving for the team co-owned by his father. The season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is March 30.

Ryan Briscoe, Panther Racing, sponsored by National Guard in 2013. (Photo: IndyCar)

From GMM

Mercedes is being touted as the early 2014 favourite, but Ferrari is reportedly also ahead of the game as F1's new V6 era dawns.

The German-language Speed Week reports that, when Ferrari-powered cars decelerated at the recent Jerez test, they sounded "very different" to their Mercedes and Renault-equipped counterparts.

Ferrari F14-T. (Photo: WRi2)

Rumours in Italy say engine designer Luca Marmorini has devised an unique system that stops the flow of fuel when the driver is not accelerating, improving not only fuel consumption but also the effect of engine-braking.

Also attracting attention at Jerez were Ferrari's airboxes and sidepods, amid suggestions the Italian marque is ahead of the game in the challenging area of cooling the all-new engine, turbo and energy-recovery systems.

Ferrari F14-T. (Photo: WRi2)

When asked about the Ferrari layout, Mercedes' engine boss Andy Cowell told Auto Motor und Sport: "Cooling has become such an important issue, both for power and for the aerodynamics, so a lot of research has gone into this field."

Meanwhile, McLaren's Jenson Button has said he was impressed with how all the Mercedes-powered teams - including Sahara Force India, Williams and the Brackley based works outfit - have worked together in the new V6 era so far.

"While we are here to fight each other as teams," he is quoted by the Mirror, "the more information we can share in the next weeks or months can really help us.

"So we are all in good shape if we continue like that," Jenson Button said.

From GMM

One of the very last seats in formula one is set to be filled by rookie Felipe Nasr.

Last November, we reported that following countryman Felipe Massa's move to Williams for 2014, another Brazilian looked set to become the official reserve driver at Grove.

21-year-old Nasr, a GP2 frontrunner, is backed by Brazilian sponsors Banco do Brasil and Sky Brasil, and managed by Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson.

Italy's Autosprint now reports that Nasr looks to have signed an agreement with Williams that will involve running in Friday morning practice sessions at about half of the 19 grands prix this year.

The deal for Nasr, whose surname rhymes with Massa's, will also include "a substantial number of testing kilometers" during the season, the report added.

Felipe Massa, Williams FW36-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)