Auto News 5

TI Automotive, which make auto fuel systems, has delayed a vote on a $2 billion sale to Bain Capital Partners as shareholders review a rival bid from Pamplona Capital Management, people with knowledge of the matter said.

TI Automotive, which make auto fuel systems, has delayed a vote on a $2 billion sale to Bain Capital Partners as shareholders review a rival bid from Pamplona Capital Management, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Volkswagen Group's Porsche sportscar unit is expanding its dealer network in India.

Minicars such as the Fiat 500 and Honda Fit performed worse than any other vehicle segment in a U.S. frontal crash test that mimics what happens when a car hits another vehicle, utility pole or tree.

News 22 Jan, 2014

A rugged 4x4 version of the SEAT Leon ST estate will be revealed soon, according to an insider

A sturdy dairy barn outside a small town halfway between Omaha, Neb., and Bullwinkle's Frostbite Falls, Minn., became the ideal spot for a and#8220;resto-creationand#8221; of a Porsche single-seat road-going sports car.

Tesla will officially open new Supercharger locations connecting the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in the week beginning 20 January.

News 22 Jan, 2014

SEAT announces tie-up with Spanish fashion retailer MANGO and launch new version of Mii supermini

News 22 Jan, 2014

Special edition Fiat Panda Antarctica revealed, featuring exclusive styling and added kit

Most of the tiniest cars on the road fared poorly in the challenging new small-overlap crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with only the Chevrolet Spark getting an acceptable rating, the group said today.

From GMM

Giedo van der Garde claims he turned down the chance to stay at Caterham this year in order to "move sideways" to Sauber.

Just a year into his grand prix career, the Dutchman will not even be on the 2014 grid, but serving only as Sauber's reserve and occasional Friday driver.

Well backed by his father in law Marcel Boekhoorn's McGregor brand, he told De Telegraaf newspaper that he turned Caterham down.

Giedo Van der Garde, Caterham F1 Team, in Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

"I liken it to Jasper Cillissen," van der Garde said, referring to a Dutch goalkeeper who gambled on a transfer between football teams, sat on the bench for a year but ultimately went on to great success.

De Telegraaf said van der Garde was offered the race seat at Caterham for 2014.

"I didn't do it," the 28-year-old confirmed, "because this is a better option.

"My goal this year is to show what I can do and race for Sauber in 2015. I'm a driver who wants the maximum possible, not to race around at the back."

Van der Garde said he is happy with his 2014 programme.

"It looks good," he said. "There are more test days this year and I can do some of the Friday free practices. And if it is necessary, I am ready to race."

From GMM

Paul di Resta has admitted his aim is to combine his return to DTM this year with a role in formula one.

Having lost his Force India seat, Scot di Resta, 27, is returning to the German touring car series with Mercedes, for whom he won the 2010 title.

And although the media announcement made no mention of F1, authoritative reports suggested it is likely he will be called up as a test and reserve driver for the German carmaker's works Brackley based team.

"Everyone knows I didn't leave F1 because I didn't perform," he is quoted by The Scotsman newspaper. "There were other issues.

"If the opportunity comes up, I'm still young enough that I can get back in there. Racing in the DTM makes sense and it lets me combine something with F1 and keep my foot in the door should something come up," di Resta added.

Paul di Resta. (Photo: Mercedes AMG)

Importantly, none of the ten races on the DTM calendar this year clash with F1's 19 grands prix, meaning di Resta would in theory be able to seamlessly combine the two roles.

"First, though, I need to concentrate on DTM," he insisted.

"Once we get this rolling the way we want, then we'll explore whatever other opportunities are on the table.

"Do I feel my F1 career is over? No, definitely not," di Resta continued.

"As is the case with any championship, I am now fully committed to winning the DTM title again with Mercedes.

"But they also know I want to remain in the F1 paddock. They are well aware of the fact that's where I want to be, and I know I have their full support. That's hugely important for me," he concluded.

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg hopes the cars of F1's all-new era are not too slow.

At the end of the long V12 and V10-powered era of normally aspirated power, the sport is switching to 'greener' V6 turbo engines from 2014, bolstered by sophisticated energy recovery systems.

But some fear the cars, at least in 2014, will be three or four seconds slower than the field of 2013, bringing them within the range of the support series GP2.

Asked if that kind of performance would be a disappointment, German Hulkenberg admitted: "It would be a step in the wrong direction.

"Formula one must remain the ultimate. If we lose four seconds, then the GP2 cars would be very close to formula one, and the difference between them is no longer clear enough," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

But Hulkenberg, who drove for Sauber in 2013, admits he doesn't have much data to base his fears upon, as he has not tried a 2014 car in Sahara Force India's simulator.

"Force India does have a simulator," he said, "but the software and the models are not yet for 2014 and so it makes no sense to try to test it. We are in a wait and see period."

He has, however, at least seen Sahara Force India's new car, the VJM07, and is not sure what to think of it.

"Naturally the narrow front wing and the distinctive nose looks a bit strange to the eye. Not so pretty," said the 26-year-old.

VJM07. (Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team)

And once linked with moves to Ferrari, McLaren or Lotus for 2014, Nico Hulkenberg admits that the bigger teams could have an advantage over their smaller rivals this year.

"It is more open than in previous years," he said.

"The big teams with their big budgets have an advantage with how quickly they can develop. But the new rules are also a chance for smaller teams to come up with something better than the rest -- you only have to think about 2009 and Brawn GP. On the other hand you can also get it wrong as well, so it could go either way," Nico Hulkenberg concluded.

Renault Sport F1 has released a series of photos as well as technical information about its new Power Unit, the new 1.6L turbo hybrid V6 Formula 1 engine called Energy F1.

Renault will supply this engine in 2014 to Red Bull Racing, Lotus, Toro Rosso and Caterham.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

Key elements of the Energy F1 Power Unit:

• 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine

• Direct fuel injection

• Max engine speed of 15,000rpm

• Potent Energy Recovery Systems incorporating two motor generator units - the MGU-H, recovering energy from the exhaust and the MGU-K recovering energy from braking

• Electrical energy recovered stored in a battery

• Combined maximum power output of 760bhp, on a par with previous V8 generation

Photo: Renault Sport F1

• Double restriction on fuel consumption: fuel quantity for the race limited to 100 kg (35% reduction from 2013) with fuel flow rate limited to 100 kg/hr max (unlimited under V8 regulations) - cars will therefore need to use both fuel and electrical energy over one lap

• Engine development is frozen during the season; only changes for fair and equitable reasons are permitted

• 5 Power Units allowed per driver per year

Photo: Renault Sport F1

Photo: Renault Sport F1

From GMM

Lotus has been left standing as the only team that will sit out the first test of the crucial 2014 pre-season next week.

That is because Marussia on Wednesday announced that it will be at Jerez, despite some earlier uncertainty.

"If it (the new car) is there and you can use it, you want to use it," team president Graeme Lowdon had said last week, sparking the uncertainty.

But Marussia told its 170,000 Twitter followers on Wednesday that its 2014 car will be at Jerez.

"For those of you asking if we'll be in Jerez next week ... we will indeed," the message read. "Can't wait to see the new MR03 out on track!"

The news puts the spotlight firmly on struggling Lotus, after boss Eric Boullier said he knew as "fact" that other teams will also be sitting out Jerez.

A table compiled by F1's official website showed that every team except Lotus has confirmed they will be testing with all-new V6-powered cars in southern Spain.

Lotus is yet to announce even a launch date for its E22.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

Meanwhile, while Marussia ended its Jerez test announcement with the hashtag 'lookinggood', that was not the message given on Wednesday by Cyril Abiteboul, the Caterham team boss.

He admitted that the new green Caterham is "ugly", because of the solution used to comply with the FIA's new nose-height restrictions.

"Kids should be dreaming when they see a formula one car," he is quoted by Reuters. "I don't know what sort of dream or nightmare you will get when you look at those cars. It does remind me of (the film) Alien, with something coming out of the mouth and whatever. It's not very nice."

Pros: Since its reintroduction to the automotive world in 2002, the MINI Cooper has been loved for its quirky styling and go-kart-like handling abilities. Unique looks and a great personality behind the wheel ensure the MINI's continued to be a popular model over the years.

Cons: Since BMW took over the brand and launched the new MINI in 2002, the price of the little hatch has reflected the German influence. Considered a premium brand, the higher-priced MINIs offer up little in terms of cargo space and passenger room. However, models like the Countryman and Clubman serve to address those issues along the way.


2014 MINI Cooper Price: Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models, however, should be available mid-February of 2014.

2014 MINI Cooper Fuel Economy: Fuel economy numbers are as of yet unknown in the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models.

Improvements and Changes: Some would say there was very little to improve and change in the MINI Cooper models and that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Well, MINI didn't “fix” anything per se, but they did update an already well-loved machine to make it that much more appealing. On the outside, the new original MINIs (as they are being dubbed) have grown in size and length, but not by much. Wider and longer, the new original MINIs have a more grown-up exterior look. LED headlamps are optional as are LED fog lights, and the rear lights come as LED units. Inside, the much-talked-about centre-mounted speedometer now has a home behind the steering wheel, while MINI's HMI takes precedent over the centre display. A bright red toggle switch is now the ignition “key” and key insertion is no longer necessary. The most interesting change in the 2014 MINI Cooper lineup is, of course, the introduction of two new turbo engines across the board.

Powertrain: That's right, whether you order yourself a base MINI Cooper or the sportier MINI Cooper S, you'll get MINI's twin-scroll TwinPower Turbo Technology. In base trim (MINI Cooper), you'll now get a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Slap an “S” on the back and you get MINI's new 4-cyl turbocharged mill that'll push out 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Both Cooper and Cooper S have a choice of updated, optimized transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Power is, as always, sent to the front wheels.

Cargo Capacity: The new original MINI Cooper's cargo capacity jumps from 160 litres to 211 for the 2014 model (with the rear seats up). Flip those rear seats down and the cargo room jumps to 1,076 litres (up from the previous gen's 680 litres).

Safety: As in the previous model, the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S come equipped with a host of safety features including ABS, brake standby, drying and fade support, as well as cornering brake control (CBC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DTC); eight airbags, SMART Airbag Deployment, Advanced Head Protection System (AHPS); crash sensor, fuel pump cutoff, and runflat tires.

Comparing the 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S: The MINI Cooper has always kind of been in a category all its own, but the Volkswagen Golf, Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta stack up well against it.

Mercedes High Performance Engines has leaked a sneak video preview of their new Formula powerplant.

The team of engineers produced the new 1.6L V6 turbo hybrid engine that will power the 2014 cars of team Mercedes AMG, McLaren, Williams and Sahara Force India.

The new engine is coded PU106A Hybrid.

From GMM

In a last-ditch effort to move up the grid, Caterham F1 Team overlooked some of the most lucrative 'pay drivers' for the 2014 season.

Although his fans pledged their own money towards his return to F1, the popular and feisty Kamui Kobayashi admitted he is only contributing a modest amount - less than $2 million - to the Tony Fernandes-led team's budget.

"Unfortunately it is not enough to get a seat," the Japanese told Britain's Sky, "but hopefully this is a good indication and a message to Tony Fernandes".

And also in contrast to his main race seat rival Heikki Kovalainen, who needed to be paid a salary in 2014, Kobayashi revealed that he will be driving for nothing this year.

That is despite the fact Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali offered him a new deal to race GT sports cars in 2014, where he would have been paid real money.

"Stefano is not happy I didn't take it," Kobayashi smiled, "but it (racing for free) is my decision, my approach and this appeals to Tony, this was my message to Tony."

Indeed, Fernandes said that while the contribution of Kobayashi's fans is appreciated, the less than $2 million offering "makes no difference" in the context of massive F1 budgets.

Kamui Kobayashi and Stefano Domenicali. (Photo: Ferrari)

Consistency is a good thing. Familiarity is something we humans thrive on; we don't like change or at least we don't often welcome it with open arms. In the auto industry, change is often a necessary evil, but is also something (I've come to notice this) few do often.

Take, for example, Jaguar's XF. Having just stepped out of the 2013 model, I looked back on the first 2008 Jaguar XF and very little has changed. I'm as undecided with the XF as I was with the 2013 Jaguar XKR. I have a soft spot for Jags and Land Rovers, but I've got to say their “stay the same” policy is wearing a bit thin.


What is a Jaguar XF?
For starters, the XF came about as a replacement for the Jaguar S-Type. Designed by Ian Callum, the XF was the first Jaguar to sport the more modern feline face we've come to know and recognize today.

A midsize luxury sedan, the XF offers power and prestige as well as AWD. As the “baby” of the Jaguar family, the XF offers a stellar way to enter the sophisticated British brand with a vehicle that's not only dynamic to drive but can also be a practical everyday drive.

2013 Jaguar XF Price and Specs
The engine found in the brand new 2014 Jaguar F-Type V6 is the same found in the 2013 Jaguar XF: a supercharged 3.0L V6 that pushes out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power is controlled via an 8-speed electronic automatic transmission. Jaguar's Instinctive All-Wheel Drive system is also on board.

That's the starting point, and it'll set you back $61,500. Should you wish to travel further up the Jaguar XF ladder, you can grab on to the XFR or XFR-S rungs, but you better be ready to hang on. The XFR and XFR-S get a supercharged 5.0L V8. The latter gets 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft while the other makes due with 510. Pricing on the XFR starts just below $90k.

A midsize luxury sedan, the XF offers power and prestige as well as AWD. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Jaguar XF
Sumptuous is supposed to be the name of the game here; performance with style. Yet, I was definitely left wanting more from the 2013 Jaguar XF. There's nothing inherently wrong with the way the big cat drives, just that I feel it could do so much more.

Everything about the 2013 Jaguar XF was a bit dated, from the steering feel to the transmission; it felt old. I wanted so much more from the V6. I continually popped it into “S” and Dynamic mode, just to get a bit of a rise out of it. The Jag XF can be a blast to drive, but you have to be willing to push it to get it to that point.

With over 10,000 clicks on the odometer, the Jaguar XF's suspension seemed to be showing signs of fatigue. Un-luxury-car-like clunks were often heard on rougher surfaces, and the steering's on-centre numbness left me shaking my head.

The supercharged V6 is always a pleasure. I do wish, at times, that it was more growly, but then I supposed that's when you'd spring for the adrenaline-pumped XFR to get your kicks.

Sumptuous is supposed to be the name of the game here; performance with style. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Jaguar XF
Jaguar lines are some of the most sensual in the auto industry. They've made it their business to design vehicles with slopping, feminine touches. The Jaguar XF is no exception, and the latest iteration isn't far off from Callum's original design.

I'm a huge fan of the chunky front end, muscled hood and stubby rear. I think the 2013 Jaguar XF is one of the better looking Jaguars on the road today (and look at it in XFR-S trim and be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor).

The 2013 Jaguar XF is a picturesque vehicle that's rather impressive to behold. The new LED signature daytime running lights add a somewhat sinister and playful look to the XF that I quite like, too.

Inside, however, I feel Jaguar need to do a serious update. What was cool five years ago just isn't going to fly anymore. While I appreciate the simplicity of the gauge cluster, I feel they could do so much more with it -- the graphics in the middle aren't retro, they're old. I am also quite sick of complaining about Jag's HMI system, so I won't.

Where the 2013 Jaguar XF had me nodding my head was in the area of comfort. For long hauls, the XF is sublime thanks to its spacious and welcoming cabin.

The 2013 Jaguar XF is a picturesque vehicle that's rather impressive to behold. The new LED signature daytime running lights add a somewhat sinister and playful look to the XF. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Jaguar XF
Here's where Jaguar's age starts to show, despite being a brand new model. It competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan all of which are loaded to the gills with uber-modern bits and pieces and have seen some major aesthetic changes over the years.

Relying on its heritage alone will only get Jaguar so far, me thinks.

From GMM

Sergey Sirotkin's place inside the Sauber team has been called into doubt.

Just before Christmas, although initially in the Swiss team's racing plans for 2014, Sauber said Russian teen Sirotkin would only be "its test driver" this season.

But with news of the related Russian rescue deal having gone silent, it surprised some observers this week when Sauber said the McGregor-sponsored Dutchman Giedo van der Garde would in fact be "its test and reserve driver" in 2014.

Giedo Van der Garde. (Photo: René Fagnan)

The statement made no mention at all of Sirotkin.

"What happens now with Sirotkin?" Roger Benoit, the veteran F1 correspondent for the well-connected Swiss newspaper Blick, wondered.

"Where is there room now for Sergey Sirotkin?" agreed Mathias Brunner, a writer for German language Speed Week.

Sauber has been contacted for comment.