Auto News 5

TRW Automotive said that rising demand for its safety products and increased North American production helped it boost Q3 net income from US$158m to US$163m. Revenue rose to US$3.97bn from US$3.92bn.

MAN, the Munich-based truck maker majority owned by Volkswagen, has joined rivals, including Volvo and Daimler, in predicting that Europe's truck market will stagnate next year.

Isuzu has finished its third pickup plant in Thailand, adding 30% to its capacity in the country and taking annual production to 400,000 units. Thailand is Isuzu's global production base for pickups.

just-auto spoke with Dr Thomas Heckenberger, VP engineering for Delphi Thermal Systems at its Thermal Systems European headquarters in Luxemburg to understand the latest product developments and innovations from Delphi in relation to interior HVAC systems.

A four-time Formula 1 World Champion, Alain Prost will now take charge of the delicate project regarding the possible return of the Grand Prix of France on the 2013 F1 calendar.

RMC, Radio Monte-Carlo claims that Prost -- who owned a F1 team back in the '90s -- has met with the directors of the Paul Ricard circuit during the meeting of the World Series by Renault held October 20 and 21.

Alain Prost drove the Red Bull RB6 at Le Castellet earlier this month. (Photo: Renault Sport)

Prost is a former Renault driver, and today is the global ambassador of the French mark. He also captured four of his 51 career victories on the famed Paul Ricard circuit located on the chic Cote d'Azur.

Prost is now in charge of negotiating the conditions for the return of the French Grand Prix on the calendar with F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone.

RMC added that Prost will fly to Abu Dhabi for this weekend's race and will have talks with Ecclestone about the financing of the project and the legal conditions regarding the return of the French round.

On a final note, Prost will also act as an associated promoter of the event, meaning that he will work as an ambassador to attract major corporations to invest in the project and generate high levels of interest for the race.

From Dubai Autodrome

McLaren Formula 1 driver Jenson Button was in action at Dubai Autodrome early Tuesday morning as he slipped into his running shoes to tackle the challenges of the race circuit on foot.

Button and personal trainer Mike Collier and race driver Richard Williams set off early this morning to tackle six laps of the circuit in the Dubai sunshine.

Photo: DubaiAutodrome.com

For Button the 35km run was part of his acclimatisation process ahead of this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while at the same time part of his training programme ahead of his first full marathon he is planning to run in Hawaii, in early December.

After two hours Button completed his six laps of the Dubai Autodrome Grand Prix circuit layout, but looked reasonably fresh and not out of breath for someone who had completed a long run in temperatures approaching 30 degrees, under a hot sun.

“At around 30 km I hit what they call ‘the wall', which also happened to be the start of a hill and started to feel the pain, but got through it,” Button revealed.

Photo: DubaiAutodrome.com

Collier, who oversees Button's training regime and accompanied the drive for the first 21km of the run, commented afterwards, “It was hot out there, but this is perfect conditions for Jenson to prepare for the race. From now onwards he will take it easy and we will work on getting him into peak condition for the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, where he gets back into the car on Friday for the first practice sessions.”

Over the years Dubai Autodrome has evolved from a preferred venue not only for motor racing and track days, but also a safe haven and popular training arena with regular sessions, on Wednesday evenings, for runners, cyclists and skaters with several 5km and 10km running races on the annual calendar, along with cycling races.

From Toso Rosso

Scuderia Toro Rosso Wednesday confirmed that it will continue with its current driver line-up of Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne for the 2013 Formula 1 season. It will be the second year with the team for both of them.

“Both drivers have done a good job this season. Daniel joined us with a few Grands Prix under his belt and so his feedback and experience was particularly useful while Jean-Eric got up to speed, often having to deal with tracks he had never seen before,” said team boss Franz Tost.

“Since the summer break, both drivers have scored more points and everyone in the team has been impressed with their maturity in terms of working with the engineers and their racecraft on track. We will be doing our best in the next few months, to produce a 2013 car which will allow them to demonstrate their talent,” he added.

Daniel Ricciardo: “I am really pumped to know that I am continuing with Scuderia Toro Rosso for another season and want to thank the team and Red Bull. There are big expectations for next year and I'm ready and willing to fulfil them. I feel I have been growing and developing as a driver and my approach to the technical side of the sport has also progressed this year, so I am sure that will serve me well in my second season with Toro Rosso. We have had quite a tough season, but despite that, I have always enjoyed a good relationship with all the guys and I am delighted at the idea of working with them for another year.”

Jean-Eric Vergne: “I am really happy about this great news. Thank you Toro Rosso and thank you Red Bull, who have backed me since the early days of my career. It has been a difficult season and, as a rookie, I have learned a lot, thanks to the support I got and the excellent relationship I have enjoyed with all the guys. I feel much stronger now and I know I have become a better driver over the course of the season. I really believe in this team and with all the experience I have gained, combined with the team's ambitious plans for next year, I think we can look forward to great things in 2013, attacking all the way.”

From GMM

Although committing to Lotus for another season, Kimi Raikkonen is not ruling out a return to his former teams McLaren or Ferrari in the future.

The 2007 world champion has been praised for his highly competitive return to F1 this season, but until now he has failed to add to his career tally of 18 wins.

He won all of those races for McLaren (2002-2006) and Ferrari (2007-2009), until he headed to world rallying in 2010 after being replaced at the Italian team by Fernando Alonso.

"I think the last year has been, overall, good for the team but of course you want to win races and challenge for championships," Raikkonen told the Telegraph, after Lotus announced that the 33-year-old has been signed up for 2013.

"I'm not 100 per cent happy," he admitted. "If I'm here I want to win and be successful."

Kimi Raikkonen does not, therefore, rule out a return at some point to Ferrari or McLaren, insisting that although his relationships with those teams did not end perfectly, the doors could still be open.

Kimi Raikkonen, 2007 world champion with Ferrari. (Photo: Ferrari)

"Ferrari could have ended in a slightly nicer way but the people I worked with who are still there, I had a very good relationship with them and go and talk to them still," he explained.

"You never know," he said. "I don't know how long I will be driving for. Maybe I don't drive for many more years."

Raikkonen said McLaren is another possibility, even though it is reported his relationship with team supremo Ron Dennis was not great.

"For sure you have a different view of many things but we still talk to each other," he said. "I have never had a fight with him. People just try to make sh*t stories. I have no issues with anybody."

Former CART series' champion Alex Zanardi will have the opportunity to test a modified BMW M3 DTM November 8 on the Nürburgring circuit.

(Photo: BMW)

The Italian driver, who lost both his legs in a ChampCar crash back in 2001, was expected to get this test in a BMW DTM car, and the German car constructor officially announced the day and the place of the event.

Auto123.com mentioned about this test October 25 after we met with Zanardi at Hockenheim.

“We are delighted to offer Alessandro Zanardi this outing in the BMW M3 DTM,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

“He has been a member of the BMW Motorsport family for many years, so we are very keen to offer him this chance to drive the BMW M3 DTM. We will obviously have to make a few modifications to the car. A DTM car is considerably more complex than the BMW 320si WTCC, with which Alex won on four occasions for us in the FIA World Touring Car Championship. However, our engineers happily accepted this challenge.”

(Photo: BMW)

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has dismissed as "not true" reports in the Italian press of a post-qualifying row with Ferrari team members in India last weekend.

La Stampa newspaper claimed the Spaniard took exception to media comments by Ferrari's British technical director Pat Fry, and threatened to publish a 'tweet' about a lack of aerodynamic progress during his fading 2012 title battle.

The story spilled into the international media early this week, with some publications claiming the revelation of an argument is fair game.

Some even linked the tale to Lewis Hamilton's switch to Mercedes, and the rumours about Sebastian Vettel moving to Ferrari in 2014, suggesting Alonso's future could be McLaren.

"The problem is when it is not true," Alonso hit back on Twitter.

"It's not fair to your readers," he added in Spanish.

"Forza Ferrari," Alonso ended the exchange, amid reports in the Spanish sports daily Marca that Ferrari will do yet another straightline aerodynamic test this week before introducing more updates for the F2012 in Abu Dhabi.

Team Ferrari at work in a good atmosphere. (Photo: WRi2)

"I do not remember when (the test is taking place)," Fry is quoted as saying.

"We have small improvements coming to Abu Dhabi, and more in America," he added.

"It's not over yet and we need to keep pushing as much as we can."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, meanwhile, played down claims Alonso has been overstepping the mark with some of his apparent criticism of Ferrari's developmental progress in 2012.

"He is the best driver in the world," said the Italian, "of that there can be no doubt.

"If he says certain things, it is only to keep everyone under pressure," added Montezemolo.

Pressure, of course, is not in short supply, with Montezemolo insisting Ferrari must up its game in qualifying.

"If we always start from the third or fourth row," he is quoted by La Stampa, "then everything else becomes difficult, if not impossible."

American race car driver Alexander Rossi set the best time on the second day of the collective GP2 series' tests at Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona.

Running today was disrupted by rain, especially in the morning session. In the wet conditions, Facu Regalia emerged quickest, ahead of Sergio Canamasas and Alexander Rossi.

Alexander Rossi (Photo: GP2 Series)

The rain stopped in the last moments of the morning session, and the track quickly dried in time of the second session.

American Alexander Rossi set the best performance of the day ahead of Adrian Quaife Hobbs and Nigel Melker.

Two more days of collective tests will be held in Jerez, Spain November 22 and 23.

From GMM

Paul Hembery doubts Pirelli will be fighting in formula one against a rival tire manufacturer any time soon.

It was rumoured in India last weekend that the Italian supplier's British chief has now kicked off talks with Bernie Ecclestone about Pirelli extending its stay in F1 beyond 2013.

But Hembery is quoted by the German-language Spox as doubting the sport will end the era of no competition in the supply of tires.

Photo: Pirelli

Asked if he sometimes imagines a 'tire war' would be enjoyable, he answered: "Clearly. From a personal perspective, we always look forward to competition. It's always more fun to beat an opponent."

"Nevertheless, we need to consider the financial environment. The teams have no interest in a new tire war," Paul Hembery claimed.

"Just as it is for the tire manufacturers, it's also very difficult to assess the team's part in success. There would need to be quite a strong argument to return to the days of open (tire) competition," he added.

Jaguar is in seventh heaven. They've got budgets, deep pockets and all types of funding -- in other words, they've got money.

The first project with TATA was the very excellent Range Rover Evoque. And now, the all new 2014 Jaguar F-Type will see the light of day. According to some, the arrival of the new entry level Jag may be the most significant intro from the Coventry, UK-based car company since the fabled E-Type hit the car-show floor over 50 years ago.


The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is the most forward-thinking car design to come from Jaguar's chief designer, Ian Callum's, pen in the last little while. This is not to say that Mr. Callum's past creations weren't incredible (because they were), but the F-Type is a smashingly brilliant evolution of what he's brought to us in the last decade.

The F-Type is a 1+1 roadster designed with the driver in mind. Jaguar describes the cabin as being driver-centric. All of the car's controls, including an 8” touchscreen with navigation and a Meridian audio system, are cordoned off from the passenger in a way that leads one to believe that the car favours the driver.

Jaguar describes the cabin as being driver-centric. (Photo: Jaguar)

The car's sleek, lightweight aluminum shell is as sexy as it is hi-tech. No one who lays eyes on the car will ever doubt that the 2014 Jaguar F-Type is an exotic. Even in its most basic trim, the curves of the F-Type's body are uncannily attractive and seductive. Two distinctive features are the deployable door handles and rear spoiler.

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type and S versions sport twin center-mounted tailpipes that are, by definition, cool. The vast array of wheels and paint schemes further accentuate what is a gorgeous, eye-catching shape.

The V8 S is only slightly different as only 20” wheels are offered, and it gets V8 signature quad tailpipes. The bottom line is that the 2014 Jaguar F-Type is a stunner.

I've already hinted at one of the weapons the F-Type will use to stun its competition and that's a supercharged 5.0L V8. With 495 hp on tap, the top-dog Jag will reach 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds (4.2 seconds to 60 mph) on its way to a top speed of 298 km/h (186 mph).

The lesser F-Types are equally charged, but use a 3.0L V6. The base car manages 340 hp and the S gains an additional 40 hp. Respectively, they sprint to 100 km/h in 5.2 and 4.9 seconds (5.1 and 4.8 seconds to 60 mph) on their way to top speeds of 258 and 274 km/h (161 and 171 mph).

A supercharged 5.0L V8. With 495 hp on tap, the top-dog Jag will reach 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds (4.2 seconds to 60 mph) on its way to a top speed of 298 km/h (186 mph).(Photo: Jaguar)

All 2014 Jaguar F-Type roadsters are equipped with Intelligent Stop/Start technology and an 8-speed Quickshift automatic transmission. It features close-ratio gearing, a dynamic mode and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The “S” cars are endowed with a Dynamic Launch Mode for maximum torque control.

Unlike many competitors, the 2014 Jaguar F-Type sports a power-operated cloth top which drops in only 12 seconds, and will do so at speeds up to 48 km/h (30 mph).

Safety features abound as the roadster will be equipped with airbags, audible park assist, winter mode, as well as traction and electronic stability control systems.

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is scheduled to arrive in Canada at the beginning of 2013. Final Canadian specs and pricing should be available later this year.

Hurricane Sandy submerged over a dozen Fisker Karma hybrid sedans that were stationed in Port Newark, New Jersey. As Jalopnik reports, they later caught fire and exploded.

This isn't the first case of spontaneous combustion for the Karma, which has experienced similar problems since coming to market.

Fisker Automotive acknowledged the incident, adding that ''there were no injuries and none of the cars were being charged at the time.'' The company will issue a further statement once the root cause has been determined.

Source: Jalopnik

Photo: Fisker Automotive

From GMM

Early contenders for Felipe Massa's 2013 Ferrari seat may have been ruled out because they are too tall, the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reports.

Ultimately, Mark Webber is staying at Red Bull next year, while German Nico Hulkenberg has signed to switch from Force India to the Ferrari-powered Sauber team.

But earlier, rumours linked them with Ferrari, who in the end decided to re-sign the resurgent Brazilian Massa for 2013.

Auto Motor und Sport said Webber and Hulkenberg's height might have been the problem.

The pair are both 184 centimetres, or just over 6 foot.

Massa and Alonso, on the other hand, are considerably smaller; Alonso is 13cm shorter than Webber and Hulkenberg, while Massa is a diminutive 1.66m, or 5 foot 5.

Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa perfectly fit within the Ferrari. (Photo: Ferrari)

The German magazine said Webber confirmed in India that he would not have fit at the wheel of this year's Ferrari.

And with the 2013 regulations staying essentially the same as this year's, most teams will not be making fundamental changes to their chassis layouts for next season, due to the radical changes set to debut just a year later in 2014.

Hulkenberg did not comment on whether he would fit in this year's Ferrari, but Auto Motor und Sport said the German admitted that his height is an issue.

He is quoted as saying designers "need to make compromises in the chassis" to accomodate tall drivers, like himself or his 2012 Force India teammate Paul di Resta, who like Webber and Hulkenberg also stands at over 6 feet.

On Tuesday, Toyota's Georgetown, KY assembly plant celebrated the start of production for the all-new 2013 Avalon as well as the Japanese automaker's 25 millionth vehicle manufactured in North America. The milestone model was a silver Avalon Hybrid.

"Toyota's 25 millionth vehicle signifies the tireless work of thousands of Toyota team members, hundreds of North American supplier partners, and great dealers giving their best every day," said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. "We continue to evolve as a company thanks to their commitment to build the best vehicles in the market."

This marks a pivotal time in Toyota's 26-year history in North America, highlighted by a direct investment of nearly $24 billion and the creation of 365,000 jobs in the U.S. alone.

The Georgetown assembly plant employs approximately 6,600 people and builds the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon and Venza, as well as 4- and 6-cylinder engines.

A day at the track is probably one of my favourite types of days at the "office." A day like this is usually significantly enhanced by some over-the-top fun vehicles to drive, and the company of my colleagues.

The vehicles available at a recent event I attended at the Driver Development Track (DDT) at Mosport just happened to be MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) cars. And they are a hoot to be behind the wheel of.

Photo: Brian Makse

There are currently 5 JCW MINI models on the market. There's the original hatchback, the Clubman (with three doors), the convertible, and the recently launched coupe and roadster. Each of these JCW models has 208 horsepower under the hood and a 6-speed manual transmission. They feel like little go-karts taking on the turns, with the added benefit of airbags and traction control.

All of that is definitely a recipe for a good time.

I don't think I could ever tire of being on a closed circuit with professional instructors. Why? Because there is always something to learn. Regardless of how many -- or few -- times I get to go around, there are techniques to be built upon and skills to hone. Think about any kind of racing: Drivers never feel like they've taken enough laps or feel they could have done even better if they just had some more time or set up the corner a little more efficiently.

That's the beauty of the track: It's a closed course, and a controlled environment. If you screw up (knock on wood), you'll usually be in far less trouble than out on the open road. There's no oncoming traffic, nor are there pedestrians. While I know some women are apprehensive to participate in a track day, I assure you it's not as scary as you think.

There can be a slight intimidation factor, especially if you're a first-timer, but keep in mind that everyone is there to learn. Furthermore, a good track day with a good instructor will give you lots of guidance and help you feel at ease -- or at least you should try to feel at ease! Speeds generally increase throughout the day, not because instructors want to push and push, but because you will feel more comfortable and willing to take a little more risk as the day progresses.

Trust me, it's an amazing feeling when you have a great lap and say to yourself: "Wow! I just did that? That's pretty awesome."

Another component to track days, other than great cars, is the company.

A good friend of mine, Brian Makse, is a championship-winning racer. He's also an auto journalist and we like to pair up when we're on these kinds of events. When I'm not concentrating on the proper line I'm supposed to take, we're laughing our heads off or making silly jokes. On press events, we are always partnered up; that's why there are two people in a car. Safety in numbers, right?!

Learning is supposed to be fun, and it is. That further adds to the dynamic of a track day.

This blog was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

With one short sentence, Fernando Alonso defended the great Michael Schumacher, criticised Mercedes' performance, praised Sauber's 2012 car, and slated the Swiss team's current driver lineup.

"I am sure Michael would have won three races this year for Sauber," the Ferrari driver is quoted by the German-language T-Online website.

Instead, 43-year-old Schumacher is all but resigned to bowing out of the sport at the end of the season on a low, his return to F1 since 2010 almost certainly to be remembered as a failure in his otherwise all-conquering career.

The Mercedes driver is quoted as admitting saying goodbye in Brazil with a good result would "be nice".

"But I don't expect it," he is quoted by Abendblatt. "So in this regard I will not be sentimental."

Michael Schumacher, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

Michael Schumacher said the most he can hope for is that the fruits of his contribution to the Mercedes project will be reaped by next year's drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

"It is natural that we are still working together as a team right now as though I will still be there next year. The team is also interested in my opinion and experience," he said.

Team boss Ross Brawn confirmed that Schumacher's hand will be obvious when Mercedes succeeds.

"I hope people think of Michael on the day that we achieve our goals, because he will wear a proportion of that success," said the Briton.

As Auto123.com had already revealed days ago, KV Racing has now confirmed officially that Swiss driver Simona de Silvestro will join the team for the 2013 IndyCar campaign and already did her first laps Monday at Barber Motorsports Park.

Simona de Silvestro was impressed with the Chevrolet engine and found that it was everything she was hoping for after making her first outing with KV Racing alongside her future partner Tony Kanaan.

Photo: KV Racing

In 2012, driving for the HVM Racing squad, the 24-year old driver had her share of disappointment having to compete with the uncompetitive Lotus powerplant but, still, managed to make some impressive showing especially on street courses.

Good news for de Silvestro, veteran open-wheel engineer Gerald Tyler, who worked for her at HVM, will follow her at KV Racing for 2013.

Were also present at the Barber test, Ganassi Racing's Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Charlie Kimball along with Dale Coyne Racing's Justin Wilson.

I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to automobiles. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; however, after spending a week aboard the 2012 Acura ZDX, I still can't figure out the target audience for this thingamabob.


It's not really an SUV, and it's definitely not a car. We'll call it a crossover vehicle because the term is so loose. And although the brand says the ZDX will please middle-aged couples with an active lifestyle whose children have moved out, who are looking for something sporty with the convenience of a back seat and four doors, I'm still scratching my head to the point of going bald.

For $54,990, a luxury vehicle buyer normally expects to be noticed, admired and even envied by both neighbours and strangers who cross their path. This didn't happen with the Acura ZDX.

Yet, it's got some strong qualities and is every bit an Acura as the rest of the product line-up. Let's try digging deeper than the skin.

Growling V6
The 2012 Acura ZDX shares its mechanicals with the 2012 Acura MDX, which means it gets a 3.7L V6 that develops 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Flat out, the ZDX reaches 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and takes care of a quarter-mile in 14.7 seconds at 153 km/h.

So it's quick, yet you can feel every one of the 4,444 lbs that constitute the 2012 Acura ZDX Tech's curb weight, or only 130 some-odd pounds less than the seven-passenger MDX. The engine also feels livelier when you nudge the shift lever into the “S” position. As a somewhat sportier alternative to the run-of-the-mill SUV or crossover, the ZDX doesn't quite feel that way.

Our fuel economy average was, expectedly, 13L/100km. In addition, super unleaded is required.

The ZDX is quick; the 0 to 100 km/h dash takes 6.6 seconds.(Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Watch your head
A peculiar aspect of the 2012 Acura ZDX Tech is that it boasts sports-car space despite not being a sports car. The floor is high and the seats are mounted low, so front passengers sit with their legs in an almost horizontal position. Climbing in is easy, but you'll have a hard time getting out without rubbing your pants on the massive door sills. There isn't much headroom, either; and rear visibility is limited by the bisected hatch and fat rear pillars.

The concealed rear door handles did fool my kids, however, as they initially opened the front ones and started to tilt the front seatbacks before I realized they were looking for a way to get inside. From a distance, it does look like a coupe, although I don't know what the big deal is about trying to hide the rear doors.

And when you do open said doors, you'll quickly realize that the ZDX doesn't offer much space in back. Again, the high floor means you sit with your knees up high, struggling to squeeze your feet under the front seats. At least rear occupants get heated cushions, although Acura choosing rocker switches instead of buttons means those sitting in the back will forget to turn them off before exiting.

As for cargo space: Well, you do get 779 litres of volume in the 2012 Acura ZDX, which includes an underfloor storage area big enough to fit my backpack in. Fold down the rear seatback and you get up to 1,623 litres of space. However, there is no cargo cover so your belongings will be visible through the tinted windows.

Despite the lack of interior space, what I personally like the most about the 2012 Acura ZDX is the quality feel of the interior. The curvy dash design is dressed in stitched leather, while the overall appearance is extremely pleasing. The refined ride and great-sounding stereo are also a big plus.

The high floor means you'll sit with your legs stretched almost horizontally, like in a sports car.(Photo: Philippe Champoux)

What about your ego?
Waiting at traffic lights, I'd look in the rearview mirror and spot the occupants in the car behind pointing a finger and having a good laugh. Even children walking down the street were amused, not impressed, by the ZDX. Can a luxury vehicle buyer's ego put up with this? I didn't feel admired at all.

Generally, we try to categorize and compare a vehicle we test drive, and that's why we have so much difficulty not pigeonholing the 2012 Acura ZDX. It could be considered a rival of the Infiniti FX35, the Range Rover Evoque or a cheaper alternative to the BMW X6 - all of which offer something outside the norm.

I like vehicles that dare to be different. In this case, though, I think Acura went too far in their quest to create something unique. You can't possibly be admired and envied when you're constantly asked: “What the hell is that?” You will, however, get noticed.