Auto News 5

British partsmaker GKN said a sluggish European automotive market weighed on third quarter profit and that a continued slump could impact the group for the remainder of the year.

One might argue that France's automakers are the sick men of Europe. Beset with a stagnant home market, excess production capacity and costly payrolls, they are struggling to fend off opportunistic rivals such as Volkswagen and Hyundai-Kia.

Volkswagen plans to expand its lineup of SUVs with two new models in the coming years as part of a goal of overtaking GM and Toyota in deliveries. One of the new models will be bigger than the Tiguan SUV to appeal to U.S.

Fisker Automotive aims to start production of its second model in late 2014 or 2015, at least two years later than initially planned.

Last year was very successful for the biggest suppliers to automakers in Europe. Overall, 2011 sales in Europe by suppliers in the top 30 increased 19 percent to $180.6 billion from $151.

Renault and Nissan said they aim to double annual cost savings from their alliance within four years, while denying a Reuters report that they're reviewing their cross-shareholdings. "We have an internal goal of 4 billion euros ($5.

Battery maker A123 Systems for U.S. bankruptcy protection on Tuesday. A123 listed total assets of $459.8 million and liabilities of $376 million in its Chapter 11 petition.

BMW opened its first dealership in Beijing yesterday that is designated for its Mini brand as demand for luxury cars in the world's biggest auto market increases.

One might argue that France's automakers are the sick men of Europe. Beset with a stagnant home market, excess production capacity and costly payrolls, they are struggling to fend off opportunistic rivals such as Volkswagen and Hyundai-Kia.

Last year was very successful for the biggest suppliers to automakers in Europe. Overall, 2011 sales in Europe by suppliers in the top 30 increased 19 percent to $180.6 billion from $151.

From Pirelli press release

Formula 1's tire supplier Pirelli has announced the tire nominations for the final three Grands Prix of the 2012 F1 season.

In Abu Dhabi, the teams will use the P Zero White medium tire and the P Zero Yellow soft tire.

The Abu Dhabi race is run in the late afternoon and evening, with falling temperatures. Although the lap takes in a wide variety of speeds and corners, the surface is quite smooth and degradation is not excessive, making medium and soft the perfect choice.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

For the all-new United States Grand Prix, Pirelli will bring the Silver hard and White medium tire.

Austin will be raced on for the first time, and the simulation data established by Pirelli's engineers over the summer has indicated that the hard and medium tires will be best-suited to the varying demands of this track.

On a new circuit, a relatively conservative choice will make sure that all possibilities are covered. During a recent visit, Pirelli's engineers established that significant energy loads will be put through the tyres. High temperatures are also expected.

For the Brazilian Grand Prix, the same types of the tires - hard and medium - will be used.

The Interlagos circuit, by contrast, is well known for being demanding on the tires, with big elevation changes, high-speed corners and significant energy loadings going through the structure. For these reasons, the hard and medium tires are also the best choice for the final race of the 2012 season.

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko has admitted he cannot understand Ferrari's tactics during the Korean grand prix.

Fernando Alonso finished behind both Red Bulls at the Yeongam track, therefore losing his long-held championship lead to Sebastian Vettel.

Just behind the Spaniard was his resurgent Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa, who was told on the radio to stay behind Alonso despite lapping faster.

The two Ferrari close in Korea. (Photo: WRi2)

Red Bull's Marko said Ferrari's decision to hold Massa back is "incomprehensible".

"Why didn't Ferrari let him past Alonso and make Webber nervous?" the Austrian told Blick, referring to Vettel's teammate Mark Webber, who finished second.

Indeed, if Felipe Massa had managed to pass Webber, Alonso might have followed him through and minimised the points loss to Vettel.

Dr Helmut Marko told Blick newspaper: "And even if Massa had not managed to get Webber, it would have been easy for him to just pass the place back (to Alonso)."

The Scuderia Ferrari has confirmed Brazilian driver Felipe Massa for the 2013 season.

In a straight-to-the-point, 41-word press release, Ferrari said:

“Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has renewed its contract with the driver Felipe Massa to the end of the 2013 race season. The Scuderia's driver line-up for next year is therefore made up of Fernando Alonso and the aforementioned Felipe Massa”.

So now the quiz is: who will take his place at the end of the 2013 season?

Felipe Massa in Korea. (Photo: Ferrari)

UPDATE
“I am very happy to have reached this agreement,” commented the Brazilian in a report posted on the official Ferrari web site.

“Ferrari is my racing family and throughout my entire time in Formula 1, I have always driven cars powered by engines built in Maranello: I can't see myself driving cars propelled by anything else! First and foremost, I want to thank President Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali, who had faith in me and who have always supported me, even at the most difficult moments. The team and also all the fans can rest assured that I will do all in my power to help the Scuderia reach the targets it sets itself each year.”

The satisfaction is also clear from the comments of Stefano Domenicali, who on Sunday at the Yeongam circuit already lets slip that things were heading towards a confirmation.

“We are pleased to have extended our relationship with Felipe for a further year,” declared the Team Principal. “He has been part of our family for over a decade and has shown, expecially in this recent part of the season, that he is once again competitive at the highest level, which is what is expected of every driver who gets behind the wheel of a Ferrari. We have always supported Felipe, even in the most difficult moments of his career and we are certain of his worth and are sure he will know how to repay the confidence this renewal proves we have in him.”

From GMM

A London grand prix is unlikely because the government is not willing to support it.

That is the admission of Bernie Ecclestone, who told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt that he is prepared to make "a large contribution" towards organising a street race in the British capital.

But the F1 chief executive is quoted by cityam.com: "I don't think the government would be prepared to put the required amount of money behind it."

That is despite the 81-year-old being apparently willing to "help the government and council with their costs".

Photo: Santander

We are slowly approaching the end of 2012 - the year that marks the 30th anniversary of the tragic loss of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Gilles Villeneuve at the circuit of Zolder, Belgium on May 8, 1982.

Gilles Villeneuve in the Ferrari 312 T3 in 1978. (Photo: Ferrari)

Here is a first set of rarely seen photos of his brilliant career, from his beginnings in the Formula Ford 1600 series in Canada to his glory days in Formula 1.

Gilles Villeneuve in the Magnum Formula Ford car. (Photo: Lucie St-Jacques)

In Formula Atlantic in 1977. (Personal collection René Fagnan)

With Ronnie Peterson at Mosport for a sedan race with BMW. (Photo: Guy Blellerive)

Driving a Camaro alongside Mo Carter at the 24 Hours of Daytona. (Photo: Guy Bellerive)

Firsts tests of the Ferrari 312 T3 at Fiorano. (Photo: Ferrari)

Jean-Pierre St-Jacques, Gilles Villeneuve and Joan. (Photo: Lucie St-Jacques)

During the Race of Champions, in 1978, at Brands Hatch. (Photo: Ferrari)

Gilles Villeneuve, Joan and Mauro Forghieri. (Photo: WRI2)

Organisers of the DTM and Japanese Super GT have concluded a deal allowing a collaboration between the two series from 2014.

From 2014 to 2017, the DTM will be open to Japanese car manufacturers involved in the Super GT series such as Honda, Nissan and Toyota.

Meanwhile, Mercedes, Audi and BMW will have the possibility to run cars in Japan.

Photo: Super GT

A common technical regulation will be in place for four years. But, regarding the differences that are existing between the cars of the two championships, especially in terms of engine concepts, the cars will be categorised according to a "Balance of Performance" (BOP) system for a transitional period.

In the future, joint technical working groups and circles will hold meetings to create the basis for a continuous exchange of information.

Former Formula 1 driver and regular IndyCar pilot Rubens Barrichello has confirmed that he will contest the last three rounds of the Copa Caixa Brazilian stock car series.

Barrichello had his first test in his new car, a team Medley Peugeot, on Monday at the Autodromo Curitiba.

Rubens Barrichello (Photo: Copa Caixa)

He confirmed that he would be contesting the Million Goodyear Racing, as well as Round 10 of the series in Curitiba and Round 11 on November 11 in Brasilia.

"It's been a very good experience driving this stock car, despite major differences between this car and a single seater. The team and I came to the conclusion that competing in two races would be good training for the Race of the Million," said Barrichello on Monday afternoon.

At the end of the day, Barrichello made the simulation of a qualifying session and a 40-minute race. His best lap time was 1m21.4. (Valdeno Brito clinched pole position earlier this year in 1m20.393 with an engine that had a little more power).

Australian race engineer Chris Dyer, who has worked at the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team for a number of years, has joined BMW's DTM programme.

Dyer was Michael Schumacher's track engineer from 2001 to 2006 and later became Ferrari's head of race track engineering before being replaced by McLaren's Pat Fry in 2011.

Chris Dyer. (Photo: WRi2)

BMW confirmed to British magazine Autosport that the 43-year-old will take over as the project's chief engineer from Mike Krack, who is leaving his role at the end of the season.

Dyer graduated in 1990 in mechanical engineering and spent four years as a designer and data engineer for Holden in the Australian V8 Supercars series.

He then moved to Formula 1 with Arrows before he joined Ferrari.

After I drove the 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X, I admit that this compact pickup, with its barely 5' long standard box, looks like a mouse scampering past Ford F-150s's on the road. Despite its miniature size, my wallet still felt the pain whenever it was time for a fill-up...


Design version Nissan
I like the 2012 Nissan Frontier's looks. Its distinct style is pleasing to the eye. In my opinion, Nissan's design team has done an excellent job. There is an overall robust impression that is mitigated by the tasteful blending of the different bumper colors with the sheet metal. Goodbye motley-coloured plastic panels and overdone chrome plating!

The approach is more sedan than truck, but we are comfortable imagining it in both urban and commercial use. The 2012 Nissan Frontier is a compact that is as much at home on everyday city drives as it is on construction sites.

With its 4.0L V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, the Frontier Pro-4X delivers fuel efficiency numbers of 14L/100km city and 12.5L/100km highway. These numbers are high for a truck that had only itself to haul around, although it can tow up to 6,100 lbs.

The overall output of this engine is quite reasonable when you compare it with its main competitors. The Honda Ridgeline gets 250 hp out of its 3.5L V6, while the Toyota Tacoma squeezes 236 hp from its 4.0L V6. The Chevrolet Colorado cranks out 242 horsepower from its 5-cylinder 3.7L engine.

I loved the 2012 Nissan Frontier's 4X4 drive mode selector. It's very simple and consists of a round switch that you turn to make the selection. And best of all, you can switch to four-wheel drive on the move. There's no need to stop and no automatic mode that keeps cycling between 2- and 4-wheel drive. Just one big beautiful button!

I like this truck's looks. Its distinct style is pleasing to the eye. In my opinion, Nissan's design team has done an excellent job. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

That half-sedan, half-pickup feeling
The suspension in the 2012 Nissan Frontier is fit for a school bus. Although the front suspension is independent, the rear suspension is of the solid-axle variety. This is what you want when it's time to haul heavy loads... On the other hand, driving around town can become a bit bumpy, although not painfully so. This is exactly what you would expect from a small, van-type vehicle.

As far as the handling in the 2012 Frontier goes, it's all very Nissan. With its speed-sensitive rack and pinion power-assist steering, you really don't have the impression that you need two full rotations of the wheel to turn a corner. In fact, I found it quite nimble around town.

A time-travel machine
It's five years later, and we're still knee-deep in a plethora of cheap plastic in the 2012 Nissan Frontier. The interior hasn't really changed and the steering wheel's hard plastic finish remains tacky. Control buttons were added to the wheel and a smidgen of finish was added to the dash -- but as far as everything else is concerned, we are trapped in time warp.

Sound damping in the 2012 Nissan Frontier is acceptable, making the truck as easy on the ears as riding in a sedan. As far as overall comfort goes, it's still 100% pickup truck! The seats are OK, but forget bucket seats and thigh support. It feels like sitting on a padded park bench.

The 2012 Nissan Frontier's Rockford Fosgate entertainment system is the same found in Mitsubishi and Suzuki vehicles. Overall, there are 10 speakers and a subwoofer, which is way more than necessary for a pickup truck, even with a five-passenger cab. There is no navigation system in sight, but the Bluetooth option is well integrated into the system, and you'll find this very basic system easy and simple to use.

Sound damping is very acceptable, making the Frontier as easy on the ears as riding in a sedan. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

Wheeling and dealing
You can get your hands on a Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab for $38,878. Although bigger pickups, such as the Ford F-150, offer more power and space for approximately the same price ($40,299 for the XLT SuperCrew), the Frontier is targeted at a different type of clientele.

In the ''urban hauler'' category, you might want to consider the Honda Ridgeline, with its refined look and similar price range; its well-equipped Sport model sells for $37,790. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Double Cab is priced at $35,050.

This 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X 4X4 Crew Cab review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has now weighed into the new saga about his future beyond 2013, insisting he is "not thinking" about a reported switch to Ferrari.

Some have suggested the rumour is a ploy by Ferrari to destabilise the German's current team Red Bull, as the reigning champions look set to dominate the final part of the 2012 season.

Vettel, who has won the last three grands prix on the trot and is now 6 points ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, told Auto Bild: "I am very happy at Red Bull and I'm not thinking at all about leaving. I have everything I need at Red Bull and I can't even imagine leaving at the moment."

Sebastian Vettel, winner at Singapore with Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Still, the rumours about Vettel joining Ferrari in 2014 are so strong that many believe the 25-year-old has signed some sort of 'option' with the great Italian team.

On Monday, the BBC reported that the deal is on, but comments by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo appeared to rule it out.

"I don't want to have two roosters in the same henhouse," he told Rai radio.

"I don't want problems and rivalries, which we didn't have between Schumacher and Irvine, between Schumacher and Barrichello, between Alonso and Massa or Massa and Schumi or Massa and Raikkonen," Montezemolo added.

Those quotes were interpreted all around the world as Montezemolo saying no to Vettel.

But, then, Ferrari's anonymous website columnist The Horse Whisperer entered the fray, attacking those who had read too much into Montezemolo's words.

"It's a pity that Montezemolo had simply stated a principle, nothing more, nothing less," he said. "At Ferrari there will be room for anyone who demonstrates they have the talent to drive a scarlet car and to work in harmony both with and for the team."