Auto News 5

Citroen named Arnaud de Lamothe as its new marketing and communications director.

Jim Farley, Ford Motor Co.'

A prolonged strike by the Canadian Auto Workers union could cause U.S. dealers to run out of Dodge Grand Caravans and Chevy Impalas within a month.

When a public dealership group recently approached Tim White and his brothers about selling several of their stores, the family sat down to consider its future.

When Mark Fields is named heir apparent to Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally, a pile of thorny problems will land on his desk.

For decades, Honda's creative brief was "Show the car on a blank canvas. Make a clever voiceover comment. Show the logo."

States are struggling with rules for selling and advertising cars online. For example, one state law puts an auto dealer at risk when somebody else takes his dealership's ad, alters the information then posts it on a different Web site.

When Mike Accavitti, 53, joined American Honda Motor Co. as its chief marketer just more than a year ago, he zeroed in on areas needing improvement.

General Motors has been cranking out pickups to stockpile them ahead of factory downtime this summer and fall, as it retools for the next-generation trucks due out by summer. Now it's crunch time.

Volkswagen will take center stage at the Paris auto show with the launch of the latest Golf, overshadowing French rivals Renault and PSA Peugeot Citroen on their home turf.

Bruce Bendell, 58, hopes his kids won't follow in his footsteps. He loves the auto industry but says it's getting harder to survive with ever-shrinking profit margins, growing costs and increased competitiveness.

For the second time this month, France's struggling PSA/Peugeot-Citroen has called one of its top executives home from China. PSA's Citroen brand has named Arnaud de Lamothe its new marketing and communications director.

The 25,000 spectators at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo, the fifth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, were treated to the sight of a flawless outright victory for the No.7 Toyota TS030 Hybrid.

Alex Wurz and Nicolas Lapierre started from pole position and led nearly the whole race, only leaving Audi to enjoy a brief moment at the head of the time sheets during the first pit stop.

Photo: WEC/Florent Gooden

The Japanese constructor was certainly helped by the only safety car period of the race, the two German LMP1 prototypes finding themselves behind the second safety car while the first was ahead of the Toyota. However, the Franco-Austrian duo had already built a comfortable lead on track, aware that the two Audis could do more laps in a stint between two pit stops.

In the end, the first three cars in the overall classification all finished on the same lap after six hours of racing.

Race results, LMP1 category
1 7 Toyota Racing Wurz / Lapierre Toyota TS030 - Hybrid 247 laps 6h01'08.356
2 1 Audi Sport Team Joest Lotterer / Fässler / Tréluyer Audi R18 e-tron quattro 247 laps +1'00.778
3 2 Audi Sport Team Joest Kristensen / McNish / Di Grassi Audi R18 ultra 247 laps +1'14.679
4 12 Rebellion Racing Prost / Jani Lola B12/60 Coupé - Toyota 242 laps +5 Laps

The original Land Rover Range Rover redefined off-road vehicles upon its launch because it was the first vehicle that combined off-road abilities with luxury features. Hence, it went on to become the choice vehicle for the rich and the royals.


Over 40 years on, the Range Rover still holds firm to its core values, as a new 2013 model is about to hit the Canadian market.

The 2013 Land Rover Range Rover has been reengineered from the ground up to improve on its own formula. Not only will the new model sport a new look, tying it to the smaller Evoque model, it will also get a new interior that will have a much more modern look than the outgoing model.

At 196.8 inches in length, it is roughly the same size as the outgoing model, however, the new model does have more interior space, especially for rear-seat occupants who will now enjoy an extra 4.7” of legroom. The extra space comes courtesy of a longer wheelbase, which grew by 1.65 inches.

At 196.8 inches in length, it is roughly the same size as the outgoing model. (Photo: LAnd Rover)

Front seat or back, all occupants will get to enjoy a Meridian sound system developed exclusively for the Range Rover, which now comes as standard. However, those who want more can opt for the Signature Reference by Meridian sound system, which pumps out 1,700 Watts of sound through its 29 speakers.

Cosmetics and luxuries, however, play a very small part in this redesigned 2013 Range Rover. The big story is its weight, or a lack thereof. This new model features an all-aluminum unibody structure that is 39% lighter than the all-steel construction of the previous model.

This lighter structure of the 2013 Range Rover will not only help the vehicles ride and handling characteristics, but also improve its fuel consumption. Just how much less does it weigh over the old model? In Canadian spec, the base model weighs in at 2,200 kg, that is 318 kg less than the outgoing model -- which is truly very impressive.

The lack of weight will also help its performance. For example, the new Range Rover Supercharged with its 5.0L, supercharged V8 motor, which produces 510 hp, can accelerate from 0-96 km/h in just 5.1 seconds; that is 0.8 seconds quicker than the outgoing model, despite having the same power. Base engine for this new 2013 Range Rover will still be the normally aspirated, 5.0L V8, producing 375 hp, which is also carried over from the outgoing model. New, however, is its 8-speed automatic gearbox developed by ZF.

The base model weighs in at 2,200 kg, that is 318 kg less than the outgoing model. (Photo: Land Rover)

To ensure that the new 2013 Range Rover will work every single day, Land Rover put it on a tough testing regiment. A fleet of test vehicles covered millions of miles over an 18-month period that took these vehicles in over 20 countries and not only were they subjected to on- and off-road tests, but also hot and cold weather extremes. They do want to get this model right and shake off their image of being unreliable.

The lighter and smarter 2013 Range Rover will be on sale in Canada by December 2012. No pricing information has been released at this point.

The all-new Lexus LF-CC, which will have its world premiere at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, foreshadows the launch of a next-generation midsize coupe from Toyota's luxury division.

Proudly sporting the spindle grille that's become the signature of Lexus, the LF-CC stands out with a unique 3 LED-projector headlamp design housed in the narrow gap between the lower and upper fender surfaces. The independent Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are fully integrated into the upper bumper surface, while the broad lower fenders are aerodynamically sculpted to manage the flow of air to the engine bay and front brakes.

Inside, the dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: a Display Zone with a multi-display screen above an Operation Zone which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and an innovative ''touch tracer'' display for remote control.

The Lexus LF-CC combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with a high-output electric motor to form a full hybrid powertrain. Technical specifications and other details will be revealed upon the model's debut in Paris.

Photo: Lexus

Cadillac's revolutionary CUE infotainment system is being launched with training and support resources to enable dealers and customers to provide feedback, ask questions and access support in a number of ways.

These include the CUE App for iPad users along with the MyCadillac App and OnStar RemoteLink App which are available for the iPad and iPhone.

“CUE is intuitive, bringing touch and voice controls into the car in a really unique and helpful way,” said Don Butler, U.S. vice president of Cadillac marketing. “With CUE becoming a signature feature of Cadillac, and with the launch of the XTS luxury sedan, this is an opportunity for us to build a new level into the luxury customer experience.”

As a matter of fact, every Cadillac dealership in Canada and the U.S. will have a trained technology expert to assist customers.

“We've built a thorough approach, enabling customers to give us feedback on the technology as they use it, as well as providing support for dealers and buyers who have questions,” Butler added.

Photo: General Motors

My brother was peeking into my weekly test car, a Scion FR-S, and saw the two pedals and automatic shifter. His excited anticipation was quickly replaced with a curled-up lip, as if the thing had a pink shag interior.

“It's actually really, really fun for an automatic,” I offered. “And you can get a 6-speed stick.”

“Meh.”

In most countries, automatics are reserved for handicapped people and the elderly. In Canada, almost every car sold has one. No wonder enthusiasts (myself included) love to hate automatics.

However, the automatic doesn't actually ruin the sporty experience of the new Scion FR-S. It's not a watered-down, less-credible machine for having it. It's still fun to drive.

Photo: Sébastien DA'mour

No, I haven't relinquished my man-card, and I'd still rather shift myself. But a few automatic testers in recent memory (this one included) managed to entertain my inner driving enthusiast without that all-important third pedal.

The guts of the FR-S' transmission are those of a “normal” 6-speed unit. Lever and paddle-actuated manual shifting is possible. However, unlike so many automatics shifted manually, this one does a great job.

Rev-matching is perfect in both directions. Response to the driver's commands is virtually instant. Ditto for the shifts themselves. Cool sound effects ensue, too. There's even an LED shift-light warning that comes on past 7,000 rpm. The FR-S' automatic is about as responsive, snappy, entertaining and instant as automatics come.

Other machines that pull off a very satisfying manual-mode experience with their automatics? The Subaru Legacy 3.6R, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G, and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 come to mind.

However, not all manual modes are created equal. Many included with automatic/DSG/dual-clutch/SST/whatever transmissions aren't even worth using.

Take the Volvo S60, for instance: It's got a 6-speed automatic, but call for a shift from the manual gate and you'll wait the better part of a second before a lazy and non rev-matched gearshift takes place. Possibly in the interest of refinement, the computer denies driver-requested downshifts that would result in high revs, too.

Manual shifting is about instantaneousness control and cool downshift noises -- not waiting for a computer to validate your request. Other manual modes that aren't worth using include those in the Dodge Charger, Mazda3 and Lexus IS 350 AWD.

Want the best manual-mode experience possible? Check out the BMW M3. With the dual-clutch transmission dialed into its hardest shift setting, a click on the upshift paddle at full throttle out of first results, instantly, in a lurch forward, a positive “WHAM” through the driveline, and about 10 feet of rubber left on the road. The Porsche 911 Carrera S is in the same ballpark.

If you're not rich, anything with a DSG transmission from Volkswagen is nearly as much fun if (for whatever reason), you can't get the manual box.

But, back to the Scion. I'd order mine with a manual, in black. However, I'm happy knowing that if I needed (for whatever reason) to order my FR-S with an automatic, I'd still have fun.

From GMM

Romain Grosjean has revealed he might give way to his teammate and title contender Kimi Raikkonen.

Returning in Singapore this weekend from his one-race ban, Frenchman Grosjean is a long way behind the sister Lotus in the drivers' standings, while Raikkonen is regarded as a dark hose for the title.

"I wouldn't say that for the rest of the season I'm here just to play a supporting role," said Grosjean. "Of course, I want the team to achieve the best results it can and if you look at the points difference between me and Kimi it would be foolish to think only of my own results."

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, at Monza. (Photo: WRi2)

After a very strong mid-season period, during which he was charging for victory at Valencia, Grosjean's momentum suffered a dip more recently.

But the Monza ban, for causing the start-line chaos at Spa-Francorchamps, gave him pause to learn and reflect, according to team boss Eric Boullier.

"He has definitely learned his lessons," said the Frenchman. "In a way, it will have done him good. We have spoken a lot about it. And definitely in some way it was best for him. He will be even more confident in himself and, having discussed and fixed these issues, he will be better."

Grosjean told L'Equipe that, having attended the drivers' briefing at Monza whilst serving the ban, he was greeted warmly by Fernando Alonso but ignored by Lewis Hamilton, whose race also ended at the first corner in Belgium.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. roared back from a pit stop mistake to take the Nationwide Series win and the series point lead in Chicago.

While rookie, Austin Dillon, and then Kyle Busch seemed to have the competition covered Stenhouse appeared to be shot out of cannon on the final stint with 29 laps to go.

As the new points' leader explained he “seemed to really hit it that last run. I cost us a lot of spots there when I stalled it on pit road so we had to drive back up through the field and then that last restart I felt like we would catch Kyle (Busch) but thought it would take a little longer. He jumped out a little quicker in the runs before and then kind of fell off there towards the end but we were able to catch him pretty quick and take our Mustang to victory lane.”

Photo: NASCAR

Busch, who owned his car, led 50-laps at the 1.5 mile speedway said “we had a good car. It ran well through the race. The six (Stenhouse) comes out of nowhere at the end. They had a fast race car. We had a solid run. Hopefully we can build on that. “

Dillon, trying clinging to the championship hunt championship hunt finished third is now 37 points behind Stenhouse, while his teammate, Elliott Sadler who came to Chicago with a one-point lead is now second 9 points behind after finishing ninth.

Sadler, who has not been renewed by his Richard Childress Racing team was mystified by a radio call to Dillon his teammate after they battled on that last stint.

"I don't know what that means, 'Do not help the 2 (Sadler) ,'" he said when told of the exchange between Stockman (Dillon's crew chief and Dillon)) "We share really good notes, and we always have, so I don't know."

Photo: NASCAR

In the end Stenhouse wants to graduate to Sprint Cup with another Nationwide title. "The last four races, I think, we've finished second, first, second and first, so I think we've got good momentum," Stenhouse said. "But in this business, in this sport, anything can change at any time. You've got to keep your guard up, and you've got to keep not making mistakes.”

It was Stenhouse's seventh career win and fifth this year.

Craig Breen (Ford Fiesta S2000) won the S2000 class at the Rally Wales GB, three months after his former codriver Gareth Roberts lost his life in a round of the Intercontinental Rally Championship.

That was the second win for Breen in the S2000 category of the World Rally Champiosnhip. Green is now back in the title chase, he's moved up to second place in the standings behind PG Andersson.

Breen's last victory was at the Monte Carlo, the opening round of the season, with codriver Gareth Roberts. Both men already secured victory in Wales last year in the WRC Academy class.

But Gareth Roberts lost his life after they crashed heavily during Targa Florio, a round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge back in June.

"We did the job here last year and we've done it again this year," said Breen. "Everything was perfect and I couldn't ask for more. But I miss Gareth so much and I wish he could have been here."