magazine MotorHub
Issue 2 | Jun-Sept 2015
FEATURES Industry News Effect of tyre size on fuel economy
Honda CR-V V Toyota RAV4 The future of Manual Transmission
Inside Driver-less Cars
RR Pick-Up
F1 Report
MotorHub
N TH S SSUE 2
Is the manual Transmission doomed?
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7 Cars, 7 days
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Traffic Jam: Turn it into a party
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Choosing the right tyres
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Checks to perform before buying a used car
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Global trends: Driverless Car
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H2H: Toyota RAV4 V Honda CR-V
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Industry News
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Top innovations in the industry
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Formula 1 Report
this issue magazine MotorHub
Issue 2 | Jun-Aug 2015
FEATURES Industry News Effect of tyre size on fuel economy Honda CR-V V Toyota RAV4 The future of Manual Transmission
Inside Driver-less Cars
LETTER from
THE EDITOR
Dear reader, Greetings and a warm welcome to the second issue of MotorHub Magazine. We are happy to have you on this journey with us. In this issue, we bring you two all-new sections, the Formula One report and the Industry news sections. We believe these will keep you informed in the world of motorsport as well as industry news. In the MotorHub arena, we bring you the Toyota RAV4 up against the Honda CR-V. We’re very excited to see how that plays out. You will find a point-by-point comparison highlighting all the main features and information we believe is important and actionable. In our global trends section, we look at the Google driverless car, how it was developed and the timeline regards commercial production. We hope you will have as much fun reading this as we did putting it together.
RR Pick-Up
Copyright Š 2015 Capitol Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, scanning or information storage or retrieval system without prior written permission from MotorHub Magazine.
EDITOR
Edmond Atto | 0777968699
ADVERTISING/SALES John Kagga | 0789525579
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Odongo David | 0704522873
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Ashaba Tinah | 0774169484
Edmond Atto Editor in Chief
QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK
MotorHubug
ON THE COVER:
@MotorHubug
F1 Report
Capitol Media Kampala, Uganda. Phone: 0777 968699 0789 525579 motorhubug@gmail.com
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
IS THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION DOOMED? F
shifting trends
ewer cars should be available with a manual transmission. The public have spoken, and they want to use their left hand and leg less frequently. The rise of automatic transmissions that relay code quicker than humans can send directives from brain to limb – and ones that know their engine partner more intimately than you or I ever could and can therefore be more efficient – means having a third pedal is simply redundant. This sort of logical argument doesn’t exist in the minds of car enthusiasts with an old-school love of manual gearboxes. But before you go dousing me in transmission oil, hold up: I’m with you; I’m one of you. But I also know that history dictates that the slow death of the manual needs to continue. In the 1990s and early 2000s, power was king. Manufacturers kept throwing more kilowatts at cars that were getting increasingly larger and heavier. Do you see where I’m going with this? The manual needs to be on death’s doorstep before it can be rescued. By the time so few are available, it will be up to the inspired, innovative manufacturers to capitalise on them. All the traditional advantages of a manual transmission are no longer applicable. With continuously variable transmissions (CVT ) - which are basically a rubber band, belt or a chain that seamlessly changes ratios but irritatingly keep the revs high while the speed climbs, automatics can enjoy good fuel-economy, and dual-clutch transmissions give precise control and lightning quick shifts, usually associated with manual transmissions. Thanks to these more advanced transmissions, manual-equipped cars are hard to find, and are selling in increasingly small numbers. We have made our way from 1 speed, 2 speed, 3 speed, 4 speed, 5 speed all the way through to 6 speed, with it now being the norm for automatic transmissions nowadays. We have automatic transmissions with 7 speeds and a torque convertor. We have them with 7 speeds and a dual clutch gearbox (DSG). We have 7 speeds without a torque convertor but with a computer-controlled wet clutch (by Mercedes in its AMG SL63 model). Of course, all these extra gears in an automatic would mean an end of an era is coming soon. The traditional manual stick shift gearbox with a clutch will be replaced by the automatic due to the rising number of gears feasible in an automatic, the ultimate pursuit for smoothness in shifting, fuel and performance efficiency and also emissions control. Even if car manufacturers make a 10 speed manual transmission for a supercar, the revs climb so fast until you’d hit the rev limiter so quickly that you’ll be trying to change gears more than you have the time to clutch or de-clutch or row through those gears. And that is why we will then have automated clutches with flappy pedals behind the steering to change gears in a manual; or something supposedly manual but with an electronic motor or solenoid replacing the need for your left foot to do all the clutch work for you. Thus, the basic manual will be dead pretty soon in all but the cheapest and most basic means of transport. Right above walking and cycling.
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ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
...the perfect car for each Day of the week
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days cars
ust like clothes, certain cars should be driven on certain days. If you cannot wear shorts to the office, then what makes you think you can drive a truck to party? Different days are generally associated with different events so it would make sense to posit that different days call for different cars. Chances are that you cannot afford seven cars, one for each day of the week, in which case, it would be wise to buy one all purpose car. Suffice to say, it would be very unwise to have say a two seater open roof car as your only car...what happens when you have company or loads of things to move? Now, in my opinion, the average working person should ideally cycle through cars in this manner
Monday - Friday
Monday is widely regarded as the most dreaded day of the week. It marks the end of a relaxed fun filled weekend and the beginning of a stress filled week abbreviated by deadlines and brain numbing meetings. So, how do you pick a car, a car that makes it a little better? Simple, Monday - Friday are SUV car (such as the RAV4, Prado, CRV, Kluger) days. Now, there are a couple of reasons you should have an SUV handy for weekdays: Weekdays are synonymous with traffic jam, and if you live in and around Kampala, then you have learnt to accept jam as a way of life. As such, you need to make sure the car you drive is spacious and comfortable, ergo, an SUV.
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Kids, kids and more kids. If you’re as fortunate as i am and you have kids, the you know how troublesome those little monsters can be in a small space. As such, that Duet or Vitz you’ve been thinking of buying won’t do the trick. You are going to have to drop and pick them up on a daily and them having their own space at the back would go a long way towards keeping you sane at the end of your day. If you can afford it, you should probably get a screen installed at the back to keep them occupied with their favorite cartoon or animation on that long ride home, The SUV is the perfect mid-ranger i.e. can handle a broad spectrum of tasks with just the right intensity. Whether you are the kind to just drive around the city or in and out of the city for work, most SUV’s will do this with ease and an acceptable fuel economy. Again if you have a car such as the fun cargo, then you probably wont be able to travel long distances for work.
The Weekend
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For most of you, these are filled with family inclusive events such as shopping, parties, school events, church and so on. That said, only one car class with can handle this many tasks, the minivan. There is a variety of these on Ugandan roads such as the Toyota Noah (the best selling car in Uganda for 2014), the Regius, Elgrand, Voxy. Again, this won’t make sense unless you have a family.
A minivan is ideal for shopping as you get to take the whole family with room left over for the groceries and whatnot. This way, you get to bond as a family and spend the weekend together. Also, if you the church going kind, then a minivan ensures the entire family can go as a unit and not in shifts. If however, you are not a family man or woman, by all means, get a convertible, a 2-seater, a motorbike, because for you, the weekend is all about having fun and relaxing. One day though, you might have to trade it in for a minivan.
MiniVans such as the Noah, Elgrand and Voxy Offer Spacious Cabins
SUV’s are versatile and can handle a broad spectrum of tasks.
ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
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MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
TRAFFIC JAM! It does not have to be a nightmare…make the most of it
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leave the office before 4pm but if you’re et entertainment accessories not, then here’s a few things you can do to Again, you need too keep busy and f you live or work in and around Kam- make the whole ordeal a bit more bearable. distracted all through. buy yourself an pala city, then traffic jam is a disease you MP3 player (those things work in pretknow about all too well. It is the motorist’s uy a Comfortable Car ty much any car) and load up on all your most dreaded part of the day and perhaps The only thing that’ll make sitting in favorite music. You can have your phone the only time of day you’ll ever look out the traffic worse than it is supposed to be is do- (smart-phone) with you and use that to window and envy the pedestrian walking ing so in an uncomfortable car; probably play games, listen to music, watch that past your car with no care in the world. with no air conditioning, head rests, arm trailer everyone’s been talking about; but Even when you sit in a taxi, you will suffer rests and the like. You can always invest in whatever you do, you cannot let yourself as well. There’s no two ways about it, traf- a few things like cushions and padded seat sit still for a moment. There are a number fic jam sucks. If you are fortunate enough covers to try and make sitting in one spot of shops that deal exclusively in in-car acto be your own boss, then you should for hours more bearable. cessories.
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ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
jig-saw puzzle with you. The puzzles will keep you engaged and awake.
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o your Make Up Sounds crazy, I know, but if you are headed somewhere, say for drinks with friends after work, you might as well capitalize on the acres of time you have while in traffic to get your affairs in order. You move around with all your make up, you might as well use it.
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adio, Radio and more Radio Every radio station worth listening to has a drive show of some sort around 5pm. Find a frequency, lock on and the hosts will keep you company. If you pick a good enough drive show, you won’t notice time fly by. Be part of the show, sing along, call in...the jam will be over soon.
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atch Up on overdue work If you have pending deadlines, you could set up a mobile office in your car, get a mobile desk and get cracking. Get all your work done before you return home so your loved ones don’t have to compete with your work for your time. This could increase your productivity by far, with the added benefit of taking the annoyances that come along with traffic jam away.
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atch Up on Calls and e-mails People have been calling you all day, so the traffic jam gives you a chance to return all those missed calls, check in on a few friends, check your e-mail and all that.
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tare at other drivers and passengers: Now, personally, I neither understand nor recommend this one, but I do know that you might like to observe the ‘human condition’. So, by all means, you could use that time to look around, observe the people around you. The things you notice will amaze you.
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et yourself Some literature Load up on all your favorite books and magazines. You probably will not get time to read them so use the traffic to your advantage. Read the latest installment of your favorite book, today’s newspaper edition, the latest issue of MotorHub magazine. If you have some work to catch up on, then by all means, read those reports and be done with that. However, be sure to keep the reading light and fun lest you frustrate yourself and task you brain unnecessarily.
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ake the chance to browse car models. If there’s anything good about Ugandan roads, it the variety in car models that it provides. Look around and you’ll see a wide spectrum of car models from the Vitz to the G-Class alike. Who knows, you could even get some ideas for the next time you are out to buy a car.
rowse Social Media People have been posting in Facebook, twitter, instagram all day and you probably lost track at some point. You might as well use this time to catch up on all your feeds, reply those messages, accept those piled up requests and whatnot. The bottom-line is that you won’t be able to avoid traffic jam entirely, but it doesn’t have o puzzles! to be a nightmare either, these are just a few If you’re into that kind of thing, then of the ways people can keep busy during jam. stock up on all sorts of puzzles like Su- In this technology age, a lot of it is centered doku, word searches, crosswords or if you around having smart devices and having acan extremist, you could always have you cess to the Internet.
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ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
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TYRES : Go big or go small
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
the effect of tyre size on fuel economy
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What’s immediately apparent from the results is that as the wheel-andtyre packages get larger and heavier, acceleration and fuel economy suffer.
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yres can play an important role in making cars more fuel efficient. Many motorists are familiar with the concept of maintaining proper tyre pressure to attain optimal fuel economy. Overinflated or underinflated tyres will not be able to maintain proper rolling resistance, which will reduce the vehicle’s
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fuel economy. In addition to pressure, many motorists wonder whether tyre size is also a factor. The impact tyre size can have on performance, including fuel efficiency, was examined in the article, titled Plus-Size Models: Testing the performance effects of upsizing wheels and tyres, was written by Tony Quiroga. The findings in the article were based on tests involving “nearly identical Goodyear tyres in all five sizes, inflated to manufacturer-recommended pressures.” In addition, they “used the stock steel wheels for the 15-inch test and went to the aftermarket for the larger wheels, as most owners would do.” One sentence offers a succinct summary: “What’s immediately apparent from the results is that as the wheel-and-tyre packages get larger and heavier, acceleration and fuel economy suffer.” Specifically, the author cited a “10-percent drop in fuel economy … from the 15s to the 19s.” Changing the diameter of a vehicle’s tyre can drastically affect every aspect of its performance, from acceleration, to braking, to fuel economy. From one extreme to the next, a vehicle can gain or lose as much as 25 percent of its fuel economy, just by changing tyre diameter. There are two things to consider when thinking about tyres and their effect on fuel economy; wind and rolling resistance. When a car is driving at higher speeds, it experiences higher wind resistance; this means lower fuel economy. Roll-
ing resistance is the impact the road has on the tyres. If you change the features (size and width) of your tyres, it will then influence the interaction it has with the road; thus affecting the fuel economy. This is where tyre width can begin to influence fuel economy. Many people believe by changing the height of a car’s tyres, they can increase its fuel economy. This is not a reliable idea as speedometers are specifically calibrated to the number of revolutions a set of tyres makes per mile while driving. If the original set of tyres is replaced, the calibration will be off and changes in fuel economy will be blurred. Shorter tyres calculate at higher fuel economy because they make so many more revolutions per mile. This negatively affects fuel consumption because it makes the car’s engine work at a higher rpm to achieve the same speeds. Taller tyres do the opposite while still offering an inaccurate reading. Tyre width is one of the only tyre size factors that can improve fuel economy. A narrow tyre will have less wind resistance, rolling resistance, and weight; thus increasing fuel economy. If choosing a narrower tyre, be aware that they can diminish the car’s handling characteristics. It is best to always install the proper size tyres for your particular vehicle. A mechanic will have no problem helping you figure this out. Also, keeping your tyres fully inflated can improve fuel economy
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
Buying a Used Car? Exterior checks
• Check the bodywork for a consistent paint finish – the paint should be the same shade all over the car; if not, it’s probably had some damage and a respray • Make sure the gaps between the panels are the same width – if not, the car could have been crashed and repaired • Check the doors and the boot open and close smoothly, and examine the rubber seals for paint – it could point to a respray • Press down carefully on the car at each corner and release; the car should return smoothly to its normal height – if it bounces before settling the suspension could need work • Bubbling paintwork indicates rust and is most common around the wheel arches, bumpers and window frames – check everywhere, particularly areas regularly in contact with water • Check the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for signs of tampering. The VIN is recorded on a metal strip at the base of the windscreen, under the bonnet or beneath the carpet on the driver’s side. • Check the tyres and the spare wheel with a tread depth gauge, which are available from car accessory shops. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the width of the tyre, but more is better • Make sure the tyres have even wear – more wear on one side of the tyre indi-
cates the suspension or tracking alignment needs adjusting – it could also point to crash damage • If the car is a convertible, make sure the roof moves up and down smoothly and locks fully into place, check the material for tears, and make sure the rear window is free from cracks and discolouration
Under the bonnet
• Check the car’s VIN is the same as recorded in the logbook • Check for oil, water or other fluid leaks around the engine and other mechanical components, as well as on the ground underneath • Remove the engine oil dipstick, wipe it with a cloth and replace it. Remove it again and check the oil is on or around the ‘max’ level; the oil should be golden and free from debris – if not, the oil will need changing and could indicate neglect • Check the top of the engine (you may need to unclip the plastic engine cover first) and underneath the engine oil cap for a white, mayonnaise-like substance which could indicate a damaged engine head gasket and often-irreparable engine damage • Check the fluid levels for the engine coolant (large, often round tank with a screw cap filled with pink fluid) and brake fluid (small bottle, often attached at the rear of the engine bay) are at the correct indicated
How to make sure you don’t get ripped off. level when the engine is cool • Check the battery terminals and connectors on top of the battery are rust-free and in good condition
Inside the car
• The mileage on the odometer inside the speedometer should be consistent with the advert and car’s documents • Check wear on the seats and steering wheel are consistent with the car’s mileage – high mileage cars will often show wear on the side bolsters and the steering wheel may have a shiny appearance • Check the VIN for signs of tampering. The VIN is recorded on a metal strip at the base of the windscreen, under the bonnet or beneath the carpet on the driver’s side. • Make sure everything works, including the air conditioning, all electric windows, sunroof, adjustable seats and even the fuel-filler and bonnet release • Look for damage to the steering column and ignition – damage could indicate the car has been stolen at some point • Check the seat belts, the passenger side of the dashboard and the steering wheel cover – frayed seat belts could indicate they’ve been activated in a crash and damage to the dashboard and steering wheel could mean the car’s airbags have been activated in a crash. ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
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MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
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...the all new Land Rover Discovery
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MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
The age of Driver-less Cars
SELF
THE GOOGLE DRIVING
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he Google Self-Driving Car is a project by Google that involves developing technology for autonomous cars, mainly electric cars. The software powering Google’s cars is called Google Chauffeur. Lettering on the side of each car identifies it as a “self-driving car”. The project is currently being led by Google engineer Sebastian Thrun, former director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and co-inventor of Google Street View. On May 28, 2014, Google presented a new prototype of their driverless car that had neither a steering wheel nor pedals. On December 22, 2014, Google unveiled a fully functioning prototype of their driverless car and planned to test it on San Francisco Bay Area roads beginning in 2015.
Technology
Google’s robotic cars have about $150,000 in equipment including a $70,000 LIDAR system. The range finder mounted on the top is a Velodyne 64-beam laser. This laser allows the vehicle to generate a detailed 3D map of its environment. The car then takes these generated maps and combines them with high-resolution maps of the world, producing different types of data
models that allow it to drive itself. As of June 2014, the system works with a very high definition inch-precision map of the area the vehicle is expected to use, including how high the traffic lights are; in addition to on-board systems, some computation is performed on remote computer farms.
Road testing
The project team equipped a test group of at least ten cars, including six Toyota Prius, an Audi TT, and three Lexus RX450h, each accompanied in the driver’s seat by one of a dozen drivers with unblemished driving records and in the passenger seat by one of Google’s engineers. The car traversed San Francisco’s Lombard Street, famed for its steep hairpin turns, and through city traffic. The system drives at the speed limit it has stored on its maps and maintains its distance from other vehicles using its system of sensors. The system provides an override that allows a human driver to take control of the car by stepping on the brake or turning the wheel, similar to cruise control systems already found in many cars today. In April 2014, the team announced that their vehicles had logged nearly 700,000 autonomous miles (1.1 million km).
Limitations
As of August 28, 2014, the latest prototype had not been tested in heavy rain or snow due to safety concerns. Because the cars rely primarily on pre-programmed route data, they do not obey temporary traffic lights and, in some situations, revert to a slower “extra cautious” mode in complex unmapped intersections. There are limitations on identifying objects such as trash and debris as harmless, causing the vehicle to veer unnecessarily. Additionally, the lidar technology cannot spot some potholes or discern when humans, such as a police officer, are signaling the car to stop. Google projects having these issues fixed by 2020.
Commercialization
In 2012 Google founder Sergey Brin stated that Google Self-Driving car will be available for the general public in 2017. In 2014 this schedule has been confirmed by project director Chris Urmson indicating a possible release from 2017 to 2020. While Google seems to have no plans to become a car manufacturer, the company hopes to develop a business which would market the system and the data behind it to automobile manufacturers. ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
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honda CR-V
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
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he Honda CR-V ranks 1 out of 27 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Honda CR-V, as well as reliability and safety data. Reviewers praise the 2015 Honda CR-V for its abundance of standard features and spacious cabin, and it gets excellent fuel economy. The CR-V isn’t just a great value, however. Its safety and reliability ratings, interior space and available family-friendly features make it our 2015 Best Compact SUV for Families. The 2015 CR-V comes standard with a four-cylinder engine, and most test drivers write that it has sufficient power, but a few point out that some rivals are more powerful. The CR-V has a new automatic transmission for later models, and critics report that it is responsive and smooth. At an EPA-estimated 27/34 mpg city/highway, the CR-V uses less fuel than many SUVs in the class. The CR-V gets updated suspension and steering systems for 2015, and most critics agree that these revisions result in secure handling and responsive steering. However,
some also write that compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 are more athletic when the road gets twisty. Test drivers agree that the new Honda CR-V’s updated cabin has better materials quality than the older models did. They also praise its roomy front seats and remark that the rear seats are incredibly spacious for the class. The CR-V’s cargo hold offers up to 70.9 cubic feet of space, which is more space than you’ll get in most competitors. Some critics are also impressed that the CR-V comes with more standard features than many competing compact SUVs. The base CR-V comes with a rearview camera, Bluetooth, hands-free text messaging, a USB port and Pandora integration. A power moonroof, navigation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 7-inch touch-screen display, a seven-speaker stereo system, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keeping assist, a passenger-side blind spot camera, push-button start and adaptive cruise control are available.
what others say…
“Back on top Honda’s numerous upgrades to the popular CR-V have resulted in a compact crossover that’s better positioned than ever to do battle in this competitive segment. The refreshed Honda CR-V checks all the boxes for compact-crossover shoppers, and no other competitor offers such a well-rounded package as this more efficient, more refined, and better-equipped CR-V does.” -- Automobile Magazine “Honda’s CR-V is already known for its efficiency and utility and the new CR-V enhances those qualities. The refreshed Honda CR-V gets a new engine and transmission aimed at further improving efficiency plus new safety, comfort and convenience features. If you’re shopping for a compact SUV, the CR-V remains one of your best bets.” -- Edmunds “Even though the Honda CR-V lacks seductive lines and even nuances of excitement, it’s one of my favorite crossover SUVs. Sure, it lacks the agility of the CX-5, or cabin refinement of a Ford Escape; but the engine, chassis and suspension are dialed in to velvet-smooth satisfaction. Top that with everyday practicality, and it’s one of the highlights of Honda’s lineup.” -- Yahoo Autos
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car profile Price Engine Capacity Cylinders Drive Type Fuel Capacity Fuel Econ. (C&H) Horsepower Transmission Seats Wheels Airbags Body Style Towing Capacity Torque
$23,000 2.4L 4 4WD 15.3 gal 27 mpg & 34 mpg 185 @ 6400 rpm 6-Speed Auto 5 Steel Wheels 5 Sports Utility 1500 lbs 181 @3900 rpm
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
car profile Price Engine Capacity Cylinders Drive Type Fuel Capacity Fuel Econ. (C&H) Horsepower Transmission Seats Wheels Airbags Body Style Towing Capacity Torque
$23,000 2.5L 4 4WD 15.9 gal 24 mpg & 31 mpg 185 @ 6400 rpm 6-Speed Auto 5 Steel Wheels 5 Sports Utility 1500 lbs 172 @ 4100 rpm
equipped with larger wheels, exhibit a more jarring ride. Critics are impressed with the Toyota RAV4’s cabin design and sturdiness, but some point out that several competitors’ interiors are constructed with better materials. Adults in the front and rear seats, reviewers say, will find plenty of room. Standard equipment in the RAV4 includes a 6.1-inch touch-screen Entune audio system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and a USB port. Dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and an upgraded Entune audio system with navigation and smartphone app integration are available. Reviewers like that the RAV4 comes equipped with lots of features. They say its dashboard controls and the standard Entune audio system are easy to use. However, some complain that the upgraded touch-screen system can be slow to respond to inputs. With 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space, the RAV4 has one of the largest cargo holds in the class. Reviewers find its flat load floor and available height-adjustable power liftgate make it easy to load cargo.
what others say…
“The Toyota RAV4 offers very good interior materials and ergonomics, and we especially like the Entune infotainment system and the standard rearview camera. However, while the RAV4 remains a top seller, other compact crossover SUVs have surpassed it in some key areas. Fuel economy, while good, is bested by competitors like the Mazda CX-5, the all-wheel-drive Subaru Forester, and the RAV’s longtime rival, the Honda CR-V.” -- Kelley Blue Book
toyota RAV4
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he Toyota RAV4 ranks 22 out of 27 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Toyota RAV4, as well as reliability and safety data. Relative to some of its competitors, reviewers note that the Toyota RAV4’s engine is underpowered, but this compact SUV has a spacious cabin, plenty of cargo room and numerous standard features. Toyota RAV4 reviewers point out that some of its rivals offer engines with more power. Still, they say, the standard four-cylinder engine generates sufficient power for normal driving. Test drivers note that the standard sixspeed automatic transmission is slow to change gears in some situations, though it is generally smooth-shifting. With up to an EPA-estimated 23/30 mpg city/highway, the Toyota RAV4’s fuel economy is slightly above average for the class. The RAV4’s steering is sharp and it remains composed through turns, critics add. Reviewers are pleased with the RAV4’s ride, which they say is smooth and comfortable for long highway commutes. However, critics agree that Limited models, which are
“Although the Toyota RAV4 isn’t a standout in any one area, its combination of features, passenger space and everyday utility warrant a closer look if you’re shopping for a small crossover.” -- Edmunds “The latest version of the RAV4 - that’s short for Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD - isn’t the most stylish or exciting CUV around, but it does provide the space, comfort and efficiency that buyers prize.” -- Left Lane News (2014) “As ever, its on-road ride and handling are competent but not sporty, the powertrain is smooth and efficient and the price is reasonable.” -- Autoblog (2013)
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industry news
Range Rover Pick Up
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f you like the luxury offered by a Range Rover but not the smell of wet dogs then Startech has just the thing for you. Set to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show is the Startech Range Rover Pick-up. An arm of the well-known German tuning firm Brabus, Startech created no less than 100 bodywork components from aluminum, carbon fibre and steel in order to create the luxurious pick-up. The plastic lined loading bin offers a length of 1 100 mm, with the electrically operated tailgate closed. Inside the extremely expensive pick-up has the hallmarks that Range Rover owners are privy to, including leather-clad seats and electronic everything. As if a Range Rover with a load bin isn’t already unique, Startech has added a wide-body aero kit and 23inch alloys. Power is still provided by a supercharged 5,0-litre V8
bugatti chiron
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olkswagen want their successor to the Veyron, the Bugatti Chiron, to do the 0-100 km/h sprint in just two seconds – that’s a half a second quicker than the Veyron Super Sport WRE. Scheduled for a 2016 launch, the Chiron, as it’s rumored to be called, will use the Veyron’s existing W16 8.0-litre engine reworked to put out a monumental 1 103 kW, while retaining the Veyron Super Sport’s torque output of 1 500 N.m. Its top speed is likely to be in the region of 460km/h should anyone ever get the chance to try it. VW are reportedly targeting a fuel consumption of 20 L/100 km.
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Evoque Convertible
e saw the concept three years ago and now, say insiders, a Range Rover Evoque Convertible will go into production and debut in Q3 2015. Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, there’s since been strong interest in the US market, prompting LR to take it into production phase. Like the concept pictured here, the roof will be fabric rather than any fancy steel contraption that folds away – it works too, still managing to keep the Evoque’s sleek coupé-like lines. There will also be a Roll Over Protection System that will pop up when needed. It’s likely the Convertible will coincide with a mid-cycle refresh to the range – the Evoque is nearly four years old already. The major change here is likely to see the current 2.2-litre diesel replaced by the new 2.0 Ingenium diesel found in its new Land Rover
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
Autonomous Truck
mercedes to start making pick up trucks
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e’ve all been hearing a lot about the autonomous car, but now comes news of an autonomous big rig. Meet the Daimler Freightliner Inspiration Truck. The Daimler Freightliner Inspiration Truck - the first autonomous commercial truck licensed by the state of Nevada -can drive itself without any human intervention and is due to provide a demonstration tomorrow along with the release of its specifications. The technology behind the Inspiration Truck is said to be based on the Adaptive Cruise Control system that we see in many cars today. In this application, it has been combined with the front radar and stereo camera systems to help identify public roads and motorways, traffic signals and other motorists as a human driver would, only better. The aim of the Inspiration Truck is to promote a more efficient and safe means of commercial transportation along motorways and, although the truck is fully autonomous, it still requires a driver/ supervisor to take charge. The responsibility of the driver will be to ensure that the truck’s operational systems are in check and to provide assistance if the truck were to malfunction. Although beta testing of this truck will only take place in the state of Nevada, the Freightliner Inspiration Truck points to the future of commercial trucking worldwide. A quick search on Twitter shows a surprising number of people already calling it the future of trucking.
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aimler AG said it would expand its cooperation with partner Nissan Motor Co Ltd to develop a mid-sized pickup truck for Mercedes-Benz as the German premium automaker seeks to narrow its sales gap with rival BMW. “Thanks to our well-established partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, we are able to drastically reduce the time and cost to enter this key segment.” Mercedes announced it will build a medium-sized pickup truck for customers outside North America, entering a new vehicle category which has been dominated by lower-priced brands. Mercedes, Nissan and Renault have shared engines, plants and vehicle underpinnings for small cars since an alliance was struck between the car makers in 2010. Since then, collaboration has expanded from three common vehicle projects to 13. The Mercedes-Benz 1-ton pickup truck will be built by Nissan in Cordoba, Argentina, along with the Nissan NP300 and a Renault-branded truck, for Latin America, Daimler said. The three trucks will also be built in the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain, for other markets, excluding North America. Production of the trucks at the two plants will start by the end of the decade, the companies said. The Barcelona plant will produce about 120,000 vehicles annually for the three partners, while the Cordoba plant will produce nearly 70,000 vehicles a year.
New Lamborghini SUV
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he arrival of Lamborghini’s first SUV can be expected in 2018. The new model will be produced in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, and represents an opportunity for growth and during the lifecycle of the vehicle. A joint commitment of several parties including Volkswagen, Audi, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, and the Lamborghini team, will ensure that the project is realized. The factory at Sant’Agata Bolognese will be upgraded with the construction of new facilities such as a new production line, warehousing and expansion of the R&D department. Lamborghini will also look to employ at least 500 new employees. With its SUV, Lamborghini will seek to exploit the fast growing luxury SUV segment while increasing its clientele. About 3 000 units will be produced annually and distributed to markets such as the USA, China, Middle East and Europe. ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
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MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
Top Automobile Innovations In the past year Automated Manual Transmission.
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n the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, where more than 70 vehicles were launched, one that pundits hailed as the most important was Maruti Suzuki’s Celerio, the first affordable mass segment gearless hatchback. Celerio comes with AMT (automate manual transmission) sourced from Magneti Marelli, component arm of Fiat. AMT is an electro-hydraulic mechanism for automating manual transmission, which derives from F1. It has a hydraulic system and an electronic system. The electronic transmission control unit helps in engaging and disengaging the clutch and gear through an electronic actuator. It also has a sports mode, which enables drivers to move to the manual shifting of gear to increase and decrease the gear ratios with plus and minus either through gear knob /joystick or the steering. In India, AMT is currently available in three cars — Celerio, Alto K10 and Tata Zest.
Land Rover’s Invisible Car
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n April, Tata -owned JLR introduced a new technology to give drivers a digital vision of the terrain ahead by making the front of the car ‘virtually’ invisible. The technology — named Transparent Bonnet — enables a driver climbing a steep incline or manoeuvring in a confined space to see an augmented reality view capturing not only the terrain in front of the car but also the angle and position of the front wheels. The cameras located in the vehicle’s grille capture data used to feed a headup display, effectively creating a ‘seethrough’ view of the terrain through the bonnet and engine bay, breaking new ground in visual driver assistance.
MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
Google Driverless Cars.
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n December 23, Google announced its first fully functional driverless car, which is ready for testing on public roads. Prior to this, the Internet giant developed various prototypes that lacked on different fundamental and functional aspects. The latest prototype has all the important elements like headlights, steering and brakes. The company have also created a self-driving system with sensors and computers that can be fitted to SUVs like Lexus. This new technology will not only be a breakthrough in tough traffic congestion but sensing technology can also increase road safety. Countries such as the UK and US are working on laws to allow driverless cars.
Toyota’s Hovering Car
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oyota is developing a future airborne car. Media reports the managing officer at Toyota as saying the company has been toying with the idea of flying cars. The concept car being developed won’t be actually flying around, but instead would be floating slightly above the road like a hovercraft to reduce friction. This is just a case-study and the actual Toyota hovering car may not make it to the showrooms anytime in the near future.
Bus Powered by Human Waste.
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n November, the world witnessed the first ever bus to run on human waste on the roads of Britain. According to researchers, the bus can provide a sustainable way of fuelling public transport — cutting emissions in polluted towns and cities. The 40-seater Bio-Bus, which runs on gas generated through the treatment of sewage and food waste, helps to improve urban air quality as it produces fewer emissions than traditional diesel engines. The bus can travel up to 300 km on a full tank of gas.
V2V Communications .
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n February, US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it will begin taking steps to enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology for light vehicles. This technology would allow vehicles to “talk” to each other and ultimately avoid many crashes altogether by exchanging basic safety data, such as speed and position, ten times per second, to improve safety. It uses ‘ad hoc network’, where every car is free to associate with any other car available in the network and share equal status. V2V, which is also known as VANET (vehicular ad hoc network), is a variation of MANET (mobile ad hoc network). Many automobile manufacturers including are BMW, Audi, Honda, General Motors, Volvo and Daimler working and developing this technology to improve safety, overcome blind spots and avoid accidents.
Smart Cars
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fter smartphones, we will soon have smart cars around. In June 2014, Google launched its ‘Android Auto’, a telematics software that can be connected to car dash board for infotainment. It also enables the driver to access GPS, maps, streaming music, weather, and a host of other applications. A slew of carmakers including Abarth, Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Maserati and Volvo will offer Android Auto in their cars Earlier, at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014, Apple announced its ‘CarPlay’ software, which allows devices running on the iOS operating system to function with built-in display units of automobile dashboards. Carmakers like BMW, Daimler, JLR, Honda and Hyundai have installed it in their cars. Infotainment manufacturers like Pioneer & Alpine too have shown interest in Carplay from Apple.
Pre-Collision Technology.
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ero MotoCorp introduced its first bike with startstop technology, Splendor iSmart, in March 2014. The company calls it i3s technology which is also known as Idle Start and Stop System. i3s is a green technology that automatically shuts the engine when idling and turns it on, when needed, with a simple press of the clutch, giving more mileage in congested cities.
op carmakers such as Ford and Hyundai have developed a pre-collision assist and pedestrian detection technology. Besides helping the driver detect blind spots, this technology also alerts the driver when he/she is not paying attention on the road. And if the driver falls asleep and does not respond to the warning, then the system applies the brakes on its own. The driver assist system has two types of sensors. One is millimetre-wave radar located inside the front grille, and the other is a monocular camera mounted on the upper, inside part of the windshield. Its collision mitigation braking system delivers an audio and visual warning when there is a risk of a head-on collision. If the driver fails to react, the car will automatically begin breaking itself to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash. This technology will debut this year with Ford Mondeo in Europe. Hyundai would introduce it in the new Genesis sedan. ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
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he 2015 F1 season is the 66th season of the F1 World Championship, a motor racing championship for Formula One cars recognised by the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), as the highest class of competition for open-wheel racing cars. Twenty drivers representing ten teams were scheduled to contest each of nineteen Grands Prix, starting in Australia on 15 March and ending in Abu Dhabi on 29 November as they compete for the World Drivers’ and World Constructors’ Championships. Lewis Hamilton is the defending Drivers’ Champion after securing his second title at the 2014 Abu Dhabi GP. Mercedes, began the season as the defending Constructors’ Champion, having secured its first championship title at the 2014 Russian GP.
Team changes
•Honda returned to F1 as an engine supplier, providing McLaren with a V6 engine and Energy Recovery System package. •Lotus changed their engine suppliers to Mercedes. •Following the 2014 Russian Grand Prix, Marussia went into administration. The team was saved from liquidation in February 2015 when new investment was secured and the team left administration.. The team re-entered as Manor Marussia..
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Driver changes
•Fernando Alonso replaced Kevin Magnussen at McLaren.. •Sebastian Vettel left Red Bull Racing after 15 years with the team and its wider junior development programme to join Ferrari in Alonso’s place. Daniil Kvyat was promoted to Red Bull from Toro Rosso to fill the spot. •With Kvyat joining Red Bull and JeanÉric Vergne leaving the team to become a Ferrari development driver, Toro Rosso signed reigning Formula Renault 3.5 Series champion Carlos Sainz Jr., and European F3 third-place finisher Max Verstappen, who became the youngest driver to make his Formula One début (17 years, 164 days) when he started the 2015 season. •Esteban Gutiérrez and Adrian Sutil were released from Sauber and replaced by Caterham’s Marcus Ericsson and GP2 driver Felipe Nasr. They joined Ferrari and Williams respectively as reserve drivers. •Manor F1 hired former Caterham driver Will Stevens to drive for his first full season, while former Caterham test driver Roberto Merhi was signed to a short-term deal. Former Marussia drivers Max Chilton and Jules Bianchi relinquished their seats; Bianchi remained in an indefinite coma as a result of a brain injury suffered in an accident at the 2014 Japanese GP.
Sebastian Vettel Moved to Ferrari From Redbull Racing
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MOTORHUB MAGAZINE
AUSTRALIAN GP REPORT
ewis Hamilton won the opening race of the 2015 season in Melbourne ahead of team mate Nico Rosberg with what few of their rivals finished a long way behind. By the end of lap one just 13 cars were left in a race that 18 drivers qualified for. A back injury prevented Valtteri Bottas from starting, and two more drivers failed to reach the grid after problems on their way to the grid. Kevin Magnussen’s McLaren failed spectacularly, and Daniil Kvyat stopped with a gearbox fault. Lotus’s race ended within moments of the
lights going out. Romain Grosjean got away slowly from the grid and then pulled into the pits to retire. Meanwhile Pastor Maldonado lost out in a first-corner tangle and was dumped into the barriers. Following a brief appearance from the Safety Car, Hamilton quickly re-established his lead as Rosberg reacted slowly to the resumption of the race. A single midrace pit stop was the only time Hamilton lost the lead. Sebastian Vettel jumped ahead of Felipe Massa in the pit stops to claim third on his debut for Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton has won 4 of the first 7 races and remains on top of the driver standings.
Lewis Hamilton and a team engineer discuss strategy
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CHINESE GP REPORT
ewis Hamilton dominated the Chinese Grand Prix to take his second win of the season and his fourth career victory in Shanghai. It was another Mercedes 1-2 with Nico Rosberg taking second, but there were suggestions of renewed tension between the team mates. Ferrari kept the Mercedes duo under pressure throughout the race in third and fourth, but Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen were unable to mount a serious challenge on the Silver Arrows for the lead. After both Mercedes and Ferraris had pitted for another set of Soft tyres, Rosberg
began to eat into his team mate’s lead. Despite being just over two seconds adrift of Hamilton, Rosberg was heard on team radio complaining about the leader’s pace and encouraging his team to hurry the world champion up after concerns over his tyres should he have gotten any closer to his team mate. Hamilton cruised around to secure his second win of the season, ahead of team mate Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari. Raikkonen took fourth for Ferrari, with the two Williams of Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas fifth and sixth.
Nico Rosberg Celebrates win at the Monaco GP
ISSUE #2 Jun - Sept
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Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Grand Prix Australian GP Malaysian GP Chinese GP Bahrain GP Spanish GP Monaco GP Canadian GP
Pole position Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton
MALAYSIAN GP REPORT
Vettel Celebrates Malaysian GP win
Fastest lap Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg Lewis Hamilton Kimi Räikkönen Lewis Hamilton Daniel Ricciardo Kimi Räikkönen
Winning driver Winning constructor Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Sebastian Vettel Mercedes Winner’s Table as Lewis Hamilton Mercedes of 19th June, 2015 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Nico Rosberg Mercedes Nico Rosberg Mercedes Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
Sebastian Vettel took his first victory with Ferrari in the Malaysian GP, leading the two Mercedes drivers home. Vettel held second place at the start between the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, but both the silver cars pitted during an early Safety Car period. Vettel stayed out, and by running a long first stint was able to make just two pit stops. The Mercedes pair had to come in three times, and didn’t have the pace to make up the time lost in the extra pit stop. Hamilton was also forced to keep using
the hard tyres, having used up his medium tyres during qualifying, while Vettel used another set for his second stint. But the Ferrari was also far stronger at Sepang – a fact underlined by Raikkonen’s recovery from 11th on the grid and a first-lap puncture to finish fourth. The Williams drivers finished fifth and sixth after Valtteri Bottas put a late pass on Felipe Massa. The two Toro Rosso drivers also exchanged places late in the race, Max Verstappen becoming the youngest-ever points scorer with seventh place.
SPANISH GP REPORT
Nico Rosberg won the Formula 1 Gran Premio de Espana Pirelli 2015 in some style, defeating Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton by 17.5s in Barcelona to reinvigorate his world championship campaign. For Ferrari, finishing 45s back from Rosberg was a major disappointment, particularly as they’d come to Spain with a raft of changes that they hoped would enable them to take the fight to Mercedes. Worse still for the Scuderia, Kimi Raikkonen could not displace fellow countryman Valtteri Bottas, who drove a sterling race to fourth.
Outside of the squabbles at the front, there was plenty of action in the midfield, where Daniel Ricciardo hauled his Red Bull to a lapped seventh and Romain Grosjean survived a brush with Lotus team mate Pastor Maldonado, and then an overshoot during a pit stop, to take eighth. The other Spaniard in the race - Fernando Alonso - fared worst of all, retiring his McLaren with brake problems after dramatically overshooting his pit stop mark and almost running down his front jack man.
calendar
Grand Prix British Grand Prix Hungarian Grand Prix Belgian Grand Prix Italian Grand Prix Singapore Grand Prix Japanese Grand Prix Russian Grand Prix United States Grand Prix Mexican Grand Prix Brazilian Grand Prix Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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Nico won the Spannish Grand Prix
Circuit Date Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone 5 July Hungaroring, Budapest 26 July Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot 23 August Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza 6 September Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore 20 September Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka 27 September Sochi Autodrom, Sochi 11 October Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas 25 October Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City 1 November Autódromo José Carlos Pace, São Paulo 15 November Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi 29 November
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