Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Malaise Era All-Stars]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/#comments1976-1979 Porsche 930 - front three-quarter view, blue

A few weeks ago, we bid a fond happy 40th anniversary to the automotive dark ages of 1973-84 that have come to be known as "The Malaise Era" - the performance ice-age when 160 horsepower was a lot and a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of under 10 seconds was remarkable. Like music in the 1980s, everything in automobiledom didn't suck, however. There were a few bright spots. Here are five of our favourites:

1976-79 Porsche 930, aka 911 Turbo Carrera (above)
Photo Credit: Dorotheum

Porsche didn't get the Malaise memo either, and while Chevrolet beat them by a decade with the turbocharged Corvair Corsa, the Germans more fully developed turbocharging through racing where General Motors couldn't. Early 930s (known technically as 911 Turbo Carreras) were a bit crude, with turbo lag that could be measured with an egg timer. They lacked an intercooler as well as brakes that were up to the task, but performance was sensational, with the buff books reporting 0-60 mph (96 km/h) times of anywhere from 4.9 to 5.8 seconds and quarter-mile times of under 14 seconds. This was '60s muscle car performance at the height of the Malaise Era. Sadly, the 930 cost about six times as much as your average muscle car did.

Rob Sass is the Publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine. He is a regular contributor to the automotive section of the New York Times and is the author of "Ran When Parked, Advice and Adventures from the Affordable Underbelly of Car Collecting."


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Malaise Era All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi quattroaudi ur-quattrocar collectorchevychevy corvettecollector carsdatsundatsun 280zxmalaise eramercedesporscheporsche 930Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ford, Chyrsler and GM gain market share simultaneously for first time in 20 years]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/ford-gm-chrysler-detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/ford-gm-chrysler-detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/ford-gm-chrysler-detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/#commentsGeneral Motors, Ford and Chrysler logos

While monthly sales figures might be an easy way of tracking the progression of the auto industry and individual automakers, looking at market share might be more indicative of how each company is actually standing up against its competitors. For the Detroit Three automakers, they have collectively lost almost 30 per cent of the market over the last 20 years, but now, for the first time since 1993, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have each posted market share gains at the same time.

According to Automotive News, Ford's share increased the most by 0.7 per cent, GM was up 0.5 per cent and Chrysler rose marginally by 0.2 per cent, giving the Detroit automakers a total market share of 45.6 percent. As for Japan's Big Three, the article reports that Toyota is up by 0.7 per cent, Nissan is down the same amount and Honda has seen "little change."

Scroll down to watch a video showing the history of the 'Big Three.'

Gallery: 2014 SRT Viper TA NYIAS




Continue reading Ford, Chyrsler and GM gain market share simultaneously for first time in 20 years

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Ford, Chyrsler and GM gain market share simultaneously for first time in 20 years originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 04 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big threechryslerdetroit threedomestic automakersearningsfinancial crisisfinancialsfordgeneral motorsgmprofitprofitsus market shareSat, 04 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai: Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 Shanghai Motor Show Debuts]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/editors-choice-top-five-2013-shanghai-motor-show-debuts/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/editors-choice-top-five-2013-shanghai-motor-show-debuts/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/editors-choice-top-five-2013-shanghai-motor-show-debuts/#comments

Want proof that the Shanghai Motor Show is gradually becoming more and more important with each passing year? Up until now, our coverage of the Chinese expo has never been as in-depth as it was for 2013, and this post marks our first round of Editors' Choice picks for the show.

Sure, a lot of what we're seeing in Shanghai will never come to North America, and a lot of it is purely conceptual, but because the Chinese auto market is growing at an incredible rate, more and more automakers are lining up big debuts for this show. Because of that, there's a lot to talk about regarding Shanghai, and we've tallied up our votes to give you the five (okay, six - there was a tie for fifth place) best unveilings from this past weekend's expo.

Scroll down to check them out, and sound off with your own personal opinions in the comments.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 Shanghai Motor Show Debuts

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Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 Shanghai Motor Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013best ofeditors pickshighlightsshanghaishanghai motor showMon, 22 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 40th Anniversary to the Malaise Era]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/happy-40th-anniversary-to-the-malaise-era/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/happy-40th-anniversary-to-the-malaise-era/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/happy-40th-anniversary-to-the-malaise-era/#comments

2013 marks the 50th anniversary of icons like the Corvette Sting Ray and the Porsche 911. If Corvettes and Porsches aren't your thing, it's also the 50th of the Aston Martin DB5 and the 60th of the last great Packard, the Caribbean. Lost in the hoopla, however has been any mention of the fact that it's also the 40th anniversary of the Ford Mustang II, the de facto standard bearer for the automotive dark age that came to be known as "The Malaise Era."

Pollution regulations, safety standards and a fuel crisis that saw pump prices skyrocket created the perfect mediocrity storm that forced many Americans - and most of the rest of the world - into cars that were as bland and gutless as the Carter administration. The start of the malaise era is roughly marked by the Arab oil embargo of 1973 and the resulting great muscle car extinction, and it lasted until the introduction of the 200 hp + Buick Regal Grand National and the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 in 1985. Here are some of the malaziest from the era.

1974 Ford Mustang II (above)

The Pinto-based Mustang II nearly killed the Mustang franchise. Its sole claim to fame being a bit of product placement on the original Charlie's Angels series. Plain chick Sabrina drove the notchback Ghia model, smoking hot Kelly (played by Farrah Fawcett) naturally got the Cobra. But the joke was on her - its smogged-choked V8 put out about 140 horsepower. In a rare moment of understatement, Road & Track simply called it "neither fast, nor particularly good-handling."


Gallery: Top 10 most iconic cars of each decade




Rob Sass is the Publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine. He is a regular contributor to the automotive section of the New York Times and is the author of "Ran When Parked, Advice and Adventures from the Affordable Underbelly of Car Collecting."

Continue reading Happy 40th Anniversary to the Malaise Era

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Happy 40th Anniversary to the Malaise Era originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1974 ford mustang ii1977 chevy camaro z281977 ferrari 308 gtb1978 ford fairmount1978 peugeot 504 diesel40th anniversarymalaise eraWed, 17 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Spyker: It's not just about numbers]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/spyker-it-s-not-just-about-numbers/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/spyker-it-s-not-just-about-numbers/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/spyker-it-s-not-just-about-numbers/#commentsA Compelling Story Counts As Much As Performance

Spyker Victor Muller

Following his ill-fated efforts to save Saab, Victor Muller is again back at Spyker as CEO working hard on a comeback for the Dutch-based maker of exotic cars.

You could say he's a dreamer, like his fellow countryman Henrik Fisker. But having established Spyker as a credible player in the ultra-exclusive exotic car niche and tempered by his experience at Saab, Muller is also a realist about both the capital requirements and the complexities in building automobiles. As volumes grow, the chance increases that even the littlest mistake can derail the whole enterprise.

Muller believes there's room for small, boutique exotics like Spyker, Pagani and Koenigsegg in a market saturated by supercars from players like Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, VW Group's Bugatti and even Lexus with its LF-A.

Hit the jump to read the rest.

Continue reading Spyker: It's not just about numbers

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Spyker: It's not just about numbers originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmatt delorenzoopinionsaabspykervictor mullerTue, 16 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Lincoln needs a farewell address, not a new marketing plan]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/lincoln-needs-a-farewell-address-not-a-new-marketing-plan/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/lincoln-needs-a-farewell-address-not-a-new-marketing-plan/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/lincoln-needs-a-farewell-address-not-a-new-marketing-plan/#commentsLincoln grille

The trouble with Ford's Lincoln brand is that no one cares about it any more.

Not long after I heard that Mark LaNeve, chief operating officer of Ford agency Team Detroit, was moving to take over direct operations of the New York ad agency Hudson Rouge for Lincoln, I heard that JCPenney CEO Ron Johnson was ousted (JCPenney is a US chain store not unlike Sears Canada - and yes, there are parallels here). The two events are connected.

There can be all sorts of reasons why LaNeve, former head of sales and marketing at General Motors, is taking over the office that was under the direction of Cameron McNaughton since it was opened last year to serve Lincoln. But the bottom line reason: The plan to save Lincoln is not working.

As I was listening to the discussion about JCPenney's Johnson and his mistakes, I heard two talking heads discussing it. One said it perfectly: "Johnson's mistake was not in moving JCPenney to an everyday low-pricing strategy, it was taking the job in the first place. JCPenney has no reason to exist. It's reason for being is gone. It was once the place where America bought its underwear, but now they buy their underwear all sorts of other places."

I have been saying for about two years now that the trouble with Ford's Lincoln brand is that no one cares about it any more. Okay, Lincoln dealers and some current and ex-Ford employees, some of those in the airport livery and hearse businesses care. That's not a business model, though. Ford is going to try and force Lincoln on China, I hear. The Chinese want Lincoln? I doubt that.

Continue reading Lincoln needs a farewell address, not a new marketing plan

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Lincoln needs a farewell address, not a new marketing plan originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcycar buyingearningsfinancialsfordlincolnopinionTue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Autoblog Canada interview with BMW Canada President and CEO, Eduardo Villaverde]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/autoblog-canada-interview-with-bmw-canada-president-and-ceo/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/autoblog-canada-interview-with-bmw-canada-president-and-ceo/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/autoblog-canada-interview-with-bmw-canada-president-and-ceo/#comments

Soon after BMW Canada wowed gathered media at the 93rd annual Vancouver International Auto Show with Canadian bronze medal-winning swimmer Brent Hayden while announcing a four-year sponsorship commitment to Canada's Olympic team that will include both vehicle and financial support, we sat down with BMW Canada President and CEO, Eduardo Villaverde to discuss the new sponsorship, BMW Canada's record-setting sales and also learn a little more about this extremely personable business executive.

Click here to read on for the full interview.


Gallery: Vancouver International Auto Show 2013

Continue reading Autoblog Canada interview with BMW Canada President and CEO, Eduardo Villaverde

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Autoblog Canada interview with BMW Canada President and CEO, Eduardo Villaverde originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW Canadacanadian olympicsEduardo VillaverdeolympicssponsorshipFri, 05 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Redefining luxury as we know it]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/redefining-luxury/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/redefining-luxury/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/redefining-luxury/#commentsWhat's Happening To This Once-Exclusive Segment?

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class - front three-quarter dynamic view

What comes before "A"? That's the problem Mercedes-Benz apparently has to cope with as it works up plans for an all-new premium minicar that's currently being referred to as the X-Class.

It's been three decades since the German maker first introduced - after much internal debate - the original "Baby Benz," the line that became today's C-Class. It's more recently added downsized B- and A-Class lines, as well, the X- expected to be even smaller. And that's on top of all the other new models that have rapidly fleshed out the Teutonic marque's lineup, from the G to the GLK, not to mention CLS, CLA (above) and SLK.

It's an alphanumeric soup, and Mercedes isn't alone, as a quick perusal of the BMW and Audi lineups - never mind the expanding mix at Cadillac, Lincoln, Lexus and Jaguar - reveals. These days, luxury makers seem to have an adversity to white space. They're struggling to fill in every possible gap in what is a luxury market that is both rapidly growing and quickly changing.

Hit the jump to read the rest.


Gallery: Top 10 best-selling cars in wealthy neighbourhoods

BMW X5Toyota CamryHonda AccordHonda CR-VVolkswagen Jetta

Continue reading Redefining luxury as we know it

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Redefining luxury as we know it originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20142014 mercedes-benz cla-classCLAcla-classfeaturedluxuryluxury carsmercedesmercedes-benzx-classTue, 02 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New York: Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 New York Auto Show Debuts]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/editors-choice-top-five-2013-new-york-auto-show-debuts/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/editors-choice-top-five-2013-new-york-auto-show-debuts/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/editors-choice-top-five-2013-new-york-auto-show-debuts/#comments

We hope you appreciate the time, thought and care that goes into an Editors' Choice list like this. If you think the debate that will follow in Comments is contentious, you should see us arguing over the merits of each car. We take these picks anything but lightly, as we know you do the results.

Our Editors' Choice picks for the 2013 New York Auto Show were voted on this time around by the entire team of Autoblog editors, and we used a points-based scoring system instead of voting for a single favourite vehicle. Each editor was given 25 points to assign to their five favorite vehicles. The points could be distributed among the chosen five any which way, with a limit of 10 points for any one car and all 25 points having to be assigned.

There was no criteria to guide our choices other than picking our favorite vehicles that debuted at the show - not significance, not technology, nuttin'. So without further delay, we present to you our 2013 NY Editors' Choice list. Now go forth, and tell us why we're right or wrong in Comments.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 New York Auto Show Debuts

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Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 New York Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto showautoshow2013editors choicefeaturednew yorknew york auto showFri, 29 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Vancouver Auto Show 2013 photo gallery highlights exotics, electrics and more]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/vancouver-auto-show-photo-gallery-highlights-exotics-electrics/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/vancouver-auto-show-photo-gallery-highlights-exotics-electrics/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/vancouver-auto-show-photo-gallery-highlights-exotics-electrics/#comments

The 2013 Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) was back in the city's beautiful new waterside conference centre this year, a facility that packed all automaker displays into a very large single room. After last year's unprecedented number of new reveals, including the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and 2013 Audi RS5, the 93nd annual Vancouver auto show didn't create quite the same level of buzz on the show floor.

The big news item of the day included the British Columbian provincial government's renewal of the full-electric and plug-in hybrid rebate program, good news for the makers of electrified vehicles attending the show.

Hit the jump for the complete story.


Gallery: 2013 Toronto Auto Show Highlights - North & South Hall

Continue reading Vancouver Auto Show 2013 photo gallery highlights exotics, electrics and more

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Vancouver Auto Show 2013 photo gallery highlights exotics, electrics and more originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showautoshow2013highlightsrecapvancouvervancouver auto showVIASWed, 27 Mar 2013 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Fisker's Farewell]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/fisker-s-farewell/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/fisker-s-farewell/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/fisker-s-farewell/#commentsNot The First, Nor The Last Dreamer To Fail



The departure of Henrik Fisker from his self-named car company adds yet another name to the list of dreamers who thought they could be successful automakers. Whether or not he goes down in history a Gaston Chevrolet or John DeLorean depends on the current managers at Fisker, with whom Henrik cited as having irreconcilable differences over the future of the hybrid luxury car company.

Like DeLorean and Preston Tucker before him, Fisker
underestimated the amount of capital it takes.


This is not to say that Fisker's dream is doomed, but the company he founded faces a number of severe challenges to its survival as an independent make. Like DeLorean and Preston Tucker before him, Fisker underestimated the amount of capital it takes to be in the business. While the business model of having a supplier, in this case, Finland-based Valmet, building a high-priced limited-edition car had merit, in execution Fisker fell short of the mark of meeting expectations. It took far longer than anticipated to bring the Karma to market. Quality problems, issues with battery supplier A123 and the port disaster during Hurricane Sandy that destroyed 300 cars dogged the company.

Click here to read the rest.

Continue reading Fisker's Farewell

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Fisker's Farewell originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfiskerhenrik fiskerTue, 19 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: General Motors shaking up its marketing... again]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/general-motors-shaking-up-its-marketing-again/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/general-motors-shaking-up-its-marketing-again/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/general-motors-shaking-up-its-marketing-again/#comments

One of the things that dogs the full comeback of General Motors is the instability of its marketing. That part of the automaker got yet another big shakeup today when GM confirmed what I have been tweeting for a few days - strong rumours that the Chevrolet and Cadillac ad accounts are walking to new ad agencies.

Cadillac, GM's luxury brand, is going into review from Fallon Worldwide, Minneapolis and the indications are that Campbell-Ewald, Chevy's old ad shop, will end up with most or all of it. C-E just announced that it was moving from its long-time home in Warren, MI to a new downtown Detroit office next to Ford Field, just blocks from GM.

The other shoe to drop shortly will be the shift of GM's most important brand, Chevy, from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners of San Francisco to McCann-Erickson of Troy, MI. McCann used to be the agency for Buick and GMC, as well as GM's corporate advertising, and has retained some pieces of business over the last few years. Sources have even told us that it was McCann that did a lot of the creative work on Chevy's new ad platform, Find New Roads. (Not to be confused with a former McCann tagline for Saab, "Find Your Own Road.")

Continue reading General Motors shaking up its marketing... again

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General Motors shaking up its marketing... again originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbuickcadillaccampbell-ewaldchevroletgeneral motorsgmgmcmarketingmccann-ericksonWed, 13 Mar 2013 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of Amelia Island's "What Were They Thinking" class]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/the-best-of-amelia-islands-what-were-they-thinking-class/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/the-best-of-amelia-islands-what-were-they-thinking-class/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/the-best-of-amelia-islands-what-were-they-thinking-class/#comments

The Amelia Island Concours d'Elégance is a serious car show in the sense that it's run in a highly professional manner and features high-calibre cars and judges, but not in the sense that it takes itself more seriously than any car show should.

Proof of the latter was the "What Were They Thinking" class of automotive oddities at this year's event, which happened over the weekend. Our friend Rob Sass, Publisher of Hagerty Classic Car Magazine, was at the show and submits these five as his favourites:

1974 Fascination (above)

Looking like a prop from a bad sci-fi movie or a "cars of the future" illustration from a 1930s issue of Popular Mechanics, eccentric would-be auto tycoon Paul M. Lewis originally envisioned the car to be propeller-powered. Eventually, he abandoned the idea of a pedestrian Cuisinart and settled on this Renaut-powered creation. Five of these oddities were built in Sidney, Nebraska before Lewis' obviously saner board members ousted him and put an end to the madness. All five cars survive today in the hands of just two collectors.

Rob Sass is the Publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine. He is a regular contributor to the automotive section of the New York Times and is the author of "Ran When Parked, Advice and Adventures from the Affordable Underbelly of Car Collecting."


Click through to continue checking out the abstract auto-art.

Continue reading The best of Amelia Island's "What Were They Thinking" class

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The best of Amelia Island's "What Were They Thinking" class originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amelia islandamelia island concours deleganceel tiburon roadsterfascinationfeaturedshorty mustangspohn convertibletg 500 tigrewhat where they thinking classWed, 13 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Supercars race wheel-to-wheel in Australian GT Championship (w/video)]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/supercars-race-wheel-to-wheel-in-australian-gt-championship-w-v/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/supercars-race-wheel-to-wheel-in-australian-gt-championship-w-v/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/supercars-race-wheel-to-wheel-in-australian-gt-championship-w-v/#commentsAustralian GT Championship

The Australian GT Championship is one of the more entertaining race series going. Racers compete head to head in hardware plucked from our supercar dreams. Drivers campaign bruisers like the Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche 911 GT3-R, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Audi R8 and even the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Ginetta G55. There are few other places where you can see so many excellent vehicles go fender to fender. This year, the series got started at the infamous Bathurst circuit. If you want a better picture of what the Australian GT Championship has to offer, look no further than the video below.

The first round saw Shane Van Gisbergen and Klark Quinn in their Porsche 911 GT3-R take the checkered flag followed by a four-man team in the No. 88 Ferrari 458 Italia GT4. The series headed to the Adelaide Street circuit this weekend with the main event happening yesterday.

Feel free to check out the clip below for a better idea of what the action is all about.


Gallery: 2012 Australian Grand Prix

Continue reading Supercars race wheel-to-wheel in Australian GT Championship (w/video)

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Supercars race wheel-to-wheel in Australian GT Championship (w/video) originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian gt championshipbathurstgt championshipsupercarsupercar racingvideoSun, 03 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Leaked Toyota FT-86 Open concept previews Scion FR-S convertible [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/leaked-toyota-ft-86-open-concept-images-preview-droptop-scion-fr/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/leaked-toyota-ft-86-open-concept-images-preview-droptop-scion-fr/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/leaked-toyota-ft-86-open-concept-images-preview-droptop-scion-fr/#commentsToyota FT-86 Open Concept

Here it is, folks - the highly anticipated Toyota FT-86 Open concept, a precursor to what could become a road-going Scion FR-S convertible. A full smattering of images and video have leaked onto the internet, and thanks to the folks at FT86Club.com, we can now see the new hotness that Toyota will be unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

These images confirm details that were first seen in spy shots captured a couple of weeks ago - namely, the larger wheel/tire package and the inclusion of the Toyobaru coupe's decidedly useless rear seats. These new photos, however, show a two-tone leather interior with goodies such as an iPod/iPhone mount on the dashboard. The concept car is also fitted with the coupe's six-speed automatic transmission (boo!) and FT86Club.com reports that the folding soft top is operated electronically.

We'll have the full details live from Geneva in just a few days. For now, click through our attached image gallery to see lots of pretty pictures of the topless wonder, and scroll down for a video to see the concept in motion.

The news has been officially released by Toyota UK. Scroll down below to see the newly added press release, and a bit more detail about the FT-86 Open.

Continue reading Leaked Toyota FT-86 Open concept previews Scion FR-S convertible [w/video]

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Leaked Toyota FT-86 Open concept previews Scion FR-S convertible [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fr-sft-86 openft-86 open conceptgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showsciontoyotaFri, 01 Mar 2013 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: New SUVs going high-tech, the 4x4 way]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/going-high-tech-the-4x4-way/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/going-high-tech-the-4x4-way/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/going-high-tech-the-4x4-way/#commentsIs It An Off-Road Adventure Or Just A Walk In The Park?

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

I remember having to get out and lock hubs and shift into neutral
to engage low range.

Coming off press previews of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover and the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that involved some heavy-duty off-road rock climbing, I'm simply amazed at the capabilities that these vehicles possess. But even more impressive (or troubling depending on your perspective) is the relative ease with which you can operate these vehicles in seemingly impossible terrain.

Not that I'm a hardcore off-roader, but I've been in my share of 4x4's over the years and remember having to get out and lock hubs, shift into neutral to engage low range and learning that the accelerator and brake pedals can be your best friends or worst enemies in either moving along or getting hopelessly stuck.

Thanks to the wonders of electronics, advanced transfer cases and electric limited slip differentials, instead of manipulating levers or locking hubs, one merely has to punch a button or turn a knob to engage the right strategy to deal with whatever conditions encountered on the trail.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading New SUVs going high-tech, the 4x4 way

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New SUVs going high-tech, the 4x4 way originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 land rover range rover2014 jeep grand cherokee4x4editorialfeaturedgrand cherokeejeepland rovermatt delorenzooff-roadopinionrange roverTue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2013 Toyota Camry lineup gets interior and tech updates one year in]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/toyota-camry-lineup-gets-interior-and-tech-updates-one-year-in/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/toyota-camry-lineup-gets-interior-and-tech-updates-one-year-in/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/toyota-camry-lineup-gets-interior-and-tech-updates-one-year-in/#comments2013 Toyota Camry - front three-quarter view

When it debuted last year, the Toyota Camry came in for some criticism over its interior, most centered on material choices - both in quality (not enough) and variety (too much). Thus, Toyota has responded after just one model year, updating both materials and features on its gas-powered and hybrid family sedans for 2013.

The LE version appeared to get the lion's share of the improvements. Specifically, the LE is getting "soft-touch" door materials as well as armrests that match the rest of the interior colour (instead of being black). The LE model also gets Toyota's six-inch display screen that helps folks get a better gander at the car's energy usage and fuel economy, among other things. Other changes include adding cross-traffic alert for models equipped with blind spot monitoring

Toyota introduced its latest version of the Camry and Camry Hybrid in the fall of 2011 as a 2012 model. Looking for more details? Toyota happily goes into a ton of detail on the interior improvements in the press release below.


Gallery: 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Review

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Camry lineup gets interior and tech updates one year in

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2013 Toyota Camry lineup gets interior and tech updates one year in originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota camry2013 toyota camry hybridcamrycamry hybridhybridtoyotaThu, 21 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Mercedes says it's tops in luxury sales for 2012, not BMW]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/mercedes-says-its-tops-in-luxury-sales-for-2012-not-bmw/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/mercedes-says-its-tops-in-luxury-sales-for-2012-not-bmw/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/mercedes-says-its-tops-in-luxury-sales-for-2012-not-bmw/#comments

It turns out that Mercedes-Benz North America has legitimate claim to being the top selling luxury nameplate in America for 2012. While sources such as Autodata had put BMW in the top spot, registration data from R.L. Polk shows that Mercedes customers registering new vehicles topped the Bavarian automaker in the most recent calendar year. Polk says Benz posted 274,123 registrations, compared with BMW's 268,498.

In terms of sales posted, BMW had bested Benz 281,460 to 274,134. But sales are recorded somewhat inconsistently from automaker to automaker. Some book the sales as soon as they are shipped from factory to dealer. There is perennial gamesmanship between the two German rivals, and the sales numbers suggest that BMW pushed out some extra sheetmetal to dealers in the last four weeks of the year.

Polk officials have not released their numbers to the public, but Autoblog obtained them from Mercedes-Benz.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the International Motor Press Association in New York City, Mercedes-Benz North America chief Steve Cannon said, "Cars sold to people in the calendar year who then register their vehicles seems to be a more accurate measure of real sales than just the raw sales numbers."

Cannon claims that BMW used "various methods" to beef up its sales in December, as Mercedes had been watching month-to-month registrations all year, and had been leading BMW for 11 months. Cannon said, "When you look at the difference between our sales and registrations, there is a discrepancy of 11. When you look at BMW's, there is a discrepancy of 13,000."

A BMW spokesman said the company stands by its sales figures.


Gallery: Top 10 best-selling cars in wealthy neighbourhoods

BMW X5Toyota CamryHonda AccordHonda CR-VVolkswagen Jetta

Continue reading Mercedes says it's tops in luxury sales for 2012, not BMW

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Mercedes says it's tops in luxury sales for 2012, not BMW originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 sales figuresbmwmercedes-benztop luxury brandTue, 19 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Can inductive charging save the EV?]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/#commentsLet's Face It, We're Just Plain Lazy



Recent news about the price cuts on the Ford Focus EV and Nissan Leaf are proof positive that despite all their eco-goodness, pure electrics as well as plug-in hybrids remain a tough sell to the North American mass market.

There's no doubt automakers are committed to electrifying an increasing portion of their product offerings. The problem is that no one needs to buy an EV or plug-in hybrid. But with American CAFE standards doubling to 54.5 miles per gallon (4.3 L/100km) by 2025 and California's mandate that major manufacturers sell zero-emission vehicles as a percentage of their overall fleets (a measure also adopted by 13 other US states), carmakers have to sell EVs and plug-in hybrids to avoid costly penalties or face caps on the number of vehicles they are allowed to sell.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Can inductive charging save the EV?

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Can inductive charging save the EV? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingchevroletelectric carsevev chargingevatranevsfeaturedfocus electricfordinductive chargingleafnissanvoltWed, 06 Feb 2013 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Marchionne on Alfa's North American return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/#commentsChrysler/Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne at Chrysler press conference

As a reporter covering an auto show, the one opportunity you never want to miss is going to the Sergio Marchionne press briefing.

"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal...
We are not going to do this twice."

There just aren't that many real characters left in the auto industry. Marchionne, who sits atop both Chrysler and Fiat, is not only one of the smartest execs in the business, but also the most frank. Herein, a sample of the quotable always-sweatered executive:

A controversial remark on the return of Alfa Romeo to the United States:

"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal... We are not going to do this twice... Alfas must have 'wop' engines... and we don't have the powertrains worked out just yet.. we won't put any Chrysler engines in Alfas, or Maseratis."

The production Alfa Romeo 4C sports car, which may be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is not ready for a US launch, Marchionne said earlier this week at the Detroit Auto Show. But then, on January 18 at the INforum breakfast in Detroit, Marchionne reportedly reversed course and said the 4C will be ready for US dealers by the end of this year. Given how many delays have been suffered in Alfa's return plans, we'll file this under "wait and see."

Continue reading Marchionne on Alfa's North American return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans

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Marchionne on Alfa's North American return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dart2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfa romeochryslerdart gtdodgefiatgrand caravanminivanssergio marchionnetown countrytown and countrySat, 26 Jan 2013 14:01:00 EST