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[Rumormill: Is Chevrolet readying a Natural Gas powered Impala?]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/25/is-chevrolet-readying-a-natural-gas-powered-impala/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/25/is-chevrolet-readying-a-natural-gas-powered-impala/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/25/is-chevrolet-readying-a-natural-gas-powered-impala/#commentsChevrolet Impala prototype testing with CNG powertrain - rear view

When it comes to fleet vehicles, the Chevrolet Impala definitely plays an important role for General Motors, and it looks like GM is hard at work developing the next-gen Impala for bulk-buying businesses. The Motoring Journal recently spotted a handful of Impalas testing in Colorado with minor camouflage, but upon closer inspection, these appear to be test mules for a new compressed natural gas (CNG) model - a powertrain combination far more likely to find favour with fleet buyers than everyday consumers.

Aside from the obvious "CNG" stickers affixed to the decklid, these cars also have different exhaust outlets than what we saw on the V6-equipped Impalas during our first drive of the sedan back in March. Images also show under the hood with a different engine cover and plenty of exposed wiring as the CNG system continues testing. There was also an electrical connector poking out of the front fascia, and at least one of the sedans had a receiver-style trailer hitch.

During the launch of the 2014 Impala, Chevrolet said that it is looking to flip the current fleet-to-retail from 70:30 to a more profitable and resale-friendly 30:70 ratio, and this new CNG Impala could be a good way to retain some of that 30 per cent fleet business. We reached out to GM for word on when a CNG Impala might arrive, and received this response:

We do offer a CNG van and a bi-fuel pickup truck, but still studying the demand for CNG powered passenger cars. Infrastructure is a consideration for anyone buying these types of vehicles. Unfortunately, there's nothing to announce today on this front.

Our best guess is that it could debut for the 2015 model year, since the ninth-generation model is carrying over for fleet-only sales as the 2014 Impala Limited.

Click through to watch a video showing the technology.

Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Impala: First Drive






Continue reading Is Chevrolet readying a Natural Gas powered Impala?

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Is Chevrolet readying a Natural Gas powered Impala? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 25 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevy impalachevychevy impalacngcompressed natural gasnatural gasspy photosspy shotsSat, 25 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/#commentsOklahoma City-area tornado damage - helicopter overview

Judging by the destruction the Oklahoma City area experienced earlier this week, residents are going to need a lot of help in coming months. Fortunately, a number of automakers - including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Honda and Toyota - have stepped up to donate money, supplies and vehicles to aid in the recovery and rebuilding processes.

Scroll down for a quick rundown of which automakers have pitched in and what each contributed so far. Then be sure to watch video footage of the powerful tornado that caused so much damage and destruction.

Gallery: Flood damaged exotic cars in Singapore






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Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 24 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american red crosscharitychryslerdonationsemergencyemergency relieffemafirst response team of americafordForgotten harvestgeneral motorshabitat for humanityhondanatural disastersoklahomaoklahoma disasteroklahoma tornadorescuetornadotornadoestornadostoyotaFri, 24 May 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Move over Audi, now Chrysler has a beef with Tesla's claims]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/#comments

In the same week that Audi said "not so fast" to some claims from Tesla, Chrysler has responded to a new press release from the California-based EV-maker by saying "not exactly, Tesla." The statement, released through the company's blog, comes in response to Tesla claiming it was "the only American car company to have fully repaid the government." Chrysler notes that it, too, recently paid back Uncle Sam from its 2008 bailout. Similar to Audi's recent press release, which was eventually and mysteriously deleted from the German automaker's site, Chrysler is both right and wrong in its statement.

Tesla specifically said that it had paid back the US Department of Energy loans that many automakers received - including Fisker and VPG Autos - while Chrysler's retort argues Tesla is "unmistakably incorrect" since it repaid the American government in 2011 a full six years early. Technically, the statements from both automakers are correct, but Tesla's startup loan originated from the American DoE, while Chrysler's loan came in bailout form from the US government's Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Further, as The Detroit News notes, Chrysler's loan still cost US taxpayers well over a billion dollars after all was said and done - those negative assets tied to "old Chrysler" in the bankruptcy did not require repayment.

Gallery: Tesla Model S Performance VS. BMW M5

Continue reading Move over Audi, now Chrysler has a beef with Tesla's claims

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Move over Audi, now Chrysler has a beef with Tesla's claims originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler bailoutDepartment of Energydoe loansgovernment loansteslatesla doe loansThu, 23 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2014 Kia Cadenza]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/2014-kia-cadenza-review-first-drive/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/2014-kia-cadenza-review-first-drive/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/2014-kia-cadenza-review-first-drive/#commentsKia's Second Effort At Luxury Finds More Love Than The Amanti

2014 Kia Cadenza

The same recent global economic crises that have led luxury automakers to invade the small car market are probably also responsible for the influx of near-luxury sedans from mainstream automakers. As the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Audi are reaching down for new customers, automakers like Hyundai, Chevrolet and Toyota are reaching up to bridge the gap and fill in the white space between the typical high-volume large sedans and established luxury sedans. Joining this emerging market, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is the latest sedan to blur the line between value and luxury. One of Kia's core focuses has been offering value to customers, and even with a starting price of $37,795 the Cadenza still represents plenty of value.

Despite what you might be thinking, the Cadenza is not named after a piece of furniture. Instead, Kia says the name for its new front-wheel-drive flagship came from the musical term 'cadence' to fit in with other musically inspired model names like Forte and Soul. Much like the Hyundai Genesis, the Cadenza will serve as a test of sorts to see how much customers are willing to pay for a Kia, and despite recent reports indicating that Kia has confirmed the Quoris for next year, the reality is that the availability of the bigger rear-wheel-drive flagship will be determined in part by how well the Cadenza strikes a chord with buyers.

This isn't Kia's first crack at mid-level luxury. That distinction goes to the bug-eyed, Amanti, which was killed off in 2009. The same basic recipe is still in place - V6 power, roomy interior and a lengthy list of standard features, yet this car seems altogether better outfitted to appeal to modern consumers than the baroque Amanti. We headed out to the great weather and even better roads near San Diego to test the 2014 Kia Cadenza to see for ourselves if it has the inner harmony and cadence to keep step with full-size luxury sedans or if it's just here to make a bunch of noise.

Continue reading 2014 Kia Cadenza

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2014 Kia Cadenza originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 cadenza2014 kia cadenzabudgetbudget luxurycadenzafeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivegood valuegood value carskiakia cadenzaluxurynear luxuryvalueThu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: McLaren pondering Honda-powered Porsche 911 killer?]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/mclaren-pondering-honda-powered-911-killer/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/mclaren-pondering-honda-powered-911-killer/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/mclaren-pondering-honda-powered-911-killer/#comments

As one of the premier sports cars in the world, the Porsche 911 is always driving around with a target on its rear-engined backside. If a new report is to be believed, the latest automaker with plans to build a 911-fighting sports coupe could be McLaren. Motor Trend is reporting that the recent news that Honda and McLaren are teaming up to build Formula One racecars could bear road-going fruit as well.

According to the article, the unnamed entry-level McLaren coupe may be powered by a Honda-sourced engine, but a detuned version of the 3.8-litre V8 from the MP4-12C is said to be more likely. All in, though, there is no solid information on the car just yet. As a reminder, M/T points out that the last time McLaren partnered up with a mainstream automaker, the world was introduced to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

Scroll down to watch the Honda NSX hot lap the Suzuka circuit.

Gallery: Acura NSX Concept




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McLaren pondering Honda-powered Porsche 911 killer? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 22 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda mclarenmclarenmclaren hondamclaren-hondasports coupeWed, 22 May 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Next-gen Defender plans scrapped, Freelander name being dropped]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/#comments

There seem to be plenty of reports swirling in regards to Land Rover lately. According to Autocar, not only is the British automaker going back to the drawing board for the design of its next-generation Defender, but the outlet is also saying that the Freelander name could be dropped.

While the article doesn't say why, its source indicates that current plans for the next Defender have been scrapped, yet there is a still a replacement in the works. The existing Defender will end production in 2015, but this replacement vehicle will not be ready by then. We imagine that the styling of the replacement won't echo that of the DC100 Concept shown above, and that the news would affect the planned Defender-based Tata SUV as well as the proposed Land Rover factory in India.

As for the Freelander, it sounds like the next generation of this SUV will be out by next year, but it will not be wearing the Freelander name. Instead, Land Rover will include it as a smaller version of the Discovery. Here in Canada, these two vehicles are named LR2 (Freelander) and LR4 (Discovery).

Click through to watch a video showing the development of the Discovery over the years.

Gallery: Land Rover DC100 Concept






Continue reading Next-gen Defender plans scrapped, Freelander name being dropped

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Next-gen Defender plans scrapped, Freelander name being dropped originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 22 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>land roverLand Rover DC100land rover defenderland rover discoveryland rover freelanderland rover lr2land rover lr4Wed, 22 May 2013 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/#comments Zach Sobiech driving Nissan GT-R - video screencapLike presumably any other 17-year-old out there, Zach Sobiech was ecstatic when a Nissan GT-R rolled into his driveway. As you can see in the image above, he had an ear-to-ear smile as he got to spend a week driving his dream car - but what you can't see is that he was just weeks away from losing a four-year battle against a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma.

"You don't have to find out you're dying to start living"

Diagnosed with the cancer at the age of 14, Zach fought back with inspiring optimism and an infectious smile, but he ultimately lost his battle with cancer on May 20. In the video posted below, Zach says "you don't have to find out you're dying to start living," and hopefully, his heartwarming spirit will live on with those who watch it. Zach's love for the GT-R starts to show around the 5:30 mark, but we definitely suggest that you grab a box of Kleenex and watch the entire 22-minute video.

This video was posted on his 18th birthday ­- May 3 - when he had just weeks to live. Be sure to check out some of the Zach's videos for songs that he wrote including "Clouds" (also embedded below) and click here to support the fight against cancer.

Gallery: 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

Continue reading Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero

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Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 21 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissan gt-rosteosarcomavideozach sobiechTue, 21 May 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Meet the man whose house is designed around his car]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/#commentsHolger Schubert and his Ferrari garage - Petrolicious video screencap
It's been a couple of years since we last heard about Holger Schubert and his award-winning office/garage, but it looks like the city of Los Angeles, thankfully, did not force him to tear down the bridge that gives his Ferrari 512 BBi arguably the nicest parking spot in California. Petrolicious is back again with another well-done video, which finally introduces us to Schubert as well as his lust-worthy Ferrari.

As for the structure, it is half garage and half work space with an office, couch, bookshelf and television, and one hell of a view. There is a ramp that raises to allow the Ferrari to roll backward out of the garage before starting up on the aforementioned bridge that sits 16-feet above the ground. The car itself is an equally admirable piece of art, with a wedge-like shape and its reserved dark gray hue. If you're not the jealous type, click here to scroll down and meet Schubert and his incredible Ferrari.

Gallery: Ferrari 250 GTO 50th Anniversary at Pebble Beach

Continue reading Meet the man whose house is designed around his car

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Meet the man whose house is designed around his car originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrariferrari 512 bbferrari berlinetta boxerferrari boxergaragegarage mahalholger schubertpetroliciousvideoTue, 21 May 2013 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: BMW-Toyota sports car heading towards Tokyo debut]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/bmw-toyota-sports-car-heading-towards-tokyo-debut/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/bmw-toyota-sports-car-heading-towards-tokyo-debut/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/bmw-toyota-sports-car-heading-towards-tokyo-debut/#comments

Earlier this year, BMW and Toyota confirmed a four-part joint venture mostly focusing on increasing improving vehicle efficiency using fuel cells, lightweight materials and better battery technology. Also tucked into the announcement was a "feasibility study" for a shared platform to underpin a future midsize "sports vehicle."

In terms of the latter, it seems that things have stepped up from the feasibility stage to the conceptual stage, as Motor Trend reports we could see a pair of new sports car concepts debut later this year in at the Tokyo Motor Show. There isn't much information about the new program, but the article suggests the sports cars could be all-wheel drive hybrids, with electric motors powering the front wheels and a gas engine powering the rear wheels. While a partnership between Toyota and BMW might not lend itself to a catchy portmanteau like "Toyobaru," here's to hoping it will bear fruit that is as exciting as the ones produced by the Toyota/Subaru tie up.

Click through to watch video coverage of BMW's latest concept cars.

Gallery: BMW sets Guinness record for longest sustained drift






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BMW-Toyota sports car heading towards Tokyo debut originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw toyotasports carsports vehicletokyo motor showtoyotatoyota bmwtoyota bmw partnershipTue, 21 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/#comments

The man responsible for creating the sleek 2010 Nissan Ellure Concept you see above is now the design director for Infiniti. Alfonso Albaisa (shown at right) has been a member of the Nissan design team for 25 years, but was recently promoted to executive design director for the Infiniti brand.

His past roles at Nissan have included design director for Nissan from 2004 to 2007, vice president of Nissan Design Europe from 2007 to 2011, vice president of Nissan Design America in 2011 and, most recently, he held the title of Nissan's global design director. Aside from Ellure, Albaisa was also responsible for designing the 2012 Nissan Xtrem Concept, "key strategic production vehicles soon to be launched" and he's even contributed to a handful of Infiniti designs.

Scroll down for the official press release.

Gallery: Nissan Juke-R Prototype 1: First Drive






Continue reading Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa

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Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alfonso AlbaisaautomotiveAutomotive designcar designdesign directorInfinitinissanvehicle designSun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/#comments

One driver in Portland, Oregon, USA should make a hefty donation to his or her local wildlife conservation group after a family of ducks got the person out of a speeding ticket. A Portland police officer clocked a car going 83 km/h (52 mph) in a 56 km/h (35-mph) zone, but when the officer went to pursue the speeder, a mother duck and her two ducklings ran some unintended interference.

Rather than just going around the ducks, the officer blocks the street to usher the waterfowl from the road. While the speeder got away, it's nice to see some compassion from the authorities. Besides, the gesture might've saved more than just the ducks from an unfortunate accident on the rain-slicked road. Scroll down to watch the video taken from the patrol car's dash cam.

Gallery: Top 10 Police Chase Videos






Continue reading Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam [w/video]

Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash camdash camedashcamduckmallard duckpolicepolice campolice chaseportland policespeeding ticketvideoFri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/#comments2012 Lexus LFA supercar at sunset

What do you do if you have enough money to buy a Lexus LFA but can't get the car safely to your house? Get local government involved, of course. Rune Berge Vik, of Stavanger, Norway, did just that after he bought a Lexus LFA (the only LFA in the Nordic region according to tv2.no) last year only to find out that it could not clear a speed bump in his neighborhood.

To remedy the situation, Vik got in touch with his city, which had the speed bump removed. Talk about your tax dollars hard at work. On the other hand, it's commendable that the man actually uses his supercar as a daily driver, and besides, doesn't a street-legal car have the right to access said public streets?

Click through to watch an LFA attack the racetrack.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package: Geneva 2011






Continue reading Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump

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Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lexus lfalexuslexus lfalocal governmentspeed bumpspeed humpFri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab-revealed/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab-revealed/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-gmc-sierra-regular-cab-revealed/#comments

Despite initially launching in just the Crew Cab configuration, the lineup of 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevrolet Silverado trucks will eventually grow to include three cab sizes and three bed lengths. Oddly enough, our first look at the Regular Cab bodystyle has arrived in a General Motors press release discussing the aerodynamics of the new truck, with an image showing a Sierra Regular Cab testing in the wind tunnel. GMC's website says that Regular Cab and Double Cab models will be available by summer.

While it really didn't take too much imagination to figure out what the two-door version would look like, this Regular Cab Z71 looks pretty sharp with its standard-length 1,981 mm (6.5-feet) bed - a longer bed will also be offered. In regards to the aero tuning of the 2014 Sierra, these images show just how far GM has gone in maximizing the truck's fuel efficiency and reducing its noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Interestingly, the press release shows visual evidence that keeping the tailgate up is best for aero - there's always been some Mythbusters-level contention about such things -but GM also says that adding tonneau covers (preferably soft) and running boards can also help improve the overall aerodynamics. Scroll down for all of this aero info in the official press release.

Gallery: 2014 GMC Sierra: Live Photos






Continue reading 2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed

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2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 gmc sierra2014 gmc sierra regular cabchevy silveradogeneral motorsgmcgmc sierragmc sierra regular cabFri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2013 Hurst Edition Trans Am]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2013-hurst-edition-trans-am/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2013-hurst-edition-trans-am/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2013-hurst-edition-trans-am/#comments2013 Hurst Edition Trans Am - front three-quarter view, white

No, you didn't read our title wrong. This is a 2013 model year Trans Am, and yes, that is a Pontiac logo affixed to the front of the car. But don't bother dialing up your local General Motors dealership just yet. This is the new Hurst Edition Trans Am created by the Trans Am Depot located in Tallahassee, FL. Having spent a number of years restoring early Trans Am models, the crew at Trans Am Depot finally did what many Pontiac enthusiasts wish GM would have done - create a modern Trans Am using the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro.

As the former owner of a 1977 model, I've been wanting to check out Trans Am Depot ever since I first saw the company have American Choppers build a trio of motorcycles inspired by its Pontiac remakes. So I jumped at the chance to head to Florida's capital city to visit the shop and drive its latest creation, the new Hurst Edition Trans Am. As a collaboration with Hurst, this car made its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show and then popped up again on our radar with a cheesy yet perfectly fitting video back in March.

Click here to read our full driving impressions after spending some time behind the wheel of this "new" Trans Am.

Gallery: Hurst Edition Trans-Am: SEMA 2012

Continue reading 2013 Hurst Edition Trans Am

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2013 Hurst Edition Trans Am originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevy camaro2013 hurst edition trans amchevy camarohursthurst edition trans ampontiacpontiac firebirdpontiac trans amtrans am depotTue, 14 May 2013 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Jaguar to expand R-S GT range]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/jaguar-expand-r-s-gt-range/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/jaguar-expand-r-s-gt-range/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/jaguar-expand-r-s-gt-range/#comments

We're not sure what's gotten into Jaguar recently, but we really like it! After adding the R-S designation to high-performance versions of the XK and XF, the British automaker upped its own performance abilities even more by unveiling the XKR-S GT earlier this year at the New York Auto Show. Now, Edmunds is reporting that Jaguar is looking to create an entire R-S GT line of vehicles in a similar fashion as the Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series, which could include the XF and F-Type.

Speaking with Jaguar's design studio director, Wayne Burgess, Edmunds says that all R-S GT models will be hand-built, limited-production vehicles. In the case of the XKR-S GT, Jaguar said that it would bring 30 units to the US (no word on Canada yet), but more recent reports indicate that it might actually bring 50. In other Jaguar news, the badges that come on the sport R-S cars had to be redesigned due to a dispute with Audi, and moving forward, this new badge will be used on all R-S and R-S GT models.

Gallery: 2012 Jaguar XKR-S

Continue reading Jaguar to expand R-S GT range

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Jaguar to expand R-S GT range originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jagaurjaguar r-s gtjaguar sports carjaguar xkr-s gtr-s gtMon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Dean Jeffries, legendary customizer, dies at 80]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/#comments

Vehicle customization has played a huge role in car culture in North America, and Dean Jeffries was perhaps one of the most well-known builders, painters and customizers of his time.

Hemmings is reporting that Jeffries died on Sunday at the age of 80. He leaves behind a legacy in the automotive world that includes a paint job on the very first Shelby Cobra ever made, the Ford used on the cover of the 1963 Beach Boys Little Deuce Coupe album, a custom GTO for The Monkees called The Monkeemobile and even some paint work on James Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder. A signature Jeffries' custom car called the Mantaray was on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in LA for a time.

Outside of customization, Jeffries also worked as a stunt driver in films like The Blues Brothers, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Die Hard With a Vengeance. Scroll down for a couple videos showing some of the cars that will ensure that Jeffries' name will forever be enshrined in the automotive community.

Gallery: George Barris Customs - Megaspeed






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Dean Jeffries, legendary customizer, dies at 80 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 12 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>after marketaftermarketaftermarket partsautomotiveautomotive communitycar modcar modsdean jeffriesmodmodificationmodsobituaryvehicle customizationSun, 12 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Mazda reveals new 'Game Changers' advertising campaign]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/mazda-reveals-new-game-changers-advertising-campaign/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/mazda-reveals-new-game-changers-advertising-campaign/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/mazda-reveals-new-game-changers-advertising-campaign/#comments

Looking to highlight its unique and sporty mindset, Mazda is getting ready to launch its biggest advertising campaign since "Zoom-Zoom" became its tagline in 2000. The new campaign, entitled "Game Changers," will begin in May, and rather than focusing on its sporty past - like it did with Zoom-Zoom early on - the new ads will look at recent advancements made in building its future, including Skyactiv technologies and its new diesel race program, both of which involve its excellent new Mazda6 sedan.

As a part of the ads, Mazda will showcase game changers from the sporting world, including Dick Fosbury who changed how competitors perform the high jump and Laird Hamilton, who redefined how surfers attacked big waves. It doesn't sound like Zoom-Zoom is going away, but "Game Changers" will definitely feature heavily in the Japanese automaker's marketing moving forward. A few examples of the new ad campaign are posted in our gallery, and the press release is available below.

Gallery: 2014 Mazda6 Skyactiv-D Wagon: Quick Spin

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Mazda reveals new 'Game Changers' advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mazda6advertisinggame changersmarketingmazdamazda advertisingzoom zoomSat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/#comments

While most automakers are clawing and scratching for every possible sale, it sounds like Ferrari is content in losing a few potential customers in the name of better exclusivity and higher profits. Autocar reports that Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo recently stated that the Italian automaker hopes to sell fewer than 7,000 units globally in 2013 compared to last year's tally of 7,318.

As a part of this plan, Ferrari will be slowing its production lines and trying to create a balanced market for its cars in the North America, the Middle East, Europe and China - the latter two being the automaker's biggest markets. Montezemolo also said that Ferrari would not be expanding its model lineup with SUVs, sedans or small cars.

Click here to watch what happens when a few kids get the keys to a Ferrari from their dad.

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Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrariferrari productionferrari salesluca di montezemoloFri, 10 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Nissan GT-R drag races Swiss fighter jet]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/nissan-gt-r-drag-races-swiss-fighter-jet/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/nissan-gt-r-drag-races-swiss-fighter-jet/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/nissan-gt-r-drag-races-swiss-fighter-jet/#comments

Proving that speed is fun in any language, Nissan's German arm recently pitted a GT-R up against an ex-Swiss Air Force fighter jet, called the Hawker Hunter. Now the idea of a car-versus-plane drag race is nothing new, but this is the first time we can recall a GT-R being involved.

While this Nissan video is almost a month old, we're pretty sure you won't be disappointed by the action, which shows the two high-speed machines racing along the two-kilometre runway. We don't want to ruin the suspense, so scroll down to watch the latest match-up of sports car versus fighter jet.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R goes skiing uphill in Sweden

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Nissan GT-R drag races Swiss fighter jet originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 09 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car vs planedrag raceGTRnissannissan gt-rrace videoracingskylineskyline GT-RvideoThu, 09 May 2013 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: BMW planning to keep next 1 Series out of North America?]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/will-bmw-keep-the-next-1-series-out-of-north-america/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/will-bmw-keep-the-next-1-series-out-of-north-america/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/will-bmw-keep-the-next-1-series-out-of-north-america/#comments

As BMW prepares to introduce the all-new 2 Series coupe and convertible, the 1 Series name definitely won't be going away. We know new sedan and hatchback models are in the works; including the GT shown above. According to Car and Driver, though, the future of the 1 Series nameplate in North America could be dependent on rival premium small cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3.

In an interview with C/D, BMW's North American head of product planning and strategy, Paul Ferraiolo, said that pricing might be the biggest deterrent to offering the third-gen 1 Series in North America. As he points out, BMW currently prices the 1 not too far from the 3 Series, but Mercedes-Benz and Audi will have their new small cars aggressively priced for far less. BMW's Mini brand will also factor into the consideration since the 1 GT will share its underpinnings with the next-gen Cooper lineup.

Gallery: BMW 1 Series 3-cylinder: First Drive






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BMW planning to keep next 1 Series out of North America? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 09 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi a3bmwbmw 1 seriesbmw small carmercedes-benz cla-classpremium small carsThu, 09 May 2013 09:45:00 EST