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[Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/#commentsTesla side marker

Tesla's value on the stock market far exceeds the number of vehicles it contributes to the automotive market. According to a report from Automotive News, Tesla is currently valued at US$8.8 billion. Almost unbelievably, though we've never claimed to have a firm grasp on the inner workings of the stock market, that's a full billion dollars more valuable than Fiat and three times more valuable than PSA Peugeot Citroën, says the report.

How unfathomable is that statistic? Consider the fact that Tesla, a ten-year-old company, just managed to turn its very first profit last quarter and has produced fewer than 10,000 vehicles in its lifetime. How does that compare to an automotive giant like Fiat? Well... it doesn't - The brand sold well over 50,000 cars in North America alone in 2012, and it owns or controls the Chrysler portfolio of brands along with Ferrari and Maserati... not to mention the hundreds of thousands of cars Fiat Group sells yearly in the rest of the world.

Granted, the number of vehicles sold by a brand is just a small portion of its value, but you may still wonder, why is such a seemingly small player in the global automotive marketplace such a big deal on Wall Street? According to AN, it has a lot to do with its controversial and headline-grabbing CEO, Elon Musk, and the way he disseminates company information to his investors. How so? We suggest you take a good look at the article here for the whole story.

Click through to get Musk's advice on starting a new business in the following video clip.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport






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Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elon muskfiatmuskstock marketteslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla stockTeslaMotorstslaSat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Domestics win majority of annual Total Quality awards]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/domestics-win-majority-of-annual-total-quality-awards/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/domestics-win-majority-of-annual-total-quality-awards/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/domestics-win-majority-of-annual-total-quality-awards/#comments2013 Strategic Vision Total Quality

Strategic Vision has released its annual Total Quality awards, and some of the winners may come as a surprise. To quote Alexander Edwards, President of Strategic Vision, "For the first time in over a decade our comprehensive and complete study of Quality resulted in more domestic winners than imports."

That's not to say import brands performed poorly. Volkswagen was voted the best overall corporation in Total Quality for the eighth-straight year, and Audi tied with Lexus for the best individual brand. Breaking things down on a model-by-model basis, here are some notable victories: Scroll down below for the full list of winners, both import and domestic, in each and every category.

Gallery: Top 5 Celebrity Cars You Can Actually Afford






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Domestics win majority of annual Total Quality awards originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 18 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto qualityawardscar qualityquality awardsstrategic visiontestingtotal quality awardsSat, 18 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/#commentsDick Trickle

Well-known NASCAR racer Dick Trickle has dies of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Trickle was 71 years of age.

According to reports, police in Lincoln County, NC were informed via an anonymous phone call (very likely made by Trickle himself) prior to the suicide where to find the body. Trickle's body was found at the Forest Lawn Cemetary in Boger City, NC, next to his pickup truck.

Our thoughts go out to Trickle's friends and family. Click through to watch a video report on his passing.

Gallery: 2012 Indy 500




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NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathdeathsdick tricklenascarripsuicidetrickleFri, 17 May 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body in drool-inducing photo gallery]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/#comments2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

We've seen it (in concept form, in officially rendered form and in Martini Racing livery), we've heard all about its 4.6-litre V8 with 608 horsepower, buoyed as it is by twin electric motors, its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and carbon fibre monocoque chassis. We've even taken a ride in one. What we haven't had, up until now at least, is had all of these details about the Porsche 918 Spyder in one convenient press blast. And we also now know that it will be a introduced as a 2015 model.

Along with the official specifications, Porsche has seen fit to release a new batch of images showing its production body from all angles. We get a good look at the car's interior bits and pieces, including a few shots showing how people fit underneath the removable hardtop panel.

Porsche sums up its baby with the following words: Maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption. We like the sound of that, and we think it's cool that the 918 can travel up to 29 kilometres (18 miles) on electricity alone, with performance statistics that aren't far off what we had from sports cars from a few short decades ago.

We think you'll find plenty of interesting information in the press release below, but first, you'll want to browse through the high-res image gallery above to take in all the unique visuals. Enjoy!

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept







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Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body in drool-inducing photo gallery originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 porsche 918 spyder918918 spider918 spyderphotophoto galleryphotosporsche 918 spyderporsche photosporsheFri, 17 May 2013 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Infiniti hybrid sports car coming by 2016 after all?]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/#commentsInfiniti Emerg-E Concept

Infiniti makes plenty of good cars, crossovers and SUVs. The premium Japanese brand also has a well-defined presence in racing on the world's largest stage in the form of a partnership with Red Bull in Formula 1. What Infiniti doesn't have, though, is a range-topping halo car.

A report from Autocar in the UK suggests that Infiniti's gaping top-shelf hole may soon be plugged by 2016 with a new hybrid sports car along the lines of the well-received Emerg-E and Essence concepts. This report is contrary to news we heard from Autocar late last year, when company officials reportedly told the publication that a swoopy and fuel-efficient machine like the Emerg-E wouldn't be produced.

Interestingly, Infiniti is said to sense strong demand from so-called "little emperors ... who are used to getting what they want," many of whom live in Asian countries, who are also environmentally conscious. Infiniti exec Andy Palmer told Autocar to expect something "like the Tesla sports car option, but with more flexibility in terms of range."

Reading between the lines, we picture a luxurious coupe with some combination of electric motors and gasoline engines providing power levels between 400 and 500 horsepower. We may not qualify as "little emperors" ourselves, but we certainly welcome the notion of high-performance machines that also happen to be fuel efficient.

Click through to watch a video showing one of Infiniti's concepts.

Gallery: 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid: New York 2013






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Infiniti hybrid sports car coming by 2016 after all? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerg-eessencehalo carhybrid sports carinfinitiinfiniti emerg-einfiniti hybridTue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking: Lamborghini unveils Egoista Concept for selfish supercar owners]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/#comments

Does the mere desire to own a ridiculously high-performance and stupendously expensive supercar automatically make its prospective owner a little selfish? Not necessarily, but if said supercar has just one seat, a case could certainly be made that its megalomaniacal owner simply doesn't want to share the experience with his friends...

For such an owner, Lamborghini has presented the Egoista Concept - perhaps fittingly, the car was unveiled at a private 50th birthday party that the automaker seems to have thrown for itself. From what we can glean without any official announcement from Lamborghini to go by, the Egoista Concept has room for a single occupant, is powered by a 5.2-litre V10 engine and boasts styling said to be inspired by an Apache helicopter.

Details from Lamborghini can be found in the videos and press release below, and we suggest you click through the image gallery above to view the Egoista in high resolution. Clearly, the Egoista joins the Veneno as one of the more memorable self-given birthday presents in recent memory.

Gallery: 2013 Lamborghini Veneno at Geneva 2013




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Lamborghini unveils Egoista Concept for selfish supercar owners originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept cardesignegoistalambolamborghinilamborghini birthdaylamborghini egoistastyleMon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: South Korea firms up fuel economy regulations following Hyundai/Kia debacle]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regulations-following-hyundai/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regulations-following-hyundai/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regulations-following-hyundai/#comments2012 Kia Soul Eco - profile view

According to a report from Reuters, South Korea's government has drafted strict new rules for automakers to follow when calculating fuel economy. The legislation comes after a major snafu by Hyundai and Kia that resulted in the automakers changing the estimated fuel mileage rating of many popular models, including the Soul subcompact above - and compensating owners in the US and Canada for the reduction in fuel efficiency.

The new fuel economy rules were announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in South Korea and will see average mileage ratings worsen by roughly three to five per cent, according to the report. In addition, manufacturers found guilty of overstating mileage figures will be liable for fines of up to US$900,000.

These sweeping new regulations will go into effect in the second half of 2013 and, while they won't have any effect on fuel estimates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles in North America, they are expected to result in new ratings for the two automakers in their home market of South Korea, where they enjoy a whopping 70 per cent market share.

Scroll down for a video report.

Gallery: Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2013






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South Korea firms up fuel economy regulations following Hyundai/Kia debacle originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 11 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calculating fuel economyfuel economyfuel mileagehyundaikiakorean autoskorean governmentministry of tradesouth koreaSat, 11 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/#commentsPeugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer with Sebastien Loeb

The annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the few events in motorsport with an Unlimited Class that is truly... well, unlimited. To put the word 'unlimited' in perspective, consider the Red Bull-sponsored Peugeot 208 T16: its 3.2-litre bi-turbo V6 engine puts out 875 maximum horsepower, sending power to all four wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. That's powerful enough to catapult the T16 from 0-100 km/h in a scant 1.8 seconds. Keep it planted and it'll hit 200 km/h in 4.8 seconds and 240 km/h in 7.0 flat. That, ladies and gentlemen, is freakishly fast.

Just ask Sébastien Loeb, a man who's no stranger to high-performance machinery, having won nine World Rally championships, who said of the T16 after his first testing session: "I've never driven anything that accelerates so fast! ... It's got the downforce of a Formula 1 car, the wide tires of an endurance racing prototype and a differential like a WRC car."

And that right there is the automotive definition of 'Unlimited.' Oh, did we mention that the T16 is one of the meanest looking four-wheeled vehicles we've ever laid eyes on? See for yourself in the high-res image galleries, press release and video below.

Gallery: 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Practice Day 1

Continue reading Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer

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Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>peugeotpeugeot 208 t16pikes peakred bullsebastien loebunlimited classvideoFri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Jay Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/#commentsMorgan Plus 8 Hot Rod in Jay Leno's Garage

We love Morgan for its quintessentially British approach to motoring charm, and while the automaker has recently ventured into more modern machinery with the launch and development of its Aero line, it's the classic Plus 8 and Roadster that have stood the test of time, having first been released back in 1968.

Of course, classic cars are all well and good for those who covet the joy of driving, just so long as it's kept to weekends and sunny days, but there's always room for tinkering and improvement to bring things up to modern levels of performance and reliability. With that in mind, we suggest you scroll down below to watch Jay Leno put a hot-rod Morgan Plus 8 through its paces with its builder, Jason Len of XKs Unlimited, along for the ride.

Gallery: 2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler: First Drive

Continue reading Jay Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod

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Jay Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jay lenojay lenos garagemorganmorgan plus 8videoxks unlimitedWed, 08 May 2013 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/#commentsRed Bull Crown Range drifting by Mad Mike

For the first time ever, the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest paved road, was closed off for the drifting pleasure of one man. That man is Mad Mike Whiddett, and the machine he's piloting is a heavily modified Mazda RX-7 sponsored by the energy-rich crew from Red Bull and powered by a 750-horsepower quad-rotor engine. There will be smoke. Lots and lots of smoke!

Mad Mike hits speeds in excess of 225 km/h (140 mph) over the course of the road's 10 kilometre length, which boasts 47 individual corners at over 3,500 feet of elevation. Scroll down for all kinds of fire-belching, tire-squealing and smoke-inducing action in the video below. Or, as Mad Mike himself puts it, "A dream turned into reality."

Gallery: Mazda RX-7 Throughout History

Continue reading Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range

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Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crown rangedriftingmad bikemazdamazda rx-7mazda rx-7 drift carnew zealandred bullrotary drift carvideoWed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Scion FR-S pitted against aging Mazda RX-8 and Honda S2000]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/#commentsScion FR-S vs Mazda RX-8 vs Honda S2000

There are very few vehicles available today that compare directly with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins. A case could be made for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and possibly even six-cylinder versions of domestic coupes like the Ford Mustang. Pretty much everything else is either too expensive or is powered by the wrong set of wheels.

The boys from EverydayDriver on YouTube decided the only fair way to judge the inherent qualities of the Toyobaru twins was to pit them against two standard-bearers of years past: The Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-8. Neither of these cars is an exact matchup, with the Honda boasting a convertible top and the RX-8 offering more practicality via a rear seat and two reverse-opening doors for easier access. What they do offer, however, are similar performance stats and proven reputations for excellent handling.

None of this talk answers the real question, though: Which one wins the comparison test? Scroll down to watch the video, and be prepared for something of a surprise conclusion.

Gallery: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ Show Cars: SEMA 2012

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Scion FR-S pitted against aging Mazda RX-8 and Honda S2000 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-shondahonda s2000mazdamazda rx-8scionscion fr-svideoTue, 07 May 2013 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/vw-2-0t-engine-raised-to-210-hp-offered-in-beetle-turbo-and-jet/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/vw-2-0t-engine-raised-to-210-hp-offered-in-beetle-turbo-and-jet/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/vw-2-0t-engine-raised-to-210-hp-offered-in-beetle-turbo-and-jet/#comments2013.5 VW Beetle Turbo R Line

Volkswagen has pushed up the power for the new half-model year. For 2013.5 (yep, this isn't a 2013 and it's not quite a 2014), the 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine offered in the Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible and Jetta GLI now makes 210 horsepower, an increase of 10 ponies over the previous version of the long-running engine. Torque remains unchanged at 207 pound-feet.

According to VW, the Beetle Turbo can accelerate from 0-60 (0-96 km/h) in 6.6 seconds, which is a 0.2-second improvement over the previous car. The Jetta GLI does the run to 60 in 6.7 seconds, according to the automaker. Those worried about economy will be pleased to know that the increase in performance extends to the pump - VW claims increases of four to eight per cent in city and combined fuel economy.

The Beetle Turbo is fitted with new R Line bumpers for 2013.5; a separate R Line package that includes the new bumpers, a diffuser at the rear, 19-inch Tornado wheels and badging inside and out. Meanwhile, the Jetta GLI gets LED taillamps, and the automaker isn't mentioning any increase in price on the Jetta GLI. Want to know more? Scroll down below for the press release.

Gallery: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI Convertible: First Drive






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VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 03 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volkswagenVolkswagen BeetleVolkswagen Jettavwvw beetlevw beetle r linevw beetle turbovw beetle turbo convertiblevw jettavw jetta gliFri, 03 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: X Games announces finalists to host Summer 2014 event]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/x-games-announces-finalists-to-host-summer-2014-event-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/x-games-announces-finalists-to-host-summer-2014-event-w-video/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/x-games-announces-finalists-to-host-summer-2014-event-w-video/#commentsX Games rally

It's the end of an era. The Summer X Games have been held in and around downtown Los Angeles for more than 10 years, but the summer of 2013 will be the last appearance for the foreseeable future of the X Games in The City of Angels. For those keeping track, the X Games first took place in Rhode Island, followed by San Diego and San Francisco and then finally Philadelphia before finding a semi-permanent home in LA.

So, where will the Summer X Games be in 2014? That has yet to be decided, with ESPN (which runs the event) announcing a list of potential locations: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Austin, TX; and Charlotte, NC. Whichever city wins will get a contract with the X Games for three years, meaning there may be another host city in 2017.

According to ESPN, "Detroit has been the most vociferous in its desire to host the games." We'd love to see X Games in Detroit, not that we have any sway over the decision, and you're welcome to watch a teaser video from some Detroit X Games backers down below.

Gallery: X Games 18 Rallycross

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X Games announces finalists to host Summer 2014 event originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 02 May 2013 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espnsummer x gamesx gamesx games detroitThu, 02 May 2013 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Toyota keeps world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind [w/video]]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/#commentsToyota badge

Toyota still holds the title of World's Largest Automaker. The Japanese automaker ceded the claim to General Motors in 2011 following a series of natural and man-made disasters that stifled production in Asia. Production is back up to full speed and, coupled with the introduction of a new Camry midsize sedan, Toyota retook the title in 2012 and has so far been able to keep it by selling 2.43 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2013.

The race is still tight - General Motors reports sales of 2.36 million vehicles, earning it the second spot globally with Volkswagen's 2.27 million sales nabbing the German automaker third place. It's not all smooth sailing for Toyota, either, as the brand's first-quarter figures were down 2.2 per cent when compared to last year. GM posted a 3.6 per cent gain and VW managed a 5.1 per cent gain over the same period.

Sales in China may be a deciding factor as to which automaker performs best in 2013. Toyota's figures were down 13 per cent in China. Meanwhile, GM and VW are continuing their upward trajectories in the crucial Chinese market.

As ever, each of the automakers says publicly it doesn't care much about the title. Shino Yamada, a spokesperson for Toyota, told The Washington Post, "Rather than pursuing numbers, we try to sell one car at a time, producing good cars. We aren't focused on being number one." GM spokesperson Jim Cain echoed a similar note, saying, "A day doesn't go by that we don't try to increase our sales all over the world."

Click here to watch a video report on the close car sales battle that's been brewing.


Gallery: Top 10 Cheapest Cars in Canada

Volkswagen Jetta - $14,990Honda Fit DX - $14,580Smart fortwo coupe - $14,400Toyota Yaris hatchback CE - $14,250Mazda2 - $14,095

Continue reading Toyota keeps world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind [w/video]

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Toyota keeps world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automaker salesgmtoyotavwworlds largest automakerThu, 25 Apr 2013 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: 2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/#comments2013 SRT Viper drag strip

There are lots of ways to measure the performance of a car, but there's only one that is quintessentially well suited to the SRT Viper: the quarter mile. And while we've already seen a proper comparison test or two that puts the new SRT Viper on a racetrack, we've yet to see what it can do when put in the hands of a proper drag racer for an entire day of tire-burning performance testing. Now we do.

And so the big question is, How does it perform? Pretty well indeed, recording a best time of 11.1 seconds at 127.4 mph (205 km/h), wearing street-legal drag radials with the boys from Drag Times behind the wheel. That run included 3.1 seconds for the big Viper to hit 60 mph (96 km/h), and it took just 7.1 seconds to reach 100mph (161 km/h). Impressive performance, to be sure. But those figures need to be put in context for the full picture... in other words, how does its acceleration compare to such high-horsepower rivals as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500?

Well, without running all three of these muscle machines down the same track on the same day with the same driver, it's not going to be a fair comparison. Plus, the Corvette in particular has had several models years for drivers to keep plugging away for the best possible results. That said, the Viper's 11.1 seconds at 127.4 mph (205 km/h) is well shy of Drag Times' best recorded (and verified) ZR1 time slip of 10.332 seconds at 132.74 mph (213.6 km/h), and there are a total of seven documented ZR1 runs quicker than the Viper's.

As for the GT500, the best recorded run on file at Drag Times is 11.570 seconds at 124.3 mph (200 km/h). So, it's not as quick as the Viper or ZR1, but we wouldn't really expect it to be. In any case, it's a fun comparison for bragging rights, but it's anything but scientific. In other words, take all this with a healthy spoonful of salt and stay tuned for more in this space from all three of the American automakers.

Check out a video from Drag Times below, and remember, reaction time doesn't matter in this scenario.


Gallery: SRT Viper TA

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time

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2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperdodge viperdrag racedrag timesquarter milesrtsrt vipervideoviper drag raceWed, 24 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/#commentsRussian motorcyclist wields angle grinder

Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: We don't know if the video you're about to watch really took place in the wild or if it were staged. That said, this appears to be one of the most alarming bits of road rage we've ever seen captured on video.

Let's set the scene. A motorcyclist is riding along with a good bit of distance between him and the black Nissan Juke in front of him before accelerating to catch up. The Juke driver moves to the left in order to avoid an obstacle in the road, cutting off the motorcyclist in the process, but everyone is fine. No harm, no foul? Hardly.

The motorcyclist falls way back, apparently biding his time and getting ready. Ready for what, you ask? Keep watching - the altercation concludes with an angle grinder, a frightened Juke driver and the loss of one minor appendage that once belonged to said Juke. Finally, a sticker that says 'NTV' is placed on the car's window, a fellow motorist appears to come to the driver's aid and the motorcyclist makes a quick getaway. Craziness.

Scroll down below to see it all unfold on video.


Gallery: Top 10 causes for Road Rage

Blocking merge lanesHaving a bad dayGetting cut offCity drivingTailgating

Continue reading Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke

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Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grindermotorcyclistroad ragerussiarussian camTue, 23 Apr 2013 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai: BMW X4 hatches its fastback shape in Shanghai]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/bmw-x4-hatches-its-fastback-shape-in-shanghai/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/bmw-x4-hatches-its-fastback-shape-in-shanghai/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/bmw-x4-hatches-its-fastback-shape-in-shanghai/#commentsBMW X4 Concept reveal live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

The day has finally come for BMW to pull the covers off its X4 Concept at the Shanghai Motor Show. The machine brings few surprises - we've already seen an official image gallery from the German automaker, so its exterior shape was well known - but at least now we get to see it with our own eyes, and with the lenses of our very own cameras.

You can clearly see the fastback roofline in our high-res image gallery above, along with the jacked-up stance that allows BMW to call this machine a Sports Activity Vehicle, which basically means "Crossover" to our friends in Munich. We've seen similar vehicle shapes before, most notably in the form of the BMW X6, but also as far back as the 1980s from the likes of AMC.

We fully expect the transition from concept to production to be pretty seamless, so what we see here is, for the most part, what we'll see on the showroom floor in 2014. Feel free to peruse the press release below, but first, be sure to browse through our live images from Shanghai and let us know what you think.

Continue reading BMW X4 hatches its fastback shape in Shanghai

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BMW X4 hatches its fastback shape in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showbmwbmw concept x4bmw x4shanghaishanghai motor showSat, 20 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai: Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/#comments

Those of us who like a little style injected into our greenery will appreciate the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept seen above. Like the original seven-seat non-coupe version of the crossover first seen at the Detroit Auto Show, this five-seat machine from Shanghai features a high-tech drivetrain that consists of twin electric motors, one up front and one at the rear, that get juice from a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. Under the hood sits a 295-horsepower, direct-injection, gasoline-burning V6 in place of the turbo-diesel of the Detroit version.

Those three powerplants combine to put out an impressive 415 horsepower, which is sufficient enough to shuttle the CrossBlue Coupe Concept from 0-60 (0-96 km/h) in a scant 5.9 seconds and on up to a top speed of 236 km/h (147 miles per hour). Of course, green-leaners will be more interested in the Concept's ability to travel 34 km (21 miles) on electricity alone that couples with the estimated 79 miles per gallon (3.0 L/100 km) on the European combined cycle - for what it's worth, there's no direct translation of that figure into US mpg EPA, but it wouldn't be nearly that high - that allows for a 1,158 kilometre (720-mile range)... on paper, of course.

Styling, as they say, is subjective, but we like what we see. Have a look at the VW CrossBlue Coupe Concept in our high-res image gallery above, read the press release below, and let us know what you think.

Continue reading Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance

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Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showshanghaishanghai motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen crossblue coupe conceptSat, 20 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai: Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/#comments

Does the car above, posing fancifully in white, look familiar? Well, it should. Although it wears Mondeo badges in the form you see above for the Chinese market - as it does in Europe - the car is basically the same thing sold in North America as the Ford Fusion. Of course, it's what's under that shapely skin that counts.

Ford has chosen the Shanghai Motor Show as the venue with which to unveil its 1.5-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. We'd heard about the engine before, but now we have a few performance estimates to share: 133 kW of power (about 178 horsepower) and 240 Nm of torque (about 177 pound-feet).

Those numbers pretty much confirm previous rumours indicating about 177 in each category, and it's right on par with what Ford's own 1.6-litre EcoBoost produces. Ford is claiming best-in-class fuel economy as well, but no specific figures have yet been provided. In any case, we'll surely have all the data soon enough, as the 1.5-litre mill is destined for North American Fusion in 2014.

Ford will also offer a 2.0-litre EcoBoost in the Chinese Mondeo that puts out 178 kW (239 horsepower) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). All that and more can be found in the press release below.

Continue reading Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China

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Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.5-liter ecoboost2013 shanghai motor showecoboostfordford mondeoshanghaishanghai motor showSat, 20 Apr 2013 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai: Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept gets mobbed in China]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai-2013/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai-2013/http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/mercedes-benz-gla-concept-shanghai-2013/#commentsMercedes-Benz GLA Concept - Shanghai 2013 - Front three-quarter view with crowd

If the reception it received at the Shanghai Motor Show is any judge of marketplace acceptance, Mercedes-Benz has a hit on its hands in the form of the GLA Concept. And we can understand why - we're quickly becoming fans of Mercedes' recent styling language, as defined by new models like the CLA and this GLA Concept.

The big news on the exterior front are the headlamp clusters, which have frickin' laser beams attached to their foreheads embedded inside that are capable of projecting videos and images on a screen. Plus, a pair of video cameras are mounted on the roof that can be used to capture driving excitement or removed and taken with you. How cool is that? We just hope they have a substantial locking mechanism to prevent would-be thievery...

If the exterior is mostly ready for production, with a few of the more outlandish elements moved to the trash bin - like, for instance, laser-beam headlamps and removable action cams - the interior is a true custom job that screams concept loud and clear. There are all kinds of jewel-like finishes inside, along with transparent surfaces showing what looks like metal latticework underneath and some awfully thick looking leather with massive exterior stitching done by hand similar to what you'd find on a baseball glove.

Under the twin-bulged hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that sends 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels via Mercedes' proprietary 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. There's plenty more in the press release below, and we suggest you take a gander at our high-res image gallery above to take in all the unique details.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept gets mobbed in China

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Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept gets mobbed in China originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showmercedesmercedes gla conceptmercedes-benzshanghaishanghai motor showSat, 20 Apr 2013 02:59:00 EST