Autoblog Canada

Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals

Justin Mastine-Frost — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:00 EST

While many of us may never have the chance, or be willing to part with the hundreds of thousands of dollars required to own our own supercar, the experience of driving a supercar for the first time is incredibly memorable, and there is no surprise that it is something that is on the bucket list of millions of car enthusiasts around the globe. Fortunately, more and more boutique rental companies have been springing up to provide that first (and possibly repeat) experience.

The process for supercar rental isn't as complex as one may think, however it's a bit more of a process than booking your average budget rental car. Pricing can range from roughly $800 to $2,500 per day, so you're best to map out as much of your driving as you can. There are now supercar rental companies in many major cities, but the last thing you want to do is waste valuable hours on bad city traffic so we strongly recommend picking a destination for your drive.

Lou La Vie out of Miami will drop your rental to your requested destination, while other companies like Exotics Racing in Las Vegas have direct access to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and offer rental packages as brief as $249 for 5 laps in a Mercedes-Benz SLS. If you're wanting to go further afield, there are a few companies that will offer up rentals to challenge the dreaded Nurburgring if you are able to get there before it closes. If you desire a warmer climate, Ascari Race Resort offers driving experience days on their private track in Malaga, Spain with full instruction.

Whether you go local or abroad, one thing is certain you will never forget or regret your first experience in a supercar. The only advice we can offer is to be prepared to have any concept of speed you previously had to be shattered.

Click past the jump for a quick look at the supercar rental experience from Lou La Vie in Miami. A video on the Nurburgring follows.

Gallery: Vancouver Luxury Supercar Weekend 2012

Continue reading Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals

Filed under: Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Car Buying, Canada, Europe, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, USA, Motor sports, Specialty, Racing, Performance, McLaren

Rock Star for a day: the ins and outs of Supercar Rentals originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BC Police chopper catches cars street racing on Sea-to-Sky highway

Justin Mastine-Frost — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:00:00 EST

You'd think that by now British Columbia auto enthusiasts would have learned from the many stories of car seizures we've reported on over the past few years, but another group of 20-25 year old boys have become the latest victim of BC's 40km/h and over impound law. The group was called in to Squamish RCMP, and Air One, one of the Lower Mainland Traffic Safety Helicopters was called in to tail them until West Vancouver PD could intercept. Under normal circumstances we suppose the term "young men" might have been appropriate, but after hearing the excuse used by one of the drivers it is clear that adulthood for these individuals is still a ways away.

Of all the stupid excuses we have heard for speeding over the years, from "My wife is in labour" to "My speedometer doesn't work", we were a bit surprised to hear this new one. The driver in question claims that he was speeding because his temporary insurance was set to run out at midnight, and that "with great friends I had with me, they decided to try and get home with me and not leave me to fend for myself." There are so many things to pick apart from his defence that we don't know where to start other than if he were to have an accident while speeding home, does he really think his insurance would cover his reckless driving?

The group is reported to have been driving a cluster of Nissan 240SX, as well as a Nissan Skyline, Toyota MR2, and an Acura Integra which were all reported to be "in various stages of modification". Revscene forum members are quick to tout some high performance mods, but based on the verbiage used by the West Van Police, we wouldn't be surprised if we're talking lowering springs and mufflers at this point. It is also noted that one vehicle was sporting a "I Heart Drifting" bumper sticker at the time of the incident.

Click past the jump to see the aerial surveillance video caught by the West Vancouver PD, and a quick video on how to talk your way out of a speeding ticket.

Gallery: Top 10 Supercar Reviews of 2012

Continue reading BC Police chopper catches cars street racing on Sea-to-Sky highway

Filed under: Acura, Canada, Nissan, Toyota, Humour, Government/Legal, Etc

BC Police chopper catches cars street racing on Sea-to-Sky highway originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 09 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A car owners guide to warning and check engine lights

Justin Mastine-Frost — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:15:00 EST

"Just reset it." This is a request that is heard far too often in automotive service and repair facilities. Whether a vehicle is in for maintenance, or one of a plethora of warning lights has appeared on the dash, it seems the video game era mentality of just hitting restart has spilled over into some people's mindset when it comes to the care of their cars. Depending on the person, there are a wide number of reasons for this rather idiotic behavior. They either don't have a clue about what it means to maintain a car, they have more money than brains and figure they can abuse their cars until they trade them in for a new one, or they bought something they couldn't afford the upkeep on in order to put on airs of status. Hearing owners having an absolute meltdown and shouting "What do you mean you can't just turn the stupid light off?!?" has become more and more common, largely because the days of people having even a vague understanding about the technology they're rolling around in are long gone.

Part of the problem comes from certain shifts at the manufacturer level over the past couple of decades, one of the major contributors being the Service-Inclusive warranty. Although it sounds great on paper, having a service-inclusive plan give salespeople the ability to present this no-hassle, just gas-it-and-go presentation to customers. When the car gets older and costs are involved, these customers now have no clue about what they're up against. These are the same people that roll into a service center always assuming they're going to get screwed over. Education is a key part of car ownership that has long been neglected, and its time that consumers start devoting a bit more time to knowing their cars and what it takes to keep them running. If there's something you don't understand, ask a technician, or someone in the industry to explain it to you. It's one of the many reasons they're there.

Click past the jump to keep reading and to learn our top 3 reasons why warning lights should never be ignored.

Gallery: Top 10 Most Common Maintenance Mistakes

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Canada, Technology, Ownership and Repair, New Car Tips, Hands on

A car owners guide to warning and check engine lights originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 01 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hyundai suicide-themed ad causes new commercial controversy

Justin Mastine-Frost — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST

We all know that sometimes ad agencies can miss the mark when it comes to what can be considered funny or tasteful, but this new ad by Hyundai is far an beyond the most revolting to date. The minute-long clip shows a distraught man sitting in his car with a hose running exhaust into the passenger cabin. After a while he realizes his car won't kill him, so he exits the car and goes back into the house. By comparison this bleak and far too realistic video makes Ford's recent bondage campaign look completely acceptable.

Innocean, Hyundai's in-house marketing agency who is responsible for the ad, and whose major clients also include Kia, Domino's Pizza, Canon, and Walt Disney, has yet to present any kind of defense for their work. The campaign originally went live on April 18th, and was meant to promote Hyundai's upcoming zero-emissions vehicle but instead has sparked outrage across the globe. So much so that a recently posted open letter to Hyundai and Innocean has rapidly rocketed to beyond 50,000 views and counting.

We are not ones to shy away from comedy even when it can be in bad taste, but there is a clear and defined line that sits a ways north of humour about taking ones own life. As much as Hyundai's spokespeople can say things like "Hyundai understands that the video has caused offence. We apologize unreservedly. The video has been taken down and will not be used in any of our advertising or marketing.", the damage is already done and it will be long before folks forget this one.

Click past the jump to see the full video which hopefully hasn't been pulled offline just yet. Be sure to watch the slew of similar spots from other automakers below, and an official statement from Hyundai.

Gallery: Car crash causes over $700,000 damage at Hyundai dealership

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Filed under: Hyundai, UK, Videos, Marketing/Advertising

Hyundai suicide-themed ad causes new commercial controversy originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ottawa firm launches remote Vehicle Diagnostics by Delphi for Verizon users

Justin Mastine-Frost — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST

The Ottawa-based boutique technology firm Lixar IT Inc. recently developed an interesting bit of software for Delphi Automotive, which unfortunately won't be getting into the hands of us Canadians just yet. Partnering with Verizon Wireless, Delphi's new Vehicle Diagnostics product allows drivers to to locate, track, secure, access and monitor their vehicle using a smartphone, computer or tablet. Touted as a first-in-class product, it works with most vehicles newer than the 1996 model year.

Verizon customers will need to purchase a Delphi adapter (US$250 plus a US$35 activation fee) to be plugged into their vehicle's OBD-II port, most often easily accessible within the passenger compartment. The science behind the device is rather sophisticated, but all consumers need to know is that the adapter sends encrypted data between the vehicle and the user's mobile device.

The system not only monitors and reports vehicle health and maintenance issues, but it can also set up "geo-fences" to monitor entry and exit to a certain part of town, summarize driving trips and receive e-mail alerts. Some vehicles with Bluetooth capabilities, will also allow connectivity for key fob commands (e.g., door locks, trunk activation and remote start).

We must say we are a little disappointed to see the tech land stateside rather than being available to us first, especially after seeing how well the tech was received at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show this year.

Click past the jump for more info.

Gallery: 2013 Land Rover Defender Electric Research Vehicle

Continue reading Ottawa firm launches remote Vehicle Diagnostics by Delphi for Verizon users

Filed under: Aftermarket, Canada, USA, Technology, CES, Ownership and Repair

Ottawa firm launches remote Vehicle Diagnostics by Delphi for Verizon users originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2014 Jaguar F-Type gets first real-world test drive with XCAR [w/video]

Justin Mastine-Frost — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST

The press junkets have all come and gone, and although we have been handed all the juicy details on the new Jaguar F-Type, as we reported during our ride-along seen here, we have still been waiting patiently to see and hear what it's really like to drive. Fortunately our London-based pals at XCAR were close at hand when access was granted and have put together their video review of the new big kitty in V6, V6 S, and V8 S trim.

As always, these guys give us a thorough rundown of the car's history and relationship with the classic E-Type before getting into its performance and road manners. Clearly the F-Type lives up to the halo-car hype, however we don't doubt there's a bit of that old British pride at play. One way or another we can't wait to see one roll its way into Canada for our own bit of torture testing.

Click past the jump to watch the full video.

Gallery: 2014 Jaguar F-Type: First Ride

Continue reading 2014 Jaguar F-Type gets first real-world test drive with XCAR [w/video]

Filed under: Luxury, Convertible, Car Buying, Europe, Jaguar, Videos, Podcasts, First Drive, Concept Cars, Performance, Hands on

2014 Jaguar F-Type gets first real-world test drive with XCAR [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 Strange Rides of Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2013

Justin Mastine-Frost — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Of all the Barrett-Jackson auction events that occur throughout the year, Palm Beach is easily the most peculiar of the bunch. Scottsdale is always more geared towards classics and charity cars, Vegas always brings out good hot rods, but Palm Beach consistently rolls out a certain kind of strangeness alongside the expected '69 Mustangs and Camaros.

Just to keep it interesting, we took a dig through the docket from last week's Palm Beach auction, and sure enough there were plenty of cars on the list that left us scratching our heads and wondering what poor soul shelled out the cash to bring these ugly ducklings home.

Click on our gallery to see our top 10 list of strangest vehicles sold at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2013, then click through to watch a video covering the 2013 Barret-Jackson.

Gallery: Auction Cars: Barrett-Jackson 2013

Continue reading Top 10 Strange Rides of Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2013

Filed under: Bentley, Aftermarket, Car Buying, Celebrities, Classics, Ford, Hummer, USA, Humour, Event Alret, Concept Cars, Specialty, Performance

Top 10 Strange Rides of Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Calgary police make ridiculous Ford Interceptor promo video [w/poll]

Justin Mastine-Frost — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST

With Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments all looking at ways to stem the flow wasteful spending, we have to say we were a bit surprised by this brag video that surfaced from the Calgary Police force last week. In this gratuitous 38 seconds of boastful promo, which is clearly professionally shot and edited, we are introduced to Calgary's latest and greatest cop cars, the Ford Police Interceptor.

Sadly, this brazen display isn't combined with any information regarding the new vehicles' capabilities, nor are we informed of the volume or cost of this latest acquisition. We do know a fair bit about the Interceptors themselves, including the fact that they are running Ford's 3.7-litre naturally aspirated engine, however will take a good car chase or two to determine whether or not Calgary sprung for the 365 horsepower upgrade over the base 305. And can a attest to their handling skills when Ford Canada let us test them last spring.

Anyone care for a police crusier drag race to Tim Hortons?

Click past the jump to see the full video.

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Continue reading Calgary police make ridiculous Ford Interceptor promo video [w/poll]

Filed under: Canada, Ford, Videos, Marketing/Advertising, Humour, Government/Legal, Sedan, Specialty, Police/Emergency

Calgary police make ridiculous Ford Interceptor promo video [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Theft Auto 5 cover art shows GTA V version of Audi R8 and more

Justin Mastine-Frost — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST

Rockstar Games has always done a fine job designing vintage muscle car and modern supercar knock-offs for the Grand Theft Auto series, and it seems they are going to maintain that track record with the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 5. The new version of the game, which is due out on September 17th 2013 for PS3 and XBOX 360, and looking at the recently released screenshots, it will be jam-packed with knock of versions of many of our favourite rides.

Right off the bat we can see an Audi R8 inspired coupe gracing GTA 5's cover art, which we knew was coming based on the trailers that were released back in November. A quick scan through the screenshot gallery shows us that a convertible version of the R8 will be on hand as well.

We've also spotted a number of familiar faces, including a Lamborghini Gallardo, a roofless version of a Lotus Evora, and something that looks like a Ferrari 458 Italia made sweet love to a Nissan GTR. Given the franchise's history of endless roads and senseless violence, we have no doubt we are looking at a game that's bound to eat up countless hours of productivity.

Click past the jump for our extensive screenshot gallery of Grand Theft Auto 5, and click here for a game trailer video.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 Screenshots

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 5 cover art shows GTA V version of Audi R8 and more

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Technology, Marketing/Advertising, Design/Style, Concept Cars, Motorcycle, Racing, Performance, Toys, Video Games

Grand Theft Auto 5 cover art shows GTA V version of Audi R8 and more originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BC Police to use seized cars to prevent wannabe gangsters from ridin' dirty

Justin Mastine-Frost — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST

According to a recent press release by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia, the law enforcement operation has been given access to two recently seized vehicles to help in their fight against gang violence and organized crime. This move follows the already successful outreach program the Abbotsford police department implemented back in 2011, where they re-purposed the Hummer H2 pictured above which had been previously used in Victoria BC's drug trade.

Law enforcement officials and policy makers all seem to be getting a bit of a chuckle out of this recent implementation of the BC Civil Forfeiture act, and we have to admit it's not a half bad idea. "I think young people appreciate the irony when they see a drug dealer's vehicle turned into something that supports police and public safety," said Attorney General Shirley Bond.

While the Hummer was an interesting choice by the Abbotsford Police, we are curious to see what other vehicles will make an appearance over the coming months. Current laws state that only vehicles forfeited as a result of gang or drug-trade involvement are eligible to be loaned out, so the collection of seized supercars we reported on a couple of years ago and the other imports seized last fall sadly won't be up for grabs. Rumour has it there is a 2009 Gran Turismo Maserati that may be eligible, but at this point we won't hold our breath.

Click past the jump to read the full press release from the CFSEU-BC.

Gallery: 2013 BMW police vehicles

Continue reading BC Police to use seized cars to prevent wannabe gangsters from ridin' dirty

Filed under: Canada, Marketing/Advertising, Humour, Government/Legal, Specialty, Police/Emergency

BC Police to use seized cars to prevent wannabe gangsters from ridin' dirty originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vancouver's SR Tuning builds Canada's first Rocket Bunny Scion FR-S

Justin Mastine-Frost — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST

Vancouver's SR Tuning has a reputation for modifying $100k-plus supercars, like their Project Verus Aventador we featured back in December, but every now and then they get their hands on something a little more attainable and just go off the rails, as is the case with this Scion FR-S Rocket Bunny build. Built in partnership with Vancouver's Open Road auto group, the project was initiated with the goal of creating something Canadian enthusiasts hadn't seen before, and by all accounts we can say mission accomplished.

When ideas were thrown around about what type of body modification to throw on the FR-S, this rivet-on Rocket Bunny widebody setup was a hard one to miss. While some people may be lukewarm to the industrial vibe the kit has, it most definitely stands out from the crowd. The bright blue Rays Gram Lights 57 Extreme wheels, BC coilovers and appropriately loud Invidia cat-back exhaust system round the project out nicely and led it to easily outshine every other FR-S and BRZ that turned up at Vancouver's Revscene spring meet last weekend. Not many versions of this kit have surfaced globally yet, and this one remains the first in Canada for now.

Click here for our extensive gallery of the Rocket Bunny FR-S, and click past the jump to watch the Scion FR-S in action.

Gallery: 2013 Scion FRS Drift Car Pat Cyr - Montreal Auto Show

Continue reading Vancouver's SR Tuning builds Canada's first Rocket Bunny Scion FR-S

Filed under: Aftermarket, Canada, Scion, Design/Style, Racing, Performance

Vancouver's SR Tuning builds Canada's first Rocket Bunny Scion FR-S originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz launches Canadian Driving Academy for New Drivers at Vancouver Auto Show

Justin Mastine-Frost — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Beyond all the fanfare at the Mercedes-Benz booth at this year's Vancouver International Auto Show regarding the new SLS AMG GT Roadster, an interesting announcement surfaced about the launch of Canada's first-ever Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers. Rather than launching a performance driving operation, MB hopes to improve the base skill set of new drivers throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

Now, with the sheer volume of new drivers in luxury vehicles roaming around the city, and the number of Benzes we see banged up while in the hands of rookie drivers like the one we reported on last fall, it isn't much of a surprise that this program is starting on the West Coast. Operating under the close supervision of the Mercedes Driving Academy in Germany, the program will take new drivers through all the necessary lessons needed to pass BC's graduated licencing program and avoid becoming yet another one of those horrible drivers this province is known for.

We are hoping for all involved that the program is a success. After all, being able to take drivers ed in a brand new C or B-class rather than your standard Corolla should be a no-brainer.

Click here for a gallery of the Driver Training cars on display at the Vancouver International Auto Show, and click past the jump to read the details from Mercedes-Benz Canada.

Gallery: Vancouver International Auto Show 2013

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launches Canadian Driving Academy for New Drivers at Vancouver Auto Show

Filed under: Car Buying, Canada, Mercedes-Benz, Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Specialty, New Car Tips, Vancouver

Mercedes-Benz launches Canadian Driving Academy for New Drivers at Vancouver Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breaking: BMW wows Vancouver Auto Show with M-Performance 335i, 328i Touring and details on 328d

Justin Mastine-Frost — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST

BMW has brought out a healthy showing to the Vancouver International Auto Show this year, including this trio of 3-series models that proves there's something in the range for everyone. From the drool-worthy M-Performance equipped 335i xDrive, to the pack rat friendly 328i Touring (which we tested in Germany last year), these 3ers nearly steal the spotlight from the M6 Gran Coupe also on display.

The 335i on site is equipped with every piece of M-Performance kit in the catalogue, including BMW's slick aerodynamics package which adds the modified front bumper, lip spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser. The interior has also seen some upgrading as it sits heavily clad in carbon fibre and alcantara. With this kind of kit bolted on it's easy to picture the upcoming M3, just add wider fenders and the trademark "power bulge."

The other bit of interesting news floating around the BMW booth is a few more details on the upcoming 328d which is now expected to arrive in Canada later this fall. We have now confirmed the diesel will be packing a variation of BMW's N47 engine which powers the European-spec 320d. We can expect to see 280 pound-feet of torque, and fuel economy at the 4.5L/100km mark. If the engine isn't detuned for our market we can expect peak torque to roll in at 1,750 rpm, and holding solid to just shy of 3000 to propel the vehicle to a mid-7-second 0-100 km/h time.

Click here for our gallery of the M-Performance 335i, here for the new 328i Touring, and here for shots of the upcoming 328d.

Gallery: 2013 BMW 328d at Vancouver Auto Show

Gallery: Vancouver International Auto Show 2013

Continue reading BMW wows Vancouver Auto Show with M-Performance 335i, 328i Touring and details on 328d

Filed under: BMW, Luxury, Car Buying, Canada, Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Vancouver

BMW wows Vancouver Auto Show with M-Performance 335i, 328i Touring and details on 328d originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Super Beetle at Vancouver Auto Show a far cry from SEMA concept

Justin Mastine-Frost — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

When Volkswagen first announced they would be unveiling the all-new Super Beetle at the Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) our imaginations quickly ran wild with the idea of an AWD Beetle on steroids as seen in concept form at SEMA, as well as the Chicago Auto Show. Sadly, what we have been handed is a far cry from that.

Best we can tell, what has been introduced at VIAS 2013 is little more than a Turbo Beetle with some fancy trim detailing. It will come equipped with the 2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder packing 210 hp and will be heavily laden in standard equipment, including 19" alloys, a panorama glass roof, a premium Fender audio system, and 2-tone black and red leather interior. As well decked out as it is, this reads rather similarly to the R-line Beetle that was announced here back in December.

We can't say that we are not disappointed with this slightly lackluster unveiling, but nonetheless the new Super Beetle does look like it has some potential. With a starting MSRP of $32,850 we can only hope that it lives up to the legacy of the old Super Beetles of days gone by. You can expect to see the new Super Beetle in showrooms across Canada later this spring.

On a quick side note, if you're a real VW and Audi geek and the new Super Beetle really isn't your speed, don't worry, Audi also brought out the sexy new RS5 Convertible and SQ5 for enthusiasts to drool over.

Click past the jump for our gallery of the new Volkswagen Super Beetle from the Vancouver International Auto Show, and click here to see Audi's slick new S and RS models.

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Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Car Buying, Canada, Volkswagen, New Car Tips, Vancouver

Volkswagen Super Beetle at Vancouver Auto Show a far cry from SEMA concept originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster breaks cover at Vancouver Auto Show 2013

Justin Mastine-Frost — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST

While our pals south of the border have been able to enjoy the latest iteration of the newest version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS since last November, the brand has taken its sweet time in bringing it in to Canada. With so few manufacturers bringing their Canadian debuts to the Vancouver International Auto Show this year, it's nice to see that Benz was willing to bring out their top-gun, even if it has already been around the block a few times.

Mercedes-Benz upgraded its SLS flagship Coupe and Roadster for the 2013 model year, and the changes are marked with the new "GT" nomenclature. Both SLS models arrive with a retuned naturally aspired 6.2-litre V8 delivering 583 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque (the horses are up from 563, but the torque remains the same) mated to a revised seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox. Rounding out the mechanical upgrades is a redeveloped AMG two-mode adaptive suspension.

A number of enhancements have been made to the SLS' interior with the introduction of the GT model, including a new Designo style package. This optional extra comes in three different colour combinations - in both single- and two-tone finishes - and features only the finest leather surfaces with contrast stitching and a diamond quilt pattern on the seats and doors. Sounds plush. Of course, plenty of other optional goodies are also available, including carbon fibre parts for both the interior and exterior, carbon ceramic brakes, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and different wheel options.

All of these minor tweaks and added power will come at a cost, as the Canadian MSRP for the 2013 SLS AMG GT Roadster is $224,200, which is roughly $11,000 more than the base roadster was in 2012.

Click past the jump for further details, and click here for our full photo gallery of the 2013 SLS AMG GT from the Vancouver International Auto Show 2013.

Gallery: Vancouver International Auto Show 2013

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster breaks cover at Vancouver Auto Show 2013

Filed under: Convertible, Car Buying, Canada, Mercedes-Benz, Performance, New Cars, Vancouver

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster breaks cover at Vancouver Auto Show 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Vancouver Auto Show full preview and event details

Justin Mastine-Frost — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST

Canada's 2013 auto show season wouldn't be complete without the Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS), and with the new year comes a string of Canadian and regional debuts. We're sorry to say that the Mclaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Lamborghini Veneno won't be on hand, however we can expect a significant exotics showcase yet again this year.

Topping the list of Canadian debuts is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster, which first broke cover at the LA Auto Show last November. Sharing the spotlight with the big bad Benz will be Volkswagen's new Super Beetle which will be making its first appearance north of the border. Aside from these two Canadian launches, we can expect a healthy smattering of no less than 20 regional debuts including BMW's M6 Gran Coupe and new 3-series diesel, Audi's sporty SQ5, and the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish.

We'll be there to bring you the best from the show floor on the site as well as our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Click past the jump for show info, ticket prices and a list of special events and contests, plus click here for a photo gallery of the anticipated car debuts at VIAS 2013

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

Continue reading 2013 Vancouver Auto Show full preview and event details

Filed under: Car Buying, Canada, Marketing/Advertising, Concept Cars, Hands on, Vancouver

2013 Vancouver Auto Show full preview and event details originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Find of the day: $33K Bugatti Veyron replica gone wrong

Justin Mastine-Frost — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST

We've seen our share of kit car replicas over the years, both good and very bad, but this eBay find has left us speechless. Someone in Cocoa Beach, Florida has given up after making it half way through this ridiculous Bugatti Veyron replica build project. We can appreciate someone wanting to build a less expensive version of the Veyron, but we wouldn't have expected them to use, of all things, a Mercury Cougar platform as their starting point.

Scrolling through the photos we quickly realized it would be far easier to compile a list of things done right on this build than the plethora of things sautéed in wrong-sauce. Said list would read as follows: Nothing. From the cheaply slapped together console trim to the plastic tubes and bits meant to look like the Veyron's mighty W16 engine, this thing looks like some high school kid's shop class project at best. Topping it off is the fact that the wheel hubs aren't even close to centred with the wheel arches.

We've seen other completed versions of this kit come up for sale for $80-$90k, but have never seen them actually trade hands. If that price is legit, then maybe this bag of bolts could be worth the Buy-It-Now price of US$33,000, but any buyer better make sure he saves up for the much-needed custom made 3-foot wheel spacers.

Click here for our gallery of the Vey-Wrong, and here to see the full listing via eBay.

Gallery: Lamborghini Reventon Replica - Mitsubishi Eclipse

Continue reading Find of the day: $33K Bugatti Veyron replica gone wrong

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Humour

Find of the day: $33K Bugatti Veyron replica gone wrong originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chris Harris examines VW group influence on Audi S4 and Bentley Continental GT Speed

Justin Mastine-Frost — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST

Once again Chris Harris has stumbled across one of the questions on every enthusiasts' minds. Through this 12 minute romp in the Bentley Continental GT Speed and Audi S4, Harris examines where the parallels lie in these two brands due to their Volkswagen AG mothership. While we aren't usually fans of "Comparisons" that draw together cars that aren't even remotely in competition with one another, this test just makes sense.

As both cars are put through their paces, it's interesting to see the number of similarities that come to light. While it's no surprise that some of the controls and functionality seem to carry over, we are a bit surprised that the handling characteristics bear any kind of similarity. Either way, it's interesting to get this kind of perspective on the VW AG oversight, and we'll be curious to see what other crossover pieces will come down the road. BMW 7-series and Rolls-Royce Ghost perhaps?

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Gallery: 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Continue reading Chris Harris examines VW group influence on Audi S4 and Bentley Continental GT Speed

Filed under: Car Buying, Videos, Podcasts, Design/Style

Chris Harris examines VW group influence on Audi S4 and Bentley Continental GT Speed originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Car jackers fooled by woman pretending to have gun

Justin Mastine-Frost — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST

We've all seen the stick-a-finger-to-someones-back-and-hold-them-hostage trick on TV at one time or another and thought "There's no way that would actually work.", but it seems a 50-year old nurse from Washington state has proved us all wrong. After spotting her recently stolen Ford Freestar in a Fred Meyer parking lot she initially stood back and waited for the police, but when the thieves were heading back to the vehicle she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Now theoretically this sounds like a bit of a gamble that most of us would be smart enough to avoid, but we have to give Beatriz Prado credit for pulling it off. Car thieves aren't usually the smartest bunch, so the odds of them not being able to rationally conclude that Beatriz was unarmed are pretty good. Add to that the fact that such a high percentage of Americans are packing heat to begin with, and you've got a real fighting chance at success. Our only question is why would she actually want her Ford Freestar back in the first place?

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Continue reading Car jackers fooled by woman pretending to have gun

Filed under: Videos, Humour, Government/Legal

Car jackers fooled by woman pretending to have gun originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BC Police release PSA video of pedestrian being struck by distracted driver

Justin Mastine-Frost — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST

Just over a month into their campaign to stop distracted driving in BC, Abbotsford RCMP have launched this shocking video, which is definitely not for the faint of heart. Using a clip taken from a Skytrain surveillance camera, the RCMP show us exactly what happens when a pedestrian is mowed down by a driver more concerned with the contents of her purse than what's actually happening on the road ahead.

The province's mission to reduce the number of distracted driving cases has been making slow progress thus far, but hopefully this graphic dose of reality will have a bit more impact. Although the RCMP is expecting some backlash over the graphic nature of the video, we aren't surprised that this drastic approach is being taken.

Fines for distracted driving haven't been very effective in halting phone use in BC, so maybe the imagery of launching an unsuspecting pedestrian 15 metres in the air might get drivers to pay a little more attention to the road. The 64-year old victim is still recovering from his injuries from the accident back in December 2012, and is fortunately expected to make a full recovery.

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Gallery: Top 25 Strangest Crashes

Continue reading BC Police release PSA video of pedestrian being struck by distracted driver

Filed under: Videos, Safety, Marketing/Advertising, Government/Legal, Police/Emergency

BC Police release PSA video of pedestrian being struck by distracted driver originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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