Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png 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/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[2013 Ram 3500 HD]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2013-ram-3500-hd-review-first-drive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2013-ram-3500-hd-review-first-drive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2013-ram-3500-hd-review-first-drive/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Tow It All

2013 Ram 3500 HD

There are no shiftier sands than those that underlie the heavy duty truck market. Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have been locked in the same interminable sniping match for years, each delighting in picking their competitors off with new, more powerful drivelines and ever loftier tow ratings. Right now, Ram sits at the top of the heap with its 2013 3500 HD. With the optional Max Tow package, the truck is rated to pull an astonishing 13,607 kg (30,000 pounds). That's ludicrous weight - the kind of heft typically left to the semi world.

In fact, most states require you to have a commercial driver's licence just to pull that much ballast around behind you, and for good reason: All that weight comes to bear on every aspect of a vehicle's driving dynamics. Every maneuver takes longer, requires more forethought and exacts a larger toll on the vehicle's hardware. Of course, as is often the case, there can be a gulf between what it says on a machine's label and what the rig can actually muster in terms of performance. We hitched a full 13,607 kg (30,000 lbs) behind the 2013 Ram 3500 HD to find out exactly how well the truck lives up to its reputation.

Continue reading 2013 Ram 3500 HD

2013 Ram 3500 HD originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 3500 hd2013 ram 3500 hd2013 ram 3500 hd first drive2013 ram hdcumminsfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivehdram 3500 hdram hd Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20579689/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/2013-ram-3500-hd-review-first-drive/20579689/article-detail.xml 20579689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ram-3500-hd-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ram-3500-hd-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Leaf [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-nissan-leaf-review-first-drive-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-nissan-leaf-review-first-drive-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-nissan-leaf-review-first-drive-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It



Look at the 2013 Nissan Leaf - even one parked next to a 2012 model - and you'll be hard-pressed to spot the differences. Changes and updates have been made, but you have to know the details to tell. It's sort of like listening to a hipster tell you why Interpol and The National have completely different sounds. We should mention upfront that Canadians will have to wait a little while longer before they can stroll into their local Nissan dealership to pick out a 2013 model year Leaf. For now, you'll be shopping for a 2012 model year, which, as you'll find below, is not so different from the latest version.

Nissan says it didn't reinvent the Leaf because what the company has created is working. Over 25,000 Leafs have been sold to our neighbors south of the border (a few thousand have been sold here as well) - amounting to 62,000 around the world - since the car went on sale in late 2010. That may not sound like a lot, but it's heads and shoulders above any other all-electric car available anywhere. The car has its detractors - boy, does it ever - but Nissan knows it's hard to argue with real-world success.

We recently spent a few hours driving the new Leaf around the hills of central Tennessee after a visit to Nissan's new 44,129 square-metre (475,000 square-foot) battery plant. What we learned there provided a lot of hints about the company's electric future. Nissan may be leading today, but company head Carlos Ghosn has made huge, multi-billion-dollar bets on zero-emission technology and the rest of the world has been very slow to prove him right.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Leaf [w/video]

2013 Nissan Leaf [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 leaf2013 nissan leaffeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivenissannissan leaf Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20572273/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/2013-nissan-leaf-review-first-drive-video/20572273/article-detail.xml 20572273 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2013-nissan-leaf-fd-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2013-nissan-leaf-fd-opt.png <![CDATA[2013 Audi S3]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Coming Soon To Our Shores With Two More Doors And A Trunk



The Audi S3 is not exactly a sales juggernaut, despite it being a bit of a legend for passionate fans of the small German premium genre. In most markets outside of Europe, people may consider such setups as the S3 three-door tested here, look at the price, and then think maybe they should just get a nice A4 sedan with greater practicality for similar cash. That certainly has been one reason Audi has never officially brought the S3 hatchback to Canada. And the 335-horsepower RS3 Sportback? Forget about it nearly everywhere but in Germanic regions, Switzerland and the UK.

All of which automatically turns the new S3 hatchback into an unattainable object of desire for many fans of the four-ringed brand. The good news, of course, for many markets not on the three-door or S3's dance card is that most of us will get a shot at buying the new S3 sedan that will be powered by the same drivetrain tested here. We reported heavily on the sedan version from the recent New York Auto Show and are convinced that there is much for North American shoppers to like.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S3

2013 Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi s3audiaudi s3audi s3 reviewfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrives3 Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20566795/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/20566795/article-detail.xml 20566795 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-s3---01-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-s3---01-opt.png <![CDATA[2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/2014-maserati-quattroporte-s-q4-review-first-drive-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/2014-maserati-quattroporte-s-q4-review-first-drive-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/2014-maserati-quattroporte-s-q4-review-first-drive-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

The First Maserati To Run Full-Time On All Fours

2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4

About six months ago we tested the all-new 2014 Maserati Quattroporte GTS and its 523-horsepower 3.8-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, the latter being built in Maranello, Italy, by Ferrari. There were comments on both sides, mostly positive though, and we came away impressed by the sixth-generation Maserati sedan. This despite the fact that both we and you couldn't seem to get past the questionable aesthetics of the 20-inch Crono alloy wheels slapped on all of the test cars. Awkward looking they are, or is "distinctive" the word we're seeking?

For both the crucial North American market and the rest of the world, the most important version of the latest Quattroporte is bound to be the less powerful (and less expensive) bi-turbo V6 model we have just driven here in northern Italy; both rear-wheel-drive and Q4 all-wheel-drive versions. We spent nearly all day in the 404-hp 2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4, and found a lot that we prefer in the six-cylinder powertrain versus the champing aggression and more expensive price tag of the GTS bi-turbo V8 model. These long and lanky executive-style statements traditionally thrive on the V8 mantra, so it will be interesting to watch how Maserati's need to use stronger and more efficient V6 engines is received by its six-figure customers.

It's a cynical thing to discuss so matter of factly, but descending into five-figure pricing for these rides actually damages their sales potential. It's bizarre, but keeping every trim of the Maserati Quattroporte north of $100,000 was crucial. So, is the 2014 Maserati Quattrporte S Q4 at a projected US$108,000 base price worth it? To this stratum of clientele, apparently it is. Even the rear-wheel-drive S with this bi-turbo V6 will come in around US$102,000 when it arrives in North America in mid-2014. (Or mid-2015, as yet to be decided.)

Continue reading 2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 [w/video]

2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 maserati quattroporte2014 maserati quattroporte s q4featuredfirst driveFirstDrivemaseratimaserati quattroporte Fri, 10 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20565042/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/2014-maserati-quattroporte-s-q4-review-first-drive-video/20565042/article-detail.xml 20565042 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-maserati-quattroporte-s-q4-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-maserati-quattroporte-s-q4-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Chevrolet Silverado]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-chevy-silverado-review-first-drive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-chevy-silverado-review-first-drive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/2014-chevy-silverado-review-first-drive/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

The Fullsize Pickup, Refined



No one's underestimating the importance of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. While General Motors continues to shovel the current generation off dealer lots at an impressive pace, it would be too kind to simply say the old mule has started to show its age. The GMT900 platform that's rolling along under the 2013 model has been underpinning fullsize GM trucks since 2007, and while the Silverado has stayed competitive through most of the intervening six years, the past two haven't been kind to the machine.

Ford just won't quit sharpening its F-150 in one way or another, throwing interior and driveline updates at the stalwart pickup with the fevered pace of a company possessed. Like the Silverado, the F-150 is no fresh piece of hardware, but fuel-efficient and powerful engine options and a well-sorted interior put the truck consistently ahead of the now aged Chevrolet. And then there's the Ram 1500. Chrysler let loose with both barrels with the 2013 update, tearing into the fullsize market with a beautiful cabin, excellent tech and plenty of clever engineering.

Chevy engineers stood back and watched this happen, biting their tongues and whittling away all the while on the next-generation 2014 Silverado. There are only a handful of carryover parts from old machine to new, and the result is a pickup that offers more power, efficiency and refinement than the previous generation while holding the pricing line. This is, without a doubt, the best Silverado ever built, but does that make it the best pickup?

Continue reading 2014 Chevrolet Silverado

2014 Chevrolet Silverado originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevy silveradochevychevy silveradofeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivesilverado picssilverado review Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20563658/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/2014-chevy-silverado-review-first-drive/20563658/article-detail.xml 20563658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/03-2014-chevrolet-silverado-fd-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/03-2014-chevrolet-silverado-fd-opt.png <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Juke Nismo]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Scratching All The Right Itches

2013 Nissan Juke Nismo

Say what you will about the unconventional aesthetics that Nissan employed on the company's Juke. I love the thing. The universe has no shortage of ambiguously styled CUVs, and while I can't exactly say I would have turned to the amphibian world for design inspiration had it been me with the charcoal in my hand, I can certainly appreciate the fact that the Juke isn't just another box-on-box design.

And then there's that engine. The turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder under the hood is one of the best powerplants in the company's toy box, offering plenty of low-range torque and comical levels of thrust. Hell, it even makes the optional continuously variable transmission tolerable. Praise be to the deities of forced induction. But something has always been missing from the mix. From the first moment I got my hands on the Juke, I couldn't help but think how much better the machine would be if Nissan ditched a few centimetres of ground clearance and sharpened up its suspension. Think more "hot hatch" and less "Kermit goes to Kroger."

I wasn't the only one with that notion. The minds at Nismo were keen to turn their attentions to the Juke, and while the resulting 2013 Juke Nismo isn't the hardcore machine I'd seen in my dreams, it may very well be the best trim available for the runabout.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo

2013 Nissan Juke Nismo originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan juke2013 nissan juke nismofeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivenismonissannissan jukenissan juke nismoreview Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20560613/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-first-drive-review/20560613/article-detail.xml 20560613 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Campagna T-Rex 16S [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Canada's Prehistoric Predator Gets Longer Arms

2013 Campagna T-Rex 16S

Without a doubt, the three-wheel Campagna T-Rex 16S is one of the most fascinating vehicles I have ever driven.

"Drive it like a car, but act like you are on a motorcycle," were the words of wisdom bestowed upon me before the keys were handed over, and the advice couldn't have been more accurate. During the next four days, I zipped blissfully around town with the wind blowing through my hair as I watched the front wheels articulate over the pavement. I could smell the ocean as I drove down Pacific Coast Highway, and taste the dry brush of the Santa Monica Mountains as I toured the canyons.

I also took a bumble bee in the cheek, was nearly squashed by an inattentive driver in a Toyota Camry, cut off by a Ford F-150 and I was stared down by the law at every opportunity.

Apparently, that's the price of having the wind blow through your hair as you mount a low-slung, agile steed with a very unique three-wheel configuration.

Continue reading 2013 Campagna T-Rex 16S [w/video]

2013 Campagna T-Rex 16S [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> campagnacampagna t-rexcampagna t-rex 16sfirst driveFirstDrivet-rex Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20559239/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s-first-drive-review-video/20559239/article-detail.xml 20559239 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s.jpg <![CDATA[2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

The 911 Of Hot Hatches Takes The Compact Game To New Levels

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI - front three-quarter view, in motion

North American car buyers get a bit of a slap in the face when it comes to delivery schedules for new the Volkswagen Golf and pumped-up GTI models. We'll just repeat the old chestnut: It's worth the wait... even though it still stinks. This time around, Western Europe is taking deliveries of the new Golf as we speak, and GTI deliveries start between May and July. North America doesn't get any Mk7 Golf or GTI until about July of 2014.

So we approached our first drive of the new GTI with this chip on our shoulder: "You're making us wait? Well, then at least give us the exact car we'll be able to buy. No compromises, mein Freund." And so it was that we extracted nearly all of our drive impressions from behind the wheel of what, for Canada, will technically be a model year 2015 two-door Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance with the standard six-speed manual.

This time around, Volkswagen in Wolfsburg and in Herndon, Virginia, explain the wait in very practical terms. Whereas before it was just a long wait while Volkswagen slowly realized it needed to properly invest in North America, the wait this time is because VW needs to get its Puebla, Mexico, factory completely on-line to build all of North America's Golfs and GTIs. The deadline for this happening is... July 2014. We're still gonna whine about it though, because that's how we roll.

Continue reading 2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]

2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 volkswagen gti7th gen golf7th generation golffeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivegen 7 golfvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen gtivwvw golfvw gti Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549832/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/20549832/article-detail.xml 20549832 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Loses its Head, Keeps its Bespoke Cool

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible - front three-quarter view, top down

This is the 10th anniversary of the Bentley Continental GT, the 5,500-pound (2,500 kg) shim that pried open the market for bespoke luxury costing over six-figures. We're into the second generation of the supercoupe that is still - and we think unfairly - derided as a grossly exaggerated Volkswagen, which to us is like saying the Hulk is just Bruce Banner in a tizzy. There are credible grounds for both statements, but in neither case do they accurately convey the chasm between the alpha and the omega.

Nevertheless, checking off the list of updated models brings us to the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible, the moderately augmented version of the non-Speed GTC. Back to the notion of unfairness, it's probably just that to say the GT Speed Convertible is only "moderately" changed. It did, after all, take Bentley three years to engineer the changes that separate your 'basic' Bentley from the Speed variant, and although they might be imperceptible, they are numerous.

We were invited to drive the world's latest and fastest four-seater convertible for two days from Las Vegas to San Francisco. In a twist we never would have expected, it turned into a desperate hunt for thrills.

Continue reading 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bentley continental gt speed convertiblebentleybentley continentalbentley continental gt speedbentley continental gt speed convertiblefirst driveFirstDrive Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549049/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/2013-bentley-continental-gt-speed-convertible-first-drive-review/20549049/article-detail.xml 20549049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-gtc-speed-conv-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bentley-gtc-speed-conv-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi RS6 Avant [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-audi-rs6-avant-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-audi-rs6-avant-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-audi-rs6-avant-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Latest, Greatest Autobahn Bomber Will Not Be Denied - Except To Us

2013 Audi RS6 Avant

Back in 2008, I was fortunate enough to test the second-generation Audi RS6 Avant in southern France on the supremely well-sorted circuit at Le Castellet, a.k.a. Paul Ricard. I was thrown out there with the 572-horsepower bi-turbo 5.0-litre V10-equipped behemoth behind one of Audi's DTM pros and was convinced in short order that the flaming hippo in my hands was going to get the better of me on one or another of the track's tight esses. I made it out alive and invigorated, of course, but knew that that RS6 Avant was the heaviest that these thunderwagons should ever be allowed to get. At around 2,109 kg (4,650 pounds) with driver aboard, it was just way more lateral momentum at speed than any pilot needs on a track - or for that matter, on a favourite hot curving road.

Now it's time for the 2013 Audi RS6 Avant to lay us out with a flying scissor kick from the corner ropes. This version of the highway and byway marauder from Quattro GmbH is a decidedly greater piece of work than was the car I drove in 2008. This time, there will only be the Avant body configuration - no RS6 sedan - and, as with the previous generation, North America won't be at the receiving end when deliveries start at the end of July this year.

I can only whine loudly about what a pity that is; the new RS6 Avant with its 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 is the absolute best Audi RS model I have tested in over a decade. It weighs in 100 kg (220 pounds) less than its predecessor, loses 20 horsepower, gains 37 pound-feet of torque, and torches the previous car's acceleration time to 60 miles per hour (96 km/h) by seven-tenths of a second, or in other words, it needs only 3.8 seconds. That's seriously hair-brained action in a family-car wrapper. There are a few reasons as to why it's that much quicker, but one key is the greater 17.4 psi (120 kPa) of boost pressure from each turbocharger versus the 10.2 psi (70 kPa) per unit on the last generation's spec sheet. Then there are the tighter ratios of the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox against the six-speed Tiptronic of 2008.

Continue reading 2013 Audi RS6 Avant [w/video]

2013 Audi RS6 Avant [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi rs6 avantaudiaudi a6Audi RS6audi RS6 Avantfirst driveFirstDrivers6RS6 Avant Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548318/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/2013-audi-rs6-avant-w-video/20548318/article-detail.xml 20548318 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-audi-rs6-avant-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-audi-rs6-avant-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jaguar F-Type]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/2014-jaguar-f-type-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/2014-jaguar-f-type-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/2014-jaguar-f-type-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Stepping Into The Lion's Den With A Big-Hearted Cat

2014 Jaguar F-Type - front three-quarter view, charcoal

If you're like me - and our demographics suggests you are - you've probably never seen a new Jaguar sportscar at your local showroom. I'm 36, and it hasn't happened in my lifetime... and not by a little bit. Oh, there have been a string of XK coupes and convertibles, and as of late, there have even been some genuine high-performance specials - namely the R, R-S and R-S GT models - but their basis has always been the 2+2 grand tourer shell, not a lighter and smaller footprint with more intrinsic sporting intent. The truth is that it's been a half-century since Jaguar introduced a proper new sportscar. Today, most people know the brand strictly as a purveyor of wood- and hide-lined luxury sedans.

In fact, if you're not an enthusiast with some appreciation for the marque's history, it's a bit odd to hear Jaguar executives proclaim that they are a sportscar company and always have been. By their reckoning, the 2014 F-Type seen here is in fact a return to form, a Rip Van Winkled brand pillar reanimated and reimagined to take centre stage. It's a sentiment that must be particularly odd for car shoppers in developing markets like China, where Jaguar hasn't even been selling cars for very long. Yet because the original 1961 E-Type is perhaps the most gorgeous car ever to lay ply on the world's roads, we're prepared to cut them some slack.

Given a desire to project its lengthy and distinguished (if distant) sportscar history into the present, we couldn't really have blamed Jaguar if they decided to just update the E-Type's visuals and pull what's underneath into modernity, à la Ford GT. (In fact, there's already a well-respected British outfit, Eagle, commanding big dollars for doing largely the same thing). There's also a middle 'homage' path - think 1956 BMW 507 begets 2000 Z8 roadster. Yet Jaguar hasn't taken the easy way out and created a doppelganger or even a historical pastiche. Yes, if you look hard enough, you'll find subtle nods to the E-Type, but they aren't immediately obvious. In fact, Jaguar has embarked on nothing short of a radical design overhaul of its entire lineup over the last half-decade or so (beginning with 2008's XF sedan) in an effort to upend its image as traditional luxury transport for the world's elderly elite.

Continue reading 2014 Jaguar F-Type

2014 Jaguar F-Type originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 f type2014 f-type2014 jaguar f-typef typefeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveftypejaguarjaguar f-type Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20543590/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/17/2014-jaguar-f-type-first-drive-review/20543590/article-detail.xml 20543590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-jaguar-f-type-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-jaguar-f-type-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jaguar F-Type gets first real-world test drive with XCAR [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/xcar-hits-the-road-with-new-jaguar-f-type-for-first-real-world-t/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/xcar-hits-the-road-with-new-jaguar-f-type-for-first-real-world-t/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/xcar-hits-the-road-with-new-jaguar-f-type-for-first-real-world-t/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,



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]

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f-typef-type reviewf-type road testJaguar F-Typejaguar f-type reviewjaguar f-type road testjaguar F-type videoxcarXCAR F-TYPExcar filmsXCAR JAGUAR VIDEO Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20542679/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/xcar-hits-the-road-with-new-jaguar-f-type-for-first-real-world-t/20542679/article-detail.xml 20542679 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ftype_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ftype.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Ford Fiesta ST]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/2014-ford-fiesta-st-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/2014-ford-fiesta-st-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/2014-ford-fiesta-st-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Concentrated ST Formula Proves Just As Potent

2014 Ford Fiesta ST - front three-quarter view

I'm not the jealous type... usually. But I will fully admit to being somewhat of a Pouty Polly when I read executive editor Chris Paukert's report after driving the then-new 2013 Ford Focus ST through the impossibly pretty southern French Alps region last June. I feel like a broken record saying this yet again, but hot hatchbacks hold a special place in my heart. And while I'm always giddy to drive any sort of small, turbocharged three- or five-door at home in Detroit, my jealousy was indeed piqued after hearing Paukert tell about the challenging yet breathtaking roads he encountered while driving the flamin' yellow Focus. You know, the sort of roads that, from above, look like carelessly drizzled lines of icing on the frosted Alpen caps.

Several months later, I found myself piloting a Focus ST just west of metro Detroit, pitting it head-to-head against one of Autoblog's perennial favourite cars, the Volkswagen GTI. It was fantastic - enough so that I fully stand behind my statement that in terms of balls-out performance, the Focus ST cannot be beat as far as today's front-wheel-drive hatches are concerned.

But I can't be jealous of Paukert any longer. I've just returned from driving the new Ford Fiesta ST - in European-spec three-door guise - along many of those same roads in southern France. And while I really do love the larger Focus ST, my experience in the Fiesta has led me to believe that I, perhaps, had the better time.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Fiesta ST

2014 Ford Fiesta ST originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 ford fiesta stfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefordford fiestaford fiesta st Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20518662/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/2014-ford-fiesta-st-first-drive-review/20518662/article-detail.xml 20518662 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-ford-fiesta-st-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-ford-fiesta-st-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Lexus IS350 F-Sport]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/2014-lexus-is350-f-sport-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/2014-lexus-is350-f-sport-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/2014-lexus-is350-f-sport-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Is A New Kind Of Lexus Hiding Under That Radical Skin?

2014 Lexus IS350 F-Sport - front three-quarter view with trees

When the now-outgoing Lexus IS generation was launched back in 2006, the company would not have been wise to bring the compact luxury sedan to be driven by journalists to a track like Driveway Austin Motorsports. Taking along a BMW 335i for comparison loops would have proved an ill choice as well.

Our own Jonathon Ramsey found the current-generation Lexus IS250 to be fairly nimble over a tightly wound autocross course, when he drove it back-to-back with the prototype version of this 2014 IS a few months ago. Our track for testing the fully realized version of the IS350 F-Sport meanwhile - again with the 2013 version along for competitive driving - was on a circuit designed to string together recreations of some of the best tracks in the world. Laguna Seca, bits of the Nürburgring and sections inspired by Imola and Ferrari's Fiorano test track all make for a far more enticing road course than you'd expect to find plunked down in a nondescript area a few miles east of downtown Austin. Critically, this environment highlighted what strides Lexus has made in the sport sedan race with its new IS.

As a general statement, the new IS350 acquitted itself well when driven with pace on the aggressive track. The performance, and much higher level of driver satisfaction when compared with the old car, is down to a few significant revisions: a new eight-speed transmission, a stiffer body structure and a greatly revised power steering system.

Continue reading 2014 Lexus IS350 F-Sport

2014 Lexus IS350 F-Sport originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 lexus is2014 lexus is350 f-sportfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivelexuslexus islexus is350lexus is350 f-sport Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20516761/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/2014-lexus-is350-f-sport-first-drive-review/20516761/article-detail.xml 20516761 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-lexus-is-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-lexus-is-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2014-bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2014-bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2014-bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

BMW Gets Much Closer To The GT Look And Feel It Seeks

2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

The 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is being launched to a pretty cynical automotive press brigade. You know it. We know it. Heck, even BMW knows it. We've just returned from driving it on the rather unforgiving and sometimes nasty roads of Sicily, and even before we got behind the wheel, many of our media colleagues were busying themselves doubting the 3 GT's very raison d'être. So, despite the always excellent Sicilian hospitality, the day's atmosphere was kind of fragile.

While the press in attendance seemed determined to nail every product expert to the wall for having been even tangentially associated with the larger 5 Series Gran Turismo, it seemed that BMW decided ahead of time to not introduce such a sensitive discussion topic. That strategy would do little to smooth things over as everyone started digging for dirt on BMW's so far clumsy Gran Turismo franchise.

As it turns out, we like the 3 GT despite so many packaging and design cards being stacked against it just by association with the 5 GT precedent. Automotive journalists are sometimes wrong en masse and this case of prejudice toward the 3 GT is one of those times.

And besides, much in the way the entire Buick brand still exists because China fell in love with it (entirely to General Motors' dumb-luck surprise), the 5 GT has somewhat thrived due to similar circumstances. The odd-duck 5 Series version - arguably the least appealing design ever to roll out of the halls of BMW - has found its savior almost exclusively in the Land of Confucius. After driving this new 3 GT, we have no reason to doubt it will find far more favour not just in China, but in all of BMW's major markets.

Continue reading 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo [w/video]

2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bmw 3 series gran turismo3 gt3 series3 series gran turismo3 series gt3gtbmw Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20513283/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/2014-bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-w-video/20513283/article-detail.xml 20513283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-bmw-3-series-gt-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-bmw-3-series-gt-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Aston Martin Rapide S [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Fresh Styling, More Power And New Confidence

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

Three years ago, almost to the day, we slid behind the wheel of the all-new Aston Martin Rapide for the very first time. After unabashedly calling it "the world's best-looking four-door sedan" - a statement that is as accurate today as it was in 2010 - we piloted the Aston Martin on a meandering route from Miami to our final destination in Palm Beach.

Our conclusion, at the end of a very long day, was that British automaker had built a peerless sedan cleverly disguised as a coupe, and it offered more accommodation and utility than anything else in the automaker's two-door lineup. With that as its primary mission objective, it excelled. However, in terms of overall performance, our realization was that it fell short.

Enter the Aston Martin Rapide S, a thoroughly refreshed sedan that appears, at first glance, to have addressed our very frustrated concern.

Continue reading 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S [w/video]

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 aston martin rapide saston martinaston martin rapideaston martin rapide sfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrive Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20511696/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/20/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-first-drive-review-video/20511696/article-detail.xml 20511696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-fd-1363678782_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-aston-martin-rapide-s-fd-1363678782.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Jeep Aims To Appease Every SUV Buyer



When a stalwart choice of SUV buyers make significant changes, the public takes note. We can say with confidence the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee moves were calculated, deliberate and were aimed squarely at grabbing more market share in a sector where Jeep was once one of the few choices. Now with a wealth of formidable foes, the legendary Grand Cherokee had to address and meet the growing needs of today's consumers. It's safe to say that all of the changes for the 2014 model year will cover the requirements of nearly every SUV buyer. The new engine offerings, driveline technology, trim levels and each of their distinct styling will tailor each Jeep Grand Cherokee to the buyer more than ever before.

The most obvious departure from your average Grand Cherokee, is the SRT model. We reviewed the 470 hp machine and walked away from the Circuit of the Americas after our track test very much impressed. Despite it's great value at the $62,995 selling price (same as US MSRP), the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT will not be the breadwinner, so we tested the various engines and trims the day before on the back roads and then off those roads into the desert.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jeep grand cherokeeecodieselfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivegrand cherokeegrand cherokee dieselgrand cherokee ecodieseljeepreviewreviews Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20500692/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/19/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee/20500692/article-detail.xml 20500692 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-1.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Standing Out In A Segment Of Me-Too Crossovers

2013 Hyundai Sante Fe

This may sound strange, but bear with us - there is indeed a point to this little exercise. Okay, ready? We'd like you to close your eyes and imagine a crossover. Any modern crossover is fine.

Done? Good. Recall what you saw in your mind's eye. What did it look like? Did it have a somewhat aggressive shape - an upright greenhouse, pronounced wheel wells with some type of body cladding, a bold grille up front bracketed by large headlamps and hulking bodysides with a bit of visual flair provided by creases or rising shoulder lines? Did it sit jacked up a tad on oversized alloy wheels, distancing itself from any thoughts of mere station wagons? Yep, that was a crossover all right.

Point being, there isn't all that much to differentiate today's crop of car-based utility vehicles, at least when it comes to visuals and overall impressions, which means, to use a somewhat tired phrase, the devil is in the details. Clearly, what makes a family choose one over another has a lot to do with their individual wants and needs, and each automaker is building a vehicle (or two, or three) designed to appeal to these masses, but with ever-so-slightly differing formulas.

It was with all these thoughts swirling through our minds that we accepted an invitation to drive the new three-row 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe in San Diego, California for a full day of highways, twisty roads and ocean breezes. We were rewarded mostly with confirmation of our preconceived notions, but also with a few genuinely surprising details designed to attract the eyes and wallets of buyers all across North America.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai santa fefeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivehyunda santa fehyundaihyundai veracruzsanta feveracruz Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20508134/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-first-drive-review/20508134/article-detail.xml 20508134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-hyundai-sante-fe-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-hyundai-sante-fe-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Chevrolet Impala [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/2014-chevrolet-impala-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/2014-chevrolet-impala-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/2014-chevrolet-impala-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , ,

Can A Fleet Queen Become a Fullsize King?



On paper, the Chevrolet Impala is a pretty strong seller, but it only takes one trip to practically any rental car agency to discover where the majority of those sales have come from. In fact, General Motors told us that a full 70 per cent of Impala sales last year went to fleet companies for things like rental cars and government vehicles. Logic tells us that this is neither good for resale values nor name equity, so Chevrolet is getting ready to roll out an all-new Impala with improved comfort, styling and technology, hoping to turn the tables on its retail-to-fleet ratio.

Chevrolet's sedans have come on quite strong in the last few months with the introduction of the Cruze diesel and the American-only SS sedan, but while these will likely be low-volume sellers, there's more pressure for the new Impala to perform well as GM looks to slash fleet sales and compete with the wide variety of full-size sub-luxury sedans. Riding on a platform shared with the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac XTS, the 2014 Impala will compete against the Hyundai Azera, Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon on the more traditional side, while also looking to take a bite out of somewhat sportier models like the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger twins and the Nissan Maxima. We headed to sunny San Diego to see if this totally new Impala can stand on its own without the assistance of fleet companies and rental agencies.

Continue reading 2014 Chevrolet Impala [w/video]

2014 Chevrolet Impala [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevrolet impalachevroletchevyfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveimpala Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20505924/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/2014-chevrolet-impala-first-drive-review-video/20505924/article-detail.xml 20505924 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/01-2014-chevrolet-impala-fd-opt-high_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/01-2014-chevrolet-impala-fd-opt-high.png <![CDATA[2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

The One Mini Should Have Taken Rallying

2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4

It needs to be said: Mini using the Countryman as their World Rally Championship racer's bodystyle of choice has done them no favours on the marketing front. And that's what it's all about in motorsports these days: marketing and image. We have just driven the 2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4 through Frankfurt's surrounding rural areas, and even in thick snow where few souls dared to tread, it has singularly rekindled some faith in the John Cooper Works sub-brand - a glorious name whose credibility has been threatened by portly and somewhat pointless products like the JCW Countryman.

The JCW Paceman is a little quicker than its Countryman relative, a little lighter, hunkered down lower, and better looking. We can't say we're crazy anymore about the stock Chili Red details and black exterior they keep showing us at these launches, but that's just paint. Then there's that projected pricing of $39k-plus that puts us on the verge of yelling "¡No mas!" But the All4 system on our 215-horsepower Paceman worked extremely well when paired with a set of exceptional Pirelli Sottozero Winter 210 Serie II tires (sized 205/55 R17 91H all around). The combination of all-wheel drive and good rubber encouraged us to gradually up the average speed and enthusiasm the further we drove along.

And the JCW hunkers four-tenths of an inch lower on its standard sport-tuned dampers and springs. This is just the start of why the hip point and yaw point - and all those other points - render the Paceman JCW's driving so satisfying. Whereas the electro-assisted steering on some of the lower-slung Minis has suffered slightly since the very first incarnations of those models, the Paceman seems to work with it. We were forcing oversteer coming into several of the day's curves, and the steering and sheer physics of the chassis readily obliged. Just get your inner ear in sync with the Mini's 1,475 kg (3,252-pounds) of lateral momentum and you're golden. The odd center handbrake is calibrated not to really snap the car around at will, but we learned to muscle it and deal with the onboard chorus of chimes warning us that we were using the handbrake as a handbrake.

Continue reading 2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4

2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mini paceman john cooper works all4first driveFirstDrivejcwminipacemanpaceman jcwpaceman john cooper works Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20502535/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/20502535/article-detail.xml 20502535 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mini-jcw-paceman-all4-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mini-jcw-paceman-all4-fd.jpg -1 2