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[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/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Tesla 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






Continue reading Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat

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 stockTeslaMotorstsla Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20568101/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/20568101/article-detail.xml 20568101 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-side-marker_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-side-marker.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[Toyota truck climbs tree, while cop car prefers pole in separate crashes]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-truck-climbs-trees-while-cop-car-prefer-poles-in-separat/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-truck-climbs-trees-while-cop-car-prefer-poles-in-separat/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-truck-climbs-trees-while-cop-car-prefer-poles-in-separat/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , ,




The driver of a small Nissan pickup truck has some explaining to do after getting stuck... in a tree. Most versatile off-road trucks are found stuck in deep mud or snow, but this utilitarian beast was found stuck in an evergreen grove.

Police responded to reports of the tree-climbing truck and found it still in place, clinging to the branches about 3 metres (10 feet) above the ground. The driver was no where to be found, and the vehicle's engine and exhaust system was cold, telling police that the vehicle had been there for some time, undiscovered.

Recreating the scene, it appears the driver of the small truck was traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control and 'jumped' a large ditch, which put him on a trajectory that landed him, well... up a tree. The driver later returned to the scene during the police investigation ("Where'd I leave my wallet?") and was charged with 'hit and run' and criminal mischief citations. This unlikely tale unfolded in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Speaking of the police, an officer found himself in a similar predicament when he pulled a U-turn to make a seatbelt related traffic stop, lost control, and hit the guide-wire of a telephone pole. The front bumper of his cruiser followed the wire up the pole, leaving the Dodge police car scampering up the pole like a spooked squirrel. Thankfully, this Memphis police officer was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the incident - no word if the seatbelt-less driver of the car he was attempting to pull over noticed all the commotion behind him.

Scroll down to watch a video report showing both cat car-up-a tree scenarios.

Gallery: Car Crash Gallery






Continue reading Toyota truck climbs tree, while cop car prefers pole in separate crashes

Toyota truck climbs tree, while cop car prefers pole in separate crashes originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car crashcar up a treecat up a treecrashcrash safetygrovememphismemphis tennesseepolicepolice carpolice car up polepolice car videospolice chasepolice videopolice videospolicecarpolicecar videosPoliceCarsportlandportland oregonsafetystuck in treestuck in treestreetreestruck up a treeup a poleup a treeususavideovideos Thu, 16 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20566617/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/toyota-truck-climbs-trees-while-cop-car-prefer-poles-in-separat/20566617/article-detail.xml 20566617 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-10.34.09-am_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-10.34.09-am.png <![CDATA[Fisker-based Destino V8 still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , ,




Wards Auto reports the VL Productions Destino is still moving forward. As you may recall, that machine takes a Fisker Karma hybrid, guts the drivetrain and replaces it with a honking 556 horsepower V8 from General Motors. Bob Lutz, while speaking with Wards, confirmed that VL Productions had obtained 20 Karma "gliders" without a battery, engine or electric motor before Fisker announced its bankruptcy, and that VL may purchase Karma hybrids from dealers currently looking to dump their inventory. Lutz also says that hundreds of current Karma owners have approached VL Productions about the possibility of converting their hybrids to V8 power.

That conversion could cost between $85,000 and $95,000. Right now, VL has around 100 orders for standard Destino models, each with a price tag of $185,000. Not surprisingly, much of that demand has come from the Middle East. Wards reports that the first wave of deliveries are set to begin in the third quarter of this year. Buyers can expect to find a 6.2-litre, supercharged V8 engine lifted from the Cadillac CTS-V under the hood, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Click through to watch a Fisker Karma test drive review.

Gallery: Fisker Karma second drive






Continue reading Fisker-based Destino V8 still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion

Fisker-based Destino V8 still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzdestinofiskerfisker karmakarmavl productions destino Mon, 06 May 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20558994/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/20558994/article-detail.xml 20558994 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Volvo has been experimenting with flywheel propulsion systems since the eighties, but only recently has technology caught up with the possibility of real-world applications. In 2011, the Swedish carmaker was granted 6.57 million Swedish kronor (about $1M) by the Swedish Energy Agency to work on a kinetic energy recovery system with Swedish bearing company SKF. Before it began trials, Volvo expected the fuel savings to be as high as 20 per cent. After trials conducted last year on public roads the results were even better, Volvo finding that a KERS-equipped four-cylinder turbo performs like a six-cylinder turbo but gets up to 25 per cent better fuel economy. It calls KERS "a light, cheap and very eco-efficient solution."

The test vehicle was an S60, its ICE driving the front wheels while the KERS - weighing six kilograms, measuring about 20 centimeters across and using a carbon fibre flywheel - was attached to the rear axle. Under braking, the four-cylinder engine is shut off and the KERS gathers rotational energy, spinning at up to 60,000 revolutions per minute. The stored energy is then used to get the car going again or to assist at cruising speeds. It's the same kind of vacuum-sealed flywheel design used by Audi in its R18 etron quattro, but with the opposite arrangement - in the Audi the diesel V6 drives the rear wheels, the KERS drives the front wheels.

Like the units in Formula One, it provides an additional 80 horsepower. When working with the four-cylinder ICE, the S60 with KERS can do the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) dash in 5.5 seconds, a full 1.1 seconds faster than the S60 with the 3.0-litre T6 engine and all-wheel drive.

As we expect with hybrids, the greatest fuel savings came in urban environments with a lot of braking, Volvo suggesting that the combustion engine could be shut down "about half the time" on the New European Driving Cycle. A press release below has more details, along with a video Volvo released in 2011 to show how its system works.

Gallery: 2013 Volvo S60R T6






Continue reading Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video]

Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel economyhybridkerskinetic energy recovery systemstudyvolvo s60 Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20551658/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/20551658/article-detail.xml 20551658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-kers-cf-flywheel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-kers-cf-flywheel.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Honda Civic Hybrid not coming to Canada, stuck with 2012 model]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-civic-hybrid-not-coming-to-canada-stuck-with-2012-mo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-civic-hybrid-not-coming-to-canada-stuck-with-2012-mo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-civic-hybrid-not-coming-to-canada-stuck-with-2012-mo/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



After receiving an urgent and substantial refresh after just one year on the market, the 2013 Honda Civic seems to have successfully replaced last year's highly criticized ninth-generation of the popular compact (which was dropped from the Consumer Reports 'Recommended' list).

But after going to so much work to quickly repair its rocky relationship with consumers and media, we can't help but wonder why Honda has decided to hold back the redesigned Civic Hybrid model from buyer's here in Canada? Oddly enough, the Civic Hybrid will receive new 2013 sheetmetal in the US market only.

According to reports, Honda Canada claims this is due to having an adequate stock of "left-over" 2012 model year Civic Hybrids that will maintain the car's current sales pace. This means there's no chance of seeing the redesigned Honda Civic Hybrid coming to Canada until the next model year in order to sell off its remaining 2012 stock.

So it looks like Canadian Civic owners are going to have to make due with the 2012 hybrid model for now, that is unless you're willing to do some cross border shopping to satisfy your hybrid-fix.

Click here for additional photos and watch a video review on the redesigned 2013 Honda Civic.


Gallery: 2013 Honda Civic Touring - First Drive

Continue reading 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid not coming to Canada, stuck with 2012 model

2013 Honda Civic Hybrid not coming to Canada, stuck with 2012 model originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 honda civic hybrid20132013 honda civic2013 honda civic hybridcivichondahonda civic hybridhybrid Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20551652/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/2013-honda-civic-hybrid-not-coming-to-canada-stuck-with-2012-mo/20551652/article-detail.xml 20551652 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-honda-civic-touring-18_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-honda-civic-touring-18.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf all-electric taxis start pilot program in NYC [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/nissan-leaf-all-electric-taxis-start-pilot-program-in-nyc-w-vid/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/nissan-leaf-all-electric-taxis-start-pilot-program-in-nyc-w-vid/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/nissan-leaf-all-electric-taxis-start-pilot-program-in-nyc-w-vid/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



When New York City picked the Nissan NV200 as its Taxi of Tomorrow, many were surprised that the vehicle wasn't electric, or even a hybrid for that matter. With NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg on hand, Nissan celebrated Earth Day on Monday by unveiling a pilot program of electric taxis for the city consisting of six 2013 Nissan Leaf EVs, which the mayor referred to as the "taxi of the day after tomorrow."

This pilot program is aimed to show how EVs can operate as taxi cabs, and Mayor Bloomberg said that New York City hopes to have a third of its taxi fleet electrified by 2020. In addition to the six cars, Nissan has also provided three quick chargers around Manhattan, allowing the Leafs to get an 80 per cent recharge in just 30 minutes.

According to David Yassky, commissioner of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, "What we have to do now is figure out how you integrate the charging of an electric vehicle into the duty of a taxi cab." No word on how soon Canada's major cities will see all electric fleets of taxis, but given Toronto and Vancouver's green initiatives, it appears we may see a similar movement as NYC's sooner rather than later.

Scroll down for a press release about the pilot program as well as a video interviewing Mayor Bloomberg, Yassky and even one of the pilot drivers. Then, check out a video comparison between the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt.

Gallery: Nissan Friend-Me


Continue reading Nissan Leaf all-electric taxis start pilot program in NYC [w/video]

Nissan Leaf all-electric taxis start pilot program in NYC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> earth dayelectric taxinew york city taxinissannissan leafnyc taxinyc taxi and limousine commission Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549035/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/nissan-leaf-all-electric-taxis-start-pilot-program-in-nyc-w-vid/20549035/article-detail.xml 20549035 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-leaf-taxi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-leaf-taxi.jpg <![CDATA[Is NASCAR green? New ad makes the case [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/is-nascar-green-new-ad-makes-the-case/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/is-nascar-green-new-ad-makes-the-case/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/is-nascar-green-new-ad-makes-the-case/#comments Filed under: , , ,



If you're a motorsports fan you've probably come across stories on the efforts Formula One has made to reduce its carbon footprint (KERS anyone?), but you might not have heard about what's being done in the world of NASCAR. Turns out it's pretty intense.

In 2008, NASCAR chairman Brian France got to work on creating a green initiative for the series. It wasn't unveiled until 2009 and it tackled the integration of biofuels, as in the switch to E85, employing alternative energy like the solar array at Pocono Raceway, and recycling. The initiative has a "managing director of green innovation," Dr. Mike Lynch, a website with ways everyone can get involved in making the Earth greener, hybrid pace cars and Miss Sprint Cup in a green race suit.

It's gotten bigger every year, and NASCAR will crank up its promotion with a 30-second spot that ran several times during the STP 400 at the Kansas Speedway. You can watch it below.

Gallery: NASCAR The Game: Inside Line






Continue reading Is NASCAR green? New ad makes the case [w/video]

Is NASCAR green? New ad makes the case [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adfuel efficiencygreengreen carsgreen racingnascarnascar race to greenrace to greenvideoyoutube Sat, 27 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547510/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/is-nascar-green-new-ad-makes-the-case/20547510/article-detail.xml 20547510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nascar-green-campaign-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nascar-green-campaign-2.jpg <![CDATA[Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Honda Concept M minivan for 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

According to The Wall Street Journal, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito believes that China's nascent car-buying demographic isn't all that interested in hybrid cars - at least not yet. The emissions story doesn't resonate with them, and certainly not for the higher purchase premium such models usually carry. What they really want, Ito believes, is reliable, affordable cars that fit their needs. When it comes to Honda sales, the numbers would appear to jibe with his thoughts: Honda sold 598,577 vehicles in China last year through its two joint ventures, yet just 542 of them were hybrids - not even a tenth of a per cent. However, Toyota sold 840,500 cars in China last year, and two per cent of that total, 17,300 units, were hybrids, which is closer to the still-piddling three-per cent ratio of sales that Toyota posted in the North American market last year.

Honda offers the Insight, Fit Hybrid and CR-Z in China and plans to make components for its Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system there from next year, the hope being it will reduce the cost of hybrid cars for local buyers. That was one part of the plan Honda laid out last year to popularize its IMA system in China. Other initiatives include the introduction of a new hybrid system for mid-sized and large vehicles and a plug-in hybrid. Among the four new vehicles Honda showed during this weekend's press day for the Shanghai Motor Show (including the Concept M minivan pictured above) there was not a single hybrid among them.

Click through to watch a video on the progress of Chinese cars in the global market.

Gallery: Honda Concept C & Concept S







Continue reading Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars

Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car saleschinachina hybridsChinese car marketchinese car saleshondahonda hybridhybridtakanobu ito Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548218/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/20548218/article-detail.xml 20548218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-concept-m_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-concept-m.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda6 Skyactiv-D racecar gets first win at Road Atlanta]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/mazda6-skyactiv-d-racecar-gets-first-win-at-road-atlanta/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/mazda6-skyactiv-d-racecar-gets-first-win-at-road-atlanta/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/mazda6-skyactiv-d-racecar-gets-first-win-at-road-atlanta/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Mazda has a long motorsports history, and one that is peppered with fascinating cars. The latest chapter in Mazda's racing story has just been written, as Joel Miller and Andrew Carbonell have driven the Visit Florida Racing Mazda6 Skyactiv-D to the car's first ever victory at the Rolex Grand-Am GX race at Road Atlanta. The win marks the first ever for Mazda's diesel-burning, production-car based Skyactiv-D racer, and the first win for a diesel-powered car in a Grand-Am event.

In fact, it was a particularly good day for the Mazda Motorsports team, as a Mazda6 also picked up the third finishing spot at Road Atlanta. Director of Mazda Motorsports, John M. Doonan, said of the racecar, "We've always said that the best street cars make the best racecars, and, with more than half of the components in the race engine being shared with the street engine, this program is a solid proof-point."

SpeedSource Engineering, which helped to build the Mazda6 racer, was greatly heartened by the car's performance in just it's fourth-ever race. Owner Sylvain Tremblay called the victory, "a tribute to the thousands of hours of hard work over many months," continuing, "The normal plan with a new car is to spend the first year in development, the second year seeking race wins, and challenging for a championship in year three. We are already at our year-two status after four races. We can't wait to get to the Belle Isle course in Detroit for round five."

Scroll down to read the victorious press release, then watch a video showing the launch of the civilian Mazda6 diesel at the LA Auto Show earlier this year.

Gallery: 2014 Mazda 6 Skyactiv diesel






Continue reading Mazda6 Skyactiv-D racecar gets first win at Road Atlanta

Mazda6 Skyactiv-D racecar gets first win at Road Atlanta originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> andrew carbonellgrand amjoel millermazdamazda mazda6racecarroad atlantaskyactiv-d Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547523/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/mazda6-skyactiv-d-racecar-gets-first-win-at-road-atlanta/20547523/article-detail.xml 20547523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mazda6-skyactiv-d-road-atlanta-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mazda6-skyactiv-d-road-atlanta-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-quick-spin-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-quick-spin-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-quick-spin-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Reading the stats for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive is like looking at the Prada storefront on Rodeo Drive - it is an extravagance tinged with Electrobeam gaudiness that's so far from normal it makes the average viewer declare, "Interesting, but..." before trying to find the stargate back to Earth.

It's a shame if the SLS AMG Electric Drive comes off as an otherworldly bauble for the moneyed - most of whom won't appreciate it beyond the early-adopter and top-tenth-of-one-percenter status it confers - because it's almost 2,268 kg (2.5 tons) of passionately engineered electric fun and optic-smashing vinyl wraps. To overlook it is to miss out on technology that is, we hope, headed for a more prosaic AMG soon. We drove this car on the same day as the SLS AMG Black Series, and there was so much to learn and enjoy that we almost regretted having to leave it to drive the Black Series. Almost.

Scroll down to read our driving notes and watch a short review video.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive [w/video]

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mercedes sls amg electric drivemercedesmercedes sls amgmercedes sls amg electric drivemercedes-benzmercedes-benz slsmercedes-benz sls amgquick spinquickspinsls Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20545824/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-quick-spin-review-video/20545824/article-detail.xml 20545824 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-01-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-01-opt.png <![CDATA[2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel gets 5.1 L/100km (46 mpg)]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-gets-46-mpg/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-gets-46-mpg/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-gets-46-mpg/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

General Motors has announced the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel will return 5.1 L/100km (46 mpg) highway based on Environmental Protection Agency estimates, besting original projections. As GM points out, the figure is better than "any non-hybrid passenger car in America," including the Volkswagen Passat TDI at 5.4 L/100km (43 mpg) and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI at 5.6 L/100km (42 mpg). The Toyota Prius, meanwhile, still bests the Cruze Diesel thanks to the hybrid's 4.9 L/100km (48 mpg) highway rating.

Still, Chevrolet should be proud of its four-door. The car's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivers 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission. Drivers will also enjoy an overboost function that can crank the engine to 280 lb-ft of torque for brief stints. This all means that the Cruze will be able to travel 1,126 km (700 miles) on a single tank of fuel, while achieving a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 8.6 seconds.

You can check out the full press release below for more information, then be sure to watch the 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel launch at the Chicago Auto Show.

Gallery: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel: First Drive






Continue reading 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel gets 5.1 L/100km (46 mpg)

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel gets 5.1 L/100km (46 mpg) originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevy cruze dieselchevy cruzechevy cruze dieselcruzecruze dieseldieselenvironmental protection agencyepafuel economyfuel milagempg Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20544799/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-gets-46-mpg/20544799/article-detail.xml 20544799 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-cruze-clean-turbo-diesel-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-cruze-clean-turbo-diesel-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class to get diesel, hybrid versions]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/next-mercedes-benz-c-class-to-get-diesel-hybrid-versions/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/next-mercedes-benz-c-class-to-get-diesel-hybrid-versions/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/next-mercedes-benz-c-class-to-get-diesel-hybrid-versions/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz C-Class spy shots

Mercedes-Benz is planning a more aggressive product strategy for its next-generation C-Class range. "We were fighting the 3 Series with two arms tied behind our back, and now we will change that," Steve Cannon, the automaker's US CEO, told Automotive News in a recent interview.

In addition to offering more body styles of the new C-Class, AN reports that the revamped Mercedes will also be offered here with hybrid and diesel powertrains. Currently, the C-Class comes in coupe and sedan variants, with only gasoline engines. The BMW 3 Series, however, is available as a sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon, and offers buyers the choice of gasoline, diesel (the upcoming 328d) or hybrid power.

Mercedes-Benz will show the next-generation C-Class at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, with sales of the US-built sedan following in August. Coupe, convertible and hybrid models will follow in early 2015, and while diesel and all-wheel-drive versions are planned, no specific timetable has been released regarding availability.

Automotive News reports that Mercedes will not be bringing over the wagon version of the C-Class, and we won't be getting any sort of funky crossover-ish things to rival the BMW 3 Series GT. Furthermore, AN states that we will also not be getting any sort of low-cost entry-level C-Class to rival the new BMW 320i, as Mercedes-Benz will offer the swoopy CLA-Class to those looking for a cheaper entry into the brand.

Click through to watch a video showing the 2013 C-Class interior.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe DTM AMG: Frankfurt 2011

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe DTM AMG: Frankfurt 2011





Continue reading Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class to get diesel, hybrid versions

Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class to get diesel, hybrid versions originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> c classc-classdieselhybridmercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz c-class Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20543448/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/17/next-mercedes-benz-c-class-to-get-diesel-hybrid-versions/20543448/article-detail.xml 20543448 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-mercedes-benz-c-class-spy-shots_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-mercedes-benz-c-class-spy-shots.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500e]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Cinquecento's Electrifying One-Price Strategy Is A Gas



North America's electric vehicle segment is getting crowded, but sales remain tiny compared to the overall market. Listening to EV pitchmen, a key phrase heard over and over is "no compromises." This particular EV, the seller says, offers all* the things you want in a car, without the gasoline and without compromises. That asterisk thing? Well, sure, the electric vehicle paradigm requires you rethink the "one car that does everything" mentality, but once that's out of the way, there are no compromises here. No siree.

Of course, all EVs require compromises - but the truth is that every car forces owners to make compromises. Big SUVs don't always fit into parking spaces and suck down fuel. Subcompacts can't hold a gaggle of children and dogs. High-performance sports cars compromise wallets. Once you wrap your head around the idea that choosing electric is an option just like vehicle size or colour - where no one choice is right for everybody, even if it's perfect for some - the 2014 Fiat 500e, going on sale this summer, asks a simple question: when you're driving in a city, why would you drive anything except an EV?

Fiat has been making the 500e at its Toluca, Mexico plant since early December, but it isn't busy building a million so that just anyone can own one. In fact, the automaker is going out of its way to make sure you don't buy a 500e if it's not right for you. The official website will soon have a "compatibility matching service" that will use information you feed it to determine if you're an EV candidate (we're guessing a short commute, an understanding of new technology and a place to charge at home will be the key factors). If the system doesn't think you're EV-ready, it'll propose a different 500 for you. Nice, huh?

So, does the 500e actually offer pure electric mobility without compromises? Yes and no. Mostly yes, and it's a fun yes.

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500e

2013 Fiat 500e originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500e500ecar reviewelectricelectric carelectric car reviewelectric vehicleevfeaturedfiatfiat 500fiat 500efirst driveFirstDrivereview Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20541106/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/20541106/article-detail.xml 20541106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/11-2014-fiat-500e-fd-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/11-2014-fiat-500e-fd-opt.png <![CDATA[Ford confirms 1.5-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine for 2014 Fusion]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/ford-confirms-1-5-liter-ecoboost-four-cylinder-engine-for-2014-f/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/ford-confirms-1-5-liter-ecoboost-four-cylinder-engine-for-2014-f/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/ford-confirms-1-5-liter-ecoboost-four-cylinder-engine-for-2014-f/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Fusion

Earlier this week, reports were swirling 'round the internet about the 2014 Ford Fusion getting a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. That was... half correct. Ford today confirmed that the 2014 Fusion is, in fact, getting a new 1.5-litre EcoBoost mill, but it has four cylinders, not three.

Ford 1.5-liter EcoBoost engineThe new 1.5-litre engine will be the fifth EcoBoost powerplant from Ford Motor Company. Initially to be built at the automaker's Craiova, Romania plant, it will also be offered in the Fusion's twin, the Mondeo, in other markets. This engine will debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next month, and the 1.5-litre is of particular importance in the Chinese market - there is significant tax relief in the People's Republic for vehicles powered by engines with a capacity of 1.5 litres or less.

At a media briefing Thursday, Ford declined to divulge exact power or fuel economy numbers, though Joe Bakaj, vice president of powertrain engineering, told Autoblog that power output should be similar to that of the current 1.6-litre inline-four, and that overall efficiency will be "better than the 1.6." Our earlier report stated that the 1.5-litre four will produce 177 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque - losses of 1 hp and 7 lb-ft versus the 1.6-litre engine. Ford states that the 1.5-litre four will feature many of the same technologies used on the company's 1.0-litre EcoBoost inline-three, including an integrated exhaust manifold that recaptures much of the engine's heat.

Ford will release more information regarding the 1.5-litre engine later this year, including availability in the 2014 Fusion. Earlier, we reported that the 1.5 would only be available with Ford's six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, though the 1.6 would be kept around for those preferring the company's six-speed manual setup. Click here to take a closer look at Ford's new 1.5 litre four cylinder engine.

Scroll down for more information about the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine in Ford's press release, and to watch a video review of Ford's EcoBoost equipped Escape.

Gallery: Ford Fusion Show Cars: SEMA 2012







Continue reading Ford confirms 1.5-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine for 2014 Fusion

Ford confirms 1.5-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine for 2014 Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1.5-liter ecoboost2014 ford fusion3 cylinder3 cylinder engine3 cylinders3-Seriesecoboostfordford fusionfusionfusion hybridthree cylinderthree cylinder ecoboostthree cylinder enginethree cylindersthree-cylinderthree-cylinder engine Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20538758/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/ford-confirms-1-5-liter-ecoboost-four-cylinder-engine-for-2014-f/20538758/article-detail.xml 20538758 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-ford-fusion-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-ford-fusion-628.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin Rapide S headed to 24 Hours of Nürburgring with hydrogen power]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hydrogen-hybrid-aston-martin-rapide-s-nurburgring-24-hours/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hydrogen-hybrid-aston-martin-rapide-s-nurburgring-24-hours/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/hydrogen-hybrid-aston-martin-rapide-s-nurburgring-24-hours/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Aston Martin Hydrogen Rapide S Race Car

Aston Martin has announced it will both debut and campaign a hydrogen-powered Rapide S at this year's ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The company wants to be the first to manage a zero carbon dioxide emission lap in mainstream racing, and the racecar should be the first hydrogen-powered machine to compete in an international event. The Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S will continue to use a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine for propulsion, though the prototype engine can be fed on either pure gasoline, pure hydrogen or any combination of the two.

In order to do so, Aston Martin had to install a hydrogen fuel rail, tanks and an entirely separate engine management system. The tanks themselves are hewn from ultra-high-strength carbon fibre. The four vessels can hold around 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds) of hydrogen at 350 bar (5,076 pounds per square inch) of pressure. Two get stashed next to the driver while the other two reside in the car's trunk. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Scroll down to watch Aston Martin's 1959 24 Hour of Le Mans race tribute video.

Gallery: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S: First Drive






Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide S headed to 24 Hours of Nürburgring with hydrogen power

Aston Martin Rapide S headed to 24 Hours of Nürburgring with hydrogen power originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of le mans24 hours of nuburgringaston martinaston martin hybrid hydrogen rapide saston martin rapide sAston Martin Rapide S Hybrid HydrogenAstonMartinAstonMartinRapidehybridhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellle mansnurburgringnurburgring 24NurburgringNordschleife Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20538713/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/hydrogen-hybrid-aston-martin-rapide-s-nurburgring-24-hours/20538713/article-detail.xml 20538713 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/aston-martin-hybrid-hydrogen-rapide-s-1628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/aston-martin-hybrid-hydrogen-rapide-s-1628opt.jpg <![CDATA[NYC Nissan taxi cabs could be banned because they're not hybrid]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/some-ny-cabs-could-avoid-hybrid-ban/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/some-ny-cabs-could-avoid-hybrid-ban/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/some-ny-cabs-could-avoid-hybrid-ban/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Nissan NV200

The Nissan NV200 is having a rough go of it as New York City's Taxi of Tomorrow. The Greater New York Taxi Association wants the van banned on the grounds that it isn't a hybrid, and has gone so far as to sue the city to keep the NV200 out of taxi fleets. According to The New York Times, the city has responded by proposing to allow taxi drivers to use certain hybrid vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission's proposal would allow any vehicle with an interior volume of 3,908 litres (138 cubic feet) or more. Unfortunately, that excludes nearly every machine that isn't the size of the NV200.

Technically, Nissan is working on a hybrid version of the Taxi of Tomorrow, but it may be years before that model hits the streets, and the Greater New York Taxi Association isn't satisfied with the city's offer. In a statement, the Association said, "These rules look like they have been created to short-circuit the litigation. We do not consider this to be a serious proposal."

Click through to watch a video showing NYC's future taxi concept.

Gallery: 2013 Nissan NV200: Chicago 2013






Continue reading NYC Nissan taxi cabs could be banned because they're not hybrid

NYC Nissan taxi cabs could be banned because they're not hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel efficiencygreater new york taxi associationgreennew york taxi and limousine commissionnissannissan nv200taxitaxi of tomorrow Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20531647/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/07/some-ny-cabs-could-avoid-hybrid-ban/20531647/article-detail.xml 20531647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-nv200-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-nv200-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fuel efficiency, green powertrains on GM agenda with multi-million dollar investment]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fuel-efficiency-gas-save-green-tech-engines-millions-dollars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fuel-efficiency-gas-save-green-tech-engines-millions-dollars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fuel-efficiency-gas-save-green-tech-engines-millions-dollars/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 General Motors Powertrain Investments - infographic

Not far from Canadian borders, American automakers churn out hundreds of thousands of cars every year. General Motors has announced it will invest around US$332 million to produce more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions. The cash will be split between four manufacturing facilities, including Bedford, Indiana and Toledo, Ohio, as well as Bay City and Flint, Michigan. The plants will use the funds to build a new Ecotec small gasoline engine as well as a new V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. The cash will also go towards retooling current six-speed transmissions. Flint will receive the bulk of the investment at US$215 million to build the new Ecotec. GM says that engine is part of a new family that will include three and four-cylinder options with displacements ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 litres.

Toledo, meanwhile, will receive US$55.7 million to build the new eight-speed automatic, which is expected to show up in multiple GM vehicles by the end of 2016. The plant will also retool to produce the current six-speed auto. Bay City Powertrain, meanwhile, will use US$31.7 million to produce components for both the new Ecotec and the new V6 engine, while the Bedford Castings facility will use US$29.4 million to build parts for the new eight-speed automatic as well as both engines. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Gallery






Continue reading Fuel efficiency, green powertrains on GM agenda with multi-million dollar investment

Fuel efficiency, green powertrains on GM agenda with multi-million dollar investment originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bay citybedford indianacar plantecotecefficientefficient vehiclesenginesEngineSizeenvironmentflintfuelfuel economyfuel efficiencyfuel efficientfuel saving tipsgeneral motorsgmgm powertrain investmentsgreengreen livinginvestInvestorsObserverplants-vs-zombiespowertraintoledo Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20531598/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/07/fuel-efficiency-gas-save-green-tech-engines-millions-dollars/20531598/article-detail.xml 20531598 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/gm-investments-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/gm-investments-628.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit Electric to launch sedan, hatchback models by end of 2014]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Detroit Electric SP:01 - front three-quarter view, blue

Detroit Electric revealed its new SP:01 electric sports car (pictured) at Detroit's historic Fisher Building Wednesday - the same place where the company's headquarters are located - marking the rebirth of a marque that had been dormant since 1939. And while the first SP:01 cars won't even be built until August, the company is already looking to the future, promising two more vehicle launches before the end of 2014.

During a press briefing, Albert Lam, chairman and CEO, and Don Graundstadt, CEO of North American operations, told reporters that the new models coming to market will be a sedan and hatchback, both of which will cost far less than the US$135,000 SP:01 sports car (a price that does not include the federal tax credit, by the way). Specific pricing hasn't been announced, but Lam said that the vehicles will be priced for "everyday practical usage," and that one of them could fall in the US$30,000 to US$35,000 range - similar to that of a Nissan Leaf.

The vehicles will be priced for "everyday practical usage," and one of them could fall in the US$30,000 to US$35,000 range.

Much like the Lotus-based SP:01, the new vehicles will follow the strategy that the company is currently using, where most of the car's components will be outsourced from another automaker, with final assembly of the Detroit Electric product happening in the United States. Officials declined to reveal what automaker(s) it will be working with on these new products at this time, but Autoblog has learned that an official announcement about a partnership with a global automaker will be announced at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.

Scroll down to keep reading, and to watch a teaser video of the SP:01's Shanghai launch.

Gallery: Detroit Electric SP:01






Continue reading Detroit Electric to launch sedan, hatchback models by end of 2014

Detroit Electric to launch sedan, hatchback models by end of 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> detroit electricdetroit electric sp:01detroitelectricelectricelectric carelectric sports carelectric vehicleshanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor showsp 01sp01sp:01sports carteslatesla motorstesla roadster Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20531419/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/20531419/article-detail.xml 20531419 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/006-detroit-electric-sp01-live-1365039488_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/006-detroit-electric-sp01-live-1365039488.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit Electric SP:01 takes the fight to Tesla Roadster (w/video)]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Detroit Electric SP:01

We won't fault you if the name Detroit Electric has fallen off your radar. After all, the company is best known for producing around 13,000 electric vehicles in the early 1900s, not to mention a revival from the Zap brand that, well, faded away. But the company is back in action, and today showed off its first product that is set to go on sale later this year, the sweet little SP:01 that you see above.

By the end of 2014, Detroit Electric will produce a range of all-electric cars.

It's no secret that the company is relying on a Lotus Exige shell for its new electric car, and that's largely thanks to the fact that the brand was revived by former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and executive director of Lotus Cars of England, Albert Lam. As its name suggests, Detroit Electric has set up shop in the city's historic Fisher Building, and will produce cars at a facility somewhere in the metropolitan Detroit area. The company states that this dedicated production shop will have an annual capacity of building 2,500 cars and will create over 180 jobs in the process.

By the end of 2014, Detroit Electric will produce a range of all-electric cars, with two more machines scheduled to launch sometime next year. The SP:01 - the first product to wear the Detroit Electric name since 1939 - starts production this August, and pay attention, because it looks to have all the chops of a serious high-performance EV. Scroll down to read on and watch a quick video about its upcoming launch.

Gallery: Detroit Electric SP:01







Continue reading Detroit Electric SP:01 takes the fight to Tesla Roadster (w/video)

Detroit Electric SP:01 takes the fight to Tesla Roadster (w/video) originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> detroit electricdetroit electric sp:01electricelectric carelectric carselectric sports carelectric sports carshybridtesla Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20530188/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/20530188/article-detail.xml 20530188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-detroit-electric-sp01-live628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-detroit-electric-sp01-live628opt.jpg -1 2