Autoblog Canada

DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Technology, Safety, Government/Legal, Hands on

If you've noticed a disturbing lack of dash cam in your life, our friends at sister site Translogic have just the thing for you. They've worked up a quick play-by-play for how to turn your GoPro Hero3 into a go-anywhere camera to record everything that goes on in front of your vehicle.

The steps are as simple as drilling small hole in the camera's water proof case to allow access to the USB charging port. From there, you can supply constant power through a 12-volt USB adapter. Mount the camera to your windshield using the suction mount and you're very nearly ready to go.

Next, set up the loop recording feature and you're good to go. The Hero3 can loop record in 5, 20, 60 or 120 minute files wherein it will record to the maximum time before starting a new save file. Once the memory card is full, it will record over the oldest file. It can also loop record in "maximum" mode, where the camera fills the memory card, then starts over again. Check out the video Translogic made below for a look at the finished results.

Gallery: Top 10 SEMA Products

Continue reading DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video]

DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drive-it-like-you-stole-it screwdriver car key will entertain police

Shawn Molnar — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, USA, Humour, Government/Legal, Design/Style, Hands on

If you sorely miss the childhood game of 'cops and robbers' and want to resurrect that butterfly-in-your-stomach feeling every time you jump in your car, Hahabird.com might have the dramatic solution you've been searching for.

Thanks to their creative 'srewdriver key' you can now feel your pulse rise every time you approach your car as you pull a srewdriver (key) from your pocket and throw nervous glances over your shoulder. Then, with shifty eyes peering low over the dash, you can twist the key like a motorcycle throttle-grip, cackle like The Joker, and make haste from your parking spot - one eye on the rearview. If this scenario doesn't get your pulse racing, you're likely either too mature for this crafty intrigue, or too well versed a car-thief. Or maybe you're car just isn't 'old-school' enough to use a manual twist key.

To read the detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to create your own srewdriver key, hit the jump to Hahabird.com. As far as a script for what to tell the police officers investigating your suspicious behavior, you're on your own. It may be best to simply admit you had a boring childhood.

Scroll down to watch a video showing how a seven-year-old stole his parents' car to escape church.

Gallery: Top 5 Most Stolen Cars in Canada

Continue reading Drive-it-like-you-stole-it screwdriver car key will entertain police

Drive-it-like-you-stole-it screwdriver car key will entertain police originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 07 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A car owners guide to warning and check engine lights

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Top 10 Most Common Maintenance Mistakes

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

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Autoblog Canada's must-see car shows, events and races of 2013

Justin Mastine-Frost — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Luxury, Aftermarket, Classics, Canada, Motor sports, Event Alret, Design/Style, Concept Cars, Specialty, Racing, Performance, Hands on

By all accounts it's looking like it's going to another great year for car shows, events, and racing across the country, so we thought we would roll out our first ever Autoblog Canada must-see events list for 2013. Stretching from East to West, from Vancouver Island to PEI, we have hand-picked an assortment of events including a bit of everything, from tuner meets to collector car auctions.

As the weeks roll on we will be keeping you up to date with updated posts on upcoming events and on-site coverage whenever our team is available. If something is going on in your area that you think is worth mentioning, send us an email and we will do our best to add it to our lineup.

Click past the jump to see our comprehensive list of the best Canadian car shows, automotive events and races for 2013.

Gallery: 2012 Ford PDC Truck and Car Show

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Autoblog Canada's must-see car shows, events and races of 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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.

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LaFerrari 3D model adds depth to Maranello's new supercar

Chris Paukert — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Ferrari, Design/Style, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Geneva Auto Show, Hands on

At its recent Geneva Motor Show unveiling, we couldn't help but spend a good long time gawking at the new LaFerrari supercar. It isn't just that it's the newest top-line Ferrari, or even that it picks up where the Enzo left off - it's just that there's so much to look at, from the ductwork in its long nose to the delicate artistry of its sideview mirrors. There's so much aerodynamic wizardry at play on every surface that you just want to pick it up in your hand and take a closer look every which way - even underneath.

Sadly that's not possible, but we may just have the next best thing. Autoblog reader Giorgio has come up with this clever interactive 3D model of the LaFerrari, and we think it's neat enough that you might want to take a look - check it out by scrolling below. And don't forget - we love featuring what our car-crazed readers are up to, including here or on our Facebook page, so keep those tips coming.

Click through to look at the 3D model, and to watch Ferrari's LaFerrari launch video.

Gallery: Ferrari LaFerrari: Geneva 2013

Continue reading LaFerrari 3D model adds depth to Maranello's new supercar

LaFerrari 3D model adds depth to Maranello's new supercar originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Vancouver Auto Show full preview and event details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Insane Mongol Rally 16,000 km trek by BC students for charity

Shawn Molnar — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Canada, China, Motor sports, Humour, Hands on

Our ears perk up when we hear 'road trip' much the same as a dog's ears perk up when you say, 'outside.' We've found ourselves on many a road trip in many unique machines, in many parts of the world and we've got to admit: we're smitten every time.

Is it the quirky challenges, the wind and stars through the sunroof, or the unknown that resides at the horizon? Maybe it's the quality time with friends, the road grub, or the chance to listen to your entire music library, unimpeded. Regardless of why, we love them, and we're game to learn about others' epic road trip adventures.

A trio of students from University of British Columbia (UBC) are set to take a 16,000 kilometre road trip, their destination being the far-flung nation of Mongolia. The these brave students dubbed the Mongolian Rhapsody, will be disembarking from London, England in a small car - reportedly in a compact with an engine less than 1-litre in displacement. We're not sure if they chose a tiny displacement engine for the fuel economy or the challenge of getting a torque-less car through a mud bog, but there's no denying that the three from UBC are set for one serious adventure.

Of course, there's more to this undertaking than good times and thousands of kilometres: the students aim to raise $10,000 for Vancouver-based charity Kitsilano Neighbourhood House

That giddy, butterflies-in-stomach feeling begins July 13th for the students, and their adventure will keep them in the saddle anywhere from one to five weeks.

Interested in completing your own 16,000-kilometre Mongol Rally? Click here to learn more.

Scroll down to watch last year's Mongol Rally road trip insanity unravel.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6 Mongolian Expedition Vehicle

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Insane Mongol Rally 16,000 km trek by BC students for charity originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Luxury, Convertible, Car Buying, Jaguar, Reviews, Quick Spin, Performance, Hands on

Not long after executive editor Chris Paukert drove the Jaguar XKR-S Coupe, I found myself holding the keys to the gorgeous British Racing Green XKR-S Convertible you see here. Mechanically, it's exactly the same as the coupe, save an additional 50 kilos (111 pounds) of weight and a slightly less-usable boot. And from behind the wheel, the Convertible's on-road manners don't differ too much from its hardtop kin.

Thanks to a revised chassis setup versus the standard XK convertible, the XKR-S isn't plagued with cowl shake or general wobbliness, though there's a still a bit of safe, predictable understeer dialed in to the suspension geometry. Around back, the big cat will happily swing its butt out around a turn when provoked, even with the traction control nannies in full effect. The XKR-S Convertible takes to the road more like a muscle car than a proper sportster, ditching scalpel-like precise handling for pure stabbing force.

The most impressive part of the XKR-S formula is the menacing growl that shoots out of what we can only assume are the polished quad exhaust tips of Satan's own vocal cords.

But the XKR-S Convertible's pièce de résistance is best seen - or rather, heard - when you drop the top. Nevermind the brute force of the 510-horsepower supercharged V8 underhood, able to slap the 1,850 KG (4,079 LB) Jaguar to 96 kilometres per hour (60 miles per hour) in just 4.2 seconds, the most impressive part of the XKR-S formula is the menacing growl that shoots out of what we can only assume are the polished quad exhaust tips of Satan's own vocal cords. During my week with the car, I couldn't resist purposely mashing the throttle as I drove out onto Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, simply so I could hear that heart-fluttering roar bounce off the tall concrete buildings, slamming pedestrians with eight-cylinder aural delight whether they liked it or not.

Thing is, though, you get this same sort of experience in the coupe. And while the hardtop XKR-S doesn't come with the wind-in-your-hair experience, it does everything the droptop can do for a full $5,850 CAD ($6,000 USD) less. The same well-appointed, beautifully trimmed interior is there, complete with two excellent sport chairs up front, completely useless rear buckets that are better suited for packages than people, and the same infuriatingly slow infotainment/navigation system we've grown to, well, deal with. In any case, the XKR-S package is very sweet, but unless you're hellbent on the full open-air experience, just stick with the coupe.

Click here to watch Jaguar instructor Minna Sillankorva take the 2013 Jaguar XKR-S convertible for a spin in the ice and the snow.

Gallery: 2013 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

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2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Industry bracing for shortage of top-skilled auto mechanics [w/video]

Chris Tutor — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hands on

What do you want to be when you grow up? If you answered, "mechanic," you're in the minority. But that could be a good thing for your chances of getting a job. As USA Today points out, a shortage of mechanics and an increase in the complexity of today's cars means there's big demand for more wrenchers.

Kids today are more likely to grow up playing video games and chatting with friends online than they are to tinker with their cars. That means the nation's auto repair workforce is getting grayer and moving toward retirement with fewer replacements being trained.

The American Bureau of Labor Statistics says demand for auto mechanics will increase 17 per cent by 2020, adding 124,800 jobs in the United States. The Bureau's last set of data, from 2010, shows mechanics earn an average of about US$36k, but 10 per cent earned more than US$59k. Numbers like that suggest what few trained mechanics are produced every year are being snatched up as soon as they graduate.

Add in the complexities of new cars like hybrids, EVs and clean diesels, and the number of qualified applicants gets even smaller.

Many high schools have dropped auto repair programs, citing less interest and greater cost in the high-tech equipment now required. But automakers are teaming with educators to encourage interest in car repair careers, hoping to head off a looming crisis. The average age of mechanics at General Motors, Ford and Chrysler dealerships is in the low 40s, and many of the most knowledgeable will be retiring soon.

Click here to watch a USA Today video report on the growing conundrum.

Continue reading Industry bracing for shortage of top-skilled auto mechanics [w/video]

Industry bracing for shortage of top-skilled auto mechanics [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford wants you to give the gift of "some assembly required" for Father's Day

Zach Bowman — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Classics, Ford, Performance, Hands on

Father's Day is today, and if you're anything like us, you've put off trying to find a gift. Ford has an idea for those of us who were too lazy to pull up dad's Amazon list and click purchase. The automaker says it takes roughly two years for a hobbyist to complete a classic vehicle restoration from the ground up over nights and weekends. That means that a project Mustang started this summer will be ready just in time for the car's 50th anniversary in a couple of years.

How's that for clever? The company says roughly 95 per cent of all Mustang parts are available brand new as reproductions right now through FordRestorationParts.com, including full body shells like the one seen above. Besides, what's your old man doing with his time now that he doesn't have to worry about you choking to death on your hand anymore? Check out the press release for more information.

Continue reading Ford wants you to give the gift of "some assembly required" for Father's Day

Ford wants you to give the gift of "some assembly required" for Father's Day originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Senna in, Grosjean up, Heidfeld out at Lotus Renault GP

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Renault, Motor sports, Hands on

The sidelining of Robert Kubica left big shoes to fill at the Lotus Renault GP team. After the Polish driver crashed out in a pre-season rally, the team was left scrambling to find a replacement. But rather than dip into its own considerable reserve of back-up drivers, the higher-ups opted to bring in Nick Heidfeld to fill Kubica's seat.

The eleven-season F1 veteran performed admirably in a pinch for Renault, most notably scoring a podium finish in Malaysia. But that didn't keep the team from replacing him for last week's Belgian Grand Prix, promoting their test driver and former HRT pilot Bruno Senna to his place.

The move lead to much speculation over what would unfold for the rest of the season, but Renault has now put that to rest by announcing that Senna will be driving the remaining seven rounds left in the season and that Heidfeld - who had (quite understandably) expressed some measure of dissatisfaction with having been shown the door - is departing the team.

It's a big leg-up for Senna and a ballsy move for Renault, but undoubtedly disappointing for Heidfeld. For his part, the German driver (who's spent the bulk of his career at Sauber) pledges to be back next season. Meanwhile Senna's previous role as test driver will be taken up once again by Romain Grosjean, the Franco-Swiss driver who took Nelsinho Piquet's place at the team in the wake of the Crashgate scandal in 2009 and who just claimed the title in the GP2 series.

News Source: Renault

Senna in, Grosjean up, Heidfeld out at Lotus Renault GP originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New tire technology improves traction in summer... and winter

Daniel Ponzini — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Safety, Hands on

As much as some drivers on the road would not like to admit, tires are what provide the most traction while sitting in a vehicle. The tires on a vehicle should be praised well before the driver (and scorned in some instances).

For all those egotistical drivers out there that would prefer the positive compliments on their smooth, safe driving in almost any weather condition, there is a new tire technology to help their cause. Besides from the self-inflating Goodyear tire story we brought you last week, the new technology focuses more on keeping your ride stuck to the road, where it belongs. That technology goes by the name of evolving traction grooves, click past the jump to see how even after some wear, these treads can still keep you on the safe path home.

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New tire technology improves traction in summer... and winter originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luc Donckerwolke named Head of Advanced Design for VW Group

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Design/Style, Hands on

Luc Donckerwolke, the man who brought us the Lamborghini Gallardo, Murcielago and Diablo VT 6.0 (hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah) has been promoted to head of advanced design at the Volkswagen Group.

He leaves his position as director of design at Spain's SEAT and will answer directly to VW Group Design Chief, Walter de Silva.

Donckerwolke's most recent concept car was the SEAT IBE electric hatchback, which was introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Follow the jump for the press release detailing the org-chart shuffle at VW Group.

News Source: Volkswagen

Continue reading Luc Donckerwolke named Head of Advanced Design for VW Group

Luc Donckerwolke named Head of Advanced Design for VW Group originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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