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[2015 Mazda3 interior spied for the first time]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/2015-mazda3-interior-spied-for-the-first-time/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/2015-mazda3-interior-spied-for-the-first-time/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/2015-mazda3-interior-spied-for-the-first-time/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2015 Mazda3 spy shot

In terms of exterior appearance, not much has changed from the last time we spotted the next-generation Mazda3 out testing. Oh, sure - we can see plenty of details that clearly show the new Kodo design influence (that front end reminds us a whole lot of the sleek new Mazda6), but these latest round of spy shots don't really show us anything we haven't seen before. Oh, wait, yes they do - the interior!

2015 Mazda3 interiorFeast your eyes on the 2015 Mazda3's insides, showing a vastly reworked interior that also takes cues from the automaker's most recently refreshed products. We can see that there's a simple, clean center stack with a slim row of heating and cooling functions, and up top there's a large, presumably touchscreen display, with redundant controls found just aft of the shifter.


We expect that the 2015 Mazda3 will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, packing both petrol and diesel engines. A sedan variant is also in the works, and should debut shortly after the hatchback. Click here for a closer look at our latest spy shot images and then watch a video on Mazda's Kodo design, below.

Gallery: 2015 Mazda3 Spy Shot

Continue reading 2015 Mazda3 interior spied for the first time

2015 Mazda3 interior spied for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 mazda3mazdamazda3spy photosspy picsspy shots Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20562303/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/2015-mazda3-interior-spied-for-the-first-time/20562303/article-detail.xml 20562303 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-mazda3-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-mazda3-spy-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ariel Atom V8 races against BMW HP4 superbike and Citroën DS3 racer]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-races-against-bmw-hp4-superbike-and-citroen-ds3-ra/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-races-against-bmw-hp4-superbike-and-citroen-ds3-ra/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-races-against-bmw-hp4-superbike-and-citroen-ds3-ra/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,



Autocar took an Ariel Atom V8, BMW HP4 superbike and X-Games gold medalist Liam Doren's Citroën DS3 rallycross ride to an airstrip for a drag race. Sadly for all the drivers and for us, the clouds took to the sky and poured more and more rain on the track before the big race.

It's still a fun theoretical battle. The 550-kilogram Ariel Atom brings a 3.3-litre V8 with 475 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque and a 748-hp-per-ton ratio. The engine-restricted, 1,300-kg DS3 Rallycross rocks a 2.0-litre four-cylinder set for the day to about 560 hp, 600 lb-ft and - because of its variable boost - anywhere from 454-577 hp-per-ton. The HP4, naturally, does the most with the least, its 169 kg hauling a 1.0-litre engine with 163 hp, 83 lb-ft and a screaming 757 hp-per-ton.

It's a shame the weather didn't allow the entrants to show all they could do, especially the two-wheel-drive Atom. Nevertheless, it does demonstrate how critical the amount of available traction is to get the most from high-performance machinery, and there's lots of launch-controlled action and watch a winner crowned in the video below.

Gallery: Ariel Atom in Canada

Continue reading Ariel Atom V8 races against BMW HP4 superbike and Citroën DS3 racer

Ariel Atom V8 races against BMW HP4 superbike and Citroën DS3 racer originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariel atomariel atom v8autocarbmw hp4citroen ds3liam dorenrallycrosssteve sutcliffevideoyoutube Thu, 16 May 2013 15:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20572498/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-races-against-bmw-hp4-superbike-and-citroen-ds3-ra/20572498/article-detail.xml 20572498 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/autocar-drag-hp4-atom-ds3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/autocar-drag-hp4-atom-ds3.jpg <![CDATA[Crazy Volkswagen driver slaps some sense into careless motorcycle rider]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volkswagen-driver-slaps-some-sense-into-reckless-motorcycle-ride/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volkswagen-driver-slaps-some-sense-into-reckless-motorcycle-ride/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volkswagen-driver-slaps-some-sense-into-reckless-motorcycle-ride/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Who knew angry Volkswagen drivers could be so gangster? Although we can't (and won't) condone this type of dangerous road rage behaviour, this slang-spitting and slap-happy VW Golf owner is clearly upset after exchanging some equally careless driving with a motorcyclist who may have cut him off during an impromptu drag race.

Watch as the man dangerously cuts off the bike, stops his car, gets out and confronts the motorcycle rider on video by shouting "hey, you better check yo self fool," followed by a loud slap delivered directly to the biker's face. Similar actions often lead to a full-blown violent attacks and even gun fights erupting between angry drivers, but in this case it seems to have literally slapped some sense into them both (similar to this other video) as the two men decide to move on with their lives and hopefully slow it down. Vengeful road rage violence just isn't worth it folks!

Click here to get a taste of this driver's violent version of 'swift street justice' in the video below.

Continue reading Crazy Volkswagen driver slaps some sense into careless motorcycle rider

Crazy Volkswagen driver slaps some sense into careless motorcycle rider originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carelesscareless drivingdangerousdangerous drivingfightmotorcyclemotorcycle stuntroad rageroad ragingslapspeedingvolkswagenvolkswagen golf Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20570812/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/volkswagen-driver-slaps-some-sense-into-reckless-motorcycle-ride/20570812/article-detail.xml 20570812 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/biker-gets-slapped_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/biker-gets-slapped.jpg <![CDATA[Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



For some reason, having unlikely rappers - like minivan-driving suburbanites or British mothers - spit about their rides is still a catchy advertising hook, even in other cultures. Far more so, we're guessing, than having P. Diddy sing about his dog and his pickup truck or a Brazilian street gang doing a Celtic dirge, for example.

And that's how you get three grandmothers ridin' dirty clean in a Mitsubishi i electric vehicle. The ad for the Belgian car sharing company Cambio - promoting the i in its fleet - gets the three "omaatjes" rolling through town in veteran hip-hop fashion, right down to the police once-over.

Check out how they do it in the video below, but beware, there is some explicit language.

Gallery: Top 10 celebrity cars and rich stars who drive cheap and ugly cars

Continue reading Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV

Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingbelgiumcambiocambio car sharingrapvideoyoutube Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20567284/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/20567284/article-detail.xml 20567284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cambio-i-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cambio-i-ad.jpg <![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[Volkswagen introduces R-Line accoutrements for new Golf]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/volkswagen-introduces-r-line-accoutrements-for-new-golf/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/volkswagen-introduces-r-line-accoutrements-for-new-golf/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/volkswagen-introduces-r-line-accoutrements-for-new-golf/#comments Filed under: , ,



Volkswagen has rolled out three new R-Line packages for the Golf, comprising exterior and interior kits along with a Sport Pack. Any one of them can be had on the Comfortline or Highline trims, but for different prices. The exterior add-ons include logos, new front and rear bumpers and a rear spoiler, new side sills and a black diffuser. It runs 995 euros (CAD$1,318) on the Highline, 1,180 euros (CAD$1,563) on the Comfortline.

The interior package includes items like aluminum-look instrument and door panels, new door sills, a black headliner, stainless steel pedal caps and sports seats. It goes for 640 euros (CAD$848) on the Highline trim or 945 euros (CAD$1,252) on Comfortline. You can add Vienna leather to that, upgrading from cloth, for either 1,755 (CAD$2,325) euros on the Highline or 2,115 euros (CAD$2,802) on the Comfortline.

Finally, the Sport package gets a new suspension and revised steering, plus tinted windows. It's the most economical of the lot, needing just 430 euros (CAD$570) for both Comfortline and Highline. The Salvador wheels in either 17- or 18-inch sizes can finish the whole thing off, and the press release below can tell you more about the tidbits included.

Click here for additional images.


Gallery: 2013 Volkswagen Golf R Cabrio

Continue reading Volkswagen introduces R-Line accoutrements for new Golf

Volkswagen introduces R-Line accoutrements for new Golf originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> golfr-linevolkswagenvolkswagen golfVolkswagenGolfvwvw golfvw golf r-line Sun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20551792/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/volkswagen-introduces-r-line-accoutrements-for-new-golf/20551792/article-detail.xml 20551792 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-golf-r-line_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-golf-r-line.jpg <![CDATA[VW developing carbon fibre roof for performance Golf models]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/vw-developing-carbon-fibre-roof-for-performance-golf-models/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/vw-developing-carbon-fibre-roof-for-performance-golf-models/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/vw-developing-carbon-fibre-roof-for-performance-golf-models/#comments Filed under: , ,

2015 Volkswagen GTI

According to Edmunds, Volkswagen is currently developing a carbon fibre roof option for performance versions of its Golf hatchback. This feature would not only save weight, but could slightly improve fuel economy as well.

Adding the carbon fibre roof could shed anywhere from 8 to 9 kg (18 to 20 pounds) off the porky little hatch's curb weight, Edmunds reports. At this point in development, Volkswagen is currently working out how to develop a set of waterproof joints to seal the roof to the car's body sides and windshield.

Pricing or specific launch timing for the carbon fibre roof has not been released, nor have any details about what specific models will receive the option. Of course, it stands to reason that the hottest Golf of the bunch, the Golf R, will have this weight-saving feature, but the perennial favourite GTI, pictured, would also be a good match for something like this.

Click through to watch a video showing carbon fibre production for car parts, including car roofs.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R-Line Concept






Continue reading VW developing carbon fibre roof for performance Golf models

VW developing carbon fibre roof for performance Golf models originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 09 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carbon fiber roofcarbon fibre roofvwvw golfvw golf rvw gti Thu, 09 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20560995/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/vw-developing-carbon-fibre-roof-for-performance-golf-models/20560995/article-detail.xml 20560995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/13-2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/13-2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW planning to keep next 1 Series out of North America?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/will-bmw-keep-the-next-1-series-out-of-north-america/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/will-bmw-keep-the-next-1-series-out-of-north-america/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/will-bmw-keep-the-next-1-series-out-of-north-america/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As BMW prepares to introduce the all-new 2 Series coupe and convertible, the 1 Series name definitely won't be going away. We know new sedan and hatchback models are in the works; including the GT shown above. According to Car and Driver, though, the future of the 1 Series nameplate in North America could be dependent on rival premium small cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3.

In an interview with C/D, BMW's North American head of product planning and strategy, Paul Ferraiolo, said that pricing might be the biggest deterrent to offering the third-gen 1 Series in North America. As he points out, BMW currently prices the 1 not too far from the 3 Series, but Mercedes-Benz and Audi will have their new small cars aggressively priced for far less. BMW's Mini brand will also factor into the consideration since the 1 GT will share its underpinnings with the next-gen Cooper lineup.

Gallery: BMW 1 Series 3-cylinder: First Drive






Continue reading BMW planning to keep next 1 Series out of North America?

BMW planning to keep next 1 Series out of North America? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 09 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi a3bmwbmw 1 seriesbmw small carmercedes-benz cla-classpremium small cars Thu, 09 May 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20560974/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/will-bmw-keep-the-next-1-series-out-of-north-america/20560974/article-detail.xml 20560974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bmw-1-series-gt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bmw-1-series-gt-628.jpg <![CDATA[The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500 [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Annetta Calisi and her husband have restored their Fiat 500D to the same specification with which it left the factory in 1964. The result is a cheeky yellow cinquecento that looks the part of a 1960's movie star car. For that matter, so does Annetta, who dresses appropriately mod for this latest Petrolicious video, The Speed of Sunshine.

At one point in the video, the lucky owner mentions, "I keep saying 'fun' don't I?" which does a fine job of summing up what it must be like to own this little rascal. Watch below, and smile.

Have you seen the rest of the really well-made Petrolicious video series? If you like classic metal, well shot and well recorded, you should check out our tag page, here (we think you've earned a little video break).

Hit the jump to view the full video.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth Tenebra Concept: Detroit 2013


Continue reading The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500 [w/video]

The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1964 fiat 500dfiatfiat 500fiat 500dmicro carpetroliciousvideo Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20560844/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500-w-video/20560844/article-detail.xml 20560844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



As is the case every year, Volkswagen engineers have built and brought a new toy to their fans at the annual Wörthersee festival in Reifnitz, Austria. Called the Design Vision GTI, this track toy is a Golf that's been widened, lowered and given an injection of twin-turbo V6 steroids. We reported on this uber-fast hatchback concept last week, and now we've got photos the back up the rumours.

The powerplant providing motivation is a 3.0-litre V6 paired with two turbochargers to produce 503 horsepower and up to 413 pound-feet of torque. With all-wheel drive and Volkswagen's famous DSG gearbox (the gear count is unknown), the Design Vision GTI can erase what's between you and 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds, as well as a reach a terminal velocity of 300 km/h (186 mph). Carbon ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels and a specially tuned chassis round out the hardware upgrades, while engineers compressed the car's dimensions to be shorter, wider and lower than a stock GTI.

The exterior of the Design Vision GTI is meant to evoke the future of GTI styling, which is fine by us as we especially like how the car's iconic C-pillar is pulled away from the body and flows into the significantly flared rear fenders. It looks like the reflection of a GTI in a circus mirror with menace-making bends. The interior, meanwhile, is an exercise in editing, with switches, knobs and all manner of unnecessary controls removed, and the centre console more severely oriented towards the driver. The rear seats have been replaced by an X-shaped crossbar, and red straps appear where door handles used to be (à la Porsche). There's even a camera embedded in the A-pillar that can shoot either the track ahead or the driver at work.

While not as stout in the power or performance departments as the 2007 GTI W12 Concept, the Design Vision GTI looks even more the business than that King of Golfs. For now we only have renderings, but we'll update this post with live images of the Design Vision GTI as soon as they're available.

Scroll down to read the official VW press release, then watch a video showing the Golf R facing off against the Mini Cooper S.

Gallery: 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI: First Drive






Continue reading VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee

VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> golfGolf GTIGolf Rgtivolkswagenvolkswagen golfvwvw design vision gtivw gtiwortherseeworthersee 2013 Wed, 08 May 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20561995/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/20561995/article-detail.xml 20561995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-design-vision-gti-000-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-design-vision-gti-000-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The last time we wrote about the Fiat commercial Immigrants, it was to question whether the ad provided our first glimpse of the 500T. That was a year ago, but Fiat isn't finished utilizing that commercial theme. The song in the one-minute commercial was Sexy People (All Around the World) by Italian songstress Arianna, and the Immigrant commercial has been lengthened and turned into a music video for the song as Arianna prepares that track and more for her first studio album.

The tune features Pit Bull and the clip is like a hip-hop video meets The Little Mermaid. Well, until Charlie Sheen shows up! That's when it starts Winning, and you can enjoy it all in the video below, along with the original ad from Fiat.

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Review

Continue reading Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video

Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariannacharlie sheencommercialfiatfiat 500fiat 500cfiat 500tfiat admusic videopit bullsexy peoplevideo Tue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20560866/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/20560866/article-detail.xml 20560866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants.jpg <![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.

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The Other Brother



The handler strapped into the carbon fibre race bucket next to me is the only other person outside of yours truly who looks like he thinks this is a bad idea. I've just finished situating myself in the cabin of the very first Nissan Juke-R ever constructed. There are literally thousands of man hours in this single prototype and only four examples of the car total in the entire world. Each one carries a price tag of around US$656,400 at current conversion rates, making this both the rarest and most expensive piece of machinery anyone has ever let me get close enough to sniff, let alone drive.

And that's exactly what I mean to do.

I'm not puttering around some parking lot, either. Nissan has seen fit to let me hammer this thing around a road course set up on the infield of the now defunct Nashville Superspeedway for as long as my passenger will let me, and I'm keen to oblige. I send out the familiar and threadbare "Please don't let me crash this car" one last time, and with the engine already running, I click the shifter into gear and let the Juke-R grumble its way to the pit exit.

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R [w/video]

Nissan Juke-R [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 03 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2015 Volkswagen GTI

Following the announcement that Audi will be using the Wörthersee Tour to unveil a lightweight version of the TT called the TT Ultra Quattro Concept, we're now hearing that Volkswagen also has plans to show off a special concept vehicle at the annual brand-centric performance festival. According to Car magazine, VW will bring a hotter version of the GTI to the show, although not quite as hot as the 2007 VW GTI W12 concept.

After speaking with VW R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg, the article says that the concept could be a preview of a future version of the new GTI, and with the 2015 model year signifying the 40th anniversary of the hot hatch that started it all, we expect to see this new model sooner rather than later. The 2013 Wörthersee Tour runs from May 17 to 19, so we don't have much longer to wait before we see this new concept.

Scroll down to watch the Volkswagen Golf 4Motion frolicking in the snow.

Gallery: 2013 Ford Focus ST vs 2012 Volkswagen GTI








Continue reading VW readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee

VW readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 03 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> conceptgtigti conceptvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen gtivolkswagen gti conceptvwvw gtivw gti conceptwortherseeworthersee 2013 Fri, 03 May 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20557254/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/20557254/article-detail.xml 20557254 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[Mercedes CLA to get shooting brake variant too?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/mercedes-cla-to-get-shooting-brake-variant-too/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/mercedes-cla-to-get-shooting-brake-variant-too/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/mercedes-cla-to-get-shooting-brake-variant-too/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

As stylish as the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class already is, it sounds like the automaker is considering a shooting brake version similar to what was recently introduced for the larger CLS-Class. What Car? recently talked to Mercedes design boss Gordon Wagener, who indicated that a cargo-friendly version of the swoopy sedan may be in the works.

Having driven the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake last year, we could certainly see a CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake being quite a lustworthy ride, but like its bigger brother, we would be surprised to see the CLA-Class Shooting Brake show up in North America. In the same interview, Wagener also shot down rumours of a coupe or convertible version of the A-Class, upon which the CLA is built.


Gallery: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG: New York 2013






Continue reading Mercedes CLA to get shooting brake variant too?

Mercedes CLA to get shooting brake variant too? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 02 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda plans to storm the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30, entering ten cars in nine classes at the race to the sky, and signing on as a corporate sponsor. Part of the company's return to grassroots racing - if that's what you can call factory-backed efforts - the banners of Honda R&D and Honda North America will fly on these entries: a first-gen Acura NSX, an Acura TL SH-AWD, Honda CR-Z, Honda Fit EV, one CRF450R and two CRF250R motorcycles, a CBR1000RR motorcycle and a TRX450 ATV.

One more entry, details of which are to be announced later, will be driven by IndyCar pilot Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports. LoveFab (pictured above during practice last year) will be there with its new, NSX-based Enviate, but as a privateer entry.

Honda's been to the mountain before, with high-powered gear in 2012 and record-setting EVs in 1994 and 1999, but it's never made noise like this. Have a read of the press release below for more info.


Gallery: 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Practice Day 3

Continue reading Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant

Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acuraacura nsxacura tlcbr1000rrcrf250rcrf450rhondahonda cr-zhonda fit evpikes peakPikes Peak International Hill Climb Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20551735/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/20551735/article-detail.xml 20551735 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor.jpg <![CDATA[2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Location Is Everything

2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP

Back in February, Mini invited me to come try out its brand-new Paceman coupe-crossover-hatchback thing in Puerto Rico, and not long after, we spit out a Quick Spin detailing our impressions of the little-big two-door. But here's what we didn't tell you: Mini also let us loose on those fine, curvaceous, tropical roads in its hottest hatch, the John Cooper Works GP. And while that behind-the-wheel gigglefest would have no doubt made for a story laden with positive notes and warm regards, the truth is, I only drove it for 15 minutes, so I couldn't in good conscience offer much of a story to you. ( Our Editor Dave Pankew also got a short stint behind the wheel of the GP on a track in Spain last year)

So for the sake of due diligence, I buckled down and spent a full eight days with the JCW GP, just as springtime was starting to stick. But after my time with the Mini, I was wishing that I could have just been left with my GP memories from Puerto Rico, where I was pushing the little hotbox hard around smooth corners and flexing every one of its muscles to eke out the full JCW GP experience in only a short timeframe.

This was indeed a bitter sweet homecoming

Continue reading 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP [w/video]

2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mini john cooper works gpfeaturedgpgrand prixjcwjohn cooper worksjohn cooper works gpminimini coopermini gpmini jcwmini jcw gpmini john cooper works gpreviewreviews Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20553223/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-review-video/20553223/article-detail.xml 20553223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-mini-jcw-gp-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-mini-jcw-gp-review.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Honda Fit Sport]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-fit-sport-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-fit-sport-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-fit-sport-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Revisiting The Runabout Of Record

2013 Honda Fit Sport

The current Honda Fit has been around the block a few times. The subcompact hatch has soldiered on without significant revision since its first update for Canadian customers in 2009, and while Honda is on the verge of launching a third generation, we thought we'd take the time to see how the runabout stacks up against the new wave of small, efficient and plucky five-doors now on the Canadian market. Those include old standbys like the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris, as well as relative newcomers like the Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta.

Those machines may have all covered ground on the Fit, but Honda's wee machine holds a pleasant surprise for those buyers still willing to give the car the time of day. While the rest of the Japanese automaker's lineup has succumbed to dreaded model bloat, the Fit has remained true to the spirit of Honda that we remember from our vagabond youths. This may very well still be the closest genetic ancestor to the Civic models of old.

Outside, the Fit Sport continues to wear its "I'm the meanest June Bug" looks with pride. The oversized, wedge-shaped headlamps and aggressive lower fascia help lend the design plenty of attitude up front, and our tester's 16-inch alloy wheels keep this Honda from looking like it was the cheapest thing on the lot. Still, with a massive windscreen, tall greenhouse and short wheelbase, the Fit Sport can't help but look over-inflated, but that's a criticism we could levy at nearly every other product in this segment as well.

Continue reading 2013 Honda Fit Sport

2013 Honda Fit Sport originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 honda fitfeaturedfithondahonda fithonda fit sportreviewreviews Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20551828/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/2013-honda-fit-sport-review/20551828/article-detail.xml 20551828 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-honda-fit-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-honda-fit-review.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[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 -1 2