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[Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Employing complex scientific formulas and methodologies probably best described as "Whatever we felt like choosing," Automobile has named its All-Stars for the 2013 model year. The 11 vehicles earned their trophies for being "the best and most significant" offerings to the mag's staff and contributors, and while we were surprised to see a couple of them on the list, none of them were very shocking.

Click here to view the 2013 All-Star winners (listed in no particular order) and watch this video featuring the Best Valued Car Models of 2013. For more, head on over to Automobile for the full story and the adventures they created to test each winner.

Gallery: Top 10 Reliable Cars

2012 Honda CR-V2012 Infiniti G372012 Ford Mustang2012 Subaru Impreza2012 Hyundai Sonata

Continue reading Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars

Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> all starall starsaudi a7automobileautomobile magazineautomobile magazine all-starsbest carsbmw 3 serieschevrolet camaro zl1ford focushonda accordmazda cx-5porsche boxsterram 1500scion fr-ssubaru brztop picksvolkswagen golf gti Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20581766/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/20581766/article-detail.xml 20581766 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevrolet-camaro-zl1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevrolet-camaro-zl1.jpg <![CDATA[Sweetie Girl Racing delivers Mother's Day driving experience at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/sweetie-girl-racing-delivers-advanced-driving-experience-at-cana/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/sweetie-girl-racing-delivers-advanced-driving-experience-at-cana/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/sweetie-girl-racing-delivers-advanced-driving-experience-at-cana/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



What better way to spend Mother's Day than at the Driver Development Track at Mosport (aka Canadian Tire Motorsports Park) The team at Sweetie Girl Racing (SGR), rolled out all the stops and hosted a fantastic, fun and highly informative drivers training day. Despite the rain, cold, sleet, and ever-changing conditions on that faux-spring day, smiles and delighted faces were all around as family members, friends and instructors cheered on the visible progress of all those enrolled.

The day started out with a classroom session where everything from body position, racing lines, car control, tires and just about anything that anyone would need to know about driving on a track was discussed. There was a wide range of enrolled drivers, ranging from freshly licenced 17-year-old drivers to those who have had 40-plus years of experience. The idea of the day was to illustrate that any driver could benefit from this kind of advanced driving experience. The variety of cars on track were just as varied as the drivers' experience levels. Ford, Mazda, Volvo, BMW, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Lexus and even an exotic GT40 were all represented, respectively.

Click here to view the full story and photo gallery from the event.

Continue reading Sweetie Girl Racing delivers Mother's Day driving experience at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

Sweetie Girl Racing delivers Mother's Day driving experience at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 23 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadian drivingcanadian tire motorsport parkddtdriver developmentdriver trainingdriver training programdriveteqmosportracing schoolsweetie girl racingtrackday Thu, 23 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20574168/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/sweetie-girl-racing-delivers-advanced-driving-experience-at-cana/20574168/article-detail.xml 20574168 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-sgr-ddt-may-337-1368816289_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-sgr-ddt-may-337-1368816289.jpg <![CDATA[DaSilva Racing track day invades Toronto Motorsports Park]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/dasilva-racing-track-day-invades-toronto-motorsports-park/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/dasilva-racing-track-day-invades-toronto-motorsports-park/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/dasilva-racing-track-day-invades-toronto-motorsports-park/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,



DaSilva Racing has always been synonymous with fast Ford's especially when it comes to Mustangs in particular. Joe DaSilva was the former 2009 crown holder in the venerable, yet, now extinct NMRA Pro 5.0 series and is considered the authority in Mustang performance, building and tuning.

So with great delight, we were asked to attend their recent track day event at Toronto Motosports Park (TMP) in Cayuga, Ontario. For those who don't know, Cayuga is about 1.5 hours outside of downtown Toronto and is an automotive playground for motorsports enthusiasts all over Ontario. Boasting a technical, yet flowing road course and a world class drag strip all in one convenient package.

Primarily a domestic dominated day, we saw a sprinkling of other vehicles including cars from BMW, Subaru, Toyota, Mazda, Volkswagen, two 10 second street legal Nissan GTR's and a lone Chevrolet Corvette to offer up some competition for the legendary Ford Mustang. Many of the attendees are active members of the GTA Mustang Club and along with a chance to rip their cars on track, it was also a day of shared camaraderie, networking and enthusiasts sharing their passion and having the chance to meet and greet each other.

Click here to catch all the highlights below.

Continue reading DaSilva Racing track day invades Toronto Motorsports Park

DaSilva Racing track day invades Toronto Motorsports Park originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 22 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadacayugaDa Silvadrag racingFordGTjoe da silvaMustangperformanceRacingroad racingRoushShelby GT500TMPtoronto motorsports parktrack daytrackday Wed, 22 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20576021/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/dasilva-racing-track-day-invades-toronto-motorsports-park/20576021/article-detail.xml 20576021 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-dasilva-cayuga-highlights-19-1369058520_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-dasilva-cayuga-highlights-19-1369058520.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Miata roadsters playing Frisbee - video screencap

Playing a game of Frisbee is rarely about power - it's more about agility, precision and open-air enjoyment. Much the same can be said of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, whose charm has always originated more from its finesse and tactility rather than brute strength and outright speed, qualities the evergreen roadster has traditionally lacked.

So consider it a fine match that Mazda has taken a couple of its popular convertibles out with a handful of crack Frisbee players and put them on a closed circuit in Surrey, England for a stylish game of catch. It's a simple recipe for entertainment - check out the video by scrolling below.

Gallery: Mazda Miata Super20 Quick Spin

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner

Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mazda miata2013 mazda mx-5 miataflying discfrisbeelongcrossmazda miatamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatastuntvideo Tue, 21 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20578428/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/20578428/article-detail.xml 20578428 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-mazda-miatas-playing-frisbee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-mazda-miatas-playing-frisbee.jpg <![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[Mazda reveals new 'Game Changers' advertising campaign]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/mazda-reveals-new-game-changers-advertising-campaign/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/mazda-reveals-new-game-changers-advertising-campaign/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/mazda-reveals-new-game-changers-advertising-campaign/#comments Filed under: ,



Looking to highlight its unique and sporty mindset, Mazda is getting ready to launch its biggest advertising campaign since "Zoom-Zoom" became its tagline in 2000. The new campaign, entitled "Game Changers," will begin in May, and rather than focusing on its sporty past - like it did with Zoom-Zoom early on - the new ads will look at recent advancements made in building its future, including Skyactiv technologies and its new diesel race program, both of which involve its excellent new Mazda6 sedan.

As a part of the ads, Mazda will showcase game changers from the sporting world, including Dick Fosbury who changed how competitors perform the high jump and Laird Hamilton, who redefined how surfers attacked big waves. It doesn't sound like Zoom-Zoom is going away, but "Game Changers" will definitely feature heavily in the Japanese automaker's marketing moving forward. A few examples of the new ad campaign are posted in our gallery, and the press release is available below.

Gallery: 2014 Mazda6 Skyactiv-D Wagon: Quick Spin

Continue reading Mazda reveals new 'Game Changers' advertising campaign

Mazda reveals new 'Game Changers' advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mazda6advertisinggame changersmarketingmazdamazda advertisingzoom zoom Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20553411/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/mazda-reveals-new-game-changers-advertising-campaign/20553411/article-detail.xml 20553411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mazda-game-changer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mazda-game-changer.jpg <![CDATA[Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Red Bull Crown Range drifting by Mad Mike

For the first time ever, the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest paved road, was closed off for the drifting pleasure of one man. That man is Mad Mike Whiddett, and the machine he's piloting is a heavily modified Mazda RX-7 sponsored by the energy-rich crew from Red Bull and powered by a 750-horsepower quad-rotor engine. There will be smoke. Lots and lots of smoke!

Mad Mike hits speeds in excess of 225 km/h (140 mph) over the course of the road's 10 kilometre length, which boasts 47 individual corners at over 3,500 feet of elevation. Scroll down for all kinds of fire-belching, tire-squealing and smoke-inducing action in the video below. Or, as Mad Mike himself puts it, "A dream turned into reality."

Gallery: Mazda RX-7 Throughout History

Continue reading Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range

Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crown rangedriftingmad bikemazdamazda rx-7mazda rx-7 drift carnew zealandred bullrotary drift carvideo Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20562015/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/20562015/article-detail.xml 20562015 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/red-bull-crown-range-mad-mike_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/red-bull-crown-range-mad-mike.png <![CDATA[Scion FR-S pitted against aging Mazda RX-8 and Honda S2000]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Scion FR-S vs Mazda RX-8 vs Honda S2000

There are very few vehicles available today that compare directly with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins. A case could be made for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and possibly even six-cylinder versions of domestic coupes like the Ford Mustang. Pretty much everything else is either too expensive or is powered by the wrong set of wheels.

The boys from EverydayDriver on YouTube decided the only fair way to judge the inherent qualities of the Toyobaru twins was to pit them against two standard-bearers of years past: The Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-8. Neither of these cars is an exact matchup, with the Honda boasting a convertible top and the RX-8 offering more practicality via a rear seat and two reverse-opening doors for easier access. What they do offer, however, are similar performance stats and proven reputations for excellent handling.

None of this talk answers the real question, though: Which one wins the comparison test? Scroll down to watch the video, and be prepared for something of a surprise conclusion.

Gallery: Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ Show Cars: SEMA 2012

Continue reading Scion FR-S pitted against aging Mazda RX-8 and Honda S2000

Scion FR-S pitted against aging Mazda RX-8 and Honda S2000 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 scion fr-shondahonda s2000mazdamazda rx-8scionscion fr-svideo Tue, 07 May 2013 19:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20561169/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/20561169/article-detail.xml 20561169 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/frs-rx8-s2000_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/frs-rx8-s2000.png <![CDATA[This is how you set your V8 Miata on fire in your garage]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/this-is-how-you-set-your-v8-miata-on-fire-in-your-garage/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/this-is-how-you-set-your-v8-miata-on-fire-in-your-garage/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/this-is-how-you-set-your-v8-miata-on-fire-in-your-garage/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

V8 Miata on fire video

We were never all that great at math, but we can tell you that Miata + V8 = awesome. That even applies to heavy cast-iron small block Chevrolet V8s with carburetors instead of fuel injection. But as one aspiring wrench recently found out, even the most sound of formulas can lead to disaster when you start throwing in unknown variables. Variables like a leaky fuel system.

The gentleman in the video below seems keen on firing up his partially installed Chevrolet engine using a jug of fuel and a remote starter, but disaster strikes when things suddenly go all flambé. From what we can see, it looks as if the carb itself is leaking fuel down the front and back of the engine. Throw in a few sparks and suddenly you have a fresh reminder to check on your fire extinguisher's expiration date. Or, in this guy's case, whether or not you even own a fire extinguisher.

After dousing the garage in gasoline and spreading the flames with authority, our young hero manages to get his hands on a garden hose and actually manages to get the fire under control before the scenario turns into an awkward conversation with the insurance company.

Check out the insanity in the video below.


Gallery: Lamborghini Aventador Fire

Continue reading This is how you set your V8 Miata on fire in your garage

This is how you set your V8 Miata on fire in your garage originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> firemazda miatamazda miata on firemiata on firev8 miata on firevideo Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20552631/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/this-is-how-you-set-your-v8-miata-on-fire-in-your-garage/20552631/article-detail.xml 20552631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/v8-miata-on-fire-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/v8-miata-on-fire-628.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[Mad Mike Whiddett puts on a pedal clinic in 4-rotor Red Bull RX-7 drift car]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/mad-mike-whiddett-puts-on-a-pedal-clinic-in-4-rotor-red-bull-rx/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/mad-mike-whiddett-puts-on-a-pedal-clinic-in-4-rotor-red-bull-rx/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/mad-mike-whiddett-puts-on-a-pedal-clinic-in-4-rotor-red-bull-rx/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



You never know what to expect when Red Bull drift driver Mad Mike Whiddett jumps behind the wheel of his insane 4-rotor Mazda RX-7. This man is known for pushing himself and his car to the limit every time he takes to the track and being a rotary-obsessed native of Auckland, New Zealand, Mad Mike was simply born to drift.

The sexy sound of his screaming Mazda RX-7 has been compared to an F1 race car on steroids and will put a big smile on your face every time he hits the gas. Need proof? Just watch the video below, as Mad Mike shows off his fancy footwork and a whole lotta tire smoke.

With a huge following of fans around the globe loving his sideways antics (us included), this amazing "footcam" ride along offers a rare perspective you'll want to watch a few times in order to truly appreciate.

Click here to watch Mad Mike Whiddett put on a pedal clinic like we've never seen before!


Gallery: Red Bull F1 car in Toronto

Continue reading Mad Mike Whiddett puts on a pedal clinic in 4-rotor Red Bull RX-7 drift car

Mad Mike Whiddett puts on a pedal clinic in 4-rotor Red Bull RX-7 drift car originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 4-rotor4-rotor MazdaD1D1 Grand Prixdriftingmad mikemazdaMazda RX-7mazda rx-7 drift carmike whiddettred bullred bull driftingRed Bull Drifting World Championshipred bull racingrx-7 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20542390/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/mad-mike-whiddett-puts-on-a-pedal-clinic-in-4-rotor-red-bull-rx/20542390/article-detail.xml 20542390 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mad-mike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mad-mike.jpg <![CDATA[Top 10 Best Interiors of 2013, Asian automakers take 7 of 10 spots]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/wards-10-best-interiors-released-asian-automakers-take-7-of-10/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/wards-10-best-interiors-released-asian-automakers-take-7-of-10/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/wards-10-best-interiors-released-asian-automakers-take-7-of-10/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,



Step inside just about any new car these days and you'll quickly see that vehicle interiors have become a pretty nice place to spend some time in. For the third consecutive year, WardsAuto sat in each and every new vehicle that had received redesigned or updated interiors, and it has now named its top 10 Best Interiors.

Judges look at everything from design and fit-and-finish to comfort, safety and technology. Some of the standout selections include budget cars like the Chevrolet Spark and Kia Forte all the way up to more expensive luxury sedans like the Cadillac XTS and Lexus GS450h. An interesting note here is that WardsAuto praises Cadillac for its CUE infotainment system while Consumer Reports generally lambasts the system. Asian automakers definitely won the contest for nicest interiors as the list is comprised of five Japanese automakers and two South Korean, with Toyota and General Motors in a dead heat with the most number of cars on the list with two each.

Click here for the full list (in alphabetical order) and scroll down for a press release from WardsAuto for its 10 Best Interiors of 2013.


Gallery: Top 10 Cheapest Cars in Canada

Volkswagen Jetta - $14,990Honda Fit DX - $14,580Smart fortwo coupe - $14,400Toyota Yaris hatchback CE - $14,250Mazda2 - $14,095

Continue reading Top 10 Best Interiors of 2013, Asian automakers take 7 of 10 spots

Top 10 Best Interiors of 2013, Asian automakers take 7 of 10 spots originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 10 best interiorsacuraacura rdxcadillaccadillac xtschevroletchevrolet sparkhyundaihyundai santa fe sportkiakia fortelexuslexus gs450hmazda6nissannissan pathfinderramram 1500ram 1500 laramie longhorntoyotatoyota avalonwards auto Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20542209/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/wards-10-best-interiors-released-asian-automakers-take-7-of-10/20542209/article-detail.xml 20542209 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cadillac-xts-interior_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cadillac-xts-interior.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a high-speed chase from a motorcycle-mounted officer's point of view]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/watch-a-high-speed-chase-from-a-motorcycle-mounted-officers-poi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/watch-a-high-speed-chase-from-a-motorcycle-mounted-officers-poi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/watch-a-high-speed-chase-from-a-motorcycle-mounted-officers-poi/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Motorcycle Police Chase Video

Riding a motorcycle through high traffic can be a stressful experience. And we don't even want to imagine what it's like to have to actually pursue someone on a police motorcycle. Fortunately, we don't have to. Officer Troy Gurley of the Florence, Alabama police force recently attempted to stop a vehicle for traffic violations. The driver, 24-year-old Justin Sanders, figured he could use his zippy Mazda3 to outrun the bike cop. Turns out, not so much.

Gurley pursued Sanders for nearly five minutes as the Mazda driver ran stop signs, swerved through traffic and raced through residential neighborhoods, but the perpetrator couldn't shake the tenacious and experienced rider. Other units soon joined the police pursuit, and Sanders thought it best to leave the protection of his car to attempt to flee on foot. From there, it didn't take officers long to apprehend him.

You can watch the video below for yourself.


Gallery: Top 10 Police Chase Videos

Continue reading Watch a high-speed chase from a motorcycle-mounted officer's point of view

Watch a high-speed chase from a motorcycle-mounted officer's point of view originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chasemazdamazda3motorcyclemotorcycle copmotorcycle cop videopolicepolice chasepursuit Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20538878/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/watch-a-high-speed-chase-from-a-motorcycle-mounted-officers-poi/20538878/article-detail.xml 20538878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/motorcycle-police-chase-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/motorcycle-police-chase-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan recall 3.4 million vehicles for faulty airbags]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/toyota-honda-nissan-mazda-recall-3-4-million-for-faulty-airbags/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/toyota-honda-nissan-mazda-recall-3-4-million-for-faulty-airbags/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/toyota-honda-nissan-mazda-recall-3-4-million-for-faulty-airbags/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Most vehicle recalls that take place these days are a result of some problem that happens during the manufacturing process by the automaker, but as we see here, parts suppliers can also factor in to problematic safety issues. Automotive News is reporting that a total of 3.4 million vehicles produced by Japanese automakers between 2000 and 2004 are being recalled globally due to faulty airbags produced by an outside supplier, Takata Corp.

According to the report, vehicles from Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda are being recalled because of passenger front airbags that do not inflate properly. Globally, Toyota is said to be recalling around 1.73 million cars composed of vehicles including the Toyota Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia and Tundra as well as the Lexus SC430 for the 2001 through 2003 model years; this is the second time this year the 2003 Corolla and Matrix have been recalled for an airbag problem. Honda is recalling 1.14 million models, Nissan another 480,000 and Mazda 45,463. The article says that Takata supplied faulty airbags to non-Japanese automakers, but it did not specify which ones.

Honda and Toyota have released information on their own websites about the recall, while Nissan and Mazda have not yet commented. Read official press releases from Honda and Toyota, below, and look for updates as we have word from the others.

Click here to watch the full report for more details on this massive safety recall.


Gallery: Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2013

Continue reading Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan recall 3.4 million vehicles for faulty airbags

Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan recall 3.4 million vehicles for faulty airbags originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hondahonda recalllexus sc430mazdamazda recallnissannissan recallrecalltakata corptoyotatoyota corollatoyota matrixtoyota recallToyota Sequoiatoyota tundra Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20537535/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/toyota-honda-nissan-mazda-recall-3-4-million-for-faulty-airbags/20537535/article-detail.xml 20537535 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2003-2006-toyota-corolla628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2003-2006-toyota-corolla628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda's first profit in five years in sight due to weak yen]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mazdas-first-profit-in-five-years-in-sight-due-to-weak-yen/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mazdas-first-profit-in-five-years-in-sight-due-to-weak-yen/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mazdas-first-profit-in-five-years-in-sight-due-to-weak-yen/#comments Filed under: , ,

2014 Mazda CX-5 - front three-quarter view

Automotive News reports Mazda is set to turn a profit for the first time in five years. The automaker is more dependent on exports from Japan than other automakers based in that country, and as a result, it has long suffered at the hands of a strong yen. But the currency has declined in value by some 16 per cent over the past six months and Mazda's shares have tripled in value to their highest level since 2008. Contrast this situation to a year ago when Mazda printed 1.22 billion new shares to raise cash. The move was equivalent to 70 per cent of the company's then-outstanding stock, and values tumbled to record lows as a result.

Now that the yen has fallen, Mazda operations in the US and Canada are more profitable and the company now projects it will earn around US$279 million for the next fiscal year. Automotive News says a one yen change against the American dollar can have a 9.1 per cent impact on Mazda operating profit compared to 4.7 per cent at Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries or 3.1 per cent at Toyota. Those automakers better insulate themselves from currency fluctuations with overseas manufacturing facilities.

Continue reading Mazda's first profit in five years in sight due to weak yen

Mazda's first profit in five years in sight due to weak yen originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> japanmazdamazda profitprofityen Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20531925/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/mazdas-first-profit-in-five-years-in-sight-due-to-weak-yen/20531925/article-detail.xml 20531925 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-mazda-cx-5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-mazda-cx-5-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda3 successor due in dealership showrooms this fall]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/mazda3-successor-due-in-dealers-this-fall/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/mazda3-successor-due-in-dealers-this-fall/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/mazda3-successor-due-in-dealers-this-fall/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

2014 Mazda3 undergoing testing with camouflage on

Following exciting new models like the 2013 CX-5 and 2014 Mazda6, Mazda is getting ready to introduce the next generation of its high-volume compact, the Mazda3. After talking to several of Mazda's dealers, Automotive News is reporting that the automaker is planning to introduce its new compact this fall, which is earlier than what was originally reported.

Aside from what we've seen in recent spy shots there is little information about the third-generation 3, but we can see that the car will get plenty of cues from Mazda's stylish Kodo design language, and we expect even more technologies from the company's SkyActiv efficiency program to come to bear. The Mazda3 has been an incredibly successful car for Mazda; they've proudly built three million of them. The sooner Mazda can replace the current aging 3, the better chances it has making it six million.

Scroll down to watch a 2013 Mazda3 face off against a Jeep Wrangler in the snow.

Gallery: 2014 Mazda Mazda3 digital renderings

Continue reading Mazda3 successor due in dealership showrooms this fall

Mazda3 successor due in dealership showrooms this fall originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 mazda3hatchbackmazdamazda 3mazda 3 hatchbackMazda 3 Sedanmazda3sedanskyactivspy shots Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20514684/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/22/mazda3-successor-due-in-dealers-this-fall/20514684/article-detail.xml 20514684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-2015-mazda3-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-2015-mazda3-spy-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mazda CX-9 GT AWD]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2013-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2013-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2013-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd/#comments Filed under: , , ,



After spending some time roaming the Hill Country of central Texas with Mazda's new Mazda6 and CX-5 with the 2.5-litre Skyactiv engine, I got a round with the redesigned CX-9 back in Michigan. The three-row Mazda crossover comes to court in the 2013 model year with the same 3.7-litre V6 engine that we've sampled before (still making 273 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque), though the nose that wraps it has been updated with the same "Kodo" design language that marks out the CX-5 and friends.

I had quite recently spent time in our long-term Nissan Pathfinder, so I felt better equipped than usual to suss out the potential high and low points of Mazda's family-facing CUV.

Hit the jump to read our full driving notes and impressions on the 2013 Mazda CX-9.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-9 GT AWD

2013 Mazda CX-9 GT AWD originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mazda cx-92013 mazda cx-9 grand touringfeaturedmazda cx-9mazda cx-9 grand touringquick spinquickspin Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20512029/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/2013-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd/20512029/article-detail.xml 20512029 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/000-2013-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/000-2013-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda's awesome Hiroshima museum now navigable by Google Maps]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/mazdas-awesome-hiroshima-museum-now-navigable-by-google-maps/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/mazdas-awesome-hiroshima-museum-now-navigable-by-google-maps/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/mazdas-awesome-hiroshima-museum-now-navigable-by-google-maps/#comments Filed under: , ,

Mazda Museum Hiroshima - classics display

Visiting an auto museum is one of the best ways we know to connect with car culture and to commune with the past and bone up on one's knowledge. Most of us have a decent museum within a few hours drive of where we live, but that doesn't mean it's easy to see the world's great collections - factors like cost, time and mobility can get in the way. Videos are great, but they don't allow us to browse at our own pace or choose what we'd like to focus on. The folks behind Google Maps have a solution - the virtual museum tour, as seen here at Mazda's fantastic museum in Hiroshima, Japan.

The Google Maps tour allows viewers to take a walk through the main exhibition area of the museum, and you can focus on specific classic cars from Mazda, or check out displays featuring new technologies like Skyactiv. To take a quick spin through the museum - or a leisurely stroll at your own pace - scroll down to start your own virtual tour.


Gallery: Petersen Automotive Museum Vault

Continue reading Mazda's awesome Hiroshima museum now navigable by Google Maps

Mazda's awesome Hiroshima museum now navigable by Google Maps originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car museumclassic carsgoogle mapshiroshimamazdamazda museum Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20503408/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/14/mazdas-awesome-hiroshima-museum-now-navigable-by-google-maps/20503408/article-detail.xml 20503408 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mazda-museum-hiroshima-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mazda-museum-hiroshima-628.jpg <![CDATA[Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In an attempt to help push vehicle safety to a higher level, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety created a stricter Top Safety Pick+ rating last year, which incorporates a brutal small overlap test and requires cars to get Good ratings in four out of the five categories (and no less than Acceptable in the fifth). Joining the list of the safest cars of 2013, the 2013 Volvo XC60, Lincoln MKZ, Honda Civic (sedan and coupe) and the 2014 Mazda6 have all received the coveted TSP+ rating.

The Mazda6 and Lincoln MKZ have both been completely redesigned, and both received Acceptable ratings in the small overlap test. The Honda Civic, coming off its emergency refresh for 2013, is the first small car to be subjected to the small overlap test, and IIHS says that one of the car's many upgrades includes a stiffer front structure allowing it to receive Good ratings in all categories. Similarly, the XC60 gets all Good ratings thanks to, according to IIHS, Volvo updating the airbag software allowing the side airbags to inflate during the small overlap test.

The 2014 Subaru Forester has not yet been subjected to the small overlap test, so it must make do with just a Top Safety Pick rating until the IIHS tests small utility vehicles, which is expected to happen later in the spring.

Continue reading Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ

Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 honda civic2013 lincoln mkz2013 top safety pick+2013 volvo xc602014 mazda6hondaiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetylincolnmazdasafetytop safety picktop safety pick+tsptsp+volvo Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20495354/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/20495354/article-detail.xml 20495354 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-honda-civic-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-honda-civic-review.jpg <![CDATA[Top 10 automotive brands according to <i>Consumer Reports</i>]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/top-10-automotive-brands-according-to-consumer-reports/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/top-10-automotive-brands-according-to-consumer-reports/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/top-10-automotive-brands-according-to-consumer-reports/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Hot on the heels of learning Canadian consumers are now buying more luxury brand cars than ever before, Consumer Reports annual Car Brand Report Cards has gone ahead and assigned a numeric rating to each major automotive brand manufacturer. A full eight out of the top ten best brands were Japanese companies, with Audi and Mercedes-Benz listed as the only European companies to earn high-ranking scores.

For the first time ever, the institute also broke out individual brands from their larger corporate umbrellas, meaning car makers like Lexus and Scion were judged independently from parent company Toyota. That strategy worked out well for Lexus, as the luxury brand earned a top report card score of 79 for the 2013 model year, taking the top overall ranking.

Coincidentally, Consumer Reports has also recommended every one of the Lexus models it has tested to date, and said that the company's products won out thanks to "a foundation of plush and very reliable vehicles."

Meanwhile, Mazda and Subaru tied for the second-highest scoring report cars, with scores of 76. Subaru earned praised for sporting models like the BRZ, which CR testers apparently had a lot of fun driving (naturally), while the Mazda products were lauded for their blend of practicality, sportiness and efficiency. Both of the Japanese brands offered good handling, fuel economy and versatility, said Consumer Reports. Acura and Toyota rounded out the top five with matching report card scores of 74 points each.

Click here to view the Top 10 Car Brands according to their official Brand Report Card scores, as well as the Consumer Reports press release below, or head over to CR's website to read the full feature and find out the granular info behind each of the brands.


Gallery: Top 10 brands based on resale value

10) Lincoln9) Volvo8) Porsche7) Cadillac6) BMW

Continue reading Top 10 automotive brands according to Consumer Reports

Top 10 automotive brands according to Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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