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[Bruno Spengler, DTM Champion with BMW talks to <i>Autoblog Canada</i>]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/bruno-spengler-dtm-champion-with-bmw-talks-to-autoblog-canad/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/bruno-spengler-dtm-champion-with-bmw-talks-to-autoblog-canad/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/bruno-spengler-dtm-champion-with-bmw-talks-to-autoblog-canad/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Making history is no simple task, but Canadian driver and reigning DTM Champion Bruno Spengler sure made it look easy. After a nearly 20 year hiatus, BMW Motorsport made a triumphant return to DTM in 2012 with Spengler clinching the DTM title behind the wheel of his BMW M3 DTM after years of steady improvement.

It didn't take long for the 29-year-old Quebecer nicknamed 'The Secret Canadian' to make his mark on the racing world, as Spengler recently won the drivers' title and helped Team Schnitzer to the teams' championship as well as the manufacturers' championship for BMW. BMW Canada brought the hometown hero and his trusty DTM steed to the 2013 Montreal Auto Show to show off one of our racing talents.

After closely following his strong season last year, we finally found a chance to chat with BMW's dedicated champion and get to know Spengler from an Autoblog Canada perspective.

Click here to read our full interview with DTM Champion Bruno Spengler.

Continue reading Bruno Spengler, DTM Champion with BMW talks to Autoblog Canada

Bruno Spengler, DTM Champion with BMW talks to Autoblog Canada originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BMWBMW M3 DTMBMW M3 DTM Champion EditionBruno SpenglerchampionDTMinterview Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20432052/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/bruno-spengler-dtm-champion-with-bmw-talks-to-autoblog-canad/20432052/article-detail.xml 20432052 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/brunospenglerbmwdtm-3-1358464457_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/brunospenglerbmwdtm-3-1358464457.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda debuts CanadaSnowboard accessories at Montreal Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/mazda-debuts-canadasnowboard-accessories-at-montreal-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/mazda-debuts-canadasnowboard-accessories-at-montreal-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/mazda-debuts-canadasnowboard-accessories-at-montreal-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Judging by the looks of the OEM accessorized Mazda3 on display at the Montreal Auto Show, the team at Mazda Canada sure knows how to make the most of the cold winter season. This customized GX sedan has been built to promote the latest line of sporty and convenient Mazda accessories, as they team up with CanadaSnowboard to deliver a car perfectly suited for buyers with an active lifestyle.

Taking things one step further, Mazda tells us they plan to debut a similar Mazda3 Sport at the FIS Snowboard World Championships in Quebec (an event they also sponsor), outfitted with all the right gear including a custom Mazda Fast Wheels snowboard!

Click here for the full listing with MSRP pricing on these new Mazda accessories and start practicing your backside tailgrab.

Continue reading Mazda debuts CanadaSnowboard accessories at Montreal Auto Show

Mazda debuts CanadaSnowboard accessories at Montreal Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accessoriesmazdamazda canadaMIASMontreal Auto ShowOEM accessoriessnowboardsnowboarding Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20433127/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/mazda-debuts-canadasnowboard-accessories-at-montreal-auto-show/20433127/article-detail.xml 20433127 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazda3-at-mtl_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazda3-at-mtl.jpg <![CDATA[Montreal Auto Show 2013 kicks off with World Premiere and 44 Canadian debuts]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/montreal-auto-show-2013-kicks-off-with-world-premiere-and-44-can/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/montreal-auto-show-2013-kicks-off-with-world-premiere-and-44-can/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/montreal-auto-show-2013-kicks-off-with-world-premiere-and-44-can/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The 2013 Montreal International Auto Show is officially underway at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, offering the first look at a record number of Canadian car premieres before the rest of the country gets to see them. If that isn't enough, Montreal is also home to the world debut of the Honda GEAR Concept, North American debut of the new Mitsubishi subcompact (possibly the Mirage) and special presentation of the Scion Canada FR‐S drift car of Pat Cyr.

In total, there are 44 Canadian debuts at the show including the striking Aston Martin Vanquish, something we didn't see at Detroit. Hot on the heels of the media frenzy during the Detroit Auto Show, this event is the first opportunity for companies to present their upcoming products in a unique perspective specifically tailored towards Canadian consumers.

The Quebec market is a vital region in terms of automotive sales and many manufacturers on hand have rolled out the red carpet in order to take centre stage and wow the car crazed audience in Montreal.

Click here to view our mega-photo gallery from Press Day and be sure to hit the jump for a full list of Canadian car debuts scheduled to take place.

Gallery: Montreal Auto Show 2012

Continue reading Montreal Auto Show 2013 kicks off with World Premiere and 44 Canadian debuts

Montreal Auto Show 2013 kicks off with World Premiere and 44 Canadian debuts originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 montreal auto showauto show 2013autoshow 2013Canada DebutsCanadiancar showconcept carsdebutMIASmontrealmontreal auto showpremierequebec Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20432045/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/montreal-auto-show-2013-kicks-off-with-world-premiere-and-44-can/20432045/article-detail.xml 20432045 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/montreal-auto-show-20134310-1358517455_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/montreal-auto-show-20134310-1358517455.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Aston Martin Vanquish makes Canadian debut at Montreal Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-makes-canadian-debut-at-montreal-auto/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-makes-canadian-debut-at-montreal-auto/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-makes-canadian-debut-at-montreal-auto/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



All eyes are on the stunning 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish at the Montreal Auto Show, as the highly anticipated V12 powered beast makes its first official appearance in Canada. Heck, we didn't even see this beast in Detroit but we did flog it last year in our review.

After its five-year absence, the Vanquish nameplate has been revived. Yet its arrival, as a 2014 model, spells the end for the DBS, as the fresh new coupe will replace the outgoing vehicle as Aston Martin's new halo car (simultaneously, the Virage has also been quietly dropped from the lineup after a short two-year run).

The new 2014 Vanquish features the familiar 6.0-litre V12 engine tweaked to the tune of 565 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 457 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. The standard transmission is a rear-mid-mounted six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic and the rear-wheel-drive coupe is fitted with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Armed with a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time under four seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h, Aston Martin has made it easy to convince yourself that its $297,346 Canadian price tag is worth every cent... and we couldn't agree more.

Click here for additional photos of its Canadian debut.

Gallery: 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish: First Drive

Continue reading 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish makes Canadian debut at Montreal Auto Show

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish makes Canadian debut at Montreal Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20142014 aston martin vanquishaston martinaston martin vanquishauto show 2013autoshow 2013canadian debutdebutMIASmontreal auto showmontreal international auto showVanquish Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20432162/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-makes-canadian-debut-at-montreal-auto/20432162/article-detail.xml 20432162 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/astonmartinvanquish-12-1358465022_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/astonmartinvanquish-12-1358465022.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi debuts sub-compact for first time in North America at Montreal Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mitsubishi-debuts-sub-compact-for-first-time-in-north-america-at/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mitsubishi-debuts-sub-compact-for-first-time-in-north-america-at/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mitsubishi-debuts-sub-compact-for-first-time-in-north-america-at/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



It seems the catalog of available sub-compact city-cars is getting bigger for Canadians in 2013. Alongside Honda's GEAR Concept, Mitsubishi has announced that its Concept Global Small Car will be coming to North America in 2013. This pint sized 5-door hatch was previously unveiled in JDM-spec at the Tokyo Auto Show but as of now it is not clear how different in spec the North American version will be.

Although Mitsubishi's sub-compact isn't exactly groundbreaking in styling, it seems we might be in for some good numbers in terms of fuel efficiency. Upping the displacement from its JDM 1.0L to a 1.2L 3-cylinder, the econo-mill comes in at a whopping 74 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. Mitsubishi claims much effort was spent on making the chassis as light as possible so we can only hope it will take less than three days to make it from 0-100km/h!

As with most of Mistubishi's lineup of late, it is clear the focus will be on selling reliability and efficiency on a budget, and with this tiny run-about in the mix they may be right on target. look for this yet, unnamed Mitsu to arrive in showrooms this Fall.

Click here for a full gallery of the Mitsubishi Global Small Car and Click here to read the full press release from Mitsubishi Canada.

Gallery: Montreal Auto Show 2013

Continue reading Mitsubishi debuts sub-compact for first time in North America at Montreal Auto Show

Mitsubishi debuts sub-compact for first time in North America at Montreal Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto show 2013Auto Showsautoshow 2013honda subcompact salon montrealhondasubcompactsalonmontrealMIASMiragemitsubishimitsubishi car news north americaMitsubishi Global Small ConceptMitsubishi Miragemitsubishi subcompactmitsubishicarnewsnorthamericamitsubishisubcompactMontreal Auto Show Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20432114/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/mitsubishi-debuts-sub-compact-for-first-time-in-north-america-at/20432114/article-detail.xml 20432114 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dsc8156_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dsc8156.jpg <![CDATA[Honda GEAR Concept makes World Debut at Montreal Auto Show 2013]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/honda-gear-concept-makes-world-debut-at-montreal-auto-show-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/honda-gear-concept-makes-world-debut-at-montreal-auto-show-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/honda-gear-concept-makes-world-debut-at-montreal-auto-show-2013/#comments Filed under: , , ,



In an interesting attempt to get back into the North American city-car game, Honda is rolling out their GEAR concept at the Montreal International Auto Show 2013 (Salon International de l'Auto de Montréal). With its minimal styling and proclaimed ability to be heavily optioned as requested it is pretty clear that Honda has seen how Scion's game has worked and are following suit.

Though it is pretty slick to look at, we have to say we are a bit surprised at Honda's blatant clawing at the Hipster market. With phrasing like "Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles" and "Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car" it's hard not to see the push by Honda to make the GEAR concept into the next latest-and-greatest thing that no one has heard of yet.

Putting the vernacular aside for a moment, we are still happy to see Honda throwing themselves back in the ring. If nothing else the GEAR concept may do an excellent job filling in where the CR-Z Hybrid fell flat. Or even getting back to Civic 3-door basics that essentially built the H-badge.

Click here to see our for a full gallery of the Honda GEAR Concept and click here to read the press release from Honda Canada.

Gallery: Honda GEAR Concept

Continue reading Honda GEAR Concept makes World Debut at Montreal Auto Show 2013

Honda GEAR Concept makes World Debut at Montreal Auto Show 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto show 2013autoshow 2013conceptconcept carhipsterhondahonda concepthonda GEARMIASMontreal Auto Show Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20432204/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/honda-gear-concept-makes-world-debut-at-montreal-auto-show-2013/20432204/article-detail.xml 20432204 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dsc8010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dsc8010.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S drift car of Pat Cyr unveiled at Montreal Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/scion-fr-s-drift-car-of-pat-cyr-unveiled-at-montreal-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/scion-fr-s-drift-car-of-pat-cyr-unveiled-at-montreal-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/scion-fr-s-drift-car-of-pat-cyr-unveiled-at-montreal-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Pat Cyr's 2013 Scion FR-S has been making waves across the vast oceans of the interwebs since it was announced that Cyrious Garageworks would be replacing the powerplant in his new race car. Cyr's roots run deep with the Toyota RWD platform and true to those roots, rumour had it that the new (but old) motor powering his Scion Canada/Cyrious Garageworks FR-S in this year's DMCC is none other than the 4A-GE. Turns out, this was an amazing Intertroll, they will actually be campaigning the original 4U-GSE boxer in turbo-charged form.

It was announced mid-season last year that Cyr would be given a stock FR-S to compete with in the 2013 DMCC (amongst other events in the US) series and we're excited to see what this aggressive and extremely talented driver will do with the modern day AE86 successor. Pat has long-since been the underdog of any series that he competes in and has often come out on top, piloting his 27 year old AE86 to a second place finish last year.

Pat's new FR-S should be instantly recognized as Cyr's drift machine by the sinister matte green paint - much like his previous car. Similar to the old car, it rocks a front lip, an intercooler up front, and a Cyrious built rollcage. Cyr's FR-S will also sport a brand new wide body kit produced by ML24 by Matthew Law. The kit consists of four wide-body arches. All four fenders are handmade with fibreglass. While we don't have the motor specs yet, expect it to be a high-revving, fire-breathing turbo-charged competitor to the big V8's that are growing ever more popular around the drift circuit.

Watch the short video of Cyr lapping his new car in stock form at Shannonville Motorsports Park last year.

Gallery: 2013 Scion FR-S Drift Car Build

Continue reading Scion FR-S drift car of Pat Cyr unveiled at Montreal Auto Show

Scion FR-S drift car of Pat Cyr unveiled at Montreal Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 scion fr-sae86auto show 2013autoshow 2013br-zDMCCdriftdriftingfr-sMIASmontreal auto showmotorsportspat cyrscionsubarusubaru br-ztoyota Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:01:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20432050/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/scion-fr-s-drift-car-of-pat-cyr-unveiled-at-montreal-auto-show/20432050/article-detail.xml 20432050 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/scionfrsdriftcarpatcyr-40_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/scionfrsdriftcarpatcyr-40.jpg <![CDATA[Canadian brochure reveals updated 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Urban]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/canadian-brochure-reveals-updated-2012-suzuki-grand-vitara-urban/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/canadian-brochure-reveals-updated-2012-suzuki-grand-vitara-urban/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/canadian-brochure-reveals-updated-2012-suzuki-grand-vitara-urban/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Grand Vitara Urban

It's more a rear-lift than a facelift, since only the back end has changed on the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Urban offered in Canada. There are two noteworthy changes for the decontented model, the first being that Suzuki swapped the full-sized spare tire for a temporary "donut" spare and moved it from the rear gate to underneath the floor of the cargo area.

The other big change is the price: a current Vitara JL starts at $28,135 Cdn, the revised model goes down in price to $26,995 Cdn. For comparison, Americans will be paying US$27,007 , nearly $1,700 more than the base price of the top-dog Grand Vitara Limited AT 4WD, which starts at US$25,379 there.

It's been speculated that the changes are meant to lure more female customers (Vitara buyers are 60-per cent male). Other specs and features haven't changed, which appears to make this a stopgap while everyone waits on the 2013 Grand Vitara, which will sit on a stretched version of the Kizashi platform.

Tip: Hat tip to Sean!

Image Credit: Auto.Sympatico.ca

Canadian brochure reveals updated 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Urban originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 suzuki grand vitara urbangrand vitaragrand vitara urbanmontreal auto showsuzuki grand vitarasuzuki grand vitara urban Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20179791/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/26/canadian-brochure-reveals-updated-2012-suzuki-grand-vitara-urban/20179791/article-detail.xml 20179791 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/leakedgrandvitara_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/leakedgrandvitara.jpg <![CDATA[Gallery from the 2012 Montreal International Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/gallery-from-the-2012-montreal-international-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/gallery-from-the-2012-montreal-international-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/gallery-from-the-2012-montreal-international-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , ,



The 44th edition of the Montreal International Auto Show got underway today and there was lots to talk about at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. The show caters to thousands of car-crazy Quebecers a first look at the new models before the rest of Canada. And since Montreal is such an important market for many upscale brands, there was a host of them that were missing from Detroit!

The list of high-end marques Montreal had that Detroit didn't included: Aston Martin, Land Rover, Range Rover, Jaguar, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, more than an SUV from Maserati and even a couple everyday brands like Mitsubishi and Suzuki. The luxury brands typically try and make a case for staying away from Detroit's NAIAS, which usually involves some excuse like "well, that isn't an important market for us." True, but there are a load of international media there to promote the said brands all over the world too.

However, there were no major players absent from Montreal, so manufacturers rolled out many Canadian reveals and a handful of debuts. Infiniti had been touting that their JX cross-over would be debuted at Montreal but curiously we saw it in Detroit lurking in the shadows. Then Mercedes-Benz rolled out the second generation B-Class, which is not available in the U.S. Finally Nissan unveiled the brutish NV passenger van which looks about as utilitarian as it can get but seats 12 doing it. Lastly Nissan did a Canadian reveal of the LEAF Nismo RC and electric racer that promises all kinds of innovation and we have been following it since it's New York Auto Show debut last April.

There were many eyes on the Subaru BRZ but strangely it's Scion twin, the FR-S was missing?! The sporty front engine rear wheel drive Subaru coupe is promising for the affordable sporty market and will be very popular to modify. Speaking of modified, Quebecers are crazy for motorsports and fast cars, so there was a jam packed house in the 'Zone Performance' area of the show and we shot it for you to check it all out.

Gallery from the 2012 Montreal International Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 Montreal auto showMIASMIAS 2012montreal auto showmontreal international auto showsalon auto montreal Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:26:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20148636/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/gallery-from-the-2012-montreal-international-auto-show/20148636/article-detail.xml 20148636 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/montreal-auto-show-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/montreal-auto-show-630.jpg <![CDATA[Second gen B-Class Mercedes-Benz shown at Montreal Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/second-gen-b-class-mercedes-benz-shown-at-montreal-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/second-gen-b-class-mercedes-benz-shown-at-montreal-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/second-gen-b-class-mercedes-benz-shown-at-montreal-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , , ,



When the first generation of Mercedes-Benz B-Class family movers rolled into Canadian showrooms in late 2005, it was a unique vehicle for MB in North America. First off, it was only sold in Canada and not south of the border. It was also the only front wheel drive sold by the company on our shores. Critics were skeptical that a fwd, mini minivan would work in the MB line-up. As is wont to happen, the critics were wrong, as the B-Class began drawing new customers into Mercedes showrooms and the car became very visible on the roads in urban centres.

The second generation B-Class made its North American debut at the Montreal Auto Show yesterday. It is based on an all new, compact platform that will form the base for a number of compact and sub-compact models down the road. Technical details on the four door hatch are limited now, but should become available as we get closer to the Fall launch.

See what Mercedes-Benz has to say in their press release after the break.

Continue reading Second gen B-Class Mercedes-Benz shown at Montreal Auto Show

Second gen B-Class Mercedes-Benz shown at Montreal Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012b-classbenzcuvmercedesmercedes-benz Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:03:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20148418/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/second-gen-b-class-mercedes-benz-shown-at-montreal-auto-show/20148418/article-detail.xml 20148418 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mercedes-benz-e-class-0318-1326477415_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mercedes-benz-e-class-0318-1326477415.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan LEAF Nismo RC shown for first time in Canada]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-shown-for-first-time-in-canada/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-shown-for-first-time-in-canada/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-shown-for-first-time-in-canada/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Nissan is on a roll as of late and there is no reason to think what they have built here is too weird or unusual. The racing world has been rocked by economic hardships and fuel prices making it forced to stay relevant in a new world where wasting excessive fuel is scorned. First we saw diesel-power and then ethanol burners, eventually regenerative braking systems and hybrids started making waves but the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC is a progressive and funky race car concept.

For those of you in the loop, yes you saw this car back at the New York Auto Show in April of last year. However, Canucks haven't seen it up close until now. Behold the mighty plug-in racer in a very elaborate centre-stage display at the Nissan booth inside the Montreal Auto Show. While it looks fast standing still, we were much happier to see it whipping around LeMans back in June.

By the numbers, the car sounds like a blast to drive. It is 170mm wider and nearly 25mm longer proportions that are exacerbated by its minimal ground clearance of only 60mm. The Nismo RC has a carbon fiber body and is under 1000 kg (2,068 pounds) making it around 40 per cent lighter than your average LEAF. It packs 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, and its lithium-ion pack can reach an 80 per cent charge state in just 30 minutes but will only last around 20!

Nissan LEAF Nismo RC shown for first time in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 Nissan LEAFLEAFNissanNissan LEAFNissan Leaf Nismo RC Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20148546/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-shown-for-first-time-in-canada/20148546/article-detail.xml 20148546 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissanleaf-nismo-rc-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissanleaf-nismo-rc-630.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Infiniti JX Cross-over makes a splash at Montreal]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/2012-infiniti-jx-cross-over-makes-a-splash-at-montreal/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/2012-infiniti-jx-cross-over-makes-a-splash-at-montreal/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/2012-infiniti-jx-cross-over-makes-a-splash-at-montreal/#comments Filed under: , ,



Although the much-anticipated Infiniti JX has popped up here and there across the U.S., it made its official debut at the Montreal Auto Show. Infiniti chose the first Canadian auto show on the circuit to take the cover off the big 7-seater and will draw in the crowds to the areas with the F1 Championship winning Red Bull RB7 car sitting right beside it.

Although teased since July, we saw the JX Concept pop up at Pebble beach and the response must have been lukewarm considering all of the stunning hardware it was surrounded by. Its debut was canceled at the L.A. Auto Show but then unexpectedly we saw it on display at Detroit but there was so much going on, it basically went unnoticed. In fact, it wasn't even one of the nominees in our Top 5 round-up of Detroit!

But at Montreal, Infiniti made it a big deal and wanted Canadian press and the world to have a much more extensive examination of the sleek CUV. Starting at $44,900 Cdn, the vehicle offers a lot to start with including a functional 3rd-row. Beneath the hood of the JX will be the award winning VQ six cylinder engine displacing 3.5L and generating 265 horsepower with 248 lb-ft of torque mated to a CVT style transmission to enhance fuel economy. Due to the realities of our Winter conditions, Canadian models will be offered only in all wheel drive and also a standard chrome roof rack (not pictured).

Head past the jump for Nissan Canada's official word from the show.

Continue reading 2012 Infiniti JX Cross-over makes a splash at Montreal

2012 Infiniti JX Cross-over makes a splash at Montreal originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There was a time when the parking lots of daycare facilities and holy roller churches were occupied with massive passenger vans from one or all of the Detroit 3. Somewhere along the line, they began disappearing from the landscape as their paint faded and they rusted away. Eventually Dodge stopped building theirs and the other GM and Ford cut way back on the sales of their behemoths. The people, they still gots to get to church though and Nissan wants to help them get there in a modern fashion.

Having introduced their big box store sized NV commercial van a year ago, it was only a matter of time before they trotted out a people mover of an equally grand scale. That time came yesterday at the Montreal Auto Show.

Based on the NV3500HD, the NV Passenger van features a giant box plunked down on top of a full boxed ladder type frame with independent front suspension and heavy duty leaf springs in the back. Buyers can choose from a 261 horsepower, V6 or an even more robust 317 horsepower V8. Both engines are mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission.

At the heart of a people mover is space and flexibility. To that end, the NV carries four rows of seats that will carry up to 12 people and can be configured to an astounding 324 possible layouts. A full load of creature comforts are also included to keep the flock happy on their travels.

Head past the jump to get the full details from the Nissan Canada release.

Continue reading Nissan takes the cover off NV Passenger Van in Montreal

Nissan takes the cover off NV Passenger Van in Montreal originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the past, consumers wanting an Infiniti family hauler had rather limited choices. If the kids were still little, the EX might cut it while those who reveled in the performance aspects of the brand could go for the FX. While being drop dead sexy and an honest canyon carver, the cargo capacity of that bad boy is rather lacking. The next step up the ladder is the gargantuan QX. It may hold a driver and a full line of hockey players, but navigating the parking lot at the rink can be a challenge. For 2013, Infiniti is set to fill that gap with the all new, 7 passenger JX.

Originally shown as a concept at Pebble Beach in August, Infiniti had planned to unveil the production version at the LA auto show a couple of weeks ago. For whatever reason, the launch schedule was changed and the showroom version will debut in Canada at the Montreal International Auto Show in January.

As one might expect, the luxury that Infiniti has become known for will abound, coupled with some innovative rear seating solutions to age old problems. Forward sliding second row seats will make accessing the third row easier than most seven passenger conveyances. The geometry of this system allows third row passengers to clamber in even if there is a child seat in the second row.

A bevy of techno nannies will be hard at work to ensure that distracted drivers are less likely to bang into something. Infiniti is calling the system the "All Around Safety Shield" which includes Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and a new system called Backup Collision Intervention. That's right, the JX is going to jump in and save the day by applying the brakes should you attempt to reverse into something. No word if the sensors will pick up on Junior's bike when it is lying in the driveway.

Beneath the hood of the JX will lie Nissan's award winning VQ six cylinder engine, ensuring it will perform like an Infiniti is expected to. In this application in will displace 3.5L and generate 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque and will be mated to a CVT style transmission to enhance fuel economy. Due to the realities of our Winter conditions, Canadian models will be offered only in all wheel drive. South of the border, where warm climate consumers have little use for AWD, the JX will be offered as a front wheel drive also.

Continue reading Production 2013 Infiniti JX to be unveiled at Montreal Auto Show

Production 2013 Infiniti JX to be unveiled at Montreal Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20132013 Infiniti JXawdinfinitiinfiniti jxmiasmontreal international auto shownissanvq Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20126320/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/production-2013-infiniti-jx-to-be-unveiled-at-montreal-auto-show/20126320/article-detail.xml 20126320 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/jx-lead-in_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/jx-lead-in.jpg <![CDATA[Montreal Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/montreal-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/montreal-auto-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/montreal-auto-show/#comments Filed under:




Date: January 13-22, 2012
Venue: Palais de Congress de Montreal, Montreal, Qc Canada

Montreal Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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