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[Legendary Pikes Peak 'Climb Dance' remastered in high-definition glory]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Peugeot Climb Dance Pikes Peak film - remastered screencap

Climb Dance, the rally-porn film celebrating the Pikes Peak Hill Climb victories of Ari Vatanen in 1988 and Robby Unser in 1989 - and including footage from both drives - has been remastered in high definition. It was commissioned by Peugeot, maker of the four-wheel steering 415 T16 Grand Raid, the racecar that took both drivers to the top to overall victories.

Peugeot will be hoping that Sébastien Loeb can climb dance the same way next month when he runs up the now-paved mountain in his 208. You'll find the breathtaking remastered Climb Dance video below, as well as tribute the Motor Trend made with Marcus Gronholm in a Ford Fiesta back in 2009. Enjoy.

Gallery: 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Practice Day 1

Continue reading Legendary Pikes Peak 'Climb Dance' remastered in high-definition glory

Legendary Pikes Peak 'Climb Dance' remastered in high-definition glory originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ari vatanenclimb danceford fiestapeugeotpeugeot 405 t16pikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrobby unservideo Thu, 16 May 2013 12:44:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20572323/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/20572323/article-detail.xml 20572323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climb-dance-remastered_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climb-dance-remastered.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer with Sebastien Loeb

The annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the few events in motorsport with an Unlimited Class that is truly... well, unlimited. To put the word 'unlimited' in perspective, consider the Red Bull-sponsored Peugeot 208 T16: its 3.2-litre bi-turbo V6 engine puts out 875 maximum horsepower, sending power to all four wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. That's powerful enough to catapult the T16 from 0-100 km/h in a scant 1.8 seconds. Keep it planted and it'll hit 200 km/h in 4.8 seconds and 240 km/h in 7.0 flat. That, ladies and gentlemen, is freakishly fast.

Just ask Sébastien Loeb, a man who's no stranger to high-performance machinery, having won nine World Rally championships, who said of the T16 after his first testing session: "I've never driven anything that accelerates so fast! ... It's got the downforce of a Formula 1 car, the wide tires of an endurance racing prototype and a differential like a WRC car."

And that right there is the automotive definition of 'Unlimited.' Oh, did we mention that the T16 is one of the meanest looking four-wheeled vehicles we've ever laid eyes on? See for yourself in the high-res image galleries, press release and video below.

Gallery: 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Practice Day 1

Continue reading Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer

Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> peugeotpeugeot 208 t16pikes peakred bullsebastien loebunlimited classvideo Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20564589/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/20564589/article-detail.xml 20564589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/peugeot-208-t16-loeb_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/peugeot-208-t16-loeb.jpeg <![CDATA[Happy 40th Anniversary to the Malaise Era]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/happy-40th-anniversary-to-the-malaise-era/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/happy-40th-anniversary-to-the-malaise-era/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/happy-40th-anniversary-to-the-malaise-era/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



2013 marks the 50th anniversary of icons like the Corvette Sting Ray and the Porsche 911. If Corvettes and Porsches aren't your thing, it's also the 50th of the Aston Martin DB5 and the 60th of the last great Packard, the Caribbean. Lost in the hoopla, however has been any mention of the fact that it's also the 40th anniversary of the Ford Mustang II, the de facto standard bearer for the automotive dark age that came to be known as "The Malaise Era."

Pollution regulations, safety standards and a fuel crisis that saw pump prices skyrocket created the perfect mediocrity storm that forced many Americans - and most of the rest of the world - into cars that were as bland and gutless as the Carter administration. The start of the malaise era is roughly marked by the Arab oil embargo of 1973 and the resulting great muscle car extinction, and it lasted until the introduction of the 200 hp + Buick Regal Grand National and the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 in 1985. Here are some of the malaziest from the era.

1974 Ford Mustang II (above)

The Pinto-based Mustang II nearly killed the Mustang franchise. Its sole claim to fame being a bit of product placement on the original Charlie's Angels series. Plain chick Sabrina drove the notchback Ghia model, smoking hot Kelly (played by Farrah Fawcett) naturally got the Cobra. But the joke was on her - its smogged-choked V8 put out about 140 horsepower. In a rare moment of understatement, Road & Track simply called it "neither fast, nor particularly good-handling."


Gallery: Top 10 most iconic cars of each decade




Rob Sass is the Publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine. He is a regular contributor to the automotive section of the New York Times and is the author of "Ran When Parked, Advice and Adventures from the Affordable Underbelly of Car Collecting."

Continue reading Happy 40th Anniversary to the Malaise Era

Happy 40th Anniversary to the Malaise Era originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1974 ford mustang ii1977 chevy camaro z281977 ferrari 308 gtb1978 ford fairmount1978 peugeot 504 diesel40th anniversarymalaise era Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20543900/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/17/happy-40th-anniversary-to-the-malaise-era/20543900/article-detail.xml 20543900 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/1974-ford-mustang-ii_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/1974-ford-mustang-ii.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot reveals its 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/peugeot-teases-its-208-t16-pikes-peak-racer/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/peugeot-teases-its-208-t16-pikes-peak-racer/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/peugeot-teases-its-208-t16-pikes-peak-racer/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Peugeot is returning to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year after a 14-year absence, and it has begun teasing the 208 T16 that Sébastien Loeb will be piloting up the mountain. Sporting a carbon fibre effects package that you won't find on the dealership floor nor at your local tuner, even the cockpit is a surprise since it features a central driving position!

Waging war in the Unlimited Class, it will have gobs of power underhood, the number 208 on its sides and two self-locking diffs to get power to the proper wheels. The entire route is paved this year, but Loeb has proved he knows how to handle tarmac in a variety of circumstances: after taking third in the French GT Championship last year, he entered the FIA GT series this year and won the opening race of the season earlier this month in a McLaren MP4-12C.

Click on the images above to see it in high resolution and be sure to watch the videos below for more.

Continue reading Peugeot reveals its 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer [w/video]

Peugeot reveals its 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> peugeotpeugeot 208 t16pikes peakPikes Peak International Hill Climbsebastien loeb Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20541927/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/peugeot-teases-its-208-t16-pikes-peak-racer/20541927/article-detail.xml 20541927 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/peugeot-t18-208-pikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/peugeot-t18-208-pikes.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak - video graphic

In spite of troubles in other areas - and there are plenty of them - sales of the Peugeot 208 are a bright spot for the French carmaker. Attempting to grab that light and make sure it shines everywhere, the company is returning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30 with a specially prepared 208 driven by nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb.

Citroën has loaned Loeb to its PSA/Peugeot-Citroën sister company so that he could contest his first Pikes Peak - it only makes sense that he's looking to try new pastures after winning all of those World Rally Championship titles with Citroën. The 208, which will have the start number '208,' will be revealed in April. Peugeot has won the race twice, once with Ari Vatanen in a 206 T16 in 1988 and again the next year with Robby Unser in a 405 T16.

To get you ready, there's a short film below called Climb Dance which follows Vatanen's drive. We highly recommend a watch - better vintage car porn is very hard to find.


Gallery: 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Practice Day 1


Gallery: 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Practice Day 2

Continue reading Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb

Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 208ari vatanencitroëncitroenclimb dancepeugeotpeugeot 208pikes peakpikes peak international hill climbsebastien loebvideo Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20527520/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/20527520/article-detail.xml 20527520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/peugeotpikespeak2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/peugeotpikespeak2013.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva launches the Sbarro Réact' E.V. - it isn't electric and could be very fast]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/sbarro-react-e-v-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/sbarro-react-e-v-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/sbarro-react-e-v-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



The Espera Sbarro Montbéliard School of Design has followed up its 137-horsepower Intencity EV concept and 360-hp V8-powered Eight concept with this, the Réact' E.V. Note the periods between the "e" and the "v" - this isn't an electric vehicle, it's an "Ecological Vehicle" with a hybrid powertrain.

In back, underneath the reptilian-scale-like cover, is a Peugeot-sourced V6 with 210 horsepower that turns the rear wheels. Turning the front wheels are two DC brushless motors that are each worth 100kW and 553 pound-feet of torque. They get juice from a 24-kWh battery pack and combined grunt is said to be 484 hp.

Rumor is that it took the students just 13 weeks to get it all together and that the two-seater coupe actually runs, something we haven't seen the other two concepts do. We'll find out soon enough since they have plans to run the Réact' E.V. in the 14th Monte Carlo Rallye of New Energies later this month. There are a few more details in the press release below to go with the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Geneva launches the Sbarro Réact' E.V. - it isn't electric and could be very fast

Geneva launches the Sbarro Réact' E.V. - it isn't electric and could be very fast originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genevageneva 2013geneva motor showreact evsbarrosbarro react ev Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20492644/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/sbarro-react-e-v-geneva-2013/20492644/article-detail.xml 20492644 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sbarroreactev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sbarroreactev.jpg <![CDATA[Ailing Peugeot writes-down over US$5.5B in assets]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-us-5-5b-in-assets/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-us-5-5b-in-assets/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-us-5-5b-in-assets/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Assembly line at Peugeot plant with worker and sign

As Europe's economy continues to suffer, so do automakers. One of the latest pieces of bad news comes from French carmaker Peugeot which says it will write down its assets by US$5.53 billion. The figure represents almost 29 per cent of the company's property, valued at US$19.4 billion in June. Peugeot says it will also take a second-half charge of US$325 million for "onerous contracts." Speaking of onerous, The Detroit News notes the "write-downs are more than double Peugeot's current market value." Yipes.

"This calculus results from cautious assumptions about the European economic environment," Chief Financial Officer Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon is quoted as saying in the article. "We think that this European car market will remain affected by the crisis for a long time."

With European auto sales falling the most in almost 20 years, Peugeot executives see little chance of improvement. Peugeot's sales dropped 13 per cent in 2012 and Chatillon said markets could fall another 5 per cent this year.

Efforts to right the ship include cutting 17 per cent of its French workforce, closing a factory near Paris and selling off assets. The French government has offered US$9.3 billion in bond guarantees that await European Union review. In addition, an alliance between General Motors and Peugeot authored last year was meant to save the two companies US$2 billion in annual cost savings and sales improvements over 5 years, but it's currently under review.

Continue reading Ailing Peugeot writes-down over US$5.5B in assets

Ailing Peugeot writes-down over US$5.5B in assets originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bailouteuropean financial crisisfinancial crisisgeneral motorsjean-baptiste de chatillonpeugeot Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20457018/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/18/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-us-5-5b-in-assets/20457018/article-detail.xml 20457018 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/peugeot-plant-line-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/peugeot-plant-line-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 World Car of the Year finalists announced]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/2013-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/2013-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/2013-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With the Chicago and Geneva auto shows not even out of the way yet, the automotive world's sights are set on the New York Auto Show for the naming of the 2013 World Car Awards, and the top 10 finalists for World Car of the Year and World Performance Car were recently announced and will be voted on by 66 journalists from around the world (including our own European Editor, Matt Davis).

Vying for the top award are the Audi A3, 2013 Range Rover, 2014 Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Peugeot 208, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, the trio of Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86, Volkswagen Golf and the Volvo V40. Since its inception, past winners of this award include Volkswagen Up! (2012), Nissan LEAF (2011), Volkswagen Polo (2010), Volkswagen Golf (2009), Mazda2/Mazda Demio (2008), Lexus LS 460 (2007), BMW 3 Series (2006) and the Audi A6 in the award's inaugural year.

The competition is no less fierce for the performance car of the year with the Aston Martin Vanquish, Audi RS5, BMW M6, BMW M 135i, Ferrari F12Berlinetta, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and SLS AMG, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Renault Clio Sport and the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86. This award was first handed out in 2006 with previous recipients including Porsche 911 (2012), Ferrari 458 Italia (2011), Audi R8 V10 (2010), Nissan GT-R (2009), Audi R8 (2008), Audi RS4 (2007) and the Porsche Cayman S (2006).

The top three finalists for each award will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5, and the winners will be revealed on March 28.

Click here to watch last year's winner strut its stuff and take a look at this year's top 10 finalists.


Gallery: 2013 World Car of the Year finalists

Continue reading 2013 World Car of the Year finalists announced

2013 World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> new york 2013new york auto shownew york international auto showPerformance Car of the YearwcotyWorld Car Awardsworld car of the year Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:02:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20446542/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/01/2013-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/20446542/article-detail.xml 20446542 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/world-car-of-the-year_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/world-car-of-the-year.jpg <![CDATA[Husband dumps load of horse crap on cheating wife's Peugeot]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/husband-gets-revenge-on-cheating-wife-by-dumping-a-load-of-crap/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/husband-gets-revenge-on-cheating-wife-by-dumping-a-load-of-crap/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/husband-gets-revenge-on-cheating-wife-by-dumping-a-load-of-crap/#comments Filed under: , ,



We've seen some nasty cases of revenge lately, but this one is about as fitting as they come. After discovering his wife's profile on an online dating site for farmers (kissinggates.com) and seeing himself described as "a complete idiot and completely crazy", this oddly calm and composed husband sets out to show his wife just how "crazy" he can be!

Armed with his tractor and a healthy scooping of horse manure, the man promptly unloads the hundreds of kilos of crap into the passenger cabin of his wife's beloved Peugeot convertible. After all, she did say in her profile that the only two things she loves are her Peugeot and her horses, so why not combine that love in one steaming, smelly pile?

While this act of revenge isn't quite as dramatic as the video we showed you back in December of a Brazilian woman assaulting her cheating husband's Honda Accord, we have no doubt that Becky here got the hint once she made her way home.

Click here to watch the full video.

Continue reading Husband dumps load of horse crap on cheating wife's Peugeot

Husband dumps load of horse crap on cheating wife's Peugeot originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> affaircheatingcheating wifeConvertiblecrapdating sitehorse manurehusband gets revengekissinggates.comonline datingpeugeotrevenge Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20438108/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/24/husband-gets-revenge-on-cheating-wife-by-dumping-a-load-of-crap/20438108/article-detail.xml 20438108 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/revenge-1359059530_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/revenge-1359059530.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Industry observers are expecting Europe's new vehicle sales to fall to lows not seen in decades, with Fiat and PSA/Peugeot-Citroën sitting in the lead car of the plummeting coaster. Both of those automakers traditionally count on the southern part of the continent for sales, yet consumers in that region have slowed spending due to the financial crisis.

Compounding the problem for Fiat is a lack of new product, as CEO Sergio Marchionne has stalled development to conserve cash during the downturn. PSA has invested in new vehicles, but aggressive price wars have forced it to sell its product with steep discounts. Making matters even more difficult, both companies may have their credit ratings cut this year. That would raise borrowing costs and only deepen the wounds.

The news isn't just bad for Fiat and PSA. Analysts are predicting that volume automakers in Europe lost 8 billion euros (about CAD$10.52 billion in today's rates) overall in 2012, and they won't break even until mid-decade.

Continue reading Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013

Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> europefiatpsapsa peugeot citroensergio marchionne Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20431780/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/20431780/article-detail.xml 20431780 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[A year in gestation, Peugeot finally unveils 2008 crossover]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/a-year-in-gestation-peugeot-finally-unveils-2008-crossover/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/a-year-in-gestation-peugeot-finally-unveils-2008-crossover/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/a-year-in-gestation-peugeot-finally-unveils-2008-crossover/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Production Peugeot 2008 crossover - front three-quarter view, white

First we saw the Urban Crossover Concept at the Beijing Auto Show, a small high-rider from Peugeot that was a product of the company's design studios in Paris, Shanghai and São Paulo. That evolved into the Peugeot 2008 concept and a liquid lime paint scheme at the Paris Motor Show a few months ago, now the French firm has unveiled the production version of the B-segment crossover that's an offshoot of its 208 hatch.

At 4.1 metres (13.6-feet) long, the 2008 is about 152 millimetres (six inches) longer than the 208, or 51 mm (two inches) longer than a Mini Countryman, and it has been tuned to provide the drive of a hatchback with the stance and utility of a crossover. That stance will be set up by punched-out wheel arches covering either a set of 17-inch alloys or a "mud-and-snow" kit for the truly rugged urban animal. Utility will come via the low-loading level in back, black bumpers and side sills, and extra headroom from the double-bubble roof (there's a panorama option, too). The studios chosen to create it weren't chosen at random, the 2008's production and main markets planned as France, China and Brazil.

The engines will include three-cylinder gas units and Peugeot's e-HDi diesels. It will be shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show before it goes on sale in late summer. The press release below can tell you more about it until then.

Continue reading A year in gestation, Peugeot finally unveils 2008 crossover

A year in gestation, Peugeot finally unveils 2008 crossover originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20082008 concept2013 peugeot 2008peugeotpsaurban crossover concept Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20419788/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/a-year-in-gestation-peugeot-finally-unveils-2008-crossover/20419788/article-detail.xml 20419788 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/peugeot2008prod_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/peugeot2008prod.jpg <![CDATA[GM, PSA scrap large car program, move forward with small engine development]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/gm-psa-scrap-large-car-program-move-forward-with-small-engine/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/gm-psa-scrap-large-car-program-move-forward-with-small-engine/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/gm-psa-scrap-large-car-program-move-forward-with-small-engine/#comments Filed under: ,

GM Peugeot

The partnership between General Motors and PSA Peugeot-Citroën isn't expected to produce any results until 2016, but it has created plenty of news (and speculation) since it was formed back in February. Now, GM is laying out some of the specifics of the deal while Automotive News Europe is reporting plans have been scrapped to produce a shared platform for a midsize sedan.

In "definitive agreements" between the two automakers, GM says that three new vehicle platforms are still on track; one of these will bring a new compact minivan to GM's Opel and Vauxhall brands and a compact crossover to Peugeot, and the other platform will be for B-segment minivans for both entities to share. ANE says that the proposed shared platform for the Opel Insignia and Citroën was canceled due to the lack of a sound business case.

In addition to cars, the joint venture will also be an opportunity for both automakers to develop "high-performance, efficient" gasoline engines and to create joint purchasing to allow both companies to potentially save money (this aspect of the agreement is still pending legal clearance from anti-trust approvals).

GM's official statement is posted after the jump.

Continue reading GM, PSA scrap large car program, move forward with small engine development

GM, PSA scrap large car program, move forward with small engine development originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroengeneral motorsgm peugeotgm psagm psa peugeot citroenjoint ventureopel peugeotvauxhall peugeot Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20410686/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/30/gm-psa-scrap-large-car-program-move-forward-with-small-engine/20410686/article-detail.xml 20410686 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gmpugworse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gmpugworse.jpg <![CDATA[EU formally questions French government assistance of Peugeot's finance arm]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/eu-formally-questions-french-government-assistance-of-peugeots/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/eu-formally-questions-french-government-assistance-of-peugeots/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/eu-formally-questions-french-government-assistance-of-peugeots/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Recently, the finance arm of PSA/Peugeot-Citroën was in such debt trouble that it was pricing itself out of the car loan market. The rates it was paying to service its debt, which was rated one step above junk, were so high that it was forced to charge car-buying customers higher rates than they could find elsewhere. This was adding to Peugeot's already impressive woes by sending revenue out the door to competitors.

Two months ago a deal was worked out with the French government whereby the state would provide 7 billion euro (CAD$9 billion) in bonds to guarantee the finance arm's loans. The French government could nominate someone to join the Peugeot board, Peugeot would guarantee more French jobs, and on top of that deal, other banks would provide non-guaranteed loans. The government would take no equity stake in the car company.

Although not yet finalized, the arrangement is meant to create some breathing room for Peugeot Finance to lower its interest rates for customers, and a government-nominated board member, Louis Gallois, was recently named to Peugeot's supervisory board. The arrangement was also openly questioned by at least three competitors: Ford, Renault - which is 15 per cent owned by the French government after it received state aid - and the German state of Lower Saxony, itself a 15 per cent shareholder in Volkswagen.

Now the European Union, responding to "an unidentified Peugeot competitor," has challenged the terms of the deal, calling it state aid, which is a no-no. There was a lot of parsing-of-words at the time the potential deal was announced: Peugeot said it wasn't state aid, it was state support; Ford of Europe said it didn't think government support of companies was sustainable, making no mention that Ford Credit did receive federal aid at the beginning of our own economic crisis; and the irony of Renault and the German state's complaints was apparently lost in their outrage.

The EU has requested official notification of the deal, which is the prelude before Brussels begins a full investigation into the matter, and that could raise the cost of the deal. The government doesn't think an investigation is warranted since the funds only go to the finance arm and the loan is being made at market rates. Peugeot, on the other hand, has apparently been prepared for such an eventuality and is working with Brussels on the matter. The deal, if it closes, should be concluded early next year.

Continue reading EU formally questions French government assistance of Peugeot's finance arm

EU formally questions French government assistance of Peugeot's finance arm originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroneueuropean unionEuropean Union Competition Commissionfordfrancepeugeotpsa peugeot citroenrenaultvolkswagen Sat, 29 Dec 2012 09:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20412973/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/29/eu-formally-questions-french-government-assistance-of-peugeots/20412973/article-detail.xml 20412973 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/peugeoteuchallenge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/peugeoteuchallenge.jpg <![CDATA[Petrolicioius follows one Peugeot through the circle of life]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/petrolicioius-follows-one-peugeot-through-the-circle-of-life/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/petrolicioius-follows-one-peugeot-through-the-circle-of-life/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/petrolicioius-follows-one-peugeot-through-the-circle-of-life/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Petrolicious Peugeot

In 1939, Vensio Pagani's father packed his family up and fled war-torn Italy for France, leaving everything behind in the process. The family home, friends and even his father's prize Peugeot convertible were all abandoned in the hope that the Paganis could find a safer future for themselves.

Vensio cultivated a passion for restoring period vehicles over the intervening 70 years, and happened to spot a vintage Peugeot just like his father's at a swap meet. The car was in pieces and badly in need of restoration, but Vensio drug it back to his shop and began rebuilding the car from the ground up.

It wasn't until he cleaned off the frame that he noticed something special. After scratching back the rust, grime and paint of seven decades, Vensio discovered that the serial number of the car he purchased matched his father's - amazingly, he had found his dad's long-lost Peugeot. Our friends at Petrolicious took the time to speak with Vensio in his workshop for their latest video.

You can take a look at the video below.

Continue reading Petrolicioius follows one Peugeot through the circle of life

Petrolicioius follows one Peugeot through the circle of life originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> classicpetroliciouspeugeotvideovintage Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20412215/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/petrolicioius-follows-one-peugeot-through-the-circle-of-life/20412215/article-detail.xml 20412215 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/petrolicious-peugteot-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/petrolicious-peugteot-628.jpg <![CDATA[Is this the best car commercial of all time? [w/videos]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Honda Accord

There have been many great car commercials over the years, but is it possible to define the best? Well, Ad Week recently took a crack at it by rating the top commercials of the year by looking at their view counts on YouTube, but Auto Express took a more democratic approach by putting the decision to a vote. Just after Thanksgiving, Auto Express came up with a list of the 20 popular commercials, and it tasked its readers with choosing the winner for the best car ad of all time. The winner? Honda's 2003 commercial for its then-new European Accord titled "The Cog."

While the ad never aired in North America, most car people have surely seen the impressive Rube Goldberg-style spot. In fact, the only commercial on this list that we saw on North American television was the Volkswagen ad "The Force," but many of the others have become viral videos, including transforming and dancing Citroën C4. Of the 19 other commercials that vied for the title of best ad of all time, only the Ford Puma "Steve McQueen" commercial gave Honda a run for its advertising money.

Scroll down to watch Auto Express' top five commercial in order and to check out a press release, then let us know some of your favourite car commercials in Comments.


Gallery: Best Hollywood Car Chases

Continue reading Is this the best car commercial of all time? [w/videos]

Is this the best car commercial of all time? [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingbest commercialscar commercialcar commercialscitroëncitroencommercialsfordhondahonda cogpeugeotsteve mcqueenvideovolkswagen Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20408520/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/20408520/article-detail.xml 20408520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/honda-cog-commercial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/honda-cog-commercial.jpg <![CDATA[European Car of the Year finalists announced]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/european-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/european-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/european-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,



Electric cars may have won the European Car of the Year award two years in a row now (Opel Ampera in 2012, and Nissan Leaf in 2011), we can say without reservation that the 2013 ECotY will be a petrol-burning, internal combustionizer. That's because not a single electric vehicle made it to the contest's final round. But eight other cars did.

At the top of the alphabetical list is Ford's Fiesta-based, B-Max MPV. Five doors, good ride and fuel-efficient, award-winning engine choices are some of the reasons it makes the list. Next is the Hyundai i30, known as the Elantra GT here, with either five or three doors, a roomy cabin and a 1.6-litre CRDi engine. The nominating committee commends the handsome hatch for improved exterior aesthetics and a multi-link suspension that "shows in ride and handling."

Mercedes gets the next spot with its hot hatch: the turbocharged A-Class, followed by another hatch, the Peugeot 208. The next finalist is from another marque we haven't seen in North America for quite some time - the fourth-generation Renault Clio, followed by the Subaru/Toyota dynamic duo of BRZ and the GT86. The last two contenders are the all-new Volkswagen Golf and the svelte Volvo V40.

The European Car of the Year will be announced in early March after the jury has tallied its votes.

Continue reading European Car of the Year finalists announced

European Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car awardsecotyecoty 2013europeEuropean Car of the Year Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20408009/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/european-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/20408009/article-detail.xml 20408009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ecoty-logo-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ecoty-logo-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot RCZ R Concept is an unsubtle hint at performance coupe to come]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/peugeot-rcz-r-concept-paris-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/peugeot-rcz-r-concept-paris-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/peugeot-rcz-r-concept-paris-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Peugeot RCZ-R Concept - Live at 2012 Paris Motor Show reveal

Say one thing for Peugeot at its home Paris Motor Show this season: the company knows how to run with a theme. Peugeot, some might argue, stole the 2012 show with its Onyx supercar concept; that car has an Onyx Scooter Concept that matches it in livery (if not performance). But, perhaps the most realistic vehicle to wear the matte black and copper attire is this hotted-up RCZ R Concept.

Now, don't let that "Concept" bit on the end of the formal name fool you too much - the company out and out says that the RCZ R will show up as a production model at the end of 2013.

That's great news if you've been considering an RCZ but had hoped for a bit more performance from the fashion-forward coupe. The Peugeot Sport development group plans to fit the production RCZ R with a 260-horsepower, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, Torsen limited slip differential and revised wheels and suspension. We're guessing that the stealthy black paint and copper roof rails will be for the concept car only - but with the French, you never know...

Continue reading Peugeot RCZ R Concept is an unsubtle hint at performance coupe to come

Peugeot RCZ R Concept is an unsubtle hint at performance coupe to come originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 peugeot rczparisparis 2012paris motor showpeugeotpeugeot rcz r conceptrczrcz r Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20336295/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/07/peugeot-rcz-r-concept-paris-2012/20336295/article-detail.xml 20336295 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01peugeotrcz-rconcept628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01peugeotrcz-rconcept628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car looks fast sitting still]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-208-type-r5-rally-car-looks-fast-sitting-still/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-208-type-r5-rally-car-looks-fast-sitting-still/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-208-type-r5-rally-car-looks-fast-sitting-still/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car - live at 2012 Paris Motor Show reveal

Last week, we were able to bring you all of the details regarding Peugeot's new 208 Type R5 rally car, but there was only a shadowy teaser image with which to illustrate the pre-production rally titan.

Thankfully, with our meticulous shooters combing the floor, we now have a good long look at the Peugeot 208 R5, which the French automaker confirms will race next year in series like the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, European Rally Championship and the National Championships.

The 208 R5 is, of course, just as racy as we'd hoped, with a wheels-at-the-absolute-corners stance, huge white shoes wearing hometown Michelin rubber, a sizable rear wing and sporty graphics as far as the eye can see. Don't get used to seeing it in quite so gleaming a shade of white, however, as this one little guy is destined to get dirty, fast.


News Source: Peugeot

Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2012 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

Continue reading Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car looks fast sitting still

Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car looks fast sitting still originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 208parisparis 2012paris motor showpeugeotpeugeot 208 r5r5r5 rallyrallyrally cars2000wrc Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20336883/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/peugeot-208-type-r5-rally-car-looks-fast-sitting-still/20336883/article-detail.xml 20336883 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-peugeot-205-type-r5628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-peugeot-205-type-r5628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Onyx Hybrid Supercar may be the Belle of the Parisian ball [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-onyx-hybrid-supercar-video-paris-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-onyx-hybrid-supercar-video-paris-2012/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-onyx-hybrid-supercar-video-paris-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Though the French automaker is clearly on the top of its game with all of its offerings for the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Peugeot's Onyx supercar concept is its definitive highlight.

A masterpiece in matte black paint, Onyx's most striking features are the two huge swathes of polished copper that adorn both sides. Each side is made from a single piece of copper and, other than extensive polishing, the material is unprotected from the elements. The goal here, says Peugeot, is that the copper panels will change and evolve over time with oxidation.

The lightweight concept car - all of the body panels are made from carbon fibre and the car weighs just 1,100 kilograms (2,425 pounds) - is propelled by an aggressive hybrid powertrain. At the heart of the propulsion is a 3.7-litre V8 that's good for a whopping 600 horsepower, and it's modulated via a six-speed sequential gearbox. The conventional engine is augmented with lithium-ion battery-powered electric system that adds another 80 horses to the mix.

The interior of the Onyx is nearly as impressive as the body and powertrain, with a single, neutral-coloured, floor-to-ceiling material that looks a lot like wall-to-wall carpeting, but in a cool French way. Seats are barely discernable from the non-seat portion of the interior, and the whole thing looks about as wild and impractical as you'd want from your typical billion-dollar steampunk concept supercar. Nicely done.

To see and hear the Onyx in motion, click here for a video.

News Source: Peugeot

Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2012 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

Gallery: Peugot Onyx Concept

Continue reading Onyx Hybrid Supercar may be the Belle of the Parisian ball [w/video]

Onyx Hybrid Supercar may be the Belle of the Parisian ball [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> concept carhybridparisparis 2012paris motor showpeugeotpeugeot onyxsteampunksupercar Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20336463/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/peugeot-onyx-hybrid-supercar-video-paris-2012/20336463/article-detail.xml 20336463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/009-peugeot-onyx-concept-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/009-peugeot-onyx-concept-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot Onyx will be joined by matching scooter in Paris]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/peugeot-onyx-will-be-joined-by-matching-scooter-in-paris/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/peugeot-onyx-will-be-joined-by-matching-scooter-in-paris/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/09/22/peugeot-onyx-will-be-joined-by-matching-scooter-in-paris/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Peugeot is betting even more on black (and copper) with the Onyx three-wheeled scooter concept. A fanciful sibling to the Onxy hybrid supercar concept, the scooter looks as if it could have come straight from the Japanese anime, Akira.

The Onyx scooter makes do with a bit less gumption than the 680-horsepower Onyx coupe. The three-wheeler's powertrain is a 400cc engine paired with an electric motor pushing a combined 60 horsepower and 43 pound-feet to the 17-inch rear wheel.

In between the cockpit and the seat is a storage unit called the ClipBox. The scooter is in Sport Mode with the ClipBox affixed, the rider leaning against it to reach the handlebars, naturally pushing the feet into a more sportbike-like position. Remove the ClipBox and the Onyx goes into Urban Mode, a more traditional scooter configuration with an upright seating position. Peugeot says it's good for 30 miles of all-electric travel at 31 mph, or 310 miles if it uses the ICE. You can check out its transformation in the attached photo gallery, and we'll find out more in person at the Paris Motor Show.


Gallery: Peugot Onyx Concept





News Source: Car Body Design via Carscoop

Peugeot Onyx will be joined by matching scooter in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 22 Sep 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> onyxonyx scooterparisparis 2012paris motor showpeugeotpeugeot onyx scooter conceptscooter Sat, 22 Sep 2012 18:03:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20330652/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/22/peugeot-onyx-will-be-joined-by-matching-scooter-in-paris/20330652/article-detail.xml 20330652 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/peugeotonyxscooter_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/peugeotonyxscooter.jpg -1 2