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[Renault and Red Bull Racing team up for awesome sports Megane [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-and-red-bull-racing-team-up-for-awesome-sports-megane/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-and-red-bull-racing-team-up-for-awesome-sports-megane/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-and-red-bull-racing-team-up-for-awesome-sports-megane/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Renault Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 - front three-quarter view

The Renault Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 is a special edition hatchback celebrating the company's third year in a row powering Infiniti Red Bull Racing to the Formula One Constructor's Championship. The French carmaker did the same thing last year with the Megane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7, but whereas last year's model came in the black and yellow livery associated with Renault factory racing teams, this one hews closer to Infiniti Red Bull colours, with an exclusive Crépuscule Blue finish and platinum gray accents.

Other signs as to the hatchack's purpose are the Red Bull logos on the rear quarter panels, the badging on the sills and inside and the laurel stickers on the rear windows. Helping fulfill the buyer's need for speed are a set of 19-inch black wheels shod in the same Bridgestone rubber that got the Megane around the Nürburgring in record time for a production front-wheel-drive car. The car also includes the first use of Renault's new R-Link multimedia tablet and the second generation of the R.S. Monitor.

It will go on sale in 26 countries that sadly fail to include ours. Its arrival in French dealerships is slated for June at a starting price of 36,000 euro (CAD $47,989), and it will be withdrawn from sale on September 30, 2013 to make good on its limited-edition promise. There's more on it in the press release and video below.

Gallery: Red Bull F1 car in Toronto






Continue reading Renault and Red Bull Racing team up for awesome sports Megane [w/video]

Renault and Red Bull Racing team up for awesome sports Megane [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> infiniti red bull racingred bullred bull racingrenaultrenault meganerenault megane rs red bull racing rb8 Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20580237/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/renault-and-red-bull-racing-team-up-for-awesome-sports-megane/20580237/article-detail.xml 20580237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-megane-rb8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-megane-rb8.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The sand, the wind, the penalties, the contact and the one crash - all of them collided to make the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix a surprise affair from day to day and lap to lap. Oh, and did we mention the tires? Pirelli made a last-minute swap after the amusement park ride that the Chinese Grand Prix turned into with the soft compound tire, and brought medium and hard compounds to the desert. That didn't stop things from falling apart for some teams - literally - and that didn't stop the one team that seems to love the hard compound Pirelli tire.


Gallery: 2013 Chinese Formula One Grand Prix

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bahrain grand prixbahrain grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula onegrand prixinfinitiinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusred bullromain grosjeansebastian vettel Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547072/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/20547072/article-detail.xml 20547072 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept makes fast friends at Shanghai show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Renault Alpin A110-50 Concept

Last year, Renault created the Alpine A110-50 Concept to mark the 50th anniversary of the original Renault A110, but we had to wait until this year's Shanghai Motor Show to see the stunning concept in person. First introduced in 1961, the A110 became a dominating force in the rally car circuit in the early 1970s, and the A110-50 Concept shows what a future version of the car could be - although there's still no official word if Renault plans to ever bring this car to production.

As a refresher, this concept pays homage to the classic A110 with its Alpine Blue paint job and hood-mounted foglights, but its wavy rear wing, scissor doors and curvaceous carbon fibre body are all modern cues. This concept gets its power from a mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 producing 400 horsepower, which is controlled through a six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. For more information on this concept (including a digital video of the car in motion) head on over to our previous post of the car from last year.

Continue reading Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept makes fast friends at Shanghai show

Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept makes fast friends at Shanghai show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showconcept carrenaultrenault alpine a110-50renault alpine a110-50 conceptshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546233/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/20546233/article-detail.xml 20546233 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-alpine-a10-50-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-alpine-a10-50-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Formula One fans and commentators have spent the three weeks since the Malaysian Grand Prix discussing two things more than any other: that pass, and tires. Sebastian Vettel spent days giving his tongue an Olympic workout on the verbal gymnastics parallel bars before finally admitting he passed his Infiniti Red Bull teammate Mark Webber on purpose partly for reasons of payback, partly out of a desire to win - he doesn't apologize for it and he would do it again.

Then came those Pirellis - every single driver and team representative interview touches on how important it is to understand the tires and manage their degradation. Two races in, though, it seems no team has any clue yet how to make the race-weekend compounds work predictably. The only thing predictable about the soft compound tires that Pirelli brought to China was that they would last for six laps, and that led to an odd qualifying session with drivers reluctant to leave the pits or even set a time.

It also led to the first pole position for an Englishman in a Mercedes-Benz since Stirling Moss did it in 1955.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 chinese grand prixchinese grand prixEsteban Gutierrezf1fernando alonsoforce indiaformula onegrand prixjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenrenaultsaubersebastian vettelsergio perez Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20541507/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/20541507/article-detail.xml 20541507 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/china-f1-gp-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/china-f1-gp-1.jpg <![CDATA[Renault A-110 revival also planned in... Mexico?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/renault-a-110-revival-also-planned-in-mexico/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/renault-a-110-revival-also-planned-in-mexico/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/renault-a-110-revival-also-planned-in-mexico/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Bulgaria, Brazil and Mexico were three of the countries licenced to build the Alpine A110 under licence in the sixties and seventies. With the revival of the former Renault rally racing brand, Mexico, whose Dinalpin sold the earlier iteration, wants to do it again - but this time with no connection to the parent company. It's called Project SST-77 and it is being headed by Miguel Jimenez, with the aims of developing a "low capacity, low weight, agile, high performance" sports car.

The ultimate plan is to put a new fibre-glass body designed by Alejandro Castañeda on top of a chassis being laid out by Mexican Auto Design, headquartered in the same city where Dinalpin fabricated Alpines decades ago. There's no timeline and no other details about what's going into the project, but we'll keep an eye out for any updates.

Click through to watch the Renault Alpine A110-50 concept car in video action.

Gallery: Alpine N36 Le Mans LMP2






Continue reading Renault A-110 revival also planned in... Mexico?

Renault A-110 revival also planned in... Mexico? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alejandro castanedaalpinealpine 110dinalpinmexican auto designmexicomiguel jimenezproject sst-77rallyrally racingrenaultsst-77wrc Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20535055/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/13/renault-a-110-revival-also-planned-in-mexico/20535055/article-detail.xml 20535055 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/dinalpin-sst-77-project_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/dinalpin-sst-77-project.jpg <![CDATA[Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot (w/video)]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Mystery Renault concept caught on camera phone - video screencap

Mystery Renault concept caught on camera phone - video screencapRenault has exceptional plans for this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, bringing six classic cars, four Formula One cars from this year's season and three current offerings. It will also be showing off two brand-new concepts, one of them gasoline-powered and another that's purely electric, and it's possible that the ICE concept has been spotted in Madrid on a video shoot. If so, it would be appear to be a fresh take on the Eighties-era Renault 5 that would look very nice next to the 1984 Renault 5 Maxi that will be at Goodwood.

Some Spaniards with camera phones caught a little blue Renault hatchback with a number "5" on its flanks and a giant wing hanging off the back. Renault has to have expected someone to catch it in photos, not because it was working with a camera truck but because it was doing donuts in an intersection and spitting out a murderous exhaust note. It might actually have nothing to do with the Goodwood concepts, but the coincidence of a classic Renault 5 showing up in England does provide a potential connection.

Elsewhere in the stand from July 11 to 14 Renault will have a 1920 Renault Type K, a 1926 Renault 40CV, the first turbocharged F1 car, the 1978 RS01, the Alpine that won Le Mans in 1978 and a Group 5 Alpine A310 rally car, Kimi Räikkönen's Australian F1 Grand Prix-winning Lotus E21, the Red Bull RB9, Caterham CT03 and Williams FW35. Among current offerings will be the Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC, Captur crossover and all-electric Zoe.

Find out more about all of them in the two videos and the press release below, then scroll down to the very bottom of the page to watch Ferraris attack the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Gallery: Renault Clio RS Spy Shots






Continue reading Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot (w/video)

Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot (w/video) originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> concept cargoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmotorsportsrenaultrenault 5spy photosspy shots Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20523269/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/31/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/20523269/article-detail.xml 20523269 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault5vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault5vid.jpg <![CDATA[New concept car teased, Renault design influenced by Ross Lovegrove]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/renault-teases-new-ross-lovegrove-influenced-concept-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/renault-teases-new-ross-lovegrove-influenced-concept-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/renault-teases-new-ross-lovegrove-influenced-concept-car/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Renault has teamed up with British designer Ross Lovegrove to create a new concept car that hints at the future styling direction for the French automaker. The yet-to-be-named car will be unveiled at the Triennale of Milan on April 8, and it will be on display unit the 14th.

Although the automaker has not released any details about the car, it did say that the concept's design has been heavily influenced by elements of nature. This includes details like the ripples in some of the body components and branch-like features on the wheels and what appears to be either a fog light or a speaker grille. Sounds interesting, and we'll know soon enough how the whole package will take shape.

Scroll down for the official press release.

Gallery: Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept






Continue reading New concept car teased, Renault design influenced by Ross Lovegrove

New concept car teased, Renault design influenced by Ross Lovegrove originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> concept vehiclerenaultrenault concept vehicleross lovegrovetriennale of milan Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20511253/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/31/renault-teases-new-ross-lovegrove-influenced-concept-car/20511253/article-detail.xml 20511253 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault-ross-lovegrove-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault-ross-lovegrove-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Sexy ad shows stripped-down dancers and Renault's 'va va voom' button]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/sexy-ad-shows-stripped-down-dancers-and-va-va-voom-button/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/sexy-ad-shows-stripped-down-dancers-and-va-va-voom-button/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/sexy-ad-shows-stripped-down-dancers-and-va-va-voom-button/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



This car commercial starts off quietly enough, with some potential customers arriving at a Renault dealership in England for a test drive of the new Clio compact with a salesman. The drive route takes them to a nondescript intersection where the customer is told to try out the "Va Va Voom" button, and that's where the risqué French action begins when a pop-up theatrical production materializes around the car, with everything from baguette-selling cart pushers to young lovers in the crosswalk to burlesque dancers putting on a show.

And in case beautiful women strutting around in lingerie isn't really your thing, there's a more dude-centric version below, too. You can check them both out by scrolling below, but be aware, the videos might be Not Safe For Work.


Gallery: Danica Patrick Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoot

Continue reading Sexy ad shows stripped-down dancers and Renault's 'va va voom' button

Sexy ad shows stripped-down dancers and Renault's 'va va voom' button originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 renault clioburlesquecliocommercialnsfwrenaultrenault cliorenault commercialva va voomvideo Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20523451/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/sexy-ad-shows-stripped-down-dancers-and-va-va-voom-button/20523451/article-detail.xml 20523451 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sexy-car-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sexy-car-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Alpine N36 LMP2 racecar - profile studio shot

This is the Alpine LMP2 competitor you'll see contesting European endurance races this year, including The 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Parent company Renault showed off the N36 racer at its atelier in Paris, the blue and orange a switch from the yellow, black and white livery Alpine wore last time it was seen in Le Mans way back in 1978 when it won the race.

The team will be run by Signatech-Nissan and the chassis will be powered by a Nissan engine. Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues will contest World Endurance Championship rounds throughout the year, they'll be joined by endurance and IndyCar veteran Tristan Gommendy for Le Mans and Paul-Loup Chatin as the team's reserve driver.

The Alpine N36 will get into its first test this week at Paul Ricard, then experience its first racing miles at the European Le Mans Series round at Silverstone on April 13.

The press release below has the full scoop, the photos above have the past and present in high-res glory.

Gallery: Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept






Continue reading Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans

Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of le mansalpineeuropean le mans seriesle manslmp2motorsportsnissanrenaultworld endurance championship Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20516654/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/20516654/article-detail.xml 20516654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinen36le-manslmp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinen36le-manslmp1.jpg <![CDATA[24 Hours of Le Mans gains another racer, Renault taking Alpine to race legendary event]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/24-hours-of-le-mans-gains-another-racer-renault-taking-alpine-t/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/24-hours-of-le-mans-gains-another-racer-renault-taking-alpine-t/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/24-hours-of-le-mans-gains-another-racer-renault-taking-alpine-t/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Renault isn't letting up with the return of its Alpine brand. After announcing a partnership with Caterham to bring a new Alpine to market by 2015 (now expected by 2016), the French firm has announced it is taking Alpine racing again in the European Le Mans Series this year - and that includes The 24 Hours of Le Mans.

It has been 35 years since Alpine last competed in Le Mans, when it won the race outright and dropped the mic as it left the pits, never to return. Before that, in the 11 years it campaigned in the most famous endurance race on the planet from 1963 to 1978, it took seven class wins.

Caterham won't be involved with the race team, however; that will be an effort spearheaded by the Signatech-Nissan team that has been running GT Academy winners in LMS racing. Alpine is preparing an LMP2 chassis that will get a 500-horsepower Nissan engine for this year's championship, with the first two named drivers being Nelson Panciatici (above right) and Pierre Ragues (above left). The third driver for Le Mans will be announced later this month when the racer is launched at the Le Castellet race track in southern France.

The press release below has more details, and prepare yourself now for a chant that hasn't been heard since Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was president of the republic: "Allez Alpine!"

Continue reading 24 Hours of Le Mans gains another racer, Renault taking Alpine to race legendary event

24 Hours of Le Mans gains another racer, Renault taking Alpine to race legendary event originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of le mansalpineendurance racingeuropean le mans seriesle manslmp2lmsmotorsportsNelson PanciaticinissanPierre Raguesrenaultsignatech Sat, 16 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20497006/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/16/24-hours-of-le-mans-gains-another-racer-renault-taking-alpine-t/20497006/article-detail.xml 20497006 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinele-mans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinele-mans.jpg <![CDATA[Russian mega-yacht move goes horribly wrong with three truck tractor pull]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/russian-mega-yacht-move-goes-horribly-wrong-with-three-truck-tra/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/russian-mega-yacht-move-goes-horribly-wrong-with-three-truck-tra/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/russian-mega-yacht-move-goes-horribly-wrong-with-three-truck-tra/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



In a fight with physics, several men decided to pull a massive mega-yacht from the water with three trucks - tethered in series. The experiment in towing goes horribly wrong - but not before rowdy rig behavior is caught on camera, the tractors spinning their wheels with ample wheel-hop.

It's unclear what body of pond-like water this vessel is getting pulled from - or why the proper rig was not procured for the job - but in the logic of these improvising drivers, pairing three small trucks together and going full throttle is the ideal solution. Perhaps these ill-fated truckers read our article on the comparatively diminutive Toyota Tundra successfully pulling the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

As the age-old adage goes, "You're only as strong as your weakest link." Click through to watch the weakest link during its dramatic destruction. And feel free to identify the language in the comments section below - we're unsure of the language being spoken in the video, but believe it to be Russian.


Gallery: Xhibitionist superyacht concept by Gray Design

Continue reading Russian mega-yacht move goes horribly wrong with three truck tractor pull

Russian mega-yacht move goes horribly wrong with three truck tractor pull originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 5th wheelcab overcab over framecab over wreckcrazy truck drivercrazy videorussiarussian truck driversemi trucktractortractor pulltractor-trailertruck crashtruck damagetruck drivertruck wreckyatch pull Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20481112/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/27/russian-mega-yacht-move-goes-horribly-wrong-with-three-truck-tra/20481112/article-detail.xml 20481112 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/russian-boat-pull_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/russian-boat-pull.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[Dacia brand has become "cash cow" for parent Renault]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/dacia-brand-has-become-cash-cow-for-parent-renault/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/dacia-brand-has-become-cash-cow-for-parent-renault/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/dacia-brand-has-become-cash-cow-for-parent-renault/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Dacia emblem

No one, not even former Renault CEO Louis Schweitzer whose idea it was to buy Dacia in 1999, had any idea the low-cost Eastern European sub-brand would succeed this well. The Romanian automaker with three wheels in the ground at the time of its takeover was purchased the same year that Renault took its stake in Nissan, and no one had much to say about that smaller deal. Fast forward 13 years, the line that began with the Logan in 2004 is now five model lines on sale in 36 countries, it's year-on-year sales have never decreased and the vehicles built on its M0 entry-level platform sold nearly a million units in 2012. This isn't just an emerging-market story, either, with Dacia branded offerings making up 17 per cent of Renault volume in Western Europe.

Its rampaging sales and the synergies between the Renault and Dacia lines have turned the brand into a "cash cow" in the words of Renault's COO. Its vehicles share a huge number of parts, many of which are still carryover nine years into the brand's life, and parts of the recently introduced second-generation Logan are evolved from the 1990 Renault Clio. In fact, due to amortization and decreased prices for parts because of the massive sales, the new Logan is less expensive to produce than the first generation, so it was given new equipment along with the refresh in order to maintain its price.

The news is even better in other regions, where the Dacia can command more money on its own or can be sold under the Renault or Nissan brands. The Duster in Western Europe that starts at 12,000 euros (CAD$16,000 at todays exchange) starts at 19,000 euros (CAD$24,700) in Brazil. That's how Dacia, according to a Morgan Stanley analyst, returns a worldwide nine-per cent operating margin as opposed to Renault's 0.4-per cent. What lies ahead is more models and variants, as well as a modular strategy for the M0 platform to further reduce costs, and, one supposes, even more money from that Romanian cow.

Continue reading Dacia brand has become "cash cow" for parent Renault

Dacia brand has become "cash cow" for parent Renault originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> daciarenault Sun, 06 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20416720/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/06/dacia-brand-has-become-cash-cow-for-parent-renault/20416720/article-detail.xml 20416720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dacia-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dacia-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Renault will have new Alpine ready by end of 2015]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-will-have-new-alpine-ready-by-end-of-2015/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-will-have-new-alpine-ready-by-end-of-2015/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-will-have-new-alpine-ready-by-end-of-2015/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



We earlier reported that Renault's revival of the Alpine name would take four years. But Stephen Norman, head of marketing for Renault, says to expect the first new Alpine sometime before the end of 2015.

Norman also tells Autocar that the Alpine jointly developed with Caterham "won't be more hardcore than a Mazda MX-5." He went on to say we should expect a competitor for the Porsche Boxster and high-performance Audi TTS. "You can't betray the DNA of Alpine," Norman says. "That's a third of what the car will be."

But the executive also says its DNA is certainly French, "It must be light and look different, and have a touch of French Dash. It's not a car for dandies, though." Norman says the target buyer is either French or a Francophile.

The French-styled, Miata-like, Boxter competitor is expected to have a price tag around £50,000 (CAD $65,841) and is predicted to have a 250-horsepower Renault engine.


Gallery: Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept

Continue reading Renault will have new Alpine ready by end of 2015

Renault will have new Alpine ready by end of 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alpinealpine revivalaudi ttaudi tt competitorboxtercaterhamfrench dnamiatamx-5porsche boxster competitorrenaultstephen norman Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20413980/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/05/renault-will-have-new-alpine-ready-by-end-of-2015/20413980/article-detail.xml 20413980 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/saac-pr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/saac-pr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Renault appoints Dacia Logan creator to head its Nano-rival program in India]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/#comments Filed under: , ,

Renault badge

After watching the Tata Nano post sales numbers smaller than its engine displacement, Renault gave up on its much publicized intention to build a truly inexpensive car to rival it. Then, a month ago, reports emerged that Renault was resuming work on a couple of low-priced cars for emerging markets, but this time it would work with its in-house partner, Nissan. That plan envisions an offering for €3,000 (CAD $3,950) and another for €5,000 (CAD $6,585), both of which would be more spendy than the Nano but might avoid the charge of being cheap - and nasty - and instead be considered affordable.

A report in Reuters talks to the man in charge, Gerard Detourbet, who has been in Chennai, India since at least August working on the program. Detourbet led the Dacia Logan project and is considered "Renault's low-cost car specialist" and "the father of entry-car programs." This one is reportedly codenamed A-Entry and will create a "'sub-entry' architecture" that will provide roominess beyond the vehicle's price and class, and use an engine with a displacement of 800 cubic centimeters.

It isn't aimed at the Nano, though - it means to take on the products that make up 45-50 per cent of India's car market, like the Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon. According to Reuters, out of the 2.6-million-strong Indian car market the Maruti Suzuki line-up alone nabs one million registrations annually. The Alto 800 begins at 244,000 rupees (CAD $4,430), the Eon at 300,000 rupees (CAD $5,449), the Chevrolet Spark at about 316,000 (CAD $5,740); if Renault can nail its price targets it will just about bracket those three and be right in the game.

Renault wants to get this car right and then ship it to other markets. Detourbet's wider mission is encapsulated in his assessment that "Once you've done battle with the world's best cheap car manufacturer, you can go into another country where there isn't a Maruti Suzuki and be relatively comfortable." Reports have said that we'll see it for the first time at the 2014 New Delhi Auto Expo.

Meanwhile, Tata has gone back to the idea well, and the bank, to work on restoring the good fortunes it hasn't had with passenger cars in India in a long while.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Tata Nano CX

Continue reading Renault appoints Dacia Logan creator to head its Nano-rival program in India

Renault appoints Dacia Logan creator to head its Nano-rival program in India originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> altodaciaeongerard detourbetHyundaiindialoganmaruti suzukinissanrenaultsparksuzuki Sat, 05 Jan 2013 09:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20413983/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/05/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/20413983/article-detail.xml 20413983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-badge.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[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[Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again.]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

renault

Four years ago, Renault confirmed that it would partner with India's Bajaj Auto to develop a rival to the Tata Nano. At the time, as everyone waited for the Nano to arrive, you could have used a Richter scale to measure the tremors the executive suites of any automaker with an interest in the low end of emerging markets. Then the Nano, still the cheapest car in the world, didn't sell so well - at the end of last year its sales were just six per cent of its most conservative projections - and everyone seemed content to let Tata spend the money to figure out if there really was a market for the cheapest car in the world.

Renault believes there is, kind of. Automotive News Europe reports that it will partner with Nissan to build two low-priced cars for emerging markets, one for €3,000 (CAD$3,755) and another for €5,000 (CAD$6,250). The price of the least expensive offering is nearly $1,400 more than a Nano, which costs $2,500, and that can't be considered a small sum in comparison. But one of the hindsight knocks on the Nano has been that even in emerging markets buyers don't want a car whose biggest lure is that it is cheap; they'd rather give their aspirations a bit more of a workout.

Renault's offerings are scheduled to hit the non-Western market in late 2014, which is coincidentally the same year that will see the return of the budget-minded and emerging-market-specific Datsun nameplate. They'll be built in Renault facilities in Chennai, India, with no mention made of Bajaj this time around.

Continue reading Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again.

Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> datsunemerging marketsnanonissanrenaulttata Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20392586/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/20392586/article-detail.xml 20392586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault.jpg <![CDATA[Thought Renault's Twizy couldn't get more French? Here's one covered in macarons]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/thought-renaults-twizy-couldnt-get-more-french-heres-one-cov/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/thought-renaults-twizy-couldnt-get-more-french-heres-one-cov/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/thought-renaults-twizy-couldnt-get-more-french-heres-one-cov/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Renault Twizy covered in macarons

While we were in Las Vegas covering the 2012 SEMA Show, sweeter teeth had converged upon France's capital city for the annual Salon du Chocolat, otherwise known as the Paris Chocolate Show. Renault brought a little automotive flair to the this year's show by teaming with French pastry chef Pierre Hermé to create a Renault Twizy covered with macarons.

In a two-day process, 1,700 of the Oreo-like pastries-weighing around 22.6 kilograms (50 pounds) in total-were individually glued onto the high-calorie show car's bodywork and wheel covers.

Scroll down to watch how this tasty Twizy was created.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Renault Twizy

Continue reading Thought Renault's Twizy couldn't get more French? Here's one covered in macarons

Thought Renault's Twizy couldn't get more French? Here's one covered in macarons originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 renault twizypierre hermerenaultsalon du chocolattwizyvideovideos Sat, 17 Nov 2012 16:04:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20382683/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/17/thought-renaults-twizy-couldnt-get-more-french-heres-one-cov/20382683/article-detail.xml 20382683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault-twizy-macarons_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault-twizy-macarons.jpg <![CDATA[Caterham to expand beyond sports cars; city cars, CUVs possible]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/caterham-to-expand-beyond-sports-cars-city-cars-cuvs-possible/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/caterham-to-expand-beyond-sports-cars-city-cars-cuvs-possible/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/caterham-to-expand-beyond-sports-cars-city-cars-cuvs-possible/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Caterham SP 300 R - front three-quarter studio view

Caterham may be looking to expand its product scope beyond its current offerings. After the company announced an alliance with Renault yesterday, Caterham Chairman Tony Fernandes was quoted as saying the partnership is "the start of a line of products from Caterham." Fernandes went on to say the purist sports car manufacturer could move to begin producing crossovers and city cars in the same way that Porsche has evolved its position in the market. Don't start crying at the thought of a five-door Caterham just yet, though. The would-be product explosion may also include the addition of a new supercar.

CEO Graham Macdonald has said he envisions the brand as being capped with a halo project, complete with a carbon fibre chassis and KERS system on board. Of course, none of this translates directly into a new model on the road. As of right now, Renault and Caterham have only agreed to produce one vehicle under their budding partnership.

Click here for a closer look at Caterham with the blokes from AOL UK below.


Gallery: Caterham SP/300R


Continue reading Caterham to expand beyond sports cars; city cars, CUVs possible

Caterham to expand beyond sports cars; city cars, CUVs possible originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carbon fibercarbon fibrecaterhamcaterham supercarcity carcrossovergraham macdonaldkersrenaultsupercartony fernandes Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20372338/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/06/caterham-to-expand-beyond-sports-cars-city-cars-cuvs-possible/20372338/article-detail.xml 20372338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/caterham-sp300-r-studio_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/caterham-sp300-r-studio.jpg -1 2