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[Lowered car in Brazil gets stuck trying to drive down the street]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/brazil-olympics-FIFA-world-cup-video-lowered-car-stuck-funny/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/brazil-olympics-FIFA-world-cup-video-lowered-car-stuck-funny/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/brazil-olympics-FIFA-world-cup-video-lowered-car-stuck-funny/#comments Filed under: , , ,



In addition to proudly hosting the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is also home to many young tuners and their extremely lowered cars. After watching last week's video of several ridiculous Russian tuners stopping traffic for a small speed bump, we simply had to share this similar clip from Brazil where a lowered car actually gets stuck while driving down the street.

Watch as these determined tuners try everything from rocking the small car back and forth to performing some FWD burnouts in attempt to free the trapped hatchback, as nothing seems to work. This strange struggle is also a major distraction to other drivers, as the unexpected road block holds up traffic when a few good samaritans stop and help too. The lesson to learn here kids is that cars riding this low may look cool, but also makes you look foolish when you eventually meet a bump in the road.

Click here to watch this hatchback and its trapped tuner's battle against the patch of uneven road.

Gallery: Tokyo Auto Salon 2013

Continue reading Lowered car in Brazil gets stuck trying to drive down the street

Lowered car in Brazil gets stuck trying to drive down the street originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brazilbrazil tunershatchbacklow carloweredslammedsport compacttrapped tunerstunertuner carstunerstuning Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:28:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20623081/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/brazil-olympics-FIFA-world-cup-video-lowered-car-stuck-funny/20623081/article-detail.xml 20623081 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/brazil-too-low_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/brazil-too-low.jpg <![CDATA[Unsafe cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/#comments Filed under: , ,

Unsafe cars in Brazil

The Detroit Free Press reports the new generation of Brazil-built cars are to blame for the country's high death rate. Thanks to a booming middle class, Brazil is the fourth-largest vehicle market in the world, but four of the country's best-selling models have failed independent crash tests. Couple those machines with the country's notoriously dangerous roads and weather, and Brazil winds up with a traffic death rate nearly four times that of the United States when weighted for the disparity in the size of both driving populations.

Automakers, meanwhile, say their products meet or exceed Brazil's safety laws - starting next year, manufacturers will be required to install front airbags and anti-lock brakes. Activists, meanwhile, say those changes aren't enough to make a meaningful impact on the country's death toll. Independent testing found that four of the country's top-selling cars from brands like General Motors, Volkswagen and Fiat received a lowly one-star crash rating.

Compounding the issue is the fact that manufacturers make more money on less safe, inexpensive Brazilian-made cars. The Detroit Free Press reports companies earn a 10 per cent profit on vehicles built in Brazil compared to three per cent from domestically-built models and an average of five per cent from machines assembled elsewhere. Vehicles imported from other markets are more likely to have safety equipment that meets more stringent standards.

Click here to find out which cars made the 2013 IIHS top safety picks list.

Gallery: 2013 IIHS Top Safety PIcks

Continue reading Unsafe cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate

Unsafe cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brazilbrazil traffic deathssafetytraffic deaths Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20570490/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/20570490/article-detail.xml 20570490 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazilunsafecars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazilunsafecars.jpg <![CDATA[Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Volkswagen Taigun patent filings - front three-quarter view

Volkswagen brought an angular, bulldog-like small crossover concept called the Taigun to the São Paulo motor show last year, claiming that it wanted to gauge interest in the design before making a decision about production. If a new report with alleged leaked patent images is to be believed, then, interest must have been pretty high.

China's Auto.Sohu.com has published this group of Taigun images, claiming that they have been sourced from the Chinese patent office and that the subcompact VW utility based on the Up! has been cleared for production.

If all of that is true, and if these images are representative of the final product, you'll see that designers haven't done much to alter the concept car's appearance. Comparing, shot for shot, with the images we have from Brazil, we see that even small details like roof rack-mounted lights and exhaust tips integrated in the rear fascia have been carried over. Take a closer look for yourself in the attached galleries.

Click through to watch the 2014 Volkswagen CC revealed.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Taigun Concept at the São Paulo motor show




Continue reading Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing?

Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> sao paulo motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen taigunvwvw taigun Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20555890/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/20555890/article-detail.xml 20555890 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628.jpg <![CDATA[Two-time Le Mans winner Jamie Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/two-time-le-mans-winner-jamie-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-cha/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/two-time-le-mans-winner-jamie-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-cha/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/two-time-le-mans-winner-jamie-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-cha/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Jamie Melo at Le Mans (middle) with trophy

Brazilian race driver Jamie Melo, ex-Risi Competizione Ferrari driver, got into the wrong kind of race with the Brazilian authorities recently. According to reports on the BBC and Speed, Melo (above, middle) got into an argument with a man outside of a nightclub, and when the police showed up, he got in his car and drove away with the headlights off. A high-speed chase ensued, resulting in Melo crashing into a house, then trying to run away, only to be apprehended on the grounds of the 6th Military Police Battalion.

That meant a night in the clink on charges of drunk driving, driving under the influence of narcotics, driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest. To start with...

He's apparently out now on bail, and his father said he left the country soon afterward to drive a race in Europe. Melo won the ALMS GT2 Championship in 2007 and Le Mans in 2008 and 2009 in GT2. If you're interested, there's a video of him below in better days winning the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2007 in a Ferrari, battling a Porsche throughout the last half of the last lap.


Gallery: Top 10 Police Chase Videos

Continue reading Two-time Le Mans winner Jamie Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video]

Two-time Le Mans winner Jamie Melo arrested after high-speed chase and crash [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> braziljamie melomelopolicepolice chase Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548992/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/two-time-le-mans-winner-jamie-melo-arrested-after-high-speed-cha/20548992/article-detail.xml 20548992 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jamie-melo-driver-le-mans-2009_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jamie-melo-driver-le-mans-2009.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[Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Peruvian motorists provide emergency light for plane on runway - video screencap

Life can be a little trickier in the remote villages of Peru. When doctors recently needed to fly a mother, her newborn child and a teenager all in need of emergency medical care from Contamana to a hospital in the middle of the night, the situation looked dire. The local airstrip that serves as the community's lifeline to the outside world has no lighting, and without the ability to see, the pilot had no way to get the plane off the ground safely. That's when a local radio station put out a call for help.

Nearly 300 vehicles showed up with their headlights blazing to light the way, allowing the plane to take off and the patients to get the medical attention they needed. The community wrangled up cars, motorcycles and rickshaws to give the aircraft a clear view of the runway in just 30 minutes. You can watch a quick BBC news report of this heartwarming display of humanity in the video below for yourself.

Gallery: 2013 Toronto Auto Show Highlights - North & South Hall





Continue reading Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off [w/video]

Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aircraftcarscars light a runwaycontamanaflyingGood Samaritanhelping handhumanitymotoristsperuplanerickshawrunwaysafetyvideo Sat, 06 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20531904/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/06/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/20531904/article-detail.xml 20531904 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rickshaw-runway-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rickshaw-runway-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mexico set to get second automaker, and it's a sports car company, too]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/24/mexico-set-to-get-second-automaker-and-its-a-sports-car-compan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/24/mexico-set-to-get-second-automaker-and-its-a-sports-car-compan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/24/mexico-set-to-get-second-automaker-and-its-a-sports-car-compan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



With Mastretta and its home-cooked MXT-R already softening the beachhead for Mexican-made sports cars, a new company called VŪHL - an acronym that stands for "Vehicles of Ultra-lightweight and High-performance"­ - is coming to the scene.

The teaser image that you see above shows the VŪHL 05, which is tantalizingly described as a "road-legal lightweight supercar." The details are pretty scarce beyond that, save that we will witness the launch of the 05 at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

VŪHL itself was started by brothers Iker and Guillermo Echeverria, who claim to have picked up their love of high performance cars from their GT and formula car-racing father, Guillermo Echeverria Sr. It is the Echeverria brothers' design firm, Etxe, that has penned the lines for the 05, while the production (of the bodies, at least) will take place in Canada and final assembly will happen in Mexico City. A report by Skiddmark.com indicates that big name suppliers like Magna Steyr, Mutimatic and Ford have a hand in the car, and some funding has come from the Mexican Government, as well. Consider our interest piqued.

Scroll down to watch the Mastretta's German competition in action.

Gallery: Mastretta MXT: LA 2011






Continue reading Mexico set to get second automaker, and it's a sports car company, too

Mexico set to get second automaker, and it's a sports car company, too originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 05echevarriamexican carmexican sports carmexicosupercarteaservuhlvuhl 05 Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20507890/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/24/mexico-set-to-get-second-automaker-and-its-a-sports-car-compan/20507890/article-detail.xml 20507890 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vuhl-05-teaser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vuhl-05-teaser-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



French drivers Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret drove a Mini Countryman to a class win at this year's Dakar Rally, and to commemorate their win Mini has introduced a limited-volume car that will only be sold in France. The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 might be a mouthful to say, but it's a fitting tribute to Peterhansel's eleventh Dakar win as this Countryman is painted to look like the rally car and only 11 will be sold in the Peterhansel's home country.

Sporting a similar green-over-matte-black paint scheme as the Dakar Countryman, the JCW Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 also adds green accents to the full-length top and side stripes, the side marker lights and also contrasting stitching inside the cabin. Adding to the car's rally look, this special edition will also include the racers' number card on the front doors, Dakar decals on the front and rear and Peterhansel's signature on the hood. Grille-mounted rally lights, bright red brake calipers and unique 19-inch wheels with dark-painted inserts finish off the exterior design.

Click through for the press release and be sure to check out our photo gallery.

Continue reading Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013

Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> countrymandakardakar 2013dakar rallyJean-Paul Cottretjohn cooper worksminimini john cooper works countryman all4 dakar winner 2013Stéphane Peterhansel Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20489570/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/20489570/article-detail.xml 20489570 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mini-jcw-countryman-dakar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mini-jcw-countryman-dakar.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Piquet and Mansell bend some sheetmetal in Ford Fusion GP]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-piquet-and-mansell-bend-some-sheetmetal-in-ford-fusion-gp/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-piquet-and-mansell-bend-some-sheetmetal-in-ford-fusion-gp/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-piquet-and-mansell-bend-some-sheetmetal-in-ford-fusion-gp/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



As we told you about before, there were four episodes planned for the Ford Fusion GP campaign in Brazil, and the whole series has now run its course. The Ford ads pit Brazilian Formula One driver Nelson Piquet against English F1 pilot Nigel Mansell driving the new Fusion, the two coming together again after their partnership at the Williams F1 team ended in a miserable state more than 20 years ago.

They're lined up for you in the videos below, in reverse chronological order. You should watch number three first, though, as it adds a bit more spice to the NASCAR action in the fourth.

Continue reading Watch Piquet and Mansell bend some sheetmetal in Ford Fusion GP

Watch Piquet and Mansell bend some sheetmetal in Ford Fusion GP originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford fusionf1fordford brazilford do brasilford fusion gpformula onefusionfusion grand prixmansellnelson piquetnigel mansellpiquetporto alegrevideo Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20458935/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/watch-piquet-and-mansell-bend-some-sheetmetal-in-ford-fusion-gp/20458935/article-detail.xml 20458935 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/capture_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/capture.jpg <![CDATA[Blue Oval's new Cargo cab-over rig is largest "One Ford" initiative yet]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/blue-ovals-new-cargo-cab-over-rig-is-largest-one-ford-initiat/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/blue-ovals-new-cargo-cab-over-rig-is-largest-one-ford-initiat/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/blue-ovals-new-cargo-cab-over-rig-is-largest-one-ford-initiat/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Cargo Extra Heavy-Duty big rig - front three-quarter view, red

The imposing commercial truck above has a feature that might be surprising to most Autoblog readers - a Blue Oval emblem on the front. Here in North America, Ford simply doesn't play in the eighteen-wheeler sandbox, but that doesn't mean that the Dearborn-based automaker is absent in the heavy hauling space in other parts of the globe. In fact, Ford presently fields two completely different big rig ranges under the Cargo moniker - one a product of an Eastern Europe/Turkey joint venture, and another from Brazil. But that's about to start changing with the advent of this new cab-over model seen here.

Unveiled in São Paulo, Brazil, this new generation of Cargo is perhaps the largest physical embodiment of CEO Alan Mulally's "One Ford" global streamlining strategy. Instead of multiple models, company engineers have developed a new single truck that it says will better meet the needs of truckers in all markets. Designed to compete in what's known as the "extra heavy-duty segment" elsewhere in the world, this Cargo was developed jointly by Ford engineering teams in Brazil, Turkey and Europe.

Specifics remain hard to come by (read: unreleased), but Ford is promising an all-new engine enabling hauling capability of up to 50.8 metric tonnes while still returning excellent fuel economy. Ford's global Cargo lineup will henceforth consist of a dozen models, but Ford tells Autoblog has no plans to bring this hot and heavy-duty action to North America.

Continue reading Blue Oval's new Cargo cab-over rig is largest "One Ford" initiative yet

Blue Oval's new Cargo cab-over rig is largest "One Ford" initiative yet originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 18-wheeler2013 ford cargocab-overcabovercargocommercial truckfordtrucking Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20437809/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/25/blue-ovals-new-cargo-cab-over-rig-is-largest-one-ford-initiat/20437809/article-detail.xml 20437809 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ford-cargo-extra-heavy-duty-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ford-cargo-extra-heavy-duty-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell revisit bitter F1 rivalry in... Ford Fusion campaign?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/nelson-piquet-and-nigel-mansell-revisit-bitter-f1-rivalry-in/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/nelson-piquet-and-nigel-mansell-revisit-bitter-f1-rivalry-in/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/nelson-piquet-and-nigel-mansell-revisit-bitter-f1-rivalry-in/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Fusion Grand Prix video screencap

Formula One World Champions Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell haven't been on good terms since the 1986 season, when Piquet joined Mansell at the Williams team and Piquet spent the year privately fuming about not being granted the status of number one driver. Things only got worse from there - even though Piquet won the title the following year with Williams, still partnered with Mansell, the fuming was a lot less private.

They're back together after a 25-year silence, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil to drive the new Ford Fusion. Called "Fusion Grand Prix," both men get the new Ford sedan, prepped to their liking - but still street legal, we assume - for a race to decide... well, who is faster behind the wheel of a Fusion.

There will be four episodes, with the first two having already aired. The third episode comes on January 29 and the race happens February 5. You'll find two video episodes and a press release below, but note - because it's a campaign for Ford Brazil, Piquet's dialogue in the vids isn't translated, so hit the Closed Captioning button to hear his side of the smack talking.

Continue reading Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell revisit bitter F1 rivalry in... Ford Fusion campaign?

Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell revisit bitter F1 rivalry in... Ford Fusion campaign? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford fusionf1fordford brazilford do brasilformula onefusionfusion grand prixmansellnelson piquetnigel mansellpiquetporto alegrevideo Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20436539/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/nelson-piquet-and-nigel-mansell-revisit-bitter-f1-rivalry-in/20436539/article-detail.xml 20436539 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fusiongp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fusiongp.jpg <![CDATA[Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Dakar Rally route 2013

Dakar Rally organizers report a support vehicle and two taxis were involved in an accident on January 9. The support vehicle collided head-on with a taxi carrying six people, while the second taxi, carrying four people, overturned several times in an attempt to avoid the accident. Seven people were injured and are now being treated in a hospital in Tacna, Peru, including three occupants of the support vehicle.

Tragically, the driver and one passenger in the first taxi died of injuries sustained in the crash. Three local ambulances, a fire engine and local police all responded to the scene. Peruvian police have also supplied a helicopter to transport the seriously injured from Tacna to a hospital in Peru. Local law enforcement has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident.

You can read the brief press release from the Dakar Rally below for more information.

Continue reading Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle

Two die in Peru when taxi collides with Dakar Rally support vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dakardakar 2013dakar crashdakar rallydakar rally crashperu taxi crashtaxitaxi crash Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20425813/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/two-die-in-peru-when-taxi-collides-with-dakar-rally-support-vehi/20425813/article-detail.xml 20425813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dakar-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/dakar-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin']]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Robby Gordon Dakar 2013

Robby Gordon is off to a rough start in the 2013 Dakar Rally Raid. First, the racer broke reverse trying to free his rig from a sand dune. That news sent him into a fit of rage captured on an in-cabin camera. We'll just say the language isn't safe for work or for younger ears, but for everyone else it's well worth checking out below. Shortly thereafter, events turned even worse when Gordon cleared a dune only to fall victim to deep, soft sand at the bottom. When his Hummer hit the loose terrain, the nose dug in, pitching the whole machine onto its roof. Both Gordon and his co-driver wound up having to dig themselves out of the wreck.

Somewhat miraculously, Gordon seemed less upset about putting his racer shiny side down than he was about shredding reverse. Either way, his shot at landing on the podium has up and vanished. You can check out both clips for yourself below.

*REMEMBER: NSFW language.

Continue reading Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin'

Dakar flub gets Robby Gordon a cursin' originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 dakardakarrobby gordonrobby gordon cursingrobby gordon tantrumrobby gordon wrecktantrum Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20424459/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/dakar-flub-gets-robby-gordon-a-cursin/20424459/article-detail.xml 20424459 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/robby-gordon-dakar-2013-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/robby-gordon-dakar-2013-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Focus ST-powered Mastretta MXT cometh]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-focus-st-powered-mastretta-mxt-cometh/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-focus-st-powered-mastretta-mxt-cometh/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/ford-focus-st-powered-mastretta-mxt-cometh/#comments Filed under: , ,

Mastretta MXT - front three-quarter view

Mastretta is reportedly on the verge of pulling back the covers on its latest creation, the MXT-R, at the Autosport International Racing Car Show. According to Autocar, the Mexican sports car will make use of the 2.0-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder engine lifted from the Ford Focus ST. Tuned to around 285 horsepower, the engine should have no trouble hustling the lightweight MXT-R around a track. Judging from the available photos, the MXT-R will also use the aerodynamic package employed by Mastretta's race car.

Technically, the MXT-R will be used as a development vehicle, though Autocar says customers interested in laying down their hard-earned cash for the car can register at the show booth for more information. Details on performance figures are still missing at the moment, and Mastretta hasn't given the world any notion of how much the MXT-R will cost if it gets built. Of course, that isn't stopping us from wanting to get behind the wheel for a spin...

Click here for additional images.


Gallery: Mastretta MXT: LA 2011

Continue reading Ford Focus ST-powered Mastretta MXT cometh

Ford Focus ST-powered Mastretta MXT cometh originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autosport international racing car showautosport international showfocus stfordmastrettamastretta mxtmastretta mxt-rmxtmxt-r Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20422460/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/08/ford-focus-st-powered-mastretta-mxt-cometh/20422460/article-detail.xml 20422460 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mastretta-mxt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mastretta-mxt-628.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[Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



When it comes to specialty applications of the Smart Fortwo, "off-road motorsports" may seem about as likely as "amphibious assault vehicle." Yet a team has come up with just that (the former, not the latter), creating a rally-ready runabout dubbed the Smart Dakar.

The team used a Fortwo to create a "Smart Buggy 4x4." The creator's website claims that the vehicle is in compliance with FIA regulations, and weighs only 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds). As the name suggests, the intent of this vehicle is to compete in the Dakar Rally, and it looks the part.

It may be the most hard-nosed Smart that you'll ever find, but it has an uphill battle to make it to competition. The race team, headed by Jose Luis "JL" Alvarez, does not have the funds to field a full assortment of vehicles, including two Smarts and a Honda CRF-450, and now all plans have been canceled for this year's Dakar Rally.

JL even appealed to his fans via a YouTube video with the hopes of crowd-funding the project, though it appears that attempt has failed. At any rate, the 2013 Dakar Rally starts January 5 in Lima, Peru, and ends January 20 in Santiago, Chile, and it appears that this team, with its unique ride, will not be attending.

Continue reading Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video]

Meet the Smart Fortwo that should be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 smart dakardakarfortwosmartsmart dakar 2013smart fortwo Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:01:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20413218/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/meet-the-smart-fortwo-that-should-be-competing-in-the-2013-dakar/20413218/article-detail.xml 20413218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-dakar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-dakar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/#comments Filed under: , , ,



It's a tale as old as time. Boy meet girl... boy cheats on girl... girl goes to town on boy's car with a hammer. Wait, what?

Okay, maybe not the most orthodox of love stories, but according to the poster of this video, it's exactly what happened in Sao Paulo, Brazil last week. The description claims that the fiery redhead was enraged by her husband's apparent infidelity, leading her to take out her frustrations on what looks like a '90s fifth-generation Honda Accord.

She wailed on the defenceless Honda with a hammer, hitting the hood, windshield and completely destroying the rear window as many looked on in a mix of curiosity and amusement. At no time did anyone intervene or try to calm the woman down, but she was, after all, wielding a hammer. When enough damage had been done, the scorned lover picked up her bag and strutted off to the sound of applause and whistling. Check out the (admittedly shaky and grainy) video of the destruction, and let it serve as a warning to all cheaters out there - hell still hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Continue reading Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public

Brazilian woman destroys cheating husband's car in public originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accordbrazilhondahonda accordsao paloyoutube Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:14:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20403774/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/brazilian-woman-destroys-cheating-husbands-car-in-public/20403774/article-detail.xml 20403774 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/aftermath-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/aftermath-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels advertizes microcars with life-size monuments]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/#comments Filed under: , ,



If you ever thought your car was as cool as one sold by Hot Wheels, then a parking lot at Shopping Centre Norte in São Paulo, Brazil had your name all over it. Mattel's ad agency there, AGE Isobar, placed a giant rendition of Hot Wheels packaging at the front of the lot for one day last month. Instead of putting a giant Hot Wheel inside, however, the 'box' was empty, and customers could drive their cars inside and then have their pictures taken.

As with the miniature cars themselves, the marketing activation was just that simple and just that awesome. Now we'll have to ask again, how come we don't see this when we go shopping?

Continue reading Hot Wheels advertizes microcars with life-size monuments

Hot Wheels advertizes microcars with life-size monuments originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingage isobarbrazilhot wheelsmarketingsao paulo Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20400377/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/hot-wheels-advertises-microcars-with-life-size-monuments/20400377/article-detail.xml 20400377 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hotwheelslotstunt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hotwheelslotstunt.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[2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: the circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The track between the lakes, the Circuit d'Interlagos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yet again served up a fitting finale to the Formula One season. There were all kinds of ways for the two Driver's Championship contenders - Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull and Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari - to win and lose during the 71 laps of the Brazilian Grand Prix, and that was before the rain, before the yellow flags and safety car periods, and before the accidents.

The World Championship lead swapped hands at least three times during the race. By the end of Lap One, in fact, it was a fair question if either driver would have hands, or a car, steady enough to hold it...

Continue reading 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: the circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers]

2012 Brazilian Grand Prix: the circle is complete, and what a circle it's been [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 brazilian grand prixbrazilf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1interlagosjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenred bullsebastian vettelworld championship Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20388573/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/2012-brazilian-grand-prix-the-circle-is-complete-and-what-a-ci/20388573/article-detail.xml 20388573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bgp1.jpg -1 2