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[Forza Motorsport 5 announced for new Xbox One]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/forza-motorsport-5-announced-for-new-xbox-one/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/forza-motorsport-5-announced-for-new-xbox-one/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/forza-motorsport-5-announced-for-new-xbox-one/#comments Filed under: , ,



Microsoft has just unveiled the third generation of its Xbox gaming console, called Xbox One, and the first game demoed on stage was the fifth installment of the Forza Motorsport franchise. The teaser trailer for Forza Motorsport 5 shown during the keynote pitted the two supercars of McLaren against each other: the original F1 and the upcoming P1.

Developed by longtime steward of the franchise, Turn 10 Studios, Forza Motorsport 5 will return to the more traditional simulation-style format of its forebears, as opposed to the open sandbox party world of the more recent Forza Horizon. The new game will be a launch title for Xbox One, so expect a release date in Q4 2013 in time for the holiday shopping season. With a built-in Blu-ray drive, 500 GB hard drive, 8 GB of RAM and 64-bit system architecture, the Xbox One should have the bits underhood to make the best-looking console racing game ever (assuming Sony doesn't move Gran Turismo 6 to its upcoming next-gen Playstation 4 console).

We're also pretty excited about the system's built-in Kinect, with a 250k pixel depth sensor. In addition to facilitating gesture- and voice-based commands for Xbox One, the sensor is said to be sensitive enough to measure human body temperature - that's as cool as it is freaky and could have interesting ramifications for hardcore racing simulations.

The Xbox One keynote presentation has just finished up, but you can view the whole thing on Xbox.com. Expect a lot more news about the system, Forza 5 and other racing titles as we get close to E3 in June.

Click here for a look behind the scenes at the making of Forza Motorsport 4.

Gallery: Forza Horizon Toronto Launch

Continue reading Forza Motorsport 5 announced for new Xbox One

Forza Motorsport 5 announced for new Xbox One originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 21 May 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> forza motorsportforza motorsport 5microsoftturn 10 studiosxboxxbox one Tue, 21 May 2013 18:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20578516/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/forza-motorsport-5-announced-for-new-xbox-one/20578516/article-detail.xml 20578516 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/forza-motorsports-5-preview-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/forza-motorsports-5-preview-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,




Rolls-Royce, the "power solutions" company that makes jet engines and much more (not the luxury motorcar company) has signed on to support the Bloodhound SSC Land Speed Record attempt project. This isn't just a financial tie-up and exchange of engines and tech, though, Rolls-Royce is just as interested as the Bloodhound gang in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics to children in the UK and around the world.

It will be providing its EJ200 jet engine that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet with 20,000 pounds of thrust. In the Bloodhound, the engine will be the first stage in the hybrid rocket system that they hope will get the SSC to 1,609 km/h (1,000 mph). Coincidentally, although Rolls-Royce hasn't been officially involved with Bloodhound before, its engines have been used to break records in the Bloodhound predecessors Thrust 2 and Thrust SSC.

There's a press release below with more details and a video that animates how the hybrid rocket inside the blue streak works.

Gallery: BMW sets Guinness record for longest sustained drift






Continue reading Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]

Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aerospacebloodhoundbloodhound sscland speed recordlsrrolls roycerolls-roycespeedspeed record Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20573540/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/20573540/article-detail.xml 20573540 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bloodhound-rolls-royce-aero_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bloodhound-rolls-royce-aero.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler discussing collaboration with Aston Martin]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Daimler and Aston Martin have been "in discussions" over various matters going back at least five years, when an engine-supply deal from the Germans to the Brits turned into rumours of Daimler looking to buy a piece of Aston Martin. Neither the engines nor the company stake ever changed hands, but three years later they were talking about trying a relationship again, this time in the large luxury sedan segment - Daimler would get help with Maybach, Aston Martin would get help with the Lagonda revival. That also came to nothing.

Late last year, when Investment Dar offloaded a share of its stake in Aston Martin to Anglo-Italian equity house Investindustrial, part of the allure was that Investindustrial said it would work to unite Aston Martin with technology and components from AMG. So the talks have begun again.

Although nothing's come of it yet, Bloomberg reports that the English and the Germans have opened dialogue "on supply and technical-cooperation agreements." In November 2012, Investindustrial mentioned getting engines, gearboxes and other technology from AMG - a brand it got to know when it owned Ducati. A tie-up would also help indie player Aston Martin rein in development costs. Daimler is said to be Investindustrial's preferred partner, but the latest chapter has only just begun. We're sure they hope it won't take another five years to get something closed with someone.

Click through to watch our video short cuts of the Rapide.

Gallery: 2013 Aston Martin DB9: Review






Continue reading Daimler discussing collaboration with Aston Martin

Daimler discussing collaboration with Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> amgaston martindaimlerinvestindustrial Sat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20564562/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/daimler-discussing-collaboration-with-aston-martin/20564562/article-detail.xml 20564562 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-rapide-s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-rapide-s.jpg <![CDATA[Creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment gives us the heebie jeebies [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/#comments Filed under: , ,



Those that hanker for the days when automobiles were generally simple machines - responsive only to the will of their human masters - probably don't work in R&D at Visteon. The Michigan-based automotive supplier, with a track record in climate control and electronics manufacture, has released some new information about a new system it is calling Human Bayesian Intelligence Technology or HABIT.

The goal of HABIT, in a nutshell, is to learn and predict what in-car setting a driver would like, in advance of him even having to ask for them. Using data about radio, climate control and driving behavior, HABIT stores and analyses (some might say "learns") about a driver's preferences, and then cues them up for the driver at the right time of day, or in the right situation.

If all of that sounds a little George Orwell's "Big Brother" to you, well, just wait until you have a look at the demo video Visteon has put together. We'd certainly like to get a closer look at the HABIT system when it's ready for prime time (or even in advance of that), but we're not entirely sold on the sort of creepy, blonde robot guide that we see here. Scroll down to see and watch what we mean.

Gallery: Top 5 Forgotten Failures in Car Technology

Talking CarNuclear-Powered EnginesAutomatic Seat BeltsTurbine-Powered Production CarAir Grabber Hood-Scoop





Continue reading Creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment gives us the heebie jeebies [w/video]

Creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment gives us the heebie jeebies [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aiartificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligencehuman bayesian intelligence technologyvideovisteonvisteon habit Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20574476/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/20574476/article-detail.xml 20574476 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/visteon-habit-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/visteon-habit-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body in drool-inducing photo gallery]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

We've seen it (in concept form, in officially rendered form and in Martini Racing livery), we've heard all about its 4.6-litre V8 with 608 horsepower, buoyed as it is by twin electric motors, its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and carbon fibre monocoque chassis. We've even taken a ride in one. What we haven't had, up until now at least, is had all of these details about the Porsche 918 Spyder in one convenient press blast. And we also now know that it will be a introduced as a 2015 model.

Along with the official specifications, Porsche has seen fit to release a new batch of images showing its production body from all angles. We get a good look at the car's interior bits and pieces, including a few shots showing how people fit underneath the removable hardtop panel.

Porsche sums up its baby with the following words: Maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption. We like the sound of that, and we think it's cool that the 918 can travel up to 29 kilometres (18 miles) on electricity alone, with performance statistics that aren't far off what we had from sports cars from a few short decades ago.

We think you'll find plenty of interesting information in the press release below, but first, you'll want to browse through the high-res image gallery above to take in all the unique visuals. Enjoy!

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept







Continue reading Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body in drool-inducing photo gallery

Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body in drool-inducing photo gallery originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 porsche 918 spyder918918 spider918 spyderphotophoto galleryphotosporsche 918 spyderporsche photosporshe Fri, 17 May 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20573707/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/20573707/article-detail.xml 20573707 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-porsche-918-spyder628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-porsche-918-spyder628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Suzuki Trail View

Isuzu has taken to advertising its new KB pickup truck with a unique initiative. The company wanted to apply the Google Street View philosophy to some of South Africa's more remote off-road trails, and the result is Suzuki Trail View. Using multiple action cameras situated in a 3D-printed housing strapped to the top of the truck, the crew began bouncing along dirt and rock paths, recording all the while. They also shot additional video and worked with experts to provide excellent clips on how to navigate common off-road obstacles.

You can watch the making-of video below, and you can head over to the Trail View site to poke around a few South African trails for yourself. All we want to know is, how long before Jeep does the same here in Canada?

Gallery: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8






Continue reading Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road [w/video]

Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> googlegoogle street viewisuzuisuzu kbisuzu kb pickupisuzu trail viewstreet viewtrail view Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20569706/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/20569706/article-detail.xml 20569706 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/suzuki-trail-view-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/suzuki-trail-view-628.jpg <![CDATA[Custom 12-cylinder 'LS12' motor will blow your mind and doors off]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/12-cylinder-ls12-will-blow-your-mind-doors-off/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/12-cylinder-ls12-will-blow-your-mind-doors-off/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/12-cylinder-ls12-will-blow-your-mind-doors-off/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



So there you are, minding your own business on the internet when a forum user called "V12Baker" uploads a picture of the engine block above. But you're on the LS1 forum, a site devoted to the legendary V8s made by General Motors, and that's a V12?! V12Baker explains that he sliced two LS1 engines and used the pieces to not only make an LS12, but also a V4 with the leftovers.

But the engine is real, built by a guy named Ray and his partners in a shop in Seattle, WA. Ray said they wanted to make a V12 engine for a plane, and after experimenting with Buick 215 engine blocks they got around to the LS. With a stock stroke and a 4.4-inch sleeve, the result is a 545 cubic inch motor (8.9 litres) that fires like a V16 short of four cylinders. Their first two LS12 builds went into a 3/4-scale P51 Mustang, and a Chevrolet Tahoe two years ago. The Tahoe engine, only the second build, was said to get around 525 horsepower.

They now have the parts to make five more LS12s and are refining their technique, working on simpler solutions for the crankshafts - they machined the first crankshafts from a solid piece of steel, but that's crazy expensive. One of the engines is already slated to receive a massive Littlefield supercharger and "might find its way into a long-nosed 240Z." That Z, mind you, will also be getting its own chassis since the decades-old original item couldn't begin to handle the power.

Check out EngineLabs.com for more on the build, and a brief walkaround of the engine in the video below. For the long story, the link to LS1 forums is where the story begins - and where you'll discover that the V4 is apparently the perfect size for a Harley-Davidson.

Gallery: Ultimate Sleeper - AMS Turbo Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD

Continue reading Custom 12-cylinder 'LS12' motor will blow your mind and doors off

Custom 12-cylinder 'LS12' motor will blow your mind and doors off originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> enginegmls v12ls1ls12v12videovimeo Tue, 14 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20565387/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/12-cylinder-ls12-will-blow-your-mind-doors-off/20565387/article-detail.xml 20565387 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ls12-build_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ls12-build.jpg <![CDATA[DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/diy-turn-your-gopro-into-a-24-hour-dash-cam-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/diy-turn-your-gopro-into-a-24-hour-dash-cam-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/diy-turn-your-gopro-into-a-24-hour-dash-cam-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

GoPro Hero3 Dash Cam

If you've noticed a disturbing lack of dash cam in your life, our friends at sister site Translogic have just the thing for you. They've worked up a quick play-by-play for how to turn your GoPro Hero3 into a go-anywhere camera to record everything that goes on in front of your vehicle.

The steps are as simple as drilling small hole in the camera's water proof case to allow access to the USB charging port. From there, you can supply constant power through a 12-volt USB adapter. Mount the camera to your windshield using the suction mount and you're very nearly ready to go.

Next, set up the loop recording feature and you're good to go. The Hero3 can loop record in 5, 20, 60 or 120 minute files wherein it will record to the maximum time before starting a new save file. Once the memory card is full, it will record over the oldest file. It can also loop record in "maximum" mode, where the camera fills the memory card, then starts over again. Check out the video Translogic made below for a look at the finished results.

Gallery: Top 10 SEMA Products

GM Racing LXSX376 Crate Engine





Continue reading DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video]

DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dash camdash cameradash-camdash-cam videodash-cameradashcamDashcamVideosdiydo it yourselfgo progoprogopro herogopro hero3GoproHerohow tohow to install a dash camhow to mount a dash caminstall a dash camtranslogicvideo Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20566574/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/diy-turn-your-gopro-into-a-24-hour-dash-cam-w-video/20566574/article-detail.xml 20566574 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hero3-dash-cam-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hero3-dash-cam-628.jpg <![CDATA[Airbag recalls on track for record year]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/airbag-recalls-on-track-for-record-year/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/airbag-recalls-on-track-for-record-year/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/airbag-recalls-on-track-for-record-year/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The escalating complexity of automobiles is led in part by the escalating complexity of safety systems. The once dumb airbag that lived all alone inside the steering wheel, for instance, is now a family of smart airbags that might be able to detect the location of the passenger they're meant to protect and how best to inflate in order to protect him. Beyond the increased sticker price, the cost of that technology is more things going wrong.

According to a story on AOL Autos there have been 22 recalls in the last six months due to airbags - covering more than 3.8 million cars up to 12 years old - compared to ten in the six months before. 15 of those have come this year, and at the current pace 2013 is on course to surpass the total of 23 airbag-related recalls of 2012. Malfunctions that led to the recalls have included airbags not deploying when expected, or deploying unexpectedly, or causing additional injuries and damage to occupants when they do deploy.

It can take suppliers, automakers and governing bodies such as the US-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration years to address the issue and initiate a recall, even after hundreds of complaints have been filed. On top of that, the increasing concentration of the supplier base and the move to global platforms means that what might once have been a localized issue is now a global one. Some look at the number of airbag recalls as a problem with the technology, feeling "it's not working very well." Others see it as the improved operation of the corrective system - more issues are being recalled because automakers are taking safety concerns more seriously. The "right" answer, if there is one, is no doubt as complex as the technology, so click over to AOL Autos for the full story and decide for yourself. Click through to watch a video debating whether airbags are our enemy.

Gallery: Car crash causes over $700,000 damage at Hyundai dealership






Continue reading Airbag recalls on track for record year

Airbag recalls on track for record year originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> airbagairbag recallcrash testNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecallsafetysafety car Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20559319/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/airbag-recalls-on-track-for-record-year/20559319/article-detail.xml 20559319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/airbags_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/airbags.jpg <![CDATA[NASA invites students to design future Moonbuggy prototypes [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/nasa-invites-students-to-design-future-moonbuggy-prototypes-w-v/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/nasa-invites-students-to-design-future-moonbuggy-prototypes-w-v/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/nasa-invites-students-to-design-future-moonbuggy-prototypes-w-v/#comments Filed under: , ,



There are a lot of awards handed out at the Great Moonbuggy Race, from 'Most Improved' to 'Crash and Burn,' but the one every team wants is the first-place trophy. This year was the 20th year of the annual event, held at the US Space & Rocket Center under the auspices of NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Aerojet, and it was two teams from Puerto Rico that took first in both high school and college divisions.

The race tested proof-of-concept vehicles created by 89 teams of high school and college students from around the world. Teams of six competitors include one male and one female driver and they have to design a buggy that, disassembled , fits into a 4x4x4 space. When the clock starts, the teams have to build their buggies and run them over a half-mile course that mimics the moonscape; whichever team has the shortest combined time wins. The winning time from Teodoro Aguilar Moro Vocational High School (pictured) was 3:24, while the collegiate entry from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao won with a time of 3:32.

There's a press release below with more details and a list of all the winners, plus a video from NASA Television on last year's race.

Gallery: GM and NASA Robotic Glove






Continue reading NASA invites students to design future Moonbuggy prototypes [w/video]

NASA invites students to design future Moonbuggy prototypes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 11 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> lunar rovermoonmoonbuggymoonbuggy racenasanasa moonbuggy raceschoolschool project Sat, 11 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20559004/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/nasa-invites-students-to-design-future-moonbuggy-prototypes-w-v/20559004/article-detail.xml 20559004 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nasa-moonbuggy-race_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nasa-moonbuggy-race.jpg <![CDATA[2014 GMC Sierra 4.3L V6 to offer segment-best 305 LB-FT]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/2014-gmc-sierra-4-3l-v6-to-offer-segment-best-305-lb-ft/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/2014-gmc-sierra-4-3l-v6-to-offer-segment-best-305-lb-ft/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/2014-gmc-sierra-4-3l-v6-to-offer-segment-best-305-lb-ft/#comments Filed under: , , ,

GM 4.3-liter V6 Engine

General Motors has released more information on the 4.3-litre V6 available in the 2014 GMC Sierra. The engine will serve up 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission, giving the V6 Sierra a maximum tow rating of 3,266 kg (7,200 pounds) in regular cab, short bed four-wheel drive configuration. GM claims that figure is 227 kg (500 pounds) more than the equivalent Ford F-150 equipped with a 3.7-litre V6, and 318 kg (700 pounds) more than the Ram 1500 with its 3.6-litre V6. Buyers can expect to see more of the 2014 GMC Sierra with the 4.3-litre engine later this year.

While the engine does deliver more torque than either of its main competitors, it falls short on the horsepower front. The 3.7-litre V6 in the F-150 develops 302 hp while the 3.6-litre V6 in the Ram 1500 yields 305 hp. GM says fuel economy estimates for its newest entry will land later this year.

Check out the video and full press release below for more information.

Gallery: 2014 GMC Sierra






Continue reading 2014 GMC Sierra 4.3L V6 to offer segment-best 305 LB-FT

2014 GMC Sierra 4.3L V6 to offer segment-best 305 LB-FT originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 11 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 gmc sierrageneral motorsgmgmcgmc sierragmc sierra v6v6 Sat, 11 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20559639/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/2014-gmc-sierra-4-3l-v6-to-offer-segment-best-305-lb-ft/20559639/article-detail.xml 20559639 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gm-v6-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gm-v6-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Shanghai: Driving in mega cities, designing the future and more]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/bmw-shanghai-driving-in-mega-cities-designing-the-future-and-m/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/bmw-shanghai-driving-in-mega-cities-designing-the-future-and-m/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/bmw-shanghai-driving-in-mega-cities-designing-the-future-and-m/#comments Filed under: , , ,



A few days before the Shanghai Motor Show kicked off, we were part of an international group of media that was invited to have a look at the BMW Designworks Shanghai Studio and ConnectedDrive Lab facility. The building that BMW found to house its Chinese think tank is in a lovely part of Shanghai known as the former French Concession. The late 1890s and early 1900s French architectural style, brick-paved streets and tree-lined spaces feel a world apart from the ultra-modern heart of Shanghai, and the BMW enclave is a suitable mix of high-tech and throwback cool.

We were visiting, in short, to understand just why BMW has found it important to have design and research capability in China. As it turns out, answering those questions also served to shed some light on the Chinese auto market as a whole - what it looks like today and where it's going over the next few years.

Of course, the basic idea of developing new facilities and human resources in a foreign market is to be able to better design and build cars for that market. In terms of design, this isn't a new concept. In terms of BMW design, and more specifically its DesignworksUSA team, the concept has been a reality for more than ten years now. In Shanghai, the process is just getting going, with the BMW team getting a late start, setting up shop just last year.

Hit the jump to continue reading this article.


Gallery: BMW Canada ConnectedDrive Event

Continue reading BMW Shanghai: Driving in mega cities, designing the future and more

BMW Shanghai: Driving in mega cities, designing the future and more originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autonomous vehiclesbmwbmw designworksbmw designworks shanghaibmw designworksusachinafeaturedshanghai motor show Wed, 08 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549899/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/bmw-shanghai-driving-in-mega-cities-designing-the-future-and-m/20549899/article-detail.xml 20549899 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bmw-shanghai-facility-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bmw-shanghai-facility-628.jpg <![CDATA[Range Rover Hybrid heading to Frankfurt]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/range-rover-hybrid-heading-to-frankfurt/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/range-rover-hybrid-heading-to-frankfurt/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/range-rover-hybrid-heading-to-frankfurt/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Land Rover Range Rover

Two years after the Range_E concept debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, thus previewing the coming Range Rover hybrid drivetrain and beginning the succeeding speculation, a company executive has confirmed the arrival of a hybrid Range Rover and Range Rover Sport later this year. The first time we'll see them is at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but Stuart Frith, chief program engineer for Range Rover Sport told Australian site Car Sales that the vehicles will be in showrooms before the year is over, as well.

As we wrote in our deep dive previewing the 2013 Range Rover, the diesel hybrid system uses a 3.0-litre V6 engine mated to a ZF eight-speed transmission with an integrated electric motor. The 1.7-kWh battery pack sits in the chassis floor, protected by a boron steel cradle, so cabin space is not compromised. The numbers we were given at the time were 333 horsepower, a sub-seven second run to 60 mph (96 km/h) in the big Range Rover and 45 imperial miles per gallon (roughly 5.2L/100km). The 2014 Range Rover Sport is expected to post the same horsepower number and battery placement. Neither of these models will be coming to North America.

The Range Rover Sport will also get a traditional diesel, the SDV8 being slotted into the engine bay, bringing 516 pound-feet of torque with it when it goes on sale later this year. Eventually, Frith said it will also get Land Rover's version of the 2.0-litre, 240-hp EcoBoost engine that propels the Evoque and the LR2 - the weight savings of the new model has made the four-cylinder a viable option.

Gallery: 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: New York 2013

Continue reading Range Rover Hybrid heading to Frankfurt

Range Rover Hybrid heading to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 frankfurt motor showfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showland roverland rover range roverland rover range rover hybridland rover range rover sport Wed, 08 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20561195/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/range-rover-hybrid-heading-to-frankfurt/20561195/article-detail.xml 20561195 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/08-2013-land-rover-range-rover-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/08-2013-land-rover-range-rover-review.jpg <![CDATA[Terrafugia envisions plans for vertical-takeoff flying car [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/terrafugia-envisions-plans-for-vertical-takeoff-flying-car-w-vi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/terrafugia-envisions-plans-for-vertical-takeoff-flying-car-w-vi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/terrafugia-envisions-plans-for-vertical-takeoff-flying-car-w-vi/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,

Terrafugia TF-X rendering

It's hard to forget a company like Terrafugia - mostly because it won't let us. Every six months or so, the Massachusetts-based self-proclaimed aerospace company makes headlines with a flying car concept. It's first attempt, called the Transition, was a folding low-wing propeller-driven pusher aircraft with a water-cooled combustion engine. Despite its ungainliness, it has flown, but only in prototype form, and despite its long gestation period and a reported 100 reservations on the books, certification and production is moving at a snail's pace.

Yet push those negative thoughts aside and make room in your fantasy warehouse for Terrafugia's followup act, a vertical-takeoff (VTOL) plug-in hybrid-electric flying car. Promised to be much more advanced than its predecessor, the all-new TF-X would be fitted with modern state-of-the-art intelligent systems and fly-by-wire controls, says the company. Its design, with vertical take-off transitioning into horizontal flight, would provide safe, simple and convenient autonomous flight that would help alleviate today's congestion and other transportation challenges.

Rather than dwell on the implications of electric range-anxiety while cruising at 6,100 metres (20,000 feet) with your family on board, or how you will prevent your inattentive friends from walking into its low-slung whirling rotors, open your mind and watch the company's computer-generated video down below showing how a typical flight would theoretically unfold.

Gallery: Top 5 Forgotten Failures in Car Technology

Talking CarNuclear-Powered EnginesAutomatic Seat BeltsTurbine-Powered Production CarAir Grabber Hood-Scoop





Continue reading Terrafugia envisions plans for vertical-takeoff flying car [w/video]

Terrafugia envisions plans for vertical-takeoff flying car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> flying carflyingcarFlyingCarshybrid flying carterrafugiaterrafugia tf-xtf-xvtol flying car Wed, 08 May 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20561804/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/terrafugia-envisions-plans-for-vertical-takeoff-flying-car-w-vi/20561804/article-detail.xml 20561804 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tf-x-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tf-x-628.jpg <![CDATA[Top 5 cheap connected cars offering the best affordable technology [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/top-5-cheap-connected-cars-offering-the-best-affordable-technolo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/top-5-cheap-connected-cars-offering-the-best-affordable-technolo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/top-5-cheap-connected-cars-offering-the-best-affordable-technolo/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,


Today's cars are designed to conveniently keep consumers connected to all things at the touch of a button, tap of a touchscreen and hands free voice recognition. You might think these high tech goodies sound expensive and in some cars they are, but who says you need to spend a lot to get a lot these days?!

Luckily, we've come a long way from the days of pesky cassette tapes and silly CD changers as automakers continue to deliver high quality entertainment systems to the masses with amazing technology being offered in some affordable cars you might not expect. The tech geeks over at CNET recently named their favourite wallet-friendly connected cars and we have to agree with most of their top picks after spending time behind the wheel of them ourselves.

If you're looking to get the most high-tech bang for your buck, simply click here to countdown the Top 5 Cheapest Connected Cars and watch the video below to learn more about what each car has to offer.

Gallery: Top 10 Cheapest Cars in Canada

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

Continue reading Top 5 cheap connected cars offering the best affordable technology [w/video]

Top 5 cheap connected cars offering the best affordable technology [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 06 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bluetoothcar audioconnectedconnected carentertainmentradiotechnology Mon, 06 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20553197/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/top-5-cheap-connected-cars-offering-the-best-affordable-technolo/20553197/article-detail.xml 20553197 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/33-2013-scion-fr-s-2d_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/33-2013-scion-fr-s-2d.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Campagna T-Rex 16S [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Canada's Prehistoric Predator Gets Longer Arms

2013 Campagna T-Rex 16S

Without a doubt, the three-wheel Campagna T-Rex 16S is one of the most fascinating vehicles I have ever driven.

"Drive it like a car, but act like you are on a motorcycle," were the words of wisdom bestowed upon me before the keys were handed over, and the advice couldn't have been more accurate. During the next four days, I zipped blissfully around town with the wind blowing through my hair as I watched the front wheels articulate over the pavement. I could smell the ocean as I drove down Pacific Coast Highway, and taste the dry brush of the Santa Monica Mountains as I toured the canyons.

I also took a bumble bee in the cheek, was nearly squashed by an inattentive driver in a Toyota Camry, cut off by a Ford F-150 and I was stared down by the law at every opportunity.

Apparently, that's the price of having the wind blow through your hair as you mount a low-slung, agile steed with a very unique three-wheel configuration.

Continue reading 2013 Campagna T-Rex 16S [w/video]

2013 Campagna T-Rex 16S [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> campagnacampagna t-rexcampagna t-rex 16sfirst driveFirstDrivet-rex Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20559239/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s-first-drive-review-video/20559239/article-detail.xml 20559239 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-campagna-t-rex-16s.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker-based Destino V8 still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , ,




Wards Auto reports the VL Productions Destino is still moving forward. As you may recall, that machine takes a Fisker Karma hybrid, guts the drivetrain and replaces it with a honking 556 horsepower V8 from General Motors. Bob Lutz, while speaking with Wards, confirmed that VL Productions had obtained 20 Karma "gliders" without a battery, engine or electric motor before Fisker announced its bankruptcy, and that VL may purchase Karma hybrids from dealers currently looking to dump their inventory. Lutz also says that hundreds of current Karma owners have approached VL Productions about the possibility of converting their hybrids to V8 power.

That conversion could cost between $85,000 and $95,000. Right now, VL has around 100 orders for standard Destino models, each with a price tag of $185,000. Not surprisingly, much of that demand has come from the Middle East. Wards reports that the first wave of deliveries are set to begin in the third quarter of this year. Buyers can expect to find a 6.2-litre, supercharged V8 engine lifted from the Cadillac CTS-V under the hood, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Click through to watch a Fisker Karma test drive review.

Gallery: Fisker Karma second drive






Continue reading Fisker-based Destino V8 still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion

Fisker-based Destino V8 still in the works, hundreds of Karma owners seek conversion originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 06 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzdestinofiskerfisker karmakarmavl productions destino Mon, 06 May 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20558994/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/fisker-based-destino-still-in-the-works-100s-of-karma-owners-se/20558994/article-detail.xml 20558994 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Volvo has been experimenting with flywheel propulsion systems since the eighties, but only recently has technology caught up with the possibility of real-world applications. In 2011, the Swedish carmaker was granted 6.57 million Swedish kronor (about $1M) by the Swedish Energy Agency to work on a kinetic energy recovery system with Swedish bearing company SKF. Before it began trials, Volvo expected the fuel savings to be as high as 20 per cent. After trials conducted last year on public roads the results were even better, Volvo finding that a KERS-equipped four-cylinder turbo performs like a six-cylinder turbo but gets up to 25 per cent better fuel economy. It calls KERS "a light, cheap and very eco-efficient solution."

The test vehicle was an S60, its ICE driving the front wheels while the KERS - weighing six kilograms, measuring about 20 centimeters across and using a carbon fibre flywheel - was attached to the rear axle. Under braking, the four-cylinder engine is shut off and the KERS gathers rotational energy, spinning at up to 60,000 revolutions per minute. The stored energy is then used to get the car going again or to assist at cruising speeds. It's the same kind of vacuum-sealed flywheel design used by Audi in its R18 etron quattro, but with the opposite arrangement - in the Audi the diesel V6 drives the rear wheels, the KERS drives the front wheels.

Like the units in Formula One, it provides an additional 80 horsepower. When working with the four-cylinder ICE, the S60 with KERS can do the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) dash in 5.5 seconds, a full 1.1 seconds faster than the S60 with the 3.0-litre T6 engine and all-wheel drive.

As we expect with hybrids, the greatest fuel savings came in urban environments with a lot of braking, Volvo suggesting that the combustion engine could be shut down "about half the time" on the New European Driving Cycle. A press release below has more details, along with a video Volvo released in 2011 to show how its system works.

Gallery: 2013 Volvo S60R T6






Continue reading Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video]

Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel economyhybridkerskinetic energy recovery systemstudyvolvo s60 Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20551658/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/20551658/article-detail.xml 20551658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-kers-cf-flywheel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-kers-cf-flywheel.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/#comments Filed under: , ,



Detroit Electric Technology emblem The revived Detroit Electric company will be partnering with China's Geely, but the mission is not to cooperate on bringing the all-electric Tesla Roadster-like SP:01 to market (pictured above). Instead, Detroit Electric and Geely will co-develop more normal passenger vehicles from Geely's Emgrand brand, starting with the EC7 sedan. The two companies will also work on "related electric drive systems." The recent announcement was made at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Geely and Detroit Electric have been working quietly for three years on feasibility studies and a joint development program that finally selected the EC7. All of the vehicles that emerge from the strategic partnership will be sold in China, and the first model, which will be called the EC7-EV and come in two range flavours 161 km (100 miles) and 257 km (160 miles) is due in 2014. The EC7-EV will apparently have a top speed of over 200 km/h (124 mph). The companies are bold enough to put out sales predictions already, saying they expect 3,000 to be sold in the first year and 30,000 in the first three years.

Detroit Electric is in the midst of an aggressive launch phase, with plans to already start building the SP:01 in Michigan in August. To refresh your memory, the SP:01 scoots on up to 100 kilometres per hour in just 3.7 seconds on the way up to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The powertrain includes a 37-kWh lithium-polymer battery and an air-cooled, asynchronous AC electric motor that puts out 201 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The range (as calculated on the New European Driving Cycle) is 180 miles (290 km) - we figure that means about 150 miles (241 km) using American-based tests.

Click here to watch a video on the latest from Detroit Electric.

Gallery: Lotus Exige V6 Cup and V6 Cup R






Continue reading Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles

Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 05 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013detroit electricemgrandemgrand ec7emgrand ec7-evevgeelyshanghai motor showsp:01 Sun, 05 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549789/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/20549789/article-detail.xml 20549789 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-detroit-electric-sp01-live-1366991700_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-detroit-electric-sp01-live-1366991700.jpg <![CDATA[New voluntary guidelines set to combat distracted driving]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/new-voluntary-guidelines-set-to-combat-distracted-driving/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/new-voluntary-guidelines-set-to-combat-distracted-driving/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/new-voluntary-guidelines-set-to-combat-distracted-driving/#comments Filed under: , , ,



In its continuing battle against distracted driving, the US-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued voluntary guidelines covering the use of in-car infotainment and communication devices in the United States. It is NHTSA's intention that the proposals, which have been in the works for a year and are partly based on a 2010 study called "Impact of Hand-Held and Hands-Free Cell Phone Use on Driving Performance and Safety Critical Event Risk," will be phased in over the next three years. That would give automakers time to reconfigure their systems to comply.

Proposed items include disabling manual text entry, video-based entertainment and video phone calls and prohibiting the display of text messages, social media or web pages while the car is in motion or in gear. The objective is to keep the driver's eyes off the road for no more than two seconds at a time, and 12 seconds in total. That 12-second limit would be achieved by only allowing a driver six inputs or touches of the screen within a dozen seconds, but it would include activities beyond phone calls and nav inputs, like changing the radio station or using the climate control. At the moment, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has a self-imposed limit of 20 seconds, although we're not sure how that's enforced by the infotainment system.
Calling distracted driving "a deadly epidemic," NHTSA says that it is trying to "balance the innovation consumers want with the safety we all need." The study showed that activities like using hand-held phones potentially tripled the risk of a crash and texting doubled the risk of a crash or near-crash. Distracted drivers accounted for about a third of all accident fatalities in 2011, a rise over 2010, but injuries are down, as are the number of crashes related to phone use.

According to a report in Automotive News, when the proposals are fully implemented, NHTSA is also considering adding them the the New Car Assessment Program, which would encourage automakers to comply if they want a five-star safety rating. No word yet on how this could likely affect Canadian-bound new cars too.

Hit the jump for more on the dangers of distracted driving.

Gallery: Massive Alberta pileup sends 300 people to hospital after crash






Continue reading New voluntary guidelines set to combat distracted driving

New voluntary guidelines set to combat distracted driving originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 05 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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