Autoblog

Oh, Canada! Great White North journos pick their cars of the year

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST

Guess what boys and girls, the auto show season is ramping up and that means the constant flow of Car of the Year awards is upon us. The biggest auto show award in our quaint little hemisphere is likely the North American COTY award, which, we would have thought included Canada, Mexico and our United States. Well, not so much. The Canadians have their own international show and their own COTY, complete with car and utility honors from among 12 categories and 52 award-eligible vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

After pouring over vehicles ranging from the Mazda3 to the Porsche Panamera and everything in between, the Canadians have narrowed their focus to one vehicle in each of the 12 categories. Volkswagen is the best-represented automaker in the final 12, with three VW models, two Audis and the Panamera. The Mazda3 wins in two different categories and the Ford Taurus is the only finalist among Detroit automakers.

Also shut out - somewhat surprisingly we may add - are the Honda and Toyota brands, although the Lexus Lexus RX450h was voted the top crossover/SUV over $60,000. The 2010 Canadian International Auto Show begins February 12. Hit the jump to view the rest of the winners.

[Source: AJAC via Auto North]

Continue reading Oh, Canada! Great White North journos pick their cars of the year

Oh, Canada! Great White North journos pick their cars of the year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Hyundai steps up to remedy world's worst parking job

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hyundai, Canada

Todd Jamison is given a new Hyundai Elantra Touring - Click above to watch video

More than a million-and-a-half people have watched an BMW X5 driver from Ontario, Canada make the tiniest of parking errors: hitting the gas instead of the brake and driving on top of two other cars. Turns out Hyundai Auto Canada was one of those 'people.'

One of the cars crushed by the X5 was a 2004 Hyundai Elantra belonging to Todd Jamison - a car that he had finally finished paying off the month before the incident. To make him feel better after that little misfortune, Hyundai gave Mr. Jamison a brand new Hyundai Elantra Touring. Follow the jump to see Jamison getting his reward, and the botched parking job that led to it. Now we're just waiting on the maker of the blue car to step forward... Thanks to everyone for the tips!

UPDATE: The woman responsible for playing monster truck derby with her X5 was identified the day after the incident when she returned to the scene and was recognized by an Extreme Fitness employee whose car was the other one crushed. She has been charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

[Source: Hyundai Auto Canada]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hyundai steps up to remedy world's worst parking job

VIDEO: Hyundai steps up to remedy world's worst parking job originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal

Dan Roth — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions, Canada

Ford Motor Company and the leadership of the Canadian Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement after a marathon four-day wrap-up to negotiations. Union membership needs to approve the deal, which will guarantee a Great White North presence for Ford until at least 2012. Voting is underway this weekend, and if approved, the CAW will be responsible for building 10 percent of Ford's North American production, down from the current 13 percent, which the union had been trying to hold on to.

Workers did agree to time off reductions, and pledged that new employees will have to pay into their pensions. Ford's given its word that the company will build as many vehicles in Canada as it sells there, and the union deemed the pledge good enough to grant GM- and Chrysler-style concessions to Ford.

The Panther platform has been given its last rites; the St. Thomas Assembly plant is the only Ford location currently building the body-on-frame biggies, and that plant will close in September 2011. The 1,600 people in Ontario who build Town Cars and Grand Marquis are understandably unhappy about word that Ford intends to shutter the plant, but the Panther has cheated death more than once. This time, it may stick.

Better news for CAW members is that Ford's Oakville assembly complex, also in Ontario, has the go-ahead to add a third shift when needed. Ford also says it will manufacture a new vehicle at Oakville, which currently builds the Edge, Flex, MKX, and MKT crossovers, but that will likely come after the current labor agreement expires.

[Source: CBC News, Photo: Ford/CC]

Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion brand finally headed to Canada next September

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Scion, Toyota, Canada

It's official: Scion is headed to the land of Bob and Doug. Toyota's sub-brand will arrive in 45 dealerships in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver ten months from now, in September 2010. Scion's full model range will be offered -- xB, xD, and tC -- and dealers will present them in a "store within a store" concept, which makes it sound like passwords, burlesque, and moonshine will be involved.

To give you Canuck Scion mavens something to do for the next eleven months, there's a Canadian Scion website. It's a little barren right now, but after you take a quick survey it'll let you know things like the Scion badge was "created to symbolize non-conformity, authenticity and personal style." And then there are links to other Scion content, such as an interview with Motörhead, because what Scion owner doesn't love Lemmy? Canadians rejoice. Eh. Hat tip to Luc!

[Source: Auto123]

Scion brand finally headed to Canada next September originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Canadian chicks dig Chevrolet's new Camaro

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - click above image for hi-res gallery

Years and years and years ago (like back in the Eighties), we read a study that broke down car ownership by gender. The car most purchased by men? The Porsche 928, with a score of 97% male. Most by women? 69% of the time the ladies bought Nissan Pulsars - you know, those oddball notchback/shooting brake/targa-top modular things that usually came in pink. We mention this because traditionally, muscle cars have aimed at and appreciated by men. In fact, the gender breakdown for the 4th-generation Camaro is 80% male to 20% female. Not anymore.

Despite 'Vettes getting 'em wet as the sleeveless t-shirt proclaims, it seems that what women actually want is a brand new Chevrolet Camaro. At least, that appears to be the case with America's neighbors up in the True North Strong and Free. According to Autos Canada, it's looking like new 2010 Camaro sales in Canada are splitting the gender divide right down the middle, as in 50-50 in some locations. "Unlike the older versions of the Camaro where you probably had the typical motorhead, male, buyer, this is totally the opposite," says one Canadian Chevy dealer.

Why is this? Says General Motors spokesman George Saratlic, "One of our biggest challenges was the muscle car association to the car. We knew we couldn't do a replica of a '69 Camaro - It limits your audience." What does that say about fans of the 2010 Camaro? Probably not much, as the 426 horsepower LS3 version still skews heavily male. Also, the heavy dose of marketing via Michael Bay's Transformers movie series ensures that eight-year-olds and their ilk are way into GM's latest pony car as well. Still, women are clearly seeing something exciting in the Camaro. Thanks for the tip, Lawrence!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

[Source: Autos Canada]

PSA: Canadian chicks dig Chevrolet's new Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIA releases revised 19-race F1 calendar for 2010

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, UK, Canada, South Korea

2009 Monaco Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the 2009 season drawing to a close and both the titles already decided, Formula One is heading into the off-season. And that means all parties - teams, drivers, organizers, sponsors and everyone else involved in the sport - will be preparing for next year's schedule.

The first step is to set the calendar for next year's championship, and as in years past, that's been the subject of much debate. But it appears the arguments are finally drawing to a close for the 2010 championship, with race organizers in Monte Carlo agreeing to move the Monaco Grand Prix (pictured above) forward by one week in order to give the traveling circus a wider two-week window to get to Istanbul. With Canada slated to return to the calendar, the addition of South Korea (on top of Abu Dhabi, a race added this year) and the tentative swap of Silverstone for Donington Park, the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship will consist of a whopping 19 races.

Abu Dhabi and Brazil are working out a deal to switch spots for the season finale, while Canada, Great Britain, Korea and Abu Dhabi remain tentative pending ongoing negotiations. But barring unforeseen circumstances, this is the calendar as we're expecting it to carry for next season. Follow the jump to view in full.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Paul Gilham/Getty]

Continue reading FIA releases revised 19-race F1 calendar for 2010

FIA releases revised 19-race F1 calendar for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDY: Men can't help but enjoy fast cars - it's that testosterone thing again

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Porsche, Toyota, Canada

Porsche Carrera 4S Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Talk about a foregone conclusion. Researchers at Canada's John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal took thirty-nine typical young men (i.e. college guys) and placed them in one of two cars. The first was a Toyota Camry. The second was a Porsche 911 Cabriolet. They then let the men drive up and down on two streets. One was busy and filled with women. The other was deserted. After each little cruise, each man's saliva was measured for levels of testosterone. Results?

Interestingly, whether there were ladies present or not, the mens' testosterone didn't increase at all after driving the Camry. Can anyone else hear Toyota's CEO Akio Toyoda groaning? The Porsche? Well, this is interesting. When a young man drives down a skirt-filled street in a Porsche droptop, his testosterone level rises. And when then same young man drives down a totally empty road all by his lonesome in a Porsche convertible his testosterone level... rises. To the same level, in fact, as it did when all the ladies were around.

Says lead researcher Gad Saad, "In other words, just put a guy in a Porsche, and his testosterone levels shoot up, whether people watch or not." This biological reaction, according to Saad, is a form of "sexual signaling." A way of signaling to potential mates that the driver of said car is the best breeding stock, the best potential mate. Continues Saad, "It's saying, 'all you pretenders out there - you couldn't be driving this Aston Martin - you couldn't even rent it.'" Insert crack about auto journos borrowing it for a week here. Tip of the tuque to Jarrett!

Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S

[Source: CBC]

STUDY: Men can't help but enjoy fast cars - it's that testosterone thing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Safety, Ford, Canada

Retired Chrysler worker Stipe Botica is a hero today after putting out an engine fire after a single-vehicle accident, likely saving the life of the passenger. The accident occurred at 4 am when two men in a Ford Ranger crashed into a vacant house next door to Botica's residence at Forest Glade in Windsor, Ontario.

When Botica went outside, he found the two men crying for help, so he helped pull the driver out of the vehicle. He then discovered that the passenger was wedged against the dashboard and unable to move while a fire was brewing in the Ranger's engine compartment. Botica ran into his backyard and grabbed a power washer that he'd been using to clean his pool and returned to the wreck, where he doused the engine bay and the passenger. Botica claims it took about five minutes to extinguish the fire, and it later took about an hour to remove the passenger from the wrecked Ranger. Botica told the Windsor Star that the area around the vehicle smelled of alcohol and there were no obvious signs of braking in the area around the incident.

We weren't at the scene of the accident, but we're thinking that two young men were mighty lucky Botica was home, alert and had a power washer handy when they crashed in the middle of the night. Who knows, perhaps Chrysler could fly Botica and his power washer to Auburn Hills to put out some fires at his former employer!

[Source: Windsor Star | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog gets schooled at the Jacques Villeneuve Academy

Noah Joseph — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Canada, Specialty

Jacques Villeneuve Academy at ICAR - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's nothing like a Montreal summer. Once the sun starts to shine on the island metropolis after a long winter, the city transforms into a burgeoning oasis of festivals, street cafes and exotic sports cars. And grand prix or no grand prix, the world's second largest francophone city stands as one of the greatest motor sport destinations in North America, easily on par with anything Daytona or Indianapolis can throw at it.

You'd expect to hear a lot about racing drivers hailing from this capital of motorsport, but while the likes of Tagliani and Carpentier have made their mark, one name looms larger than any other: Villeneuve. Following in the footsteps of his father Gilles - the beloved fallen Ferrari driver for whom the city's F1 circuit is named - to say nothing of his eponymous uncle, Jacques Villeneuve took both the Indy 500 and CART title in 1995 before going on to win the Formula One world championship two years later. And while his track record since may fall short of his earlier successes, the name still carries a lot of weight. Especially in Montreal. So when JV opened up his own racing school just outside the city, and we found ourselves in town for a few of those precious summer days, we could hardly resist the opportunity to see what the Jacques Villeneuve Academy had to offer. Follow the jump to read what we found, and more importantly, what we learned.

Gallery: Jacques Villeneuve Academy

Continue reading Autoblog gets schooled at the Jacques Villeneuve Academy

Autoblog gets schooled at the Jacques Villeneuve Academy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canadians can now put an Audi R8 on their garage for just $469!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, Canada

As much as we love the Audi R8 (R-tronic gearbox aside), financial realities mean few of us will ever get to drive one much less own one. Audi Canada is now offering an option for those with a garage but lacking the budget to swing one of its mid-engine sports cars. They've created a wrap for garage doors that gives the appearance of an R8 parked inside. Of course, this thing won't get you anywhere aside from up and down, but it will truly affirm your poseur credentials.

If this is one of those gottahaveit items, you can order it at ownyourownr8.ca for just $469 Canadian. We searched the AudiUSA.com site, but the wrap isn't listed and we've yet to hear back from our contacts at Audi USA. Thanks to our anonymous tipster for the heads up!

[Source: Audi Canada]

Canadians can now put an Audi R8 on their garage for just $469! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FYI: UAW releases list of 2010 cars and trucks made in union shops

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, UAW/Unions, Canada

There's "Buy American!" and then there's "Buy Union!" If you're among the most serious about keeping your red-white-and-blue money in the ~~U.S. of A~~ North America and organized labor is close to your ticker, then you'll want to check out this list put together by the United Auto Workers. It lists all of the vehicles made in America and Canada by union labor -- either UAW or CAW.

Naturally, it's heavy on domestic offerings, but if you're devoted to imports you can still avail yourself of a few Toyotas, Mazdas, Mitsubishis, and a VW Routan, and support "workers who enjoy the benefits and protections of a union contract." Nevertheless, knowing how some feel about unions all we ask is please stay on topic and please be kind to your virtual neighbor. Let the comments begin...

[Source: UAW]

FYI: UAW releases list of 2010 cars and trucks made in union shops originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heroes or Vigilantes? Canadian citizens go on 100-mph chase in Porsche 997 to catch suspected rapist

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Government/Legal, Porsche, Canada

Here's the facts: Two Canadian men in a Porsche 997 encountered a woman (who jumped in front of their car) claiming that a man in a nearby Pontiac Wave (that's a Chevrolet Aveo to me and you) had just tried to assault her. The woman climbed in the back of the 997, and with the police on the phone, the Porsche boys chased the Pontiac all over Ottawa at speeds up to 170 km/h (around 105 mph). The chase, which sometimes involved residential roads, lasted about 20 minutes with the perp finally heading the wrong way through a McDonald's drive through and entering a roadblock set up by the police.

Now, of course, the police knew where the Pontiac was because of the actions of the men in the Porsche. And therein lies the dilemma. In Canada, "some [are] hailing the men as heroes while others are denouncing them as reckless cowboys." Ottawa Police Chief Vern White says that the dispatcher should have told the men in the Porsche to stop their pursuit - but didn't. As far as heroics, "When they put her in the back of the car, that was heroism," White said. "What happened after wasn't." Your thoughts? Thanks to Ben for the tip!

[Source: TheStar]

Heroes or Vigilantes? Canadian citizens go on 100-mph chase in Porsche 997 to catch suspected rapist originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bill to limit Canadian cars to 93 mph seems stuck in neutral

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Canada

When it comes to cars, they do things a bit differently in Canada. While our neighbor to the north has long been considered more progressive than the U.S., it was the United States that introduced pollution controls, and until recently, Canada never actually had any rules requiring them. The same goes for fuel efficiency standards. A couple of years ago, the government of Ontario passed a law that could result in automatic confiscation of your car if you exceeded a speed limit by more than 50 km/h (31 mph). This was done to attack the problem of street racing.

Member of parliament Jim Karygiannis apparently wants to make sure no one gets their car confiscated by making it impossible to drive that fast. Back in February, Karygiannis introduced a bill that, if passed, would make it illegal to sell, import, build or even loan a vehicle to someone unless said ride is fitted with a speed limiter restricting its maximum velocity to no more than 150 km/h, or 93 mph. So far, the bill has not proceeded past first reading, and it hasn't even gone to committee -- good news for Canadian drivers, to be sure. Frankly, there doesn't appear to be any widespread support for Jim Karygiannis's meddlesome legislation. Karygiannis actually introduced a similar bill during the previous parliamentary session, but that one never got past first reading, either. Maybe he should have taken the hint back then. Thanks to Steve for the tip!

[Source: Parliament of Canada]

Bill to limit Canadian cars to 93 mph seems stuck in neutral originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Return of the Prix: F1 confirmed back in Canada for 2010

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Canada

Felipe Massa passes the casino on Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

It's only been a year, but it's been a long one for Formula One fans in North America. Last year Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA canceled the Canadian Grand Prix - a regular fixture of the F1 calendar and the only stop the circus makes in North America - when race organizers and local governments rejected demands for increased fees. Negotiations failed to bring the race back, but following purported pressure from the remaining manufacturers in the series and renewed contact with officials on the ground, the race has been confirmed to return for next season.

According to previous reports, Ecclestone's demand of $175 million to secure the race for several years was reduced to just $75 million, a price which supporting parties are apparently willing and able to pay in order to bring the grand prix back to the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Paul Gilham/Getty]

Return of the Prix: F1 confirmed back in Canada for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You didn't think the battle for Opel was over, did you? Belgium reportedly asking EU to investigate

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, GM, Opel, Canada

When GM decided to hand 55% of Opel to Magna, you didn't think the Belgians were just going to have some waffles and call it quits, did you? Oh no. Belgium's prime minister made a call to the EU president about the deal, and the EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes told a Belgian newspaper, "If something happens against the rules, I will take action."

According to the prime minister, however, the rules have already been broken. Even though Magna has said it will need to trim more workers than expected, the Belgian leader said, "Financial aid given by a country that guarantees that the factories in their country don't close is against EU rules." The sale to Magna has observers screaming, "Politics!" but has made German Chancellor Angela Merkel look very good in the run-up to elections on September 27; with EU scrutiny all she really needs to hope for is that it takes them longer than two weeks to come to an adverse finding, if that should happen.

Opel labor, however, isn't so pleased anymore now that Magna has said it will need to eliminate more jobs than it originally proposed. Initial estimates put job losses at 2,500 workers in Germany; now the Canadian company is saying 4,100 jobs could be lost. It appears that Opel workers plan to assert themselves if Magna does anything differently than it said it would. In addition, labor wants "a veto right over job cuts, transfer of production or plant closures," which are the kinds of rights VW labor unions have. If you ask us, the dust on this one is nowhere near settled.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

You didn't think the battle for Opel was over, did you? Belgium reportedly asking EU to investigate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canadian HTT Plèthore supercar gets previewed ahead of Frankfurt

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Canada

2010 HTT Plèthore LC 750 - Click above for high-res image gallery courtesy of Stephan Bauer

Besides moose, Mounties and socialized medicine, most Americans know little else about our neighbors to the North. Especially for car people, Canada doesn't register in any significant way unless the Buick LaCrosse comes up. That might change dramatically once the HTT Plèthore LC 750 hits the streets. The brainchild of company principle Luc Chartrand, the Plèthore is a unique supercar that has been at least six years in the making. In fact we covered a previous version of the car when it was shown at the Montreal Auto Show in 2007. Back then it carried the Locus Plèthore nameplate.

Having lost the Locus and gained an LC 750, the production Plèthore features a carbon fiber chassis and body, a 750-hp 6.2-liter V8, a 6-speed manual transmission and McLaren F1-like central driving position, among other things. This Canadian supercar is set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, but HTT held a VIP preview of it Tuesday before loading it into a 747 bound for Deutschland. Autoblog friend and ace photographer Stephan Bauer happened to be in attendance and shared some photos and notes with us.

Although the interior still needs work and the pictured vehicle was pretty rough around the edges, this car will be shown in Frankfurt next week. Stephan adds that although similar to some other supercars in its overall shape and details, some of the things that make the Plèthore stand out are its bat-like scissor doors that go well past vertical, its protruding rear diffuser, its tasteful and functional HRE rims and the fact that it is probably the widest car he's ever seen at 89 inches haunch to haunch. That's bigger than the wheelbase on some small cars. HTT told the assembled group that 10 cars have already been pre-sold at a starting price of 395,000 $CDN. For more details, visit the HTT website, and don't forget to check out our live gallery of shots by Monsieur Bauer.

Gallery: 2010 HTT Plethore LC 750

Canadian HTT Plèthore supercar gets previewed ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 'Old' Chrysler defaulting on loan obligations

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials, Canada

Before there was a Motors Liquidation Co, post-bankruptcy GM's hived-off shelter for useless assets, there was Old Carco LLC. That's the company Chrysler built to house its useless assets, and unsurprisingly, it doesn't have good news for unsecured creditors. Old Carco was left with liabilities of $20.5 billion, but has less than half of that to pay off everyone it owes.

The latest accounting says there is $2.345 billion to pay things off. With a shortfall that drastic, even the U.S. Treasury and the Canadian governments are waiting for their money, with a $3.34 billion loan and $29 million in interest going not being repaid. The Treasury sent Old Carco a notice of default last month, which strikes us as a waste of a stamp and paper.

And since Old Carco isn't allowed to borrow any more money, there is almost no chance that creditors will be made whole. At this point, as the company tries to unload leftover factories and property, it looks like the best anyone's going to get is pennies on the dollar -- or just fractions of that -- and that could be for the folks first in line. Old Carco is dead, long live Chrysler...

[Source: Detroit News | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: 'Old' Chrysler defaulting on loan obligations originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM exercises self-love, plans to re-name Canada's Buick Allure LaCrosse after all

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Canada

2010 Buick LaCrosse: Click above for high-res image gallery

When General Motors named the Chevrolet Nova, the majority of customers in America had no issues whatsoever with the spacey moniker. Spanish speaking countries were a different matter entirely, as the literal Spanish translation of "no va" is "no go." As the story goes, Chevy's Nova was less than successful south of Texas, although some analysts (armchair and otherwise) dismiss this historical naming issue as nonsense. Whether the Nova was an issue for GM or not, the automaker wasn't looking to tempt fate when the Buick LaCrosse began production in 2005. The French translation of "LaCrosse" is something along the lines of "self love" - not a flattering name for a family sedan. This being the case, the LaCrosse was renamed Allure in Canada and Buick buyers north of the border were free of ridicule and humiliation.

After careful consideration, GM has decided to ditch the Allure nameplate and instead leave the LaCrosse badging on the sedan's boot for the new 2010 model. GM Canada spokesman George Saratlic told the National Post that the decision was made to help streamline marketing costs. The feeling at GM is that Québécoise accept the name lacrosse in reference to the popular sport, so the benefits of having a consistent naming convention across North America far outweighs the negative stigma of the name.

Saratlic adds, "We do think that this will help customers learn more about the new Buick LaCrosse sedan thanks to the strengthened advertising push this will enable and that the car will have distinctly upscale characteristics that clearly define what it stands for in the market." Since we've poured precisely zero dollars into investigating the impact of the LaCrosse name in Canada, we'll take the company at its word. We would, however, suggest that Canadian LaCrosse drivers keep both hands on the wheel, at least for now.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Sources: National Post, Snopes]

GM exercises self-love, plans to re-name Canada's Buick Allure LaCrosse after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford of Canada partners with Clean Air Foundation to give C4C-like incentives

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Ford, Canada

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cash for Clunkers helped all automakers move some metal during the month of August and now Ford is looking to capture lightning in a bottle up in the Great White North. Ford of Canada is working with the Clean Air Foundation to provide incentives of up to $3,000 for vehicles 15 years or older. Three hundred of those dollars would come from the Canadian government as part of its Retire Your Ride program.

The plan sounds good based solely on its ability to save customers up to $3,000 per clunker, but info from NRCan's Fuel Consumption Guide for Canada shows that the program will also save you big at the pump. Replace the typical sedan from 1995 with a 2010 Ford Fusion 2.5L and save $325 per year in fuel prices.Things look even better if you're driving an SUV from and you trade it in for a FWD 2010 Ford Escape 2.5L as you can shed $975 per year at the pump. The move is also good for the environment, as the Clean Air Foundation states that the average vehicle from 1995 emits 19 times more pollutants than a comparably sized 2004 model.

Here is how the incentives break down. The government's Retire Your Ride program offers $300, transit passes, discounts on bicycles and more to the owners of 1995 model year vehicles or older who turn in a clunker. The Blue Oval will pitch in $1,000 towards the purchase of a Ford car, $2,000 towards a crossover or SUV or $3,000 towards a Ford truck or Lincoln vehicle. Hit the jump to pour over the press release, and if you're a Canadian interested in the program, rules and regulations are at the bottom.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Continue reading Ford of Canada partners with Clean Air Foundation to give C4C-like incentives

Ford of Canada partners with Clean Air Foundation to give C4C-like incentives originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW sues dead suspected fashion model killer

Michael Harley — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, BMW, Celebrities, Canada

And you thought the story couldn't get more bizarre. Well, it turns out Ryan Jenkins, the now-deceased Canadian Realtor-turned-reality-TV-contestant-turned-accused-murderer may have allegedly tossed more than Jasmine Fiore in the dumpster. According to BMW, Jenkins hadn't made a payment on his leased 3 Series since March, and his account is now seriously past due.

BMW is going after Ryan Jenkins for about $11,553 (US dollars) in outstanding payments on his '07 BMW 335xi sedan (his monthly lease payments were $844, proving he was about as successful in automobile purchasing negotiations as he was with relationships). While the vehicle in question has been returned to the automaker and since sold, the outstanding amount (plus interest) still needs to be collected. Regardless of BMW's next move, the line of creditors to this train wreck's estate is likely very long.

[Source: Yahoo News Canada, photo by Gary Lester]

REPORT: BMW sues dead suspected fashion model killer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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