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Best green vehicles at 2015 Vancouver International Auto Show

Benjamin Yong on March 27, 2015

2015 Vancouver International Auto Show
Visitors to the 2015 Vancouver Auto Show are treated to a wide assortment vehicles, including many green models. Photos by Benjamin Yong.

The 95th Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) is happening right now at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and is quite literally bigger, and better, than ever before. Exhibition space has grown by one-quarter this year, to 290,000 square feet, and for the first time the displays spill over to the upstairs ballroom. Fittingly, since it takes place in B.C., VIAS features a heavy focus on alternative-energy automobiles fuelled by diesel, electricity and even hydrogen. These are the green vehicles you’ll want to see.

Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle Concept

Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle Concept

You may have heard about Toyota’s production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle already on sale in Japan and about to hit the roads in the United States later this year. While no Canadian expansion plans have been announced yet, Toyota debuted the Fuel Cell Concept (FCV) that provided the inspiration for the Mirai for the first time in Canada.

The Mirai was actually tested in Yellowknife in -30 C weather to evaluate cold-weather effectiveness. The space-age looking sedan creates electricity by utilizing a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, refuels in about the same time as a conventional gasoline-powered car and can drive up to 500 kilometres on a single tank.

Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron

Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron

The A3 Sportback e-Tron, Audi’s first plug-in hybrid, made its first regional appearance at VIAS.  Besides a few badges and some minor exterior tweaks to the grille and rear bumper, this hybrid looks remarkably similar to the standard version. Power is provided via a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine combined with a 75-kilowatt electric motor making 204 net horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Volkswagen Golf Sportwagon TDI Clean Diesel

Volkswagen Golf Sportwagon TDI Clean Diesel

VW is in Vancouver to prove that even with the crossover SUV craze taking place across North America, wagon’s haven’t quite called it quits. It’s been a good year for the Golf, reaping several industry awards, and the Sportwagon should continue that trend. The diesel powertrain provides plenty of torque and achieves great fuel economy rated at 7.5 L/100 km in city driving at 5.6 L/100 km on the highway.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Although Hyundai also has a plug-in version coming, it is the standard Sonata Hybrid making the trip to Vancouver. As part of the redesign, the engine is a smaller and more efficient 2.0 litre vs. the outgoing 2.4. The battery pack has a 13 per cent bigger capacity, and now fits under the trunk floor so the rear seats can fold 60/40.

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

In addition to the Hybrid, the majority of the public had their first chance to get an up-close look at the 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, the first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle available to Canadians. Available to limited consumers through a lease program, the first lucky owners are a local couple living in Surrey.

Porsche 918 Spyder at 2015 Vancouver International Auto Show

Porsche 918 Spyder

Some visitors to Porsche Centre Langley have already experienced the spectacle that is the $1.3-million Porsche 918 Spyder in person. The hybrid supercar, one of three sold in B.C., uses two electric motors and a 4.6-litre V8 engine to achieve a top speed of 340 km/h.   

The 2015 Vancouver International Auto Show runs until March 29. More pictures below:

2015 Vancouver International Auto Show entrance

Stephen Beatty vice president, Corporate Toyota Canada

Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle Concept rear

Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle Concept side

Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron rear

Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron interior

BMW i3 and i8 at 2015 Vancouver International Auto Show

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rear

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid cutaway

Hyundai Blue Drive

Run-flat tires explained

Benjamin Yong on March 22, 2015

Almost as long as cars have had wheels, they’ve also had spare tires stashed somewhere onboard for the eventual inevitability of a flat tire. In some of today’s luxury vehicles, however, manufacturers like BMW and Infiniti have traded the donut spare for more cargo space by using run-flat tire technology. How does it work? Find out below.

Purpose

Run-flat tires allow you to do exactly that: continue running on them even after you’ve experienced a flat. But it’s not meant to be a permanent solution. The idea is that you get to a service shop or garage as soon as you can to have the tire repaired* if possible, or replaced entirely.

Once punctured, run-flats have limitations on how fast and how far you can continue to drive. Every model is different, and it’s best to consult your owner’s manual or the tire maker’s specifications. For example, on the BMW 3 Series sedan, drivers can continue on for up to another 150 kilometres.

Design

Not all run-flat tires are created equal —on the BMW 3 Series, the tires feature reinforced sidewalls. The thicker rubber provides the extra bit of support needed to allow you to get you safely to your destination. Click here to watch a short video.

Another type of common run-flat design utilizes what is called a support ring. Rather than thicker sidewalls, there is a ring comprised of a hard material underneath the tread capable of temporarily bearing the weight of the vehicle even in a reduced air pressure situation.

Regardless of the design, all run-flat setups require a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in place, which are a series of sensors that communicate with the vehicle’s computer to alert the driver of a puncture. This is critical so that you don’t continue driving without realizing a flat tire has taken place.

* Repair of a punctured run-flat tire should only be undertaken after inspected thoroughly by a professional and deemed safe to do so. Generally, repair is only possible with a puncture of less than six millimetres in depth, and on support ring equipped models, if the ring hasn’t sustained excessive damage. 

Car safety technology package comparison

Benjamin Yong on March 19, 2015

2015 Mazda6 GT
The 2015 Mazda6 GT with the Tech Package adds many modern safety options including Smart City Brake Support. Photo by Benjamin Yong.

Like computers and cellphones, vehicles have been leaping forward in the area of tech within the last few years. A lot of the modern electronic innovation has to do with safety, whether it’s making an existing function like cruise control safer by automating part of the process, or trying to prevent accidents by giving the driver tools such as blind spot monitoring to increase awareness.

Every automaker offers some kind of safety feature suite, although they do vary somewhat from brand-to-brand and are sometimes only available on higher-level models, or as part of a larger package. Here is a comparison of what you can get from three popular manufacturers.

Toyota

Toyota RAV4

After driving a vehicle with conveniences like parking aids, it’s hard to go back to doing it the old fashioned way. On the 2015 RAV4 crossover in the AWD Limited trim, customers can opt for the Technology Package (plus $2,135) that includes backup sensors that beep when you get too close to another object, helping avoid bumper dings or worse. It also comes with automatic high beams, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and lane departure alert.

Infiniti

2015 Infiniti Q50

The new Q50 sedan is one of the most technologically advanced cars in the market right now. For $4,300 more, Infiniti has a Deluxe Touring and Technology Package chock full of goodies like their Around View Monitor.

Using a series of strategically positioned wide-angle cameras, this system provides a 360-degree picture of the vehicle’s surroundings from a bird’s-eye view. Other additions include intelligent cruise control and front seat pre-crash seatbelts that utilize motors to ensure passengers are properly restrained.

Mazda

2015 Mazda6 GT parking lot

We all know rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents, and Mazda says 60 per cent of those occur at speeds of 30 km/h or less. That’s why a lot of their safety focus is around braking. The Mazda6 GT with the $2,800 Technology Package adds Smart City Brake Support. 

Mazda Smart City Brake Support

At low speeds, a laser sensor mounted on the windshield monitors the vehicle in front. If the computer detects a collision risk, the brakes are preloaded for maximum efficiency. If the driver doesn’t intervene, the brakes are automatically applied and engine output isreduced. 

Regular vs. premium gas — which octane is right for you?

Benjamin Yong on March 8, 2015

The cost of gasoline is all but predictable these days. Even though the cost of crude oil crashed and burned a couple of months ago, prices at the pump have recently stabilized again. One of the biggest things customers can do to keep cash in their pocket is analyze whether they’re buying the right grade of fuel.

Regular vs. mid-grade vs. premium

Most Canadian gas stations carry three main octanes of fuel: 87, 89 and 91/92. These ratings measure performance, and a higher number means the fuel can withstand more compression without igniting. In a standard combustion engine, air is mixed with the fuel before being compressed and then ignited by a spark plug.

Things can get tricky for motors that are tuned for higher performance, such as ones used in sports or some luxury vehicles. The fuel used may be subject to higher compression or temperatures, and a lower octane gasoline could prematurely detonate causing what is commonly referred to as “pinging” or “knocking.” This is in reference to the sound heard when you step on the throttle and premature ignition is taking place inside the engine’s cylinder.

Pick your octane

The first thing you should do is consult your owner’s manual, or sometimes the fuel cap or lid, to see what the manufacturer suggests. Despite a common urban myth, using a grade of gasoline higher than what is recommended will not give your car extra performance or clean out your engine. The only difference between premium fuel and others is a slightly different chemical mixture making it less prone to the premature ignition discussed earlier.

Nothing bad will happen if you decide go that route, besides making your wallet lighter. On the other hand, repeatedly using a lower grade than what is designed for your model can potentially cause damage or, at the very least, make the vehicle slower. Let’s take a Porsche Macan for example. Porsche recommends 91 octane — using a lower octane might not necessarily cause the small crossover to explode, but performance will certainly be inhibited.

Modern marvels

Automobiles made nowadays are equipped with all kinds of fancy sensors and mechanisms to detect knocking and prevent much of the undesired detonation from using a lower grade of gasoline. That said, if, using the Porsche Macan example, 87 is fed, the motor won’t be able to perform as intended and acceleration will feel slower.

 

Sensors can also only do so much, and under high duress, like with the pedal mashed to the floor, engine knocking can still occur which can wear out delicate components over time.

Bottom line

 

Follow your manufacturers advice and fill your car with the appropriate gas. If premium isn’t required, save yourself some dollars and use regular. On the flip side, if you drive a higher-end vehicle that calls for something like 91, it may be more prudent and cost-effective in the long run to make that little extra bit of investment.

Brakes: what's the difference between discs and drums?

Benjamin Yong on February 25, 2015

For many casual drivers, their idea of a vehicle’s brakes is simply the pedal left of the throttle, and the expensive item that shows up on their service bill every few years. Never mind trying to ask whether they can discern between disc and drum setups. Fortunately, we “brake” down the differences of the two systems for you below.

Drum brakes

Red painted brake drums

This type of braking mechanism is called a “drum,” because that is precisely what it looks like. Still found on some vehicles being released in the market today — think entry-level cars like the Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit — it is the usually dark-coloured cylinder located underneath each of the rear wheels on newer vehicles.

The outer casing of drum brakes is made from either cast iron or, to a lesser extent, aluminium. Inside the drum is a set of “shoes,” which are crescent-shaped metal pieces that have a high friction material affixed onto the outer edges. When a driver steps on the brakes, a specialized fluid transfers the movement from the pedal to the shoes that then press up against the drum to slow the wheel, and the car, down.

Drum brake shoes

Drum brake shoes

Disc brakes

People nowadays are most likely familiar with the disc brake system that has become increasingly ubiquitous over the last couple of decades. Rather than featuring a drum, disc brakes utilize a round rotor also made from cast iron, or in high-performance applications composites, including carbon and ceramic.

A “caliper” sits above and straddles both sides of the rotor (as seen in the picture below of a 2015 Scion FR-S), a part that contains a series of hydraulic pistons and a high friction brake pad on either side. Activating the brakes causes the pistons to clamp down and push the pads to make contact with the rotor, slowing down the vehicle. This is similar to what happens when braking on a bicycle.

2015 Scion FR-S disc brakes

Each time this process takes place, both the brake pad and the rotor wear away due to abrasive friction. Generally, the pads will be depleted sooner than the rotors and require more frequent replacement.

Other differences                                                            

Because of its enclosed design, drum brakes are prone to excessive heat build-up under high-stress situations, which can cause “fade,” meaning the brakes start to lose their effectiveness. The rotors used in disc brakes on the other hand are exposed to ambient air resulting in constant cooling.

Cost of manufacturing is one of the reasons some automakers continue to offer partial drum brake setups. That said, the front brakes do the majority of the work since weight is shifted forward each time you brake, so only having discs in the front is more than adequate for most motorists.

Replacement

OpenRoad Audi service department

The life of brake components varies greatly depending on models, personal driving habits and driving conditions — the best thing to do is take your vehicle in for regular servicing to ensure everything is working properly. If you hear or feel anything out of the ordinary like squealing or shuddering when the brakes are applied, make sure you consult a professional immediately.

What exactly does an automatic rev-matching transmission do?

Benjamin Yong on February 23, 2015

The new MINI Cooper S is among a handful of cars featuring manual transmissions with automatic rev-matching. Photos by Benjamin Yong.

Anyone who has driven a conventional manual transmission should be familiar with the unpleasant sensation of shifting into a lower gear while the engine is spinning at a high rpm. It sounds something like “WHIRRRR,” while the whole car bucks and shakes more than a horse in a rodeo.  

To mitigate this effect, some manufacturers such as Porsche, BMW and MINI have implemented automatic rev-matching technology in their manual transmissions. Basically, when the computer senses a lower gear change, it bumps up the engine’s revolutions-per-minute to match the optimal speed of the gear about to be engaged so the transition is smooth rather than jarring.

Mini Cooper S six speed manual transmission

To understand this concept a little better, let’s talk about gearing.

Gears and speed

Each of the gears in your car has a range of engine RPMs that it operates at to allow you to travel at a certain speed. Near the top of the range is what is known as the power band, where optimum efficiency is obtained and allows for quickest vehicle acceleration. Beyond the power band, the car will no longer accelerate, which is why shifting to a higher gear is required in order to keep going faster. The rpm range then “resets” and the process is repeated.

vehicle power band

Drivingfast.net

For example, if you are driving in third gear in the neighbourhood of 4,000 rpm, to downshift to second and maintain the same road speed the engine would need to be turning at, say, 7,000 rpm. With a conventional standard tranny, simply initiating a downshift would cause the RPMs to suddenly drop and then shoot back up, resulting in the unpleasant whirring sound and jerkiness.

Heel-and-toe

The “automatic” part of auto rev-matching refers to the fact that many car enthusiasts have long been doing this in a manual fashion utilizing a technical called heel-and-toe. When a driver anticipates a scenario where they need to slow down and shift to a lower gear, they press in the clutch as normal with their left foot. With the ball of their right foot, they squeeze the brake while using the heel of the same foot to gently push the gas pedal to bring the rpms up to match the lower gear speed.
Heel-and-toeing is particularly popular in performance driving, where a sloppy downshift can cause the vehicle to lose speed and upset its balance around a turn.

Yay or nay?

Porsche Cayman Sport mode

Each automaker’s version of automatic rev-matching is slightly different. In certain Porsche models, including the Boxster and Cayman GTS, enabling Sport mode activates the function. On the New Mini Cooper S equipped with the six-speed stick, it’s all rev-match all the time. Availability of such systems across brands is still the exception rather than the norm, and with the future of manual transmissions in question it’s hard to say whether the technology will catch on. Opinions of gearheads on the matter are also split: some enjoy the do-it-yourself method while others prefer the precision of a machine.

What to learn more? Chat with one of our product advisors at MINI Langley or MINI Vancouver today!

Vehicle smart key: how does it work?

Benjamin Yong on February 18, 2015

Looking for cars with push button start? Shop online here at OpenRoad Auto Group for all of our push button start cars.

If you’re thinking that this is an article about keys that can surf the Internet or make phone calls, you’re not quite right. But that doesn’t make these little devices that enable you to unlock your doors and start your vehicle without the use of a physical key any less innovative.

Also referred to as proximity keys or simply key fobs/remotes — each brand has a different name for their specific systems — smart keys have been around since the 1990s, although they were a feature found primarily on high-end luxury automobiles at the time.

How does it work?

BMW Comfort Access System

The smart key uses radio waves to “talk” to the matching vehicle containing embedded antennas that identify and confirm its presence. On some models, like newer BMWs (Comfort Access), when the key comes within 1.5 metres of the driver’s car, the door automatically locks or unlocks with a touch of the door handle. In the case of the above image, the tailgate lifts by waving a foot underneath the rear bumper.

Once inside, simply pressing the ignition button, usually located next to the steering column, starts the vehicle. Some smart keys, like those from BMW, can also store individual user settings so the seat, mirrors, steering wheel and even audio preferences are automatically adjusted by pressing a single button.

Honda engine start button

Security

Rather than a smart key sending out the same frequency signal over and over, which would affect all the makes and models utilizing the same key, not to mention make it easier for tech-savvy thieves to steal cars, smart keys broadcast a different encrypted signal every time you unlock a door or remotely pop the trunk.

A computer chip located inside the car is responsible for receiving the signal and prompting a new frequency to be generated. Of course, nothing is foolproof, and manufacturers are constantly working at making their technology more secure.

Pros

opening car door

The most obvious plus of a smart key system is convenience. You don’t have to be holding the key in your hand to enjoy the features, and many people love the fact that they can keep it in their pocket or bag without having to reach in and dig around before getting into vehicle.

Cons

By the same token, there have been instances (writing from personal experience) where a driver hands a car over to another user and walks away, forgetting that the smart key is still on his or her person.

BMW emergency key

On models that don’t have an automatic proximity unlock function, if the battery in the fob dies, opening a locked door can be tricky. Luckily, almost all fobs should have a small metal key hidden inside that can be used to unlock the driver’s door via a keyhole often concealed underneath a removable plastic cap near the door handle.

To get a better visual of a smart key in action, here is a video illustrating the Intelligent Key system on the Infiniti Q50. 


Highlights from 2015 Canadian International Auto Show

Benjamin Yong on February 13, 2015

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Lexus RC F GT3 Concept
The face of the Lexus RC F GT3 concept vehicle, introduced at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Photo by Benjamin Yong.

Yesterday marked the official start of the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), the Great White North’s largest automotive event held every year in Toronto. As always, some crazy stuff was presented to audiences, as well as more mainstream examples that consumers might actually be able to get their hands on. If you aren’t able to make the trip out east, scroll down below for a taste of CIAS 2015.

Lexus RC F GT3 Concept

Lexus RC F GT3 Concept front

In case the recently released RC F coupe isn’t already impressive enough for you, Lexus introduced the RC F GT3 concept car to Canadian audiences for the first time. It’s based on the production version but boasts bigger wheels and tires, aerodynamic add-ons, a faster engine and has hopes of racing in the FIA GT3 European Championship.

Lexus RC F GT3 Concept rear

Toyota i-Road Concept

Toyota i-Road

CIAS visitors were treated to indoor demonstrations of the Toyota i-Road concept, a three-wheel, single-occupant electric vehicle. With a range of 50 kilometres, it’s only 870 millimetres wide meaning four of them can fit into a traditional parking space. The i-Road has already been tested on public streets in Japan as well as France.

2016 Honda Pilot

2016 Honda Pilot

A completely redesigned Honda Pilot, a three-row SUV, will be available this summer looking and feeling a lot different than the previous generation. The Pilot goes high-tech with available LED lighting, a Blu-Ray disc player with HDMI input and an Earth Dreams Technology Powertrain consisting of a fuel-efficient V6 engine and first-ever nine-speed automatic transmission.

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration

Alfonso Albaisa, executive design director at Infiniti, used the description “progressive, audacious and ingenious,” as he unveiled the range-topping Q80 four-seater fastback. “The Q80 Inspiration represents Infiniti’s vision of category-breaking, supreme luxury driving,” said Albaisa. It features autonomous driving capability with a hybrid powertrain producing 550 horsepower.

2016 Jaguar XE

The British car company is getting set to launch yet another four-door sports sedan in 2015, slotted below the mid-level XF and XJ flagship. It will be the first Jaguar equipped with electric steering, and is designed to look and drive like a sports coupe with a low and wide profile, partially aluminium construction and a supercharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder powerplant.

Audi TTS Coupé

2016 Audi TTS Coupe

The Audi TT has been reborn for its third generation. The extra S stands for sport, or speed, or probably both: it’s got a 265 hp TFSI turbo engine, Quattro all-wheel drive and a fancy Audi Magnetic Ride Suspension that continously readjusts the dampening settings to match the driving conditions.