BMW celebrates three decades of all-wheel drive
You’re probably heard of xDrive, but there have been a few incarnations of BMW’s all-wheel drive system over the years.
Touring Ontario's Honda Canada Manufacturing plant
OpenRoad gets an inside look at the 29-year-old Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, ON.
Toyota teases future mobility with three new concept cars
It’s always fun when automobile manufacturers bring out concepts that provide a preview of future styling and engineering direction, predictions for the evolution of mobility, or simply what they’re capable of. Toyota recently debuted three such vehicles, one of which harks back to their roots of building small, lightweight sports cars.
Toyota S-FR
The S-FR concept was created to “reaffirm the fundamental relationship between car and driver,” says Toyota. This entry-level four-seater features a front engine, rear-wheel drive format with independent suspension providing optimal weight distribution and handling. Shifting duties are taken care of by a six-speed manual transmission.
The elongated front end and wide footprint gives the S-FR a classic sports coupe appearance. The model is aimed at the enthusiast demographic that enjoy customizing their vehicles.
Toyota FCV Plus
Toyota has long been envisioning a sustainable society based around hydrogen energy, a power source containing a higher energy density than electricity, can be generated from many different types of raw materials, and is relatively easy to store. The FCV fits into this plan nicely because aside from running off of electricity generated from hydrogen, it can also produce electricity to be used in the home and shared with the community power grid.
The FCV’s fuel stack is mounted in the centre at the front, and the hydrogen tank is installed behind the rear seat. Each wheel also has a dedicated motor. Together, the unique design allows for a spacious interior despite its compact vehicle dimensions of 3,800 millimetres (length) by 1,750 mm (width).
Toyota Kikai
While the Kikai likely won’t be found in stores anytime soon, the purpose of its conception was to “explore and emphasize the fundamental appeal of machines.” Parts normally hidden away underneath body panels and bumpers, like suspension components and headlamps, are exposed to show off their inner workings.
The driver sits front and center to connect him or her more closely with the car, and there is room for two more passengers behind. Through a small window near the pedals, occupants are treated to a view of the tires and suspension working as the Kikai moves along the road.
How to quickly warm up you and your car this winter
Temperatures are dropping out there, but there are ways for both vehicle and driver to beat the cold.
VW Golf R, Mazda CX-3 among AJAC 'Best New' vehicles winners
The winners have been announced for AJAC’s 2016 Canadian Car of the Year award “Best New” vehicle categories.
LA Auto Show 2015 reimagines three vehicles
Just down the coast from us, the LA Auto Show (LAAS) — on until Nov. 29 — enters its 108th year and continues to establish itself as one of the biggest venues on the show circuit for industry announcements and vehicle debuts. This year features lots of different takes on models people know in love, and we share three of OpenRoad’s favourites.
2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
When you imagine open air driving, I doubt you think of a roofless Range Rover Evoque, ploughing down a muddy slope. Yet, here it is in all of its drop top SUV glory, the first of its kind to join the lineup.
Marketed as something for people who know no boundaries, what’s truly shocking is that the Evoque sans roof actually looks quite good from all angles. The fabric top folds flush into the rear deck for a clean appearance, and the doors are frameless giving the SUV a sharp silhouette.
The four-seater boasts 240 horsepower and a nine-speed transmission, and will start at $64,990 when it arrives in Canadian dealerships in spring 2016.
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
Some may remember fondly back to the 60s or 70s when dune buggies were all the rage, shown in magazines and on TV screens zipping along sandy shorelines driven by tanned, fun-loving beachgoers. Volkswagen is trying to bring that feeling back with the introduction of the new Beetle Dune.
There is perhaps no better venue than California to launch what VW calls its “first crossover model since the Beetle was introduced over 80 years ago.” Key features include a raised ride height, unique bumpers, black wheel arch flares, body protection trim and two new colours such as the pictured Sandstorm Yellow.
The Dune will be available as either a coupe or convertible, and goes on sale early 2016.
2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport
First there was the Porsche Cayman. Then we saw the Cayman S, the Cayman GTS and recently, the GT4. What crazier, racier version could it possibly come in? The answer: the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
Before you break out the piggybank, it should be noted that the Clubsport is intended for track use rather than Sunday drives and work commutes. This 3.8-litre, 385 hp Cayman’s chassis has been modified for use on the circuit, as well as its already massive brakes enlarged further. Weight reduction has also been thrown in for good measure.
Look for the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport participating in races worldwide for the 2016 season.
AJAC announces 2016 Canadian Car of the Year Awards finalists
After a week of testing in Ontario, AJAC has chosen the top three vehicles across nine segment categories vying for the title of Canadian Car of the Year.
Cold weather essentials for your car
Prepare yourself for any potential cold weather roadside situation by keeping a few easy-to-find items in the back of your vehicle.
How to prepare your vehicle for storage
Follow OpenRoad’s top 10 tips for getting your vehicle ready for hibernation.
BMW reveals trio of new M vehicles
There are three new BMW M-powered vehicles headed our way in the next few months: the M4 GTS, X4 M40i and M2.