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Infiniti Q50 receives enhancements for 2018

Benjamin Yong on August 16, 2017

Four years after the initial launch of Infinity’s luxury sports sedan, the company is giving the Q50 a well-deserved facelift. And the exterior changes differ, depending on whether customers opt for either the Luxe or Sport grades.

“Its benchmark performance and athletic styling make it an important cornerstone in our product line. We are excited to get this newest sports sedan in the hands of our fans when it arrives in INFINITI showrooms later this summer,” said Infiniti Americas vice president Randy Parker.

2018 Infiniti Q50 sport rear

Some of the upgrades fall uniformly across all models, like the updated signature double-arch grille that features more texture and detailing in the chrome surround and centre mesh, and slimmer rear LED tail lamps lifted from the Q60.

To separate the two main trim levels, those designed with Sport, which includes the top-of-the-line Red Sport 400, receives accoutrements to increase performance and enhance appearance. The front bumper contains additional aerodynamic lines, corner splitters and lower, wider side air intakes. The door mirrors are blacked out, and at the rear, a section of dark metallic trim sits between the twin exhaust pipes.

2018 Infiniti Q50 interior

Designers have sought to raise the level of refinement inside the Q50, adding authentic, natural wood to the dashboard rather than the usual high gloss veneer.  The instrument cluster is shrouded in double-stitched leather. Further influence from the Q60 can be found in the cabin such as a new steering wheel boasting thumb grips and more ergonomically shaped paddle shifters. The “double wave” gauge hood has been reshaped to fit the slightly elongated centre console.

The powertrain selection remains the same — consumers are still treated to a large selection of engine offerings. Four to be exact: at the top, a 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 making 400 horsepower, a similarly set up mill with 300 horsepower, a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 208 horsepower and 3.5-litre V6 hybrid that has a combined output of 360 horsepower.

Approximately 210,000 Q50s have been sold since first being released in 2013. Look for the 2018 model to arrive in the coming weeks.

Getting the most out of your electric vehicle battery this summer

Benjamin Yong on August 11, 2017

Operating an EV sometimes has its challenges, and one of them is being cognizant of battery limitations and adjusting your driving habits accordingly. In hotter weather especially, there are certain things to be aware of in order to squeeze out the most range possible for those impromptu drives out of town.

Air conditioning

When the sun is beating down, not using air con might seem crazy. Just remember, while running, it’s using up energy that could otherwise be allocated to moving the car. The higher the setting, the more juice is consumed. Some models have a preconditioning feature allowing you to control the climate settings remotely while the vehicle is still plugged in, or simply adjust it manually. Parking in the shade or in a covered area can also reduce reliance on the A/C.

honda cr-z stereo

Audio system

What’s a road trip without tunes? I’m not saying leave the iPod at home, but it, too, drains the battery. Leave the volume at a reasonable level and when you’re talking to someone or otherwise not listening, avoid leaving the stereo on in the background.

Cargo area

Summertime is chock full of activities requiring gear of some sort, whether it’s beach equipment, kayak paddles, a tent, the list goes on. Every extra kilogram of weight requires the car to work that much harder to get going. Don’t treat the vehicle as a rolling storage unit and remove items unlikely to be used at the immediate destination.

Eco mode

Most EVs possess an “Eco” mode that can be activated via a button press or twist of a dial. There are a variety of functions this encompasses, from limiting acceleration performance to modulating climate control all in the name of conserving power.

toyota prius eco score

Driver information

Depending on the manufacturer, the EV will have some kind of graphical representation of how energy is being distributed and utilized displayed. There may also be a menu option to provide an eco score based on the driving style observed by the computer last trip, with tips for improvement.

Second Jaguar SUV coming next year: 2018 E-PACE

Benjamin Yong on July 26, 2017

For a brand that introduced its first utility vehicle less than two years ago, Jaguar is wasting little time investing in the hottest segment by announcing yet another compact SUV: the E-PACE.

It’s not powered by electricity, as the first letter in the name might have you believe — that’s reserved for yet another new model on the way, the I-PACE. No, this is a gasoline-powered, all-wheel drive crossover injecting sports cars looks and performance into an automobile that can be used comfortably everyday.

2018 Jaguar E-PACE driving

“Established Jaguar design principles ensure the E-PACE is immediately recognizable as the sports car of its class. Our new compact SUV combines the interior space, connectivity and security that families expect with the kind of proportions, purity of design and performance not usually associated with such a practical vehicle,” said Jaguar director of design Ian Callum.

2018 Jaguar E-PACE cub puddle lights

Slightly smaller than bigger brother the F-PACE, the E represents a more affordable entry-level option for luxury SUV buyers (the puddle lights even shine an image of a Jaguar cub onto the floor when you unlock the doors). The two share a remarkably similar appearance with the same bold grille, polished side fender cooling ducts and F-TYPE-inspired head and tail lamps as well as flared out bodywork.

2018 Jaguar E-PACE interior

To appeal a younger demographic, certain unique touches have been added to the interior giving the cabin a fresh, vibrant feel. Depending on the package, splashes of colour can be found on the seats, dash and door panels. Instead of wood trim typical of the segment, occupants will instead find a Noble Chrome metallic finish on the shifter surrounds, side vents and more.

There is comfortable seating for five adults, and loads of luggage space. With the 60:40 split folding rear seats in the up position, there is a 685-litre capacity. Down, that increases to 1,493 litres.

2018 Jaguar E-PACE Ingenium engine

The two engine options are both turbocharged four cylinders, one outputting 246 horsepower and the other, 296, mated to a ZF nine-speed transmission. The E-PACE will retail at a starting price of $42,700 when it is available in the first half of 2018. 

2018 Jaguar E-PACE rear three quarter

Tech highlight: fully active suspension in new Audi A8

Benjamin Yong on July 25, 2017

In honour of the upcoming release of Audi’s redesigned flagship, the fourth-generation A8, we put the spotlight on an interesting piece of onboard technology: a fully active, electromechanical suspension. 

There are other vehicles that utilize a similar concept, continuously altering dampening settings according to road conditions, but the electromechanical setup in the Audi is actually quite ingenious in design. Powered by the main electrical system, it enables the occupants to be in constant comfort whether the executive sedan is travelling over a pothole-ridden road, or carving high-speed corners.  

audi a8 active suspension closeup

An electric motor with built-in gears is mounted to each individual wheel. A camera mounted on the front of the car scans the driving surface ahead and pre-emptively adjusts the suspension settings so that by the time the tires roll over say, a small rock, everything is already calibrated to relay minimal noise, vibration and harshness to the cabin. 

Aside from absorbing vibration over bumps, rolling movements normally induced by excessive g-forces, as well as changes in pitch from hard braking and acceleration, are mitigated.  

audi a8 active suspension safety

The active hardware also serves to increase safety in a passive manner. Sensors detect risks of collision from any direction 360 degrees around the vehicle. For example, if a side impact occurring at speeds greater than 25 km/h is unavoidable, actuators raise the suspension, and in turn the body, on the affected side up to 80 millimetres within half a second. This causes the stronger areas such as the side sills and floor structure to absorb the brunt of the oncoming forces. Audi says this results in a 50 per cent improvement in load reduction to the passenger compartment. 

Consumers can get a closer look at the technology when the 2018 A8 is launched in North America later in the year. 

Honda launches first ever Civic Type R in Canada

Benjamin Yong on July 25, 2017

This hot hatch recently set a record at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe racetrack in Germany for fastest lap by a production FWD vehicle. 

The wait is over — Honda has finally released the first ever Type R badged Civic in Canada.

This track-ready beast is also the most powerful showroom model the Japanese manufacturer has sent to our shores, pushing out 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. While we’re on the subject, the Civic Type R (CTR) currently holds the title of the fastest production front-wheel drive vehicle in the world after achieving a lapping record in April of this year at the famed Nürburgring Nordschliefe racetrack in Germany.

2017 Honda Civic Type R three quarter

Although based on the hatchback variant of the current 10th generation Civic, it’s clear the CTR is bred for racing with more prominent body aero parts, bigger and wider 20×8.5-inch wheels wrapped in sticky 245/30ZR20 Continental SportContact 6 tires and a towering trunk spoiler. Three exhaust pipes poke out from underneath the rear bumper diffuser.

Stopping power is provided by four-piston Brembo front brake calipers mounted onto large cross-drilled rotors. The car sits on a specialty suspension system capable of continuously adjusting the dampening settings at all four corners using feedback gathered via three integrated G sensors, four suspension stroke sensors and a steering angle sensor. A helical limited slip differential is standard.

2017 Honda Civic Type R interior

Drivers have a range of tools available to them inside the vehicle to measure various data. There’s throttle and brake application percentage, turbocharger boost pressure and lap time recorder, among many others, displayed on a seven-inch information interface installed inside the instrument cluster.

2017 Honda Civic Type R engine

Under the aluminum hood is a turbocharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine responsible for the CTR’s record-breaking performance. Mated to a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, rev-matching downshifts can be optionally handled by the computer. Other user-selectable functions include the choice between three dynamic modes, COMFORT, SPORT and +R, tailoring throttle responses for different environments.

The 2017 Honda Civic Type R is on sale now, with an MSRP of $40,890.

2017 Honda Civic Type R seat

Porsche 911 GT3 receives upgraded powerplant this fall

Benjamin Yong on July 21, 2017

There is little greater news to performance automobile enthusiasts than when a new Porsche 911 GT3 is announced, as the 2018 model has just been. The juiciest update for the street-legal race car is the powerplant, which has had both its displacement and output bumped up.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 4.0-litre

The engine is now a 4.0-litre flat-six, producing 500 horsepower and 339 lb of torque, which is an improvement of 25 and 15, respectively compared to the outgoing 3.8 litre. It’s design takes after the other motorsport-purposed 911s such as the GT3 R and RSR. 

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 PDK transmission

Consumers continue to be able to choose between the standard seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch automatic transmission and a six-speed manual gearbox. The latter has the added benefit of being 37 kilograms lighter, yielding a slightly higher top speed of 319 km/h versus 317. Acceleration is slightly slower for this option, however, taking 3.8 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h rather than 3.2.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 rear

Other components are influenced by the company’s participation in racing endeavours. Active Rear Axle steering allows the rear wheels to turn at the same time as the front to improve vehicle agility and stability, helping the car to whip around corners more efficiently.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 three quarter

The GT3 is visually differentiated from regular road-going variants with lightweight bumpers featuring additional cooling vents, a front splitter, a new rear diffuser and a tall carbon fibre wing. Inside, the 14.1-inch sports steering wheel is similar to the unit in the hybrid 918 Spyder hypercar. The front seats have had extra bolstering added and are fully electric. (rear seats are deleted for weight savings). Available adaptive seating increases maximum adjustment levels to 18 and includes a memory function. Alternatively, full bucket seats are also a choice as well.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 interior

A release date of fall 2017 is scheduled.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 side

Jaguar to release most powerful model ever: XE SV Project 8

Benjamin Yong on July 20, 2017

The XE SV Project 8 makes use of a load of carbon fibre found in the bumpers, hood and cabin trim.

Exciting models like the F-TYPE new F-PACE already more than satisfy most performance junkies. Nevertheless, Jaguar has gone one step further and is about to release its highest output car to date: the 592-horsepower XE SV Project 8.

This super-sports-sedan is the product of Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division based out of England, which manufacturers halo builds and limited-run collectors’ editions. Case in point is the F-TYPE Project 7 from 2014, at the time the fastest offering in the fleet capable of topping out at 300 km/h.

“SVO’s raison d’être is to produce halo vehicles that push the boundaries in terms of luxury, performance and all-terrain capability. Project 8 is a great example of what happens when enthusiastic designers, engineers and manufacturing specialists are given the opportunity to create an extreme performance sports car without compromise,” said John Edwards, managing director at Jaguar Land Rover SVO.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 front

Differences between Project 8 and standard XEs involve a lot of carbon fibre. The bumpers are both made out of the strong and lightweight material, the front featuring a series of cooling ducts punched into the areas underneath the headlamps.  Similarly, the ducted hood is also made of carbon fibre. For increased downforce, a rear diffuser and adjustable spoiler and front splitter are fitted.

Ride height is 15 millimetres lower due to a stiffer suspension system utilizing continuously variable dampers.

The interior also has a lot of carbon fibre trim pieces installed, complemented by Alcantara covering sections of the steering wheel, instrument hood and door panels. The XE receives a Pistolshift lever, a more classic style of transmission selector compared to the rotary knob found in the standard variant.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 interior

Interestingly, depending on the market, the cabin seating arrangement is either in a two or four seat setup. North America gets four-passenger occupancy, while elsewhere a racing harness support replaces the rear seating.

The impressive horsepower numbers comes via an uprated version of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Quickshift transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.

A first for Jaguar, drivers can activate a dedicated track mode tailoring steering and throttle dynamics for race use.

Only 300 units of Project 8 will be produced, all left-hand drive. Buyers will additionally have the option of customizing their purchase from the factory choosing from 10,000 exterior paint hues and different colours for body accessories.

Restyled 2018 Honda Accord features cool looks and three new powertrains

Benjamin Yong on July 19, 2017

The all-new 2018 Honda Accord is quite a design departure from the previous generation.

Honda’s surprised a lot of people lately, in a good way, offering adventurous redesigns of models across their segment range including the new series of Civics, the Odyssey and the Ridgeline. It’s now the Accord’s turn, with the 2018 example set to be a quite a drastic departure, especially aesthetically, from previous.

The mid-size sedan now embodies a fastback shape and is packaged in a slightly wider (+10 millimetres) shell. However, it is 10 millimetres shorter in length than before, and sits 15 millimetres lower. Wheelbase and wheel track have been pushed out further, giving a more refined stance and lower centre of gravity, as well as maximizing passenger space and stretching out legroom by an impressive amount.

2018 Honda Accord front fascia

One of the most striking details found at the nose of the car, where below the signature winged chrome grille is a gaping central air intake. Everything from the hood, which possesses a slightly raised centre section, to the smooth door panels and upswept trunk lid make this the slipperiest Accord yet, altogether raising the aerodynamic efficiency by three per cent compared to the last version.

In addition to the extra room, the cabin features a driver’s seat mounted in a sportier position with 12-way power adjustability and larger supportive bolsters. The infotainment system is comprised of an eight-inch Display Audio touchscreen and a four, eight or 10-speaker stereo system depending on trim level. And due to public demand, Honda has reintroduced physical volume and tuning knobs.

2018 Honda Accord rear

Three powertrains will eventually be released when the new Accord begins rollout later this year: a turbocharged 1.5 litre (192 horsepower) or 2.0 litre (252 horsepower) i-VTEC gasoline engine, and a two-motor hybrid setup for the partially electrified variant to arrive later. The former pair is either mated to a CVT or 10-speed automatic transmission, respectively, and in welcome news, a six-speed manual gearbox is an option for both.

Spicier F SPORT version of Lexus LS 500 flagship sedan announced

Benjamin Yong on June 29, 2017

The front grille, wheels and brakes are just three areas to receive tweaks on the F-SPORT variant of the Lexus LS 500.

Only a short while after wowing the automotive world with the announcement of the totally redesigned Lexus LS 500, the luxury brand has already taken the wraps off the F SPORT version of the flagship sedan featuring an edgier exterior, interior and better performance. Let’s take check out all the highlights.

A big talking point about the new LS is its spindle grille that’s much more intricate than ones found on other models, made up of some 5,000 individual surfaces. The expanded blacked-out example on the F SPORT has an even finer mesh constructed of a staggering 7,100 unique surfaces. Not just for looks, the upgraded grille increases cooling properties. Other darkened details include the garnishes below the front air vents as well as on the rocker panel and sides of the rear bumper.

2018 lexus ls 500 f sport front grille

Venturing inside the vehicle, Lexus has upped the sporty feel of the cabin installing bigger-bolstered front seats covered in a repeating grille pattern stamped in leather, bringing a touch of continuity with the exterior. Aluminum has tactfully been added to select trim pieces and the pedals. The instrument cluster features a motorized information ring lifted straight from the LFA supercar.

All LS 500 F SPORTs receive special 20-inch split spoke wheels shod with sticky 245/45 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tires. Poking out from underneath the big rims are larger brake calipers than those found on the standard grade: six-piston and four-piston units for the front and rear, respectively. The engine remains the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, producing 415 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, mated to the first 10-speed automatic transmission found in any luxury sedan.

2018 lexus ls 500 f sport rear angle

Drivers can kick things up a notch by selecting from one of three powertrain settings. Normal is the default mode, while Sport S and Sport S+ both enhance throttle response and volume of the exhaust note for an even more dynamic and enjoyable experience behind the wheel.

The F SPORT package will be available on gasoline-powered LS 500 variants only when it launches later this year.

Things to know for electric vehicle newcomers

Benjamin Yong on June 29, 2017

DEC. 2020 UPDATE

The BC government has launched an updated rebate program for installation of an EV charging station from $350 to $700. Workplaces, and residents of condos, that buy and install EV stations also have updated rebates from $2,000 to $4,000 per charger.

Applications available here.

Original Post

You’ve heard the stories of the many benefits of electric vehicle ownership, and are maybe thinking of taking the plunge. But EVs (or plug-in hybrids running on electric power) have quirks unique to the platform that are pertinent to be aware of before getting in the driver’s seat.

hyundai ioniq electric

Acceleration

Unlike an internal combustion engine (ICE) designed to build power as the revs climb higher, an EV has the ability to generate most of its torque immediately as soon as the accelerator is pressed. In other words, applicable cars tend to feel much faster than their horsepower numbers may indicate. Although it’s tempting to jet off at every stoplight, your battery life will suffer as a result. More on this later.

Braking

No energy goes wasted in an EV, including the kinetic type generated each time the brake pedal is activated, which is recirculated back into the system. Some models such as the BMW i3 automatically initiate light braking following the release of the throttle, also known as one-pedal driving. The first few times are likely to feel quite jarring and take some getting used to.

toyota prius prime plug-in

Noise

Without explosions taking place inside pistons as on a traditional ICE, EVs tend to be very quiet during operation. From the outside, the only sounds heard may be the tire rolling on pavement and audio from the stereo speakers. Drivers need to practice extra caution around pedestrians who many not be able to hear you approaching.

porsche panamera turbo s e-hybrid interior

Range

While an ICE vehicle has an onboard alternator providing juice for things like the radio and climate control when running, all electronic functions drain the battery and thus lower the maximum range of travel. This is not to say all comfort features should always be off, but to merely be mindful of the fact. Driving style drastically affects range as well, so it’s advisable to establish efficient habits like those suggested here.

Charging

There are three tiers of charging currently available. Level 1 is the standard household outlet, supplying 110 volts. The slowest option, using the i3 as an example a full charge would take approximately 12 to 15 hours. Level 2 is rated at 240 volts, similar to a clothes dryer plug and installable at home, cutting the time roughly in half. The quickest method by far is via commercial DC Fast Charger station — the first one opened in Vancouver last year — that can help most EVs achieve 80 per cent energy capacity in a mere 30 minutes.