OpenRoad Auto Group Archives - Page 21 of 64

Honda's 2018 Clarity Plug-in boasts 76 kilometre pure electric range

Benjamin Yong on January 15, 2018

2018 Honda Clarity front

This new class-leading plug-in hybrid from Honda finally made its way to Canada last month.

Another electric mobility solution arrived in the Honda Canada camp last month: the 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid. It’s claim to fame? A zero emissions range of up to 76 kilometres, which is the highest in its class.

2018 Honda Clarity engine bay

Like the Honda Accord Hybrid, this Clarity utilizes a two-motor hybrid setup consisting of a combination 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder internal combustion engine and starter/generator electric motor, paired with an additional high-output propulsion motor. The former is largely responsible for either providing electricity to the latter that then drives the front wheels, or to recharge the onboard 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Together, the system produces a net 212 horsepower.

2018 Honda Clarity range

Depending on the road conditions, the sedan automatically switches between three modes. In EV Drive, only pure electricity is used. Hybrid Drive uses the engine in a generator capacity, as mentioned above. In Engine Drive, kicking in during medium to high speeds or heavy loads, gasoline becomes the primary power source. When operating under normal conditions, a maximum range of nearly 550 kilometres and fuel consumption rating of 2.1 Le/100 km is possible.

2018 Honda Clarity side

To help achieve these impressive numbers, a number of smart aerodynamic features were implemented. First off, the Clarity was designed to have a sleek, low drag shape. Fully functional front inlets reduce airflow under the hood, and similar ducting in the front fenders and rear doors redirect air to move smoothly over the wheels. Specially shaped C-pillars reduce vortexes forming at the rear of the car, and even the tail light lenses are made with a washboard-like surface to optimize air movement.

2018 Honda Clarity interior

Another benefit such drag-reducing engineering is less noise. On top of that, there have been numerous measures taken to give occupants a quiet ride experience. Both the windshield and front door glass are acoustically laminated, and there are noise-insulating materials installed under the hood, instrument panel and floor as well as inside the wheel wells. The rear suspension bushings are also liquid filled to aid in this effort.

2018 Honda Clarity badge

The 2018 Honda Clarity starts at $39,000 and tops out at $43,900 for the Touring trim. A maximum $5,000 rebate is available via the Clean Energy Vehicle for BC government incentive program.

2018 Honda Clarity rear

Big model redesigns announced at 2018 Detroit Auto Show

Benjamin Yong on January 15, 2018

There is nothing quite like auto show season. One of the industry’s biggest spectacles, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, starts up this week and manufacturers made headlines revealing some complete redesigns of staple models.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta

VW announced the arrival of the anticipated seventh-generation Jetta, built on the company’s proven Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform shared with products such as the current Golf, Tiguan and Atlas. Like the new Tiguan, the Mk7 Jetta is all grown up, literally, now longer, wider and taller than the outgoing car. Everything from the front fascia to interior looks and feels more premium than before, and all trim levels include Driver Personalization remembering up to four user settings for seat memory, radio presets and ambient lighting colour. Power is provided by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI engine and buyers have a choice of either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

2019 Toyota Avalon

Toyota’s full-size flagship sedan undergoes a well-deserved makeover, and going against the common theme of growing larger, has actually slimmed down some in size. The North American-built vehicle is 25 millimetres lower in height with a 50 millimetre shorter wheelbase, although width increases slightly, by 20 millimetres, to give a planted, performance-oriented appearance. Two grades will be offered: the sporty XSE boasting a piano black mesh grille, 19-inch gloss black wheels and black side mirror housings; and a luxurious Limited wearing a chrome-trimmed grille, silver LED headlight bezels and a chrome-tipped dual exit exhaust system. A newly designed efficient 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson-cycle powerplant can be found beneath the hood, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

2019 Hyundai Veloster

The result of a partnership between Hyundai main headquarters and the U.S. design center in Irvine, California, the Veloster goes version 2.0 later this year. The quirky five-passenger hatch returns with an asymmetrical two-plus-one door configuration and shows off a bold 3-D interpretation of the Hyundai cascading grille, similar to the one seen on the 2018 Sonata. The A-pillar has been pushed further back, the roofline lowered and 18-inch alloy wheels made standard to emphasize an aggressive, coupe-like silhouette. The regular Veloster gets a 147-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine while the top-of-the-line Turbo receives a boosted 201-horsepower 1.6-litre mill.

2019 Hyundai Veloster

Best car tech from CES 2018

Benjamin Yong on January 11, 2018

CES

CES is the biggest trade show of its kind in the world, with the spotlight on automotive innovation growing larger each year.

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is on right now in Las Vegas, highlighting the latest and greatest innovations in consumer gadgetry. In recent years, cars have taken up greater exhibition space as the lines between auto and tech become increasingly blurred — CES itself describes the event as “a turbocharged Detroit,” taking a small jab at the Motor City’s big show taking place immediately after. Have a peek at some of the top reveals from 2018.

Toyota e-Palette

Toyota e-Palette Concept

This self-driving battery electric concept vehicle is designed as a customizable, and scalable, mobile solution for businesses. Indeed, Toyota has already announced partnerships with the likes of Amazon, Mazda, Uber and Pizza Hut (think autonomous pizza baking and delivery). The e-Palette will be open source so partner companies can implement their own driving systems tailored to specific needs. Real world testing is planned for 2020.

Honda 3E-D18

Focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence at this year’s CES, Honda showed off the 3E-D18, an autonomous AI-enabled off-road device designed to support people in a broad range of work activities. The product of Honda R&D Americas, the 3E-D18 is powered by an electric drivetrain and is modular, meaning it can be outfitted with a variety of attachments to make tasks like search and rescue, fire fighting and agriculture safer and more efficient.

Toyota Platform 3.0

Lexus LS 600hL Platform 3.0

Although the above long wheelbase hybrid LS doesn’t necessarily look like the newest automated driving research vehicle produced by the Toyota Research Institute, dubbed Platform 3.0, that’s kind of the point. One of the goals of the project was to engage “intelligent minimalism,” eliminating the unattractive bolt-on equipment commonly seen on such test cars. The sensors and cameras have all been hidden as much as possible, for example some being relocated into available space in the sunroof compartment.

Toyota Platform 3.0 Lexus LS 600hL

Despite the streamlined appearance, the advanced sedan features long-range 200-metre perception in 360 degrees.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride concept vehicle rides on airless tires

Benjamin Yong on December 28, 2017

Another member joins the hydrogen camp: Toyota has launched the Fine-Comfort Ride (FCR) concept, a fuel cell vehicle boasting a 1,000-kilometre range and airless tires.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride side

That’s right — the Japanese automaker is eschewing conventional pneumatic rollers in favour of this new lightweight technology it’s experimenting with for the first time. The unconventional approach is born out of necessity, because the FCR utilizes individual motors inside each wheel (read: heavy) to propel itself. The design, which is still in concept stage but aimed at being 30 per cent lighter than normal tires, is comprised of a band of rubber wrapped around a hub made from plastic and aluminum. As an added benfit, they also aren’t prone to punctures or require tire pressure maintenance.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride interior

The “premium saloon” is intended to wrap up to six occupants in comfort, featuring a diamond-shaped cabin that is wider up front maximizing passenger space and allowing flexible seat adjustments. The extra manoeuvrability comes in handy to access the wrap-around touch display built into the side windows — containing a virtual Agent to cater to all of a user’s infotainment needs — as well as for tailoring to specific posture requirements or facilitating face-to-face communication. Thanks to the wheels positioned at the extreme corners of the car, a high level of ride comfort and quiet operation is achieved.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride dashboard

Unlike regular electric vehicles that take at least 30 minutes to reach a near-full charge, the single onboard hydrogen pack in the FCR can be conveniently refilled in less than three minutes. There are rumours of autonomous driving capability, although no details have been released. The only other official specifications available are the dimensions, measuring at 4,830 millimetres in length, 1,950 width and 1,650 height with a wheelbase of 3,450 millimetres.

Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride rear

BMW Concept Z4 goes back to bare essentials

Benjamin Yong on December 21, 2017

At this year’s Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, one of the most extravagant automotive shows in the world, BMW presented its take on a brand new roadster. Called the Concept Z4, the open-top two-seater hints at what a production model will look like when unveiled next year.

Since being introduced 15 years ago, the Z4 became a little bit heavier and more comfortable over two generations. The manufacturer has promised a return to sportier beginnings for the next iteration.

BMW Concept Z4 rear angle

“The BMW Concept Z4 in an all-out driving machine,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design. “Stripping the car back to the bare essentials allows the driver to experience all the ingredients of motoring pleasure with supreme directness. This is total freedom on four wheels.”

bmw concept z4 domes

A long wheelbase, low-to-the-ground stance, stubby rear-end and other traditional styling points have been kept. A shorter hood than previous models allows the driver to sit closer to the centre of the vehicle for better balance and feel. The built-in rollover hoops have been integrated into “domes” that slope towards the back provide a retro aesthetic.

BMW Concept Z4 front end

Enthusiasts will notice a handful of elements borrowed, but reinterpreted, from other cars introduced into the design, like the front bumper air intakes as well as the air breathers behind the front wheels. Headlight and kidney grille placement has been influenced by the former Z8. BMW’s love of carbon fibre has translated into crafting parts of the front end, the rear diffuser and other trim pieces with the lightweight composite material.

BMW Concept Z4 interior

Keeping in line with the driver-focused mentality, the minimalistic cockpit wraps around the occupant behind the wheel. Two high definition screens flow into one another to make up the instrument cluster and infotainment displays, which show vital vehicle information, navigation and more. The entire dashboard is finished in black to avoid creating distraction.

Comparing three electric vehicle incentives in three countries

Benjamin Yong on December 19, 2017

Considering an estimated one million battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will be sold globally this year alone, it seems likely that they’re here to stay. Manufacturers are pouring resources into further development of the segment — Honda snuck in the Clarity plug-in before the New Year, and in 2018 there are several anticipated launches like the Jaguar I-PACE crossover and BMW X7 full-size SUV.

Governments around the world, facing pressure to lower emissions, have been onboard the electric bandwagon for quite a while now, some going as far as putting an expiry date on sales of gasoline-powered cars. As such, many, like the three places we’ve listed below, are serving up enticing incentives in the form of cash rebates to tempt consumers to switch over.

Canada

Turns out the Great White North is not a bad place to be for EV lovers. In B.C., the Clean Energy Vehicle Program means buyers can benefit from up to $5,000 off eligible models, which include favourites like the BMW i3, Hyundai IONIQ and Volkswagen e-Golf. In Quebec, it’s as much as $8,000 off a green set of wheels, and even people buying and installing home charging stations get a 50 per cent off break, to a maximum of $600. Those residing in Ontario receive a whopping total $14,000 discount on approved automobiles via the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program.

United States

In the U.S. both federal and state governments offer financial assistance to lessen the blow of buying an EV that, particularly at full MSRP, can be quite prohibitive. The Internal Revenue Service provides a tax credit between $2,500 and $7,500 to lower the upfront purchase cost, the exact amount dependant on vehicle class and battery size. On top of that, certain states stack additional credits on top as well.

United Kingdom

Through the plug-in car grant initiative introduced in 2011, our relatives in Europe can see 35 per cent of their EV price tag slashed, up to a £4,500 maximum, on the spot when purchasing an eligible auto. Similar to Quebec, a further grant of £500 was introduced in March for EV owners who install a dedicated charge point in the garage.

OpenRoad Toyota Richmond to build new 205,000 square-foot facility

Benjamin Yong on December 16, 2017

new OpenRoad Toyota Richmond sign

The new site of OpenRoad Toyota Richmond is across the street from its current location in the Richmond Auto Mall. Photos by Benjamin Yong.

Once completed, the new largest Toyota dealership in Canada is going to be located in the Lower Mainland — right here in the Richmond Auto Mall.

OpenRoad Auto Group president and CEO Christian Chia was joined by Cyril Dimitris, VP of Toyota Canada sales and marketing as well as Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie during the ground-breaking ceremony Thursday afternoon. The rainclouds seemingly parted right over the site of the future store, the centerpiece a shiny vintage 2000GT on display from Chia’s personal collection. The sports car echoed the theme of the afternoon: history.

openroad toyota richmond 2000gt

“Some of you may not recognize this car, but we’ve come a long way since that red car, a Toyota 2000GT, rolled of the assembly line 50 years ago exactly. Things have changed a lot. What has not changed is Toyota’s commitment to quality, to sustainability and of course to reliability,” said Chia.

He drew parallels to OpenRoad’s own long-term commitment to excellence, starting with its first Toyota dealership in Richmond, a modest showroom on Granville Avenue opening in 1978. In 1985, the facility moved to the now familiar location at the auto mall. The forthcoming expansion project will be 205,000 square-feet, or five times bigger than currently.

Customers should expect amenities like two lounges, a full service café with TVs, a children’s play area, a fireplace and free Wi-Fi. Up to 36 vehicles can be displayed at once on two levels, and the service centre is set to house 30 full mechanical bays.

openroad toyota richmond cyril dimitris

At a time when businesses in other retail sectors are shuttering their brick and mortars, Dimitris said the automaker has an opposing view.

“We think that the dealership is the nexus point to fulfill the guest experience, and our philosophy is strongly to create the very best guest experience in the industry,” he said.

Other highlights of the new OpenRoad Toyota Richmond include visually striking architectural design and environmentally friendly technologies such as a green roof, water collection system for the car wash, LED lighting and high efficiency heating and cooling systems.

openroad toyota richmond groundbreaking

“My family has been associated with Toyota since 1967 and I am very honoured to celebrate our chapter with Toyota for the future,” said Chia.

Sports car showcase at Los Angeles Auto Show 2017

Benjamin Yong on December 15, 2017

la auto show sign

Visitors looking for go-fast vehicles at this year’s LA Auto Show did not leave disappointed. Photos by Benjamin Yong/Porsche Canada.

Taking place in the Golden State where some of the best driving roads anywhere are found, this might be why so many new sports cars make their first appearances at the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS). Porsche is one manufacturer in particular that loves to drop a few high horsepower surprises at the event — which just wrapped up the second week of December — as we discuss below.

porsche_911_carrera_t

Porsche 911 Carrera T

Nope, the T doesn’t stand for turbo, as you might think. Try Touring, as in a lightweight 911 perfect for long-distance driving, say, down the Pacific Coast Highway. Porsche has been on a nostalgic kick lately, first with the 718 series and now the 911 T echoing a special model from 1968. It’s based on the standard Carrera but boasts a 20-millimetre-lower ride height, shorter shift lever, rear axle steering system, slightly revised body aero and different colour options.

The weight loss program consists of thinner door and rear window glass, less sound deadening, deleted back seats as well removal of the Porsche Communication Management (the last two may be reinstalled if requested for no extra charge). Altogether, the modifications help the car shed approximately 20 kilograms. Propulsion is provided via a twin-turbo flat six pumping out 370 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo

Called “the most versatile sports car in the Porsche line-up,” or also known as the vehicle with the longest name, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo produces a vast net 680 horses by combining a boosted 4.0-litre V8 engine and a 100-kilowatt electric motor. The sedan has a fuel-free range of approximately 50 kilometres, a top speed of 310 km/h and an average fuel consumption of just 3.0 L/100 km.

bmw i8 roadster

BMW i8 Roadster

As if the i8 wasn’t already cool enough, BMW premiered a roof-less version in the Roadster. Only 60 kilograms heavier than the Coupe thanks to smart engineering like a carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic windshield frame. The soft-top can be raised or lowered while the car is traveling up to 50 km/h and can completely open or close in 15 seconds. Internals have been upgraded so pure electric driving range is upped to 53 kilometres.

Range Rover Sport to include plug-in hybrid option next year

Benjamin Yong on November 26, 2017

The 2019 Range Rover Sport will feature an electrified variant that can travel up to 50 km/h on pure electricity.

Land Rover’s luxury mid-size SUV, the Range Rover Sport, is getting a series of enhancements for the 2018 lineup of vehicles. And, following closely behind, the model range is also about to receive its first plug-in hybrid.

Called the P400e, the partially-electric crossover is the result of a 296-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre engine mated to an 85-kilowatt electric motor, producing a combined 398 horses and 472 lb-ft of torque hooked up to a four-wheel drive system. Two driving modes are available to choose from: Parallel Hybrid, which automatically utilizes both power sources depending on driving and load conditions (a SAVE function can force gasoline propulsion to conserve battery reserves for later use), and a full-time EV mode allowing a maximum 50 kilometres of emissions-free driving at speeds of up to 137 km/h.
2019 Range Rover Sport PHEV charging

Charging the vehicle is as simple as locating the port installed behind a panel on the front grille, and illuminated strips on either side of the socket indicate the current status. When plugged in, owners are able to set a timer and choose when the process should begin and end.

The P400e features the same refreshed exterior as stablemates with the V6 and V8 engines. Both the headlights and taillights have been upgraded to LEDs and the housings slimmed down and elongated, and the air cooling vents on the front bumper are enlarged. A bigger liftgate spoiler makes a splashier statement while helping to keep dirt off the rear window. A new appearance package adds carbon fibre accents to the grille, fender vent, hood and other areas of the body.

2019 Range Rover Sport PHEV gesture control

Venturing inwards, occupants will find more supportive seating, increased storage capacity in the centre console and a gesture controlled sunroof sunblind, activated with the wave of a hand in front of the rear-view mirror. In addition, an air cleaning system called Nanoe ionizes airborne particles causing them to cling to surfaces rather than float about in the cabin.

Look for the hybrid to arrive in summer of 2018.

Top affordable vehicles available with heated seats

Benjamin Yong on November 26, 2017

Maybe with the exception of a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night, there’s nothing as comforting as the embrace of a heated car seat during the chilly season. And unlike years past where this feature was reserved for luxury brands and/or range-topping models, consumers will be pleased to hear it’s becoming more common across a wide range of segments and trims. Here are some of the best examples.

Honda Fit

This past summer, the versatile Fit hatchback received a facelift with new styling and the addition of a Sport offering boasting a body kit and a bright Orange Fury paint option. But even the LX grade, one step above base, receives front heated seats to keep occupants toasty.

2017 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta

The most affordable entry in VW’s lineup is the Jetta packing an ultra-efficient 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI engine, now including standard 16-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights and a backup camera. Bumping the entry Trendline sedan to Trendline+ adds not just heated seats, but heated exterior mirrors too.

2017 Mazda3 sedan

Mazda3

There are a lot of things going for the Mazda3: the lauded SKYACTIV technology, an available precise-shifting six-speed manual transmission and gorgeous KODO Soul of Motion design. The GS tier allows customers to enjoy heated seats, and surprisingly at a starting price of $20,300, also a heated leather steering wheel.

Hyundai Elantra

If we’re talking about bang for buck, the Elantra wins hands down. At an MSRP of only $15,999, the compact four-door comes with the sought-after heated front seats and door mirrors. Spend an additional $4,350 and level up to the GL model for a heated leather steering wheel, or $6,700 to GLS to extend automatic seat warming to rear passengers as well.