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.
2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn Unveil
OpenRoad unveils “sexiest Rolls ever built” at Vancouver launch of the
2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn
VANCOUVER, B.C. (November 17, 2015) – Striking, sleek and sensuous. Those were just some of the words guests at the Vancouver unveiling of the 2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn used to describe the iconic manufacturer’s latest luxury model. Designed to appeal to a new generation of Rolls-Royce owners, the elegant four-seat drop head coupe remarkably balances the brand’s heritage with contemporary desirability to produce a car that Rolls-Royce describes as the “sexiest Rolls ever built”.
“As it’s name suggests, the Dawn symbolizes a new era for Rolls-Royce – one that is fresh, sophisticated and modern while embracing the brand’s reputation as the pinnacle of opulence,” said Dimitri Kotsalis, General Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver. “We’re seeing a lot of renewed interest in Rolls-Royce and with the launch of the Dawn, we’ve already witnessed an influx of younger customers who are not only attracted to the brand, but are also enticed by the style and performance of this car.”
According to Rolls-Royce, the demographic of the average Rolls owner has changed dramatically over the last decade. The average age of a Rolls owner is now said to be in their mid-40s and span the spectrum of professions, from real estate moguls and investment bankers to successful lawyers and construction company owners. The company also claims it’s witnessing a growing number of female buyers. Since 2003, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has introduced new models like the Wraith and Phantom in an effort to appeal to the growing number of younger buyers.
The Dawn’s distinguishing features include its sleek and elegant design, which from the rear is said to reflect the contours of the female form. Unlike its competitors, the Rolls-Royce Dawn offers two full rear seats, holding four adult passengers comfortably for the ultimate sociable driving experience. Rolls-Royce also claims it is the quietest convertible ever made, with an ultra-hushed folding mechanism known as the “Silent Ballet” that can stow the roof in 22 seconds at speeds up to 32 mph. The elegant convertible boasts some of the most advanced technology, including a new 10.25-inch infotainment screen operated by the latest version of the Spirit of Ecstasy controller, a multi-way joystick complete with a finger-swipe gesture pad that can interpret various languages, including Arabic and Mandarin. Among the other high tech gadgets is a night-vision system that detects the heat signatures of pedestrians and animals; radar-based cruise control with start/stop; adaptive anti-dazzle LED headlamps; and a GPS-enabled eight-speed automatic transmission that anticipates the road ahead for optimal gear shifts. As for the engine, the Dawn is powered by Rolls’ 6.6-liter, twin-turbo V-12 engine, giving an impressive 563 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque.
The OpenRoad unveiling was held during an exclusive event on November 12th at the Steel Toad Brewery and Dining Hall. Official pricing will be announced on November 24th but the expected started price will be in the $400,000 range. The Dawn is set to arrive in Vancouver in the Spring 2016.
For more information about the Dawn, visit https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en-GB/dawn.html
About OpenRoad Auto Group
OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C’s largest volume dealership group representing 14 brands at 16 dealerships in Vancouver, Richmond, Port Moody and Langley. OpenRoad has earned a reputation as a people-first organization with recent Top 10 Best Employer (2016), Best Managed Company (Deloitte 2014) and CADA Innovator of the Year Laureate (2012) awards. The team at OpenRoad prides itself on offering a superior new and pre-owned selection of quality automotive brands while providing a premium car buying and ownership experience for each and every customer. www.openroadautogroup.com
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tanis Sullivan
Tanis Sullivan Communications
(604) 230-8008
Sports cars of 44th Tokyo Motor Show
Mazda, Honda and Porsche all debuted sporty vehicles at Japan’s premier auto show that will leave your heart racing.
OpenRoad and CARPROOF Announce Strategic Partnership
OpenRoad Auto Group and CARPROOF Announce Strategic Partnership Aimed at Innovations to Make the Used Car Buying Experience Fun for Consumers
LONDON, ON, Nov 12, 2015 – OpenRoad Auto Group and CARPROOF Corporation are proud to announce their new innovation partnership aimed at making the used car buying experience easy, transparent and FUN!
Launched in 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group is one of the largest, most innovative and fastest growing automotive retail groups in Canada. The company has over 750 associates that represent 14 new car brands and over 450 used vehicles throughout 16 locations in British Columbia.
“At OpenRoad, our goal is to take the used car buying experience to the next level by making the process easier and more transparent while continuing to provide the best service and value for our customers,” said Mark Lin, SVP & COO at OpenRoad. “We’re thrilled to partner with CARPROOF, Canada’s most trusted company for vehicle history reports to bring new tools and insight to all of our dealerships which will enhance our processes and demonstrate our commitment to providing a superior experience in our pre-owned departments.”
London, Ontario-based CARPROOF is the gold standard in used vehicle information and defines its mission as providing insight through information to help its partners change the way used vehicles are bought, sold and managed.
OpenRoad provides a CARPROOF Vehicle History Report on every car they sell, and is currently piloting CARPROOF’s Vehicle Valuation Report as an appraisal tool to drive transparency and confidence in the trade-in process.
CARPROOF and OpenRoad plan to jointly conduct extensive consumer research to define the next generation used car buying experience. “We’re excited to see where this partnership could lead,” says Ed Woiteshek, CARPROOF’s President and CEO. “OpenRoad is the number one automobile retail group in BC. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them to develop ideas that may define the path ahead in the used car industry.” CARPROOF has partnered with Birchwood Automotive Group and Group Park Avenue to conduct similar ground breaking work in other provinces.
OpenRoad and CARPROOF are both great Canadian success stories and have each been recognized as members of Canada’s Best Managed companies since 2012. To find an OpenRoad location, please visit https://openroadautogroup.com/ and for more information about CARPROOF, visit www.carproof.com.
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About OpenRoad Auto Group
In 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group formed to offer car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. One of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies, CADA Laureate and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards, the OpenRoad team of over 800 associates represents 14 import brands at 16 dealership locations across B.C., Canada. Visit www.openroadautogroup.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Tanis Sullivan (604) 230-8008 tanis@tanissullivan.com
About CARPROOF
CARPROOF is Canada’s de facto standard for used vehicle data, providing products and services that create insight through information for the automotive industry. Offering solutions in vehicle history, appraisal, valuation and more, CARPROOF is synonymous with trusted, impartial and comprehensive used vehicle data. CARPROOF’s vehicle history products are used by dealerships, consumers, major auctions, governments, insurance providers and police agencies across Canada to help users buy and sell vehicles with full transparency. CARPROOF’s vehicle valuation portfolio of products includes Canadian Red Book, which is the leading brand in government and insurance verticals for vehicle values, and other products like its upcoming launch of a next-generation VIN-specific valuation tool that is expected to change the way vehicles are bought and sold in Canada. Based in London, Ont. and founded in 2000, CARPROOF has been named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies, and was also honoured with Deloitte’s 2013 Technology Fast 50™ and Fast 500™ awards. For more information about CARPROOF, visit www.carproof.com.
Connect with CARPROOF on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn.
For further information:
Karim Hemani Vice-President, Consumer Vertical and Strategic Marketing
CARPROOF®
1.866.835.8612 ext. 2849
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.