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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.

Cars from SEMA Show part one

Benjamin Yong on November 8, 2014

SEMA 2015 Lexus NX200t
A 2015 Lexus NX 200t customized by 360 Elite Motorworks on display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Photos by Zak Tang.

Every year in November, Las Vegas hosts the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show, an industry-only event that draws over 130,000 individuals largely made up of automotive parts manufacturers, retail store buyers and media from 130 countries.

Automakers also come out in full force displaying unique, souped-up creations that are the result of unique collaborations with aftermarket performance companies and celebrities. Some brands, like Toyota and BMW, use the opportunity to show off factory-tuned vehicles. OpenRoad was at SEMA 2014 and below we bring you part one of some of the best-of-show examples.

Lexus

A lot of people are talking about one of the newest entries into the luxury compact crossover market: the 2015 Lexus NX. Offered as both a 200t with a Lexus-first 2.0-litre turbo motor and new six-speed automatic, as well as a 300h with Lexus Hybrid Drive featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson gasoline engine mated to a new CVT transmission, all models are all-wheel drive.

SEMA Artisan Lexus NX200t

As if the 200t isn’t enough of a looker already, Los Angeles tuners 360 Elite Motorworks got their hands on one and had it painted in a bespoke and retina-tingling “Molten Pearl” bright orange colour. This custom NX is outfitted with a full Artisan Spirits body kit, RS-R Sports coilover suspension, and gigantic gloss black HRE P104 wheels that are a full three inches bigger than the standard 17-inch alloys, wrapped in grippy Toyo Proxes T1R sport tires. Performance modifications are kept modest with a custom intake and exhaust. 

Toyota

The Camry recently received a complete redesign for 2015. The face of the car now looks much more aggressive, keeping inline with the exterior changes found on the Corolla and Yaris. Like the NX, the Camry is available with a conventional gasoline engine (four cylinder/V6) or a four-cylinder hybrid.

SEMA Toyota Camry dragster

Making a little more than the 268 horsepower from the stock V6, Toyota lifted the covers off a Camry that was quickly revealed to be an 850-horsepower tube-frame dragster sitting underneath a deceptively normal shell. The powerplant was borrowed from a Tundra full-size pickup truck: a 5.7-litre V8 with a TRD supercharger and a wet nitrous system added for good measure. Equipped with beefy 335/30/18 drag racing tires, the Camry-from-Hell is expected to do the quarter mile in 9.8 seconds.

SEMA Toyota Camry dragster engine

Scion

Because of its affordable price point, balanced front engine, rear-wheel drive configuration and handsome looks, the Scion FR-S has proved very popular with the young tuner set since its release two years ago.

SEMA Cartel Customs Scion FR-S targa

Scion put a call out to car customizers to put their own spin on the coupe, and Jeremy Lookofsky of Cali’s Cartel Customs responded with his targa top version. Sprayed in a proprietary “Azzuro California Blue” colour, this FRS has a two-tone scheme with a removable black targa roof sitting overtop of a widened all-metal body. Other enhancements include 19-inch wheels, centre-exit exhaust system, GReddy turbo kit, Wilwood brakes and KW coilovers.

In part two of SEMA 2014, we’ll be checking out some showstoppers from the Euro camp. 

OpenRoad at Luxury & Supercar Weekend

OpenRoad Auto Group on September 9, 2014

The Luxury & Supercar Weekend took place at the VanDusen Botanical Garden on Saturday and Sunday, and OpenRoad joined the fun by showcasing luxury and classic sports cars while giving guests the opportunity to experience the brand.

OpenRoad Toyota Charity Golf Tournament raises $25,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation

Chris Eastwood on July 17, 2014

openroad-toyota-charity-golf-2014

The OpenRoad Toyota stores in Richmond and Port Moody recently organized their first annual charity golf tournament, successfully raising $25,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation BC & Yukon. Make-a-Wish Foundation BC & Yukon is a non-profit organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

OpenRoad’s most recent fundraising effort provides enough funding to grant over 4 wishes. A wish could include a child’s travel wish, gift wish, celebrity wish, or fantasy and experiential wishes.

“OpenRoad has been a long-time supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and we believe in giving back to the community we live in. Having their wish granted means the world to the children, but it requires a lot of effort and money. Every dollar counts,” says Barry Chyzowski, General Manager of OpenRoad Toyota in Richmond.

openroad-toyota-charity-golf-signin

Over 140 golfers came out to support the tournament at Morgan Creek Golf Course. The tournament was followed by a live auction, emceed by CTV Sportscaster and CTV Sports Director, Perry Solkowski, and a special guest appearance by one of the wish children and her family.

“It really puts things into perspective when you meet with wish families and hear about the challenges they go through,” mentions Patrick Lau, General Manager of OpenRoad Toyota in Port Moody. “We were fortunate in that our first-ever golf tournament received so much support.”

Colby, age 5, who has a bone marrow transplant was one of the Make-A-Wish recipients through the OpenRoad Toyota Charity Golf Tournament.

colby-make-a-wish

Both Chyzowski and Lau are pleased with the results their inaugural year, but are already looking forward to continuing their fundraising efforts in the following year. “I think we had a pretty successful first year, but hopefully the next one will be even better,” adds Chyzowski. Over the last 3 years, OpenRoad Auto Group has raised over $120,000 towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

How high tech ventilated seats increase fuel efficiency and reduce pollution

OpenRoad Auto Group on May 25, 2014

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy has found that ventilated seats can help to increase fuel efficiency.

How the technology works

Seat ventilation is a feature that is offered in many luxury cars today. Advertised under a variety of names such as “climate comfort”, “ventilated”, or “air conditioned” seats, depending on the manufacturer, this feature has now also started trickling down to many non-luxury brand vehicles.

Non-luxury models including the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Odyssey all offer this feature.

The system works by using a clever combination of perforated leather seating surfaces and small fans integrated into the seats. Some systems also incorporate a micro cooling element, much like an air conditioner.

While the number of fans and the exact system design varies depending on the auto manufacturer, all of them work on the same principle. They draw in air from the cooler, lower area of the passenger compartment and transfer it uniformly to the seat cushion and back rest.

These fans create air flow, at adjustable intensities, through the fine perforations in the leather. This quickly cools the surfaces of the seats to a pleasant temperature, even if the vehicle has been heated by an intense amount of sunlight for a long period of time. The finely perforated leather upholstery absorbs perspiration to create a pleasant microclimate all-round – in effect, the seats ´breathe.´

A standard car seat blocks your body’s built-in cooling system. Ordinarily you eject heat through your pores in the form of water vapour, which carries the heat invisibly into the air.

Having a seat pressing against your back and bottom prevents this water vapour from escaping, causing it to condense into sticky sweat. It’s like wearing a jacket in hot weather.

But the gently circulating air of a ventilated seat carries away your body heat and helps to keep you cooler and your clothes drier during warmer months.

On some vehicles, the heated and ventilated functions can even be used simultaneously, circulating the seat heating more quickly. This is an added benefit on cold or damp days as the dual function helps to dry off clothes or keep you warm and dry as quickly as possible.

How does this help to reduce fuel consumption?

By employing thermal comfort measuring tools and subjective tests, the U.S. Department of Energy’s researchers were able to measure occupants’ thermal sensation with ventilated seats.

Their tests concluded that because the ventilated seats keep vehicle occupants cooler, they consequently reduce the use of the vehicle’s air conditioning system to achieve the desired level of comfort.

So by confining the cooled air directly to the spot where the hot driver (or passenger) is sitting, air-conditioned seats use energy more efficiently than the air conditioners that cool the entire interior of the car. They don’t completely eliminate fuel use and pollution, but they minimize it.

“If all passenger vehicles had ventilated seats, we estimate there could be a 7.5% reduction in national air conditioning fuel use,” says John Rugh, project leader for NREL’s vehicle ancillary loads reduction project.

Such a reduction would translate to about 522 million gallons (1.97 billion L) of fuel saved annually in the USA alone, he says.

So while it’s not quite as nice as jumping into a swimming pool on a hot day, this latest technology not only helps to keep you cool but your cash in your wallet too. Look for it on the next vehicle you test drive!

From Toyota Prii to Mazda2s: A look at available fuel-efficient vehicles

Benjamin Yong on April 11, 2014

fuel-efficient-vehicles

With gas prices approaching $1.50/litre in Metro Vancouver this summer, the topic of fuel-efficient transportation is on a lot of people’s minds. Fortunately, with modern technology many manufacturers are able to squeeze more performance out of small engines, like Mazda with their subcompact Mazda2, or offer gas-sipping hybrids such as Toyota and their extensive lineup of legendary Prii (yes, that is the official Prius plural term).  For the consumer, that means there is something to suit virtually every taste and budget. Below is a look at what’s currently available on the market.

Mazda2

Fuel consumption*: 8.0 L/100 km city, 6.7 highway (manual)

Estimated annual fuel cost*: $1,625

The 100 horsepower produced by the Mazda2’s 1.5-litre engine might not seem like much, but with an impressive power-to-weight ratio and a manual transmission option, expect a lot of fun in the corners as you row through the gears. It’s quite well equipped for its class as well, with standard power door mirrors, locks and windows, MP3-capable head unit, USB inputs and 15-inch wheels. The car will undergo a complete change for the 2015 model year.

Honda Fit

Fuel consumption: 8.3 L/100km city, 6.4 highway (automatic)

Estimated annual fuel cost: $1,638

In its second generation and about to enter a third, the Honda Fit has been a popular choice for a wide demographic from budget-conscious students to families looking for an additional car. Like the Mazda2, the engine is also a 1.5-litre but makes slightly more power at 117 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque. Despite its sub-compact form factor, the Fit can still carry plenty of stuff with 585 litres of storage space behind the rear seats. Fold them down and the hatch will swallow up 1,622 L of cargo.

Lexus CT 200H

Fuel consumption: 5.5 L/100 km city, 5.8 highway (CVT)

Estimated annual fuel cost: $1,196

Paving the way for entry-level luxury hybrid vehicles to come, Lexus launched the CT 200H a few years back giving consumers the option of being eco-friendly while enjoying upscale features. Refreshed for this year, the front fascia gets the “Spindle Grille” as found on other models across the lineup, the rear spoiler has been redesigned, and the speakers now include bamboo-fibre components. The hatchback is powered by a 1.8 L Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor making 134 net hp.

Toyota Prius

Fuel consumption: 4.7 L/100 km city, 4.9 highway (CVT)

Estimated annual fuel cost: $968

There can be no discussion of fuel-friendly vehicles without the mention of the Toyota Prius. Available in Canada since 2000, it now comes in four configurations (standard, plug-in hybrid, the smaller “c” and the “v” station wagon) and tops the Natural Resources Canada list for best in-class fuel efficiency year after year. Utilizing Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, it has the same powerplant as the CT 200H that shifts smoothly between gasonline engine and electric motor.

There are just some examples of what you can expect when you walk into any OpenRoad Auto Group dealership in the Lower Mainland, with more on the way! For a full list of vehicles, visit openroadautogroup.com/new-cars.

* Based on the 2014 Natural Resources Canada Fuel Consumption Guide with revised federal testing methodology.

Top 3 Electric / Hybrid picks for the 2014 Vancouver International Auto Show

OpenRoad Auto Group on March 26, 2014

The Vancouver International Auto show has returned to town! In keeping with the Eco theme that is so on trend this days, there are quite a few electric and hybrid vehicles on this year’s show floor. Here are my top 3 electric and hybrid car picks of the show.

Toyota Camry Hybrid Special Edition

While it may seem like an unlikely top choice, the Camry hybrid is truly what brought affordable hybrid technology to the masses in an unassuming package that didn’t scream “eco” as loudly as a Prius.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Special Edition, unveiled at the 2014 Vancouver auto show, combines the advanced power and fuel efficiency of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive with the popular Camry SE grade’s desirable appearance features.

“Special Editions showcase design and sportiness, and those attending this month’s Vancouver International Auto Show will be among the first in Canada to see the very new, very special edition first hand,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President at Toyota Canada. “But like all Special Editions, these unique versions…will be available in limited quantities – so speak with a Toyota Dealer to get the best selection”.

With an MSRP of $29,540, the Camry Hybrid SE Special Edition is immediately recognizable by its full skirt package, rear spoiler, sport-style grille, and other exterior details.

Inside, the cabin receives unique front sport seats and special sport fabric, a power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, aluminium scuff plates, and more.
 
For more information on the Camry Hybrid – including the Camry Hybrid SE Special Edition– visit: www.toyota.ca/camryhybrid

BMW i8

One of the most anticipated cars at this year’s autoshow, the i8, a plug-in hybrid 2 + 2 sports car, is supposed to compete with other performance cars in its general price range.

The i8 is a significant vehicle because it is the first plug-in hybrid from BMW Canada and “the world’s most progressive sports car,” as they’ve put it.

With a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic that is 50% lighter than steel and 30% lighter than aluminium, the i8 weighs in at a relatively low overall weight of 3285 pounds.

Powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cyliner gasoline engine, and electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, this is the first BMW hybrid in which different sets of drive wheels are operated by different motors. The gas engine sends power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed auto transmission whereas the electric motor sends power through the front wheels via a 2-stage auto transmission. Combined system output is an impressive 362 hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque.

0-100km/hr sprints are expect to take just 4.4 seconds, and the vehicle has a range of up to 35 kms and a top speed of 120 km/hr on electric power alone.

If you’re a high-tech early adopters/pioneers, or just someone who can afford the latest and greatest , you are likely the perfect customers for this vehicle.

BMW i3

It may not look exactly like a traditional BMW, but for city folks interested in an electric vehicle, the new-age BMW i3 should make a compelling choice.

Conceived from the outset as a dedicated EV, it has seating for four people and a surprising amount of space for both passengers and cargo. The i3 is also sure to turn heads wherever you go.

This rear-wheel drive electric vehicle has a passenger cell made up of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, similar to the i8.

A 168hp electric motor producing 184 ft-lbs of torque sits crossways between the rear wheels along with its 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This layout gives the i3 the added bonus of perfect 50/50 weight distribution similar to other BMWs.

BMW claims that the i3 will reach 100 km/hr in 7.2 seconds and should run on EV power alone for 128 to 161 kms of range.

An optional “range extender” 650cc gasoline engine, which acts as a generator, can add up to another 144 kms to the above EV-only range.

If you’re a fan of electric vehicles (or even if you aren’t), the i3 is truly unique and interesting machine that will give you a glimpse into how a growing number of cars will be built in the future.

The Vancouver International Auto show is at the Vancouver Convention Centre West and is now open daily to the public till Sunday March 30th at 4pm.