Feature: Prius grows up

Story and photos by John LeBlanc While taking some photographs of the latest version of the Toyota Prius in a parking lot at one of the many wineries lining the hills in the Napa Valley, a well-kept baby boomer approached me cautiously. “Is that the new Prius?” she asked, looking for all the world like […]

Auto Shows: 2008 New York Wrapup

Story and photos by John LeBlanc NEW YORK—Sporty and fun-to-drive vehicles dominated the debuts here, making it the first time in a few years that environmentally friendly or utility vehicles didn’t grab all the headlines at a major auto show.

Feature: North to James Bay in a BMW X6 xDrive 35i

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Matagami, Que.–For more than 600 kilometres, the James Bay Road cuts a wide, two-lane swath of pavement without Draconian speed laws, stop-and-go traffic, clogged intersections, stop signs – or any of the other daily driving obstacles known as “modern civilization.” Constructed in the early 1970s to transport workers and […]

Feature: BMW Driving Training‏

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Mont Tremblant, Québec – Without question, modern automotive safety technologies like anti-lock brakes and stability control systems have reduced traffic accidents and saved lives. On the other hand, most safety experts conclude: no amount of technology can help inattentive or careless drivers.

Feature: The story behind Mercedes’ factory hotrodders

Story and photo by John LeBlanc Forming the “Triple Crown of Motor Racing” with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix is thought of by racing cognoscenti as one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world. The cars first raced on the narrow streets […]

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