First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R Class

[svgallery name=”2011_R_Class_pics”] R Class gets schooled Does new looks and calling it a “crossover,” change your opinion about Mercedes’ former Grand Tourer? By John LeBlanc HOBOKEN, N.J. – You might know this New Jersey city from the classic 1950 cartoon short that matched Bugs Bunny with Hoboken Penguin, the top-hat-wearing penguin from the Brooklyn Ice […]

The Crank: Can “sports car” and “diesel” ever be in the same sentence?

By John LeBlanc INGOLSTADT, Germany – It’s dawn, June, 2006. I’m watching the sun come up over the Porsche Corners during the running of the 24 Heures du Mans. And I’m witnessing history. On the way to becoming the first ever diesel-engine race car to win the historic event, Audi’s R10 swooshes by in relative […]

2010 CCOTY: Luxury

[svgallery name=”CCOTY_Luxury_hirez”] Story and photos by John LeBlanc As a member of the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (hey, they have cheap travel insurance), I got invited for two days in late October to drive new 2010 cars over public roads and an airport test track. The goal was to pick a category winner that […]

First Drive: 2010 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid & Diesel

[svgallery name=”Cayenne_Hybrid_Diesel_pics”] Story and photos by John LeBlanc DEARBORN, Michigan – Even though its one of the automaker’s younger products, the Porsche Cayenne’s role has changed many times over.

Comparo: BMW 335d versus Lexus GS 450h

Story and photos by John LeBlanc In the pursuit of lower fuel consumption ratings and tailpipe emissions, efficient hybrids and diesels are starting to filter into mainstream passenger cars. Even in cars that have sporty or luxurious pretensions. Right now, though, there are only two luxury rear-wheel-drive sports sedans that also take saving fuel seriously: […]

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