Paris 2010: Volkswagen

By John LeBlanc PARIS – All you need to know about VW’s plans for North America can be found in the crisp-looking new 2011 Passat, unveiled here this morning in Paris, and a car that is not coming to Canada.

The Crank: Will Canadians take to stale Scions?

By John LeBlanc Let’s get something straight. Scion—Toyota’s so-called “youth brand”—is all about fashion. The three Scions being introduced to Canada this fall don’t offer much differences mechanically than the Toyotas they’re based on. After being introduced to U.S. customers in 2003, it took Toyota Canada took another five years, in 2008, to make up […]

First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

[svgallery name=”2011_Subaru_WRX_sedan_hirez”] The widebody of sports compacts Updated WRX styling goes straight to its hips By John LeBlanc CALABOGIE, ONT.—The Impreza WRX and WRX STI are the kinds of cars automakers build when the times are good. Low-volume cars that build a brand’s image, are fun to drive, and (hallelujah!) have nothing to do with […]

First Drive: 2011 Subaru WRX STI

[svgallery name=”2011_Subaru_WRX_STI_hirez”] By John LeBlanc CALABOGIE MOTORSPORTS PARK, Ont.—Although the big news for Subaru’s performance flagship WRX STI is the return of a four-door sedan to the former hatchback-only lineup, the more important news for driving enthusiasts is the return of the STI as a pure performance machine, and reduced pricing that makes it an […]

First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

[svgallery name=”2011_Lincoln_MKZ_Hybrid”] Lincoln’s Zed-car goes green Ford premium brand’s shows Toyota’s premium brand how to do a “luxury hybrid” By John LeBlanc Washington, D.C. – Along with a variety of sins that would make ancient Rome’s ruling classes look like kindergarteners, feel free to blame Hollywood celebrities for the idea of the luxury hybrid. If […]

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