Conquering the Alps

globandmail.com
GlobeAuto
Home |  National |  World |  Business |  Sports |  Opinions |  Arts |  Technology |  Travel |  Health |  Auto

Thursday, October 16, 2008

TOP STORIES

Diesel's torque makes climbing Italy's 'secret passage' easy

Cleaning up diesel emissions has not undermined performance. Not only does the 335d have oodles of power and torque in the mountains, the same is true on the autobahn

In an RV, you can go as far as you can afford

Driving a big RV isn't for the impatient. On the highway, they're loud and laughably underpowered, with terrible brakes, non-existent handling and snail-like acceleration. However, having all the amenities on-board is handy.

Morgan shows off its high-tech capability

Morgan is the oldest privately owned automobile manufacturer in the world and has been pumping out full-fendered, minimalist sports cars for almost 100 years.

A solid engine that's reassuring and refined

VW has been making tough, thrifty, diesel cars for at least 30 years

Related:
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Popup

Compact SUV gets a facelift

Toyota is banking the economy will improve and production of its RAV4 in Ontario will skyrocket

Related:
2009 Toyota RAV4 Popup

Toyota heading down a bumpy road

While still strong, following GM's lead may mean trouble ahead


space Advertisement
Click for more information space

Feature Cars

A back-road delight

The happy-medium model in a trio of tricked out rally-inspired cars

It'll cut your carbon footprint

Yes, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will save you money.

Into the fast lane

Cadillac better keep an eye in the rear-view mirror

Strong performance and roomy inside

But missing a few features that you'd expect

News

Mazda unveils new version of top seller

The Mazda3 will be redesigned and displayed publicly for the first time at the Los Angeles auto show next month; Honda unveils radical V4 Concept bike; Chrysler minivans get improved fuel economy; Winter tires mandated in Quebec

Toyota says market worsening, U.S. outlook weak

Demand in emerging markets has also been slower than expected

Canadian, U.S. unions oppose GM, Chrysler merger

Transaction would create “massive consolidation and massive job losses”

Crisis at Detroit Three drives industry rethink

Waves of woes hit auto city

Magna Steyr asks 2,600 workers to go part-time

Magna International's Austrian unit says employees will work reduced shifts

GM to shut Wisconsin, Michigan plants

Closures in Oshawa, Ont., and Tuloca, Mexico, expected to be announced later this week

Chrysler CEO says firm in talks on tie-ups

Automaker is evaluating “strategic options,” CEO Bob Nardelli says

Daimler to close St. Thomas, Ont., plant

Closure will take place in March; Sterling brand will be eliminated

Car prices likely have hit bottom, expert says

'What's new this year is they're almost immediately putting the same incentives on the '09s'; OnStar theft service remotely zaps power; Ford nanny service coming to all Focus models; Porsche questions GT-R 'Ring time

One on One

'Electricity is the future'

Michael Vaughan speaks to Jim Press, vice-chairman and co-president of Chrysler, about a brutal year, and the plans to turn the ailing auto maker around.

Driving Green

Canadians still picking small cars

Toyota books 85 per cent September sales gain in its subcompact Yaris division; GM sales slide 7 per cent

Subaru looks to green for its identity

There are too many brands out there. I find it hard to tell the difference between a Subaru and a Saab or a Saturn and a Suzuki — and I'm supposed be paying attention to this stuff.

Cities rethink wisdom of 50s-era standards

Most U.S. cities have requirements for off-street parking. These regulations can throw a monkey wrench into planning for a vibrant, more walkable downtown

Choose the right tires, inflate them properly to improve fuel economy

Low noise levels may mean a tread design that does not provide as much grip; high-mileage ratings usually mean a sacrifice in both grip and comfort levels.

BMW's cleanest, greenest machine

The Hydrogen 7's impressive technology lets it run on both hydrogen and gasoline

Equinox Fuel Cell SUV offers smooth, clean ride

Hydrogen, stored in three tanks, will carry vehicle 320 kilometres. The main problem is where to get a fill-up

Motorsports

Wall St. forces NASCAR to wave yellow flag

Spreading financial gloom hits the most Main Street of American sports

'I can't believe they pay me to do this'

After battling an underperforming engine, recurring tire troubles and living through an embarrassing accident, things finally came together for MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden after he found the podium at his home race in Indianapolis last month.

Car Enthusiast

Meteor was a Canadian innovation

Despite being described as a brand-new automobile, it was, in fact, just a slightly gussied-up '49 Ford

Motorcycles, etc.

How to store your bike for the winter

Get both wheels off the ground so the tires won't flatten and there's no weight on them. Our expert Ted Laturnus suggests storing it in your house if there is no alternative.

A rider's wake-up call

Flunking the test was his first step to becoming a better — or at least more aware — rider, Dan Proudfoot writes

Two wheels up front mean more stability

The CanAm Spyder, a three-wheeled road burner, was introduced by Canadian company Bombardier last year. The Spyder weighs in at some 316 kilograms, which is about the same as most big motorcycle cruisers/tourers.

'Ride like they're trying to hit you'

Some readers agreed with our motorcycle expert. Some didn't. One reader called a recent book review the "most disgusting piece of pseudo journalism I have ever read," and also offered an unsolicited opinion on his IQ level.

Why so many bike fans are still high on the Hog

The truth is, Harley at 105 is a smashingly successful story. After all, many customers get a tattoo of the famous motorcycle brand's logo after buying their bike. Jeremy Cato rides a Hog and dreams of what might have been.

Cars and Drivers

What to look for in a car seat for your first child

One reader would like to know the best way to keep a new baby safe in the car; another reader has replaced his 20-year-old truck, and wants to get a snow plow added to the new vehicle

Teen-proof your kid's car

This age group is at the greatest risk of being involved in a crash involving serious injury or death. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds.

New winter tires offer improved performance

Two readers have questions about their tires. One wants to know what's new in tire technology this year, while another is wondering how to determine the age of his wheels. A reader named Harv would like to know if there's a mediatior process for settling disputes with dealers.

Raising licensing age would save lives

The carnage on our roads involving new drivers has always focused attention on inexperience. That issue becomes much more critical when you toss youth into the mix.

Parking lots needn't be dangerous adventures

Drivers don't seem to think the rules of the road apply in parking lots.

It's the same barrel of crude, but gas and diesel are very different

'Why can't refineries just switch back and forth between producing gasoline and diesel fuel; they both come from the same barrel of crude oil, don't they?"

Buying Used

The first thing you noticed was the sheer size

Built on the same chassis as the full-size Nissan Titan pickup truck, the Armada was Nissan's first attempt at building a full-size SUV, and it had the basic ingredient of every self-respecting SUV: a big honkin' V-8 engine.

Econobox delivered A-to-B transportation while returning good gas mileage

Not the most refined of engines, the Accent's entry-level four-banger was lively, but tended to get a little bumptious during highway driving.

Easy to look at and loaded with goodies

The Murano was definitely an unusual looking vehicle. Unlike many SUVs, there wasn't a straight line on it anywhere — it was arguably the most contemporary-looking model of its kind at the time.

Sedan gets top marks for quality, reliability

Allure replaced the Century and Regal, introducing tauter handling, an updated engine, but keeping the same quiet ride

More Reviews

This huge hybrid is a real workout

It's unlikely that Sarah Palin would choose a hybrid vehicle, but if she did, you can bet she'd drive a big, honkin' American beast of a hybrid that proves she's the ultimate hockey mom.

VW gets some help with its new minivan

VW cut a deal with Chrysler to build the Routan in Windsor, ON

Perfect for 20-something car nuts

These young men might be able to afford the SS's $24,995 price tag, but the insurance premiums will have them moving back home to mom and dad's.

More power and environmentally friendlier

With a base price of $111,600 for this spectacular piece of machinery, there's a steep price to pay.

Off like a shot and rarin' to go

Its appearance is another story. Go ahead, stare at the front end of the Porsche Cayenne as long as you like. That fish-mouth front end doesn't get any better over time.

Three well-styled, fuel-efficient wagons

Our reader thinks SUVs are a dying segment and wants a modern alternative

Suzuki on track with compact Vitara

With buyers flocking to four-cylinder crossovers, it was time to offer some options

Rakish styling hides a roomy interior

Volkswagen's new halo vehicle is drop-dead gorgeous

Baby Land Rover anything but small

Like its big brothers, it can conquer almost anything off the beaten track.

Looks scream: 'I am not a minivan'

This is the minivan for parents and empty-nesters in minivan denial.

GlobeAuto


Search


Tools


Topics


Features


Video


Industry


About this E-Mail
You received these headlines because you are subscribed to the GlobeAuto newsletter from Globeandmail.com.

Sign up for more free newsletters from globeandmail.com

Remove me from this newsletter

Copyright © 2008 CTVglobemedia Publishng Inc.
Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

0 comments:

Designed by Posicionamiento Web | Bloggerized by GosuBlogger