Text sourced from Toyota Canada Inc.:
The all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV made its world debut today at the 2013 New York Auto Show. An all-new exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, complementing a new interior that will raise the bar in the mid-size SUV segment. With three-row seating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander will offer a nuanced balance of style, comfort and utility. The total package is capped off with two powertrain choices: a powerful V6 with a new six-speed transmission that will produce excellent all-around capability, and a V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain for enhanced mileage and fewer emissions.

Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels. The exterior has grown in length by approximately 76.2 mm (3 inches) while width is increased 12.7 mm (1/2 inch), conveying a sleek and strong appearance.

From the front, Highlander’s hood merges with a redesigned trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders for a more aggressive appearance. The length of the profile, from the front fenders to the rear quarter panels, boldly stands out with sculptured wheel wells at the corners, allowing for prominently protruding wheels. The total package is capped off by a newly designed rear lift-gate with one-touch power open/close and driver selectable memory height settings, and taillights and bumper that exude style and strength.

Highlander's body structure will include high-strength steel in the front pillars for increased rigidity. Visibility has been improved through precise repositioning of the front A-pillars, while the size of the rear quarter glass has been increased to provide a wider view for driver and occupants.

Refinement is enhanced through improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) measures. Interior noise reduction is achieved through a 30 percent expansion of silencing insulation materials in the floor areas. Acoustic-type glass is used for the windshield to help reduce noise entering the cabin, and even the panoramic moonroof design works to help reduce wind noise, even when the moonroof is open.

Vibration is minimized through expanded coverage of the dash silencer, enhancements to body sealing, and the strategic placement of three hydraulic engine mounts. Improvements in the exhaust layout have been made for additional noise and vibration reduction.

Toyota engineers raised the bar on interior design for the mid-size SUV segment by adding even more refinement and functionality to the new Highlander. The 2014 model will offer a premium interior highlighted by increased spaciousness for up to eight people, and an array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.

The new Highlander’s interior utilizes premium materials to offer an upscale experience, with most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching. All Highlanders will come equipped with a soft-touch instrument panel; and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior. Wood-grain pattern trim can be found on the front dash and door trim for an added touch of elegance. Premium fabrics, available smooth and perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add to Highlander’s redesigned upscale interior. The adoption of a high quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades add to Highlander’s refinement and comfort.

A new roll-top centre console box with a dampened sliding door provides a comfortable armrest, or when fully opened is large enough to hold a large handbag. All Highlanders will feature a newly designed in-meter-cluster Multi-Information Display. Available ambient lighting around the front dash and doors add to the refined environment.

The second row offers bench-seating for three passengers or two captain’s seats featuring a collapsible tray with cup holders for added convenience. Getting into the third-row is made easier with the addition of a one-step second-row sliding seat function that provides nearly 76.2 mm (3 inches) more of space for easier entry and exit to the third-row.

An overall interior width increase of 109.2 mm (4.3 inches) in the third-row and a standard recline function creates added comfort for up to three passengers. Like the second-row bench, the third-row will be 40/60 split for added passenger and storage flexibility and convenience. Rear cargo space behind the third-row has also increased by up to 34 percent for added storage.

Additional available convenience features include an Automatic High Beam System, Smart Key, driver’s seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The new Highlander will be available in two powertrains. A 3.5-litre V6 is equipped with a variable intake manifold and a dual VVT-i, which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. Acceleration and fuel efficiency are improved thanks to a new six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.

The Highlander Hybrid mode's Hybrid Synergy Drive system pairs the 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency.

The new Highlander gas model comes with standard Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) or available All-Wheel-Drive (AWD). It will provide a more dynamic driving experience with technologies that include enhancements in suspension performance, optimized Electric Power Steering (EPS), and available Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The spring rates and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help enhance the vehicles handling characteristics.

Highlander will have a MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and available 19-inch alloys. Highlander’s available Dynamic Torque Control AWD system automatically shifts from Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage. The driver is able to view the torque-distribution settings on the meter display. The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential.

Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system uses information sent from various sensors (speed, steering angle and speed, throttle angle and yaw rate) to automatically govern the transmission of torque to the rear wheels, as required. A sophisticated, high-speed interactive management system coordinates control of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance Highlander’s performance, handling and safety.

All new Highlanders come equipped with Toyota’s multimedia system. The Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth® and voice recognition is standard, while an eight-inch touchscreen system with 12 JBL speakers is also available.

All 2014 Highlander’s will have eight standard airbags. Like every Toyota, Highlander will feature the standard Star Safety System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All Highlander’s will also come equipped with a standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control. All AWD models will have an AWD LOCK switch.

New available safety and convenience features include rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind. The all-new Highlander will reach dealer showrooms in early 2014.

Subaru WRX Concept

Text sourced from Subaru Canada Inc.:
Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) announced the unveiling of the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The design concept hints at the design language of the next generation WRX with a focus on sharp handling, All-Wheel Drive grip and turbo power.

The bold and muscular design emphasizes turbocharged power and AWD grip in a more agile and athletic form. The SUBARU WRX CONCEPT blends the WRX's famous power and road-holding prowess with an even greater focus on sharp handling, steering and communicative chassis. To further improve handling dynamics, the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT features a carbon-fibre roof to enhance the already low centre of gravity and reduce weight.

Considerably lower, sleeker and wider, the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT delivers even more street presence than previous generations of the WRX. The new grille design is larger and bolder and sets off the classic WRX hood scoop. A pronounced power bulge provides clearance for the new turbocharged engine and intercooler. A prominent hexagonal grille form and deep lower valences with air intakes are designed to enhance aerodynamics, add downforce and aid engine cooling.

The three dimensional mesh pattern of the grille denotes the performance-driven nature of the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT and sets the Subaru star cluster apart, while the new hawk-eye headlights integrate the Subaru design heritage.

A sharp character line runs from the front corner through to the taillights, intersected by the boldly flared wheel arches emphasizing Subaru's AWD system. The compact cabin greenhouse draws attention to the power and solidity of the body and focuses attention on the wide stance that provides a visual link between the body and chassis.

The rear design echoes the hexagonal design motif from the front grille and features a dramatically curved trunk lid that also acts as a rear spoiler. The distinctive wide rear bumper of the SUBARU WRX CONCEPT adds to the powerful street presence of the car and is offset by large quad tailpipes denoting the powerful turbocharged engine. The aggressive rear diffuser improves vehicle aerodynamics.

The all-new SUBARU WRX CONCEPT features a new paint color, WR Blue Pearl III, which modernizes the iconic WRX look. Fluorescent Yellow is used as an accent on the WRX badge on the front grille, the brake calipers and the exhaust tip finishers, adding character notes to the design.

Filling out the broad fenders are BBS "RI-D" One Piece Forged Duralumin wheels, featuring 245/40ZR20 Dunlop tires with an exclusive tread pattern.

At A Glance:
Fastest, most-agile, and responsive Land Rover ever
All-new high strength aluminum structure provides a weight savings of approximately 800lbs. over the previous generation Range Rover Sport
Improved agility and exceptional performance with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions
New 5+2 third row seating option for occasional use
Choice of 340hp supercharged V6 or a 510hp supercharged V8 engines
Standard eight speed automatic transmission by ZF
Choice of transfer cases - single speed Torsen or two-speed locking with low range
Advanced electronic driver assistance technologies
Superbly crafted, luxurious interior
Standard Intelligent Stop/Start technology to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions
Available new fully automatic Terrain Response 2 system
Exceptional on-road dynamics and all-terrain performance provides an unrivalled breadth of capability

Text sourced from Volvo Canada Inc.
"This is the most extensive development of existing models in our company's history. Each of the enhancements is designed around our customers' needs. We have focused on quality and attention to detail in order to give these dynamic models a major boost and sharpen their competitiveness," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Group. He continues: "The S60 and XC60 are our best-selling models in several important markets. We have been listening very carefully to our customers in order to make improvements that ensure that we make these successful cars more attractive."

Scandinavian design is exemplified by beautiful, simple shapes and surfaces with any unnecessary clutter removed. This is evident in the redesigned interior and exterior of the new 60 cars. Inside, the attention to detail, the authentic materials - such as wood and leather - and the easy-to-use controls contribute to the in-command driving experience.

Supportive yet comfortable seats that ensure a fresh and relaxed arrival after the longest of journeys have been a Volvo strength for decades. The buyer of a new S60 or XC60 can now specify a new sport seat that retains this traditional comfort and makes a perfect addition to the in-command feel of a true driver's car. "The new sport seat has great hugging side support all the way from the thighs to the shoulders, so the seat keeps the driver firmly in position when cornering fast. We've had nearly one hundred people of all shapes and sizes test this seat and we received a really enthusiastic response. We've also made adjustments to the seat back, so it provides more legroom for passengers in the rear," says Project Director Patrik Widerstrand.

There are several other examples of the attention to detail in the new 60 cluster cars. The previously visible washer nozzles have been relocated out of sight under the bonnet. The radar cover has been painted gloss black, which practically makes it disappear in the grille. The chrome frame around the grille has been removed and the new, bigger ironmark badge enhances the new cars' self-confident look.

The new integrated tailpipes, which can be specified with some engine variants, are the physical and visual link to the technically advanced engines. But it's not just about beautiful design: the designers have had to cope with the fact that at operating temperature, the tailpipes have to remain perfectly in place despite the exhaust system expanding in length by up to 25mm. This is another example of true Scandinavian precision engineering.

The new S60 and XC60 offer an extended wheel choice with a variety of designs that increase the personalisation possibilities for customers. "To enhance the visual appeal of the car, customers can now specify their S60 or V60 with expressive 19-inch wheels and keep the same profile height as 18-inch ones, so they don't lose any comfort," says Patrik Widerstrand. The XC60 is available with 20-inch wheels while keeping the same tire profile height and ride comfort as with 19-inch wheels.　

Inside, there are upgrades such as new upholstery colours, new wood inlays, a new headliner, and the silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls. "The overall effect is very warm and cosy, like being in a warm Swedish house on a cold night. The colour themes correspond beautifully with the backlit white controls in the dash and elsewhere in the car," adds Lena Jiseborn, Design Director, Colour and Trim. And under the skin, at the heart of the dynamic driving experience, is a wide choice of chassis settings, designed around the customer's personal requirements. The S60 buyer has a choice of four chassis types - Touring, Dynamic, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) and Lower Sport Chassis, previously only available on the R-Design version.

On the exterior, Volvo's best-selling model, the XC60, gets a more urban twist. The redesigned front features a new hood shape that emphasises the wide, confident look. "We've taken away any black trim so the car is now all one body colour. The new headlamps look very focused and determined, and the horizontal lines on the grille with its chrome bars emphasise the car's width," says Fedde Talsma.

The XC60 also benefits from an interior upgrade. The new features include new wood inlays, a new headliner, textile B-pillars and the silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls. The refined XC60 has a commanding driving position supported by generous ground clearance and the class-leading chassis. The XC60 is designed to feel every bit as nimble and agile as a standard height road car.

Corner Traction Control now comes as standard. This torque vectoring system helps the driver avoid understeer by applying just the right amount of brake force to the inner wheels while powering the outer wheels when accelerating out of a corner. With All Wheel Drive, the XC60 becomes an extremely capable vehicle on any road, in any kind of weather. The optional Hill Descent Control boosts this capability by automatically controlling the car's speed when driving down steep slopes.

Sensus is the name Volvo uses for all its HMI (Human Machine Interface) functionality and the all-new Sensus Connected Touch is the latest addition. It enables connectivity and Internet in the car and turns the 7-inch display into a state-of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned touch screen that can be used even when wearing gloves - a world first in cars and handy in winter! Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the driver's mobile phone.

The user has access to full Internet browsing (except when driving), Internet streaming of music, Internet radio (TuneIn and Orange Live Radio) with thousands of channels from all over the world, on-line (Google) Map and Search, Embedded Connected 3D navigation with online traffic info and dangerous zone warnings, Free Parking locator, weather information, a number of native and web applications, App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator. It is also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car.

The Adaptive Digital Display, which debuted in the all-new V40, is now available in the new S60, V60 and XC60. This active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display takes the interaction between car and driver to a new dimension, always displaying the most important information in any given situation.

The three-spoke steering wheels can now be accompanied with paddle shifters for cars specified with automatic transmission. They turn the automatic box into a manual with the benefit of shifting gear with both hands on the wheel. The paddle shifters give the enthusiastic driver an additional edge, particularly when powering round twisty roads. And for the added comfort of drivers in Sweden and other cold countries, the steering wheel can also be specified with heating for increased comfort on cold winter days.

The new Active High Beam Control makes journeys in the dark safer and more comfortable. The technology eliminates the need to switch between low and high beam. Instead, Active High Beam Control makes it possible keep the headlights on full beam continuously. When another car approaches from the opposite direction, the system helps to prevent dazzling of the oncoming driver by shading out only as much of the beam as necessary. This is done by an ingenious projector module mechanism integrated into the headlamp.

Cars equipped with a rain sensor can now benefit from an electrically heated windscreen for rapid de-icing on cold winter days. The S60 and XC60 are also available with outer rear view mirrors with auto dim. Using chromatic glass, the mirrors automatically dim to avoid glare from other traffic, just like the inner rear view mirror.

IntelliSafe is Volvo's blanket name for all active safety systems, and Volvo's world-first City Safety technology plays an important part. Fitted as standard, this advanced safety system works at speeds of up to 50 km/h. All models can also get Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake, which watches out for people walking into the car's path.

The S60 and XC60 can also be specified with the enhanced Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which is now radar-based. The technology can also monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles up to 70 m behind the car, while still informing the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car. Cross Traffic Alert uses the radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view may be restricted. Road Sign Information supports the driver by displaying road signs on the instrument display.

Text sourced from Acura Canada Inc.
Acura took the wraps off its all-new 2014 RLX luxury-performance sedan – the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced Acura sedan, ever. In keeping with the Man-Machine Synergy direction of the Acura brand, the RLX utilizes an all-new direct-injection engine, lightweight body structure, and the first-ever application of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer^™ to deliver a new and dynamic driving experience unlike that of any other luxury performance sedans. The AcuraLink^® cloud-based connected car system makes its debut on the new RLX, offering a broad range of convenience, entertainment and security features.

"The 2014 Acura RLX is the next introduction in our product line-up that showcases Acura technology and the Man-Machine Synergy direction. The RLX driver will feel a connection to the product, to the road and to the world around them," said Dave Jamieson, Assistant Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc. "Designing a vehicle that truly responds to the will of the driver is Acura’s commitment to Canadian luxury buyers and the RLX represents this commitment with superior and responsive handling."

The 2014 Acura RLX is powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected 24-Valve i-VTEC^® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management, and is expected to earn best-in-class estimated fuel economy ratings of 20/31/24 mpg¹ (city/highway/combined). The new RLX delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, mid-size luxury sedan package and boasts the best rear-seat legroom (985.5 mm), longest tandem seating distance (924.6 mm), and best front and rear shoulder room in the mid-luxury class.

Precision All-Wheel Steer^™ (P-AWS) is the world’s first technology to feature independent and continuous control of the left and right rear-wheel steering (toe) angles to achieve new levels of handling agility, high- and low-speed maneuverability, and confident handling control for a two-wheel-drive luxury sedan.

As previously announced, a version of RLX featuring Acura’s new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive^® (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD^®) technology, producing 370 horsepower with expected fuel economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined¹, will debut later in 2013.

The new RLX will confidently compete in the high-end luxury sedan market with an incredible array of leading-edge technologies – including AcuraLink^™ connectivity system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic^™ featuring freeway traffic and all-new surface street conditions, the Lane Keeping Assist System and Forward Collision Warning safety systems, and new driver-assistive technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Agile Handling Assist dynamic braking technology and Jewel Eye^™ LED headlights.

The 2014 Acura RLX is slated to go on sale at Canadian Acura dealerships nationwide in the spring of 2013 and will be available in three grades – the well-equipped RLX, the feature-packed RLX with Technology package and the top-of-the-line RLX Elite package. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

The RLX follows an "aero-fused" exterior design motif with its wide and athletic stance, sharp upswept bodylines, aerodynamic greenhouse, and distinctive new Jewel-Eye^™ LED headlights offering improved down-the-road illumination. The RLX’s sleek upper body and numerous other aerodynamic features result in aerodynamic efficiency to best-in-class levels.

Seven spoke 18x8J aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/45 R18 all-weather tires are standard, while Technology and Elite grades feature 19x8J wheels and 245/40 R19 tires. The RLX’s alloy wheels also feature a noise-reducing design that lowers tire noise by 7 decibels across the audible frequency range.

Additional exterior features available on the RLX include an acoustic glass windshield and door glass, integrated power rear sunshade, front and rear parking sensors, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The RLX interior features premium, soft touch materials throughout, with the tasteful application of premium metal and wood-grain accents. A stitched leather instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel, along with available Milano perforated leather seats, communicate a new level of craftsmanship and refined luxury appeal in Acura’s top-of-the-line sedan.

Luxury form and function are smartly integrated in the RLX’s new centre console, featuring dual screens – an 8-inch Navigation screen and a 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display^™ touch screen – that provide easy and direct one-touch access to key functions, including audio, air conditioning, navigation and text-to-voice SMS text message function. The sliding, leather-trimmed armrest conceals a storage compartment with USB connectivity, 12-volt accessory power outlet and space to store a tablet device.

Additional interior comfort and convenience features include push-button start, power tilt and telescoping steering, power sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Bluetooth^® HandsFreeLink^®.

The standard 10-speaker ELS^® audio system includes HD radio^™, XM radio, USB connectivity, and an auxiliary jack. The RLX with Technology package is equipped with a 14-speaker Acura/ELS^® Studio premium audio system. The Elite package receives an all-new Krell ultra-premium system that sets a new benchmark for high-fidelity sound in a luxury vehicle.

Whether on a serpentine mountain pass, congested city street, or cramped airport parking deck, and in all weather conditions, the RLX with Precision All-Wheel Steer^™ (P-AWS^™), is designed to deliver an unprecedented level of handling precision and control.

Working in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist^® (VSA^®) with Traction Control and Agile Handling Assist dynamic braking system, P-AWS^™ provides enhanced vehicle stability, maneuverability, and control. The RLX’s handling performance is further elevated by its new double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension system with Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and new high-output, belt-type electronic power steering.

All RLX models have 4-wheel disc brakes with high-friction pads and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS), along with new Hydraulic Brake Boost that improves brake pedal feel. New Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, and high-efficiency Vehicle Stability Assist^™ (VSA^®) are additional firsts for Acura.

The 2014 RLX is powered by an all-new 3.5-litre direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC^® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management. Rated at 310 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine delivers exceptional drivability, with more than 90-percent of its peak torque produced from 2000 rpm to 6600 rpm. Variable Cylinder Management^™ with 3-cylinder and 6-cylinder operation works in concert with the VTEC valvetrain to deliver superb cruising efficiency. The engine is mounted to a lightweight and rigid aluminum front subframe using a vibration-canceling Active Control engine Mount (ACM) system.

The new engine is mated to a reengineered Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with revised gearing, an intuitive selector and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. A driver-selectable Sport mode provides more aggressive shift points and more pronounced engine braking during deceleration, along with manual operation.

The RLX is equipped with the AcuraLink^® connectivity system, delivering a bevy of new information, media, convenience, and security services via embedded two-way communications and web-enabled devices. AcuraLink^® leverages the Aha^™ by Harman cloud-based interface to provide users with thousands of customizable media and connectivity choices. AcuraLink^® also delivers an array of available security and convenience features, such as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic^™ featuring freeway traffic and all-new surface street traffic, airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm notification and 24-hour personalized concierge services for restaurant reservations and more.

The RLX offers a comprehensive list of leading-edge technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist system, Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Brake system safety technologies, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow driver assist system, and Blind Spot Information and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines enhanced visibility systems.

The all-aluminum unibody structure is 39 percent lighter than the steel body in the outgoing model. This enables a total vehicle weight savings of up to 926lbs, depending on market and specifications. The U.S. specification vehicle with the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 will be approximately 700lbs lighter than the outgoing equivalent. This new aluminum platform delivers significant enhancements in performance and agility, along with an improvement in fuel economy and reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Range Rover Highlights:
Unmistakably a Range Rover, a modern interpretation of iconic design cues
Legendary Land Rover off-road capability with transformed on-road handling and agility
Lighter, stronger and more refined. The world’s first SUV with an all-aluminum unibody structure
A U.S. specification V8 model is approximately 700lbs lighter than similarly equipped outgoing model and delivers improved fuel economy and reduced CO₂ emissions
A more spacious and luxurious interior provides a truly composed motoring experience for all occupants. Rear legroom increases 4.7 inches
Adaptive dynamics suspension system further refines ride quality
Enhanced all-terrain performance with the introduction of a new fully automatic Land Rover "Terrain Response 2 Auto" system¹
Designed and engineered in Britain at Land Rover’s development centers throughout the UK
Manufactured in a new aluminum production facility at Land Rover’s Home in Solihull, United Kingdom

2013 Maserati Quattroporte

Text sourced from www.media.maserati.com
"The new Maserati Quattroporte is a high-performance sports luxury sedan that reinterprets the design features of classic Maseratis in a contemporary design language. Its style was born out of the guiding design principles of Maserati: harmony of shapes, dynamism of lines, Italian elegance. More generous in size when compared to the previous model, the new Quattroporte has a design that is at once graceful and sinuous, fashioned to bring out the sporty nature of the car.

Some of the elements characterizing the previous model have been purposely maintained: the front grill, the three side vents, the triangular C pillar. At the same time new style and functional features were introduced: the strong belt line that runs through the entire side of the car giving the new Quattroporte a look and feel that is at once muscular and elegant with frameless doors and three side windows.

Inside, the design of the Quattroporte aims at essentiality, stressing the simplicity of lines and the full functionality of the in-board instrumentation. Functional elements are blended with soft quality surfaces made of prestigious woods and refined leathers."

"Refined technical solutions, an explicit attention to the most challenging targets in terms of performance, comfort, efficiency and safety – these are the key elements of the all-new Maserati Quattroporte.

Maserati engineers have worked - with a competence matched only by their passion – in chassis designing and engineering, weight reduction, ergonomic enhancement to develop a car capable of fitting different powertrain architectures and transmission configurations for the most diverse driving conditions but always maintaining Maserati’s trademark best-in-class driving comfort.
The results is the all-new Maserati Quattroporte, a luxury sports sedan that reaches new heights in terms of performance and handling, driving enjoyment as well as respect of the world we live in: the best performance ever in the long history of Maserati’s four-door flagship sedan are matched by the unprecedented success in the quest for an eco-friendly automobile. All this done, of course, as you may expect from Maserati, in the spirit of the most severe active and passive safety conditions." Roberto Corradi, Maserati Vehicle Development Director.

* With premium grade gasoline, which is recommended but not required.

Chevrolet Spark EV

Text sourced from GM Canada Inc.
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV introduced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, packs smart performance and connectivity technologies into an affordable five-door urban mini car designed to make the trip as electrifying as the destination. At initial launch in Canada, Spark EV will be a Fleet vehicle only and pricing will be announced closer to launch. It will be eligible for Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia provincial EV incentives.

With the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet accounts for more than 50 percent of all plug-in electric vehicle sales in the North America and Spark EV builds on Chevrolet’s proven electric motor and battery development programs. When it launches next summer, the Spark EV is expected to have among the best EV battery range in its segment and be the first electric vehicle to offer SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability, enabling the Spark EV to reach 80-percent battery charge in just 20 minutes.

Inside the Spark EV, critical vehicle functions are clearly and intuitively displayed on one of the vehicle’s two reconfigurable, high-resolution, seven-inch colour LCD screens, including a confidence gauge that shows the expected driving range based on driving habits and other conditions.

Spark EV also will keep urban drivers musically connected with Chevrolet’s exclusive MyLink radio that comes standard and safely brings smartphone-based infotainment – including apps for BringGo full-function navigation, TuneIn global internet radio, and Stitcher – into the vehicle. Apple’s Siri will ride shotgun, for customers with compatible (4S and newer) iPhones.

Spark EV is powered by an advanced electric motor and battery system. It consists of a GM-designed, coaxial drive unit and electric motor that together deliver 130 hp (110 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque for instant acceleration; and a more than 20-kWh lithium ion battery is expected to provide among the best EV range performance in its segment.

The drive unit and motor will be assembled of U.S. and globally sourced parts at GM’s White Marsh, Md., manufacturing facility, and the first time a U.S. automaker has built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the United States.

Spark EV’s long-life battery is designed to be safe, durable and reliable, and is warranted for eight years or 160,000 kilometres. It consists of a 560-pound (254 kg) square lithium-ion battery pack with a volume of 133 liters, comprising 336 prismatic cells.

Spark EV is the first all-electric vehicle in North America to offer optional SAE Combo DC Fast Charge capability, which can charge the battery to 80 percent of capacity in about 20 minutes. A common on-board charging receptacle accommodates all three charging platforms – DC Fast Charge, AC 240V and AC 120V.

Using a dedicated 240V outlet, Spark EV recharges in less than seven hours. Owners can coordinate charging according to departure time or during off-peak electricity rates. 

In developing the Spark EV, Chevrolet set out to help customers conserve as much total energy as possible to maximize battery range. One important way to achieve that is by improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics. By evaluating every detail of the gasoline-powered Spark, designers and aerodynamic engineers added the equivalent of about 2.5 miles of real-world range.

Spark EV colours include Electric Blue, Black Granite, Summit White, Silver Ice and Titanium. Inside, designers sought to create a comfortable and spacious cockpit with noise-reduction features and a combination of bright accents in Electric Blue and chrome.

The Prius v delivers advanced acceleration, braking and ride comfort plus terrific fuel efficiency and low emissions thanks to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. The most proven hybrid system on the planet, the Hybrid Synergy Drive is specially adopted to each model. In the 2013 Toyota Prius v, the hybrid system is built around a highly efficient Atkinson Cycle 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with a lightweight aluminum alloy block, a high-torque electric motor, high-capacity storage battery and sophisticated power management system. This combination delivers 134 net system horsepower and seamlessly shifts between gas engine, electric motor or a combination of the two to maximize power and efficiency at every speed, under any driving condition. Coupled to a continuously variable transmission, the result is impressive torque for smooth and confident acceleration through a large speed range, remarkable fuel efficiency of 4.5 L / 100 KM city/highway combined, and tailpipe emissions that are a fraction of those from a conventional crossover.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive also enables many features unique to hybrids, from the added power and efficiency of regenerative braking to four driver-selectable driving options (Normal, Power and ECO plus Electric Vehicle mode for short distances) to suit any style and driving condition. Hybrid powered comfort, convenience and style features include front seat automatic in-cabin temperature control system, an ECO Drive monitor and more. Additional standard features include a six-speaker, 6.1”display audio system; Bluetooth connectivity for personal electronics; steering wheel-mounted controls for HVAC and audio systems; power door locks with touch-sensitive driver door handle lock/unlock feature; back-up camera; the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start; power windows with auto up/down function on all windows; tilting/telescoping steering column; plenty of thoughtful in-cabin and cargo area storage systems including hidden storage under the cargo floor, upper and lower glove box, and in-door integrated bottle holders; map lamps; 16” aluminum alloy wheels with locks; LED tail lamps; and more.

The Touring Package, starting at $33,445 MSRP, enhances the Prius v with numerous upgrades including LED headlamps, the auto leveling headlamp system, larger 17” aluminum alloy wheels and a resin panoramic sunroof.

The 2013 Toyota Prius v is now on sale at Toyota Dealers across Canada. For more information on features and specifications, visit www.toyota.ca/Priusv.

2013 Toyota Avalon