2020 Lexus RX 450hHandout / Lexus Dozens of newer Toyota and Lexus vehicles are being stolen across Ontario with a simple trick that allows the thieves to just drive the vehicle away, CBC News reports.To steal the vehicles, the thieves use an amplifier to boost the signal of the cars key fob, assuming its within range of the vehicle. The signal is then captured, and the car can be driven without the fob nearby. More than 100 vehicles from across Canada have been stolen so far.While Toyota and Lexus vehicles seem to be targeted most often, its likely any vehicle with a key fob could be broken into using this system.Most of the stolen vehicles are destined for resale in Africa and the Middle East, explain authorities, which probably has more to do with why popular Toyota and Lexus vehicles are swiped most often.Toyota has suggested owners put their key fob in a Faraday pouch, which shields the device from radio signals. Some owners have also resorted to putting their fobs in the microwave or the freezer.Owners should also consider equipping more safeguards against the thefts, David Shum, Toyota spokesperson, said in an email to the CBC, such as an aftermarket alarm system, steering wheel lock and diagnostic-port lock.Also, if it doesnt go without saying, dont leave your key fob near the front door where thieves can easily steal the
Origin: Thieves stealing Toyota, Lexus vehicles using key fob ‘relay’, police warn
Quick Spin: 2020 Jeep Compass
2020 Jeep CompassJil McIntosh When Jeep brought out the all-new Compass for 2017, it burdened it with the baggage of that old name. If you only knew the Compass as the plasticky little lump based off the Dodge Caliber, its now worth another look.For 2020, the Compass gets some updates, including new safety packages, ventilated front seats, and premium speakers on some levels, as well as a new exterior shade of red. I had the chance to take the Compass for a quick spin at an event earlier this year; pricing hasnt been announced for 2020, but the 2019 version starts at $25,900 before freight and taxes, or any discounts.Based on the same platform as the Cherokee and Renegade, the Compass carries a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. The Sport and North trim levels come in front- or all-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Trailhawk and Limited come only in all-wheel-drive, and use a nine-speed automatic. That all-wheel system is called Jeep Active Drive, and powers the front wheels until driving conditions dictate the rear wheels should see some action as well. On the Trailhawk, it also includes a selectable low range that gives it a 20:1 crawl ratio, plus skid plates and more ground clearance. While I drove the Limited, Ive taken the Trailhawk on a couple of tough off-road courses and was surprised at how capable it is on the rough stuff. The Wrangler has nothing to worry about, but a Compass Trailhawk owner can still have some fun.At the Limited trim, its more about appearance and comfort. To that end, this top trim includes 18-inch wheels, an auto-dimming mirror, heated seats and steering wheel, and leather seats with perforated inserts. Standard items across all trim levels include a height-adjustable cargo floor, Uconnect infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a tire pressure monitoring system.The Compass is a fairly hefty little machine, and this little engine has to churn pretty hard when you want to get somewhere in a hurry. If you put your foot down for passing power, theres a bit of a lag waiting for the transmission come on board with the right gear, and the engines noisy as it accelerates. But it gets quiet and moves along well once its up to speed, and while the transmission does its best to get up into the fuel-saving higher gears as quickly as possible, its fairly smooth as it shifts. The ride is comfortable and the cabin is quiet, and steering and handling are about average for the segment theres a little bit of lean around very sharp corners, but its fine for the daily commute. While the Limiteds all-wheel-drive system determines when to shift power to all four wheels, you can dial in settings to optimize it for snow, sand, or mud the Trailhawk adds a choice for rock. Theres also a 4WD Lock button that keeps the system engaged at low speeds for extra traction when youre pulling out of snow or mud.The Compass is handsomely styled inside, and with simple controls for the climate settings albeit without a lot of small-item storage to stash your phone or other everyday-carry items. As far as simplicity goes, all infotainment systems should be as good as FCAs Uconnect, with its intuitive icons and menus. But the Compass is still a small vehicle, and while legroom isnt that bad given the footprint, its also narrow and so there isnt a great deal of elbow room. But theres a decent among of cargo space, especially when the 60/40 rear seats are folded, and the multi-level cargo floor gives you the option of extra cargo height or setting it higher to hide valuables under it.I expect pricing to remain fairly constant to the 2019 models, and if so, youll probably find that the higher Compass trim levels seem a bit much for what you get. On the plus side, its nicely sized for tight city spots, and its got Jeep know-how for its all-wheel system. Its far from perfect, but its certainly worth a look in the
Origin: Quick Spin: 2020 Jeep Compass
Plugged In: The changing face of electric vehicle clubs
Bruce Stout with the Steam Whistle restored truck at Electrafest, a green mobility movement display of electric transportion options on Pacific Blvd at Carrall St. in Vancouver.Les Bazso/PNG Electric vehicle clubs have been around for decades, and up until just recently their memberships consisted of backyard tinkerers converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Now that most global automakers are producing Evs, where does that leave these clubs? In this week’s episode of Plugged In we talk with Bruce Stout of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association about that and much more. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: Plugged In: The changing face of electric vehicle clubs
Buick will become a crossover-only brand in 2021, killing off Regal
2018 Buick Regal GS Buick will kill off its Regal sedan in Canada after 2020, making the brands product range crossovers only for model year 2021, a spokesperson told magazine Motor Authority.The four-door will say good-bye to the North American market, where crossovers made up almost 90 per cent of Buick sales this year, says Stuart Fowle of Buick and GMC communications, but will remain on sale in China, where demand for sedans is still strong.In Canada, Regal sales in 2019 are the highest theyve been since 2016, with about 747 units moved to-date.The mid-size LaCrosse left the Buick lineup earlier this year, and the Regals being axed will leave the brand with a range of En-named utilities, from the subcompact Encore to the full-size Enclave.The current-generation Buick Regal is built by German automaker Opel, which General Motors sold off in 2018, around the time of this gens debut. The two companies worked out an agreement where GM pays Opel to build the car for it.The 2020 Buick Regals sold in China recently refreshed by Opel will apparently continue to be built for GM by the German company. We wont be getting that updated car in Canada next year, though, just a continuation of the 2019
Origin: Buick will become a crossover-only brand in 2021, killing off Regal
Report: Most British drivers could feasibly swap to an electric car
Most UK drivers could make the switch to an electric car with no impact on their motoring lifestyle, according to the results of a new survey carried out by Peugeot. Research found that British drivers will travel an average of 79 miles over the Christmas period (often one of the longest drives of the year) – a distance well within the capabilities of the majority of mainstream electric vehicles. Peugeot said that more than a third of respondents said they would be “comfortable doing all of their Christmas travels between 23 December and 2 January” in an electric vehicle, despite the fact that EVs currently make up just 1.4% of the UK car market. The results also show that two thirds of drivers will make at least one stop during their Christmas journeys, during which an EV’s battery could be considerably topped up by a motorway rapid charge point – with which most new electric vehicles are compatible. Aside from the feasibility of ownership, Peugeot said that swapping into an electric vehicle would save the average motorist from emitting nearly 1.6 tonnes of CO2 over Christmas. The manufacturer has just launched its e-208 electric supermini in the UK; it offers a claimed range of 217 miles and is available to order from
Origin: Report: Most British drivers could feasibly swap to an electric car
The newest Popemobile is a humble Dacia Duster
The Pope has a new whip, and it might not be what you expect unless you were expecting it to be a Dacia Duster, Autoblog reports.A far cry from the Lamborghini Huracan gifted to him previously, the Dacia, a much more humble vehicle, suits this much more humble Pontiff.Dacia, a Romanian company owned by Renault, built the car specially for His Holiness with the help of coachbuilder Romturingia.It started out as a standard second-generation Duster, but has obviously had a few modifications done to it to make it befitting of the head of the Catholic church, like, most notably, the extra glass windshield, which gives it a more golf-kart-like appearance. The Duster has also been lowered to aid with ingress and egress, and the rear bench seat is extra-comfy, were told.Under the hood of the Dacia is either a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or a 1.5-liter turbodiesel were not sure which, though we know its a four-wheel-drive model. This means that it could rock either 130 or 115 horsepower, respectively, more than enough to parade around Vatican City.When Pope Francis isnt putting himself on display, hes usually tootled around the Vatican in a 1984 Renault 4 GTL, given to him by a fellow priest. It doesnt get any more humble than
Origin: The newest Popemobile is a humble Dacia Duster
First Drive: 2020 Lexus RX
2020 Lexus RXPeter Bleakney / Driving Its been 20 years since Lexus launched the RX 300, long before the term luxury crossover was such an integral fixture in our automotive lexicon. Thats because Lexus tall, uni-body, leather-lined four-wheeler with zero off-road pretensions was the original. Range Rover may be credited for introducing the first luxury off-roader, but Lexus lays claim to this whole ritzy soft-roader thing that has spread like wildfire. To this day, the RX is Lexus best-selling model and remains the top selling vehicle in the segment.For 2020, the fourth-generation RX gets a mid-cycle makeover that includes styling tweaks, updates to the infotainment system, and retuned steering and suspension bits. If you like the RXs bold styling, dont worry: Lexus hasnt toned it down. The huge spindle grille is as in-your-face as ever, but now is better integrated into a visage that incorporates slimmer headlights and bumpers contours that echo the grill. New L-motif taillights, fresh wheel designs and a new hue Moonbeam Beige Metallic round out the visual updates.Powertrains carry forward, which means the RX 350 runs with a naturally-aspirated, 295-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 hooked to an eight-speed automatic, while the RX 450h hybrid uses an Atkinson-cycle version of said engine along with two electric motors one powers the rear wheels for a total system output of 308 horsepower. A CVT does duty here. This 2020 refresh addresses a number of infotainment issues that were starting to dog the Lexus RX. First and foremost, Apple CarPay and Android Auto are now standard, and the roundly-criticized joystick controller on the centre console is replaced with a marginally less-frustrating track pad. Helping most with functionality here is a touchscreen (eight-inches on base models, upgradable to 12.3-inch split display on higher trims) which is probably the easiest way to get around this infotainment system. The screen sits 5.5 inches closer to the driver, although those with short arms will still find it a reach. Lexus also claims a simplified menu structure and larger touch points. Furthermore, on the tech front, the smartphone Lexus App allows for remote starting and locking, plus the monitoring such things as fuel level, odometer reading, and the position of the windows and sunroof.All 2020 Lexus RX models get the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which adds to the standard safety systems a suite that includes daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) that, in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control system, affords a certain degree of semi-autonomous motoring when conditions allow.First up on this snowy test drive was a RX350 (base $56,050) with the $9,000 F-Sport Series 2 package that adds a whack of kit the 12.3-inch screen, F-sport seats, 20-inch wheels, front and rear LED lighting, rear cross-traffic braking, adaptive dampers, sports suspension, and more. The Circuit Red sport seats are superb comfy yet very supportive and like all Lexus products, the RXs interior is rich and beautifully crafted. All controls work with silken precision, and standard across the board are metal paddle-shifters. Are these a harbinger of an RX that cuts a sharper path through the bends? Kind of. Its actually hard to sense any appreciable handling difference without a direct comparison to a 2019 model, but if anything my backside tells me anything, the 2020 is a bit tighter. Credit a stiffer structure, new hollow anti-sway bars, and retuned dampers. The RXs steering is still numb, and it really shows no newfound appetite for on-ramp hijinks. But more to the point is the fact that Lexus hasnt sacrificed the RXs chart-topping core attributes a smooth relaxed ride and hushed cabin in the pursuit of sportiness. Adding to this sense of dont worry hurry, be happy apologies to Bobby McFerrin is the V6 that provides adequate acceleration, but nothing more. Were getting used to mid-range turbo punch these days, and the Lexus aint got it.The RX 450 hybrid feels marginally more lively, but if you really put your foot in it, the CVT has the V6 moaning away while the vehicle pays catch up. However, I did see a heart-warming 8.3 L/100 kilometres over a few hours of driving secondary roads, and for 2020 Lexus has upped the hybrids battery warranty to 10 years or 240,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Is Lexus serious about getting you into a hybrid? Well, youll also be happy to know the RX 450h gets a $5,700 price cut for 2020 now starting at $58,800, it is a scant $2,750 pricier than the gas-only RX 350. Ultimate cargo space in the RX is compromised because of that stylish sloping roof, but at least you can access it easier for 2020. Lexus has reduced the time it takes for the hatch to power open yes, it was glacial before and now offers true foot-swipe operation.The Lexus RX is as much of a success for Lexus as it is for the multiple award-winning
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Lexus RX
Hyundai Nexo sets hydrogen fuel-cell long-distance record
Within the category of zero-emissions options, the hydrogen fuel cell is constantly being eclipsed by electric power. But Hyundai at least thinks it’s worth some attention. The South Korean company’s Nexo SUV recently drove 484 miles (779 km) across France, setting a new world record for the longest distance traveled in a hydrogen-powered vehicle on a single tank. Hyundai chose Bertrand Piccard – Swiss psychiatrist, balloonist and president of the environmental foundation Solar Impulse – to take the wheel of the Nexo. As a champion of zero-emissions travel, Piccard has already circumnavigated the globe in a hot air balloon and a solar-powered plane. “With this adventure, we have proven that with clean technologies, we no longer need revolutionary experimental prototypes to break records,” Piccard said. “Everyone can now do it with standard zero-emission vehicles. A new era in performance is beginning, for the benefit of environmental protection.”The drive took Piccard – along with some famous passengers including government officials and European royalty like H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg – along a tour of Northeastern France, allegedly purifying about as much air as 23 adults breathe in a day and keeping the approximately 111.2 kg of carbon dioxide a gas-powered vehicle would’ve emitted over that distance out of the atmosphere.The Hyundai Nexo also made news earlier this year for its stellar performance in the IIHS crash tests, where it not only didn’t erupt into a fiery ball, but also scored a Top Safety Pick+ award on top of multiple “Good” and “Acceptable” ratings for its safety setups.LISTEN: Electric vehicle clubs have been around for decades, and up until just recently their memberships consisted of backyard tinkerers converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Now that most global automakers are producing EVs, where does that leave these clubs? In this week’s episode of Plugged In we talk with Bruce Stout of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association about that and much more. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: Hyundai Nexo sets hydrogen fuel-cell long-distance record
Greenhouse full of rare Jaguars uncovered in England
A collection of 30-plus vintage Jaguar vehicles were just discovered in a greenhouse next to a museum in Beaulieu, a town on the southern coast of the U.K.The vehicles were discovered by Beaulieu Garage, and, as explained in a Facebook post, most of them are E-Type sports cars. Over 30 classic Jaguars, mostly E-Types, most of which looked like theyd been there a very long time, the post documents as among those uncovered. An offer was made and now I need to work out what to do with a whole lot of rusty metal.The vehicles have been moved from their greenhouse and into a storage facility to be cataloged and sorted out.Condition wise theres a few you could probably get running in a couple of days but most are more long term projects. A greenhouse is not a good place to store vehicles, as the humidity and exposure to sunlight take their toll on metal and fabric. Eventually, though, they will all be sold.We are still cataloging exactly what we have and will be posting the cars up for sale with lots of pictures soon so please follow us for updates.So far, Beaulieu Garage has only posted one vehicle for sale, a 1960 XK150 3.8-Litre Drophead Coupe, which has the distinction of being the last Jaguar car built in Cream colour, and the fourth last XK150 ever built.So if youve ever thought there arent any more project vehicles or barn finds out there, think again. Sometimes theyre right in clear
Origin: Greenhouse full of rare Jaguars uncovered in England
These are leaked photos of the Genesis GV80 luxury SUV
Pictures of Genesis upcoming luxury SUV have leaked online, giving us our best look at the vehicle since the release of the concept.The leak comes courtesy of an Instagram post by @allcarnews, who spotted the vehicle in a warehouse.The GV80 is the Genesis brands first crossover, and is set to compete with the likes of the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7. View this post on Instagram Genesis GV80 LEAKS 🇰🇷 ______________________________________ (12/1/19) Happy December everyone, Genesis is a monster about to emerge and the new GV80 is going to shake up the midsized luxury SUV segment! Now that they have autonomy from Hyundai, Genesis has been hard working on their own infotainments, switchgear, fonts, design and unique components ONLY to the Genesis brands! Their first product to feature this is the upcoming GV80 SUV that will tackle the X5, XC90, GLE, MDX and other SUV’s of that class! The GV80 is based on a RWD chassis derived from the upcoming all new G80 sedan and frankly looks stunning, almost like a Bentayga met the XC90 and created a beast! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🏁 @Allcarnews Spec Sheet: The RWD/AWD GV80 SUV should pack a 3.3L TT V6 currently making 365HP but my sources say it will be revised to produce more power. Other engines could include a base n/a V6 and possibly a turbo-4 as well. Definitely expect a PHEV version in the future as well. 🏁 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Many call Genesis a failure but no one points to their first true lineup yet to be (very soon) released consisting of the ground up new G80 sedan, the facelifted G90, the all new GV80 SUV, the upcoming G70 SUV, a facelifted G70 sedan, and a limited electric supercar in partnership with Rimac! The GV80 features split strip LED lights front and back with a new G-Matrix Genesis grille, and a radical interior design! The interior van be optioned with things like quilted leather, massaging seats and all the hands down best driver assistance systems that even give Tesla’s Autopilot a fun for its money in most conditions. The unique interior design with the horizontal steeringwheel, custom switch gear, integrated infotainment, digital dash and more offer a fresh look on a segment with interiors that have been around for ages cough cough BMW. It is set to go on sale in the US Summer 2020 too! ________________________________________ ACN EXTRA: Super excited for the REAL Genesis!________________________________________ Text by @allcarnews #Genesis #GV80 #GV70 #Hyundai #korean #SUV #V6 #V8 #G80 #Stinger #carbon ||#powerful #performance A post shared by A L L C A R N E W S (@allcarnews) on Dec 1, 2019 at 5:49am PSTIn the styling department, the vehicle seems to remain true to the GV80 Concept, sporting a large pentagon grille thats already made its production debut on the refreshed G90 sedan. The headlights also remained the same, small slits that flank the fascia.Even the inside was leaked, showing the large infotainment screen placed in the middle of the dash, as well as the interesting-looking two-spoke steering wheel. Two knobs are located on the centre console, one for the infotainment and the other for the transmission.The underhood area was not shown, but were assuming the SUV will sport a turbocharged V6 engine, with a four-cylinder hybrid standard. A plug-in hybrid option might also be coming in the future. The platform for the GV80 is the same as the G80s, which means its rear-wheel-drive.Expect the GV80 to make its official debut in early 2020, and to be in dealerships a few months later.LISTEN: Electric vehicle clubs have been around for decades, and up until just recently their memberships consisted of backyard tinkerers converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Now that most global automakers are producing EVs, where does that leave these clubs? In this week’s episode of Plugged In we talk with Bruce Stout of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association about that and much more. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: These are leaked photos of the Genesis GV80 luxury SUV
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