The electric Mazda MX-30 spearheads a new electrification strategy for the Japanese car maker. This will include plug-in hybrids and hybrid variants of existing models plus more EVs, the latter developed as a result of its EV tie-up with Toyota and Denso. Mazda has not yet confirmed when we’ll see the next electrified model in its line-up, but we expect a plug-in hybrid to arrive in the next 18 months. This is likely to be based on a high-volume model such as the Mazda 3 in order to help achieve new European emissions targets coming in 2021. While the Mazda MX-30 is a standalone electric vehicle, there are no definitive plans to create a separate range of EVs. Talking at Tokyo motor show, Ikuo Maeda, design and brand boss, said: “Some manufacturers are creating a separate brand for EVs, but we are not doing that. We want to establish EVs in our existing Mazda portfolio.” Mazda also wants its EVs to have the same styling as existing models. Talking about the MX-30, Maeda said: “We wanted to maintain a high quality of design. Instead of just pursuing something new simply because its EV, we want to make sure it fitted with our Kodo design language.” However, he added that the model is intended to trial a slightly different take on Mazda design. “If we don’t trial different things, design would not evolve, but the fact we did this with the MX-30 is unrelated to it being an
Origin: Mazda MX-30 spearheads electrification plans for maker
Mitsubishi keeps the EV ball rolling with the funky Mi-Tech concept
Mitsubishi Mi-Tech conceptHandout / Mitsubishi What is it?Mitsubishi is capitalizing on its unexpected leadership in the plug-in SUV segment. For now the Mi-Tech is a concept, but Mitsubishi has something of a history of making bold or at least unexpected moves.Why does it matter?Mitsubishi, having already sold 200,000 Outlander PHEVs worldwide, finds itself not only the most popular plug-in SUV in Canada, but the whole world. Not one to look such a gift horse in the mouth, Mitsu is looking for ways to expand on its zero-emissions leadership, hence the Mi-Tech concept revealed here at the Tokyo Motor Show.Check out all of our latest auto show coverageRadically different, the Mi-Tech is a convertible crossover concept unique in offering no less than four electric motors. Yes, a separate electric motor at each wheel, which means as you may have already guessed the resultant Quad Motor 4WD System system is able to control each wheel independently. Like the Outlander PHEV, the Mi-Tech has a range extending fossil fuelled engine. But, it a complete departure its a concept, after all the Mi-Techs range extender isnt an internal combustion engine. Instead, in the most radical departure yet for a hybrid vehicle, the Mi-Techs range is extended by a gas turbine engine.The reasons for the way-rad powertrain, says Mitsubishi, are many. For one, gas turbines are small and compact. More importantly, they put out an amazing amount of power given their small size. They also and this is of no small import, given the hoped-for global impact of a plug-in SUV can run on multiple fuels; besides gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and alcohol are all turbine-friendly. When is it coming?Exactly like this? Never. Its a concept. As far-fetched as a convertible crossover may seem, however, one shouldnt discount Mitsubishis willingness to innovate where others fear to tread. If anyone can make a turbine-powered hybrid commercially viable, its Mitsubishi.Should you buy it?Mitsubishi firmly believes that a plug-in hybrid powertrain is ideal for mid-sized vehicles that travel frequently over long distances. We agree. As for the turbine, its been tried numerous times over the years most notably by Chrysler, but in all those cases, it was the primary powerplant. Turbines have terrible transient response i.e. they respond poorly to throttle inputs but they are very efficient at steady speeds, exactly what a PHEV needs as a range-extender in a plug-in hybrid. This concept is not as crazy as it might seam. Lets hope Mitsubishi pursues
Origin: Mitsubishi keeps the EV ball rolling with the funky Mi-Tech concept
First Drive: 2020 Subaru Outback
2020 Subaru OutbackBrian Harper / Driving WHITEHORSE, Yukon Although its sales in Canada currently have it in third place in behind the Crosstrek and Forester, the Subaru Outback remains the manufacturers most iconic nameplate, as well as its most successful marketing coup taking a Legacy station wagon, jacking it up, adding on some macho body cladding, larger wheels and mud flaps, and then having Australian actor Paul Hogan (a.k.a. Crocodile Dundee) pitch it in commercials. Beating the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 to market by a year or two, the public, sensing the need for compact, all-wheel-drive, winter-friendly transportation, ate it up.Twenty-five years later, the sixth generation version makes its debut, having long ago lost most of the plastic cladding that identified its predecessors, yet retaining the core attributes far more car-like ride and handling than the bulk of its crossover rivals, paired to characteristics that define both the Outback and Subaru, including standard full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive, 220 millimetres of ground clearance, and Subarus standard X-Mode assist with hill descent control.Of course, Subaru, not wanting to upset its very loyal customer base who, according to the companys marketing gurus, loath change for the sake of change has made sure the new model is instantly familiar to one and all. So, yes, the Outback is now packed with the latest in comfort, convenience and safety features, and its exterior dimensions and cargo room have increased slightly, though it retains the same wheelbase. But it looks a lot like the previous model which is to say, if you squint your eyes, its profile resembles a hiking boot.The standard 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is familiar, albeit now thoroughly overhauled with 90 per cent new parts and putting out a few extra horses 182 horsepower, to be exact, plus 176 pound-feet of torque as well as direct injection and automatic start/stop for reduced emissions. The optional 3.6L six-cylinder from the previous two generations has been deep-sixed in favour of a more powerful, turbocharged 2.4L Boxer four-cylinder that pumps out a solid 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. (It should not come as a surprise that these same two engines are found in the equally new 2020 Legacy sedan.) Towing capacity also increases to 3,500 pounds from the four-cylinders 2,700. Conservatively restyled it might be, but the 2020 Outback is now built on the modular Subaru Global platform that, along with an increase in the use of structural adhesive and ultra-high tensile-strength steel, means a much stiffer car. Subaru claims torsional- and front-suspension rigidity increase 70 per cent and front lateral flexural- and rear-subframe rigidity increase 100 per cent compared to the previous Outbacks platform. So the car a $40,995 Premier model with the 2.5L engine was more than tough enough to handle what turned out to be remarkably smooth (and lightly travelled) highways. We headed south from Whitehorse, through northern B.C. and into Skagway, Alaska for lunch, just in time to bump into a horde of tourists coming ashore from two cruise ships.The Outback proved to be impressively quiet over the entire route, no matter the road surface. Equally notable was the crossovers ride and handling. The Outback offered up well-damped suspension and an agility bordering on jaunty the standard active torque vectoring holding up its end in the sweepers. The steering is light to the touch and a bit remote, though, seemingly more so in models with the turbo-four.As with the new Legacy we sampled a few weeks ago, the Outbacks 2.5L Boxer four is smoother and quieter than the engine in the previous-generation model. The issue is a paucity of solid mid-range urge, the engine requiring a solid prod of the gas pedal needed for passing pokier RVs on steeper, longer inclines. Stepping up to one of the XT trim levels, which comes with the turbo-four and an additional 78 horsepower, renders this issue moot. An added plus is that the turbo engine is engineered to perform on regular-grade 87 octane.After lunch, we grabbed the keys to the newest addition to the Outback model range the Outdoor XT ($38,695) touted by Subaru as the most off-road-ready version to date. Though the engine and transmission are the same as the other two XTs (Limited and Premier), the Outdoor gets dual-function X-Mode, which adds Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to the equation. There are a few detail differences as well, including all-weather seat surfaces, heavy-duty floor mats, a front-view camera and a full-size spare tire instead of a doughnut. A quick off-road detour onto a hilly and rutted dirt trail showcased the Outdoors competency as far more than a suburban mall assault vehicle. Whether out adventuring or just heading to the local Dairy Queen for a milkshake and a burger, families get the peace of mind that comes from Subarus standard
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Subaru Outback
The RX-8’s spirit lives on in Mazda’s first electric vehicle
What is it? The MX-30 is the first EV from Mazda. Its also the production version of the prototype we drove a couple of months ago in NorwayWhy does it matter? Well, for one thing the MX-30 breaks from the EV orthodoxy that says the cure for range anxiety is bigger batteries. In its current guise, its 355-volt battery tops out at 35.5 kWh, which, though Mazda has not released final figures, should be good for 200 kilometres or so of all-electric motoring. That should be more than enough for most peoples daily commutes, even those commuting into large urban centres from suburban outreaches.But instead of offering bigger batteries for those looking for inter city travel, Mazda is adding a range-extending, gasoline-fed engine so that the current lack of a recharging infrastructure. And not just any range extender, but a rotary engine the likes last seen in the companys RX-8 sports coupe. Not only is the Wankel engine more compact, affording the MX-30 generous cabin space, but held at a constant rpm (as generators are wont to do) rotaries can prove quite frugal. In other words, the MX-30 looks to be the EV the world needs enough electric range to motor daily without emissions and a convenient range extender for long-distance motoring if not the EV it desires. Another takeaway from the RX-8 is the MX-30s rear suicide doors Mazda calls them freestyle that open from the rear. Like the RX-8s, they are smaller than traditional rear doors but open a ingress/egress-aiding 80 degrees. Looks wise, Mazda says the MX-30 shows off its new Human Modern design. What they really mean is that its a slightly European take on the classic sport-cute. For those looking for current offering to judge the MX-30 against, the new Mazda is about the same size as Kias Niro.Inside, the cabin is perhaps that should be read easily the best yet crafted by Mazda. Pretty much all the controls even the air conditioning system are now touchscreen controlled, the dashboard is ultra clean with barely a switch of button to interrupt its horizontal flow, and Mazda has trotted out some Heritage Cork trim to highlight the MX-30s greenness.When is it coming?We will be getting the MX-30 in the second half of 2020, and pointing out the importance of Canada to Mazda and its EV aspirations I suspect the former should be read avoiding penalties from Quebecs ZEV mandate we will be one of the first three markets to receive MX-30s.Check out all of our latest auto show coverageShould you buy it?Well, that depends on how pretentious and gullible you are. If you fall for the Elon Musk logic that anything short of a pure EV is climate change denial and that one needs at least 500 kilometres of range to be considered a real EV, then I dont think the MX-30 is for you.But if youre looking for a pragmatic solution to the automobiles future, the MX-30 with its rotary range extender will let you cut 80 per cent of your greenhouse gas emissions (and your monthly gasoline bill) while having the combined convenience of charging at home and gassing up quickly on the highway. From that perspective, it might be the best thing
Origin: The RX-8’s spirit lives on in Mazda’s first electric vehicle
Toyota teases retro-inspired custom Supra 3000GT for SEMA
Toyotas concept car reveal scheduled for SEMA 2019 is a coupe that pays tribute to the A80 Supra 3000GT concept of the 1990s.Starting with a 2020 GT Supra, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) takes the already-wild-looking vehicle and adds a few more touches to make it the Supra most of us think about when the name is uttered.The hood has those four familiar cutouts, while the big wing makes a return to the rear. Wide fender flares round out the body, as well as the changes.Toyota released an almost-six-minute video detailing what made the original 3000GT of 1994 stand out, and we can see the automaker wants the 2020 Supra to stand out in the same way as a real racing machine. Stylized flashes of the vehicle in production show a lot of the details, including mapping out the awesome hood grilles and the rear spoiler.As for the engine, we can assume TRD wont leave that alone. The straight-six makes 335 horsepower from three turbocharged litres, and we know theres room for more, as the same engine makes 382 horsepower between the fenders of its German cousin. Well have to wait until the vehicle is unveiled for true figures, though.In Japan, upgrade parts like the ones that will be fit to the 3000GT are already available. We hope that with the unveiling of the concept at the aftermarket showcase show, wide-body kits and wings will be available for North Americans to buy straight from the
Origin: Toyota teases retro-inspired custom Supra 3000GT for SEMA
After Mercedes, Volvo and Audi are bailing out from Montreal Auto Show
The Detroit auto show also known as the North American International Auto Show will, in 2020, leave behind its traditional still-hung-over-from-New-Years January time slot for a new its-not-freezing-any-more date in June.Thatll make LeSalon International de Montréal – a.k.a. the SIAM, still hosted in January the first major North American auto show of the year.Does that mean that, three months before its doors open to the public, the 2020 Montreal International Auto Show will see even more concepts cars, world premières or more firecrackers, rock bands and other fanfare?It doesnt seem like it. In fact, the latest news is two more manufacturers are bailing out of the Quebec rendezvous. The organizers, the Corporation des concessionnaires d’automobiles de Montréal, learned a few days ago Audi and Volvo wont show their new vehicles at the downtown Palais des Congrès during the shows January 17 to 26 run for 2020.That implies Polestar, Volvos new electric-performance brand, which just announced Montreal would play home to its first North American dealership, wont catch any of the eyes of the metropoles Auto Show 200,000 visitors.These two absentees join an already-not-coming Mercedes-Benz; corporate in Germany announced last September the best-selling luxury brand in Canada and the U.S. would be a no-show at all North American exhibitions this year.But, in Montreal, though Mercedes-Benz wont be represented as a manufacturer, local dealerships have accepted the shows offer of a small area outside the main floor, where theyll display their latest products, says SIAM vice-president Denis Dessureault.Its not the first time Montreals automotive rendezvous has to deal with AWOL manufacturers. Most notably, at the turn of this century, a bunch of luxury brands decided to skip the Montreal Auto Show, then held at the Olympic Stadium, over its crashed roof, and organized their own annual event at Place Bonaventure. It lasted only two years.More recently, we saw Porsche drop out of the SIAM picture from 2012 to 2014; it came back in 2015, though Volvo didnt participate that year, nor in 2016.Volvo also bails from Toronto’s CIASWhat about the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), scheduled for its 47th run at the Metro Toronto Convention Center from February 14 to 24 next year? Well, theres good news and bad news.Yes, Audi will show its new products in la Ville-Reine, confirms spokesperson Cort Nielsen, adding the Montreal no-show decision was taken by the Montreal dealers.The bad news? Volvo wont participate in Torontos CIAS, despite the auto show being the biggest in Canada with 350,000 visitors and despite Ontarios market registering 42 per cent of all new cars sold each year in the country.For now, only Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are out of the CIAS, though. That brings us to a total of 38 brands for this 2020 edition, general manager Jason Campbell told Driving.ca. He quietly added that the floor space vacated by Benz was quickly grabbed up by competitor BMW-Mini.No confirmations for the 100th annual Vancouver Auto ShowWhen it comes to the Vancouver International Auto Show, an event celebrating its 100th anniversary in March, nothing is confirmed, or not confirmed We dont secure our dealers that quickly, executive director Jason Heard told us.That said, Vancouvers automotive rendezvous already dealt with an absent Mercedes-Benz last year, as did Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec City, New York, ChicagoAnd it could be so much worst. The 2019 NAIAS, the last North American International Auto Show held in Detroit in its usual January slot, had to deal with a much longer list of absentees. Audi, BMW-Mini, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche and Volvo all skipped that
Origin: After Mercedes, Volvo and Audi are bailing out from Montreal Auto Show
Electric London black cab launches with 187-mile range
A pure electric black cab has been launched, rivalling the plug-in hybrid LEVC TX and offering up to 187 miles of range. The Dynamo Taxi, produced by new cab maker Dynamo, is the first fully electric taxi since the 1897 Bersey Taxi. The vehicle is based on the Nissan e-NV200 Evalia MPV, which Dynamo buys from the maker and modifies. Dynamo has added wheelchair accessibility and re-kitted the model’s interior to meet strict London taxi regulations. Other changes include incorporating contactless payment into the Evalia’s infotainment system. There is also an enlarged glass roof and heated seats, while Dynamo claims the seating has been overhauled to better cater for passengers. The cab has the same drivetrain as the standard Nissan e-NV200, producing a range of up to 187 miles. Recharging the Dynamo from empty to 80% takes between 40 and 60 minutes on a 46kW fast charge. The reworked Nissan also benefits from a significantly tighter turning circle to help drivers navigate London’s streets. Dynamo aims to produce at least 500 taxis next year, with a minimum of 1500 targeted for 2021. Although the taxi was launched in London, Dynamo hopes they will be adopted across the UK. Dynamo CEO Brendan O’Toole said: “The UK’s new-car market is experiencing an electric revolution, with record numbers of fully electric vehicle registrations taking place each year. Electric vehicle technology is now a viable alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles, and it’s imperative the UK’s taxi market changes with the times. “The Dynamo Taxi is the UK’s first Transport for London-approved fully electric taxi and is designed with both drivers and passengers in mind. With a low starting price, and a reliable vehicle architecture in the Nissan e-NV200, we are offering a truly unique solution to the tens of thousands of taxi drivers in London and cities across the UK.” The taxi costs £55,495 outright. This figure is reduced to £47,955 for buyers eligible for a £7500 government plug-in car
Origin: Electric London black cab launches with 187-mile range
Watch: Five times Sentry Mode put Tesla-haters in their place
Teslas Sentry Mode is a powerful tool against people who want to do ill will, and although it cant stop accidents or idiots from doing harm, its a great way to capture irrefutable evidence to use against them.What exactly is “Sentry Mode”? Probably just one of the most well-received features Elon Musks ever pushed across an over-the-air update to his cars software.If you lean on, bump into or scratch a Tesla with Sentry Mode activated, it will display an alert on the screen that says the cameras are recording and, as warned, it will activate several cameras all around the car to capture whats happening to it.If a window is broken, or the car is broken into, Sentry will sound the alarm, increase the screen brightness to full, and plays music through the audio system at maximum volume.Owners will get a notification on their Tesla app if this occurs, and they will be able to download a video of the incident.Suffice it to say, many, many Tesla owners have already found this digital guard dog very helpful. Here are five times Sentry Mode put Tesla-haters in their place.Patriotic KeyingPlenty of people have keyed Teslas, and plenty of those key-ings have been caught by Sentry Mode, but this video really takes the cake.Two dudes walk up from what we can only assume is an old-time-y saloon, drunk out of their minds and ready to give the beat down to anybody who disrespects Merica (as spelled out on the one guys patriotic T-shirt).Since electric cars are, obviously, the most un-American thing in the whole world, the two men decide to key the Tesla, and then stand back to admire their work. Not enough patriotism! were imagining one saying to the other, before going in for a second key-ing and smashing their drivers door into the side of the American-designed American-built American-owned Tesla.The two individuals actually turned themselves in two days later, after being visited in a dream by the ghost of Abraham Lincoln, probably.Swerving TruckThis incident happened to a Tesla Model X driver in Los Gatos, Spanish for the cats. Unlike los gatos, though, heres nothing cute and cuddly about what happened here. A Ford F-150 crosses the double-yellow line and swerves to smash into the front of the vehicle on a downhill section of road in California.Perhaps the truck driver was upset the Tesla turned onto the main road while the Ford was quickly coming down the hill, forcing the driver to apply the brakes, but that doesnt really permit him to cross a double-yellow line and deliberately crash into the Tesla.This could have turned out much worse, as a crash at high speeds could have sent the vehicle into a spin, or activated the airbags, or led to a myriad of other potentially life-threatening situations. After the video was posted, the truck driver was identified as Dennis Munns, 32; he was charged for a hit-and-run.Spinning MercedesUnlike the other videos on this list, this one actually doesnt involve a Tesla being damaged in any way. However, Sentry Mode can also capture when vehicles get close enough to do harm, and this definitely could have done some harm.For some reason, the driver in this Mercedes decided it would be a fun idea to swerve right up next to the Tesla perhaps just to give the owner a funny video to watch? At any rate, his driving talent runs out almost immediately, and he ends up spinning onto a neighbours lawn. Way to go, you really showed that Tesla owner whos boss!A bunch of teenagers jump out of the car and flee, while the driver runs over his own inner wheel well and drives off with all the doors open. Clearly, were looking at some upstanding individuals, all with ambitions of being the next president of the United States. Or theyre drunk.Fist FightWhat starts off as what looks like two friends walking into a parking lot together in Washington D.C. turns into a flailing, flopping punching match, and its all caught on camera by a nearby Tesla.At one point, one of the men actually flicks his flip-flop at the other one in an attempt to distract him and go in for the big one, but his overreaching punch is dodged. The comments of the video suggest its staged and fake, which would explain why everybody is wearing the same t-shirt, unless this is a very strange team-building exercise.Throughout the entire fight, its not clear if either of the men actually land a good hit on each other, but nevertheless, its great entertainment thanks to Teslas Sentry Mode. Whether or not they were arrested or given a TV show is unknown.Breaking ButtsTeslas Sentry Mode caught this incident on camera in Stanford, California, of a man who decided to try and break into the vehicle by breaking the quarter window and accessing the trunk.The owner posted on Twitter about the incident, praising the Telsa for having a subtle but powerful layer of protection thanks to Sentry Mode. Too bad the perp didnt have an extra layer of protection over his cheeks.Sorry to be an old man, but seriously, dude, nobody wants to see
Origin: Watch: Five times Sentry Mode put Tesla-haters in their place
Sketches show sporty Skoda Kamiq GT for China
Skoda has previewed a sporty GT version of the Chinese version of the Kamiq compact SUV. The new China-only model looks to follow in the footsteps of the larger Kodiaq GT, revealed a year ago in Guangzhou, in adopting a sloping coupé-style roofline, flared wheel arches, a subtle rear spoiler and reshaped bumpers. Skoda has not previewed the car’s interior, but says it offers “a blend of rugged SUV looks and sporty dynamics”. The brand has also confirmed that performance-inspired front seats, decorative trim elements and exclusive material choices will be unique to the GT. The Kamiq GT was previewed earlier this year with the Vision GT concept, which Skoda claimed to be “perfectly tailored to the needs of Chinese customers with compact proportions, generous space and elegantly dynamic design”. Styling elements that look to be carried through to production include a bespoke alloy wheel design, chrome front winglets and chunky black lower trim. The new model is based on the standard version of the Chinese Kamiq, which is built on Skoda’s older PQ platform and unrelated to the small SUV of the same name sold in Europe. Powertrain details are unconfirmed, but the 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit available on European models is likely to be an option. Expect a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to feature as standard. The Kamiq GT will be Skoda’s fifth SUV to go on sale in China, joining the standard Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT in dealerships around the country, where the brand has achieved notable sales success since its Chinese launch in 2007. It is unlikely the model will be sold outside China, but Skoda is understood to be monitoring market response to the new Kodiaq GT, to determine its viability for a European or US launch. Skoda will reveal the Kamiq GT on 4 November at an event in
Origin: Sketches show sporty Skoda Kamiq GT for China
Lexus could expand line-up with smaller cars
Lexus could expand its line-up and make smaller cars in the future because of market changes sparked by the growing popularity of SUVs. Speaking at the Tokyo motor show, the firm’s executive vice-president, Koji Saro, said there was evidence that well-executed smaller cars could be sold for higher prices, because of shifts in how customers perceive value. In particular, SUVs are more profitable than same-sized hatchbacks because they are perceived to be bigger due to their raised ride height. “Smaller doesn’t always mean cheaper now, so trends are changing,” said Sato. “I can’t say clearly that it is something we will do, but we are looking at all vehicle opportunities.” Such an SUV would sit below the recently launched Lexus UX crossover, with a likely starting price well below £30,000. However, Sato hinted that part of the appeal of creating smaller cars was that buyers are increasingly willing to raise the transaction price by buying options. “What customers want is individuality,” he said. Sato also vowed that Lexus would keep making distinctive cars, including convertibles and F-branded models powered by high-performance, non-electrified engines. “We must cater for people who enjoy their driving,” he
Origin: Lexus could expand line-up with smaller cars
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