2019 Ford F-150Handout / Ford Ford is recalling more than 30,000 new F-150 trucks in Canada because an improperly attached battery terminal fastener could lead to the engine stalling, the brakes power assistance failing or even to a fire.Some 30,073 F-150s from model years 2019 and 2020 are affected here, as well as about 135,000 units in the U.S. Specifically, the issue is with trucks built between June and October in the Dearborn or Kansas City plants.On affected vehicles, a fastener on the positive terminal of the battery may not be attached properly; if left alone, this could lead to the engine losing power and then stalling, or to the brakes and steering losing their power assistance.While there is also an increased risk of fire, the company has yet to receive any reports of incidents related to this defect. Ford also issued a battery-fastener-related recall on older Lincoln MKX SUVs that may have led to three fires so far.In Canada, that recall concerns 5,253 MKXes from model years 2016 and 2017 equipped with the 3.7-litre V6; and just under 50,000 of the same in the U.S.A fastener on the battery terminals in affected vehicles could short circuit if it contact a transmission cable mechanism, increasing the chance of a fire. Ford says its received three reports of fires likely attributable to the issue, though none resulted in accidents or
Origin: Ford recalls more than 30,000 new trucks in Canada over a fire risk
Canada
Nissan Micra discontinued in Canada for 2020
2019 Nissan Micra SPeter Bleakney / Driving Nissans budget-minded hatchback and Canadian racing series star, the Micra, will be discontinued after 2019.The subcompact car has served the entry-level market well since 2014, and delivered on what we intended Micra to do in its life cycle in Canada, which was expand the segment and bring new customers to the Nissan brand, Nissan spokesperson Claudianne Godin confirmed to autoTRADER.ca.Production of the Canadian vehicle will end in Mexico in December of 2019, apparently so Nissan can focus on other lower-priced models in its lineup like the Kicks and Sentra.Nissan says it has enough stock to hold the company over until the end of 2020, however, so if you still want to get your hands on the small hatch, you have time. The small vehicles biggest selling point was a price tag just over $10,000, a measure the next-generation Micra will not be able to match, says Godin. Thats why the fifth-generation vehicle simply wont be sold in Canada instead.Powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 109 horsepower, the small vehicle was more than adequate as cheap transportation for the masses. With a five-speed manual transmission, it was fun, too.As for the Canada-only Nissan Cup racing series, Godin says the 2020 season will be completely consistent with previous years Micra Cup in terms of execution and engagement with fans and
Origin: Nissan Micra discontinued in Canada for 2020
News Roundup: A Tesla-rivalling Porsche, a Burt Reynolds Trans Am and a Honda unFit for Canada
The Porsche Taycan 4SPorsche Welcome to our weekly round-up of the biggest breaking stories on Driving.ca from this past week. Get caught up and ready to get on with the weekend, because it’s hard keeping pace in a digital traffic jam.Here’s what you missed while you were away.This lower-priced Porsche Taycan wants to take on Tesla’s Model SPorsche has introduced another, more affordable but just-as-attractive variant to the Taycan lineup. The Taycan 4S starts at $119,400, which is about the same as the Panamera 4S, over $50,000 cheaper than the base Taycan Turbo and nearly $100,000 less than the Turbo S. Yeah, it’s a tad more expensive than a Tesla Model S, but can we agree it’s got more style? With twin electric motors, the base all-wheel-drive Taycan 4S gets 407 km of range and manages the sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. Expect to see the Taycan 4S on Canadian roads summer 2020. Toyota may replace recalled Supras with new carsToyota is proposing a drastic solution to what seems on the surface to be a small issue. The problem? Faulty seat belt mount welds. The fix? An entirely new vehicle. That’s right, a BMW recall on certain Toyota Supras may see seven owners driving away with brand-new vehicles, all due to some spotty welding work. “If the driver’s safety belt guide loop mount was not welded to specifications, then in a crash of sufficient severity, the mount could become damaged and may not restrain the driver as designed which would increase the risk of injury to the driver,” the recall reads. Four of seven have already been replaced. Elon Musk forecasts Tesla truck arrival in NovemberAccording to the second-most-influential Twitter user in the world, Elon Musk, the wait for the electric truck is nearly over. The Tesla CEO laid out the schedule for the much-anticipated electric pickup’s arrival earlier this summer and recently Tweet-confirmed everything is still on pace. Styling remains a mystery (see photo above) with Musk touting a design that’s “really futuristic-like cyberpunk Blade Runner design,” but all shall be revealed in no more than a month and a half. U.S. government auctioning Trans Am owned by Burt Reynolds, plus 148 other classicsIn December 2018, U.S. Marshals brought the full might of the law down on a couple of ponzi schemers who had swindled Warren Buffet, among others, out of over US$800 million. Among the possessions seized from the pair was a collection of 149 classic cars, which included a low-mileage 1978 Pontiac Trans Am formerly owned by OG bandit Burt Reynolds. The lot will be auctioned off following the conclusion of the case and will be the single largest car collection ever sold by the U.S. Marshals. New Honda Fit not likely to come to CanadaHonda has confirmed there’s another Fit on the way, but it hasn’t said if it’ll find its way to North America. And, based on the general decline of the small car sector, the fact the Fit press release called it only by its European name “Jazz,” and in light of Fit sales being down both in Canada and the U.S. this season, there’s a good chance it won’t be. We asked Honda Canada how the next-gen tiny Honda fits into the Canadian market but it wouldn’t comment on future vehicles just now—Honda America is singing the same
Origin: News Roundup: A Tesla-rivalling Porsche, a Burt Reynolds Trans Am and a Honda unFit for Canada
Honda’s smallest compact may not be coming back to Canada
Honda teases image of next generation 2020 Fit (Jazz)Honda Hondas teasing the next generation of the Fit ahead of its debut at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Show, but this time it really is a tease, since odds are the vehicle wont make its way to North America.Automotive News noticed Hondas press release for the Fit referred to it only by its European name, Jazz, and said it would be offered only with a hybrid powertrain.Honda is ramping up its efforts to make low-emissions vehicles in Europe, in order to follow its directive of a 100-per-cent electrified lineup there for 2025.When we reached out to Honda Canada, we were told they would not comment on future vehicles at this time. Hondas American arm similarly wouldnt confirm the car, suggesting the States wont be getting it; that make it seem unlikely well get it either. If the Fit does leave the North American market, Honda will likely close its plant in Mexico, saving the company its import tariffs.Even though we likely wont get it, we might as well mention the vehicles looks. A more round and traditional shape takes over for the angular styling weve seen all around the automotive world, and the front and rear of the vehicle have been made stubbier and more vertical, making it easier to park and drive for Europeans.The vehicle has fallen out of favour with Americans, with sales dropping 17 per cent through to September, another reason we can see its demise here making sense. In August, sales of the Fit in Canada were half what they were January, at 206 cars versus
Origin: Honda’s smallest compact may not be coming back to Canada
Ford is recalling 1,500 Rangers in Canada for fire risk
Ford is recalling 1,544 Ranger pickups in Canada because of the fire risk posed by their blower motors.A total of 19,509 trucks from model year 2019 are affected in North America.On affected trucks, there may not be enough clearance between an electrical terminal and a base plate inside the HVAC systems blower motor, making a short circuit possible.If an electrical short does occur, the blower could overheat, smoke, melt or catch fire.Ford has not heard from any Ranger owners affected by the issue though one warranty claimant did report smoke in the cabin, possibly due to the short but six trucks were affected prior to their delivery to dealerships.Ford will replace the parts in affected
Origin: Ford is recalling 1,500 Rangers in Canada for fire risk
Electrify Canada planning 20 new 350-kW charging stations across the country
Volkswagen built Electrify America, its U.S. multi-brand-compatible network of EV charging stations, as part of a settlement with authorities there over its Dieselgate scandal. But now the automaker has voluntarily expanded that effort with a Canadian arm to give electric vehicle owners that same level of charging access.Electrify Canada announced early October that it plans to open 20 350-kW-capable charging stations at Canadian Tire locations in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.While you wouldnt be able to jet clear across Canada via the charging network, youll now probably be able to take reasonably long journeys in the western and central parts of the country with a properly long-range electric vehicle, that is.The only car that can utilize the 800-volt chargers to their full potential is, currently, the Porsche Taycan, which can be charged at up to 270 kW. (Electrify Canadas chargers offer up to 350 kW of charging power.) Teslas Model 3 can charge at only 250 kW right now, and other brands EVs charge at about 150 kW.Charging stations for multiple types of connectors will be available; all stations will have a 350-kW CCS DC fast-charging connector, as well as one with 50-kW CHAdeMO fast-charging. The rest of the stations chargers will offer 150-kW CCS fast-charging.Pricing is based on 75-kW-, 125-kW- and 350-kW-per-minute power levels. There is a $1 session fee per charge-up, but an Electrify Canada Pass+ is only $4 per month, which waives the session fee and knocks the cost down by roughly 20 cents per
Origin: Electrify Canada planning 20 new 350-kW charging stations across the country
These are the worst roads in Atlantic Canada
A car hits a pothole on a city street, throwing up water and debris.Getty A favoured pastime of most Canadians, beyond sharpening their hockey skates and perpetually cursing the Leafs, is complaining about the state of our nations roads. Sure, some are in good nick, but most seem to have been lifted wholesale from rural Beirut or the Marianas Trench.Its no secret repair shops do brisk business fixing tires and completing four-wheel alignments in a good part of this country.CAA, the boffins wholl arrange for a tow truck to effect a roadside rescue or emergency extrication, have asked denizens of Atlantic Canada to vote on what they think are the ten worst roads in their region.Across the four provinces, New Brunswick has the dubious honour of housing the lions share of dreadful macadam on this list, with five roads making the cut. Newfound Labrador has three and Nova Scotia has two. Apparently, Prince Edward Island has great roads. Must be the starch from all those potatoes.Tripp Settlement Road (Keswick Ridge, N.B.) Waterford Road (Waterford, N.B.) Markland Road (Colinet, N.L.) Indian Meal Line (Torbay, N.L.) New Brunswick 905 (Petitcodiac, N.B.) Meadowville Station Road (Pictou, N.S.) Witless Bay Line (Trepassey, N.L.) New Brunswick 480 between Rogersville and Kouchibouguac (N.B.) South Uniacke Road (Mount Uniacke, N.S.) Pine Glen Road (Pine Glen, N.B.) According to CAA, its annual Worst Roads campaign provides a platform for Canadians to make roads safer by telling municipal and provincial lawmakers which roads need attention. It also helps governments understand that roadway improvements are a priority for all residents, not just gearheads with gasoline in their veins. As you may have surmised, each region of Canada gets to vote on its own list. Well profile others in the coming weeks. Every road in the four Atlantic provinces was eligible, regardless of surface type or length. All road users including cyclists, pedestrians, motorists and users of public transit were encouraged to cast their vote and make their opinion count.Because your author is apparently some sort of masochist this is news to me well be taking a comfortably-suspended luxury car on a tour to sample the vast majority of roads on this list. Look for that story to appear in the coming weeks along with a requisition for a gross of
Origin: These are the worst roads in Atlantic Canada
Chrysler may re-label the Voyager the ‘Grand Caravan’ in Canada
2020 Chrysler VoyagerFCA Chrysler’s new-old Voyager minivan nameplate might wear a Dodge Grand Caravan badge in Canada and wind up being the inevitable replacement for that aging model, according to a new report from Allpar.com.Its all a bit confusing, as the Grand Caravan is supposed to be discontinued come May 2020, but for us Canadians, the nameplate won’t be tossed out but instead tossed over to the Chrysler division to sit on its new economy-spec version of the Pacifica van, the Voyager.The reason FCA wants to keep the Dodge nameplate around in Canada might purely be for marketing, reasons as Canadians seem to covet the Dodge more than the Chrysler.In 2018 the Dodge Caravan outsold every other minivan on the market, including the Chrysler Pacifica, so this could be a chance for FCA to subtly move some of that success toward the Chrysler brand.The Voyager is really nothing more than just a re-badged version of the lowest L and LX trim Pacifica anyway. It seems weird to have a totally different nameplate for whats essentially the same van in a neighbouring market, but maybe the plan will work for FCA.While the current Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Pacifica are similar only in minivan body style, they have vastly different styling and a vastly different price. The Pacifica can be as cheap as $36,995, but the Grand Caravan undercuts that by another $5,250.If these rumours are true, the Grand Caravan name would continue to be worn by the cheapest minivan, and would likely still be the best-selling, if FCA keeps it around. The Pacifica, meanwhile, will be positioned as a step up for buyers who are hoping for a more luxury-minded
Origin: Chrysler may re-label the Voyager the ‘Grand Caravan’ in Canada
Ford recalling 4,300 heavy-duty trucks in Canada because axle may fracture
Ford is recalling 4,316 new heavy-duty trucks in Canada because an axle shaft made from a bad batch of steel may fracture, increasing the risk of a crash in traffic, or of a rollaway in park.A total 28,579 examples of 2019 model year Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups are also affected by the recall in the U.S.On affected vehicles, the electronically locking rear-axle assembly may have been assembled with a passenger-side axle shaft made from a steel not up to Fords specifications, which may fracture.If the vehicle is driving in two-wheel-drive mode when this happens, it could stop or slow the truck in traffic; if stopped without the parking brake applied, the vehicle may be unable to hold park and could move.Ford is advising owners to use the parking brake when the truck is parked until dealers inspect and repair the axle shafts in affected
Origin: Ford recalling 4,300 heavy-duty trucks in Canada because axle may fracture
The 2020 Dodge Charger Widebody will start at $59,945 in Canada
The 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody is the most powerful and fastest production sedan in the worldDodge The new 2020 Dodge Charger Widebody will start at $59,945 for the Scat Pack trim in Canada when it goes on sale this fall, a premium of $8,000 over the same car without the 3.5-inch-wide (total) fender flares and 20-inch-by-11-inch wheels.Both Scat Packs, wide-body or not, get a 392-cubic-inch 485-hp HEMI, capable of rocketing the Widebody to 96 km/h from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds, and of covering a quarter-mile in 12.4-seconds from a standing start.If thats not quite quick enough for you, you can opt for the 707-hp Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody, which does the 96-km/h run in 3.6 seconds and eclipses the quarter-mile before plowing on to a 315 km/h (196 mph) top speed. For 2020 it gets electric power steering for the first time, plus 305-mm-wide Pirellis and tuned suspension.While it will cost you a fairly steep $83,495, for your money youll be getting what Dodge says is the worlds fastest and most powerful mass-production four-door sedan.The only way youll spend more at a dealer for a new 2020 Charger is if you go for the Charger Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition, commemorating the big-winged Charger Daytona of 1969. While it gets a much more modest spoiler than its namesake, it also sees 717-hp, numbers that only the 69 Daytonas NASCAR-spec sibling could dream of.Just like in 69, Dodge is building just 501 of them, with 50 set aside for Canada. They come in B5 Blue, Pitch Black, Triple Nickel and White Knuckle and will set you back $88,490, or about twice the price of a 2020 Charger R/T.The bargain-basement entry-level Charger, the SXT RWD, starts at $37,345 this year. New colours this year include Frostbite, Hellraisin and Sinamon Stick. Order yours now in F8 Green, obviously and expect delivery in early
Origin: The 2020 Dodge Charger Widebody will start at $59,945 in Canada
All about car 