Its early November and Aston Martin is teasing us, as it always does, with the upcoming reveal of its DBX SUV. Soon to be revealed in full, the brand decided to show off just a couple of features that make its first SUV so unique.While the exterior of the DBX remains a secret, this newest head-on photo does show some details. The front fascia looks like it was borrowed from the gorgeous DB11, slightly elongated to fill out the SUVs large stance.A large panoramic sunroof is also visible.The interior has been kept less of a secret, with the teaser image showing the view out of the front window from the back seat. In the distance we can see the banked curves of the Brooklands racetrack, the place where Aston Martin set a few speed records in the 1920s. The luxurious materials covering the interior are on full display, and theres no doubt theyre of the highest quality.According to Aston Martin, six months of development were devoted specifically to the driving position, taking into account visibility above all else, to the controls and to the space around the vehicle.The driving position also allows the driver to see the hood, which should make the relatively large vehicle easier to maneuver. Aston also consulted with children to determine the optimal ingress and egress experience, using a model at its design studio.The 2020 Aston Martin DBX will debut officially on November 20, which is also when orders will be taken. In Canada, if youre interested in getting one, youll want to know the DBXs starting price is
Origin: Aston Martin shows off DBX SUV’s interior, reveals pricing
shows
New Nissan Ariya Concept shows long-range SUV
The Nissan Ariya Concept will be revealed at the 2019 Tokyo motor show according to Japanese media, although details of the all-electric SUV remain scarce. The only image published so far suggests that the car is based on the IMx and IMQ concepts that have previously been shown. It is tipped to go into production in 2021. However, the report suggests that it has the footprint of the Nissan X-Trail but substantially more interior space, suggesting it will initially be targeted primarily at the Chinese and American markets. It also suggests that the car is based on a platform larger than the Nissan Leaf’s. No performance stats have been revealed, although reports again suggest that it will deliver more than 300 miles of range and be capable of 0-62mph in less than five seconds. More information is expected to be revealed at tomorrow’s Tokyo motor
Origin: New Nissan Ariya Concept shows long-range SUV
Tentative contract shows U.S. union still has power, but members ready to work
Striking United Auto Workers members picket at the General Motors Lansing Parts and Warehouse for the fifth week of the strike on October 16, 2019 in Lansing, Michigan.Bill Pugliano / Getty On the picket lines at a General Motors transmission plant in Toledo, Ohio, passing cars honked and striking workers celebrated a tentative contract deal by munching on 10 pizzas dropped off by a supporter.They had carried signs for 31 days and demonstrated the muscle the United Auto Workers union still has over Detroits three manufacturers.Details of the four-year pact werent released, but GMs latest offer to end the monthlong strike included wage increases and lump-sum payments, top-notch health insurance at little cost to workers, promises of new products for many U.S. factories and a path to full-time work for temporary workers.Thats a big difference from what GM wanted going into the talks: to slash total labour costs at its factories, which are about US$13 per hour higher than at foreign automakers in the U.S.Terry Dittes, the UAWs chief bargainer with GM, said the deal offers major gains for 49,000 union workers who have been walking picket lines since Sept. 16. Theyll stay off work for at least a couple more days while union committees decide if they will bless the deal. Then workers will have to vote on it. The deal shows that the union, with less than one-third of the 1.5 million members it had at its peak in 1979, still has a lot of clout with GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler.I think economically the UAW will do just fine in this agreement, said Art Schwartz, a former GM negotiator who now is a labour consultant in Michigan. The union certainly still has power in this industry.President Donald Trump called UAW President Gary Jones on Wednesday night, but union spokesperson Brian Rothenberg said he did not know what the men discussed.The strike immediately brought GMs U.S. factories to a halt, and within a week, started to hamper production in Mexico and Canada. Analysts estimated the stoppage cut GM vehicle production by 250,000 to 300,000 vehicles, and the costs to GM will hit around US$2 billion.Workers, on the other hand, lost north of $3,000 each on average, the difference between their base wages and $250 per week in strike pay from the union.Its nice to see theres a deal, but without knowing the details Im a little skeptical because we dont know the highlights or the lowlights, said worker Nick Kuhlman, who was among the strikers huddled around a burn barrel on a blustery, gray Toledo afternoon.I just hope it gets done, said Toledo worker Mark Nichols, who thought the strike would last only a week or two and was ready to get back to work because his savings are running low. Striking United Auto Workers members picket at the General Motors Lansing Parts and Warehouse for the fifth week of the strike on October 16, 2019 in Lansing, Michigan. Bill Pugliano / Getty GM apparently was able to close three of four factories that it wanted to shutter to get rid of excess capacity in slow-selling cars and components. The Detroit-Hamtramck plant will get a new electric pickup truck and stay open, but factories in Lordstown, Ohio; Warren, Michigan; and near Baltimore are to be closed. The Lordstown area will get an electric vehicle battery factory, but it wont have nearly as many workers as the assembly plant that for years made compact GM cars.The deal now will be used as a template for talks with GMs crosstown rivals, Ford and Fiat Chrysler. Normally the major provisions carry over to the other two companies and cover about 140,000 auto workers nationwide. It wasnt clear which company the union would bargain with next, or whether there would be another strike.The strike had shut down 33 GM manufacturing plants in nine states across the U.S., and also took down factories in Canada and Mexico. It was the first national strike by the union since a two-day walkout in 2007, and the longest since a 54-day strike in Flint, Michigan in 1998 that also halted most of GMs
Origin: Tentative contract shows U.S. union still has power, but members ready to work
Bizarre video shows Toronto-area motorcyclist being attacked by turkey
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while most people havent even cracked open the cranberry sauce yet, one motorcyclist is getting a taste of turkey a little early.This one wasnt on a plate, though, it was in the middle of the road.And rabidly attacking him just because.According to BlogTO, the incident happened in Whitby, Ontario, about an hour away from Toronto, and involved a motorcycle rider who bit off a little more than he could chew when a rogue turkey attacked him at an intersection. The altercation was captured on video from the vehicle behind him in traffic.The driver who captured the footage describes what happens in the moments leading up to the attack; they say they saw the bird standing in the middle of the intersection of Thickson and Wentworth.Unsure of what to do, I moved my car slightly to the left and waited to see if hed move before the light changed. A motorcycle then passed me and passed the turkey and then the turkey charged at him. The turkey circled his motorcycle about three times before going in for the attack.The turkey launches itself at the rider, which takes him off guard. The biker manages to keep the bird at bay by blocking with his boot.Its possible that the attack was part of a personal vendetta against humans for the brothers the turkeys lost in the past, or a battle in a turf war between itself and what it can only perceive as a huge black bird.Whether or not the delinquent turkey will end up covered in bacon and stuffed with bread crumbs remains to be seen, but perhaps well prepare a vegan dinner this October, just to be
Origin: Bizarre video shows Toronto-area motorcyclist being attacked by turkey
Mesmerizing time-lapse shows the Ferrari F8 Tributo engine being built
Behind-the-scenes footage of an assembly line in action might not sound like the most compelling television ever, but when that assembly line is in the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, it suddenly becomes a lot more watchable.The video above, sent to Driving by Ferrari, shows one of the most glorious engines ever designed coming together on the highly efficient and surprisingly photogenic line.The engine being lifted and flipped about in the clip is the F154 V8 from the Ferrari F8 Tributo, which debuted at Geneva earlier this year.Its mostly machines that bring the V8 together at first, with twists and turns from human hands here and there. But as the engine grows, Ferraris meccanici play a more involved role, adding the final pieces before the engine is taken away and fit into the F8.The twice-turbocharged V8 makes 710 horsepower for the Tributo, which means tribute in Italian. The supercar uses it to race up to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds; and 200 km/h in 7.8 seconds, making it faster than Ferraris 488, and, in the opinion of David Booth, who got to take the first drive of the F8, superior in most
Origin: Mesmerizing time-lapse shows the Ferrari F8 Tributo engine being built
Audi shows hot SQ8 as new flagship SUV
The diesel, which automatically turns off one of the two turbochargers at low speeds to boost fuel economy, is mated to a 48V mild hybrid system, operated through a belt alternator starter connected to the crankshaft. It can generate up to 11bhp under braking, and allow the SQ8 to coast without the engine active for up to 40 seconds at speeds between 34 and 100mph. Power is driven to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with an optional advanced suspension package including a sport differential that can balance torque between the rear wheels when cornering. As standard, the car sits on adaptive air suspension, which can adjust the ride height by up to 90mm, and features electromechanical active roll stabilisation, which uses an electric motor to reduce body movement. All-wheel steering is available as an option, either by itself or as part of the advanced suspension package. The SQ8 sits on 21-inch wheels as standard, with 22-inch available upon request. Carbon fibre ceramic brake discs are available as standard. The SQ8 features a number of design tweaks from the Q8, which is closely related to the more practical Q7 and built on the VW Group’s MLB Evo platform. It gains a new S-specific grille featuring a matt silver frame and LED headlights, along with revamped air inlets and new aluminium-effect mirrors. At the rear, the diffuser is finished in a matt black colour, with quad exhausts. A black styling package will be offered to further differentiate the car. Inside, as with other S machines the SQ8 is finished in black, with a mix of leather and Alcantara, and embossed S logos in the seats. Stainless steel pedals and footrest, along with aluminium inlays on the door sills, are standard. As with the Q8, the SQ8 is offered with a twin touchscreen set-up and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, which features S-specific graphics and displays. The SQ8 is due to go on sale in the UK in the coming months. Pricing has yet to be set, but will likely be an increase on the current range-topping Q8, the 55 TFSI, which costs £80,815. While the SQ8 will only be offered in the UK and Europe with the turbodiesel powerplant, largely due to the need to meet EU CO2 targets, petrol engined-versions will be offered in other
Origin: Audi shows hot SQ8 as new flagship SUV
Big city and small town shows across B.C. this weekend
Two of the spectacular classics that will be at the Crescent Beach Concours dElegance on Aug. 31st: Ethan and Troy Coopers Riley, left, and Gerry Sungs Intermeccanica Italia. Sung is joined by Dave Sanderson.Cam Hutchins Im going to miss some great events this weekend, but that doesnt mean you have to. There are great downtown shows in Ladner and Port Coquitlam, the Early Ford V8 Club sets up at Hougen Park in Abbotsford and the annual BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show Shine takes place tomorrow at the Twilight Drive-In in Aldergrove.Of course, its not like Im going to be car-starved as Im in covering Car Week in Carmel, California for the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada. That includes attending the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, the Concorso Italiano, and the historic racing at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The annual BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show Shine takes place tomorrow at theTwilight Drive Inn in Aldergrove. PNG Files I got a little preview of that kind of racing last weekend during the British Columbia Historic Motor Races at Mission Raceway Park, and it brought back memories of my Westwood days shooting in the rain. Saturday midmorning the skies opened up, and considering the downpour I was impressed that not many cars spun out. Clearly a testament to the mad skills of the drivers in their precious old tin.. One of the older Camaros got into wet part of the drying track coming out of turn one and certainly showed us what racing in the rain is all about. Rain or shine, historic racing is great.My weekend actually started at 7 a.m. on Friday morning with a photo shoot of two cars for the cover of the Crescent Beach Concours dElegance program. This annual fundraising showB.C. Childrens Hospital Foundationtakes place on the Saturday of the Labour Day weekend at Blackie Spit in Crescent Beach.One of the two cars was a Riley, and really the only thing I knew about Rileys is that my dad had a framed print of which I now have. Turns out Riley started as a bicycle manufacturer in the 1890s before building cars and merging with larger companies. In 1952 it became part of British Motor Corporation and was shuttered in the late-Sixties after being reduced to making rebadged Austins.The other car looked familiar and when I asked if it was an Apollo GT convertible, I was told it was an Italia. Both made by Vancouver-based Intermeccanica. The company was the brainchild of Frank Reisner, a Hungarian-born engineer who was living in Canada and moved to Europe to build sports cars in the late-Fifties. After some success and some struggles he eventually moved to Vancouver and produced very high quality Porsche speedsters for decades. Franks son Henry is still making those, along with Solo electric vehicles under the Meccanica banner.Henry has been involved in cars since he was a kid and now he runs the car company, so remember to take a kid with you to a show this weekend.SH0WSAUG. 16Date: Aug 16What: Friday Night Rod RunWhere: Starts at AW Restaurant at Ivy Green Husky, proceeds through downtown Ladysmith and returns to AWWhen: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.Info: 250-246-0637, 250-245-2263 or duckwon@shaw.caWebsite: ladysmithshowandshine.comAUG. 17What: BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show ShineWhere: Twilight Drive Inn, 3360 260th St., AldergroveWhen: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission: $5; Children under 11 freeRegistration: 8 a.m. $20 and open to all vehicles, including motorcyclesInfo: 604-360-7455 or burnoutsinthesky@gmail.comWebsite: burnoutsinthesky.comWhat: Ladysmith Show ShineWhere: Downtown LadysmithWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Registration: 8 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-246-0637, 250-245 2263 or duckwon@shaw.caWebsite: ladysmithshowandshine.comWhat: Rods Rails Car ShowWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Downtown ArmstrongAdmission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Open to all vehiclesInfo: cmelanson@shuswapins.com or 250 838 7707What: Beverly Corners Show ShineWhere: Cobble Hill Country Grocer, 5847 Chesterfield Ave., DuncanWhen: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.Admission: Free (donations accepted)Info: 250-748-1314 or info@beverlycornersshownshine.comAUG. 17-18What: Downtown PoCo Cruise Car ShowWhere: Downtown Port CoquitlamWhen: Saturday cruise starts at 6 p.m. at Leigh Square; Sunday show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeInfo: 604-674-2899 or info@pococarshow.caWebsite: pococarshow.caAUG. 18What: Hougen Park Show ShineWhere: Hougen Park, AbbotsfordWhen: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 9 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-942-5651, questions@earlyfordv8bc.com, oldcars@telus.netWebsite: earlyfordv8bc.comWhat: Vintage in The Valley Vintage Motorcycle ShowWhere: Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, ChilliwackWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: Adults $10; Children under 16 freeRegistration: By donationInfo: 778 242 7104 or wallylevy@hotmail.caWebsite: vintagemotorcycleshows.comWhat:
Origin: Big city and small town shows across B.C. this weekend
New Hyundai i10: sketch shows design revamp
Hyundai has revealed a preview sketch showing the design of its third-generation i10 city car ahead of it’s reveal at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The sketch shows a new design direction for the Volkswagen Up rival, with a new wider front grille reflecting the firm’s current styling. As with the current i10, the car’s daytime running lights are located within the grille. It also hints at what Hyundai calls an ‘X-shaped C-pillar’, which was first teased in a single preview image released by Hyundai last month. Hyundai says the model will be designed, developed and built in Europe. While it hasn’t revealed any technical details, Hyundai does say the car will feature a “range of new connected car and safety features”, including smartphone connectivity, a reversing camera and a range of driver assistance systems. A heavily disguised i10 test mule has previously been spied undergoing winter testing. That car retained the familiar smaller footprint and upright stance of the outgoing i10 but had significant body cladding, including over the C-pillar, which appears to rise in the same way as that in the preview image. Details of the interior are yet to be seen, but the Korean manufacturer is expected to boost perceived quality as well as introducing the promised advanced technology. Interior space isn’t likely to increase significantly, because the current i10 is only fractionally shorter than the latest Kia Picanto, with which the new model is expected to share its platform and mechanicals. Engines are expected to include the familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol units, with a turbocharged 1.0-litre triple likely to make its way over from the range-topping Picanto. Expect prices to rise slightly to reflect the improvements and changing
Origin: New Hyundai i10: sketch shows design revamp
B.C. long weekend means lots of car shows
Local artist Jody Wilson shows his mad skills with another cool build. It’s Go Time is a 1955 Chevy Gasser that is over the top awesome.Cam Hutchins Everything is coming up threes this long weekend. There are three great car shows in the Lower Mainland, three on the Island and three in the Interior . Toss in some racing and even a tractor pull, and it truly is a carnuts full pull holiday weekend.That, of course, is a term that comes from tractor pulling, and after 15 years away the Campbell family is bringing it back to Agrifair Saturday through Monday. Come by at noon each day to meet the driver, and dont forget to bring some really good ear protection along too!Ill be there one of those days, and I also plan to log some good kilometres checking out the Old Time drags, WestCoasters Daze, the Shelby show at Hallmark Ford, and if I can squeeze it in, the Sun Festival in Tsawwassen. So many shows, so little time. Bill and Joan Ronald’s 1967 Camaro RS SS 350 that was sold new in Georgia. Cam Hutchins Last Saturday I spent the day at Mission Raceway Park track for a very fun day of action celebrating a quarter-century of road racing at the Rivers Edge circuit. One of the highlights was the Formula Ford action, with more than a dozen beautiful Van Diemen open-wheel racecars going head to head.On Sunday I was at the car show at Tsawwassen Mills that saw more than 500 cars on display. So many cool cars to see, chief among them Bill and Joan Ronalds stellar Mountain Green 1967 Camaro that was sold new in Georgia. Talented local artist Jody Wilson was showing off his 1955 Chevy Gasser dubbed Its Go Time, featuring a straight axle, flip hood dual quads and tons of attitude. This beast makes it debut on the track this weekend at the Langley Loafers Old Time drags. And then there was Mike Learys 1934 Ford Roadster, a car that won best hot rod at the show and one that Ive been watching come together online.So no matter where you are this weekend have fun and remember long weekends allow you to go to more car shows with a kid.SHOWSAUG. 3-4What: The Van Isle Shriners Show ShineWhere: ParksvilleWhen: Saturday Cruise starts a 5 p.m. from Wembley Mall. Sunday show from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Community Park. Shriner pancake breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.Admission: Free. Parking by Donation in The Shriners LotInfo: 250-756-4952 or rrayner@gulfview.caWebsite: vanisleshrinersshowandshine.comAUG. 3What: Blast From The Past Car ShowWhere: Coombs Fairgrounds, CoombsWhen: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: By donationRegistration: $20Info: 250-586-2250 or kathleen.smith@shaw.caWebsite: oceanidlers.orgWhat: Riverboat Days Car ShowWhere: Terrace Sportsplex, TerraceWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 pm.Admission: FreeRegistration: Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. $10Info: 250-635-4727 or skeenavalleycruizers@gmail.com info@riverboatdays.caWebsite: riverboatdays.caWhat: Rotary Wheels Car ShowWhere: Rotary Park, Penticton.When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: $2. Children under 12 freeRegistration: 7 a.m. $20 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-497-6679 or rotarywheelscarshow@gmail.comWebsite: pentictonrotarywheelscarshow.ca Cam is among the many who have been following the build of Mike Leary’s 1934 Ford Roadster online. Cam Hutchins AUG. 4What: WestCoasters Daze Show ShineWhere: Semiahmoo Park, White RockWhen: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. $10 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-306-4208, therodgod@shaw.ca or harleystop@hotmail.comWebsite: therodgod.comWhat: Kars Under the K Show ShineWhere: Main Street, KeremeosWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-499-2634 or karsunderthek@outlook.comWebsite: karsunderthek.wix.com/karsunderthekAUG. 5What: Shelby Mustang ShowWhere: Hallmark Ford, 10085 152nd St., SurreyWhen: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 9 a.m. $20 and open to all Ford vehiclesInfo: 604-805-4749 or ptekatch@gmail.comWhat: Tsawwassen Sun Festival Show ShineWhere: Winskill Park, TsawwassenWhen: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: $20 and open to all collector, modified, and historic cars and trucksInfo: 604-943-0354, slwhitelaw@telus.net or gregfahlman@hotmail.comWebsite: sunfestival.caWhat: Comox Valley Vintage Wheels Nautical Days Car ShowWhere: Marina Park, ComoxWhen: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. $10 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-339-2386 or pamac@shaw.ca Michael Webb pilots his 2008 V Diemen DP-08-2 Formula Ford during the 25th anniversary of road racing at Mission Raceway Park last weekend. Cam Hutchins COMPETITIONAUG. 2-4What: Langley Loafers Old Time DragsWhere: Mission Raceway Park, 32670 Dyke Rd., MissionWhen: Gates open at 8 a.m.Info: 604-826-6315, info@missionraceway.com, 604-534-2698 or info@langleyloafers.comWebsite: langleyloafers.comWhat: Campbell Motorsport Truck and Tractor PullWhere: Abbotsford Exhibition Park, 32470 Haida Dr., AbbotsfordWhen: 2 p.m.
Origin: B.C. long weekend means lots of car shows
Porsche shows off the shape of the new Taycan
The upcoming Porsche Taycan is the brands first pure electric sports car, the companys foil for drawing a few customers away from the likes of Tesla and Audis new e-Tron.We know a bit about its powertrain synchronous motors generating over 600 horsepower but, until now, not a whole lot about its shape.Sure, weve all seen the Mission E Concept, but theres always a chance that concept car beauty can get lost in translation to production, especially once the bed-wetting accountants get involved. Good news: it seems like the Taycan will be one heckuva looker.Porsche has revealed the first detailed exterior sketches of the series-production model. The head of Style at Porsche, Michael Mauer, gave his thoughts on the car in an interview with, erm, his own company.We knew that this new model had to be recognisable as a Porsche at first glance, said Mauer, explaining the 911-esque front fascia and alarmingly swollen rear haunches. Sports cars have a more dramatic width-to-height ratio than other vehicles. Taycan is absolutely unique in terms of its proportions.No kidding. Anyone whose bedroom walls used to be adorned with posters of old Turbo 911s will instantly recognize those rear wheel arches, stretched and flared to the point of being uncomfortable in its own trousers. The style boss said the company benefited from the experience gained with the different Panamera generations, drawing on their work with that four-door car to help design Taycan. Mauer also points out that the team had greater freedom since they werent forced to fit a large combustion engine under the front hood. This allowed them to sculpt the nose so that its not only pretty to the eye but also to the wind; aerodynamics are critical to the overall performance of an all-electric car, particularly its range.Porsche still relies on tried-and-tested clay models up to a scale of 1:1, by the way. While purists may howl at the thought of an all-electric Porsche, they can take solace in the fact that part of its design was undertaken with some pretty traditional
Origin: Porsche shows off the shape of the new Taycan
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