2020 Porsche Taycan 4SHandout / Porsche Canadian Porsche Taycan customers will be happy to hear that when their super-EV arrives on their doorstep, theyll be getting aside from the blistering speed and the sleek styling three years of charging, already included in the purchase price.Yes, the price tag ($119,400 for the base 4S) will cover 36 months of charging at Volkswagen-owned Electrify Canada public charging stations.Electrify Canada’s highway and metro stations offer 350-kW DC fast-charging as do many Porsche dealers which means the Taycan, which runs on 800-volt tech and uses a combined charging system (CCS) plug to charge at a max 270 kW, can be juiced up from five- to 80-per-cent charge in only 22 minutes and 30 seconds.(Fine print: your complimentary charge runs out after 30 minutes, and while the 32 Electrify Canada stations set to open across the country by 2020 will have an average four charging dispensers, only a minimum one of those will be guaranteed to be a 350-kW charger.)Still, that would be great news if the vehicles range was anywhere close to what Porsche claimed it was. According to new numbers just released by the EPA, it might not be. Porsche claims the Taycan can nail 300 miles (482 kilometres) of driving range with a fully charged battery, and the European WLTP testing standard showed it could indeed net up to 280 miles (450 kilometres) of range in the real world.The U.S.-based EPA tests delivered a bombshell mid-December, however, showing the Taycan could realistically only manage 201 miles (323 kilometres) of range in its tests.To combat the poor rating, Porsche has already hired an independent testing firm to put the Taycan through its electric paces. The numbers that third party delivered were much more favourable 269 miles (433 kilometres) highway, and 283 (455 kilometres) city.Whatever the Taycans real-world numbers end up looking like, range anxiety aint stopping people from wanting to drive it. In Europe, there have already been 30,000 customers whove put down money to get the Taycan in their garage. Some 20,000 Taycans are expected to be delivered to Europeans in 2020.LISTEN: What do you get when you combine a cross-country electric vehicle road trip with a poignant love story? Mary Ann’s Electric Drive, that’s what. In this week’s episode of Plugged In, we chat with Harvey Soicher, a Vancouver man who tragically lost his soul mate 18 months ago but found some semblance of healing by embracing what he calls a ‘pioneer spirit’ to drive his Audi e-tron from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and back.
Origin: Porsche Taycan price covers three years of charging in Canada
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Ford’s Mustang Mach E specs leak three days ahead of debut
Fords giving the world its first look at the 2021 Mustang Mach-E on November 17, just ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show, but wasnt quick enough to get ahead of fans who discovered all the goods on this all-electric crossover three days before they were supposed to.A member of the MachEForum.com tracked down slides intended for the manufacturers consumer site, and grabbed screenshots before Ford caught on and covered them back up.With some of? most of? the cat out of the bag, we can say the cars a looker, with Mustang-inspired styling, an out-there nose with the pony in front and unmistakable taillights that cue up suggestions of its gasoline-fuelled sibling.Theres also a sunroof that covers most of the upper lid, while the dash is dominated by a Tesla-style tablet to control the functions.Depending on whether you choose rear- or all-wheel-drive, and what trim you select, youll get anywhere from about 300 miles (483 km) to 230 miles (370 km) on a single charge.If you get the GT trim with the right options, youll spring from zero to 100 mph (96 km/h) in the mid-three-seconds range, making this one super-quick (electric) Mustang, too.Plug it into a fast charger, and youll have enough power to cover 75 kilometres in just ten minutes.But wait, theres more the slides even included pricing. Its in U.S. dollars, of course, and wont be the same for Canadians, but the Mach E will run from the $43,895 Select trim up to the $60,500 GT, before any state or federal incentives for electric vehicles.Trim levels will include the limited First Edition, which will include exclusive Grabber Blue paint, the ulra-loaded Premium, and the extended-range California Route 1.LISTEN: Toyota has led the hybrid charge for two decades, and as Toyota Canada’s Stephen Beatty tells Plugged In host Andrew McCredie, is now all-in on EVs, particularly fuel cell vehicles. The company’s vice president also has some interesting things to say about some provinces’ push to create electric vehicle sales quotas for 2030, and tells us about Toyota’s fascinating, and potentially game-changing, work with Quebec to produce green hydrogen. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: Ford’s Mustang Mach E specs leak three days ahead of debut
U.K. man spends three years, $47,000 fighting $165 speeding ticket
A British man is dedicated to fighting the system after receiving a 100 ($165) speeding ticket he believes was wrongly issued, throwing more than $45,000 at the cause so far.Richard Keedwell, 71, received a fine for traveling 57 km/h in a 50 km/h zone in November of 2016, while Christmas shopping with his wife.I never saw the flash of the camera and I certainly didnt feel like I was doing faster than (50 km/h), Keedwell, of Bristol, told The Telegraph. I was incredibly annoyed when I got the fine through the post.Richard is a former RAF electronics specialist, and says the only reason he got a ticket was because of the double Doppler effect, wherein a speed camera receives two different signals due to the radio waves bouncing off of a second car and then onto his own, causing it to trigger the camera. Although, allegedly, neither car travelling through the intersection exceeded 50 km/h, the camera was triggered.According to The Telegraph, Richard is also an expert witness, and claims he has used this argument in court before. In 2015, he successfully used it to show a van driver was wrongly ticketed for doing 137 km/h in a 50-km/h zone due to the double Doppler effect.Unfortunately for Keedwell, his arguments arent working so well in his pursuing his own case. Even worse, legal fees are not cheap, and in fighting for his rights and the rights of motorists, hes racked up 22,000 ($36,212) in lawyers invoices across three hearings, even dipping into a fund set aside for his childrens inheritance to cover the costs. But when you start looking into this, you realize that its more about them getting money than road safety, Keedwell reasons, believing British motorists are being steamrolled by the system.Richard has since paid the ticket, but still has 6,700 ($11,028) in additional legal fees to settle as he decides whether or not to launch yet another appeal.Ordinary working people like me are getting done over by the system, he says. I have not been listened to and there has not been any justice in this
Origin: U.K. man spends three years, $47,000 fighting $165 speeding ticket
Report: Mini might be pared down to just three or four electric models
Mini may plan to pare its lineup down to just three or four vehicles, all fully electric, in the not-too-distant future, according to a new report.According to Automobile, gasoline-powered Mini models might be all but dead, their chassis pushed aside to make way for an electric future.Contrary to earlier reports, it appears that management has since black-flagged the internal-combustion versions in favor of an all-electric model range, the magazine says.The decision has not been confirmed, but Mini would be wise to consider the consequences of turning its small-vehicle lineup into an EV-only brand. Take rival Daimlers Smart brand, which went down that road a few years ago, and has now folded up its tiny EV suitcase.The first electric model from the British marque is the Mini SE, due to go on sale in 2020; it will be the litmus test for the EV revolution, though other battery-powered vehicles are almost certain to follow in its wake. The SE is powered by a 32.6-kWh battery, and has an all-electric range of up to 270 kilometres. Another EV, based on the super-short-wheelbase Rocketman concept, is rumoured to show in production form around 2023, as is a more compact version of the classic three-door Mini. Lastly, theres talk of a crossover-style vehicle. All will run on a skateboard-style platform and feature front-wheel-drive, with energy stored in either 35- or 50-kWh battery packs.We would love to see the Rocketman come to North America, but its likely too small; if it does hit production, it will likely only be available in markets that allow small cars to be federalized, such as China, where it could be built in partnership with Great Wall Motors. The Countryman will likely be evolved into a
Origin: Report: Mini might be pared down to just three or four electric models
Citroen to launch three new saloons in the next two years
Citroën will launch three new saloon cars in the next two years, starting with a reinvented C6, marketing director Arnaud Belloni has confirmed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The move – in line with the firm’s heritage but against the trend of rivals’ plans in the face of declining saloon sales globally – is described as “unique but not risky” by Belloni, who hinted that the styling wouldn’t follow established saloon conventions. The design study for the flagship new saloon was initially kick-started by the 2016 Cxperience concept. The production car based on that concept has long been rumoured to be under preparation for sale, and it will be unveiled at the Paris motor show in 2020. In a surprise announcement, however, Belloni said that two more saloon models will follow in 2021, with both being unveiled in full production form rather than as concepts. “It’s our belief that there’s still a place for the saloon,” said Belloni. “When you factor in our pledge that all our cars will have either electric or plug-in hybrid options from next year, and the platform changes that brings, you then consider the opportunities that delivers for us to innovate stylistically. “What I will promise you is that these will be cars in keeping with Citroën’s heritage for innovation. The rise of the SUV cannot be undone, but that gives us room to reimagine the the purpose and look of the saloon. “I don’t wish to use the word ‘disruptive’, as that can be misinterpreted, but I promise the look of these cars will be very original. Not risky – we must sell cars – but they will carry on our tradition for looking at new ways to interpret segments. They will be contemporary in the truest form of the word.” Belloni wouldn’t be drawn on the size of the cars, but he hinted that the focus would be the Chinese market – the world’s largest for sales of all cars, and one in which saloon sales remain strong, especially for chauffered cars. “We will not make saloon cars of every size, because there is no market for small saloons,” he said. Citroen currently sells the C4 saloon and C-Elysee in China, but at least two of the new saloons are believed to be planned for European
Origin: Citroen to launch three new saloons in the next two years
Citroen to launch three saloons in the next two years
Citroën will launch three new saloon cars in the next two years, starting with a reinvented C6, marketing director Arnaud Belloni has confirmed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The move – in line with the firm’s heritage but against the trend of rivals’ plans in the face of declining saloon sales globally – is described as “unique but not risky” by Belloni, who hinted that the styling wouldn’t follow established saloon conventions. It was initially kick-started by the 2016 Cxperience concept. The production car based on that concept has long been rumoured to be under preparation for sale, and it will be unveiled at the Paris motor show in 2020. In a surprise announcement, however, Belloni said that two more saloon models will follow in 2021, with both being unveiled in full production form rather than as concepts. “It’s our belief that there’s still a place for the saloon,” said Belloni. “When you factor in our pledge that all our cars will have either electric or plug-in hybrid options from next year, and the platform changes that brings, you then consider the opportunities that delivers for us to innovate stylistically. “What I will promise you is that these will be cars in keeping with Citroën’s heritage for innovation. The rise of the SUV cannot be undone, but that gives us room to reimagine the the purpose and look of the saloon. “I don’t wish to use the word ‘disruptive’, as that can be misinterpreted, but I promise the look of these cars will be very original. Not risky – we must sell cars – but they will carry on our tradition for looking at new ways to interpret segments. They will be contemporary in the truest form of the word.” Belloni wouldn’t be drawn on the size of the cars, but he hinted that the focus would be the Chinese market – the world’s largest for sales of all cars, and one in which saloon sales remain strong, especially for chauffered cars. “We will not make saloon cars of every size, because there is no market for small saloons,” he
Origin: Citroen to launch three saloons in the next two years
New Land Rover Defender to come in three body styles — and maybe a diesel
Any change to the Land Rover Defender generally sends purists into a frothing rage or, at the very least, has them tut-tutting into their afternoon tea.The forthcoming Defender, expected to launch some time within the next calendar year, is set to bring some of the biggest changes the nameplate has ever seen, starting with a new 130 model.According to a report from Automotive News, the next Defender will be offered in three models: the traditional 90 and 110 variants, plus a new 130 model.The 90 will allegedly be a three-door model with seating for up to five, while the five-door 110 will enjoy a longer wheelbase and accept five, six or seven passengers depending on spec.The big surprise is the revelation of a 130 model. This rig will apparently offer seating for eight adventure-seeking people, putting it up against other big SUVs like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator. Those same rumours peg this XL-sized Defender at just over 200 inches in length, about the same as the big Lexus.A source also told the European publication that customers should expect four trims at launch: Country, Adventure, Urban and Explorer. Given this myriad of body lengths and trim options, plus the inevitable accessory catalog, Land Rover is playing a smart game of broadening the new Defenders appeal and maximizing their profits.Fun fact: JLRs total sales in America outstripped that of Europe and the U.K. by about 10,000 and 20,000 units, respectively, in the last financial year. Offering the Defender in jumbo size, then, makes a lot of sense. Another big rumour? A least one of the diesel engines on offer will make it to this side of the pond. If it shows up, itll be a tasty 300-hp straight-six scooting to 100 km/h from zero in about 7.5 seconds.The next-gen Defender will be unveiled in September at the Frankfurt auto show. The three-door 90 and five-door 110 models are expected to go on sale next year, followed by the gonzo-sized 130 about twelve months
Origin: New Land Rover Defender to come in three body styles — and maybe a diesel
Ford to launch three new model names by 2024 in Europe
Ford’s rollout of its redesigned European business plan will result in a radical overhaul of its large car range, as the maker confirms three new model nameplates for the region in the next five years. The firm has stated in a release that it is “freshening and expanding its vehicle-line-up in Europe”, with the three new nameplates coming “as it continues to grow its utility vehicle portfolio,” The new models, which are in addition to the new Kuga family SUV, Puma small crossover and not-for-UK Explorer, also include the “Mustang-inspired fully electric performance utility” model, as Ford dubs it. Stuart Rowley, Ford of Europe president, told Autocar that the European focus is on an expansion of its “family utility lineup”, but wouldn’t confirm specific names or models that will be replaced. “We are very focused in orienting our portfolio with where consumers are going. Many buyers are moving into the utility space, but for us the key question is where buyers are going next”. When asked if these new cars would indirectly replace slow-selling D-segment models such as the Mondeo, Galaxy and S-Max, Rowley said the three models “remain part of our product portfolio for now. However, we need to adapt to the changing market”. Alongside this announcement, Ford has released a status report of its European business strategy changes, which will see three new ‘business groups’ – Commercial Vehicles, Passenger vehicles and Imports – established. The organisational changes to implement this will come into force on July 1st. The restructure will means a substantial number of job losses, from a factory worker level up to a managerial rethink. Ford employs around 53,000 people across its European operation, so the cuts represent a total of 22% of its workforce. Including Russia, around 12,000 jobs will be “impacted”, including 2000 salaried positions set to be axed. Around 3,000 jobs will be “affected” in the UK from now until the end of 2020, including 1700 jobs at Bridgend. This is made up of “agency employees, salary employees and management” Rowley stated. By the end of 2020, Ford will have 18 manufacturing facilities in Europe, as opposed to 24 at the start of this year. The leaner structure and strategy rethink mean Rowley expects profitabiity for the second half of this year to “significantly improve” over the £315m loss posted in Europe last year. The long-term goal is to achieve a margin of 6% on earnings before taxes and interest. Rowley also claimed Ford is “on track to meet its obligations” with European Union emissions targets, which will see carmakers face huge fines if they can’t lower their fleet CO2 average by 25% before the end of 2020. It will achieve this by launching 16 electrified models, including eight due to be launched by the end of this
Origin: Ford to launch three new model names by 2024 in Europe
Three family-oriented sedans with cash in the trunk
On the last three Fridays of every month, Graeme Fletcher combines manufacturers’ incentives from Unhaggle.com with resale value, dependability and overall ratings to find you the best deal for your money in new cars. This week, we look a trio of affordable sedans. The hot deals are on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra Luxury, Kia Forte EX Premium and Volkswagen Jetta Highline.2019 Hyundai Elantra Luxury 2019 Hyundai Elantra Handout / Hyundai Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $24,099 Hyundai Canada Incentive*: $3,000Unhaggle Savings: $250 Total Savings: $3,250 Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $1,845Total Before Tax: $22,694The sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra gets a refresh for 2019. Along with sharper styling comes more standard equipment. The cabin has decent materials, leather seating, a lot of amenities and a straightforward layout with the buttons and controls being logically placed. The seven-inch infotainment touchscreen works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and displays the back-up camera with its dynamic parking guide.The rear seat has room for a pair of adults, although those pushing six feet will find headroom at a premium. Out back is a nicely squared-off trunk with 407 litres of cargo space.The Elantra Luxury arrives with forward collision warning with auto-braking; blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert; and lane-departure warning with keep assist as standard equipment.Elantra arrives with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 foot-pounds of torque. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is civilized and works well with the automatic. Interestingly, the 2020 Elantra, which is on dealer lots now, replaces the automatic transmission with the intelligent variable transmission (IVT) found in the Kia Forte.The Luxurys powertrain combination delivers a run to 100 kilometres an hour of 10.4 seconds and a posted average fuel economy of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres.The Elantra has a smooth highway ride and it is comfortable about town as long as the road is reasonably smooththe rear suspension tends to protest a little if the road deteriorates mid-corner. The steering is pleasantly light at parking lot speeds and firms up nicely on the highway. For those that want a little performance, Sport mode not only ups the responsiveness of the engine and transmission, it puts some extra weight in the steering.The Hyundai Elantra Luxury arrives with a combined Unhaggle discount of $3,250 and a pre-tax sticker of $22,694.2019 Kia Forte 2.0 EX Premium IVT 2019 Kia Forte Handout / Kia Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $25,065Kia Canada Incentive*: $3,000Unhaggle Savings: $250Total Savings: $3,250Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $1,825Total Before Tax: $23,640The 2019 Kia Forte sedan has been fully reworked for 2019 and now features Stinger-influenced styling and a lot of new features. The cabin is classy and logical in its layouteverything above the steering wheels central cross-bar is about information; below is all about the control side. The format puts everything in the right place. The touch-sensitive eight-inch infotainment system follows this logical lead and it works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.The rear seat is, for the compact class, generous in its accommodations. Theres good headroom and surprising legroom. Behind is a 434-litre trunk. The deck lid automatically pops open when the smart key is detected.The Kia Forte EX Premium arrives with advanced forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning with keep assist and a driver attention warning systemif it picks up on a drowsy/inattentive driver, it suggests they take a break.The Forte shares its engine with the Hyundai Elantra. The 2.0-litre four pushes 147 hp and 132-lb.-ft. for torque through the front wheels and an intelligent variable transmission. The latter differs from most continuously variable transmissions in that it uses pre-set ratios under both moderate and hard acceleration, which dispenses with the usual droning racket. Whenever possible, however, it adopts fully variable ratios to improve fuel economy.The combination delivers a run to 100 km/h of 9.8 seconds and a posted average fuel economy of 6.9 L/100 km.The Forte holds a flat attitude through a corner and feels stable at highway speeds. It is also one of the quieter rides in the segment. As with Elantra, mid-corner bumps unsettle the rear suspension. The steering is nicely weighted across the operating range. If needed, Sport mode adds yet more weight and a sportier driving feel.The Kia Forte EX Premium has a sticker price of $23,640 after the combined Unhaggle discount of $3,250 is applied.2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Highline 8 Tiptronic 2019 Volkswagen Jetta Derek McNaughton / Driving Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $25,495Volkswagen Canada Incentive*: $1,500Unhaggle Savings:
Origin: Three family-oriented sedans with cash in the trunk
Three family-toting minivans with some generous discounts
On the last three Fridays of every month, Graeme Fletcher combines manufacturers’ incentives from Unhaggle.com with resale value, dependability and overall ratings to find you the best deal for your money in new cars. This week, we look at family-toting minivans. The hot deals are on the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring, Dodge Grand Caravan GT and Honda Odyssey EX. 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring Chrysler Pacifica Handout / Chrysler Unhaggle discount:$7,500 Sticker Price: $35,530 (not including taxes and fees) Introduced in 2017, the Chrysler Pacifica carries over this year. The cabin is ringed with nice materials and arrives with Chrysler’s Uconnect 4 infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and six speakers. It remains one of the easiest systems to live with — pairing a phone is the model of simplicity. It also works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, the Touring requires the Cold Weather group to get some of the basics like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Access to the rear environment is through dual power sliding doors and a power liftgate. The second-row Stow ’n Go seats fold into the floor in a simple operation that does not require muscle. When the seats are upright the in-floor bins provide addition storage. The third row, which also folds neatly into the floor, is tight and best left for kids. The cargo space rates 915-litres with all seats up, 2,478L with the third row folded and 3,979L with the both rows stowed. It requires the SafetyTec group ($995) to get blind spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. Other safety features are not offered on the Touring. The Pacifica is powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V6 that fires 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission and the front wheels. The engine is refined, although the same cannot always be said of the transmission — reports of jerky shifting persist. The combination brings a run to 100 kilometres an hour in 7.7 seconds, a posted average fuel economy of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres and a towing capacity of 1,633-kilograms. On the road the Pacifica is comfortable and quiet thanks to the active noise cancelling. The featured model gets a slightly firmer touring suspension, which is a good thing as there’s less body roll without making the ride feel harsh. The steering is light a low speed, but a little numb on-centre at highway speeds. The Chrysler Pacifica Touring arrives with a combined Unhaggle discount of $7,500 and a pre-tax sticker of $35,530. 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan GT Dodge Grand Caravan Handout / Dodge Unhaggle discount:$11,250 Sticker Price: $37,280 (not including taxes and fees) The Dodge Caravan can legitimately lay claim to having invented the minivan segment in 1984. Since its introduction the Caravan has grown into the Grand Caravan. The hitch is it has not seen a major rework in a decade and there’s little change for 2019. The cabin is workman-like in its finish and execution — the difference between the GC GT and the Pacifica Touring highlights the difference between then and now. For example, the 430N infotainment system with Garmin navigation and a 6.5-inch touchscreen is beginning to show its age — it does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Grand Caravan’s key strength is interior flexibility — there are 81 seating/cargo configurations. There is plenty of room in the middle row seating and enough to support a pair of adults in the third row as long as they don’t mind being a little friendly. The Stow ’n Go seating is easy to deploy and the bins provide 340L of additional storage space when the seats are up. The cargo capacity rates 881L with the third row up, 2,234L with it folded and 3,973L with the middle row stowed. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors are part of the $975 Safety Sphere group. Other safety features like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking are conspicuous by their absence. The Grand Caravan is powered by the same 3.6L Pentastar V6 as the Pacifica. In this instance it makes 283 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is unflustered and the transmission shifts smoothly and quickly when a downshift is demanded. The combination delivers a run to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, a posted average fuel economy of 11.8 L/100 km and a 1,633-kg tow capacity. The GT earns a performance suspension. It imparts some welcome agility to the driving characteristics. There is less body roll, the steering feels sharper and the P225/65R17 tires deliver solid grip. Nobody will mistake the Grand Caravan for a Challenger or Charger, but if handling is as important as highway cruising it works. The Dodge Grand Caravan GT has a sticker of $37,280 after the generous combined Unhaggle discount of $11,250 is applied. 2019 Honda Odyssey EX 2018 Honda Odyssey Handout / Honda Unhaggle
Origin: Three family-toting minivans with some generous discounts
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