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.When Arnold met GretaWhen Arnold Schwarzenegger was introduced to 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg at a European environmental summit earlier this year, he was thoroughly impressed. (Join the club, Arnold.) And then, when he learned she’d be making a North American tour, he offered to set his new friend up with one of the greenest ways to get around: a Tesla Model 3. Thunberg travelled to Montreal to participate in the climate strike along with approximately 500,000 others, and is continuing on to other events elsewhere in North America. 70-year-old B.C. driver given ticket for having cell phone in cup holderWhere do you keep your cell phone when you’re driving? Obviously, it’s illegal to hold it in your hand and use it – that’s distracted driving – but one senior citizen in B.C. was shocked to receive a ticket this week for having her smartphone charging in a cup holder. Randi Kramer, who’s had a clean driving record for the last 50 years or so, was issued a $368 ticket for distracted driving, despite not being distracted by her phone at all. Kramer plans to fight the ticket and her story has already got the attention of a local lawyer. The new C8 convertible arrives with folding hardtopThe 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray was unveiled this week, and unlike the initial C8 launch that nearly broke the internet earlier this summer, there’s not so much to report on. The new model will be available with a folding hardtop only, and be powered by the same plant as the coupe: a 6.2-litre 490-horsepower V8. Chevy chose to reveal the convertible at the Kennedy Space Center’s Rocket Garden in Orlando, Florida as a nod to all the astronauts who’ve driven ‘Vettes over the years. The 2020 Corvette convertible will start at $78,998 when it arrives in Canada next spring. Watch Tesla owners damage their cars using the new Smart Summon featureA new software update downloaded into Teslas around the world last weekend, teaching the electric vehicles a highly anticipated new trick. Smart Summon automatically pilots empty cars across parking lots or driveways to their drivers, who summon them with the press of a button on an app. But despite the word “Smart” being right there in the name, and Tesla officially reminding driver they “are still responsible for (their) car and must monitor it and its surroundings at all times,” the new feature has occasionally hit a few snags. Or, more accurately, other vehicles and garage doors. Check out some of the Smart Summon fails caught on camera and already making the rounds online. Russian YouTuber tests how many spokes your car wheel actually needsHow many spokes is enough spokes? Sure, all of them would be ideal, but when push came to shove, how many could you still drive with? Like, if you literally pushed and shoved (or cut) the spokes off the wheels, like this Russian YouTuber did, how far would you get? Turns out, pretty far! The Garage 54 YouTube channel, which is dedicated to these kind of automotive “torture tests,” fits an old car with a bunch of tires with a varying number of the alloy spokes removed, and basically drives around on them until they break. The language dubbing is bearable, but the video itself is highly
Origin: News Roundup: Schwarzenegger sets teenage activist up with Tesla, Chevy unveils C8 convertible and more
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Is this a Ford Bronco pickup — and with a removable roof?
Fords upcoming new Bronco might morph into a pickup truck with a removable roof, putting it nose-to-nose with the Jeep Gladiator, at least according to some newly-unearthed patent drawings.According to Ford Authority, the patents show a truck that appears to be the Ford Ranger yes, the same midsize that will donate its platform to the Bronco sport-utility.The patent shows a removable hardtop, with a windshield header, rear body structure and roof cap that clamps on.The patent application says the roof caps mounting system would allow it to be installed or removed by one person, a tougher job that takes two on a Jeep. The patents include a version with a sliding rear window.Previously-discovered Ford patents show a vehicle, believed to be the Bronco, with removable doors. Theyd undoubtedly be included alongside a take-off top, allowing a Bronco pickup to shed doors and roof as the Gladiator can. Putting a removable roof on the Bronco sport-ute would also put it in the same category as the completely-openable Wrangler. Given that the Wrangler begat the Gladiator, were pretty sure Ford wont turn down an opportunity for its Bronco to similarly shift into a truck as well.As youd expect, Ford isnt saying a word about the patent drawings. Were not even sure when the Bronco will formally break ground, although it may happen at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November the same venue where, at the 2018 edition, the Gladiator made its first appearance, bumping up over a set of stairs on its way to the
Origin: Is this a Ford Bronco pickup — and with a removable roof?
BMW unveils X5 M and X6 M, with Competition packages for each
BMW X5M BMW X6MBMW Whereas once it used to focus on hot wagons basically suicide for sales these days now BMW is turning its performance aspirations on tuned versions of its popular SUVs. The next trucks to receive the M treatment are the companys X5 and X6.From the outside, you probably wouldnt know it was an M, if you didnt see the badges. A black grille and new splitter are present, and there are a couple new gills in the side panels to go along with the aerodynamically optimized mirrors.Under the skin is where the changes really matter, though. For the M versions of both vehicles, BMWs venerable 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M5 has been pressed into service, making 600 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Stepping up to the Competition spec in either model means a bump up to a whopping 625 horsepower. The massive power boost from stock means the performance has also, well, improved, to make an understatement. Now 100 km/h shows up from zero in just 3.9 seconds for the M, and 3.8 seconds for the M Competition. Both engines are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission.Unfortunately, BMW has not included a selectable rear-drive mode like it has in the M5, so drivers will have to settle for the 4WD Sport mode when making those pulls. Peel back a few more layers and we see the overpowered people-haulers also sport an M electronic differential, M exhaust and M brakes (which are a huge 15.6 and 15 inches, front and rear, respectively).Canadian pricing and availability have not been
Origin: BMW unveils X5 M and X6 M, with Competition packages for each
Mitsubishi’s Tokyo show star is roofless SUV with four electric motors
Mitsubishi will reveal a new compact SUV concept with a range-extending EV tech at next month’s Tokyo motor show. The MI-Tech Concept, first confirmed last month, is previewed again in another image released by the firm. It shows the model is a two-seater, lacking doors and a roof, so it’s unlikely to preview a close-to-production model. However, its intent is to preview a new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrains to be used on SUV models smaller than the Outlander. Instead of the traditional combustion engine, Mitsubishi has deployed a gas turbine engine-generator, allowing use of pure EV and series hybrid drive modes. The hybrid technology will be smaller and lighter than Mitsubishi’s current plug-in hybrid system, which it pioneered first on the Outlander PHEV. It will be four-wheel drive, with two electric motors on each axle for for greater off-road control and precise handling, the brand claims. It’s also claimed to offer both improved efficiency in urban environments. Mitsubishi has not released any further technical details of the new hybrid system, which will join the larger one it already has in its range on the Outlander. That current plug-in hybrid tech mixes a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a 13.8kWh battery and twin electric motors. A replacement for the Outlander was previewed at the Geneva motor show in March with a concept called Engelberg Tourer that continued with a 2.4-litre petrol engine but now mated to a larger 20kWh battery. The concept car’s downsized plug-in hybrid technology could therefore be intended for the Eclipse Cross, either in this generation or the next. Mitsubishi sources confirmed to Autocar earlier this year that the Eclipse Cross would be offered with plug-in hybrid technology in the future. Mitsubishi sources also confirmed to Autocar that it would look to move its three SUV models – ASX, Eclipse Cross and Outlander – further apart in size. The ASX is set to be offered with an all-electric drivetrain in its next generation, rather than hybrid technology. The 2019 Tokyo concept will follow a 2017 concept at the same show, called e-Evolution. The model offered visual clues to the next ASX, but more pertinently was an early indication of what the famous Evo could turn into – a high-performance electric compact SUV – should Mitsubishi decide to revive it early in the next decade as has long been
Origin: Mitsubishi’s Tokyo show star is roofless SUV with four electric motors
Audi updates RS4 Avant with more aggressive styling for 2020
Audi has given its RS4 Avant performance estate a facelift, including a reshaped grille and flared wheel arches, just two years after the current generation was launched. The mild redesign follows on from the recent refresh of the standard A4 and is limited mostly to a revised front end design and enhanced interior technology. The RS4’s front grille, bumper and lower splitter have been overhauled to further distance the performance variant from the standard model and bring it into line with the new RS6 Avant, which sports a notably more aggressive stance than the outgoing RS4. The gloss black honeycomb grille featured across Audi Sport’s range of top-rung RS models has been designed without a frame to sit flush with the bumper. The model’s LED headlights have also been reshaped and can now be specified with darkened bezels. As is tradition with Audi’s sportier models, the wheel arches are substantially flared to accommodate wider wheels and tyres, the RS4 measuring a full 30mm wider overall than the standard A4 at the front and rear. Inside, the facelifted model receives a new 10.1in infotainment touchscreen, equipped with Audi’s new MMI acoustic response technology, in place of the outgoing car’s rotary controller. A new digital instrument panel can display drive system component temperatures, g-forces, tyre pressures, power output, lap times and acceleration measurements. It also features a shift light display to assist the driver with gearchange timings. There are no changes to the RS4’s turbocharged 2.9-litre V6, which still produces 444bhp and 443lb ft – enough to give the car a 0-62mph time of 4.1sec and top speed of up to 174mph. The new RS4 Avant will make its public debut at this weekend’s DTM season finale at the Hockenheimring, ahead of sales beginning later this month. UK pricing is yet to be confirmed, but a European starting price of €81,400 suggests we’re likely to see a slight increase over the current model’s £67,585 price
Origin: Audi updates RS4 Avant with more aggressive styling for 2020
Schwarzenegger sets Greta Thunberg up with Tesla Model 3 to Montreal
Tesla Model 3Tesla Climate activist and scolder of world leaders Greta Thunberg will be travelling to various North American events this month including one in Montreal in a Tesla Model 3, courtesy of none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger.The actor-turned-politician apparently made the offer after learning of her travel plans in Canada and the States during this leg of her climate crusade.While your author and many others associate Terminator and Predator movies with the former California governor, Schwarzenegger has lately been using his influence as a call to action on environmental issues. This friendship between Schwarzenegger and Thunberg may seem random, but the two have been on the same climate page for ages. The muscle-bound actor said he was starstruck after meeting the young activist earlier this year at an environmental summit in Vienna. Given his willingness to help her with her efforts right now on this side of the pond, its safe to say the sixteen-year-old made quite an impression on him.Schwarzenegger isnt new to the electric car scene, having had a Hummer H1 converted to electric power by an outfit called Kreisel Electric. Those of us with long memories will recall the actor was one of the first (if not the first) to take delivery of a civilian Humvee when they were released to the general public back in the 1990s. An electric conversion, then, ties the mans then-and-now interests together very well.After taking the world to task in a speech delivered at the UN last week, Thunberg continued to Montreal where she lead an estimated 500,000 people on that days climate strike. These events, held around the world, are intended to highlight climate change and spur people into taking real
Origin: Schwarzenegger sets Greta Thunberg up with Tesla Model 3 to Montreal
Mazda 2 hatch upgraded with mild-hybrid tech
The Mazda 2 will gain mild-hybrid power as part of a facelift for the compact hatch, which also includes design tweaks and technology upgrades. The Japanese firm’s Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i20 rival will retain the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, but is now boosted by a belt-integrated starter/generator on all manual models. It will be offered in two stages of tune, with a 74bhp version on entry level SE-L models, and a 89bhp powertrain for SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav trims. The manual versions produce 94-95g/km of CO2, depending on trim level, with a WLTP-certified combined fuel economy of 53.4mpg. Mazda cites a number of tweaks to improve the handling of its supermini, including a new urethane top mount in the rear dampers, revised power steering and the introduction of a G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which uses the brakes to aid cornering. The design changes include a revised grille with a new design closer to the Mazda 3, a wider wing, new bumper and revised LED headlights. Inside, the dashboard trim, air vents and other features have been tweaked, with new-shape seats designed to offer more comfort. Mazda also claims the use of new damping materials and the reduction in the gap around the B-pillar reduce noise and improve refinement for those inside. The entry level SE-L Mazda 2 will cost £15,795, and includes rear parking sensors, 15in alloy wheels and climate control. As well as the more powerful engine, SE-L Nav models and above gain the Mazda Connect navigation system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assistance features including brake assist and lane-keeping assist. SE-L Nav models start from £16,610. For £17,310, Sport Nav models add 16in alloy wheels, a gloss black grille, rear privacy glass, chrome exhausts and keyless entry. The top-rung GT Sport Nav models feature a reversing camera, leather seats, a head-up display, and heated front seats and steering wheel. Such models start from £18,110 for manual models, and £19,370 with an automatic gearbox. The revised Mazda 2 will go on sale in the UK in
Origin: Mazda 2 hatch upgraded with mild-hybrid tech
Texas tuner Hennessey to hit Porsche Taycan with style and performance upgrades
A rendering of the 2020 Hennessey Porsche TaycanHennessey Performance Hennessey Performance in Texas is known for adding gobs of horsepower to new muscle cars most people assumed already had more output than they needed.But the tuner is planning to tackle its first electric vehicle next year in the form of the 2020 Porsche Taycan sedan.While past efforts have seen them crack the 1,000-hp mark with a 1,200-horse Shelby Mustang GT500; or add an extra axle to the Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss, were not certain you should expect any of those enhancements on the battery-driven Hennessey Taycan.All we know for certain is that theyll throw some wheel, tire and interior enhancements on the thing, reports Car and Driver, as well as new front and rear fascias. But it wouldnt be a Hennessey if the firm didnt also bump up the wattage coming out of the Taycans motors, right? Like some other electric performance vehicles, the Taycan is already plenty darn quick, so well see what one can do once it passes through Texas.Development of the Hennessey Taycan will begin in earnest once the first cars hit the U.S. in early
Origin: Texas tuner Hennessey to hit Porsche Taycan with style and performance upgrades
Aston Martin teases us again, this time with the DBX’s soundtrack
My God, you know this whole tease-you-new-hot-rod has reached new levels of silliness when you put out a press missive detailing a Youtube video consisting of nothing more than the revving of an engine. I love the sound of pistons compressing more than most, but surely there are better uses for Amazon server space than 30 seconds of frenetic internal combustion.That said, I have to admit that, despite the long, drawn-out nature of Aston Martins news-making foreplay, I am intrigued by the companys new DBX. For the companys first SUV, the good folks from Gaydon are making some outlandish claims for the so-far-disguised as in camouflaged photos sport brute. For instance, in no particular order, they are saying that DBX can corner as hard as its seriously-fast Vantage, brake harder than the companys DBS Superleggera and that its engine the Mercedes-sourced, Aston-tuned twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, pumps out 550 PS (about 542 SAE horsepower), more than any of its V8-powered coupes and roadsters. If true and, my Lord, they did release a Youtube sound video as proof the DBX may be just the Urus-chasing SUV Aston needs to keep up with rapidly-growing Lamborghini sales.Officially, though this is still the reveal of the DBXs exhaust system, which, in official parlance, has been tuned to reflect a deep bass with increasing mid-tones, creating true auditory exhilaration. I will leave it your fine ears as to whether Aston has indeed created the broader, more solid acoustic note they were
Origin: Aston Martin teases us again, this time with the DBX’s soundtrack
Audi Sport expands hot SUV line-up with RS Q3 Sportback
Audi Sport has expanded its range of performance SUVs with the launch of the new RS Q3 Sportback coupe-crossover as its second high-performance SUV. It will take on the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 and BMW X4 M when it goes on sale early next year. The new machine is based on the recently launched Q3 Sportback, and shares the same underpinnings as the new second-generation RS Q3, which was unveiled as the same time. That includes a five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged Along with the forthcoming RS Q8, it is part of a major expansion of Audi Sport’s SUV line-up designed to boost the performance division’s sales. Product manager Carolin Krause said that the RS Q3 Sportback was aimed at a “completely new segment, for young lifestyle-oriented customers, who want performance and everyday usability.” Krause said there were no concerns within Audi about the new RS Q3 Sportback cannibalising sales from the standard RS Q3, adding: “The market is ready for these models, especially in the smaller segments.” The RS Q3 Sportback features a number of design changes from the regular Q3 Sportback, both to stand apart from the range and to reinforce the links to the RS Q3. Design Matthew Baggley said: “When we designed the regular Q3 and Q3 Sportback the aim was to give customers as much differentiation as possible, but for the RS models we felt it necessary to bring them back together.” As a result, both models have wheel arches to widen their width by 10mm (the track remains unchanged). They also get a customised front grille with a single frame design. There are also sculpted air intakes in the new-look front bumper. While the intakes are designed to reflect the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, they feature a ‘boomerang’ design that is unique to the two RS Q3 models. There are standard LED lights at both the front and rear of the car. The differences between the RS Q3 and the RS Q3 Sportback are more apparent from the side, with the Sportback’s sloping coupe-style roof making it 45mm lower than the RS Q3. It also has a lower shoulder line, designed to emphasise the car’s stance. The RS Q3 Sportback gains its own rear wing design, and a bespoke rear bumper and diffuser, designed to set it apart at the back and make the car appear even wider. As with the RS Q3, the Sportback features twin exhausts. Inside, both models offer black leather and Alcantara sports seats and other bespoke design details, with a number of Audi Sport-exclusive options on the Drive Select and infotainment system. There are a number of RS details, and more available – including Nappa leather seats with integrated head rests – via a number of customisation options. Underneath their bodywork, the RS Q3 and Sportback are mechanically identical, powered by an upgraded version of the five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbo from the first-generation RS Q3, and also used in the TT RS. The unit has been tuned to produce 394bhp, compared to 335bhp in the old RS Q3 – 362bhp for the Performance variant – and also offers 343lb ft of torque 1950 and 5850 rpm. That gives the Q3 Sportback a 0-62mph time of 4.5secs, with a limited top speed of 155mph (174mph with the optional Performance pack). Power is delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox, with wheel-selective torque control to aid traction and handling. Audi’s Drive Select system features six modes, including two bespoke RS options accessible via a steering wheel button. Both models sit 10mm lower than the regular Q3 and Q3 Sportback and feature sport suspension and Audi’s Dynamic Chassis Control as standard, with MacPherson struts at the front and a four-link design at the rear. They also feature specially tuned progressive steering, with a choice of 20 or 21in wheels and steel or ceramic brake discs. The RS Q3 Sportback will go on sale early next year, at the same time as the RS Q3. While pricing has not been finalised, it is expected to be above the £44,785 of the old RS
Origin: Audi Sport expands hot SUV line-up with RS Q3 Sportback
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