Car FYI

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy The recently concluded 2020 edition of the Canadian International AutoShow wraps as a grand celebration of wheels and the motors that propel them. More than just a gathering for vehicle manufacturers to impress us with their latest designs and technologies, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre played host to a multitude of ideas lined to the classic, modern and futuristic automotive genre. Within the massive gathering space was a chance to amuse yourself with various types of interactivity. Branded with the theme of “Transformative Times”, the 2020 Canadian International AutoShow acted in an attempt to shed light along the many crossroads the automobile industry faces while also reminding us of the delight of more than 100 years of motoring. Photo Credit: Chris Nagy In recent years, the Canadian International AutoShow has benefited from a high-profile lead-in that was held in Detroit. Previously a staple for January, the North American Internatio...

Photo Credit: Chevrolet Though the commitment to a Chevrolet Corvette with an engine positioned ahead of the passenger compartment remained the production standard for another generation, a host of concept cars would continue to sell notion of a different powerplant layout. Intended as a research vehicle, the Astro I featured a fiberglass body that did not use conventional doors. An electric-powered roof would open in concert with elevating seats provided a unique entry and exit experience for passengers for a vehicle measuring only 35.5 inches in height. Finished in Crimson-Flame Acrylic Pearl paint, the Astro I design study also consisted of an air-cooled engine, fully automatic air conditioning, twin grip steering wheel and active aerodynamics to facilitate emergency stops. Another concept vehicle displayed a more reality-focused proposal. The XP-880 concept car came to fruition in 1968 under the engineering expertise of Frank Winchell and Larry Nies. Using existing productio...

Photo Credit: Volkswagen AG During the late 1960s, the classic Volkswagen Microbus was recognized as a staple with the Flower Power culture and the early figures leading to the current environmental-minded motions. Driven or ridden in by individuals of vision almost fifty years ago, Volkswagen Group has heeded calls towards greener motoring. Intent to have one million of their vehicles per year sold powered by an electric powertrain by 2025, Volkswagen had already pledged to construct a production version of last year’s I.D. Electric concept car for 2020. Coming shortly after the unveiling of the compact all-electric vehicle, the German auto giant wildly imagined one of their most celebrated shapes adhering to their vision for the fast-approaching future. Premiering at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ concept car explored the versatility afforded through an electrified powertrain. Styling of the electric concept car  wise...

Photo Credit: Volkswagen AG Automakers around for a long time are often presented with the opportunity to relive some proud moments. Production milestones, anniversaries of key dates or the continuation of a popular vehicle model name are moments to cerebrate past achievements often in a manner meant to connect a brand’s past and present. Using one of their more culturally significant designs, Volkswagen’s presence at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is anchored by a vintage Microbus charm loaded with their latest smart vehicle technology. Photo Credit: Volkswagen AG The latest glimpse at Volkswagen’s post-diesel focus on electrification as a manner of cleaner motoring, the I.D. BUZZ concept re-imagines the utility and personality belonging to the 1960s Volkswagen vans for a 21st century climate. Exterior design cues from the original Volkswagen Microbus is translated into modern times on a 194.6-inch (4.943-meter) long platform that is an ext...

Photo Credit: Audi of America In less than a month, the potential of a new year in the automotive sector will be in full bloom in Detroit. For a longtime a showcase largely reserved for new cars and ideas of the American automakers, growing interests of other brands has elevated the North American International Auto Show into a pinnacle global event. German luxury car maker Audi will be among the world motoring contingent choosing the 2017 edition of the auto show in Detroit to debut their latest vehicle imagery in the form of the Q8 concept. Previewed in pair of sketches ahead of the 2017 North American International Auto Show, the Audi Q8 concept front and side exterior views reveal a sizable crossover infused with a healthy performance appetite. Featuring a long hood and long flat roof and a wide front version of Audi's Singleframe grille, the Q8 concept vehicle's outer appearance does convey an intentional sport design. Although premiering as a concept in Detroit, th...

Photo Credit: Image from Real Racing 3/Electronic Arts A recent update of Real Racing 3 has spawned some good and bad traits for the popular racing app. Starting with the good news, Real Racing 3 is currently offering players to gain access to new McLaren-branded vehicles. Production-based 570GT and 675LT have been added alongside a radical concept racer. The most stunning ride introduced to the app racing game, the McLaren MP4-X was concocted as an extreme example of a Formula 1 car matched with the limits of real-world technology. Sculpted as an advanced hybrid race car last year as an exercise of McLaren Applied Technologies, the MP4-X's electrical power system consists of generation through typical means such as braking as well as through solar cells. Electrical power is stored in thin batteries orchestrated around the vehicle for weight optimization. Although Formula 1 is already exploiting hybrid race car technology, the McLaren MP4-X's application is beyond th...

Photo Credit: Toyota Canada Inc. The Canadian International AutoShow always features a lively and eclectic group of automobiles. This year’s show pledges to offer the greatest of 2016 cars, trucks, vans, crossovers, and almost any other class of passenger vehicle on four wheels. Some of the most engaging concept vehicles also arrive in Toronto every year as a firsthand opportunity for Canadians of the great city to chart what progress is upcoming for automobiles. Many times attendees of the Canadian show are the first in the country to witness the bold and high-tech future but we face the reality that we are not the first public members to examine such designs. Sometimes automakers even send concept vehicles that were first displayed several years ago to Toronto. Having brought the i-Road, FV2 Concept and the Fun-VII to previous iterations of the Canadian International AutoShow, Toyota will embark on a fairly uncommon vehicle. As much as their concept design is striking amongst...

Photo Credit: Mazda North American Operations The Tokyo Motor Show is one of the longest running Asian auto shows, the Japanese exhibition has gained a reputation for showing the world many possible futures for the automobile. Hosted as a biennial event, Japan’s native auto companies is tasked with assembling some bold ideas in concept car forms featuring far-out styling and radical new technologies. Back in 1964, Mazda showed the Cosmo sports car displaying a different engine concept. For the 2015 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show is guaranteed already to be living up to the aspirations days ahead of the doors opening to the public. Among a vast line-up of concept cars premiering in Tokyo is Mazda’s revival of their rotary engine technology. Photo Credit: Mazda North American Operations A front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car, the Mazda RX-Vision Concept is explored as a continuation to the spirit of the Cosmo as well as the RX-7 high-performance car. Shaped thro...

This year, Honda is celebrating an important milestone in both their motorsport history as well as the brand in general. On October 24th of 1965, a Honda constructed RA272 Formula 1 race car took victory at the Mexican Grand Prix. Leading the race from start to finish, Richie Ginther wheeled the first-ever Japanese built vehicle to win a Formula 1 event. For the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda will unveil a modern homage to the performance that drove the 1965 Formula 1 machine that also represents the brand's 'The Power of Dream' philosophy. The Honda Project 2&4 concept machine is a lightweight yet powerful mergence of vehicle types and ideas. A concept sculpted as a result of an in-house 'Global Design Project' competition among more than 80 designers, the final vehicle shape for Honda Project 2&4 Concept references the talent of a united 'Team Honda' entity. Project 2...

One of the last auto shows of the North American auto show circuit before spring driving weather invites us outdoors, the 2015 New York International Auto Show indicated automakers saved a few choice offerings after months of premieres and debuts. Taking a bite of the ‘Big Apple’ this year was the unveiling of Cadillac’s CT6 sedan , the new Nissan Maxima, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu and the McLaren 570S . Observers of the show in New York were also treated to a vision of the returning Lincoln Continental in concept form . With an impression could be on the road in the near future, simply look at the current roadways in Canada to gauge what was likely the most important introduction at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. The Honda Civic has earned our respect for decades in Canada just as it has across the globe. With Alliston, Ontario accounting as part of the Civic’s supply chain since the 1988 model year, the Canadian driving public has shown its appreciation by making i...

Through much of Lincoln's history, Ford Motor Company's luxury brand best vehicles came when they were deliberately competing against General Motors' premium car make Cadillac. The 1950s and 1960s had Lincoln attempting to boldly define itself from its main rival creating memorable designs. Diagonally-stacked headlights and suicide doors were some eye-grabbing features used by Lincoln to present their idea of luxury. With Cadillac preparing  a super-luxury CT6 sedan for 2016 , it appears the time has returned for Lincoln to directly attempt to best their old American luxury foe. At the New York International Auto Show, the Continental Concept will debut as a production-ready vision of a new luxury flagship sedan. A strikingly modern, high-class four-door, the elegance on display with the Lincoln Continental Concept is crafted with great purpose. Years ago, the Continental name one of the cornerstones of luxury in Nor...

European audiences have long accepted high-performance wagons from BMW and Audi. In fact, Audi has applied their RS moniker to their wagon Avant models for sale in Germany and other European Union countries over the years. With a few exceptions, North American enthusiasts have often sat at a distance only wondering how it will feel to drive a super powerful grocery-getter. At the Geneva Motor Show set to take place this month, Kia explores the sport wagon culture with their Sportspace Concept car. Preaching the desirable fusion of style and function, the Kia Sportspace Concept is an elegant shooting brake design with a long profile angling smartly at the rear. The styling of the rear portion of the concept car has been shaped to project a presence of a strong and athletic. At the front, Kia's tiger-nose grille features a Plexiglass insert that can be rotated operating as an active shutter for improved airflow. Ice...

In addition to the redesigned plug-in hybrid Volt , rumours have strongly supported the presence of a fully electric-powered Chevrolet becoming part of this week's major automotive show in Detroit. As predicted, a Monday press conference brought forth the production precursor to Chevrolet's first car not to use an internal combustion engine. Billed as an affordable electric car capable of traveling 200 miles (321 kilometers) on a single charge, the Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept is created to be a zero-emissions vehicle viable for the regular motorist. “We have made tremendous strides in technologies that make it easier and more affordable for Chevrolet customers to integrate an all-electric vehicle in their daily lives,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra.   Shown in concept trim for the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is intended to become the brand's first electric-only vehicle. After practi...

At the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Chevrolet’s most recent concept vehicle meant have just claimed the title as the most outrageous design of the year. Honouring 45 years of their partnership with legendary Chaparral Racing, designers created a car characterizing a similar sense of ground-breaking practical style as what flourished with the 1960s race cars. Called the Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo (VGT), the only more radical part of this concept car is that almost anyone with a Sony Playstation 3 will be able to drive it. Every aspect of the Chaparral 2X VGT can honestly be described as science fiction meets 21 st century motorsports. A lightweight design sculpted under what General Motors classified as a “No-rules environment“, the vehicle is constructed on a composite material chassis. Bearing a minor resemblance to the GM Autonomy, the Chaparral 2X VGT cannot really be compared to any active production or race car. Active driver-adjustable aerodynamic elements pro...