The Crank: The General’s naming games

By John LeBlanc

As part of Chevrolet’s recent small car religion— that includes the 2011 compact Cruze, next year’s Orlando compact tall wagon and a future Spark city car—an all-new subcompact  2011 Aveo, left and below, is on the way as well. We saw the production version last month in Paris, initially, next spring it will be built at Government Motors’ plant in Seoul, South Korea, then join the Cruze-based 2012 Buick Verano compact at one of GM’s Michigan factories, before the new Chevy subcompact goes on sale in Canada later next year. Read more

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The Crank: Is adventurous car design dead?

By John LeBlanc

We waited for this? was my thought bubble when spy shots of what is speculated to be the next-gen Honda Civic in hot weather testing showed up in a video (above) this week. But then, I had the same light bulb go off when I first saw der neu BMW 6 Series on the Paris show floor a couple of weeks back. Putting 6 and Civic together, it’s hard not to ask: Is the age of adventurous car design dead? Read more

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The Crank: 2011 CAJ Best of the Best nominees released

By John LeBlanc

Here’s the deal. If you’re reading my blog, it’s safe to assume that you’re one of the wisest, sharpest, most knowledgeable car enthusiasts on the planet. So it goes without reason that if yours truly is to put his name behind an annual new car award, it’s going to be the “best” as well. Read more

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First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT Turbo

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Chevy’s crucial Cruze

Is Chevrolet’s latest compact a serious threat to the leading imports?

By John LeBlanc

TORONTO, Ont. – Contrary to its laid-back name, the new Cruze is Chevrolet’s first serious challenger in Canada’s all-important compact car segment. After decades of disappointing Vegas, Cavaliers, and Cobalts, Chevrolet thinks it finally has the car to take on the class-leading imports. Read more

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Top 10s: Cliché Cars

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By John LeBlanc

As you know, one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But how many of us have judged a driver by the car they drive? As in life, looks are important. It’s seemingly in human nature to create stereotypes of certain vehicles and their drivers, turning them into clichés. So if you’re in the process of buying a new car and are careful of your image, here are 10 of my favourite new cliché cars to be wary of … Read more

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