The Crank: Will Canadians take to stale Scions?

By John LeBlanc

Let’s get something straight. Scion—Toyota’s so-called “youth brand”—is all about fashion. The three Scions being introduced to Canada this fall don’t offer much differences mechanically than the Toyotas they’re based on. After being introduced to U.S. customers in 2003, it took Toyota Canada took another five years, in 2008, to make up its mind to bring the Scion brand North of the 49th. Another two to go on sale. Despite the long wait, to say the least, Scion may have a few challenges in Canada… Read more

The Crank: Is Lamborghini losing its mojo?

By John LeBlanc

It looks like the Italian super sports car brand that has defined “extreme” and continually won the battle of one-upmanship over archrival Italian Ferrari with, well, more of everything, is caving into the new reality of ever-tightening fuel economy and tailpipe emissions regulations. It’s pure speculation at this point, but a teaser shot (left) Lamborghini sent out this week suggests its Murcielago-replacing Jota range-topping model (due to debut at this month’s Paris shin-dig) will only come with a ten-cylinder engine. Read more

First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

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The widebody of sports compacts

Updated WRX styling goes straight to its hips

By John LeBlanc

CALABOGIE, ONT.—The Impreza WRX and WRX STI are the kinds of cars automakers build when the times are good. Low-volume cars that build a brand’s image, are fun to drive, and (hallelujah!) have nothing to do with meeting government-mandated fuel regulations. And for Subaru, the times certainly are good. Over the past year, Subaru Canada has been posting record sales on a monthly basis. Its year-to-date sales are up more than 30 per cent, making it the fastest-growing Japanese manufacturer in 2010. Read more

First Drive: 2011 Subaru WRX STI

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By John LeBlanc

CALABOGIE MOTORSPORTS PARK, Ont.—Although the big news for Subaru’s performance flagship WRX STI is the return of a four-door sedan to the former hatchback-only lineup, the more important news for driving enthusiasts is the return of the STI as a pure performance machine, and reduced pricing that makes it an even better performance deal. Read more

Top 10s: Best Sounding New Cars

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By John LeBlanc

Eye-grabbing styling, gut-punching acceleration, track-ready handling – these are all qualities that can make or break a driving enthusiast’s new car purchase decision. Yet like a gorgeous supermodel that eventually opens their mouth with less-than-stellar acoustical results, how a car sounds can help you pick your next set of wheels as well. With your aural delights in mind, alphabetically, here, alphabetically, are my top 10 best-sounding new cars. Read more

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