2010 Toronto Auto Show – “Must See” Performance Cars

By John LeBlanc

Environmentalists and politicians can’t seem to kill high-performance cars. Despite rising fuel prices, congested traffic, draconian speeding laws and political incorrectness, there’s still plenty of new-car buyers who want a fun-to-drive and powerful car.

While there is still be plenty of “diesel this” and “hybrid that” at this year’s Canadian International AutoShow, here are my five “must see” performance cars for those who still love to drive: Read more

Crystal Ball: The Future is Small

By John LeBlanc

Eventually, historians will write that the past decade was one of the most tumultuous and significant eras in the auto industry—the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; the roller-coaster of fuel prices; the public’s growing environmental and road safety awareness; the rise of the Chinese automakers; the fall of the Detroit Big Three—all culminating in the final year of the last decade with one-time U.S. giants General Motors and Chrysler filing for bankruptcy protection and needing tens of millions of taxpayer dollars just to survive. But what about the future? What will a new year bring to the auto industry? And what about for the next decade? Read more

Comparo: 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring/Kia Soul/Nissan Cube

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Story and photos by John LeBlanc

With seating for five and lower purchase and operating costs, small vehicles are where it’s at in the Canadian new-car market. Although already practical by nature, small sedans and hatchbacks may not offer enough space for some customers. So what if there was the added utility of a fifth door and more rear cargo space? In other words, a small wagon.

Hyundai, Kia and Nissan have answered with their new-for-2010 Elantra Touring, Soul and Cube. Which one, though, offers the best combination of room, economy, features and fun from behind the wheel? Read more

The Trouble with Toyotas: Has the hybrid halo been tarnished?

By John LeBlanc

So, let’s see, what’s on Toyota president Akio Toyoda’s agenda today? Oh. Only recalling its “halo” Prius, the best-selling car in Japan, that’s all. Read more

First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin Rapide

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By John LeBlanc

VALENCIA, Spain – Blasphemy is running rampant in the auto industry. BMW is building mid-size hatchbacks. Porsche is making sedans from SUVs. Heck, even Mini is going to try to sell you a crossover. So when we got wind that Aston Martin — longtime maker of British sports cars and grand touring coupés — was introducing the Rapide, the brand’s first four-door since the 1991 Lagonda, our hackles were raised accordingly. Four years after the Rapide’s debut as a concept, thankfully, Aston has stayed true to its “four-door sports car” ethos with the production version. Read more

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