Road Test: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

Some automakers take a few too many liberties in labeling their sports cars as “everyday” transportation. For instance, Audi likes to brag that its R8 can be driven 365 days a year, mainly because it has all-wheel-drive. I guess so. But what if that day falls in January. In Winnipeg. In a forty-below, call-in-the-Mounties blizzard? My bets are the R8 is safely tucked away in the Audi owner’s heated garage. Read more

Road Test: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

Across the pond, Audi’s A6 sedan has fought its way into the top spot as Europe’s best selling luxury sedan, just ahead of the stalwart BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E Class. With newer models like the A4, Q5 and R8 getting all the attention here in Canada, Audi’s mid-size sedan—which slots between the compact A4 and the full-size A8—can easily get lost in the showroom. Plus, with all-new versions of its two Teutonic rivals coming in the next twelve months, Audi has wisely given its A6 lineup a midlife touchup for 2009. And the most intriguing bit of its new kit lies underneath within the engine bay. Read more

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

Whether you’re a pregnant elephant or a Lincoln dealer starved for new product, 22 months is a long gestation period to wait for your new baby.

But that’s about how long it’s been from when Ford’s luxury brand announced its flagship MKS sedan would get one of the company’s much-ballyhooed EcoBoost engines, to when the car finally goes on sale later this summer. Read more

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E Class Coupe

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

SIENNA, Italy–Back in simpler times before the mass customization of consumer goods Mercedes-Benz had a simpler lineup: a large sedan, a smaller one and a sports car.

Yet just as you can now order your personal computer any way you want by choosing such options as processing power, memory size and casing colour, today you can order almost every conceivable automobile body style and option for every inconceivable lifestyle.

By offering 15 distinct classes – ranging from the compact B to the SLR MacLaren supercar – Mercedes is no different. Read more

Road Test: 2009 Pontiac G8 GT V6

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

The rumblings of Pontiac’s demise started just over four years ago at the New York auto show.

That’s when Bob Lutz, prescient head of product development for General Motors, voiced his opinion that Buick and Pontiac were “damaged brands.”

It’s taken one sharp fuel price hike and global recession, but as part of its massive restructuring plan, GM finally made it official this week: after 83 years in business, GM’s “excitement” division will be gone by 2010.

But please, don’t tell me this news is “a shame.” Or that it’s “sad” to see Pontiac go. Read more

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