First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

E-Q-ship

Mercedes goes the turbocharging route for its updated midsize stealth machine

By John LeBlanc

LE CASTELLET, FRANCE — Showing little of the restraint of its rivals, Mercedes-Benz offers high-performance iterations of almost every model throughout its extensive lineup — from its compact C-class sedan to its SLS Gullwing supercar. Yet if you know the history of the German automaker’s AMG high-end tuning arm you’re more likely to associate the AMG name with breathed-on big four-door sedans — mundane-looking vehicles with more-than-mundane performance (called Q-ships by those in the know). Read more

Comparo: 2011 Nissan Cube versus 2011 Scion xB

Compacts Squared

Which of these hip-to-be-square compact boxes-on-wheels nails the “cool” factor?

By John LeBlanc

There are all kinds of ways kids can revolt against their parents. Some even legal. Like buying a Nissan Cube or Scion xB, two new cars that embody few of the qualities their respectively-targeted buyers’ parents would dig. Read more

Prince Edward Highlander / The Wrapup

By John LeBlanc

SPRINGBROOK, P.E.I. – The concept of a hybrid crossover seems perfect for the modern family vacation vehicle. Crossovers offer the all-wheel-drive practicality of sports-utility-vehicles. Being car-based, though, they drive nicer, weigh less, and tend to be more space and fuel efficient than SUVs. Read more

Prince Edward Highlander / Days 12 & 13 – Fueling around

By John LeBlanc

Rain, or the threat thereof, kept our day tripping during the remaining days of our Prince Edward Island sojourn to close-by destinations. But after nearly two weeks behind the wheel of our loaned 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, I now have a decent idea of what kind of fuel economy this large-ish crossover can obtain. Read more

Prince Edward Highlander / Days 10 & 11 – Highlander definitely a “passenger first” proposition

By John LeBlanc

August 3 / Taking advantage of some sun and a high of 27 C, we spent the last few days of our Prince Edward Island holiday racking up the klicks in our loaned 2011 Highlander Hybrid. On Monday, we zigzagged from our homestead just east of Cavendish on the north shore, to a 5 km charity run/walk in Seacow Head, near Bedeque on the Northumberland Strait coast. We then returned to an afternoon on Stanhope Beach, on the St. Lawrence Gulf side, finishing up the day up at the Brackley drive-in, taking in a Smurfs/Friends With Benefits evening double-bill (left). Read more

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