Tesla introduced its Model X crossover concept to the public back in February 2012, with deliveries initially set to begin in 2014.   But although customers have been able to reserve a Model X by…

Tesla to start delivering Model X crossover in 2015

Tesla introduced its Model X crossover concept to the public back in February 2012, with deliveries initially set to begin in 2014. But although customers have been able to reserve a Model X by plunking down a $5,000 deposit, production got pushed back and so far none of the crossovers have been built.

Now in a letter to reservation holders, Tesla has promised that the company will begin prototype production this fall, with deliveries set to begin in early 2015. The Palo Alto, California based company also promised that the production Model X will "exceed the promises made when we first showed the concept."

Two key features Tesla intends to integrate into the production Model X are standard all-wheel drive and falcon wing doors. "Not only do these doors look amazing," said Tesla, "but they also make getting in and out of the Model X so much easier than would a conventional front-hinged door." The company also confirmed that third-row seating would be available, with Read Full Story
What’s the next logical step for the world’s number one producer of hybrid electric vehicles? Start producing a line of full plug-in 2013 Toyota FCV Concept (Photo: Toyota) electrics? Maybe.…

Production to start on Toyota hydrogen vehicle in December

What's the next logical step for the world's number one producer of hybrid electric vehicles? Start producing a line of full plug-in electrics? Maybe. And while we can't report that Toyota doesn't have such plans in its upcoming product launch program, we're certain a hydrogen-powered electric will soon be on the way.

According to Japan Times, production of that all-new model will commence in mid-December of this year, with the first models arriving in home-market Toyota showrooms in the first quarter of 2015. This of course follows Toyota's promise that we'd see a production fuel cell car in 2015, but most didn't expect the new fuel cell vehicle until later in the year.

According to the report, production will be very low compared to its mainstream models (Prius models included), with mere "dozens" of vehicles per month rolling down the line. The new model's expected price might have something to do with its low sales, the publication expecting its MSRP to "likely" Read Full Story
BMW’s X6 Sports Activity Coupe is hardly the biggest seller for the company, moving out the showroom doors at something like   half the rate of the regular 6 Series and about one-tenth the…

Second-generation BMW X6 revealed

BMW's X6 Sports Activity Coupe is hardly the biggest seller for the company, moving out the showroom doors at something like half the rate of the regular 6 Series and about one-tenth the rate of the X5. But even lower-volume niche models need to stay ahead of the times, and so BMW has updated the X6 for the 2015 model year with an eye to upping its sports appeal while improving efficiency.

The second-generation 2015 X6 gets what BMW calls "an even more potent design presence," with a distinctly coupe-like wedge profile. Reading between the lines it would seem that BMW has put greater emphasis on that coupe-like profile for 2015, at the cost of some 165 litres of cargo space (cargo space drops from 1,691 litres to 1,526 litres).

To aid in aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, the new X6 has air deflectors on the front wheel arches, combined with air curtains integrated into the outer air intakes of the front apron and air breathers in the side panels, which all work together Read Full Story
With Alfa Romeo’s curvaceous 4C sports coupe set to herald the marque’s triumphant return to North American shores when   it goes on sale here for the 2015 model year, the big question…

Alfa Romeo appoints four Canadian dealers

With Alfa Romeo's curvaceous 4C sports coupe set to herald the marque's triumphant return to North American shores when it goes on sale here for the 2015 model year, the big question was "Where will they be sold?" Alfa Romeo is owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which also owns Maserati, and conflicting rumours hinted that the 4C might be sold either through select Fiat dealers, or through Maserati dealers.

Now Fiat Chrysler has answered the dealership question, appointing 86 Alfa Romeo dealer franchises across North America and promising more to come by the end of the year. Most of the franchises appear to be Fiat dealers, although there are a few Maserati dealers sprinkled into the mix as well.

Canada gets four Alfa Romeo dealerships initially, with one in Toronto, one in Vancouver, and two in Quebec. The remaining 82 dealerships are spread across the U.S. Only 33 states will get franchises initially, with the highest concentrations in California, Texas and Florida. Read Full Story
Did you hear the news? Cadillac has come up with an absolutely brilliant way of enticing you out of $75k and leaving you grinning Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press from ear to ear about it. It’s…

2014 Cadillac CTS VSport Road Test Review

Did you hear the news? Cadillac has come up with an absolutely brilliant way of enticing you out of $75k and leaving you grinning from ear to ear about it. It's called the 2014 CTS VSport, and it's friggin' fabulous!

The other news is the 2014 CTS, a car that's completely redesigned from the ground up. I loved the previous-generation CTS, especially in Sport Wagon trim. That particular CTS body style is still available, as is a two-door coupe, but the four-door has been totally reworked to make way for the more compact ATS that slotted underneath last year. Now the CTS sedan has grown to take on the A6s, 5 Series and E-Classes of the world, let alone the TL, GS, Q70, XF, et al, and it's fully up to the task.

It's been lengthened by 127 millimetres (5 inches), albeit only 28 mm (1.1 inches) of that is between the wheels, the majority hanging over the rear end to enlarge the trunk. It's lower than the outgoing model too, by 20 mm (0.8 of an inch), which aids in handling, Read Full Story
When it comes to box access, Chrysler’s Ram brand is no stranger to innovation. The marque’s Ram Box already makes use of   the oddly shaped spaces around the wheel wells in the truck…

Multifunctional split tailgate in the cards for next Ram 1500?

When it comes to box access, Chrysler's Ram brand is no stranger to innovation. The marque's Ram Box already makes use of the oddly shaped spaces around the wheel wells in the truck bed to provide lockable, weatherproof storage.

Now Chrysler has filed patents for an innovative "Multi-functional" split tailgate that can provide easier loading access to the truck's box in a variety of situations. Each half of the spilt tailgate can be individually opened either downward like a typical truck tailgate, or outward like a barn door.

The innovative tailgate design could prove handy for owners who need to stand at the back of the truck and reach into the box (since the tailgate would swing out of the way), or carry long loads on one side while leaving the other side up to restrain additional cargo.

The Multifunctional Tailgate, according to the patent application, uses individual tailgate halves that are "coupled to the respective frames to selectively pivot around Read Full Story
Introduced for the 2011 model year, Volvo’s second-generation S60 is an often-overlooked and underrated entry in the compact Photo: Simon Hill, Canadian Auto Press  executive sedan market.…

2015 Volvo S60 T6 AWD Road Test Review

Introduced for the 2011 model year, Volvo's second-generation S60 is an often-overlooked and underrated entry in the compact executive sedan market. But that doesn't mean it isn't worthy: For those who want something a little different from the hordes of BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C Class sedans out there, Volvo's contender has a lot to offer.

For the 2015 model year the S60 has been refreshed with a new front fascia and grille, new hood and fenders, new headlights, and new integrated exhaust pipes at the back. Interior changes include a new adaptive TFT instrument display in some models, new paddle shifters in the T6 AWD and R-Design models (also available optionally on the T5), upgraded transmission programming with Advanced Quick Shift in Sport mode, and a bevy of new available technology features including pedestrian and cyclist detection with full auto braking.

The new front end styling takes a conservative approach, looking less insect-like than before Read Full Story
Until now, adaptive steering is a technology that’s been restricted to luxury performance vehicles from premium brands such Photo: Ford as Audi, BMW and Infiniti, but Ford is about to change this…

Ford reveals innovative new adaptive steering system

Until now, adaptive steering is a technology that's been restricted to luxury performance vehicles from premium brands such as Audi, BMW and Infiniti, but Ford is about to change this with a newly developed adaptive steering system that can be fitted to any vehicle in the company's lineup.

The advantage of adaptive steering is that it can make driving easier and more engaging. Ford's system, for instance, reduces both the steering effort required and the number of turns needed for lock-to-lock steering when the vehicle is moving at low speeds. This makes parking much easier.

At medium speeds the system firms up the steering effort and provides good on-centre tracking, while still reducing the number of turns needed to make substantial changes of direction. In demonstration slalom runs, a Ford Fusion with adaptive steering required far less movement of the steering wheel to successfully negotiate the slalom course than the same car without adaptive steering.

Read Full Story