Lexus has given its midsize RX luxury crossover a subtle update for 2015, and auto journalist Trevor Hofmann reviews it in detail. This attractive, comfortable, quick and ultra-efficient CUV is the industry’s…

2015 Lexus RX 450h SportDesign Road Test Review

Once upon a time, the only luxury crossover SUV available with an efficient hybrid-electric drivetrain was the Lexus RX. Now, 10 years later, many premium brands offer hybridized CUVs. While the RX remains the leader, Lexus is fully aware that they can't rest on their laurels while competitors play catch up, reason enough for introducing numerous upgrades with their 2015 RX 450h SportDesign.

Like the conventionally powered RX 350, the RX 450h benefits from a refreshed front fascia, keeping this latest iteration's styling fresh two years after the mid-cycle upgrade it received for the 2013 model year, when Lexus added its now trademark spindle grille. The unique design works as well on the RX as it does with other vehicles in the Toyota-owned luxury brand's lineup, the model's continued sales success proof of its general acceptance amongst RX fans.

Lexus manages to capture a certain windswept sportiness with the latest RX design, the bold grille and chiseled lower fascia Read Full Story
While an all-new Mini Cooper Hardtop is already on sale, the Mini Convertible will remain unchanged for 2015. This in mind, auto journalist Trevor Hofmann sneaks in a review of a nicely equipped 2014…

2014 Mini Cooper Convertible Road Test Review

What's one of the best ways to lap up the final rays of sunshine left over from what has been a particularly warm and beautiful Indian summer? Spending time at the wheel of a convertible, of course. Such was the case on a perfectly sunny afternoon last week, the sun warming our bones and a crisp wind whooshing through our hair, my partner and I strapped into a very stylish and ultimately fun-loving 2014 Mini Cooper Convertible.

If you've been paying attention to Mini news and reviews as of late, you'll already know that a completely redesigned 2015 Mini Cooper Hardtop has been flaunting itself at all the trendiest locations in the country. I've driven and reviewed it, and can attest to its many improvements. Just the same, time spent in the older model, which will be with us in drop-top form for another year, reminded me of just how good it is, and how much I love its impish, feisty and altogether more assertive styling.

Let's face it, the majority of us choose styling Read Full Story
The most relevant Toyota Prius competitor is Ford’s C-Max Hybrid and plug-in C-Max Energi, and soon this ultra-practical and nicely finished model will get a refresh with much better looking styling,…

Ford unveils refreshed C-Max ahead of Paris auto show

Although Ford's C-Max isn't a household name like Toyota's Prius, it should be. The compact family hauler is big on space, nice to drive and filled with top-tier features, while like the Prius it's only available as a hybrid electric vehicle or advanced plug-in hybrid, the latter dubbed C-Max Energi.

This last point is only true here in North America however, because in other markets the C-Max can be had in conventional gasoline as well as diesel power, one of which is likely how the all-new model will debut in Paris early next month.

The C-Max is based on the popular Ford Focus, which is available as a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan here in North America, or in hatch and five-door wagon form in Europe. Unlike the Focus, the C-Max has a taller ride height for more of a crossover/mini-minivan (MPV) feel, while Ford of Europe extends the range further with a longer seven-passenger Grand C-Max version.

According to Ford, the model set to debut in Paris Read Full Story
Today on CarCostCanada, Lotus announces dire news that it will soon shrink its staff by 325 workers, a blow to the sports car maker that’s struggled to keep up with larger competitors despite a boom…

Lotus to lay off one quarter of workforce ahead of plans to restructure

If you want one of the lightest, leanest, most enjoyable sports cars money can buy, those in the know realize few cars can compete with a modern-day Lotus on the street or track, or a classic one for that matter. That reality, combined with strong sales in the luxury and performance car sector should result in good news for the Hethel, Norfolk-based brand, but as it turns out the British sports car maker is about to lay off "up to 325" workers as part of a restructuring.

While 325 workers might not seem like a lot when compared to the thousands of layoffs other automakers have announced in recent years, factor in that 325 is more than a quarter of Lotus' 1,215 employees.

"We have worked very hard to avoid the need to make the proposal, but do believe that it is now essential," said CEO Jean-Marc Gales in a statement. "It is in no way a reflection on our employees who have shown nothing but dedication to us and have worked tirelessly to support Lotus."

It should Read Full Story
With a long history of building four-seat cars, the fact that Lamborghini has gone so long with only two-seat sports models to its name is very strange. Check out this story about an upcoming concept…

Lamborghini teases cryptic caption within coupe-like profile image

With the new Urus four-seat crossover SUV soon to augment Lamborghini's lineup beyond two-seat sports cars, and the beautiful Estoque concept introduced way back in 2008 having caused all to question when Lamborghini would bring out a four-door coupe of its own, it was only a matter of time before we received yet more news of the Italian brand's plans for an upcoming four-place car. That news may be in the form of a cryptic caption that Lamborghini released along with a teaser image of a new concept coming to the Paris Motor Show next month.

"Once perfection is achieved, you can just double it," stated Lamborghini, most likely referring to doubling the seating capacity of one of its already "perfect" sports cars. What we don't know yet is whether or not this announcement refers to an update of the Estoque in concept or production trim, or if the brand will show something altogether different utilizing two doors at the upcoming Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris next month. Anything Read Full Story
As BMW splices up its 3 and 4 Series lineup into ever more finite niches, Trevor Hofmann drives the latest 4 Series Gran Coupe and reports on its significance within the brand’s broadening range of…

2015 BMW 428i xDrive Gran Coupe Road Test Review

Before seeing the new 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe in the metal it was hard to get excited about yet another new model spun off of BMW's ubiquitous 3 Series / 4 Series platform architecture, but now I understand.

Forgive me for copping attitude, but there are only so many niches within niches that need to be filled. After all, Canadian Bimmer fans can now get the good old 3 Series four-door sedan (in all-new duds mind you), the 3 Series Touring (wagon), the more recently added 3 Series Gran Turismo (taller, larger five-door liftback), the ActiveHybrid 3 (sedan) and the M3 (sedan), while fans of two-door BMWs can purchase the 4 Series Coupe and 4 Series Cabriolet, plus M4 versions of both. Likewise, those who want a taller ride height and more utility can opt for an X3, while a new X4 (think shrunken X6) has also joined the fray. Did I miss any? Ah yes, the subject of this review. The Bavarian brand's new 4 Series Gran Coupe slots in alongside the aforementioned 4 Series Coupe and Read Full Story
Audi and motorsport go hand in hand, thanks to years of rally and endurance sports car leadership. What was out of place, however, was the converted shopping mall that housed the operation for too many…

Audi Sport moves to impressive new facility in Neuburg

While motorsport might not play first fiddle in Audi's operations as it does for some pure performance car brands such as Ferrari, there's no denying that its decades of winning racing programs have built respect for the German brand, highlighted by its world rally dominating Quattros in the eighties and more recently, sports prototype dominance at Le Mans and throughout the FIA World Endurance Championship, plus its strong performance in Germany's popular DTM touring car series, where it currently occupies three of the top five positions.

In order to make certain its various motorsport programs remain competitive moving into the future, the four-ringed brand's racing division, Audi Sport, has moved into new digs in Neuburg, 19 kilometres west of the road car division's headquarters in Ingolstadt. The state-of-the-art 116-acre facility comes after 20 years of planning and two years of construction, and is now home to Audi Sport's top engineers, technicians and additional staff Read Full Story
Few crossover SUVs are as sport-oriented as Infiniti’s QX70, especially when dressed up in top-line Sport trim. Today on CarCostCanada, Trevor Hofmann reviews a 2015 QX70 Sport in a menacing shade of…

2015 Infiniti QX70 Sport Road Test Review

Infiniti has made what some might consider an odd move for the 2015 model year, they've dropped the powerful 5.0-litre V8 in their sportiest QX70 crossover SUV, instead relying on their award winning 3.7-litre V6 to motivate all trim levels. With its main European rivals offering V8-powered alternatives it at first appears that Infiniti is making a big mistake, as some may claim that having no V8 in the brand's 2015 lineup will water down its performance image, but factor in that very few QX70s were sold with the V8 option last year, as well as the fact that the engine isn't used in any other Infiniti or Nissan product, and it's easy to understand their decision. After all, if it's not selling there's no reason to keep it in the lineup.

Truth be told, the last time I drove a V8-powered QX70 5.0 it went by the name of FX50, and that was way back in 2009. An impressive machine with 390-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque at your beck and call, it was also a tad thirsty for premium Read Full Story